Introducing Canoe Races of the World — A Cast Member Tradition Dating Back to 1963
Once upon a time, Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America was teeming with all kinds of watercraft. In addition to Admiral Joe Fowler and Admiral F. Irvine (which is known today as the Liberty Belle), the waterways held the Tom Sawyer Island rafts, the Mike Fink Keelboats, and the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes.
While the later attraction has been closed since 1994, the spirit of Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes lives on in the Canoe Races of the World (C.R.O.W.).
Every year, hundreds of Walt Disney Cast Members participate in the races, which take place in the Magic Kingdom before the park opens.
As many Disney fans know, canoe racing is one of the longest-running Cast Member traditions, dating back to 1963 at Disneyland. Today, Cast Members like Michael “Coop” Cooper take pride in continuing the tradition today.
The Legacy Continues
Michael Cooper has worked for The Walt Disney Company for 40 years. During that time, Coop has participated in the Canoe Races of the World almost twenty times, rowing with his fellow Cast Members and winning a record number of championship paddles.
During the day, Michael is a manager, but in the canoe, he is his team’s rear steer.
“Whether you are rowing or steering, it’s all about proper paddling, calling the strokes, steering your canoe to make turns – but most of all – constant communication with your team to continue along the river path,” said Michael, whose day job is a manager but also serves as his team’s rear steerer.
Passing the Paddle
As part of a tradition that stretches back over 60 years, Michael loves welcoming new teams to C.R.O.W.
This year, he passed the oar to first-time rower Amanda Curry, a lifeguard at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort. Amanda was thrilled to both join one of the most competitive teams in the league and learn from Michael and his fellow C.R.O.W. champions.
“I grew up canoeing and kayaking on the river back home in Maryland – this is a great way to bring what I do back home to Florida,” said Amanda.
Just like during their day jobs, teamwork is key in the canoe. This year, over 80 teams competed in the C.R.O.W. events.
A Cast Member Tradition
While the Canoe Races of the World got their start in Disneyland, they have now been taking place at Walt Disney World for over 50 years. Since that time, it has expanded to other parks, including Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
“I hope these canoe races will continue for even more generations of cast members to come,” shared Michael. “It’s truly one of my favorite traditions and memories from being a cast member.”
The Canoe Races of the World are just one of the Cast Member events that take place throughout Disney Parks every year. These teambuilding activities are part of what makes being a Cast Member so special.