How could Disney sit at a table and watch the guests in New Orleans Square below him in 1967?

We recently enjoyed a second dinner at Club 33. We were told by a hostess that the restaurant was completed in 1967. But after leaving, I thought to myself, “How could Mr. Disney sit at a table and watch the guests in New Orleans Square below him in 1967 when he died in 1966?” Could you straighten out the timeline of the Club 33 construction and completion for me?

Walt Disney never had a chance to sit in Club 33 and watch his guests below in New Orleans Square (as depicted in a well-known piece of artwork), because he died six months before the club was finished. He was very involved in the early planning of the club, and he and his wife, Lilly, had traveled to New Orleans with the club’s designer, Emile Kuri, to select the beautiful antiques to be featured there. But he never got to see the results as he died on December 15, 1966. The club opened on June 15, 1967.

The Magical Songs at Disney Parks

Q: There have been so many fascinating documentaries about the making of the Disney parks and individual movies, but I do not recall ever seeing a documentary about the musicians who contribute to the Disney experience with their music. Music in the parks and at their events is such an integral part of the experience. It would not be a true Disney experience without the music! Who are the people that provide these experiences for us? Cheryl, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 

A [Dave Smith]: Music has indeed been an exciting part of our parks, and while there is no documentary film, the contributions of composers have been mentioned in books. At first Walt Disney used his staff composers — such as Oliver Wallace, George Bruns and the Sherman Brothers — to write the music he needed for Disneyland. Perhaps the most prolific of the composers for Disneyland and the later parks was Buddy Baker; he remained a staff composer until 1983. In more recent years there have been people like George Wilkins, Bob Moline, Don Dorsey, Russell Brower, Bruce Broughton, Joel McNeely, Edo Guidotti and Richard Bellis creating the music.

More to see at Marcio Disney History Youtube Channel [Marcio Disney]

Now we have an amazing documentary about the Sherman Brothers (which I love the most) called The Boys. Check out the trailer:

Here you can see the complete scene with the Sherman Brothers and Walt Disney together playing "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow"

A Night With Richard Sherman - I love the version of "It's a Small World" in this video :)
 

Steamboat Willie and Mickey Mouse

Q: In Steamboat Willy, does Mickey play himself? Is the boat the only thing named Steamboat Willy?
Charlotte, Topeka, Kansas

A [Dave Smith]: No, it is Mickey Mouse portraying the character of Willie, known as Steamboat Willie because he works on a steamboat. The boat has no name in the cartoon, though it docks at Podunk Landing.

Q: We were always under the impression that Steamboat Willie was the third Mickey Mouse cartoon to be produced, but the first one released, on November 18th, 1928. However, a few websites note Plane Crazy as being released on May 15, 1928, six months before Steamboat Willie. Was this a true release date or perhaps just a private viewing for distributors?

Joseph and Chrissy, Modesto, California

A [Dave Smith]: The May 15th date was a preview of the silent version of Plane Crazy in Los Angeles; the film did not have its official release until after sound was added. It opened at the Mark Strand Theatre in New York on March 17, 1929, four months after Steamboat Willie premiered.

More to see [by Marcio Disney]

Nowadays, you can see the "Steamboat Willy" boat at the AMAZING Fantasmic Finale at Disney's Hollywood Studios.




Here you can Watch this amazing short! I really love it :)

Walt Disney's Name Tag

Q: Our family vacations at the parks regularly, and I have noticed that every Disney cast member all the way up the CEO wears name tags. Did Walt ever wear one? If so, is it in the Archives?
Christopher, Phoenix, Arizona 

A [Dave Smith]: Walt Disney was adamant that Disney should be a first-name company. The first name tags for Disneyland came in 1962. They were a gray oval with a white name. We do have a "WALT" one in the Archives, but I have never seen a picture of him wearing it. I guess everyone knew him, so he felt it wasn't necessary. 

Walt's Name Tag was just like this one above

 

Each nametag has its own history, which in turn is a small part of Disneyland history. Let's look at the tags, row by row, starting with the top and working our way down. (Don't forget to click the image for an even bigger view!)

TOP ROW

• The badge in the upper left hand corner is made of metal, and is the very first name badge issued at Disneyland. There were two kinds used in the first seven years Disneyland was open. Regular employees had a badge with their employee number. Supervisors and managers had their full names on their badges. The badge in this picture belonged to Jim Warrick, who was in charge of the Maintenance department.

From 1962 to 1974, the thin oval nametags were used at Disneyland. There were three varieties used:

• First was a steel gray oval, with silver inlay (LYNDA).
• In 1967, there was a slight change, and the inlay was changed to gold (PAUL).
• From 1971 to 1974, a while oval was used (RICK).
• In 1975-76, the Bicentennial of the United States was celebrated at Disneyland and a new nametag was made (SHANE).

To learn more about the other rows, visit Disneyland History Through Nametags

The Original Admission price to Disneyland & 1st Ticket Book

Q: How much was the original admission price to Disneyland, and when were the ticket books introduced?
Jackie, El Cajon, California 

A [Dave Smith]: The original main gate admission price was one dollar, but that just got one in the gate. Guests had to pay at each individual attraction in the park. Ticket books were first issued on October 11, 1955.

[Marcio Disney] 

           The first ticket to Disneyland was bought by Roy O. Disney, who for decades kept it in the top desk drawer of his office. It's shown here as a preserved artifact in the Disney Archive. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

Disney Archivist Dave Smith with the first Disneyland attraction vehicle ever sold at a Disneyana convention

 Click Here to read the article about the 2nd official Disneyana Convention in 1993

10.18.11 – Walt Disney World hosts its first Disneyana convention, as told by Dave Smith in 1992.

Disney Archivist Dave Smith with the first Disneyland attraction vehicle ever sold at a Disneyana convention.

Whether it’s early Mickey Mouse watches, original cartoon cels, recent limited edition figurines, or 1955 Disneyland guide­books, Disneyana collectibles have a fascination for Amer­icans young and old. And, with the opening of Disney Parks in Japan and France, and the expansion of The Disney Stores throughout the world, what started as an American hobby has grown to where it is enjoyed worldwide today.

To provide an event where Disneyana fans could gather together for several days of collecting, guest speakers, good food, special merchandise, and the fun experi­ence of a Disney Theme Park, Walt Disney World Attractions hosted its first Disneyana Convention. Held September 24-27, the Convention Center drew over 750 Disneyana collectors and fans to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Guests arriving on Thursday morning took care of their hotel check-in and convention registration, then rushed to the Disneyana Collectible Shop where special merchandise featuring the convention logo had been placed on sale. Eager collectors grabbed up ornaments, decals, buttons, T-shirts, spoons, and even stropping bags. The hottest items were a $25 plate—in a limited supply of just 500—and a watch. One watch had been given to each registrant, winch left less than 500 available for sale.

The convention began in earnest Thursday evening with a welcome reception Ice Cream Social. The Fantasia Lobby was decked out with banners flags, park benches, gazebos, and greenery, along with tables loaded with ice cream, pastries, and other delectable taste treats. Disney characters were on hand to greet guests, and as a special added attraction, three of the original Mousketeers—Bobby, Sharon and Sherry—were there to autograph photographs in a Mousketeer Clubhouse in the West Rotunda.

Friday dawned with a buffet breakfast outdoors in front of the Convention Center. Mickey Mouse and Dick Nunis, Chairman of Walt Disney Attractions, made a grand entrance in the LiMOUSEine. Other members of Mickey’s gang gathered with some of the Park’s singers and dancers for a couple of musing numbers to lead guests into the Fantasia Ballroom for the opening session.

After the surprise entrance of the Voice of Disney—Jack Wagner—to emcee the events, the morning got off to an exciting start with a kinetic audio-visual presentation covering the history of The Walt Disney Company. The morning speakers were Dick Nunis, reminiscing on his many years with Disney, landscaper Bill Evans sharing experiences in creating the natural scenery in all of the Disney Parks, Max Howard speaking on the expansion of the feature animation division in Florida and showing pre­views of Aladdin, and Esther Ewert of Disney Art Editions, relating the history of Disney animation art in the market­ place. The climax of the morning ses­sion was the introduction of the Al­addin characters in a festive parade complete with a live camel and horses.

For the afternoon, convention-goers had many choices. They could attend a Limited Edition sale and Artist Signing, where a number of very special pieces had been created especially for the convention by the likes of Lladro Goebel, Armani, R. John Wright, Ron I.ee, Laurenz, and others. Nearby was a Disneyana Fair, where Disney signs, artwork, and props—many never before offered for sale—could be purchased.

There was a preview of auction items, and, upstairs, a Disney Business Group Presentation included displays from Disney Art Editions, Disney Stores, Disney Vacation Club, Disney Gallery, Disney Classics Collection, The Disney Channel, Disney Publishing, the Magic Kingdom Club and other divisions of the Disney organization. Finally, down the hall was a Disneyana Trade Show where independent dealers displayed their wares. It was almost more than a collector could han­dle in one day.

The day was capped by a thrilling Disneyana auction, with selected pieces from the Disney vaults bringing record prices. An original Dumbo attraction unit from Disneyland brought $16.000, as did a bronze-cast Mickey Mouse statue. A Carousel horse brought $4,000 and the art for a Little Mermaid plate $8,250.

At Saturday morning’s session, my assistant, Robert Tieman and I had the thrill of being delivered into the banquet with Mickey Mouse it an armored truck, bring­ing 30 Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives for show and-tell. Tony Baxter, from Walt Disney Imagineering, brought insight into Euro Disneyland’s design, and a high­light was a conversation with 98-year-old Joe Fowler, builder of Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

The public was allowed to join conven­tioneers at the various fairs and trade shows on Saturday and then the convention culminated with a deli­cious banquet, followed by comments by Dick Nunis, and Bob Bowman and Bo Boyd of Disney Consumer Products. The Kids of the Kingdom brought the house down with The Best of Disney and each guest received a valuable medallion as a keepsake.

It was an exhausting three days, but those in attendance praised the conven­tion planners. The First Disneyana Convention had been a rousing success. Now, off to Anaheim for the next one in September, 1993.

From Disney News, Winter 1992.

When Mary Poppins Flew Over Sleeping Beauty Castle

Q: Some of my favorite childhood memories are of visiting Disneyland with my parents, two sisters and brother in the 1960s. This may be just a fanciful childhood memory, but I seem to recall that during that time period, in addition to Tinker Bell's flight, from Matterhorn Mountain to Sleeping Beauty Castle, there was on occasion a flight of Mary Poppins, her umbrella up and carpet bag in hand. Is this just a wishful memory?

Donna, West Covina, California 

A [Dave Smith]: There was indeed a Mary Poppins who flew over Sleeping Beauty Castle in 1966.

[Marcio Disney]

 You can find the original article bellow in our The Best Disney Parks Videos blog!

Summer fireworks at Disneyland began way back in 1956. Five years later, the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show debuted and ran until 2001. The next year a new show began, “Believe … There’s Magic in the Stars.” It ran for three summers. The summer of 2005 exploded with new fireworks in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland. Guests were treated to “Remember … Dreams Come True,” a nighttime spectacular, narrated by the legendary Julie Andrews, that took guests on a nostalgic journey through the park’s history. It was a touching tribute to 50 years of magic. Last summer a new show lit up the sky. “Magical” premiered, and that’s the show currently running. Check out this video of the summer fireworks past and present, and then come see them in person.

The First Tinker Bell to Fly in Disneyland

Q: The first Tinker Bell to fly in Disneyland was Tiny Kline. Can you tell me her age when Walt hired her? I have read that she was either in her 60s or 71. Do you know the date?

Debby, Oakdale, California 

A [Dave Smith]: Circus performer Tiny Kline was 70 years old when she began flying as Tinker Bell over Sleeping Beauty Castle as part of the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show on June 9, 1961.

[Marcio Disney]

UPDATE [April, 27th 2020]: Tiny Cline did not retire before she died of Cancer early 1964. Her cable went to a "Catching Tower" behind the Fantasyland Theatre. Mimi Zerbini replaced her on June 17,1964 for one year then Judy Kaye for the next few years. They were fron Dobritch Circus Disneyland was working with. I Supervised/announced "Fantasy In The Sky" 1962-1964. B. Harris

Click Here to learn more about Disneyland's first fireworks!

 

In 1905, Kline immigrated to the United States with a dance troupe. She started as a burlesque dancer, but moved on to perform in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as Tiny Duchée. There, she met rodeo trick rider Otto Kreinbrink (stage name Otto Kline). Two years later, they married. When he died during a ride, she took over and learned acrobatic tricks, including the "aerial iron jaw act", where she would be suspended by the mouth on a long glide wire.

In 1961, Walt Disney began a search for a Tinker Bell to wow crowds at Disneyland. Kline was hired to glide down a wire connecting the Matterhorn to Sleeping Beauty's Castle. She retired and died in 1964.

In this video you can see Otto's tombstone:

"My family and I went to see my Great-great uncle: Otto Kline. He was married to Tiny Kline. Tiny was in the circus like Otto. She was also the first tinker bell (hired by Walt Disney) She also flew across Time Square hanging by her teeth."

- by ashleytisdale1207

The Face used as a model for the Prince in the Disneyland castle

Q: A local children's show in the Philadelphia market featured a young artist by the name of Gene London. Gene was a Disney-trained artist, and it was said he was good friends with Walt. Local lore has it that Walt gave Gene a ring. As a kid in the late '60s and early '70s, I can remember many times when the show featured Walt (1960s) or Disneyland or a new Disney movie release and communication between the host and Disney artists, etc. It is also a local tale that when Walt Disney World was under construction, Gene London's face was used as a model for the Prince in the castle murals. Are our local tales true?
Joe, Edgewater Park, New Jersey

A [Dave Smith]: I cannot authenticate the local stories, but I do recall Gene London as being a big Disney fan. He visited the Disney Archives a few times in the 1970s, was appreciative of what we were doing to preserve Disney history and he would always give me a big hug.

 
When TVparty first started a page for memories of The Gene London Show, we weren't prepared for the enthusiastic response.
People from all over the country have contacted us by the hundreds with their fond memories of this local kid show. So settle back and read some of the best Email messages we've gotten about Gene London.

---

I fondly remember the general store. Gene London was incredibly gifted in bringing his characters to life through voice and drawing. I was one child who was deeply impressed in a positive way by his talents. I've always thought about him and what he might be doing now.
I remember these words to the song.....
Come right on in to the general store
We've got licorice, gum drops, sour balls,
Anything that you're hankering for
You'll find in Cartoon Corners General Store.
And of course, I remember - The Golden Fleece that was in a chest and the magical drawings that were brought to life by the voices that Gene London would give to them.
His show was one of my very favorites. 37 years later that remains the case. :)
- Rita Lopez

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I remember Gene London so well - someone had the first verse to the song - I was such a fanatic I remember the 2nd verse - There's lots of stories and songs that you know Toys to build and a big pot belly stove Something else I've forgotten, let's see Of course, Gene London, that's me! - a reader

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I was a temporary resident for 4 year in Collingdale, Pa while my father attended medical school in Philadelphia. I was about 8 years old and enjoyed the culture of the Northeast since I was from Texas.

I will always remember my friends Kenny Wilde (USN) (RIP), Frank Doyle, Jimmy Lieberknight and the rest of the gang near Mc Dade Blvd. The Mumurs Parade, Pusey Elementary, Hoagies, The Spectrum, The Philadelphia Warriors, riding my bike to Darby, Big Wheels, The Dallas Cowboys beating the Miami Dolphins, being chased by red-headed Irish girls, Jackie Delaney and Christine Sullivan, and watching Gene London on Saturdays.

Those were the days... Yo!!

- Mark H Reyes, Texas

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I just remember Gene London telling a story while he illustrated it and CRYING as he did this. It was pretty scary to a kid to watch this grown man blubbering as he told a story. Anybody remember the theme song? It was something about the "cartoon corners general store". I believe that was the fictional store where Gene worked. Gene seemed to have a Disney fixation, and I'm pretty sure that he probably is now in possession of the cryogenically frozen head of Walt.
- Bill Jacoby

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About ten years ago, while a bike messenger in New York City, I made a delivery to Gene London's apartment around 6th Avenue and 20th Street. I mentioned that I recognized him, and when he commented that he thought I was too young to remember the show, I responded that I remember the later seasons. The seasons that contained a purple puppet of some kind as a sidekick. Gene said he didn't remember any puppet on the show, and then after a moment of reflection, gasped, and said, "Oh, the PUPPET! I forgot all about the puppet. Working with that thing was so horriiible, I must have completely blocked the memory out!" With his eyes wide, his hands over his mouth, he thanked me for the package and sent me on my way.
- a reader

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Growing up in the Delaware Valley during the late '60's and '70's, Gene London and his show "Cartoon Corners" were a big part of my childhood. 

  Gene was blessed with tremendous artistic talent, great storytellling skills, and a personality that appealed to children. I loved his show, and looking back on it now, can really appreciate the creativity associated with it. I fondly remember Quigley Mansion, the Golden Fleece and those amazing "flying" sequences, the stories drawn in crayon by Gene, and the wonderful storylines including a take-off on "The Wizard of Oz" that I still think was a tremendous undertaking for a locally-produced show, and a storyline about Gene's girlfriend Debbie getting amnesia from a jar that falls on her head. All of the productions were rather well done. 
 
Gene's show taught us all about the importance of using our creative talents, and how we could share our creative gifts with others. Having been blessed with the same talent for drawing that Gene has, I could and can relate to his love for it. Gene London was part of the inspiration for me to use and share my talents. I would love to see tapes of those original shows to relive the magic. Thanks Gene...never forget the positive impact you've had on a generation of children. - Frank T 
 

Visit http://www.tvparty.com/lostlondon2.html to learn more!

The original Mickey and Minnie Costumes

Q: I'm watching the Disneyland: Secrets, Magic, and Stories DVD and just watched the footage with the original Mickey and Minnie costumes (the ones that looked a lot like Halloween costumes as the narrator noted). I wanted to know if Disney still has these costumes saved or are they lost to history?

Ryan-Philipp, North Hills, California

A [Dave Smith]: The character costumes used at Disneyland on opening day were borrowed from the Ice Capades and later returned to them.

[Marcio Disney]

Click Here to see the Characters Costumes throughout the Years at the Jim Hill Media! 

Disneyland's 'The Witch in the cage'

Q: I've seen over the years at Disneyland a cage that held the Hag from Snow White. When the cage was rattled, she would come to life and try to bribe folks to let her out by promising to show how to "turn water to gasoline." Who made this and what was the reason?
Reid, Ben Lomond, California 

A [Dave Smith]: The Witch in the cage was originally made by the former WED Display and Design Department at Walt Disney World, under Jim McNalis, for use in 1975 Emporium windows in the Magic Kingdom park promoting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. When the Disneyana Shop opened on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland in 1976, the Witch, animated and with added audio, moved west to become a major display piece in that shop. Later on it was used in the Villain's Lair shop in Fantasyland and Le Bat en Rouge in New Orleans Square. 

[Marcio Disney]

Clarabelle Cow & Clarice Chipmunk at Disneyland's Celebrate Parade

Q: In the current Celebrate parade at Disneyland, there is a female chipmunk character and a female cow character that performs as part of the parade. Who are these characters? I've asked many people and nobody seems to know where they originated. Also, why were they chosen to be used in this parade?
Jeff, Burbank, California 

A [Dave Smith]: The cow is Clarabelle Cow, who appeared in early Mickey Mouse cartoons. The female chipmunk is Clarice, who played a nightclub singer in the 1952 cartoon Two Chips and a Miss. We always like to bring back some of the lesser-known Disney characters for nostalgia's sake. 

[Marcio Disney]

Fantasyland Board Game by Parker Brothers

Q: A friend of ours gave me a bunch of old Disney stuff from her attic and among them was a Fantasyland board game. The instructions have gone missing, but it looks like you make your way through Fantasyland, passing through the rides (which only seem to include those that were around Opening Day). I would love to know more about this game. What can you tell me about it?

Lauren, Merced, California

A [Dave Smith]: The Fantasyland board game was made by Parker Brothers in 1956, so it does indeed include only the earliest attractions in that land. Parker Brothers was a Disney licensee for many years, beginning in 1933. The game was reprinted for sale at the Disney parks a few years ago, along with three others in the set: Monorail, Riverboat, and Adventureland.

[Marcio Disney]

--- Description

Players move on board and try to collect stars and tickets with high numbers as they move along path in Fantasyland.

In 1956, just one year after the opening of Walt Disney's Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, Parker Brothers produced a series of board games based on four of the themed sections within the park. The Fantasyland board game is one example. A very simple race and point game for small children, the game box features the iconic symbol of Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty's castle, as well as most of the popular early Disney movie characters.

Description courtesy of thestrong.org (Creative Commons, BY-NC-ND)

Large-Format Disneyland Park Maps

Q: You just answered a question from Dennis of Minden, Nevada, about large-format Disneyland Park maps. I have a large- format (30" X 45") map, dated 1961, hanging on my wall. My question is, how long were large-format maps produced as I don't recall seeing any being sold on recent trips to the park.

Gary, San Francisco, California

A [Dave Smith]: The most recent map was produced in 2005.

[Marcio Disney]

Display for Disney's Return to Oz Characters

Q: I'm a huge fan of Disney's Return to Oz film. I saw the Tik Tok and Tin Man characters from the feature film in a 102 Dalmatians behind-the-scenes attraction at MGM studios in Walt Disney World. As both a fan of the movie and a memorabilia collector, are these characters still being preserved by your studios? Will these characters be making an appearance any time in the future?
Scott, Chicago, Illionois

A [Dave Smith]: Yes, we are very proud to have a very comprehensive representation of artifacts from Return to Oz, including Dorothy's costume, complete with her ruby slippers, and her lunch pails. We also have the Tin Woodsman, Jack Pumpkinhead and even the Gnome King's ruby slippers. Tik Tok was on display for many years at Disney's Hollywood Studios; Disney archivist Rob Klein is currently restoring him as there are plans to use him in an upcoming Archives exhibit.

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

ºoº

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Disney's Dream Makers

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Disney Picture of the Day

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Vinylmation of the Day

http://vinylmationoftheday.blogspot.com/

Disney Fun Fact of the Day

http://tinyurl.com/MDFunFact

Today's Past in Disney History

http://tinyurl.com/PastDisney

Disney Tales [5 Weekly tales]

http://sites.google.com/site/marciodisney/disney-tales

The Disney History

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Marcio Disney Blog

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Disney Pin of the Day

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Two Brothers Tunemakers / Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

 Q: I've just read that the  now have their own window on Main Street, U.S.A. (as well they should, after all they're Disney Legends!). I was wondering, however, if you knew exactly which park it's in (Disneyland or Magic Kingdom), where exactly it's located and what type of business it's disguised under?
Kaitlin, Bolton Landing, New York 

A [Dave Smith]: The window is located on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, where it was dedicated on March 11. It is on a door at the 20th Century Music Company shop, and reads: Two Brothers Tunemakers/Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Proprietors/"We'll write your tunes for a song."

[More to See - Marcio Disney] 

Enjoy a look back at these talented brothers singing the Carousel of Progress theme with Walt Disney himself.

Legendary Sherman Brothers Honored with Window on Main Street, U.S.A.

posted on March 11th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

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Today, Main Street, U.S.A. was buzzing with the tune of several familiar songs as Richard and Robert Sherman were honored with their own window. A window dedication, by the way, is the highest honor a cast member can receive at Disneyland Park. The window dedicated to the Sherman Brothers reads “Two Brothers Tunemakers,” with their names inscribed underneath. Check it out next time you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. The famous brothers are the creative minds behind the song “it’s a small world (after all),” and the theme songs for several attractions (The Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress) and songs from the movies “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Aristocats” and “Winnie the Pooh.” Richard Sherman was at the ceremony today. Take a look at this video and hear what Richard had to say at this heartwarming celebration of the Sherman Brothers’ amazing work.

 

The Man Behind the Myth

Q: My cousins told me about a great documentary that was made about Walt Disney. They also told me it was directed by his grandson. Do you know where I can find it?

Gavin, Auburn, Indiana 

A [Dave Smith]: You are referring to Walt: The Man Behind the Myth. It was released on video cassette in 2001 and DVD in 2002, and they may still be available. You can also find copies on eBay. The executive producer was Walter Elias Disney Miller, Walt's grandson, for the Walt Disney Family Foundation.

Click Here to watch the full movie!

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Disney Picture of the Day

http://marciodisneypictures.blogspot.com/

Vinylmation of the Day

http://vinylmationoftheday.blogspot.com/

Disney Fun Fact of the Day

http://tinyurl.com/MDFunFact

Disney Tales

http://sites.google.com/site/marciodisney/disney-tales

The Disney History

http://thehistoryofdisney.blogspot.com/

Disney Pin of the Day

http://pinoftheday.blogspot.com/

Marcio Disney Digital Media

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Coca-Cola and Disney

Q: Is there any specific information on the history of the partnership between Coca-Cola and Disney? When did it start, how did it start? It seems that the two are synonymous with each other, but I wonder how it all started.
Crystal, Seattle, Washington

A [Dave Smith]: Coca-Cola sponsored the first Disney television show, One Hour in Wonderland, which aired as a special on December 25, 1950. When Disneyland opened in 1955, Coke became a participant with the Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., and remains a participant there today. Coca-Cola is now the global beverage provider for all of Disney's 11 parks in the U.S., Hong Kong, France and Japan.

[Marcio Disney]

The Hub at the Magic Kingdom

Club Cool - Epcot

Magic Kingdom - Backstage

Alice in Wonderland - The Second Star to the Right

Q: I have heard rumors about lyrics to "The Second Star to the Right" that were not used. I also heard they had something to do with Alice in Wonderland. Could you tell me about them?
Gabrielle, Houston, Texas

A [Dave Smith]: Composer Sammy Fain, with lyricist Bob Hilliard, wrote some of the songs for Alice in Wonderland, including one called "Beyond the Laughing Sky." It was not used in Alice, but since Sammy Fain was also the primary composer on Peter Pan, and presumably everyone liked the melody he had written earlier, new lyrics were written by Sammy Cahn and it became "The Second Star to the Right."

[Marcio Disney]

Here's a new version for the song! Just Push Play - It's Free :-D

Lyrics

The Second Star To The Right
(Thanks to 50bop for the correct lyric!)
The second star to the right shines in the night for you
To tell you that the dreams you plan
Really can come true
The second star to the right
Shines with a light so rare
And if it's neverland you need
Its light will lead you there
Twinkle Twinkle little star so we'll know where you are
Gleaming in the skies above lead us to the land we dream of
And when our journey is through each time we say goodnight
we'll thank the little star that shines
the second from the right

Why does the whispering wind
Sound like a lullaby?
Is that the magic music
From beyond the laughing sky?
Why can't the swallows remain
Where is the place they fly?
Why can't I go along with them
Beyond the laughing sky?
If I climbed the highest tree
Where, oh, where would I be?
Would I find a place for me
In the land Of grand enchantmen?
Where do the clouds disappear
When they go rolling by?
I'm wondering about the world
Beyond the laughing sky

The Roll-A-Book Dumbo

Q: My daughter's favorite character has always been Dumbo. How did the movie of the same name come to be made, and on what was it based?
Duane, Golden, Colorado

A [Dave Smith]: Dumbo was based on a story by Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl that was first published in a scroll-like item called a Roll-A-Book. None of these Dumbo Roll-A-Books have ever surfaced. After the intense work on the major productions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio and Fantasia, Walt Disney and his artists were looking for a simple little story which they could turn into the next animated feature. Dumbo fit the bill.

[Marcio Disney]

"Dumbo the Flying Elephant is like Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is so iconic that when you see it, you know you’re looking at some place inside Disneyland park. It’s one of our classics, dating back 55 years ago. In fact, it debuted almost exactly a month after opening day on August 16, 1955. The 16 happy, grey elephants — inspired by Walt Disney’s 1941 animated film — are “piloted” by guests. These baby pachyderms can fly as high as 17 feet! Did you know that the Dumbo attraction is also at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (1971), Tokyo Disneyland (1983), Disneyland Paris (1992) and Hong Kong Disneyland  (2005)? Here’s another fun fact: When President Harry S Truman (a staunch Democrat) visited the park in 1957, he playfully refused to ride Dumbo because of the Republican symbolism associated with the elephant-themed attraction. Enjoy this historical footage of our famous flying elephants."

by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

ESSAYS

The Mysterious Dumbo Roll-A-Book

By Michael Barrier 

 

When I wrote in a January 14, 2010, post about the history of the black crows in Dumbo, I reached back as far as the 102-page treatment that Joe Grant and Dick Huemer submitted to Walt Disney in the early months of 1940, in installments. But Dumbo's history goes back further than that, as Huemer himself acknowledged in his interview with Joe Adamson, part of which I published in Funnyworld No. 17. Adamson asked, "Where's the story that Dumbo comes from?" and Huemer replied:

I never saw it, but they say it was on a little strip that was given away on a cereal box. Or maybe it was even printed on the outside, I don't know. But it had the basic elements of the story: the little elephant who had big ears, was made fun of, learned to fly, and was redeemed. All in just a few panels. Well, we took it from there, had a few story meetings, then Joe Grant and I wrote it up a chapter a time and submitted it to Walt. He used to come down and say, "That's coming along good,. We'll make it!"
Then we got sketch men and story men and went to work and put together what we call a Leica reel. A Leica reel was a way of presenting a storyboard with the individual pictures on a filmstrip that was run through a Leica projector. You'd flip over a picture and talk about it, then flip over the next. ...
This was how we often held a story meeting. Sometimes we had rough Leica reels in pencil, and later we would make a color reel.
Adamson: When you first got Dumbo, what form was it in?
Huemer: Somebody had started working on it and there were quite a few sketches that I remember, but no storyboards yet. Mostly talk, getting together with Walt, and taking notes, and studying them. Dumbo was put aside a while to concentrate on another picture, I suppose, then Joe Grant and I picked it up.

Please! Read the rest of this AMAZING article by visiting: http://www.michaelbarrier.com/Essays/DumboRollABook/DumboRollABook.html

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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