Each time strains again up for the rides at Morgan’s Wonderland, a request goes forth summoning assist to rescue adventure-seekers from the perils of boredom.
Typically, that decision is answered by the Marvel Squad, the theme park’s very personal group of superheroes. They’ll swoop in carrying their distinctive gear — together with the usual superhero wardrobe of flashy boots, capes and some pairs of wings — and pose for pictures. They’ll additionally chat with people to assist them go the time.
The visitors clearly reply, eagerly approaching them. And the actors love doing it.
“The factor I get pleasure from most within the park is having enjoyable with the children and taking part in with them just a little bit,” mentioned Alejandro “Aleka” Carmona, 21. “I like youngsters, and I like to entertain and theater. It’s my ardour.”
The Marvel Squad additionally fulfills a bigger function. Every character displays many guests on the park, which was created particularly to place these with particular wants first.
X-Ray, who was born blind, sports activities high-tech goggles that assist him see the nice in others. Rocket, a mechanical whiz child, will get round in a souped-up wheelchair with a tool on one of many arms that sprays bubbles. And Jette propels herself by means of the park on jet-powered crutches.
The group’s chief, Morgan, sports activities lengthy blonde hair and fluttery wings that enable her to metaphorically fly by means of such obstacles as anxiousness or concern.
“She’s all concerning the superpowers of friendship, love and therapeutic,” mentioned Leisure Supervisor Matthew Cassi. “As an individual with autism, she may need cognitive delays, however she’s turned these into emotional presents.”
The character was impressed by Morgan Hartman, for whom the park is called. Morgan has cognitive and bodily particular wants, which motivated her mother and father, Gordon and Maggie Hartman, to create a park the place she and others like her would really feel at dwelling.
Morgan’s Wonderland opened in 2010. The Marvel Squad has been part of it from the start, although at first, the group was solely represented by life-size cutouts. In a position-bodied actors began taking part in the characters in the course of the holidays in 2015, strolling across the park and interacting with visitors.
About two years in the past, an actor who had been a part of the Marvel Squad had an encounter exterior the park wherein she was requested what it had been prefer to take a efficiency alternative away from an actor with disabilities, Cassi mentioned.
That shocked her. She introduced the difficulty up on the park, and a choice was made to pause that a part of the leisure whereas staffers labored out how finest to maneuver ahead.
“After I acquired right here, mission one for me was, these characters are unbelievable, they usually’re so nice for the neighborhood. So how can we get them again in, and the way can we do it appropriately?” mentioned Cassi, who has a background in theater and in theme parks, and has been at Morgan’s Wonderland for almost two years.
In the end, a choice was made to actively search out individuals with particular wants who have been serious about taking part in the characters and gaining expertise that may open doorways to different jobs. In a position-bodied actors are solid as effectively, which helps the park convey the message that Morgan’s Wonderland is for everybody.
“Our common neighborhood thinks this park is only for youngsters with disabilities or particular wants,” Cassi mentioned. “The youngsters with particular wants need youngsters with out particular must get pleasure from this park in order that they will all come collectively. They don’t need their very own park; they need a park that they will share with all people. That’s why a few of our messaging has modified.”
Between seven and 9 actors at the moment play members of the Marvel Squad, with some actors portraying multiple character. Carmona, for instance, alternates between X-Ray and Rocket.
Along with portraying a variety of talents, the characters are racially numerous, relying on the out there actors.
The actors additionally play different roles within the park, together with friendship fairies and Professor Flutterwing, a zoologist who at all times seems with a caterpillar puppet named Dr. Kindly.
The performers additionally work behind the scenes, choosing up different abilities. Gabriel Hey, 29, who has performed X-Ray, a Christmas elf and plenty of different roles within the park, has realized how one can run sound cues for exhibits. This summer time, he’ll be studying lights.
“This is a chance for them to get expertise right here, they usually may probably go work in a theater or go work in one other theme park,” Cassi mentioned, noting that an actress who’s on the autism spectrum spent two seasons on the park and just lately was accepted into Disneyland’s internship program.
Cristina Kazmierczak, 29, performs Jette and likewise has carried out within the park’s dance events, and labored as an usher and a technician.
“That is my first season working right here, however I used to be within the park when Morgan’s Wonderland was first opened,” mentioned Kazmierczak, who additionally works as a mannequin. “I got here to the park after I was in class. Now they pay me.”
The profile of Jette and Rocket has shot up this season as a result of two new rides are named for them. Jette’s Marvel Bikes, which is Kazmierczak’s favourite trip, permits people to make use of both pedals or hand cranks to ship gliderlike vehicles into the sky. And Rocket’s Sky-Excessive Journey is a zipper line that soars over the park’s lake.
“I’ve my very own trip,” mentioned Malik Burt, whose characters embody Rocket. “I’m so glad to have my very own trip. I’m like, sure!”
Maryann Valerio, 29, is a supervisor who additionally performs Morgan and Jette.
“I like interacting with the children and seeing them get actually excited,” Valerio mentioned. “I bear in mind going to Disneyland and assembly princesses, so this makes me really feel like a Disney princess. It’s supercool to be in that place now. I would like them to have that very same expertise.”
New Splash Park Opens
Morgan’s Inspiration Island, billed because the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park, opens for the summer time Could 17.
Those that have visited the seven-year-old park up to now will discover that it’s gotten a little bit of a refresh since final 12 months. It’s been repainted, the cabanas have been up to date and there’s a new concession stand, as effectively.
The wheelchair valet, the place guests can switch to waterproof chairs, stays in place.
The engaging 3-acre park’s choices embody Calypso Cove, the place people could make music as they splash about, taking part in drums that appear like mushrooms and a xylophone that appears like a log. Rainbow Reef options heat water, and consists of interactive parts equivalent to a splash pad, water tables and spraying seahorses. Shipwreck Island boasts 4 wheelchair-accessible water cannons. Harvey’s Hideaway Bay has a jungle treehouse and splash zones. And Will’s Cling 10 Harbor has a beach-like really feel.
