Hometown Press Release

São Paulo Native Races Through Fire, Makes Dreams Come True At Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. -- Few people can describe their workplace as a fairy tale world filled with pirates, princesses and an enchanting castle at a place where dreams come true, but Eduardo Oliveira from São Paulo, Brazil, is one of the few people who truly do have a dream job. Oliveira creates magic as a Precision Driver at Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida.

Oliveira moved to the United States in 1999 after commuting back and forth while working with different companies as a test driver and as a race car driver. After a chance meeting at Rally School with a fellow driver who had ties back to Walt Disney World Resort, Oliveira’s lifelong dream of becoming a professional driver came true. In February 2006 he began training as a Precision (Stunt) Driver with Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios). This high-octane live stunt spectacular gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at how action stunts are created for the movies, where stunt drivers fly out of windows and through fiery explosions in specialty designed stunt cars. The show opened in 2005 to a nearly 5,000 seat stadium and operates multiple times daily.

Oliveira had been vacationing to Walt Disney World Resort since he was 11 and dreaming about becoming a professional driver as long as he can remember. He used to watch races as a child and get pictures and autographs of the drivers afterwards. Now as a professional stunt driver himself, he creates the same magic for others that he once wished for as a child. Oliveira and the other drivers often go out after the show to meet fans and give advice to the many young aspiring drivers. Oliveira and the drivers also create daily Magical Moments where they surprise guests with a backstage tour of the set and a chance to get up-close and personal with the real stars of the show: the cars!

“Big time,” Oliveira replied when asked if he feels that his cultural background has played a part in his role as a Precision Driver. “Guests seem to feel more a part of the magic when they meet a Brazilian cast member; there is a greater connection there. All I have to do is say “Hi” in Portuguese when I see a group of Brazilians and they came running over to meet me. It’s a real magical moment for them and for me.”

Currently, Oliveira is on Temporary Assignment as a Stunt Manager with the show in addition to his daily Precision Driving duties. “I always say that no matter what you find along the way, it is all good (“so alegria” in Portuguese),” said Oliveira. “My goal was to move to the U.S. and drive pro. I have, and I’ve meet many great friends along the way.”

Oliveira will have the opportunity to make many more dreams come true during the “Year of a Million Dreams,” a year-long celebration that continues to offer new attractions, entertainment, and Magical Moments at Disney Parks. In a magical place where every path leads to happily-ever-after, Eduardo Oliveira was able to bring his dreams to life as well as the dreams of the thousands of guests he surprises and entertains everyday.

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[Editor’s Note/Not For Publication: For photographs and more information about Walt Disney World Resort, access the Walt Disney World Public Relations media only Web site at www.wdwnews.com; user name: disney; password: magic.]