Disney cast members create parody movie trailer 'Night at the Great Movie Ride'

No, it’s not the third movie in the Night at the Museum series staring Ben Stiller, but it seems like it could be. The Night at the Great Movie Ride trailer is a well produced parody by some talented Disney World cast members.

Each year around Labor Day, Disney arranges a get-together for The Great Movie Ride cast members. The event highlights those who’ve gone above and beyond in their duties and is also a chance for cast members to show off skits they’ve put together.

James Hermle had helped his co-workers with their annual skits in the past but he wanted to do his own while also raising the bar. Now all he needed was an idea. “I was sweeping up around the ride one night before closing and noticed a few of the animatronics slightly moving,” said James. “They do that because the safety valve and air pressure lets their arms drop a bit and then adjusts back to normal when not in use. But imagine walking by one of them in total silence and seeing them move slightly. It can be a very eerie experience.”

After he had the idea, James spent the next few months learning everything he could about cinematography, making props and costumes and getting used to his new camera. Finally ready to start shooting, James got management’s approval, enlisted some cast members and scheduled time to shoot in the attraction after hours. Five months later, the trailer was finished.

Here’s the film. You’ll enjoy it that much more if you’re familiar with the ride.

EDIT: James has asked us to remove the movie trailer. Here’s his statement:
“Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed this little skit. Because of the amount of attention being drawn to a hastily completed project, I would rather have a more professional look to represent the quality that Walt Disney Company offers it’s guests everyday. I am not 100% satisfied with what you have seen and would only offer my best to represent an attraction I love so dearly. I am requesting that the video be removed while the Company prepares to release a more professional look to represent the Great Movie Ride.”

And now, the credits:
Directed, edited and shot by James Hermle
Cory Marti as the male tour guide
Melissa Smith as the female tour guide
Michael Fargnoli as the training tour guide
Bridget Henry as the guest relations tour guide
David Van Cleve as the animatronic John Wayne
Jose Almeda as the animatronic Humphrey Bogart
Chrissy Chamberlin as the animatronic Wicked Witch.
Joanna Semsey and Sean Cumberland as the silhouette chimney sweeps
Additional assistance by Megan Doolittle, Jordan Dwelley, Nina Rice, Katie Johnson, Pat Dooley and Matt Cram