Celebrating the Chief of the Big Kahunas
Have you been to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon at opening? Have you or your family ever been selected as the Big Kahuna? That honor belongs to a special family selected from the crowd, who at rope drop becomes honored with a special location on the beach. With those chairs, comes free rental towels, the legendary “sand pail” (a bucket filled with ice cream and toppings), and the Big Kahuna medallion!
If you’ve received that honor in the past, then you may have known Ted Anderson, who served as the greeter not only at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, but also at the Contemporary Hotel Marina, where he often made Mickey ears in the sand. Not only did Ted take care of his guests with extraordinary service, he also entertained guests by showcasing his terrific Yo-Yo skills. According to his daughter Kandi, it was difficult to know whether the guests enjoyed it more, or her dad.
Ted celebrates his 90th birthday this week. To this day he receives holiday and birthday greetings from guests he touched during his days at Walt Disney World. Ted spent 25 years as a host at the Walt Disney World Resort. He now resides in Wisconsin with his wife Grace; they have been married 63 years.
Do you have a photo or memory of being with Ted? Send a “Big Kahuna” happy birthday to him by sharing your memories here, or sending us an e-mail photo of your visit with Ted. Meanwhile, happy birthday Ted! And thanks for your quarter century of service at the Walt Disney World Resort.
