David Steele
- Michael Hewell founded Michael's VIPs, a private tour service for Disney World and other parks.
- For $2,500 a day, Hewell or his guides seek to help families make the most of their visit.
- Hewell says his strategies rely on knowing what's possible — not on cutting lines.
Michael Hewell, a 56-year-old Marine veteran, started working at Disney World after leaving college almost 30 years ago, intending to join its management training program. His first role at the park was as a ride attendant for the Haunted Mansion. One day, a singer came to do some research on the ride for a music video.
To observe every detail, the singer spent hours riding the Haunted Mansion in secret, always accessing the ride via its load area. To do so, he had to rely on Hewell to help him.