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A [Dave Smith]: The Witch in the cage was originally made by the former WED Display and Design Department at Walt Disney World, under Jim McNalis, for use in 1975 Emporium windows in the Magic Kingdom park promoting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]

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