Jolly Holiday Dinner Show Spectacular

Q: Years ago my wife and I attended a Christmas dinner and show at Walt Disney World. I believe it was called the Holly Jolly Christmas Show. We were picked up by a bus in front of the Contemporary Resort and were taken to a large building that looked like a warehouse. We went several years in a row and then it was gone. What was the real name of the show, and during what years was it presented?

Dave, Fleming Island, Florida

A [Dave Smith]: You may be recalling the Jolly Holiday Dinner Show Spectacular, which was held at the Contemporary Resort Convention Center's Fantasia Ballroom starting during the holiday season in 1992. It featured an all-you-can-eat Christmas dinner and a show featuring 100 performers; it continued until 1998.

[Marcio Disney]

Q: A commonly asked question is, "If you could meet anyone, anywhere in time, who would it be?" Until recently I didn't really know. After a visit to Disneyland and several visits to Walt Disney World (WDW) and reading some WDW history, I know for me that person is the legendary Walt Disney. What is the best non-fiction book that most comprehensively covers each of the three following topics: Walt Disney the man, Disneyland and Walt Disney World? Of course, I defer to your expertise if you have other recommendations (I know you have authored several).

Blaine, Wilmington, Delaware

A [Dave Smith]: I don't want to make specific recommendations because I have been involved in the production of almost all of the books and do not want to slight any of the authors, but if you search, you will find a selected bibliography of books on Walt Disney and on other Disney subjects.

[Marcio Disney]

The Walt Disney Company Selected Bibliography

WALT and ROY DISNEY
The Story of Walt Disney by Diane Disney Miller & Pete Martin (Holt, 1957)
The Disney Version by Richard Schickel (Simon & Schuster, 1968, 1985, 1997)
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas (Simon & Schuster, 1976; Hyperion, 1994)
The Man Behind the Magic; the Story of Walt Disney by Katherine & Richard Greene (Viking, 1991, 1998)
Walt Disney: His Life in Pictures edited by Russell Schroeder (Disney Press, 1996)
Walt Disney's Railroad Story by Michael Broggie (Pentrex, 1997)
The Magic Kingdom; Walt Disney and the American Way of Life by Steven Watts (H. Mifflin, 1997; 2001)
Building a Company; Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire by Bob Thomas (Hyperion, 1998)
Remembering Walt: Favorite Memories of Walt Disney by Howard Green & Amy Boothe Green (Hyperion, 1999)
The Quotable Walt Disney compiled by Dave Smith (Disney Editions, 2001)
Discovering Walt by Jean-Pierre Isbouts (Disney Editions, 2001)
Inside the Dream: The Personal Story of Walt Disney by Katherine & Richard Greene (Disney Editions, 2001)
Walt Disney's Missouri by Brian Burnes, et al (Kansas City Star Books, 2002)
Walt Disney: Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler (Knopf, 2006)
Walt Disney: Conversations, ed.by Kathy Merlock Jackson (Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2006)
The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney by Michael Barrier (Univ. of California Press, 2007)
Walt Disney: The American Dreamer by Tom Tombusch (Tomart Publications, 2008)


WALT DISNEY STUDIOS/WALT DISNEY COMPANY
Donald Duck Joins Up; the Walt Disney Studio During World War II by Richard Shale (UMI Research Press, 1982)
Storming the Magic Kingdom by John Taylor (Knopf, 1987)
The Disney Studio Story by Richard Holliss & Brian Sibley (Crown, 1988)
The Disney Touch by Ron Grover (Business One Irwin, 1991, 1997)
Prince of the Magic Kingdom: Michael Eisner and the Re-Making of Disney by Joe Flower (Wiley, 1991)
Disney Dons Dogtags: The Best of Disney Military Insignia from World War II by Walton Rawls (Abbeville, 1992)
Walt in Wonderland: The Silent Films of Walt Disney by Russell Merritt & J.B. Kaufman (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993)
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin (Crown, 1973, 1984; Hyperion, 1995)
Work in Progress by Michael Eisner & Tony Schwartz (Random House, 1998)
Disney: The First 100 Years by Dave Smith & Steven Clark (Hyperion, 1999; Disney Editions, updated 2002)
The Little Big Book of Disney by Monique Peterson (Disney Editions, 2001)


INDIVIDUAL ANIMATED CHARACTERS
Mickey Mouse: Fifty Happy Years edited by David Bain & Bruce Harris (Harmony Books, 1977)
Donald Duck, 50 Years of Happy Frustration (HP Books, 1984)
Goofy, the Good Sport (HP Books, 1985)
Mickey Mouse, His Life and Times (Harper & Row, 1986)
Mickey Mouse in Color (Pantheon Books, 1988)
Mickey Mouse; My Life in Pictures by Russell Schroeder (Disney Press, 1997)
Encyclopedia of Walt Disney's Animated Characters by John Grant (Hyperion, 1998)
Disney's Winnie the Pooh: A Celebration of the Silly Old Bear by Christopher Finch (Disney Editions, 2000)
Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, the Legend, the Phenomenon by Robert Heide & John Gilman (Disney Editions, 2001)
The Mickey Mouse Treasures by Robert Tieman (Disney Editions, 2007)


DISNEY ANIMATION HISTORY/BEHIND-THE-SCENES
The Art of Walt Disney by Robert D. Feild (Macmillan, 1942)
The Art of Animation by Bob Thomas (Simon & Schuster, 1958)
The Art of Walt Disney by Christopher Finch (Harry N. Abrams, 1973, 1995, updated 2004)
Fantasia by John Culhane (Harry N. Abrams, 1983)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs & the Making of the Classic Film by Richard Holliss & Brian Sibley (Simon & Schuster, 1987; Hyperion, 1994)
Walt Disney's Bambi: The Story and the Film by Ollie Johnston & Frank Thomas (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1990 )
Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast by Bob Thomas (Hyperion, 1991; updated to Hercules, 1997)
Aladdin, The Making of an Animated Film by John Culhane (Hyperion, 1992)
The Art of The Lion King by Christopher Finch (Hyperion, 1994)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: An Art in Its Making by Martin Krause & Linda Witkowski (Hyperion, 1994)
The Art of Pocahontas by Stephen Rebello (Hyperion, 1995)
The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston (Hyperion, 1995)
The Disney that Never Was by Charles Solomon (Hyperion, 1995)
Toy Story; the Art and Making of the Animated Film by John Lasseter & Steve Daly (Hyperion, 1995)
The Art of the Hunchback of Notre Dame by Stephen Rebello (Hyperion, 1996)
Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Sketch Artists by John Canemaker (Hyperion, 1996)
Animation Magic: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How an Animated Film Is Made by Don Hahn (Hyperion, 1996)
The Art of Hercules by Stephen Rebello and Jane Healey (Hyperion, 1997)
The Art of Mulan by Jeff Kurtti (Hyperion, 1998)
A Bug's Life: The Art and Making of an Epic of Miniature Proportions by Jeff Kurtti (Hyperion, 1998)
The Tarzan Chronicles by Howard Green (Hyperion, 1999)
Fantasia/2000: Visions of Hope by John Culhane (Disney Editions, 1999)
Paper Dreams: The Art & Artists of Disney Storyboards by John Canemaker (Hyperion, 1999)
Dinosaur: The Evolution of an Animated Feature by Jeff Kurtti (Disney Editions, 2000)
Walt Disney's Nine Old Men & The Art of Animation by John Canemaker (Hyperion, 2001)
The Art of Monsters, Inc. (Chronicle Books, 2001)
Lilo & Stitch: Collected Stories from the Film's Creators (Disney Editions, 2002)
Treasure Planet: A Voyage of Discovery (Disney Editions, 2002)
The Art of Finding Nemo by Mark Cotta Vez (Chronicle Books, 2003)
The Art and Flair of Mary Blair by John Canemaker (Disney Editions, 2003)
Brother Bear: A Transformation Tale by H. Clark Wakabayashi (Disney Editions, 2003)
The Art of the Incredibles by Mark Cotta Vaz (Chronicle Books, 2004)
Chicken Little: From Henhouse to Hollywood by Monique Peterson (Disney Editions, 2005)
Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies by Russell Merritt & J.B. Kaufman (La Cineteca del Friuli, 2006)
The Art of Ratatouille by Karen Paik (Chronicle Books, 2007)
Working with Walt: Interviews with Disney Artists by Don Peri (Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2008)
The Idea of Nature in Disney Animation by David Whitley (Ashgate, 2008)
The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company by David A. Price (Knopf, 2008)
The Alchemy of Imagination: Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age by Don Hahn (Disney Editions, 2008)
The Art of WALL·E by Tim Hauser (Chronicle Books, 2008)
The Art of Bolt by Mark Cotta Vaz (Chronicle Books, 2008)
Disney Lost and Found: Exploring the Hidden Artwork from Never-Produced Animation by Charles Solomon (Disney Editions, 2008)
Walt Disney Animation Studio The Archive Series: Story (Disney Editions, 2008)
The Art of the Disney Princess (Disney Editions, 2009)
Walt Disney Animation Studio The Archive Series: Animation (Disney Editions, 2009)

MUSIC
The Musical World of Walt Disney by David Tietyen (Hal Leonard, 1990)
The Golden Age of Walt Disney Records, 1933-1988 by R. Michael Murray (Antique Trader Books, 1997)
The Illustrated Treasury of Disney Songs (Hyperion, 1998)
Walt's Time by Robert B. Sherman & Richard M. Sherman (Camphor Tree, 1998)
Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records by Tim Hollis & Greg Ehrbar (Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2006)
Disney's Lost Chords by Russell Schroeder (Voigt Publications, 2007)


THEME PARKS
Walt Disney's Epcot Center by Richard R. Beard (Harry N. Abrams, 1982)
Disneyland: Inside Story by Randy Bright (Abrams, 1987)
Gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort by Dee Hansford (Walt Disney World, 1988)
Disneyland: The Nickel Tour by Bruce Gordon and David Mumford (Camphor Tree, 1995; updated 2000)
Building a Dream; The Art of Disney Architecture by Beth Dunlop (Abrams, 1996)
Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic (Hyperion, 1996)
Since the World Began: Walt Disney World's First 25 Years by Jeff Kurtti (Hyperion, 1996)
Designing Disney's Theme Parks, ed. by Karal Ann Marling (Flammarion, 1997)
The Making of Disney's Animal Kingdom by Melody Malmberg (Hyperion, 1998)
Riding the Black Ship Japan and Tokyo Disneyland by Aviad E. Raz (Harvard University, 1999)
Walt Disney World Resort�A Souvenir for the Millennium (Disney Editions, 1999)
Once Upon an American Dream: The Story of Euro Disneyland by Andrew Lainsbury (U. of Kansas Press, 2000)
Disneyland Resort: Magical Memories for a Lifetime (Disney Editions, 2002)
Disneyland Paris: From Sketch to Reality by Alain Littaye & Didier Ghez (Nouveau Mill�naire, 02)
Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets by Steven Barrett (Intrepid Traveller, 2003)
Designing Disney: Imagineering and the Art of the Show by John Hench (Disney Editions, 2003)
The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies by Jason Surrell (Disney Editions, 2003)
Around the World with Disney by Kevin Markey (Disney Editions, 2005)
Disneyland: Then, Now and Forever by Bruce Gordon & Tim O'Day (Disney Editions, 2005)
Disneyland Hotel: The Early Years (1954-1988) by Donald W. Ballard (Ape Pen Pub., 2005)
The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World by Alex Wright (Disney Editions, 2005)
The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot by Alex Wright (Disney Editions, 2006)
Behind the Magic: 50 Years of Disneyland by Karal Ann Marling (The Henry Ford, 2005)
Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies by Jason Surrell (Disney Editions, 2005)
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World and Birnbaum's Disneyland (Disney Editions, 2006)
Spinning Disney's World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent by Charles Ridgway (Intrepid Traveller, 2007)
The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak by Jason Surrell (Disney Editions, 2007)
Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort's Best Kept Secrets by Steven M. Barrett (Intrepid Traveler, 2007)
The Disneyland Encyclopedia by Chris Stodder (Santra Monica Press, 2008)
Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff Kurtti (Disney Editions, 2008)
Disney's California Adventure Detective by Kendra Trahanl (PermaGrin Publishing, 2008)
Walt Disney World: Then, Now and Forever by Burce Gordan and Jeff Kurtti (Disney Editions, 2008)
The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland by Alex Wright (Disney Editions, 2008)


TELEVISION
Mickey Mouse Club Scrapbook by Keith Keller (Grosset & Dunlap, 1975)
The Official Mickey Mouse Club Book by Lorraine Santoli (Hyperion, 1995)
The Wonderful World of Disney Television by Bill Cotter (Hyperion, 1997)


COLLECTIBLES
Disneyana: Walt Disney Collectibles by Cecil Munsey (Hawthorn, 1974)
Disneyana Catalog and Price Guide (5 vols.) by Tom Tumbusch (Tomart, 1985-89)
Mickey Mouse Memorabilia (Abrams, 1986)
Disneyana: Classic Collectibles 1928-1958 by Robert Heide & John Gilman (Disney Editions, 2002)
The Mickey Mouse Watch Book by Robert Heide & John Gilman (Hyperion, 1997)
The Disney Poster Book (Disney Editions, 2002)
The Disney Treasures by Robert Tieman (Disney Editions, 2003)
The Disney Keepsakes by Robert Tieman (Disney Editions, 2005)
Official Price Guide to Disney Collectibles by Ted Hake (Gemstone Pub., 2005)


REFERENCE/TRIVIA
The Ultimate Disney Trivia Book by Kevin Neary & Dave Smith (Hyperion, 1992); Book 2 (Hyperion, 1994); Book 3 (Hyperion, 1997) Book 4 (Disney Editions, 2000)
Disney A to Z; the Official Encyclopedia by Dave Smith (Hyperion, 1996; updated eds. 1998, 2006)
Disney: The Ultimate Visual Guide by Russell Schroeder (DK Publishing, 2002)


MISCELLANEOUS
Beauty and the Beast; a Celebration of the Broadway Musical by Donald Frantz (Hyperion, 1995)
The Lion King: Pride Rock on Broadway by Julie Taymor (Hyperion, 1997)
Disney on Broadway ed. by Michael Lassell (Disney Editions, 2002)
A Day at the New Amsterdam Theatre by Dana Amendola (Disney Editions, 2004)
Celebration: The Story of a Town by Michael Lassell (Disney Editions, 2004)
Mary Poppins: Anything Can Happen If You Let It by Brian Sibley and Michael Lassell (Disney Editions, 2007)
How Does the Show Go On? An Introduction to the Theater by Thomas Schumacher and Jeff Kurtti (Disney Editions, 2007)

Lily Babies Pictures Glows in the Dark

Q: I have an old picture of "lily babies." I believe it is from the late 1930s or early '40s. It actually glows in the dark and is in a 8"x10 " frame. Does it have any value? Can you tell me anything about it?
Stephanie, Lapeer, Michigan

A [Dave Smith]: This sounds like one of a series of luminous pictures of Disney scenes produced by the Henry A. Citroen Company in New York City from 1944 to 1946. They are relatively common and do not have great collectible value.

Disney Undiscovered - Never Built Attractions

Q: In the 23-month calendar given as a membership gift ["Disney Undiscovered"], there are many wonderful never built attractions. But, the one that surprises me the most is that an updated Matterhorn was never built in the World Showcase in Walt Disney World along with the rest of the Switzerland pavilion. Why is this? I feel it would've added more thrill and appeal to young people for World Showcase and Epcot all together as well as drawing more people who were in love with Disneyland.

Amy, Katy, Texas

A [Dave Smith]: There were preliminary plans for many different countries to be added to World Showcase but for a number of reasons we ended up with the 11 countries that we have there today. There is some additional space available, so perhaps other countries might be added later. When World Showcase was planned, the designers were hesitant about adding anything from another Disney park; they wanted Epcot to be unique.

[Marcio Disney]

Visitors Center at Walt Disney World

Q: Where was the Visitors Center located for Walt Disney World prior to opening? I remember visiting the center with my grandparents probably 1969-70.

Rick, Richland Center, Wisconsin

A [David Smith]: The Walt Disney World Preview Center was open from January 10, 1970, to September 30, 1971, in Lake Buena Vista, just off I-4 and Highway 535. The building is still there; it is now the national headquarters for the Amateur Athletic Union. The street on which it is located was originally named Preview Blvd., then later became Hotel Plaza Blvd.

[Marcio Disney]

The Walt Disney World Preview Center (at one time located near the intersection of Interstate 4 and State Road 535) became the first building on WDW property to open to the public in 1970.

Bloodhound Pluto

Q: My husband and I have always wanted to know what kind of dog Pluto is. My husband says he is a poodle but I say some kind of retriever. We recently visited Walt Disney World in Florida and asked the person who works with the characters at Chef Mickey in the Contemporary Resort and he didn't know. We asked several cast members around the Magic Kingdom and they didn't know either. Can you help?
Michelle, Hialeah, Florida

A [Dave Smith]: Pluto was never meant to be any particular breed, or in other words, he is a lovable mutt. (In one of his first appearances, he was a bloodhound.)

[Marcio Disney]

Pluto (formerly known as Pluto the Pup) is an animated cartoon character made famous in a series of Disney short cartoons. He has most frequently appeared as Mickey Mouse's pet dog. He also had an independent starring role in 48 Disney shorts in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Pluto is unusual for a Disney character in that he is not anthropomorphized beyond showing an unusually broad range of facial expressions or use of his front paws at key points; he is actually represented as a normal dog (unlike Goofy who is an anthropomorphic dog).

 

N a m i n g

The pup first appeared in Walt Disney's short The Chain Gang, released in the USA on August 18, 1930. However, the dog had no name. In the next appearance on October 23, 1930, in The Picnic[the dog is named not Pluto, but Rover. It was in The Moose Hunt, released on May 8, 1931, that the dog is called Pluto the Pup, the studio's original name. A September 1931 model sheet for the character with that name is illustrated in Barrier's Hollywood Cartoons.

Several months had passed between the naming of what was believed to have been the ninth planet, Pluto, on March 24, 1930, and the attachment of that name to the dog character. Venetia Burney (later Venetia Phair), who as an eleven-year-old schoolgirl had suggested the name Pluto for the planet, remarked in 2006: “The name had nothing to do with the Disney cartoon. Mickey Mouse's dog was named after the planet, not the other way around.”

Although it has been claimed that the Disney studio named the dog after the planet (rather than after the mythical god of the underworld), this has not been verified. Disney animator Ben Sharpsteen has said: "We thought the name [Rover] was too common, so we had to look for something else. [...] We changed it to Pluto the Pup, [...] but I don't honestly remember why."

The Silent Version of Plane Crazy & Steamboat Willie Premier

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.

[Marcio Disney]

The boat has no name in the cartoon an it docks at Podunk Landing. Nowadays, everybody calls the boat, Steamboat Willie. Actually Willie is Mickey's character in the cartoon and he's known as Steamboat Willie just because he works on a steamboat!

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




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

Mr. Dawes, Sr. in Mary Poppins

Q: I've always wondered why Dick Van Dyke played Mr. Dawes, Sr. in Mary Poppins. I understand why in films like The Wizard of Oz, for instance, Margaret Hamilton played the Wicked Witch and Miss Gulch, or Christopher Reeve played Clark Kent and Superman — it's integral/connected to the stories. But I've never been able to figure out the meaning of the dual Van Dyke roles.

Steve, Rochester Hills, Michigan

A [Dave Smith]: Supposedly, Dick Van Dyke very much wanted to play Mr. Dawes, Sr. and even prepared a screen test to show Walt Disney that he could believably portray the old man.

Flamingo Crossings - The Next 10 years at Disney

Q: I just returned from Walt Disney World. During our trip, the staff at our time share shared with us that a new park is currently under development and will be called Flamingo Cove. As a D23 Member and subscriber to the Disney Parks Blog, I have not heard or seen anything about this new park. Although this might not be a true "archive" type question, I was hoping you could give some insight as to what the theme of this park is going to be and when it is expected to open.

Lindsay, Indianapolis, Indiana

A [Dave Smith]: It is Flamingo Crossings, and it is not a theme park but rather a lodging and shopping district planned on the Walt Disney World property near State Road 429 and Western Way. The development is planned to be built in phases over 8-10 years, and, according to the announcement, it will feature value-oriented hotels and motels, along with fast-food and casual dining restaurants, and shops offering wares such as groceries, toiletries, and basic clothing.

[Marcio Disney]

Perfecting Paradise – A Magical Makeover for Castaway Cay (summer 2010) – Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Enhancements include an expanded family beach, a floating water platform featuring two twisting water slides, two fresh-water play areas for guests to cool off, a new teen retreat and 20 new private rental cabanas offering the ultimate in beachside luxury.  

The additional island amenities are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010, in time for special five-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder with two stops at Castaway Cay, and the Disney Dream cruise ship which starts sailing in early 2011. 

New Sailings for Disney Magic and Disney Wonder (2010-2011) – In 2010, the Disney Magic will sail to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises.

Book-ending the summer season of 12-night Northern European Capitals cruises, theDisney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean for 10- and 11-night cruises, with three new ports of call.  In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, theDisney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France.  

In the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will sail four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  In the summer of 2011, the Disney Wonder will sail for the first time to Alaska, with seven-night cruises calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Star Tours Attraction (2011) – A new 3-D version of the tremendously popular Star Tours attraction will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2011. Based on the iconic Lucasfilm “Star Wars” films, the attraction will include immersive new elements that will take guests to many familiar places in the “Star Wars” galaxy.

Disney Cruise Line Expanding Its Fleet (2011, 2012) – The Walt Disney Company is expanding its successful cruise vacation business by adding two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, to set sail in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 1,250-passenger liners will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line.  Now under construction, the Disney Dream will offer new innovations, magical children’s spaces, family entertainment and immersive experiences for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned.  The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.


Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (2012) – A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation will feature 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings.  Animation themes will carry throughout building exteriors and room interiors and feature larger-than-life icons from the animated films in courtyard areas.  Crowned by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Bowling Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex – A new 100-lane bowling center at Disney’s Wide World of  Sports Complex is scheduled to open in 2012 and is anticipated to be one of the largest bowling facilities in the United States.  The United States Bowling Congress will stage 13 events there, with tournaments beginning in 2013.

Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Expansion (2013) – The largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom will vastly increase the size of Fantasyland. Guests will be able to:

Visit a Disney princess in her castle, cottage or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella at Dreams Come True with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s 16th birthday with the Good Fairies during a Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty; or join Belle in an enchanting storytelling performance during Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast’s castle.  Just outside the castle in Belle’s Village will be Gaston’s Tavern, another themed dining option.

Fly with Dumbo high above brand new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction.  Dumbo’s Flying Circus will include a stylized tent where guests can enjoy midway games and other interactive family fun.

Join Ariel on her newest adventure, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, a ride-through attraction with melodies from the animated feature.

Shopping, Dining and Lodging District (phased construction across 8-10 years) – Announced as part of a Walt Disney World expansion is a 450-acre mixed-use tourist commercial district just outside Disney’s western gateway (Western Way at Western Beltway). Early plans include 4,000-5,000 value-priced lodging units and a pedestrian-friendly dining/retail village.

Four Seasons to Anchor New Disney Luxury Resort (TBD) – Also announced as part of the Walt Disney World expansion for the next decade: a 900-acre luxury resort anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The development, along the northeast border of the property, will include a luxury hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, single- and multi-family vacation homes and fractional ownership vacation homes.

"I'm No Fool" featuring Jiminy Cricket

Q: I remember while growing up watching several "I'm No Fool" themed short movies in school featuring Jiminy Cricket. How many of these movies were produced and what were their titles/themes? Thanks!

Ken, Frisco, Texas

A [Dave Smith]: There was I'm No Fool as a Pedestrian, … Having Fun, … in a Car, … in an Emergency, … in Unsafe Places, … in Water, … on Wheels, … with a Bicycle, … with Electricity, … with Fire, and … with Safety at School. Some of these titles were originally shown on the Mickey Mouse Club; others were made years later as educational films.

[Marcio Disney]

Disney Pinocchio Jiminy Cricket I'm No Fool Bicycle Pin

Click Here to see a wikipedia list of all four Jiminy Cricket educational serials that originally aired on the Mickey Mouse Club TV series.

I'm No Fool ... Cartoon List:

I'm No Fool ... as A Pedestrian  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... as A Pedestrian".

I'm No Fool ... In A Car  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Alien. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... In A Car".

I'm No Fool ... In An Emergency  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios) There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... In An Emergency".

I'm No Fool ... In Unsafe Places  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... In Unsafe Places".

I'm No Fool ... In Unsafe Places II  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Alien. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... In Unsafe Places II".

I'm No Fool ... On Wheels  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Pinocchio. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... On Wheels".

I'm No Fool ... With A Bicycle  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... With A Bicycle".

I'm No Fool ... With Electricity  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... With Electricity".

I'm No Fool ... With Fire  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket.   There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... With Fire".

I'm No Fool ... With Safety at School  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... With Safety at School".

I'm No Fool... Having Fun  (1955)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket.   There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool... Having Fun".

I'm No Fool ... In Water  (1956)  (Walt Disney Studios)  featuring Jiminy Cricket. There have not yet been any votes for "I'm No Fool ... In Water".

 

Where does the story of Cinderella take place?

Q: Where does the story of Cinderella take place?

Carrie, Poland, New York

A [Dave Smith]: We can assume France, since it is from a French fairy tale, but we never mention a location in our film.

[Marcio Disney]

I found this book from 1893 with 345 different stories about Cinderella

[1893] Cinderella - 345 Variants by Marian Roalfe Cox by Marcio Disney

[George Routledge] Cinderella by Marcio Disney

[Price Sixpense] Adventures of Cinderella by Marcio Disney

Welcome to Pooh Corner

Q: When I was younger, I remember watching a Winnie the Pooh show. It started with telling the story of the Hundred Acre Wood and an old book opening up. It wasn't a cartoon, the characters were in costume. What was the name of this show, and when did it go off the air?
Ana, Oceanside, California

A [Dave Smith]: You are probably thinking of Welcome to Pooh Corner, with performers in costumes and masks of the Pooh characters performing in storybook settings. The process was called "advanced puppetronics." The show debuted on Disney Channel on April 18, 1983.

[Marcio Disney]

Professor Ratigan on a "Trade Parade" float

Q: There is a pin I've seen featuring Professor Ratigan on a "Trade Parade" float. Was there ever a real parade called the "Trade Parade" in a Disney park? If so, did Ratigan appear?
Linda, Yatesville, Pennsylvania

A [Dave Smith]: This pin from a set of 10 was created for a pin-trading event at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World on September 22, 2001. It was not a real parade.

U.S.S. Seacat (S.S. 399) Disney Insignia (1944)

Q: My dad served on the U.S.S. Seacat (S.S. 399) during WWll. I was wondering if out of the 1200 insignias or patch art from Disney, did they create one for this submarine?

Gary, Pleasant Hill, California

A [Dave Smith]: Yes, Disney designed an insignia for the U.S.S. Sea Cat in April 1944 at the request of the submarine's commander, R. R. McGregor. It featured a caricature of an angry-looking catfish.

[Marcio Disney]

 

 Rare pic of the Disney-designed insignia

USS Sea Cat (SS/AGSS-399), a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for a shortened form of sea catfish, a marine fish found off the southeastern coast of the United States.

 WW II battleflag

The USS Sea Cat had a long and distinguish career in the service to her country. Her contributions are immeasurable. She help win the war in the Pacific with three battle stars. The Sea Cat can be proud of her immense contributions in helping win the undeclared cold war with the Soviet Union.  From her North Atlantic operations and Mediterranean deployments to her role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and providing services to train her surface and air counterparts in anti-submarine warfare, she conducted herself with skill, knowledge, proficiency and always with a "Can Do" spirit.

Click Here to visit the USS Sea Cat Association

Click Here to see the chronological history of the Sea Cat movements during her service to her country or the detailed account of her history authored by CDR Robert L. Sminkey.

Click Here to read the USS Sea Cat History

Clic Here to see more USS Sea Cat pictures 

United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.: The First 40 Years [Page 157]: http://tinyurl.com/2f6wtkd

View the Sea Cat (SS-399)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site.

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Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association

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Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Guppy Submarines
Victory at Sea: Full Fathom Five 2 of 3

The Journey of Natty Gann & Race to Witch Mountain

Q: I watched the updated version of Escape to Witch Mountain, which they renamed Race to Witch Mountain, and had a question about the reporter at the beginning of this remake. Is she the same actress who played Natty Gann in The Journey of Natty Gann back in the '80s? I loved that movie and probably drove my parents crazy by watching it over and over as a child. Someone may have asked this question already, but I was just curious because the actress says something like, "This is Natalie Gann, reporting for..." and I rewound the movie to make sure that I had heard her right. Hopefully, you can clear this up for me...

Danae, Arroyo Grande, California

A [Dave Smith]: Good catch! That was indeed Meredith Salenger, who starred in The Journey of Natty Gann, in a cameo portraying "Natalie Gann" in Race to Witch Mountain 24 years later. I wonder how many Natty Gann fans noticed.

[Marcio Disney]

The Journey of Natty Gann [Trailer]

Race to Witch Mountain [First 10 minutes]

Walt and Roy are Disney Legends?

Q: I've always wanted to know why Walt Disney and his brother Roy have not yet been inducted to be part of the "Disney Legends" awards. Is there a good specific reason as to why this may be?
Joe, Livonia, Michigan

A [Dave Smith]: Good question, and I'm not sure what the answer would be. I guess that Walt and Roy Disney essentially were the company during their lives, and it didn't seem necessary to give them the Disney Legend award (which bore their name). They have already been sufficiently honored.

1981 Snow White Picture Disk

Q: I have a Disney picture disk of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Can you tell me what year they came out with these and if they made other picture disks besides this one?
Edward, LaPlace, Louisiana


A [Dave Smith]: The phonograph record picture disc of Snow White was released in 1981 — there were 10 others from that and the following year: Pinocchio, Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, The Fox and the Hound, Cinderella, Bambi, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Peter Pan, and Mickey Mouse Disco.

[Marcio Disney]

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The Secret of Boyne Castle

Q: There was a Disney movie in the late '70s that was about a spy from America who was visiting a friend in England and their adventures. I would love to find out the title and see it again. Can you help?

Troy, Apple Valley, California

A [Dave Smith]: You may be remembering The Secret of Boyne Castle, a three-part television show from 1969 starring Glenn Corbett and Kurt Russell. The plot concerns an American agent trying to meet a defecting scientist in Ireland, with the Russians trying to prevent that meeting. It was repeated in 1978 under the title The Spybusters. The film is not currently available.

[Marcio Disney]

This three part Disneyland movie from 1969 runs somewhere in the neighborhood of 140 minutes! That’s something like 20 minutes longer than Citizen Kane! For a movie starring Kurt Russell as an American exchange student running around Ireland trying to avoid getting caught by Commie secret agents!


The 140 minutes includes the opening and ending credits for each individual episode as well as a “last week on Secret of Boyne Castle” recap that played before parts 2 and 3, but even if you cut out those 15 minutes or so, you’re still left with a movie that’s easily a half hour too long.

Click Here to read a great article about this movie at monsterhunter.com

This is a scene from Walt Disney's 3-part, made-for-TV feature, "The Secret of Boyne Castle". Originally shown on Disney's "Wonderful World of Color", then re-edited into a feature film for European theatrical release under the title, "Guns In The Heather". Filmed in Ireland in all of its rugged beauty with gothic castles, quaint villages and lively pubs.

Tick-Tock, the Crocodile from Peter Pan

Q: In the movie Peter Pan, what's the name of the alligator that wants to eat Captain Hook's hand? I've heard him referred to as Tick-Tock, but I am not sure if that is his name.
Julie, Anaheim, California

A [Dave Smith]: The Crocodile is unnamed in the Peter Pan film, but in later comic book stories he was called Tick-Tock.

[Marcio Disney]

Tick-Tock Croc is a comic book character that first appeared with this name in Four Color #442

#442 - Walt Disney's Peter Pan is a comic book published by Dell & released on 12//1952

Peter Pan

Tick-Tock the Crocodile first appears at the beginning of the film. Captain Hook laments Peter Pan's role in causing the crocodile to follow him. Tick Tock, then appears in the sea next to the ship, sending Hook into a panic. However, Smee shoos off the crocodile. Later, when Captain Hook kidnaps the Indian princess, Tiger Lily, in an attempt to learn Peter Pan's hiding place, Hook is forced to hang from a cliff while fighting Peter Pan. The crocodile approaches, seeing a golden opportunity to eat the Captain. Peter recognizes Tick Tock and almost decides to kick Hook off the cliff but decides against it when Wendy yells at him not to. Hook eventually slips, but is apparently able to escape the crocodile. And of course, Tick-Tock has a part in the climatic battle against Captain Hook. As the Captain falls in the water, Tick Tock begins another pursuit of Hook. He ends up chasing Captain Hook away from Never Land.

Goliath II

The crocodile appeared in the Disney animated short Goliath II. The short was created in order to test the new xerox animation process in order to spend less money on making animated films.

Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers

Tick Tock made a guest appearance as a villain in the Rescue Rangers episode "Kiwi's Big Adventure".

Mickey Mousecapade

The Crocodile made an appearance as the second boss of the Nintendo game Mickey Mousecapade, but only in the American release. In the original Japanese version, the Dodo from Alice in Wonderland is the second boss.

Return to Neverland

It is unknown why he did not show up in the 2002 sequel, Return To Never Land but he was replaced by a giant octopus that made a blip-bloop sound in the waters. But he was mentioned in it by Captain Hook and Smee as well as his silhouette is seen in the clouds, with the clock in his stomach, in the opening of the movie, with a snippet of "Never Smile at a Crocodile".

Aladdin (TV series)

Tick-Tock appeared in cameo of the episode "Vocal Hero" with the other look-like crocodiles.

House of Mouse

Tick Tock Croc appears in the series House of Mouse. He was even one of the villains that appeared in Mickey's House of Villains.

Jungle Cubs

The Crocodile appeared in cameo of Jungle Cubs. He appeared at the end of the episode The Humans Must Be Crazy he also swallowed a clock, after Young Bagheera throw the watch in the water.

Stitch!

The crocodile appeared in the Stitch! anime.

Kingdom Hearts Series

The Crocodile is a character from the Neverland world, and one of Captain Hook's enemies in Kingdom Hearts. He acquired a taste for the pirate captain when Peter Pan chopped off the captain's hand and fed it to him. He now follows Hook around everywhere, hoping to get a second taste of the captain. The crocodile isn't truly a villain, since he primarily hunts Captain Hook, but he will also attack Sora and Ventus, making him a neutral character.

The crocodile also swallowed a ticking alarm clock, that now, unfortunately for the crocodile, warns Captain Hook if he is approaching. This has become something of a trademark for the crocodile, foreshadowing its arrival in a way that terrifies the captain, much to his humiliation.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

The Crocodile plays a small role in Terra's story when he shows up in the Skull Cave and scares Captain Hook away. He also appears during Ventus' story shortly before his fight with Captain Hook. During Ven's fight, the Crocodile swims around in the water attacking Ven if he gets too close and scaring Captain Hook back onto the rock if he goes in the water. After defeat Captain Hook, he tossed to the water by Ven, the Crocodile chasing Hook away. Then Crocodile later appears once again in Aqua's to frighten Hook away for a third time.

Kingdom Hearts

The Crocodile plays a small role at the end of the storyline in the Neverland world though he is mentioned before then. After Sora and Peter Pan defeat Captain Hook, the Captain falls into the water only to be chased away by the Crocodile. This is almost identical to his fate in the movie.

Disney Parks

Fantasmic!

The crocodile along with many other beloved Disney characters has played a role in Disney's Fantasmic at Disneyland Resort. In Disneyland he appears during the Peter and Hook sword duel chasing after the the ship. In Walt Disney World Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios the Peter and Hook duel is replaced with a Pocahontas scene. The tick tock crocodile is bigger then a grown man and is long as a bus.

Disney Park Parades

Tick Tock Croc appeared in the Disney parks on special occasions and on regular days sometimes. In the parade the croc walks around and looks at the crowd while the clock ticks in his belly. In the parade it is true what people say Tick Tock is larger than a grown man.

Peter Pan's Flight

Tick-Tock the Crocodile appeared in Peter Pan's Flight in the Disney Parks to eat Captain Hook.

Dream Along With Mickey

In the show Tick Tock's iconic alarm clock was used to make Captain Hook to Peter Pan during a duel. In the show while the clock is being tossed by characters the song Never Smile at a Crocodile is herd.

Disney On Ice

The Crocodile appeared in Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey in Disney on Ice with Peter Pan story.

The Mickey Mouse Club First Days

Q: I heard that the Mickey Mouse Club started as a local club until Walt Disney turned it into a TV show. Can you clarify the story for me?

Andrew, Seattle, Washington

A [Dave Smith]: The first Mickey Mouse Clubs were run in hundreds of movie theaters nationwide beginning in 1929. At the height of their popularity, in 1932, there were more than a million members.

[Marcio Disney]

Click Here to read an article by Steven Miller (Project Manager for Disney Trading) talking about Vinylmation '55 - The Mickey Mouse Club

The Mickey Mouse Club is one of the most memorable pieces of 1950's pop-culture Americana, with catchy lyrics that have rung through time from Baby Boomers on down. This club, with its daily half-hour television show, song and dance skits, theme days and mouse ears, was not the first Mickey Mouse Club, however. Before Annette and Bobby, before "M-I-C See ya real soon! K-E-Y Why? Because we like you!", before television and Disneyland, was the original Mickey Mouse Club.

Created in 1929 by Harry Woodlin for the Fox Dome Theatre in Ocean Park, California, this original Mickey Mouse Club was a cartoon matinee club for gregarious, all-American youngsters. Clubs of this sort, based around a character with some drawing power like a Mickey Mouse or a Popeye the Sailor Man, were popular with both kids and theatre owners. The kids loved the opportunity to see their animated hero and win prizes, while the owners loved the radically increased patronage and profits they brought with them. Within a year, 150 theatres organized Mickey Mouse Clubs with some 200,000 members. By 1932, the number of members inflated to a million kids spread over 800 theatres.

The weekly club festivities would always get underway with its very own theme song, originally featured in the cartoon Mickey's Follies and comprising the very first original song written by the Disney studios: "Minnie's Yoo Hoo"...

Click here to read this entire article at the Voyages Extraordinaires blog!

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