Chief Flight Attendant Patrick Acquaints Soarin’ Aviators with Important Safety Info
Walt Disney World and Disneyland send out a lot of press releases about celebrities visiting the parks. Despite this being a shockingly popular thing, this blog doesn’t typically cover it for two reasons: I do not care and/or I do not know who these people are.
However, I have to make an exception and take a point of personal privilege, so to speak, to quickly cover a visit by a very important celebrity–and one who is “Disney famous” to boot. Lucky guests at Disney California Adventure received a surprise welcome from their very own Chief Flight Attendant, Patrick “Puddy” Warburton, in celebration of the limited time return of Soarin’ Over California during Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, taking place now through April 22, 2024.
For more than twenty years, Patrick has greeted guests to Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure in California and at EPCOT in Florida with some “important safety tips” in a pre-recorded safety video before taking flight. Puddy’s appearance is so endearing that it endured the change from Soarin’ Over California to Around the World, even. (Honestly, I was kinda disappointed when Soaring: Fantastic Flight opted against the Puddy pre-show. Warburton could’ve become the new Tommy Lee Jones or Bob Harris of Japan!)
This time, Patrick decided to conduct his final safety check in person before surprised guests flew through picturesque locations in California, including Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, San Diego, Malibu at dusk and the frenzied headlights of rush hour traffic through Downtown Los Angeles, all before returning for a triumphant flight over Disneyland at Christmas, circa 2000.
As we argued recently, the original Soarin’ stands the test of time–just like Impressions de France, which is still shown in EPCOT 30+ years later. (Soarin’ Over California vs. Around the World is quite polarizing among fans–it seems like it’s about 50/50!) Part of that is the great real-world (non-CGI) footage, and part is Patrick’s timeless performance.
See how the surprise took flight in this video released by Disney:
“It’s just magical to see how beloved Soarin’ Over California still is after all of these years,” Patrick shared. “I can remember my first trip to Disneyland at the age of five and I continue to be a huge Disney fan, so to be part of a Disney attraction that has lasted this long has just been such a sweet and wonderful thing for me.”
“Getting to surprise guests today was super fun, and it’s great to see the impact that this safety intro has made for the past 23 years and how people still love it. It was such a blast getting to be the Chief Flight Attendant for Soarin’ Over California once again!”
Warburton previously revealed to D23 that being part of a Disney ride was one of the most special opportunities that he had been granted while working in the industry. Adding that Disneyland is a special place for him to share with his children. “It’s been an honor to be associated with a Disney ride,” Patrick added.
On social media a few years ago, a former Imagineer who worked on the original Soarin’ Over California revealed that Warburton was chosen for the role after the team saw him as Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove.
Two months before Disney California Adventure opened in 2001, the Imagineering still hadn’t shot the pre-show. There had been interest from John Travolta, but his shooting schedule and beard made that difficult–and it was the humor of Kronk that sealed the deal on Warburton for Imagineering.
Which begs the question, were Imagineers not fans of Seinfeld?! Honestly, that’s what ‘sold’ me on Soarin’ years ago. Obviously, the attraction itself is excellent, but it’s the Chief Flight Attendant who gives it personality and humanity–helping elevate Soarin’ to an excellent Disney attraction instead of just a really good ride. (To be sure, it’s not just the pre-show. The score, the little details in the video–it all adds up.)
Warburton being perfect for the Chief Flight Attendant role would’ve been obvious to Seinfeld fans, as Warburton played David Puddy, the on-and-off again boyfriend of the Elaine Benes, in that show. Puddy stole so many scenes thanks to Warburton’s deadpan humor in playing the dopey guy. You get a little glimpse of that in the Soarin’ pre-show, which is (I think) even funnier if you’re familiar with Puddy.
Of course, it’s no secret that this blog is stridently pro-Seinfeld. Festivus is a recurring topic every December 23, and almost every post used to contain nods to Seinfeld. (Those have been dialed back dramatically over the years since it’s been off the air for so long; I would make more Curb Your Enthusiasm references, but most would probably be inappropriate for a Disney blog.)
Around our house, Seinfeld references are still quite common, with one of my favorites being Puddy’s “We’re the Devils! The Deeeeeevils! Hissssss.” One of the best episodes in a series of great episodes. (I’m frankly surprised it has seen a resurgence on Netflix–the kids today don’t appreciate true art.)
It’s probably meaningless, but I hope this means Warburton is doing more with Disney. Years ago, we flew down specifically to see John O’Hurley (J. Peterman) narrate Candlelight Processional, and would do the same for Warburton. Who knows, maybe this opens the door for Larry David to do something with Disney. I doubt it, but he did just feature Disney in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm this year.
The point is that we’re really big Seinfeld fans and wish we would’ve been there to see Warburton in person…yada yada yada… “Nice work, Pal!”
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Your Thoughts
Are you a fan of Patrick “Puddy” Warburton in Soarin’s pre-show? Do you hope that he’s always the Chief Flight Attendant, no matter how many future films replace the current aerial footage? Would you prefer to see Soarin’ Over California or Soarin’ Around the World…or both? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
“Nice work, pal!” is in near-daily usage in my household. My kids and I have actually had a conversation about whether, if forced to choose, we’d opt for only being able to ride Soarin’ or only being able to experience the safety video. (It was a 50-50 split.) We live in perpetual fear that someone at Disney will decide to update the pre-show and are delighted every trip when it hasn’t happened! Incidentally, my 13-year old son is a major Seinfeld fan, but Patrick Warburton permanently sealed his revered status in my household through his flawless portrayal of Lemony Snicket in Netflix’s fantastic reboot of “Series of Unfortunate Events.” That show got us through many a dreary Covid-shutdown afternoon.
Only thing better would be running into him at a New Jersey Devils’ game – “Gotta support the team.”
I really enjoy “Seinfeld” references, too!
I watch the Chief Flight Attendant’s video EVERY time I ride Soarin’ because of Patrick…he’s so great for the role! As for which I prefer…Soarin Over California or Soarin Around the World, I personally prefer Around The World but I had been hoping that Over California would return for a brief period to Epcot. When it did return, I was very glad to ride it when we were there last year after Thanksgiving.
Nice work, Pal!
That is amazing! We love Patrick! He can never be replaced. And well done Disney for bringing him back for a magical surprise. Nice work, pal.
I would’ve freaked seeing Puddy in person. Omg all the references.
Watched the video and it really made my day. Wish Disney would do these fun and nostalgic gifts to fans more often. Priceless.
Ok, 10 episodes from a sitcom from decades ago- I get the obsession, but Patrick Warburton has been in soooooooo many other things, with so many great characters. All the years on Rules he delivered thousands of laughs, hundreds of episodes as Joe Swanson on Family Guy, loads of other key guest starring roles. And let’s face it- the coolest thing he ever did – The Tick. Patrick Warburton improves everything he’s in – Wish I’d been there for the live safety check!
And both Ted movies too.
The coolest thing he ever did was Brock Samson on The Venture Bros.
I always look forward to Patrick’s safety instructions. He is a funny and unique actor. This was great seeing him. I hope that he lives on in other new Disney announcements. I wonder if he could pull off the monorail announcements when they are eventually replaced. A little screen in each car with a video of him reminding everyone to stand clear of the door. That would be cool.
Puddy makes the preshow experience for Soarin! I enjoy every single Seinfeld reference you make. It’s one of the reasons I read your articles so thoroughly:)
I love Puddy and would’ve been delighted to see him in person and give him a high five—even though, as Jerry said, it’s the lowest form of male primate ritual.
Thanks for sharing! I immediately sent it to my Soaring- Loving family members. Loved him in Seinfeld, but even more in this role. Lucky riders!
…yeah that Flight Attendant’s alright. High Five! 😉
I always associate him more with Puddy than anything else, although of course he is hilarious as Kronk. As exciting as it would be to hear him say his Soarin lines live I would be just as thrilled to hear him say “yeah that’s right” the way Puddy does !
LOVE THIS — AMAZING!!!
It’s funny to me that they thought of Patrick as Kronk since I’d always believed they’d chosen the “these little beauties” actor in World because he looks a bit like George Costanza. Guess that’s just my own headcanon.
Also, Tom, you’ll be pleased to know that they still use the “Devils!” Puddy footage at actual New Jersey Devils games. He’s kind of an unofficial mascot of the team.
I don’t think that’s your headcanon, I think that was purposeful. You don’t cast David Puddy and then George’s doppelganger by accident. I don’t buy it.
And also, I am very pleased to hear that–that’s awesome! Makes me hate the Devils a little less. I’m still holding a grudge from them beating the Wings in 1995, even if I (begrudgingly) respect Brodeur as one of the all-time greats.
Joshua, Absolutely! Not George is even dressed in an shirt I *swear* George wore a few times.
I’m thinking the PR person releasing this press release was told not to mention That Show produced by a non-Disney company that premiered on a non-Disney network and is now available on a non-Disney streamer. That being said, now I kind of *do* want to rewatch The Emperor’s New Groove this weekend, so well played, Disney PR!
Nice! Would’ve been awesome to see him there. He was great in Rules of Engagement too!
Funny story. On their first trip to WDW, we told our friend he needed to use the safety strap in the middle. Not thinking clearly, he ran the belt through and cinched the seat belt. Being a grown man, this was immediately noticed by him as being…uncomfortable…To us, of course, and his wife and kids, it was hilarious. It held up the show briefly as the CM released it so he could belt in sans strap but lots of folks laughed when they realized what happened. So that yellow strap will forever by known as the “Travis strap” to many folks…
I actually liked Rules of Engagement! It wasn’t a truly good show and it’ll be forgotten eventually, but the funny cast really overcame the writing. A good show to put on in the background or fall asleep to.
Hilarious story about your friend.
Haha yeah it was funny but dumb, as sitcoms often are.
Travis and my brother were neighbors when they were stationed in Germany and have remained good friends. We’ve vacationed at WDW with him and his family multiple times, both with and without their kids. On one trip with just he and his wife, I got them “I’m Celebrating” buttons saying ‘no kids!’ on them. Some laughs and some dirty looks but it was fun.
That is fantastic! I loved the look on the guest’s faces when he appeared.
Soarin’ is one of EPCOT’s iconic favorites, and certainly one of mine, but I wish they’d create more versions of it. The possibilities, as they say, are endless, and yet we’ve only gotten very similar versions.
Check this out: https://www.flyover-america.com/
Production quality isn’t as good as Soarin’ as a bona fide attraction, but some of those are surprisingly good. I just hate paying per ride, though!
Thanks for sharing that video Tom – it brought a smile to our family’s faces. 🙂
I would love to see him at WDW too. I’m surprised no one took pictures.
This made me cry with joy and nostalgia. Thank you for sharing.