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Enjoy the magic of World all year long with Celebrations magazine! Receive 6 issues for $29.99* (save more than 15% off the cover price!) *U.S. residents only. To order outside the United States, please visit www.celebrationspress.com.

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On the Cover: “The New ”, photo by Tim Devine Issue 27 Keepsake Pictorial of 42 Contents the New Fantasyland Letters...... 6 Calendar of Events...... 8 Disney News & Updates...... 10

MOUSE VIEWS...... 15 Guide to the Magic by Tim Foster...... 16 The Disney Explorer Emporium by Lou Mongello...... 18 Strike of 1941 52 Hidden Mickeys by Steve Barrett...... 20 Photography Tips & Tricks by Tim Devine...... 22 by Jamie Hecker...... 24 Disney Cuisine by Allison Jones...... 26 World Showcase Travel Tips Adventures with 56 by Beci Mahnken...... 28 Disney Secrets by Jamie Hecker...... 30 Magic by J Darling...... 32

FEATURED ATTRACTION Peter Pan’s Flight...... 34 The Making of FEATURED RESORT Cinderella 60 Art of Animation...... 38

Lou Mongello’s Wayback Machine...... 70 Wandering the World...... 72 By the Numbers...... 73 Quick Quiz...... 74 In Search of:...... 76 Kids Korner...... 78 The Story Behind Mystery Quest...... 82 the Music of 66 Tim & Lou’s Top 10...... 84 Main Street U.S.A. Keeping the Magic Alive For many of us visiting , the experience is often bittersweet. The time we spend there is wonderful, whether you’re sharing it with family and friends, or just enjoying an to a whole other world.

But at some point your vacation ends, and it’s time to leave Mickey and his pals behind as you return home. That’s often a sad moment (even if it’s tempered by the joy of returning home), and for lots of us that’s the time when we start planning that next trip.

But the Disney magic doesn’t have to end when you leave. There are many ways to keep that feeling alive. Souvenirs and collectibles can instantly take you back to the . Watching your favorite Disney classic can put the magic back in your heart. You can even visit your local Disney store if you have one nearby, or curl up with your favorite Disney book (or magazine!).

No matter how you do it, there are lots of ways to keep that Disney magic alive all year long. But why do we do it? What is it about Disney that makes us want to keep the experience going long after we leave the parks?

It all goes back to those things that make Disney special for us in the first place, and for everyone it’s different. For some, it’s keeping that childlike experience fresh in our hearts. For others, it’s about remembering those precious memories shared with those we love. But no matter what the reason, one thing remains consistent. It’s all about maintaining that special magic in our lives, that magic lets us believe that all our dreams, our dreams of innocence, of fantasy, or of family, can always come true.

Tim Foster

2 · Celebrations Editor Tim Foster

Associate Editors Lou Mongello Michelle Foster • Catherine Lusby

Contributing Writers Steve Barrett J Darling Tim Devine Jamie Hecker Allison Jones Beci Mahnken

Creative Direction and Design Tim Foster Associate Art Director Michelle Foster

Customer Service Senior Manager Lisa Mahan

Social Media Director Jessica Clawson

Contributing Photographers Tim Foster, Tim Devine, J Darling

Basic subscription rate is $29.99 for six issues ($35.99 for Canada residents, $54.99 for other international residents). To subscribe online visit www.celebrationspress.com. Single issue price is $5.99. All orders must be prepaid and are payable in U.S. funds only. Celebrations (USPS 025-286) is published bimonthly in the U.S. by Celebrations Press, Inc, 308 Sundance Drive, Chester Springs, PA. 19425. Periodicals Postage Rate Paid at Chester Springs, PA and additional mail- ing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Celebrations, ATTN: Subscriptions, 308 Sundance Drive, Chester Springs, PA 19425. SUBSCRIBERS: If the postal service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

Advertising inquiries (including information on advertising rates and opportunities) can be sent to: [email protected]. We are always accepting story proposals and contributions. You can direct such inquiries to: [email protected]. Unsolicited materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. By sending in unsolicited materials such as photos, you agree that Celebrations Press is not responsible for their safety or return.

©2012 Celebrations Press, Inc. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express writ- ten permission of the publisher. Statements and opinions herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Celebrations is owned and operated by Celebrations Press, Inc. and is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with , Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. Walt Disney World Resort® is a registered trademark of The Walt Disney Company. ® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. This publication makes reference to various Disney copyrighted characters, trademarks, marks, and registered marks owned by The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., and other trademark owners. The use in this book of trademarked names and images is strictly for editorial purposes, no commercial claim to their use, or suggestion of sponsorship or endorsement, is made by the authors or publishers. Those words or terms that the authors have reason to believe are trademarks are designated as such by the use of initial capitalization, where ap- propriate. However, no attempt has been made to identify or designate all words or terms to which trademark or other proprietary rights may exist. Nothing contained herein is intended to express a judgement on, or affect the validity of legal status of, any word or term as a trademark, service mark, or other proprietary mark. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the passage of time will always bring changes in operating schedules, attraction openings and closings, and policies. The authors and publisher shall not be held liable for any information (valid or invalid) presented here and do not represent The Walt Disney Company. 3 · Celebrations Escaping As the New Fantasyland expansion in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom marks the largest growth in the park’s history, I pause to think about how this affects and changes the landscape, both literally and figuratively, of what remains my favorite park. Wandering through the Castle courtyard and beyond the gateway into the Fairytale Forest, I am given a further sense of suspended disbelief, as I feel as though I have been transported to another place and time. Rich detail, theming, story, and multisensory elements complete the immersive experience that becomes truly transformative. This is Disney done very (very) right, and is a further extension of what I love about this park in the first place. Why? Because when you pass under the portal under the Main Street Railroad Station, something happens. Something “special” and, dare I say, something even “magical.” For as you pass through this (and many other locations throughout the park), you are not only transported back in time to Victorian-era, small-town America, but you are instantaneously removed from the reality of your daily life. As you explore the park, you visit other historical times and locations, move forward into the future in , go on exotic adventures, and indulge yourself in a world of Fantasy. But what’s missing? The present. “Here You Leave Today and Enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy” reads the plaque over that first portal, and that’s exactly what happens to you. This Kingdom IS special and magical because it envelops you in a comfortable bubble of childlike innocence and belief that anything is possible, and you have left the “real world” behind you. It completely shuts out everyday life by consciously excluding from our senses any sights, sounds, images or reminders of what we have left behind. It’s emotional, evocative, extraordinary, and wonderfully unique. As you pass under that first archway, and through each of the portals throughout the park, you can allow each of your senses to indulge in the magic that is found here. You’ll be glad that you did.

Lou Mongello

4 · Celebrations Contributors

Kevin Carpenter works in Lori Elias credits her pas- Joe Essaf’s annual family Shana Gallardo is an professional soccer and sion for Disney to long- vacations to Walt Disney elementary school enjoys writing from his time friend Tara Miller, World have instilled in teacher and a Mom to home in Berea, Ohio. Kevin a Cast Member with the him a love of magic and has been published on ESPN Disney Cruiseline. Lori is fantasy. Along with his three already Disney- Cleveland, On the Fly, and a Cleveland-area middle appreciation and passion addicted boys. She made Cleveland.com. Kevin is a school music teacher by day, for the animated classics, her first visit to Walt life-long Disney fan with a freelance writer by night, Joe has a strong connection Disney World at age 17, particular interest in the and Disney fan 24/7. She has with Disney and all of its and enjoys helping other life and works of its founder, written for a number of properties. Joe will always Walt Disney. music publications, and is continue to visit Walt Disney families plan their Disney thrilled to be able to share World and pick himself up a vacations. her love of all things Disney. delicious Mickey Bar.

Ray Harkness thanks Disney Jim Korkis is an for saving his marriage. internationally recognized After being shown the joys Disney Historian whose of a vacation by his lovely writing and original wife Nancy, he now cannot research has been utilized by imagine being away from other Disney Historians as work if it doesn’t involve a well as the Disney Company. Disney resort. When not touring the parks, Ray writes for his blog Grumpy’s Hollow under the name Grumpwurst (grumpyspace. blogspot.com).

5 · Celebrations Letters Fantasyland Secrets? I’m sure we’re not alone in our excitement about the opening of the new Fantasyland. In addition to being Disney fanatics, my entire family is obsessed with Hidden Mickeys. We look for them everywhere, and we always look forward to Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys column in each issue. Do you know if any new Mickeys have been spotted in the new Fantasyland? We’ll be heading to Disney in January and can’t wait to start the hunt! Diane Olsen , Illinois Ah, some fellow Hidden Mickey enthusiasts! It should come as no Celebrating the Magic Together surprise that Steve Barrett has been on the case, and he’s already We love reading Celebrations, so much so that I was discovered a great number of new Hidden Mickeys in Fantasyland. planning on taking a picture of my wife reading it in the Check out his column in this issue to get a sneak peek at some new hospital as we welcomed our new baby. Unfortunately, Mickeys, and good luck on your hunt! when we changed rooms after our son was born our issue went missing! If there’s any way we could get a replacement, I’d love to send you a photo of all of us reading it together. Celebrations is now available for Brian O’Flynn Owensboro,Kentucky your iPhone and iPad! Thanks Brian! We were of course more than happy to send you a The digital version of Celebrations contains all the replacement, and we’re thrilled that you enjoy the magazine. But same magical content as our print edition. As an we REALLY love your photo, there’s nothing more special than a added bonus, you’ll have access to all of our back family sharing that Disney magic together! issues, including those that have long been sold out. You can purchase a six issue (one year) subscription for $29.99, and individual issues for $5.99. Download our free app to access our newsstand library where you can shop and stay notified of new issues. Visit iTunes on your Apple mobile device and search for Celebrations, it’s as easy as that!

Got a question, photo or story you’d like to share? email them to: [email protected] 6 · Celebrations 7 · Celebrations Calendar of Events International Flower and Garden Festival Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, March 6-May 19, 2013 Marathon weekend features runDisney Kids’ Races, a Fam- The Fab Five are having a party, and everyone’s invited to ily Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday join the fun! Colorful, whimsical topiaries of , and the Marathon on Sunday. Thousands of runners will Minnie Mouse, , and will welcome run Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which involves run- topiary Daisy to their Epcot front-entrance celebratory ning the Half Marathon and the full Marathon – 39.3 miles! barbecue. The 14-foot-tall topiary Goofy will bobble an The Health and Fitness Expo runs throughout the week- anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, end at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and features Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and the latest in running technology and fashion, as well as Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms. renowned running experts like Jeff Galloway, the official And that’s just the festival opener. New topiaries, gardens, training consultant for runDisney. For more information, children’s play areas and interactive gardening seminars visit rundisney.com. will set the stage for 75 days of festival fun as Disney’s hor- ticulture team revs up for its 20th year of beautiful blooms Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend and creative whimsy. February 22-24, 2013 For the first year ever, Mike and Sully from Disney-’s A royal celebration is planned for the 5th anniversary Monsters Inc. will join the festivities with their Disney-Pixar Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney Monsters University topiary on the walkway from Future World Resort. Runners completing the 13.1 mile course World to the park’s World Showcase. A new Disney-Pixar though the Magic Kingdom and Epcot will be awarded a Cars playground– Radiator Springs–brings favorite movie special commemorative 5th anniversary medal fit for a characters to life in topiary on the Test Track Walkway. princess. And 2013’s Fawn’s Butterfly House flits to life with hundreds Weekend events include the Mickey Mouse and Min- of butterflies and eight fairy topiaries including Tinker Bell, nie Mouse Royal Family 5K and runDisney Kids’ Races on Fawn, Vidia and Terrence. Saturday, followed by the Half Marathon on Sunday. The The opening weekend Flower Power Concert Series at weekend also includes the Disney Fit for a Princess at ESPN America Gardens Theatre will present fan favorite Micky Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring the latest run- Dolenz (“I’m a Believer”) March 8-10. Other pop acts set to ning apparel and equipment, as well as a speaker series perform include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Guess involving running experts like Jeff Galloway. Who, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. More than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape. Dai- ly hands-on gardening seminars, HGTV celebrity presenta- tions, and other Festival Center events will offer innovative ideas, design tips and gardening know-how to park Guests.

20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon January 10-13, 2013 More than 55,000 runners from throughout the United States and beyond will lace up their running shoes and head to Walt Disney World Resort for the sold-out Walt

8 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney 9 · Celebrations Disney News

ontinuing its strategy of delivering exceptional cre- Cative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney to Acquire World- Disney Company has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lu- casfilm Chairman and Founder, . Renowned Lucasfilm Ltd, Under the terms of the agreement and based on the clos- ing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction Including the Legendary value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. Franchise “Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and

10 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Robert A. Iger, have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Company. “This transaction combines a world-class portfo- Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Sky- lio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family walker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm em- entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney’s unique ployees to remain in their current locations. and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, busi- Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, nesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Dis- drive significant long-term value.” “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one genera- tion to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve al- ways believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was im- portant to set up the transition dur- ing my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and ney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve having a new home within the Disney organization, Star as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many genera- Disney’s global lines of business to build, further integrate, tions to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Ken- the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, in- nedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars teractive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and con- feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consul- sumer products.” tant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucas- more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga film, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technol- and grow the franchise well into the future. ogy, including its massively popular Star Wars franchise The acquisition combines two highly compatible family and its operating businesses in live action film production, entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio beneficial relationship between them that already includes post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.

11 · Celebrations Disney News For a Limited Time Only! Disney Parks Rolls Out the Unexpected with Weekly Surprises, Delights for a Little Extra Magic uests will find an extra sprinkle of pixie dust each week Gwhen they visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland re- sorts next year. While 2013 is already a momentous year for Disney Parks – with New Fantasyland as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history at Walt Disney World Resort and the first full year of a reimagined Disney California Adventure at – Disney unveiled Limited Time Magic: 52 weeks of magical experiences big and small that appear, then disappear as the next special surprise debuts. Imagine an Independence Day celebration – only it lasts an entire week….Main Street mainstays the Dapper Dans rocking out with boy band hits in barbershop style….a Fri- day the 13th dance party with Disney villains that lasts to the 13th hour….a Valentine’s Day in 2013 that becomes Val- romance, complete with their iconic castles bathed in hues entine’s Week with Disney castles blushing pink, surprise of red and pink. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet meet-and-greets with Disney princes and princesses, and park Guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at candlelit dinners for couples in love. select restaurants and Valentine collectibles will be offered These and many more special experiences to surprise for the week. and delight Disney Parks Guests will roll out each week in Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney 2013. Unique, magical, memory-filled – and each for a limited Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party time only. — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney officials noted that Limited Time Magic was in- Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his spired by the reality that many of life’s most cherished patriotic finest and Guests will find special USA shirts, Ear memories are made during those special, but fleeting mo- Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs. ments when families spend time together with shared ex- “Long Lost Friends Week:” Lesser-known Disney char- periences. acters will move from the shadows to the spotlight with Here’s a sampling of Limited Time Magic in store for meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo opps with charac- Guests in 2013 — for a limited time only: ters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight Guests. And throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and en- Disney Guests will even have the chance to vote online for tertainment geared to lovebirds. Guests can celebrate their which characters they want to see. Valentine as Magic Kingdom and Disneyland turn up the Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you

12 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bicoastal buccaneer bash in which Dis- neyland and Walt Disney World become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet- and-greets and more. Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: Dap- per Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Origi- nal Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. numbers often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself. Unleash the Villains: A Friday the 13th in 2013 is a special Disney dream makers are crafting more surprises and day, so Disneyland and Disney Hollywood Studios are stay- magical offers that will be rolled out weekly during the ing open until the 13th Hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Capt. Hook, magical year. The experience of the week will be announced Jafar and other Disney villains host a dance party, complete in a variety of ways including in-park, Disneyworld.com, with limited-edition collectibles and nighttime mischief on Disneyland.com, Facebook, , the Disney Parks Blog – Sept. 13. adding to the element of surprise. Golden Horseshoe Revue: A tribute to the fabled Fron- tierland show comes to Disneyland for one month only, For more information about Limited Time Magic, Guests bringing back some of fun-filled humor, songs and dance should visit www.disneyparks.com. : The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow Arrives at Hollywood Studios

irates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack PSparrow debuted Dec. 6, 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, immersing Walt Disney World Resort Guests in all the action and adventure of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series. Aspiring pirates will experience the story of Cap- tain Jack Sparrow like never before to discover if they have what it takes to join his jolly crew. State-of-the-art technol- ogy brings the swashbuckling world of Captain Jack to life, from an eerie treasure cove to an epic ship-to-ship battle. The attraction is included with theme park admission and is located in Soundstage 4.

13 · Celebrations

elcome to MouseViews, a special section of WCelebrations Magazine where you’ll get an insider’s peek at the Walt Disney World Resort. In every issue we’ll bring you a treasure trove of tips, secrets, magical moments, special insights, little known facts and a whole lot more! Whether it’s a different look at a familiar attraction, a hidden secret waiting to be discovered, or a helpful piece of advice for your upcoming trip, you’re sure to find lots of fun-filled information inside.

So put on your Mickey ears, set your imagination free, and get ready to discover all of those things that make Walt Disney World the most magical place on Earth.

Ready? Then here we go...!

15 · Celebrations Overlooked Magic: The Safety Spiel eep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.” K Ah, the safety spiel. A time-honored tradition of amusement parks and car- nivals throughout the ages. At Walt Disney World, you’ll certainly find your share of spiels throughout the parks, alerting you to keep your arms (or forward facing tentacles, for you TTA fans) out of harm’s way. But like so many things at Disney, the spiel has been taken to a whole new level. Many attractions expand on the tra- ditional spiel with introductory prefaces to set the stage for what’s to come, and by Tim Foster several even have start-to-finish narrations. Often times, the spiel is just as recognizable as the attraction itself, and several have even passed into the iconic category. Not convinced? Just say “Por favor man- ténganse alejado de las puertas” to even the most casual of Disney fans, and you’ll get that instant recognition as they recall the safety alert aboard the Walt Disney World monorail. This phrase (which, for the very few of you who don’t know, is Span- ish for “please stand clear of the doors”) is so well known and so synonymous with the Magic Kingdom that you’ll find it emblazoned on shirts and other souvenirs. But that’s just the beginning.

Keeping in Character For many attractions, the spiel is not just an obligatory warning, but rather an opportunity to enhance the ride experience. The spiel will frequently be tweaked to maintain the theme of the attraction, as with the aforementioned TTA. In its previous version, an announcement played as you exited saying Tim Foster is the author of “Attention, all visitors from galaxy M31, please keep forward-facing tentacles clear the Guide to the Magic book of oncoming Metroliner vehicles.” For those of you who always wondered, Galaxy series, which includes the Guide to the Magic for Kids, the Lost M31 isn’t a made-up place, it’s actually the Messier designation for the Andromeda Journals, and the Guide to the Galaxy, the closest galaxy to our own Milky Way. Whether the residents there have Magic Autograph & Sticker actual tentacles remains to be seen! (The current version of the TTA no longer fea- Book. Tim is also the creator of tures that out-of-this-world spiel, though you can still hear the familiar page for Mr. the www.guidetothemagic.com Tom Morrow as you enter Space Mountain.) website. Over at , the instructions to avoid flash pictures and to watch for the lowering of the safety bar are ghoulishly delivered by your Ghost Host. In addition to enhancing the creepiness of the attraction, the spiel has be- come legendary in its own right. Just thinking of the Ghost Host reminding you that there are to be “no flash pictures please, our ghosts are frightfully sensitive to bright lights” is enough to send chills up your spine. Interestingly, the exit spiel is just as memorable, with your Ghost Host telling you that he will raise the safety bar and that a “ghost will follow you home.” His parting words of “watch your step please, watch your step,” are a fitting finale to your ghostly tour. The voice of the Ghost Host was provided by Disney Legend , who also voiced several of the pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean. As an aside, if the Haunted Mansion puts you in the holiday spirit (Christmas I mean, not Halloween!), that’s because Frees also played the role of the Burgermeister Meisterburger in the holiday classic, is Comin’ to Town.

16 · Celebrations Speaking of holidays, fans of the Carousel of Progress may films. Instead, Buzz’s attraction voice was recorded by Pat recognize the distinctive tones of narrator Jean Shepherd, Fraley, who also provided minor character voice work for who also plays the father, John. Shepherd provided the nar- Monsters Inc., , and . ration for the modern-day holiday classic, A Christmas Story. Speaking of space adventures, your training instructions Many other attractions feature safety spiels that keep in at Mission: SPACE are provided by Gary Sinise, another CSI character with the theming, including Big Thunder Moun- veteran (currently playing the role of Mac Taylor on CSI: NY). tain Railroad (“You folks wearin’ hats and glasses, please re- Sinise is also well known for his roles as Lieutenant Dan move them, cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilder- Taylor in Forrest Gump and Harry S. Truman in the TV film ness!”), (“Have a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah ride!”) Truman. However, for the purposes of your upcoming space and even Mickey’s Philharmagic, where Goofy tells you mission, his most significant role was that of Ken Mattingly “For yer safety, please don’t go puttin’ on yer special operee in Apollo 13, a role that won him and his fellow cast members glasses ‘til someone tells ya” as you make your way into the the 1995 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Per- theater. Heeyuck! formance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (the first year the award was given). Coincidentally, the lead role of astronaut Celebrity Spiels James Lovell was played by Tom Hanks, who of course pro- Of course, like so many other things, Disney specializes vides the voice of Woody in the Toy Story films. The preshow in taking the introductory spiel to a whole new level. Why film at Mission: SPACE actually serves several purposes. In have an anonymous voice tell you to store your valuables addition to providing safety tips and warnings, the film also and to refrain from flash photography when you can add sets up the complex back story of your mission to Mars, an- a famous face to the experience? Celebrity attraction intro- other example of Disney storytelling at its finest. As if that ductions can be found throughout the parks, and we’re not weren’t enough, the film has a third function, that of telling even talking about full-length attraction narrations such you how to board your spacecraft. Mission:SPACE utilizes a as Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye at the Universe of Energy, system of numbered pads on the floor to help divide up the or Dame Judi Dench on Spaceship Earth. (That’s a tale for crews and to assign seating spaces and mission roles. The another day!) process is a bit complicated, but with the aid of Sinise and Speaking of Bill Nye, he makes another Walt Disney World his fellow mission specialists (as well as a few friendly on- appearance in the first stop of our spiel tour, at the Dino- hand Cast Members), things typically go quite smoothly. saur! attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bill Nye the Sci- On the other side of Epcot’s Future World is another at- ence Guy provides the introductory narration as you make traction with a complex loading system that also makes use your way through the queue, relating the tale of the dino- of a celebrity narrator, and this one may be the funniest of saurs and introducing you to the theoretical explanation them all. Over at Soarin’, your preboarding announcements for their sudden extinction. However, this is not the actual in advance of your flight over California are provided by safety spiel, which occurs in the next room. Here, you are Patrick Warburton, perhaps best known for his role as Da- given an overview of what to expect from Dr. Marsh, played vid Puddy on Seinfeld. Warburton has also done extensive by Phylicia Rashad of The Cosby Show, and Dr. Grant Seeker voice over work throughout the years, most notably as Kro- (get it?), played by Wallace Langham, who plays lab tech Da- nk in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove. He also performed vid Hodges on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In addition to the role of Buzz Lightyear on the TV animated series Buzz his role on CSI, Langham had a couple small voiceover roles Lightyear of Star Command. (Funny how everything comes on the animated TV series, Buzz Lightyear of Star Com- back to Buzz, huh?) Warburton’s safety spiel is filled with mand. Speaking of Buzz, let’s head over to Tomorrowland his trademark humor, whether it’s his special instructions and another iconic celebrity spiel, that of Buzz Lightyear for smaller aviators or his reminder to stow all valuables in himself in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Though not a the basket under your seat, “including these little beauties.” safety spiel per se, Buzz’s intro sets the stage for the mission Mickey ears of course! that awaits you, and showcases one of the more impressive There are other celebrity spiels and narrations to be found Audio-Animatronic figures in all of Walt Disney World. Sur- throughout the parks, and we’ll talk about them in an up- prisingly though, the voice of Buzz isn’t that of , coming issue. But for now, in the words of your Chief Flight who famously provides the voice of Buzz in the Toy Story Attendant Patrick from Soarin’, “Have a nice flight!”

17 · Celebrations Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe iberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom may be a land that is small Lin size, but it’s arguably one of the most replete with details both in design and architecture. It is a land that is less about fantasy and more about reality, set against the backdrop of American history. Even the shops have a story to tell, and in some cases, more than one. Near the Liberty Tree, across from , is a wonderful store known as Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Like many locations throughout the Magic Kingdom, it has changed over the years and has had a number of different occu- pants. When the Magic Kingdom first opened, this location was originally made up of three very distinct and unique shops.

The Days of Yore by Lou Mongello First up was Mademoiselle Lafayette’s Parfumerie, where perfume blenders cre- ated custom fragrances for Guests, creating hundreds of combinations from six basic fragrances. Each Guest’s individual formula was recorded so that they could be reordered on a subsequent visit or by mail. The shop also sold atomizers, funnels, and glass cylinders, as well as boxed and bottled brands of perfume like Chanel. Adjacent to the Parfumerie was Johnny Tremaine’s Silversmith’s shop. Johnny Tremaine was the title character from the 1957 Disney film, based on an Esther Forbes novel about a silversmith’s apprentice who joins the Boston Tea Party and helps to hang the lights on the Liberty Tree (which is located right outside the store). The shop had low ceilings and a wood planked floor, and inside the antique cabinets sat a variety of silver and pewter teaspoons, tongs, bowls, tea sets, cande- labras, and plates for sale, all of which would have been in vogue during the 1700s. Speaking of antiques, the Olde World Antiques shop opened next door in 1972, and behind the lace-curtained windows, Guests could browse through and purchase Lou Mongello is the host of the award real antiques like grandfather clocks, furniture, tables, and decorative items in winning WDW Radio podcast and brass, pewter, copper, and wood. While some were authentic reproductions, there the author of the definitive Disney were many one-of-a-kind antiques to be found including jewelry, colonial china, trivia books, “Walt Disney World vintage clothing, and early American furniture ranging in costs from hundreds to Trivia” Volumes 1 and II. He is also the thousands of dollars. producer of the newly released Audio Guides of Walt Disney World, a CD As with everything else, merchandise shops continually evolve at the Disney series that gives you a personal tour theme parks, and in 1997 the shops merged and became Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. of the happiest place on Earth. You Since that time, it has sold a variety of holiday items such as ornaments (which can can listen to the show and discover be personalized), tree toppers, train sets, and toys. more secrets, rumors and facts at Lou’s website: Deck the Halls www.wdwradio.com Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is actually comprised of three connected shops and storefronts, numbered 9, 11, and 13, complete with second story residences that, in historical times, may have been brimming with busy craftspeople preparing for the upcoming holiday festivities. The Music Teacher’s Shop displays recorders, mandolins, and fiddles, perhaps readied for playing at a ball in honor of Twelfth Night (January 6). The music that greets you upon entering is that of Isaac Watts’ beloved “Joy to the World, ” as well as other traditional English favorites such as “The Holly and the Ivy” and “I Saw Three

18 · Celebrations Ships.” You can see by the sign hanging outside that “Music & Voice Lessons are by appointment and given by Ichabod Crane, Instructor.” Ichabod, the main character in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” was known for his warbling and would give lessons to the ladies of the town in exchange for home cooking. Next door is a Woodcarver’s Shop, casual and more rough- hewn. The blue sign outside, shaped like a rocking horse, advertises “Woodwright – Fine Carving, Toy Making and Carpentry.” The tools of the trade sit amidst curled shavings of pine and cherry. In the corner is a lovingly crafted hobby- horse, and decorative holiday ornaments are all around. If you look carefully, you just might be able to find Geppetto’s wooden Pinocchio on display along with other wooden toys and a workbench. Near the Liberty Tree is the quaint home of a family of Pennsylvania Germans, folk artists, and craftsmen whose hospitality is evident in the beautiful items they offer for sale, such as dolls, clothing, and blankets, as well as the pot of hot cider they keep on the stove. Careful observers will see the tailor’s thread, scissors, and handiwork hanging along the walls. Established in 1779, the family’s name is of- ficially Kepple, a reference to Walt Disney’s paternal grand- father, Kepple Disney.

Out and About The quiet area behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, cur- rently home to a character meet and greet location and a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card distribution point, has undergone subtle changes throughout the years. This location originally had a small pathway running behind the past,” there were two other Christmas shops in Walt Dis- shops, with a brick wall separating this patch of Colonial ney World as well: The Christmas Chalet in the Walt Disney civilization from the canal that runs through the hub. The World Village (now ), which was located bricks used on the wall actually came from old buildings be- where the LEGO Imagination center currently sits. On Main ing torn down in Downtown Orlando. Street, U.S.A., another Christmas shop was located on the In 1972, this area was expanded into a series of patios, with east side of the street, and featured a miniature library a small refreshment stand, appropriately known as Fife scene with Mickey curled up by a fire in front of Christmas and Drum Refreshments, added later. This snack location tree. remained open for about 15 years before being shuttered, Christmas is still celebrated all year ‘round at It’s a Won- but the seating area remained. Around 1995, the area was re- derful Shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, located near purposed to become a Pocahontas meet and greet location, MuppetVision 3D. And at Disney’s Days of Christmas in known as the Enchanted Glen. Various characters would Downtown Disney, you can step into a warm, inviting living appear at this location over time, including Princess Tiana room every day of the year to celebrate the season. and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog in 2009. In So even if you visit Walt Disney World in the sweltering 2000, a second bridge was constructed that extended over summer months, just remember it’s always “the most won- the Castle moat, leading to the entrance to . derful time of year” in this quaint little corner of Liberty As long as we’re looking at some “ghosts of Christmas Square.

Photo ©Tim Foster 19 · Celebrations Hidden Mickeys in The New Fantasyland

he Imagineers at Walt Disney World conjured up a large new section of Fanta- Tsyland in the Magic Kingdom. I wish to introduce you to a few Hidden Images in the intricate detail of this amazing area. While you’re there, be sure to admire some enduring Fantasyland Hidden Mickeys that I include at the end of the article.

1. At the entrance to “Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid,” a classic (three- circle) Hidden Mickey is made of impressions in the rock to the right of the sign outside. The Hidden Mickey is tilted to the right. 2. Along the entrance queue of this attraction, after you pass under an archway out- side, look for a pool on your right. A Mickey hat with ears made of impressions in by Steve Barrett the rock is about halfway up the rear wall of the pool. (It’s at the right center of the photo). 3. Just before you leave the cavern along the exit of the “Under the Sea” attraction, search for a classic Mickey made of impressions in the rock. It’s under a blue light about halfway up the wall on your left, and it’s tilted to the left. 4. Steamboat Willie (Mickey Mouse) is etched in a series of rocks on your right as you exit the cavern to the outside of the “Under the Sea” attraction. Closest to the walkway are Mickey’s legs and shorts, with the two buttons on his shorts (impres- sions in the rocks) as landmarks. Find Mickey’s face with his left ear and round nose on a flat rock farther away from you; he’s looking to your left. His tall slender hat with brim is formed by the last rock that sticks above his head. Behind the fern fronds in the photo is another rock with Mickey’s hand on a boat’s wheel. Don’t miss this image. Line up the rocks, and you’ll be awed by a wonderful ex- ample of Imagineer-inspired detail! Steve Barrett is the author of three 5. Several classic Mickey cement footprint impressions made from an adult and a Hidden Mickeys Field Guide books baby “elephant” (Mrs. Jumbo and ?) are in the walkway near the restrooms (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, in the Fantasyland Train Station exit area. and the ) and 6. On the huge billboard at the right side of , a small gray classic “The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation” book, as well as an iPhone Hidden Mickey is located in the middle of the propeller of the farthest right lower app for Walt Disney World Hidden plane. The attraction train hurtles through the left side of this billboard. Mickeys. You can check out more 7. At the entrance to The Barnstormer, classic Mickeys are in swirls in the scrollwork Hidden Mickeys at Steve’s website: below a picture of Goofy, at the top corners of the faux ticket booth window. www.hiddenmickeysguide.com 8. At Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, a classic Mickey in the clouds is behind the neck of the tall giraffe on the side of the central train car behind Casey. The Mickey cloud is tilted to the right. Look for the boxcar with the monkey and giraffes on top. The image is on the side of the boxcar facing the restrooms. 9. At the beginning of the entrance queue to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a side profile of Mickey Mouse is carved into the bark on the outside back of Mr. Sanders’ treehouse. It’s at the upper left corner above the lower window. 10. Inside Mr. Sanders’ treehouse in the entrance queue of Winnie the Pooh, a classic Mickey is formed by rocks embedded in the wall above the short door.

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21 · Celebrations Photography 101: Part 1-“Talk the Talk” ne of the questions I get from a lot of folks is, “How do I take better photos Oat Walt Disney World?” It’s a difficult question to answer in a short space, so I thought this would be a good time to go back to the beginning and do some foun- dation laying. For the next few articles in Shutters in Lenses, we are going to take a Photography 101 course together in order to teach you how to take better photos, from the absolute basics to some more advanced concepts. This series will start at the rock bottom beginning, and everything will build from there. I am going to try by Tim Devine to explain the concepts in a basic way, like we were having a cup of coffee together, and leave the more advanced theoretical concepts on the floor, since it doesn’t al- ways matter “why” things happen as opposed to “how” to make them happen. So, let’s dive right in and begin!

PART 1 - “Talk the Talk” Perhaps the most important part of learning anything is in knowing how to “speak the language.” By this I mean the proper use and understanding of terminol- ogy and the nomenclature that goes with any particular hobby or profession. Hav- ing a working knowledge of the terminology will help you to understand what is going on, allow you to understand what the experts are talking about, and of course make you more knowledgeable about your hobby.

Tim Devine is an avid photographer Parts of the Camera and the owner and webmaster of Lens: A device used for capturing light and focusing the light rays into the camera www.themagicinpixels.com, a website body and onto a recording medium. created for and dedicated to fellow Disney Photography Enthusiasts. In addition to a large gallery of photos Recording Medium: The material that records the picture by imaging the light you can browse, you’ll also find tips, that enters the camera through the lens; either a digital sensor or traditional film. articles and equipment reviews to help you create magical photo Meter: A device inside the camera that calculates the amount of light in a scene and memories of your Walt Disney World determines the proper shutter speed and aperture to properly expose the photo- Resort vacation. Tim lives in South Jersey with his wife, graph. You can have the meter read the entire scene or sample a tiny fraction of the Karen, and their sons, Billy and Ryan. scene in order to make its calculation. Do you have a photography topic that you would like to see in this column? SLR (or d/SLR): Single Lens Reflex, what you see through the viewfinder is what Please email the front of your lens is seeing. In an SLR camera system, light enters the lens and [email protected] is redirected prior to reaching the sensor via a series of mirrors and prisms to your eye, hence you see exactly what the lens is seeing and what will be captured. This is in contrast to a typical “point and shoot” camera, where the viewfinder is simply a window through the camera body that provides a slightly different view than that seen through the lens itself. d/SLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, which uses a digital sensor as opposed to film. Nearly everything besides the recording medium is the same in film and d/SLR cameras. An MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera) is a hybrid of a “point and shoot” and a d/SLR, which features interchange-

Photo ©Tim Devine 22 · Celebrations able lenses but does not have the mirror and prism system focus. It can vary from shallow to deep, and is determined (optical viewfinder) of the d/SLR. by the aperture setting. Shallow depth of field means that only part of the photo is in focus, such as when the subject Shutter: A device that opens for a pre-determined amount appears sharp but the background is blurred (good for por- of time to allow the light rays that have been focused by the traits or close-up photography). A deep depth of field means lens to strike the recording medium. that more of the photo will be in focus, not matter how close or far away the objects are in relation to each other (use- Viewfinder: The opening that you look into which allows ful for landscapes). Remember, a smaller aperture (large f/ you to see what is being photographed. It can be optical (as in stop number, such as f/22) results in a greater depth of field, an SLR system) or electronic (Light enters the lens and is cap- while a larger aperture (smaller f/stop number, such as f/2.8) tured directly by the sensor and projected on a view screen results in a smaller depth of field. (We’ll talk more about the in either the eyepiece and/or rear LCD screen. An electronic relationship between aperture and shutter speed in an up- image can be slightly different from what is actually being coming issue.) captured, due to the camera amplifying the image so you can see it.) Focal Length: The distance from a lens to its focus (sen- sor or film), as expressed in millimeters (mm). Longer focal Lens Terminology lengths give more magnification and make subjects appear Aperture: An adjustable opening inside of the lens that con- closer, and the opposite holds true for shorter focal lengths. trols the amount of light entering the camera (much like the Lenses with longer focal lengths are called “telephoto lenses” iris in your eye). Changing the aperture allows you to adjust and lenses with shorter focal lengths are called “wide-angle the Depth of Field (see below) by adjusting the size of the lenses.” opening in the lens. The aperture is expressed as the “f/stop”, for example, f/2.8, f/4, or f/5.6. In case you’re curious, the f/stop ISO: Equivalent to “film speed.” ISO refers to the light sensi- is the ratio of the focal length to the aperture diameter. Con- tivity of the recording medium. A higher ISO setting requires fused? Don’t worry, all you need to know is that the lower the less light to make photos, and is good for low-light situa- number, the larger the opening, and vice versa. A lower f/stop tions. Higher ISO settings will allow you to use slower shutter (i.e., a larger opening) creates a small depth of field, while a speeds and/or larger apertures to capture more light, but the higher f/stop (i.e., a smaller opening) creates a large depth of trade off is that the higher the ISO, the more “noise” or “grain” field. Incidentally, in spoken terms, f/2.8 is said “eff two eight” will accumulate in your image. or even more simply as “two eight,” and not “eff slash two point eight.” Shutter Speed: The amount of time, expressed in seconds, that the camera’s shutter remains open, allowing light rays Element: A single piece of glass inside of the lens. Lenses fea- to pass through and strike the recording medium. On your ture multiple pieces of glass in order to properly focus the camera, shutter speeds are typically marked in two ways. For light rays passing through the lens and the aperture. faster speeds, the number is shorthand for a fraction of a second, for example, 250 means 1/250th of a second. However, Fixed Lens: A lens that is not interchangeable, such as on a when you see a number followed by a quote mark, such as 3”, point-and-shoot camera. A fixed lens can still zoom. that stands for three full seconds.

Prime Lens: A lens that is of a fixed focal length and does While it is impossible to list every single photographic not zoom. term in one article, I hope this has given you a clearer un- derstanding of some of the vernacular associated with pho- Zoom Lens: A lens that can be adjusted to multiple focal tography. These terms are considered proper terminology, lengths for a variety of purposes. so you would want to use them when speaking with other photographers, much the way doctors would use their ter- Other Important Photographic Terms minology when speaking with other doctors. Have fun with Depth of Field: The amount of the photograph that is in photography and see you next time!

23 · Celebrations or decades, Disney fans around the world have come to know and love the Fcharacters and stories that unfold on the silver screen. There’s something ex- traordinary about seeing Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Mulan, or Sheriff Woody come to life right before our eyes. The animators and artists that breathe life into these characters are indeed legendary, but there’s a lot more that goes into creating a memorable character. Writers, story- board artists, colorists, editors, musi- cians, and countless others all play a vital role in bringing the story to the by Jamie Hecker screen. However, the most memora- ble element just might be that of the voice actor. These men, women, and children bring depth of emotion and nuance to their role. They must be- come the character onscreen, heard but not seen. Guests leaving the the- ater may not know the face of the humans behind the animated charac- ters, but they certainly make a lasting impression. The Disney Legends program has honored multiple individuals who have worked as voice artists. The list includes, but is not limited to: and , the original voices of Goofy and Donald Duck; , the youthful and exuberant voice of Snow White; , eternally known for his work as Jiminy Cricket; and Tim Allen, the boisterous voice of Buzz Jamie Hecker has been a lifelong Lightyear from the Toy Story trilogy. However, for his body of work, one Disney voice fan of Disney, and is passing on his love to his sons. He and his family artist stands above the others; Sterling Holloway. His may not be a household name, visit Orlando annually and always but many of his characters, including Kaa, the Cheshire Cat, and the unflappable look forward to their next trip. Winnie the Pooh, certainly are. Sterling Holloway brought all three to life with his When not in Orlando, he resides highly distinctive voice. in northern Virginia with his Holloway enjoyed a fifty-year career in Hollywood that spanned radio, television, beautiful wife Suzanne, two boys and film. Born and raised in rural Georgia, he enrolled in the American Academy of and four cats. You can read more about his Dramatic Arts in New York City at the tender age of fifteen. He honed his craft early “hidden Disney” musings at in the theater before heading to in 1926. Holloway’s first film was a silent myhiddendisney.blogspot.com/ comedy, common for that era. Hollywood was in a period of transition, and soon “talkies’’ were literally the talk of the town. With his red pompadour and uniquely high-pitched, raspy voice, Holloway easily made the transition to sound films. Holloway’s Disney career nearly began with Walt’s breakthrough feature Snow White and the . Walt himself had been closely following Holloway’s film career, and in 1934 penciled him in as the voice of Sleepy, though the role ultimately went to Pinto Colvig. Disney didn’t forget him however, and Holloway made his Dis- ney debut in a brief but memorable scene in Dumbo, as Mr. Stork delivering a pint- sized pachyderm to Mrs. Jumbo. Next, he voiced the adult incarnation of Flower

24 · Celebrations the skunk in . Although his initial roles were small, ing today…see what you can do with the snake. I can’t find his unmistakable voice, with its gentle southern drawl still the right voice.’ So I went in and decided to make Kaa have peeking through, led Disney producers and directors to cast a distinct ache in his back.” Holloway’s supporting work as him in a new light: he would serve as a narrator of short Kaa was widely praised. Disney historian Jim Fanning noted films. His first narration was as Professor Holloway describ- about the performance: “Holloway not only delivered the ing the life of Pablo the penguin in Disney’s second South lines with a mixture of menace and misplaced self-confi- American goodwill tour package film, dence, but also ad-libbed dialogue that sparked the imagi- (see Celebrations issue #25). nations of the artists.” The next package film, Walt was so pleased with , featured Holloway’s initial work an animated adaptation that he insisted the role of the classic orchestral of Kaa be expanded, re- piece Peter and the Wolf. sulting in a confronta- Holloway’s light-hearted tion with the film’s other narration offered an ef- antagonist, Shere Khan. fective counterweight As memorable as Kaa to the frightening an- was, Holloway, in the twi- tagonist. Additionally, he light of his Disney career, narrated Disney classic had saved his best for shorts such as The Little last. The Disney Company, House, a sweet-hearted between 1966 and 1974, story of a simple home released three whimsical that stands the test of featurettes based on the time, and Susie the Little A. A. Milne character Win- Blue Coupe, whose anthro- nie the Pooh and his Hun- pomorphic styling of au- dred Acre Wood compan- tomobiles was the source ions: Winnie the Pooh and of inspiration to Pixar for the Honey Tree, Winnie the the Cars movies. Pooh and the Blustery Day, Holloway’s voice work and Winnie the Pooh and with these movies and Tigger Too. Holloway’s soft shorts had cemented and sweet raspy voice his reputation within was perfect for the “bear the Disney Company, but his best work was ahead of him. of very little brain,” whose simple and singular goal is honey. The studio was ambitiously adapting Lewis Carroll’s “Alice Holloway, for the first time in his Disney career, played in Wonderland” for its next animated feature. The film was a leading role instead of a supporting part, allowing him filled with marvelous, mysterious, and fanciful characters, the opportunity to let his full range of acting and singing including the Mad Hatter, the white rabbit, the Queen of skills shine. He was the perfect embodiment of Pooh as he Hearts, and of course Alice. However, perhaps the most delicately sang, “I’m Just a Little Black Rain Cloud,” the in- memorable character was the Cheshire Cat. Holloway’s fectious song that highlighted the first silky performance as the curiously philosophical feline is featurette. Holloway cited Winnie the Pooh as his favorite frequently lauded as the film’s highlight. character, which should come as no surprise. Following The Jungle Book, released in 1967, is cited as the last ani- the enormous success of the films, the two became syn- mated feature that Walt Disney personally supervised. Hol- onymous with each other. Appropriately enough, Winnie loway was cast as Kaa the python at the personal request the Pooh served as Sterling Holloway’s escort when he was of Walt. Holloway recalled, “Walt was a stickler for voices. He awarded the Disney Legends honor in 1991, and he was the came to me and said, ‘When you’ve finished what you’re do- first person to receive the award in the Voice category.

25 · Celebrations Nine Dragons in the China Pavilion ith the weather cooling down in Orlando, I find myself wandering around WWorld Showcase at Epcot in search of some “warm your body” food. I instant- ly think of the popular restaurant in the China Pavilion called Nine Dragons, which serves lunch and dinner. This is the perfect menu to warm me up, featuring plum- chili, ginger-soy sauces, and spicy beef! You are welcomed into Nine Dragons restaurant by a stunning glass mural of two dragons chasing a pearl. Be sure to look up, because the ceiling in the lobby is just as amazing, adorned with more dragons all in gold. As you walk into the restau- rant, you’ll find warm, dark wood paneling, bright Chinese lanterns, and artwork all highlighting the Chinese culture. There are also several windows with views of World Showcase, and you can request a window seat when you check in with the By Allison Jones host/hostess. The tables are very close together in this open restaurant, very typical of the Chi- nese culture. With the open seating, it tends to be very loud in Nine Dragons. The Chefs at Nine Dragons create authentic cuisine from China with traditional and modern touches. Most of the food is served family style, so everyone can share in the meal. One of my favorite touches in Nine Dragons is the place mat. Each place mat teaches you how to write Chinese, and shows you the evolution of a few Chi- nese characters. This fun activity keeps the family active until the appetizers arrive. There are several appetizers to choose from, including both cold and warm selec- tions. The cold appetizers include Dioa Yu Tai Cucumber Salad, Spicy Beef, Fragrant Chicken, and an Appetizer Trio. The Appetizer Trio serves two people and is a sam- pler platter of all three cold appetizers. The hot appetizers include Pot Stickers, Walnut Shrimp Toast, Shrimp and Taro Lollipops, Shrimp and Chicken Egg Rolls, and General Tso’s Chicken Dumplings. The Pot Sticker is a sautéed pork and vegetable dumpling served with Cilantro-Soy dip- ping sauce. The Walnut Shrimp Toast is a classic Chinese snack served Nine Dragons style. The Shrimp and Taro Lollipops are similar to the popular Chinese dish called dim sum, with a special Wu Xiang dipping sauce. The Shrimp and Chicken Egg Rolls As an Orlando local, Allison has seen the growth of the Walt Disney World are shrimp, roast chicken, and bell peppers served with plum-chili and ginger-soy Resort. She experienced the inside as a sauces. The General Tso’s Chicken Dumplings serve two, with steamed dumplings Disney Cast Member and has planned accompanied by a tart Chinese Red Sauce. The cold and hot appetizers range in Disney vacations for over 10 years. price from $5.98-10.98. Allison Jones is a travel consultant To warm up from the winter cold, you can enjoy Hot and Sour Soup, Chicken Con- with Destinations in Florida Travel somee with Port Dumplings, or Vegetable and Egg Fried Rice. You can also enjoy one and MouseDine. Destinations in Florida is an Authorized Disney of these extra sides with your entree. The price for these soups and sides is $3.98. Vacation Planner selling Disney There are many entrees to enjoy at Nine Dragons, with vegetarian, meat, and vacations. seafood selections. The two vegetarian dishes are Vegetarian Stir-Fry and Veg- MouseDine is a restaurant etable and Tofu Stir-Fry. The meat entrees are Honey Sesame Chicken, Sweet and consulting company for Disney World Sour Pork, Canton Pepper Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Spit Roasted Beijing Chicken, and Dining Reservations. Visit Chinese Chicken Salad. One of the most popular entrees is the Canton Pepper Beef, www.destinationsinflorida.com or www.mousedine.com for more which features stir-fry beef, onions, green peppers, and red peppers all in a savory information on Disney Dining. broth. Another popular choice is the Spit Roasted Beijing Chicken that is rotisser- ie cooked and served with a side of mashed Taro. For a lighter entree, the Chinese Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. This dish includes sliced chicken, mixed greens,

Photos ©Disney 26 · Celebrations your next Disney World vacation. You can call Disney Din- ing or book with your travel agent. This restaurant is on the with only one sit down meal per person. Experience a delicious sampling of Chinese culture and food at the popular Nine Dragons restaurant at Epcot.

Canton Pepper Beef Recipe from Nine Dragons Ingredients: 8 ounces beef flank steak 1 green pepper 1 red pepper 1 small onion 1 cup cooking oil Marinade: 4 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chicken base cucumbers, tomatoes, raisins, and walnuts with a light 1/4 teaspoon sugar Sweet Ginger Dressing or Peanut-Coconut Dressing. For sea- 1 egg white food entrees, you can try the Peppery Shrimp with Lightly 1 teaspoon cornstarch Spiced Spinach Noodles or Fragrant Five-Spiced Fish. The Sauce: Fragrant Five-Spiced Fish is a light dish of sautéed whitefish 1 tablespoon soy sauce with a Chinese Five-Spice sauce. 1 teaspoon oyster sauce If you would like to enjoy both seafood and meat, Nine 1 teaspoon wine Dragons offers several choices including Shrimp and Steak 1 teaspoon chicken stock and Nine Dragons Fried Rice. The Shrimp and Steak features 1/2 teaspoon chicken base grilled shrimp and steak served with bok choy and drizzled 1/2 teaspoon sugar with a sweet Chinese red sauce. The Nine Dragons Fried Rice Pinch of white pepper is a stir-fried rice with shrimp, chicken, ham, eggs, and veg- 1 teaspoon cornstarch etables with just a touch of chili spice. 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil If you are up for an interactive experience, you can order Preparation: the Zha Jiang Noodles Sampler. This entree allows you to 1. Slice beef flank steak. Combine marinade ingredients. mix and match your own noodles with fresh vegetables Marinate beef in a bowl for at least 30 minutes. Cut pep- and the option of sauces. The sauces are a sweet Minced pers and onion into bite-size pieces. Set aside. Pork and a spicy Diced Chicken. This entree is a fun way for 2. Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside. kids to experience Nine Dragons. The entrees range in price 3. Place approximately 1 cup of cooking oil in a heated wok or from $15.98-26.98. fry pan and heat oil to medium heat. Place marinated beef One of my favorite ways to enjoy Nine Dragons is the Fam- in heated oil and cook until almost done. Drain beef into a ily Dinner for $23.98 per person. This dinner gives you a sam- strainer. Set aside. pling of some of Nine Dragons best menu items. Each per- 4. Leave about a teaspoon of oil in the wok. Place it back on son can choose a soup, entrée, and dessert. You can choose the stove. Stir-fry onion and peppers for 30 seconds. Pour from soup or side options including Hot and Sour Soup or sauce mixture over onions and green peppers. Stir occa- Chicken Consomme with Pork Dumplings. Entrees include sionally with a spatula. Honey-Sesame Chicken, Canton Pepper Beef, or Sour Pork. 5. When sauce mixture begins to darken in color, place beef For dessert, you can choose from Strawberry Red Bean Ice back into the wok and stir-fry swiftly. The dish is done Cream or Caramel Ginger Ice Cream. when the peppers have softened. Serve hot with steamed Be sure you make an Advanced Dining Reservation for white rice.

27 · Celebrations Getting Those Souvenirs Home

Walt Disney World vacation wouldn’t be complete without souvenirs, and you’ll A find a plethora of stores and shops to help you bring those Disney memories home. You’ll find everything from T-shirts, pins, and large character sculptures, to snow globes, fine jewelry, and framed art. Disney has so much to offer that it’s often difficult to decide what to get. There’s a lot to think about of course, but one of the most important things is something that people sometimes forget: how to get it home? By Beci Mahnken CTC-MCC Guests Flying Home If you’re going to be flying home, you’ll need to be very mindful about what you’ll purchase since there are restrictions about what you can take on the plane, both in a carry-on and in your checked baggage. It’s a good idea to check the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) web site at http://www.tsa.gov to double-check the current restrictions in place. I recommend checking a few weeks before you leave home as these restrictions do change sometimes. One of the more confusing items as far as airline travel goes are those magical snowglobes. They contain liquid of course, and as we know there are severe restric- tions on taking liquids on board with you. But what are the exact rules? As of this writing, the TSA prohibits any type of snowglobe in your carry-on baggage, regard- less of its size (note that the three-ounce rule doesn’t apply here, even tiny snow- globes are prohibited). However, you are permitted to pack a snow globe in your checked bag, though keep in mind that you run the risk of the snow globe shatter- ing, which would obviously make a huge mess. There’s also a restriction on the size and number of carry-on items that each pas- senger is allowed to bring on board. These restrictions vary by airline, and a few airlines are now charging for some or all of your carry-on items. Beci Mahnken, CTC-MCC is the Founder, President and CEO of So what can you do? First, if your items are small and not fragile, you can try to MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel – pack them in your checked suitcase. If you anticipate doing some souvenir shop- An Authorized Disney Vacation ping, it may be a good idea to leave some room when you pack so you can include Planner - Beci has over 12 years those small purchases. Some Guests will even bring an empty suitcase along just for vacation planning experience, souvenirs, but keep in mind that this may mean extra baggage fees. Some airlines specializing in vacation packages charge quite a bit more for third and fourth bags, $100 or more per bag in some and cruises, with a team of over 75 affiliates nationwide. cases. Also, you’ll want to consider the extra weight you are putting in your bags, as Visit: www.MouseFanTravel.com this can cause overweight baggage fees, which can be quite expensive. Again, it’s a or follow her on twitter good idea to check with your particular airline to find out their policies and fees on @beci_mousefan checked baggage before you depart. A second, and often more economical, option is to have your purchases shipped home via UPS or FedEx. I especially recommend this idea if you’re purchasing any large items such as figurines or framed artwork. Disney will ship the item to your house for a reasonable shipping fee, often far less than any extra baggage fees. This option is usually safer and ensures your item will arrive in good condition. Shipping can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, so it’s quite possible that you’ll arrive home before your purchase does. You can make shipping arrangements when you make your purchase, or ship several items together from your resort. To

28 · Celebrations do so, simply check with the concierge desk at your resort, portant thing is how to handle especially large purchases, or the business center if you’re staying at one of the conven- like big figurines or large artwork. These types of items are tion resorts (Boardwalk, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, often fragile in nature, so they have to be handled care- Grand Floridian, Swan/Dolphin, or Yacht Club). They will be fully. Most vehicles (especially smaller cars) have a limited happy to make the shipping arrangements for you. Keep in amount of space for luggage and other large items. If you’re mind that you may be charged for shipping materials (box- trying to bring home something in a big box and you have a es, packing materials, etc.) in addition to the actual shipping small car, you might discover that the box won’t fit. costs. You may also want to consider adding enough insur- If you do have large purchases you’re trying to get home, ance to cover the cost of the item…just in case. I’d strongly suggest using the shipping option mentioned Shipping items home is, in many ways, the best way to en- above. It’s safer and you don’t have to worry about how you’ll sure that your purchases make it home safely without you get that huge box home. having to worry, especially if you’re flying. But, what if you One trick you can use when you’re driving is to repurpose have your own wheels? your luggage. For example, you might want to pack food and drinks in a large Tupperware-like container for the jour- Guests Driving Home ney to Orlando. Once you arrive, you could pack your dirty If you’re driving home, you’ve got a bit more leeway, but clothes in the now-empty container, thereby creating more also a new problem to consider – space. room in your regular suitcases for souvenirs. Quite a few Guests travel to and from Walt Disney World No matter how you get your purchases home, a bit of pre- by car. While having your own set of wheels does allow a lot planning will go a long way to ensure that those fantastic more flexibility when it comes to transporting purchases, finds will make it home safe and sound. there are a few things to be concerned with. The most im- Enjoy your shopping!

Photo © Tim Foster 29 · Celebrations Magic Kingdom Hidden Tributes: The he Jungle Cruise in Adventureland is a fun-filled journey that transports you Tto some of the most exotic rivers in the world. It’s filled with whimsical ani- mals, mysterious temples, restless natives, and, most importantly, a treasure trove of hidden gems. When the Magic Kingdom opened, the Jungle Cruise was one of a handful of attractions in Adventureland, patterned after its famous sibling in Dis- By Jamie Hecker neyland. The other Adventureland attractions included the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, Walt Disney World’s recreation of a wildly inventive home crafted onto a banyan tree, and the Sunshine Pavilion, home to the original incarnation of the En- chanted Tiki Room. Pirates of the Caribbean wouldn’t set sail for another two years. It’s arguable that the world-famous Jungle Cruise, set in the heart of a dark and lush jungle, has the greatest concentration of hidden gems in Walt Disney World, and many of them can be found long before you board your tour boat. The plaza entrance to the Jungle Cruise features an oversized wooden plant box with “Evans Exotic Plant Exporters Ltd” stenciled on the side. This is the Imagineers’ homage to Disney Legend Morgan “Bill” Evans, a master horticulturist who was given the chal- lenging task of landscaping Disneyland, and eventually the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Evans, a global traveler during an earlier career with the Merchant Marines, was working in the family nursery in Hollywood when fate intervened. Walt Disney hired Evans to landscape his Holmby Hills estate for his backyard Car- olwood Pacific railroad. Walt was so impressed with Evans’ work that he hired him for the daunting task of landscaping Disneyland. In under a year, Evans successfully transformed the former orange groves of Anaheim into a story-rich setting for the new park. To create a sense of tropical mystique on the Jungle Cruise, Evans delib- erately planted orange trees upside down so that the exposed roots would appear Jamie Hecker has been a lifelong fan of Disney, and is passing on his as exotic branches. He was also quite resourceful. Disneyland’s greenery needed to love to his sons. He and his family appear as mature as possible, so Evans staked his claim on a number of full-size visit Orlando annually and always trees that were slated for removal as part of the expansion of southern California’s look forward to their next trip. highway system. He repurposed these deciduous wonders in the new park, where When not in Orlando, he resides they enjoyed a new lease on life. After the opening of Disneyland, Evans remained in northern Virginia with his with the Walt Disney Company and continued his horticultural craft at Walt Dis- beautiful wife Suzanne, two boys and four cats. ney World. Perhaps the best example of his work is the towering oak tree in Liberty You can read more about his Square, which was meticulously relocated to its current home from another corner “hidden Disney” musings at on the property, five miles away. That it still stands tall is a lasting tribute to the myhiddendisney.blogspot.com/ tender care of Bill Evans. But that’s just the beginning; there are plenty of additional tributes to be found in the Jungle Cruise queue. Keep a sharp eye out for a barrel, presumably full of sup- plies for a lengthy expedition, labeled “Ship to: Dr. , special arachnid unit, jungle exploration company, Outpost #71755.” This is a clever tribute to real life Disney figure Winston Hibler, the co-creator of Disney’s True Life Adventures, a series of short documentary films about wildlife around the globe. True Life Adventures was one of the main inspirations behind the development of the original Jungle Cruise attraction in Disneyland. And that’s not all; the outpost number is actually a

Photos © Tim Foster 30 · Celebrations reference to July 17, 1955, the date Disneyland opened. Elsewhere in the queue is a large wooden crate labeled “Goff’s,” which contains croco- dile-resistant chest high rubber over-pants. The purveyor of this brand hails from Main Street in Fort Collins, Colorado. There are sev- eral hidden tributes in play here. The primary reference is to , a Disney Imagi- neer whose list of credits includes the Jungle Cruise. Additionally, his body of work includes the bucolic Main Street U.S.A. environ at Dis- neyland, which was heavily influenced by his hometown of…you guessed it...Fort Collins, Colorado! Finally, two more crates in the queue are worth a look. The second crate, directly below the Annakin box, like- Lashed to a makeshift bamboo pallet, the stenciling on one wise contains several Swiss Family Robinson references. It’s of the boxes reads “ship to: Kenneth Annakin, Director of Im- labeled “Ship to: Thomas Kirk, Esq., M. Jones, Cartographers ports, Wyss Supply Company, Colony of New Guinea.” These Ltd., Field Office, Island of Bora Danno.” Thomas Kirk is bet- actually refer to the nearby , which ter known to Disney fans as , the actor who was of course inspired by the 1960 blockbuster Disney film, portrayed Ernst Robinson, one of the three Robinson sons. Swiss Family Robinson. The film was directed by Kenneth An- Kirk appeared in several other Disney films, including the nakin (who also directed Disney’s Matterhorn ride-inspir- classics Old Yeller and The Shaggy Dog. M. Jones is a reference to another Kirk film, The Misad- ventures of Merlin Jones, a Disney’s 1964 which also starred . The last line on the crate, Island of Bora Danno, requires a bit more sleuthing to decipher. It starts with Ernst Robinson’s old- er brother Fritz, who was played by James MacArthur in the film. MacArthur went on to star in the original television version of Ha- waii Five-O, playing the role of po- lice officer Danny Williams. What’s the connection? MacArthur’s co- star, played by Jack Lord, ended each episode with the memorable line “book ‘em, Danno.”

The Jungle Cruise is designed ing Third Man on the Mountain). Additionally, the original to tantalize our senses with mysterious, exotic surround- novel upon which the film was based was written by Swiss ings, a bit of humor, and a hint of danger around every bend. author Johann David Wyss. In both the book and the film, There are plenty of treasures to be found, but perhaps the the family is traveling to New Guinea prior to the shipwreck most rewarding are those Disney tributes…if you can find that altered their fate. them!

31 · Celebrations Breakfast Traditions

hile many Guests opt to spend a morning in the park by jumping in line for a Wheadliner attraction like Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, the classic Pirates of the Caribbean, or the hottest new attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, there is something to be said for starting off the day slowly with a hearty (and fun!) breakfast. While Disneyland Resort has fewer character dining options than its Florida counterpart, you’ll still find plenty to choose from, as well as several other slower paced options for those who opt not to meet and greet characters over their morning coffee (or hot chocolate, if you like). By J Darling Much like Chef Mickeys’ in Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort, the Dis- neyland hotel is home to Goofy’s Kitchen. While there is no monorail gliding by overhead, Goofy’s Kitchen is still a destination worthy of an Advanced Dining Res- ervation. Guests are welcomed to the buffet by Goofy, dressed in his chef’s gear as if fresh from the kitchen. After a brief photo opportunity, Guests get a tour of the buffet and are shown to their seats. Here at Goofy’s Kitchen, the food is as much a star as the characters themselves. Contemporary characters, such as Aladdin, Jas- mine, and Rafiki, make the rounds in addition to classic characters such as Chip and Dale, all dressed to help Goofy out in the kitchen. While the mix of characters is unpredictable, there is bound to be someone to delight each and every Guest, no matter their age or familiarity with Disney films. From breakfast pizzas and fruit stations to cooked-to-order eggs, Goofy’s Kitchen has something for everyone in the food department. Cheerful Cast Members keep coffee, tea, water, juice, and hot chocolate flowing freely at every table. (And they’ll even help clean up with a smile J Darling is a California native and should a little Guest decide that their beverage needs to freely flow across the table life long Disney fan. Her parents first tops.) While this is not an inexpensive dining option, it’s a great way for characters took her to Disneyland when she was and Guests to interact without waiting in lines, all the while enjoying some deli- 2 years old. According to them, her cious breakfast treats. eyes just popped out of her head, and Other character dining options at the Disneyland resorts include the Chip n’ Dale apparently they never went back in. Critter Breakfast at the Grand Californian’s Storyteller Café (also buffet style) and Outside of her Disney fandom, J is a singer, songwriter, blogger, and the Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at Paradise Pier’s PCH Grill (where theatrical actress. Guests are likely to find Lilo and Stitch). You can find her music at For those opting to break their fast inside , the best bet for a www.jdarlingmusic.com great character breakfast lies just at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. at the Plaza Inn. In and on Myspace at the mornings, Minnie comes to visit as the Plaza Inn hosts the Minnie and Friends www.jdarlingmusicmyspace.com. Her Breakfast in the Park. Visiting every table are many classic characters including blogs are available at www.jjourneybook.blogspot.com. Minnie Mouse, her life-long beau Mickey, Pluto, and Daisy. The fixed menu includes standard breakfast fare sure to satisfy everyone. Made-to-order eggs, the much cov- eted Mickey Waffles, Kellogg’s cereals, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and muffins are in supply to help fuel hungry Guests up for a day of touring the parks. What bet- ter way to start the day than with a heart-warming hug from Minnie? That red and white polka dotted bow seems to make even the biggest kid-at-heart smile. For those looking for character dining options beyond breakfast in the parks, Ar- iel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure Park is one of the most popular choices. Ariel’s Celebration on Paradise Pier (not the hotel) gives Guests a

32 · Celebrations a camera at their level. Characters are happy to indulge in some near-yoga- like positions to pose with any Guest, but holding infants is something best left to their parents and care-takers. For those looking to start the day with a calmer breakfast experience, Disneyland Resort offers plenty of great options. Guests coming from each hotel will find a coffee shop open as early as the earliest park opening at their resort for a quick caffeinated fill up. Healthy options can also be found at these places, including yogurt and fresh fruit, to help you start your tour- ing day off on the right foot. In Down- great opportunity to get up close and personal with some town Disney, other favorite breakfast spots include the of the best known royalty from Disney classic films, includ- House of Blue’s Gospel Brunch that’s offered every Sunday, ing Snow White, Aurora (better known as Sleeping Beauty), Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, where you can start your day and more. Guests can sit outdoors and enjoy the water view, off as Princess Tiana might have (Beignets anyone?), The or inside where the décor is reminiscent of The Little Mer- Rainforest Café, and the La Brea Bakery. Incidentally, across maid. Characters visit all the tables, indoors or outdoors. from the La Brea Bakery is the last coffee stand you’ll find Unlike the wildly popular buffet of Goofy’s Kitchen, this is a before entering a Disney park. If the line to check bags looks fixed menu dining experience, but that doesn’t mean it lacks daunting, why not side track to the stand and grab a hot variety. All tables receive an appetizer to share, like the Sour- drink or a pastry to help pass the time? dough Pull-Apart Flower, or the Antipasto Tower (which in- Even inside the parks, there are a lot of great breakfast cludes salami, marinated mozzarella, tomatoes, gherkins, options. In fact, there are so many, it would take several is- olives, red pepper rings, chilled vegetables with pesto and sues to cover them all! With that in mind, we’ll just touch on ranch dips, and a portion of ‘Jewels of the Sea’- fruit gela- one particular favorite breakfast experience. Inside Disney- tin, string cheese, and seasonal fruit), and of course, a salad. land, venture down Main Street U.S.A. and hang a left into Entrees for adults include options of seafood (like the filet Adventureland. After passing the Bengal Barbecue on the of Red fish with rice and seasonal vegetables or the Cio- right, duck into the River Belle Terrace. The door will prob- pinno stew), chicken (like the Herb Crusted Chicken Breast ably be closed, but the eatery is probably open if the park with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables), and there is open (Magic Morning Hours excluded). The menu offers is even something for vegetarian Guests (like the Spinach everything from pancakes to scrambled eggs and generous and Ricotta Agnollio). Desserts include a shareable platter fruit platters. There is rarely a line here, so you can leisurely of lava cake, mini cookies, assorted petite cupcakes, and a grab some breakfast goodies and head on out to the pa- white chocolate conch shell of fresh berries. It’s a great tio overlooking the Rivers of America. Since the River Belle way to take a break from the parks and get a warm greet- Terrace is right at the edge of Adventureland, New Orleans ing from the Fairest of Them All and some of Disney’s other Square, and , it offers a great view of some lovely ladies. REAL characters: fellow Guests and travelers as they experi- While enjoying the characters are meals, Disney keeps ence Disney Magic, many for the first time. It’s not unusual in mind that the safety of Guests and characters is of the to catch this author sitting on the patio, near park opening, upmost importance. As such, Characters are happy to greet with a warm drink, remembering back to her first days of even the tiniest Guests, but they are not allowed to hold Disney Magic. Why not start a Disney Breakfast tradition? them for photos. When traveling with a wee one, try to keep It’s one worth keeping.

Photo © J Darling 33 · Celebrations By Joe Essaf

34 · Celebrations ou can fly! You can fly! You can fly! The stuff of imagina- Ytion? Perhaps, but at the Magic Kingdom, you can defi- nitely fly. From its early beginnings on the opening day of Disneyland to its renovations and extreme popularity, Peter Pan’s Flight has given pixie dust to millions of visitors, giving them the opportunity to soar over and off to Never- land. One of the great things about Peter Pan’s Flight is that it’s an attraction that can, and has, been enjoyed by any- one, regardless of their age. Your grandfather rode it back in 1955 when Walt Disney’s idea of creating a “family” theme park was a unique and different concept. Your mother and aunt soared above London in 1971 when the Magic Kingdom opened. Your kids (or you, a big kid at heart) ride it today, as do your fellow Peter Pan fans in Disney parks throughout the world. With a simple yet appealing design and concept, Peter Pan’s Flight transports Guests back to the innocence of their childhood. For visitors to Neverland, Peter Pan’s Flight allows them to see what it’s like to never grow up, just like Peter himself. Peter Pan’s Flight was one of the original attractions on the opening day of Disneyland (and one of the few to still exist!). In keeping with the Fantasyland theme, Peter Pan’s Flight was built with an exterior medieval motif. Inside, the attraction took Guests on a flight through the nursery, over London, off to Neverland, and then to Skull Rock, where they could see Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Princess Tiger Lily, and the Crocodile. The original concept for the attraction was to have Guests play the part of Peter Pan, with the re- sult that when the attraction opened, there was no sign of tasyland. The attraction now included all of the scenes that Peter himself. It may have seemed like a good idea at the were in the Magic Kingdom, and of course included Peter conceptual stage, but unfortunately it led to confusion on Pan himself. The outside décor was also updated to match the part of some of the Guests, who wondered why an at- the European Alps design of the renovated Fantasyland. traction about Peter Pan would seemingly be missing the Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular attractions star of the show. not only in Fantasyland, but in all of Walt Disney World, and Years later, the Magic Kingdom version opened on Octo- indeed in all the Disney parks. It’s unusual to find wait times ber 3rd, 1971, two days after the opening of the park itself. less than 45 or 60 minutes (or more), unless you’re visiting This version saw the inclusion of Peter Pan, as well as the during the off-season. One may find it surprising that such addition of several new scenes, such as the Mermaid La- a simple attraction has become so popular, but it’s simplic- goon and the Lost Boys camp. Captain Hook’s 48-foot pirate ity belies its cleverness and undeniable charm. The idea of ship was now fully realized, and was the setting for Captain having the ride vehicle suspended from above to simulate Hook and Peter Pan’s climactic duel on the mainsail. The flight may seem obvious now, but it was, and is, an incred- Florida version introduced the moving walkway load/un- ible innovation. No matter if it’s your first ride or your hun- load system, similar to the setup at the Haunted Mansion. dredth, the effect of flying in your colorful galleon never los- This allowed the queue to move faster, thus increasing the es its novelty. The experience of flying above London is one attraction’s capacity. you’ll never forget. And speaking of simplicity, the London On May 25th, 1983, the Disneyland version was updated as scene is home to one of the simplest special effects in the part of the major renovations that were taking place in Fan- Magic Kingdom, that of the cars driving through the streets

Photos © Tim Devine 35 · Celebrations below. The cars are actually small black-lit dots that are why is it so popular? The answer just might be that for those painted on chains (similar to bike chains). Simple? Yes. Un- of us who grew up watching the classic film, it’s a chance to forgettable? Definitely. The London cars are a perfect exam- relive a childhood memory, and more importantly, an op- ple of Imagineering ingenuity. It’s a subtle touch of whimsy portunity to imagine what it would be like to never grow that you may not notice right away. But as you climb higher up, just like Peter Pan. And that’s what Walt Disney World is and higher in the sky, it’s a detail that brings a smile to your all about. Plus, it’s just cool to fly, with or without the aid of face, no matter how many times you’ve seen it before. (Pay a bit of pixie dust! close attention and you can even hear the faint honking of the horns!) There are no fancy holograms here, no complex Fun Facts CGI effects, just some classic Disney cleverness and cinemat- • The Wendy figure on the gangplank is the only character ic know-how. Continuing on, you’ll soar past the full Moon, wearing real clothing on the whole ride. The rest are made where you can see the silhouettes of Peter Pan, Wendy, Mi- of plastic. chael, and John. Everyone has their favorite scene, whether • In August 1954, while working on the attraction, Imagi- it’s the Mermaid Lagoon, the thump thump thump of the neers wanted to build other scenes that never made it Indian drumbeats, the final battle between Peter Pan and to the ride. These included a giant rainbow, scenes from Captain Hook, or the humorous encounter between Hook Crocodile Creek, and Hangman’s Tree. They also wanted and his nemesis, the crocodile. And who among us hasn’t the boats to be flying in a clockwise-direction at Skull Rock, peered into the volcano, trying to see how far you down you which is the opposite of how it turned out. could look! • Imagineer Bob Mattey and others built a testing track Peter Pan’s Flight allows the child in all of us to envision right inside the Disney Studio. This had to be done since stories of pirates, mermaids, volcanos, and lost boys. But the buildings for the dark rides in Fantasyland had not

36 · Celebrations Photos © Tim Devine been finished yet. • Imagineers and worked tirelessly in an attempt to complete Peter Pan’s Flight in time for the opening day of Disneyland. Under the pres- sure of such an extreme time restriction, they painted straight onto the wood inside the build- ing, making up a lot of it as they went along. Normally, a great amount of time and consider- ation would go into the planning and painting of an attraction, templates would be made, out “Disney”. Others spell out “P Pan.” and care would be taken to perfectly match the concept • The clouds above London are actually plastic bags. drawings done in pre-production. Unfortunately, the time • Despite the use of forced perspective to make you seem far- constraints imposed by the tight deadline didn’t allow for ther up, Guests are only 17 feet from the ground through- such preplanning. The results, however, were still spectac- out the ride. ular! • Famous scenes in the ride include, the Thames River, St. • If you look closely at the toy blocks in the Darling nursery Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower Bridge, and the Parliament at the beginning of the attraction, you’ll notice they spell Building.

37 · Celebrations By Lori Elias

38 · Celebrations f you’ve ever dreamed of swimming through the waves The sketches are initially in their original black-and- Iwith Ariel, striding across the Serengeti with Simba, white form, and as the wall continues down the lobby, the cruising down Route 66 with Lightning McQueen, or catch- drawings become increasingly sophisticated and colorful ing the East Australian Current with Nemo, dream no more. as each character is developed over time, until Guests finally While you may never share screen time with these Disney see the characters as they appear in the films. favorites, you can be their guests at Walt Disney World’s The lobby opens into the Color Script Wall, made up of newest resort, Art of Animation. large filmstrips. Guests may notice that the drawings are Art of Animation began its rolling opening in May 2012, not as precise as one might see on a movie screen; this is but its history dates back several years. The resort was origi- because what they’re seeing is actually the next to last stop nally intended to be the second phase of the Pop Century before the artwork receives its final tweaks in the “ink and Resort. Today, Pop Century’s design themes celebrate the paint” department, which is also the name of the resort’s “Classic Years,” ranging from the 1950s to the 1990s, and the gift shop. planned addition would have encompassed the “Legendary Above all, the focus of Disney entertainment is storytell- Years” of 1900 through the 1940s. However, construction was ing, and the intent of Art of Animation is to not only sur- put on hold after round Guests with the tragic events well-loved Disney of 9/11. The travel stories, but also industry was in to put Guests into decline, and even their own “story” though some of the from the moment buildings had been they register at the completed, further front desk. The re- development was sort staff members temporarily halted. are referred to as Happily, in May “Concept Artists,” 2010, Disney an- guiding Guests in nounced plans to crafting the story complete Walt Dis- of their vacation. ney World’s 26th re- Concept Artists sort, and two years even provide di- later the Finding rections to Guests’ Nemo wing opened rooms using lingo its doors, followed by Cars in June, in August, from the respective films: Guests are told to “catch the East and The Little Mermaid in September. Australian Current” to the Finding Nemo section or “swim 20,000 leagues” to The Little Mermaid. Entering the Magical World of Animation As Guests move from the lobby to their room, pool, or the Guests are welcomed to this whimsical resort by enor- Ink and Paint Shop, they pass under a 77-panel chandelier mous portraits of Lightning McQueen, Ariel, Nemo, and with even more illustrations celebrating the stars of the Simba, the stars of the resort’s featured animated movies. four films. While most Walt Disney World fans are used to Upon entering the main building, Animation Hall, Guests searching for “Hidden Mickeys,” the chandelier features a are greeted by a rainbow of colors on their left, represent- “Hidden John”: look closely to find an autograph from Disney ing the artist’s palette, and a mural of drawings to the right director and producer ! featuring favorite faces from the resorts’ four featured The Ink and Paint Shop is a symphony of color, with large films. This mural is actually a study in character develop- paint pots serving as décor. The uniforms of the Concept ment, showcasing original concept art for Ariel, Lightning Artists provide a nod the to the animation process as well. McQueen, Simba, Crush and other well-known stars, and While the vests of the Concept Artists who assist Guests in then progressing through the process of storytelling. the lobby area are black and white, the shirts of the Ink and

Photos © Disney 39 · Celebrations Paint Shop staff reflect the vivid palette of the store. The Ink the Lion King paths have leaves and jungle plants etched and Paint Shop features standard Walt Disney World sou- into the cement. venirs, such as shirts, plush dolls, and postcards, along with The Cars section of the resort is essentially a replica of merchandise specific to the resort. Radiator Springs, complete with Luigi’s Casa Della Tires and Beyond the Ink and Paint Shop is the Landscape of Flavors the Cozy Cone Motel. Life-size replicas of the Cars cast are food court. The dining area is divided into four sections, scattered among the grounds. Attention to detail follows each decorated with movie-specific art and stained-glass Guests inside, as the décor, from light fixtures to carpets to ceiling lamps. Landscape of Flavors features tile flooring bedspreads, are ornamented with traffic cones, road signs, rather than carpeting in order to provide a more pleasant and other automotive themes. Look closely at the “Route 66” experience for Guests: cleanups can be accomplished with map emblazoned on the coffee table for a cleverly-placed a broom or mop rather than the noisy distraction of a vac- Hidden Mickey! uum. Also, melamine plates and real silverware are used in In The Lion King section, Guests move through the Afri- order to cut down on waste of paper products. can jungle, complete with an elephant graveyard haunted Delectable as the culinary choices may be, the resort by three grinning hyenas. Looking up, Guests see Timon, grounds are the real stars of the show. Art of Animation Pumbaa, and Simba crossing a log, while Rafiki welcomes has nearly 2000 rooms in its ten buildings, seven of which Guests to the resort’s version of the Pridelands. Suites in The contain family suites. Each area of the resort is a tribute to Lion King building transport Guests to the African savanna, the film that inspired it, boasting statues and scenes that while Guests in the Finding Nemo suites are surrounded by will delight children of all ages. Though the sketches on the Marlin, Crush, and Nemo himself. sides of the buildings and the colorful larger-than-life fig- All of the suites include a queen-size bed, a couch that can ures can’t help but attract one’s attention, be sure to take be pulled out for a second full-size bed, and an Inova bed. the time to look at the sidewalks: the Cars walkways have Similar to a Murphy bed, an Inova bed serves as an L-shaped highway lane markings running down their center, while table when not used for sleeping, with the stem of the “L”

40 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney attached to the wall. The suites also include two bathrooms of made-to-order selections, such as smoothies, burgers, and a kitchenette. stir-fry entrees, and pizza, as well as pre-packaged sand- The Art of Animation is considered a “Value-Plus” resort, wiches, wraps, sushi, and fruit plates. primarily due to the fact that in three of the four areas, Breakfast selections include a cereal bar and yogurt bar, rooms are reached through interior hallways, unlike value where Guests can mix cereals or yogurt with a variety of resorts, which use exterior entrances to Guestrooms. The fresh and dried fruits. Waffles, French toast, and pancakes Little Mermaid is the only section to have exterior entries, are available, along with sausages and both pork and turkey and is also the only area of the resort to feature single bacon. Omelets, breakfast sandwiches (including vegetar- rooms rather than suites. Guests move through Ariel’s trea- ian choices), and breakfast burgers are made-to-order. sure trove to reach buildings fronted by towering statues Lunch and dinner Guests can choose from hot and cold of Triton, Ursula, and Ariel. The décor submerges Guests sandwiches, salads, burgers, and selections of Italian, Tan- “under the sea,” and in fact the sheet music for the Academy doori, and Mongolian cuisines, including Tandoori Portu- Award-winning song is painted on the rooms’ tables! guese sausage, Tandoori acorn squash, Mongolian stir-fry, Art of Animation was the first Disney resort to use Radio pepperoni and meatless pizzas, meatball sandwiches, and a Frequency Identification (RFID) keys for Guestroom doors. make-your-own pasta experience. Instead of inserting the “Key to the World” card into a slot, Burger options include a variety of cheeses, standard top- the key is held up to a black pad on the door, which reads pings, Chipotle barbecue sauce, Cajun remoulade, and celery the card and allows entrance. This is also necessary for ad- relish. Specialty burgers include a Pastrami Burger and “Surf mittance into the Big Blue Pool in the Finding Nemo area, and Surf,” consisting of popcorn shrimp resting on a crab the largest resort pool on Disney property. Though it may cake. be difficult to hear during peak usage times, underwater Desserts range from gelato with a choice of toppings, swimmers can hear music and the voices of their favorite cookies and muffins, cupcakes, mini-cheesecakes, and even Nemo characters through speakers in the pool! In addition, a Mickey ganache. Gluten-free desserts are also available. the adjoining Schoolyard Sprayground offers an amphibi- ous opportunity for outdoor fun. Fascinating Facts The Art of Animation also has two smaller pools for • The “Hidden John” in the Animation Hall chandelier ap- Guests’ enjoyment: the Cozy Cone Pool in “Radiator Springs,” pears on a picture of Lightning McQueen. Of all the char- and the Flippin’ Fins Pool in the Little Mermaid area. Mam- acters that John Lasseter has created over the years, Light- moth orange-cone structures line the Cozy Cone Pool, and ning is his favorite. these are more than decorations: they are first-come, first- • Look for a Hidden Mickey in the Little Mermaid ceiling serve cabanas. For dry-land activities, younger Guests will light in the Landscape of Flavors food court. enjoy the Righteous Reef Playground in the Finding Nemo • At 11,879 square feet, the Big Blue Pool is the largest swim- section, and the Elephant Graveyard in the Lion King. Unlike ming area on Disney property, excluding the water parks. Simba, they are allowed to play there! The pool contains 310,000 gallons of water. Like Walt Disney World’s other resorts, an arcade can be • The guest room’s film-specific décor even carries through found in Animation Hall, and for the parents, the first self- to the bath! The Cars’ showers look like a carwash; The Lion service business center in a value resort is located a few King’s showers showcase the landscape featured at the be- feet away. The lobby also has an on-site artist, who provides ginning of the film; and the Finding Nemo and Little Mer- drawing demonstrations and classes throughout the day. maid showers both have underwater themes...as well as The vibrant colors, extraordinary details, and unique ex- Hidden Mickeys. The movie-themed shower curtains have periences that Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has to offer proved so popular with Guests that the Ink and Paint Shop will provide Guests the opportunity to create, and live, the has them available for purchase! story of a lifetime! • The view from the center of Radiator Springs toward Ani- mation Hall is identical to that of the new Cars Land at- Dining at the Art of Animation traction at Disney’s California Adventure, with one excep- The Landscape of Flavors food court features a number tion: there is no “Flo’s V8 Cafe” at the Art of Animation.

41 · Celebrations A KEEPSAKE PICTORIAL PHOTOS BY TIM DEVINE

42 · Celebrations 43 · Celebrations 44 · Celebrations Prince Eric’s Castle is home to Ariel and her friends in the new attraction, Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid. Here, Guests can embark on an enchanting adventure through beautifully rendered scenes featuring classic songs from the popular animated feature film. • There are 183 characters in Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. More than 70 percent (128, to be exact) are featured in the “Under the Sea” scene. • The Audio-Animatronic figure of the sea witch Ursula is 7 1/2-feet tall and 12 feet wide. • If the grand mural in the load-in area were turned on its side, it would reach a depth of more than 14 fathoms. • More than 20,000 live and artificial plants decorate the attraction, inside and out.

45 · Celebrations 46 · Celebrations The features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mys- terious “West Wing” of the castle of the Beast. • There are 115 windows in the Beast’s Castle. •The lion-like figures flanking the door at the en- trance to the Be Our Guest Restaurant were referred to as “golions” by the design team, a combination of goat and lion. • The six stone figures on the bridge leading to the Be Our Guest Restaurant were all given the name “Frank” during the design phase simply as a way to identify them. • The centerpiece chandelier measures more than 12 feet tall and 11 feet wide. It boasts more than 84 candles and more than 100 jewels that hang down to give it added shine.

47 · Celebrations Tucked in a meadow just beyond the forest’s edge, Maurice’s Cottage brings a country scene to Magic Kingdom Guests. With a winding stone pathway leading the way, Guests are in- vited into Belle’s childhood home for an inside look into Maurice’s workshop at Enchanted Tales with Belle. • There are over 12,000 “books” in the library at Enchanted Tales with Belle.

48 · Celebrations 49 · Celebrations 50 · Celebrations Storybook Circus features a double dose of Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, the Barnstormer coaster featuring The Great Goofini, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area, ’s Silly Sideshow and the Fantasyland Train Station, a stop on the Walt Disney World Railroad. • Storybook Circus is set up in Carolwood Park – this name refer- ences the steam train that was in Walt Disney’s backyard. • The music heard from the old fashioned calliope in the front of Pete’s Silly Sideshow was recorded from a set of antique circus crank organs owned by a collector in Southern California. • Pete, sometimes known as Peg-Leg Pete, is the longest running continuous Disney character, debuting in 1925 in the Disney short, Alice Solves a Puzzle.

51 · Celebrations lated into words, scrambling staff to leavingtheanimation many artists, hiscreative could notvision easily betrans- cally though, Walt could manto beadifficult work for. Like the headmanhimself – were of therule theday. Paradoxi- And it wasn’t all work. Practical jokes –usually by instigated sounding boards for anew gag were just around thecorner. and ideasflew through the corridors, andever-present Everyone pitched onthestaff intogether, instant feedback the Seven, Dwarfs theDisney group. hadbeenatight-knit staff oftim itsown success. blowing through thestudios, which ironically becamea - vic the advent of the war, anair of unrest hadalready been pean markets closed during World War II. But even before revenue theEuro from - ruin, bleddryby thelost on thebrink of financial Walt Disney’s studio was Stage the Setting control. but many outsideof his Walt Disney’s practices, to some attributable sown many years before, of hadbeen thestrike come topass? seeds The endure. But how didthis the Disney intothegreatest Studios they crisis had yet to just afew short years ago, recent events conspired toplunge gone onstrike, and while thismay have beenunthinkable Walt realized this would benoordinary day. had studio The By uptohisstudio’s hepulled thetime gatesthat morning, 52 ·Celebrations M By KevinCarpenter Strike of1941 The Disney Animation: Suspended Even before theunprecedented successand of Snow White the1940sAs dawned, STRIKEney, it was aday that would forever change hislife. ay 28, 1941 dawned like any other day, but to Walt Dis-

changes taking place.changes taking hethought staff wasThe securely de- forhis own nostalgia toseethe of thememories Hyperion voted asever. Perhaps Walt hadbecome toocaught up in der Walt’s nose. Inhismind, hisstaff was asloyal andde- disconnect between Walt andhisstaff. had been lost, studio replacedold Hyperion by amassive tosharelearned his vision. senseof camaraderie atThe the ers hadlittledirect contact Walt,with andtherefore never each employee andevery project. Many of thenew work- that Walt could nolonger personally involve himself with fell out of balance inBurbank. once beenahappy mix andstress, of playfulness it quickly to vastly improve working conditions for the animators a new Burbank studio, andeven thoughthestudio was built it together. ofand financialpossibilities animation. Andthey haddone features, they hadstruck it by rich on theartistic betting group toptobottom. from A success and inbothshorts the demandsof genius. But, considering theresults, nooneblamedhim. Such are less would pass muster chief. thedemandingstudio with the trash bin. Perfection was the watchword, andnothing Walt’s eyebrow, monthsof hard work would berelegated to his workers. littlemore thanadisapprovingWith arch of judge) the latest projects – were of the stuff nightmares for Walt crammed andstaff film intoasmall room toview (and interpret what theboss truly wanted. Sweatbox sessions – This subtle shift insentiment seemingly subtleshift passed rightThis un- complexThe was somassive andthe workforce solarge success ofThe allowed Snow for White of theconstruction annoyances,Despite thesenagging thestaff was aclose studio atmospherestudio had . ButWhite whereas the and boundssince Snow had grown by leaps workforceProductions because the Walt Disney new space was needed industry. cartoon This unheardnities of inthe offices, andother ame- conditioning, spacious cohesiveness.staff managed toundermine (which it did), it actually Burbank offered air voted to him proved to be anything but, and the organized be represented by the Guild. labor movement sweeping the country would soon come If he had been paying attention, Walt would have sensed knocking on his door. This was one of the few times Walt how scared his staff had become. Scared of looming unem- did not have his finger on the pulse of the world around ployment. Scared of failing to provide for their families. But him, and it cost him dearly. with studio management sharing very little news about its finances, rumor and fear ran rampant. The Rise of the Union In an attempt to rectify the situation and head off a In the 1930s, labor unions were on the rise across the strike, on February 10, 1941, Walt summoned hundreds of his country. In 1938, the Screen Cartoonists’ Guild was formed employees to the studio theater to lay out his vision for a as a result of a strike at (creators of Popeye Guild-less Walt Disney Productions. Months of apprehen- the Sailor and Betty Boop among others). The Guild quickly sion had bred resentment among the employees and he grew, amassing contracts with Terrytoons (Heckle and now tried to quell those feelings. But for many, it was too Jeckle, Mighty Mouse), Productions (Woody little, too late. Woodpecker), and Leon Schlesinger (/Mer- Walt professed his dreams for the future of animation and rie Melodies). The leader of the Guild was Herbert Sorrell, a how he had dedicated his career to developing and advanc- well-known Hollywood union organizer and leader. Once he ing the medium. He pledged his unwavering belief that the had contracts with most of the major animation studios, it studio would pull out of its financial nosedive. He exclaimed, was inevitable that Sorrell would set his sights on Disney, “I have never been interested in personal gain or profit. This the biggest and most prestigious studio of them all. While business and this studio have been my entire life!” the Guild had been steadily gaining influence, the Disney Unfortunately, the uplifting and reassuring speech didn’t studio had always seemed a bridge too far. In fact, Sheilah have the desired effect. The speech evoked decidedly mixed Graham, a syndicated newspaperwoman, remarked in 1938 reactions within the studio. Some were duly rallied and in- that, “If other employers followed Mr. Disney’s lead, I don’t spired. Others were instead turned off by what they felt was think there would be any labor unrest in this country.” a litany of false notes. In particular, many felt that Walt’s Unfortunately for Disney, the unrest within his own protestations that he could feel their pain because he him- company opened the door wide open. One of the key fac- self had struggled financially in the past felt disingenuous. tors that led to worker unrest was the implementation of The employees, living paycheck to paycheck and worried for a new bonus system. Instead of giving out bonuses to ev- their professional future, did not want to hear about man- eryone as he had done in the early days, he handed out “sal- agement’s past struggle, especially when they were strug- ary adjustments” to those animators who he felt deserved gling right now. All of Walt’s hard work in keeping the studio them. This in of itself created some uneasiness among the afloat and calming employee worries had apparently failed. staff, but it would soon get worse. Crippled by the financial Now Walt was faced with what he considered tantamount losses of Pinocchio and Fantasia (largely due to the fact that to betrayal. World War II eliminated 40% of Disney’s foreign market), One of the main reasons that Walt had appealed directly Disney was forced to make tough salary cuts, eliminate bo- to his workers was because negotiations with Herb Sorrell nuses, and eventually lay-off workers. The pay structure at and the Guild were going nowhere. Since their first meeting the studios became a sea of chaos, and it was only a mat- in December, both sides were stalemated over a disagree- ter of time before many of the animators joined the Guild. ment in determining where the loyalties of the workers Chief among them was (creator of Goofy as well lie. The Guild didn’t see an issue, as the workers had Guild as the animator of the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the membership cards. From Walt’s perspective, an election Seven Dwarfs, as well as Geppetto) who became one of the was necessary to prove that the cards had not been signed union leaders. under intimidation. Sorrell and the Guild had little time for The pieces were all in place, and in December of 1940 the this maneuver; it seemed to them like nothing more than Screen Cartoonists’ Guild approached Disney with signed a stall tactic. Walt sought the secret ballot, certain that his membership cards from most of the studio’s animators. employees would choose him once freed from the coercion Union leader Sorrell alerted Walt that his staff would now of the Guild.

53 · Celebrations It was during these initial negotiations that Sorrell al- it as the bargaining agent for the animators. The studio legedly confessed to Walt that one of his previous strikes countered that an election must be held before any union had been funded by Communists. As time went on, Disney is deemed legitimate. Walter Spreckels, a former NLRB of- would become consumed with the notion that there was ficial who Disney hired to handle labor relations during the Communist involvement in the Guild’s strike. strike, emphasized, “Mr. Disney is willing to recognize any Labor tensions continued simmering as spring began, union that can win an election.” It was an important distinc- until they finally reached a boiling point. On May 27, Babbitt, tion for the studio to show that they were not being anti- chairman of the Guild’s Disney unit, was fired from the stu- union, just anti-Guild. dio. This affront came just a week after Walt had personally Soon, the strikers settled in for the long haul, congregat- fired more than twenty employees, an act considered to be ing across the street from the Disney studio in what came anti-union. Walt would argue that these moves were a simple to be known as “Camp Cartoonist.” For those Disney em- financial reality, necessary to keep the studio gates open. ployees who continued to work (including all of the famed If Walt worried about the gates being shut, the Guild was Nine Old Men), the rancor and acrimony of the picket line only too happy to oblige. The evening ended with a strike became just another part of the daily routine. vote of 325-4 by Guild members. The showdown would start One of the Nine Old Men, , was not unsym- the following morning at daybreak. pathetic to his friends on the picket line: “There were un- equal things going on there, salary-wise, a lot of people be- Strike ing exploited without Walt’s knowledge.” What greeted Walt Disney at his studio gates on May 28, Making matters even worse, an atmosphere of total 1941 was a scene that would torment him for the next four distrust had developed between the parties. To Walt, this months and, in many ways, for the rest of his life. entire affair felt like he had been stabbed in the back. His Hundreds of his employees were striking out front of feelings of utter betrayal were only made worse by the per- Walt Disney Productions, loudly protesting for the entire ceived Communist influences that he was now convinced world to hear. A snarl of traffic added to the raucous, heated were behind the strike. atmosphere as cars could only enter two at a time before a The Guild, on the other hand, saved the majority of its wave of demonstrators once again blocked the gates. enmity for studio lawyer Gunther Lessing. His inflamma- The picketers carried signs and yelled derisively at Walt tory comments and negotiating style only made a delicate and any others who dared to enter the studio. One fac- situation all the worse. The Guild had plenty of anger for tion even formed a line with the head of a dragon, drawn Walt and Roy as well, but most believed Lessing was really to mimic Walt’s own face. This served as a commentary on running the show and that he wanted nothing less than to both the perceived draconian wages at the Disney plant as completely break the Guild. well as a mocking tribute to the upcoming studio feature, As the temperatures rose in mid-summer, so too did hope The Reluctant Dragon. that the strike might finally be settled. On July 1, the studio As might be expected from such creative minds, the proposed an intervention with Willie Bioff, a hardline figure picketers’ signs were biting, yet comical. From “Don’t Rat On in labor circles. Bioff knew how to get deals done, but came Mickey Mouse” to “It’s Up To Walt To Call A Halt,” the placards saddled with considerable baggage. He had been indicted reflected many grievances: meager pay for the lower ranks, on federal extortion charges just a few months prior, so the non-recognition of the Screen Cartoonists Guild as bargain- Guild understandably would not negotiate with him. ing agent, and disputed bonuses from past productions. As it turned out, later reported that In the strike’s earliest hours, both sides jockeyed for pub- Bioff had secured a settlement offer from Disney manage- lic support and positioning. This meant total confusion for ment that conceded to the Guild on practically every issue. everybody else. Both the Guild and Disney management However, the strike dragged on. gave drastically different answers as to the reasons for the With defeat snatched from the jaws of victory, Walt strike and even the number of employees out on the picket reached out to his striking employees through an adver- line. With so much conflicting information, no one knew tisement in Variety. He shared the details of the proposed whom to believe. Bioff offer and again pleaded to his workers that they were The Guild contended that Disney refused to recognize being misled by Communists.

54 · Celebrations The following day, the Guild fired back with another re- met him in New York to prepare his younger brother for fusal to deal with Bioff, again in the pages of Variety. The the reality of the new Disney studio. Roy correctly surmised two sides had been reduced to trading barbs in the trade that Walt would be enraged that Art Babbitt had been rein- papers. stated per the arbitration award. As Walt put it, “When I got With negotiations at its lowest ebb, the federal govern- back to our studio, the strike had been settled. The method ment decided that enough was enough. In mid-July, a fed- used to settle it was simplicity itself. The negotiators gave eral conciliator offered to arbitrate the labor dispute, an Herb Sorrell practically everything he wanted.” offer that Lessing rejected. In typically inflammatory fash- Although life at the studio would eventually return to ion, Lessing said: “The situation is so delicate that we believe relative normalcy, the strike left scars on Walt Disney that you could not have wired us as you did if you were fully ac- never truly healed. A schism had formed between the boss quainted with the facts.” and his employees; Walt may have been federally mandated Within the week, though, the Disney studio relented and to reinstate the strikers, but they were “finished” in his eyes. accepted mediation and arbitration. Because of the promi- Even those who remained at work detected a new distance nence of Walt Disney Productions and its increasing ties to between themselves and management. the United States government, the labor department sent There was now an air of melancholy about Walt, proving its very best, James F. Dewey, to resolve a dispute which was that the wounds from this affair still festered. Previously now of national importance. apathetic about politics, Walt now became quite engaged, The strike ended on the afternoon of July 28 when both with a decidedly Conservative bent. If he had not realized it parties agreed to set aside their differences while the dis- before, the studio was now just a business, no longer a place pute went before an arbitration panel. By the time the for fun and games. workers returned, the studio debt had risen to $3.5 million Looking back, the line between winning and losing the and production, most notably on Bambi, had slowed to a Disney strike has grown obscured. The Guild won major crawl. At a time when revenue was essential, the last few concessions, but at the expense of a fractured studio. The months had seen little work completed. employees enjoyed better wages and a union shop, but lay- Less than ten days passed before the arbitrators reached offs ravaged the once-strong workforce. If Burbank had their decision, and it was not good news for Walt and the felt cavernous and distant before the strike, it was now rest of management. The Guild won recognition as the filled with only half its prior numbers. Even for those who bargaining agent, a 10% wage increase was awarded to the survived the widespread layoffs, friendships had been lost lowest paid employees, and reinstatement was mandated forever as employees on opposing sides refused to speak to for those fired back in May during the run-up to the strike, each other. among other things. Disney, on the other hand, won the Walt Disney could stand tall for having seen his studio right to pay only 100 hours of backpay to each striking em- through a time of such strife, but he stood surrounded by ployee, instead of pay for the entire stoppage, as the Guild the ghosts of the picket line, a silent reminder of all that was requested. lost when his studio was irrevocably torn asunder. The arbitration award immediately increased the Disney Walt had ostensibly lost the strike, but he had survived payroll by close to $100,000, an increase the studio could a struggle that at times overwhelmed him both personally not bear. On August 11, on the same day Walt flew for South and professionally. Sometimes survival is a victory in itself. America on his long-planned goodwill trip, Roy was forced He would live to fight another day, eventually righting his to announce layoffs of over 250 employees. studio’s listing finances and leading the Disney studio back Although layoffs were inevitable, the Guild was surprised to its rightful place of prominence. Walt Disney’s life was a (and furious) to learn that more than 80% of those let go series of challenges and victories, and it was Walt’s perse- were to come from the ranks of the strikers. The Guild verance and determination that kept him going through protested these disproportionate layoffs, leading to an- the worst times. The strike was certainly one of the lower other studio closure while Dewey was recalled to mediate points in Walt Disney’s life, and for many other men it may this fresh dispute. Once again, his ruling was mainly in the have been the final straw. But as we will see in future install- Guild’s favor and the layoffs were more evenly distributed. ments, far from giving up hope, some of Walt Disney’s most

When Walt returned from South America in October, Roy astounding triumphs were still to come. STRIKE

55 · Celebrations By Shana Gallardo (with special assistance from Robbie Gallardo)

56 · Celebrations ave you and/or your child ever wanted to be a Secret Agent, defending your Hcountry against evil? Have you ever wanted to try and find clues, locating im- portant information? Is catching bad guys something you’ve always dreamed about? Well, if you’ve said yes to any of the above, here’s your chance! On the Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, you will become a secret spy, helping good to win over evil. On your mission you’ll help Agent P defeat his nemesis, the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. This interactive family expedition through Epcot’s countries began in June 2012 and has become an instant favorite. This fun, top-secret quest replaces the similar Kim Possible World Showcase Ad- venture, which opened January of 2009. For you grown-ups who may not remember, Kim Possible was an animated TV series that aired on Toon Disney from 2002 through 2007. The title character was a teenage crime fighter, who, along with her partner Ron Stoppable, fought against the evil Dr. Drakken and other enemies. In the Epcot adventure, you were recruited as Team Possible Agents to help save the world. To complete your quest, you were given a Kimmunicator (actually a modified cell phone) that gave you instructions and interacted with various World Showcase objects to provide you with clues. There were seven different missions to undertake and five recruiting centers where you could sign up. The concept of using a mobile device for the Phineas and Ferb World Showcase Adventure is similar to Kim Possible, but the story line is brand new. Before we get into the details of your Epcot mission though, let’s introduce you to the characters. For the few of you out there who don’t know, Phineas and Ferb is an animated mys- tery, musical, and comedy show all rolled into one. It first previewed on The on August 17, 2007, with its official premier coming on February 1, 2008. The show follows Phineas Flynn and his English stepbrother Ferb Fletcher on their sum- mer vacation from school. These extraordinary, super-smart boys work on a new project every day, such as building a giant roller coaster, creating a backyard beach, constructing a haunted house, and inventing an anti-gravity device, to name but a few. The famous phrase used by Phineas is, “Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today!” The boys high-strung older sister, Candace, continuously tries to catch the boys in the act and tell their mother, Linda Flynn-Fletcher. Occasionally, Candace will try and rope their father, Lawrence Fletcher, into believing her too. Candace never does man- age to convince their parents of Phineas and Ferb’s activities, largely due to their cre- ations being gone by the time they go to check it out. The secondary plot of each episode involves , the family pet. Little do Phineas and Ferb know that while they are off on their own adventures, Perry is embarking on Secret Agent missions to save the world! Perry is actually a spy named Agent P, who works for the OWCA (Organization Without a Cool Acronym), fighting his nemesis, the evil scientist Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz. Back in Epcot, you and your partner Agent P must travel throughout World Show- case to complete your top secret mission. There are four recruitment centers where you can sign up to start your trek, located at the Odyssey Bridge, the Italy Pavilion, the Norway Pavilion, and the International Gateway. At the recruitment center, you’ll receive a handheld Verizon Samsung flip F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equip- ment) in which Major Monogram speaks to you to help you maneuver through your mission. Major Monogram is Agent P’s boss, if you will, who lets him know about his mission. This interactive F.O.N.E is all you need to help fight the bad guys.

Photo and Artwork Disney 57 · Celebrations 58 · Celebrations Your fun-filled mission will take you on a quest for clues need to be able to follow some simple directions. throughout the Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, One of the great things about the adventure is that it , and UK pavilions. How does it work? Once you’ve re- allows you to explore the detail and beauty of the various ceived your top secret F.O.N.E., Major Monogram gives you pavilions. Trying to figure out where everything is on your clues on your F.O.N.E., and it is your job to find those clues mission can be tricky, but don’t worry, that will allow you throughout the pavilion. The clues could be anywhere, both to explore even more of the area. Cast Members can help inside and outside! When you point your F.O.N.E. towards the you out if you’re stuck on particular clue, but no matter how clue, something special will happen. What exactly? Since you solve them, you’ll always be in for a magical surprise. you’re the secret agent we won’t tell you here; that’s for you Without giving away any secrets, some statues and beauti- to discover! ful art are involved. There’s even a pretty cool rock that has Once you have found all of your clues, your assignment is an amazing secret. Where is it and what is the secret? That’s complete and you will be given instructions as to where to for you to discover! leave your cellular device…not leaving any evidence behind Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is is part of your quest! There is no need to go back to the re- destined to be a family favorite, not only because it’s lots of cruitment center. Your journey is then complete and you fun, but because the whole family has a chance to work to- are free to be your alter egos again…a parent and a child gether and experience World Showcase in a brand new way. enjoying Epcot! If, during your mission, you decide you are in need of a break (and what Secret Agent doesn’t need an Can’t Get Enough of Phineas and Ferb? ice cream pause?), don’t worry, your device will recalibrate Why not pop on over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for your mission to get you back on track! Each pavilion offers a Phineas and Ferb play and greet? Yes, we said a play and a different duty, so you can help defend the galaxy on many greet, not a meet and greet. This experience, located in different adventures, multiple times a day. the area behind Muppet*Vision 3D, near Mama Melrose’s Participating in this adventure is free; however, theme Ristorante Italiano, is centered around Phineas and Ferb’s park admission is required. Should you and your child efforts to make a movie all about their crazy adventures. choose to partake in this awesome and zany quest, you Along with their director, Cletus Fillmore, you can help can do so from 11 am-8:15 pm daily. Your mission, should them out! In between takes they’ll also sign autographs and you choose to accept it, lasts forty-five minutes to an hour. take pictures with you. Be on the look out though, some say There is no age requirement for this mission, though you’ll that Agent P may make an appearance!

Photo ©Disney 59 · Celebrations by Lori Elias

60 · Celebrations he classic fairytale Cinderella has been retold numerous times throughout history, Ttaking on many forms: opera, ballet, Broadway musical, and countless movie and television adaptations. However, it’s Disney’s animated masterpiece that is arguably the most well known, and certainly the most beloved. Cinderella herself is one of the most popular characters in Disney history, and has inspired the dreams of young prin- cesses throughout the years. And let’s not forget that Cinderella was the origin of the Magic Kingdom’s grand centerpiece! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the wonderful story and memo- rable characters, Cinderella also holds a pivotal place in Disney history. When Cinderella, with a script by Homer Brightman, Harry Reeves, and , and songs by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, premiered in 1950, it carried the future of the Disney Studios on its gossamer shoulders. Disney had not produced a full-length ani- mated feature since 1942’s Bambi, instead directing its energy in joining with most ma- jor industries in supporting the war effort, making its contribution through training films for the United States and Canadian armed forces. Because of the lack of profitable projects during World War II, the company was $4 million in debt. The pre-war animated features Fantasia and Pinocchio were not as suc- cessful as the company had hoped, resulting in a financial loss for studios. Production managed to eke its way through the middle and late 1940s via live-action films such as and , as well as movies for Disney’s South American project (detailed in the September/October issue of Celebrations), including Saludos Ami- gos and The Three Caballeros. The studios also created compilations of short vignettes, which were less expensive to produce than full-length features, notably Make Mine Mu-

Artwork ©Disney 61 · Celebrations sic and , but Walt Disney had a strong desire to The financial situation was desperate, so it was vital to return to real story-telling. None of these post-war movies keep production costs to a minimum. In order to guide the enjoyed the commercial success of early films such as Snow film’s structure for the animation team, the movie was first White and the Seven Dwarfs and Dumbo, and the company filmed in live-action, with costumed performers acting out was struggling to survive. Walt knew that a successful full- the scenes so that necessary changes could be made to the length feature was needed to re-establish the Studios on story and its sequencing before the animation process be- solid ground; should gan. It took two years the next project fail to shoot and edit the at the box office, the live footage. This end of Disney enter- footage was further tainment was immi- broken down into nent. still pictures, then Walt had always enlarged and traced been drawn to fai- onto animation pa- rytales, and Cinder- per. This procedure ella was a particular was initially met favorite. Like Cin- with some resis- derella, he too had tance by the anima- used his imagina- tors, who feared the tion to escape from process would limit the struggles of his their creativity. For- youth, both figu- tunately, they found ratively and liter- that they were able ally. Walt Disney had use the filmed ac- been considering tion primarily as a scripts for a fea- springboard for the ture film as early as layout of the film the 1930s, and even and characters, and though he was also were free to gener- making plans for an ously enhance the animated version of animated scenes Alice in Wonderland, with their own ideas. perhaps the time They were, how- was now right to de- ever, instructed to velop Cinderella. He keep expenses as related to the rags- low as possible. The to-riches story on a animators were told personal level, and to avoid excessive knew that many oth- details and angles ers would as well, es- that would result in pecially on the heels higher production of the Great Depression. Besides, with such a tremendous costs. In fact, some of the film’s most magical moments risk to the future of the company, it was prudent to utilize were actually created because they were cheaper to ani- a popular story with a tried-and-true plot. Dumbo had gar- mate, such as letting the ball’s dancing couples fade away nered a great deal of critical and commercial acclaim, and in order for the audience to focus on Cinderella and Prince Walt felt that a similar “underdog” tale was the right direc- Charming, thus eliminating the details of the dancers’ faces; tion for the next undertaking. and moving the carriage so that it appears to be floating,

62 · Celebrations as this meant the wheels would not have to be animated. would sing “Sing, Sweet Nightingale,” the animals of the Once it was underway, the actual animation of the movie house and farm would begin to neigh, howl, bray, moo, and was completed in about six months. cluck in a deafening cacophony. The professor, thinking the What the film may have lacked in detail was more than girls were making these sounds, would become furious at made up for in story-telling, as the film developed charac- being mocked. This scene was cut because, although it was ters about whom the audience cared deeply. Cinderella’s very amusing, it brought the story to a halt, which Walt ve- good-hearted resilience shone in contrast to her selfish hemently opposed. step-sisters, whose silliness took a wretched turn as they Walt’s renowned “Nine Old Men” were responsible for the as they ruthlessly destroyed Cinderella’s pink ball gown, film’s animation. and were assigned which had been lovingly constructed by the lonely girl’s only the daunting task of bringing the character of Cinderella to friends, the tiny mice and birds. Lady Tremaine’s calculated life. Larson wished to create an innocent and simple young cruelty defined one of the most passionately-hated villain- girl, while Davis wanted to emphasize her more elegant esses in Disney film history. The audience’s collective heart qualities. The two were open to compromise and combined ached for Cinderella’s treatment at the hands of those clos- their ideas, thus resulting in a layered and multi-dimension- est to her, then later soared as the glass slipper slid onto her al heroine. foot, confirming her , who had glowing destiny. The previously worked secondary story of the mostly on male char- playful mice torment- acters, continued in ing the regal Lucifer his forte, bringing provided comic relief Prince Charming, to the enfolding hu- the Grand Duke, and man drama, and Walt the King to life. Kahl Disney himself insist- proved his versatil- ed that each animal ity by also animating have his or her own the sweet-tempered distinctive personal- and doting Fairy God- ity. It was also he who mother. This wide determined that the contrast of characters mice would speak, as was matched, if not he liked the idea of surpassed, by Frank them singing while Thomas. Thomas had they worked. earlier animated such lovable characters as Bambi, Pinoc- Incidentally, “The Work Song,” performed by the mice as chio, and the seven dwarfs, but for Cinderella he was tapped they decorated Cinderella’s ill-fated ball gown, was not in to create the inherently wicked Lady Tremaine. His best the original plans for the score. The initial idea was that friend and frequent animation partner, , after Cinderella was told she could attend the ball if she took on the insipid stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. finished her chores, she would imagine herself as an army Only the human characters had been filmed in live-action of Cinderellas (not unlike Mickey Mouse’s brooms in the Sor- sequences, so one animator was completely on his own: cerer’s Apprentice scene in Fantasia) completing the work. Ward Kimball, who drew the deliciously evil cat Lucifer, Other animals were planned for inclusion in the film but along with his nemeses, the delightfully loyal mice—Gus, later dropped. These included a turtle named Clarissa, who Jaq, and Perla. Lucifer was based on Kimball’s family pet: the would be transformed into Cinderella’s lady-in-waiting, and animation team was struggling to come up with the right Jabber, a crow with a penchant for gossip, who would act design for the cat, and while visiting Kimball’s home, Walt as a narrator. In fact, animals played a much bigger role in Disney saw his cat and declared, “There’s your Lucifer.” early drafts of the film. The music lesson scene was to in- The German-born was known clude a haughty professor, and each time the step-sisters for his action sequences, having animated Monstro the

Artwork ©Disney Photo ©Tim Foster 63 · Celebrations Meanwhile, hundreds of young women were audition- ing to voice the title character just as Walt was auditioning composers for the film’s music. The songs of Snow White— namely “Heigh Ho,” “Whistle While You Work,” and “Someday My Prince Will Come”—had achieved great commercial suc- cess, which Walt hoped to replicate with the new film. Walt was insistent that the songs be worked into the film’s plot; he did not want the story to stop for the songs, but rather use the songs to help develop the story, much in the style of Broadway musicals. Instead of utilizing the company’s composers, as had been done previously, he opted for songwriters with pop-song experience and turned to New York’s highly-regarded Tin Pan Alley, where composers of popular tunes and Broadway theatre melodies promoted their music though the pub- lishing houses of West 28th Street. The songwriting team of Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston had recently written “Chi-Baba Chi-Baba,” a lilting lullaby made popular by crooner Perry Como. The song’s chorus featured the lyric, “Chi-baba, chi-baba, chi-baba/En-ja-la-wa cook-a-la-goom-ba.” whale in Pinocchio, as well as the dinosaur battle in the Rite When Walt heard it, he began to develop a concept for the of Spring segment of Fantasia. Well-regarded for his use of Fairy Godmother’s song, and asked the team to submit their , he created and animated the scene in which the ideas for a possible soundtrack. mice worked their way up the steps to the attic, juggling the The first song the trio created for their musical concept of key that would provide Cinderella’s escape. the film was “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” followed Legendary Disney artist was consulted to de- by “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” (closely related in style to “Chi-Baba sign the characters’ faces, and in fact two styles of anima- Chi-Baba”), and “The Work Song.” After David, Livingston, and tion are evident throughout the film: the life-like human Hoffman had completed the music, they asked a friend to characters living alongside the “fantasy”-like animals, which record the songs for the audition tape they would send to parallels the concept of the human story running alongside Walt Disney. This friend was a young woman named Ilene the animals’ tale, bridged by the title character. Woods, and after the recording reached Walt’s ears, not only Stage actress Eleanor Audley was tapped to provide did Cinderella have its composers…it also had its Cinderella! the chilling tones of Lady Tremaine; later that decade, she Musically, Cinderella opened new doors for the Disney Stu- would create another of Disney’s great villainesses, Malefi- dios. Ms. Woods’ voice made history with a technique new cent in Sleeping Beauty. Verna Felton, who had worked on to Disney films: over-dubbing, in which a singer’s voice is Disney’s Dumbo, was selected to voice the affectionate Fairy recorded in separate tracks that are later layered on top Godmother. She would go on to take on a darker role as of each other, so that the singer is in essence singing in en- the iconic Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, where she semble with herself. In “Sing, Sweet Nightingale,” Cinderella would be reunited with veteran Disney voice actor James scrubs the floor as she sings, and as her reflection appears MacDonald as the Dormouse. MacDonald was undoubtedly in the soap bubbles, her “reflective” selves join her in harmo- well-practiced in portraying rodents: he voiced both Gus ny. Woods recorded all of the tracks of the song, thus har- and Jaq—as well as the dog Bruno—in Cinderella! Mike Doug- monizing with her own voice. las, best remembered for his long-running talk show of the This was also the first film in which Disney published its 1960s and ‘70s, served as Prince Charming’s singing voice. He music within the company. Until Cinderella, songs were pub- had hoped to provide the speaking voice as well, but after lished through an outside publishing house, with Disney hearing his pronounced Chicago accent, the directors hired receiving royalties from the songs’ usage. By keeping the actor William Phipps to voice the prince’s spoken lines. music copyright in-house, Disney could maintain control

64 · Celebrations over its publication and record- ing. The Cinderella soundtrack sold over 750,000 albums within the first year of its release, with “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “The Work Song,” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” reaching the top of the Billboard charts. “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” and the movie’s score, composed by Paul J. Smith and , also received Oscar nominations. Arguably, however, the most important thing for the Disney Studios was Cinderella’s financial success. The film had cost slight- ly over $2 million to produce, and grossed almost $8 million, mak- ing it one of the most success- ful films of 1950. The new music publishing company and movie-themed merchandise gen- in her flute. The same mishap occurs during the orches- erated further income, and Cinderella, initially considered tra’s performance of Giacchino Rossini’s William Tell Over- one of the greatest risks Walt had pursued to date, proved ture in the Mickey Mouse feature, The Band Concert. to be the glass slipper that put Disney Studios back on its • Also in “Sing, Sweet Nightingale,” as Cinderella sings the feet with its best years yet to come. final lyric, she progressively drops the last word of each consecutive line: “Oh, sing sweet nightingale…/Oh, sing Fascinating Facts: sweet…/Oh, sing…/Oh,” when she is interrupted by Lucifer • The full-length feature was not Walt Disney’s first treat- tracking dust on the steps. ment of Cinderella. While running his Laugh-O-Gram Stu- • Cinderella’s loss of her glass slipper is foreshadowed early dio in Kansas City, Missouri, Walt produced a seven-minute in the movie as she hurries up the stairs to take breakfast short film of Cinderella. The film was accompanied only trays to Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters. (She also loses by piano, and the characters communicated through dia- her shoe on the steps of the palace after her wedding.) logue balloons. • Prince Charming’s name is never mentioned in the film. • A comedic version of Cinderella’s story was later consid- • The “transformation” scene, in which Cinderella’s ragged ered for Disney’s Silly Symphonies. Though the plan was dress becomes a beautiful ball gown, was Walt’s favorite scrapped in order to make the full-length movie, some of scene in the film, as well as one of his favorite scenes of all the comic moments were included in the feature film. of his animated features. • Cinderella was the first film credit for Mike Douglas (singing • A made-for-television live-action musical of Cinderella was voice of Prince Charming) and Lucille Bliss (Anastasia), as written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II well as the second—and last—film credit of (Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music) and produced (Cinderella). in 1957, starring future Mary Poppins star in • Verna Felton (Fairy Godmother) died on Dec. 14, 1966, one the title role. Due to its popularity, it was remade in 1965, day before the passing of Walt Disney. starring Lesley Ann Warren. In 1997, the film had another • The melody of “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” was remake, this time by Walt Disney Television, starring Bran- inspired by Ricordanza, the ninth etude in Franz Liszt’s di as Cinderella. Transcendental Etudes for piano. • Over fifty years since its original writing, the musical will • In “Sing, Sweet Nightingale,” Anastasia gets her finger stuck make its Broadway debut in early 2013.

Artwork ©Disney 65 · Celebrations Background Music of Main Street U.S.A.

66 · Celebrations or Guests visiting Walt Disney World, the background Vice President of Disney Entertainment. Fmusic may be one of the most important-but one of the ‘’So I prepared some background music for Main Street most overlooked-factors contributing to the overall park U.S.A. I found this marvelous, turn-of-the-century music experience. The music is almost subliminal, and while it and they loved it,’’ Wagner said. ‘’You know what they were doesn’t overtly attract attention, it creates an ambiance for playing on Main Street in Disneyland at the time? (Simon the area, adding to the incredible theming and attention to and Garfunkel’s) ‘’Mrs. Robinson’. I told them it was unforgiv- detail that Disney is known for. able,’’ Wagner told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper in a 1991 Originally, the only background music on Disneyland’s interview. Main Street was the sounds from The Wurlitzer Music Hall The background music is commonly piped through vari- shop at the corner in Town Square. An organist would play ous hidden speakers on the upper floors of Main Street daily on a large Wurlitzer theater organ inside the store and U.S.A. The speakers are designed to look like part of the ar- the music could be heard in the street. chitecture, such as a circular vertical vent, a screened win- One of the most popular organists was Mr. Dee Fisher, dow square or the ornate section near the top of a lamp- who was showcased on a record album released in 1957 en- post. “The Disney Company pays a license fee to ASCAP, BMI titled Echoes of Disneyland, which featured the music he or SESAC to use the music licensed by these agencies,” stated played on Main Street. These impromptu concerts, especial- former Vice President of WDW Entertainment . ly those performed at park closing, were so popular with In 1992, the Main Street music loop originally prepared for Guests that they became part of the Disneyland experience. was also installed at Disneyland and Walt The store was also home to mechanical player pianos and Disney World. The popular loop included actual turn-of-the- pianists who demonstrated traditional tunes. century music, as well as selections from films and Broad- Music from the Gay Nineties was also performed by the way shows that evoked that same time period: Disneyland Band, a ragtime piano player at the Coke Corner, • Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby and later, a barbershop quartet known as the Dapper Dans. • Smiles* “Dapper Dan” was a turn of the century phrase referring to a • Old Timers’ Waltz Medley* well-dressed and groomed gentleman who was “dapper” or (The Bowery, The Sidewalks of New York, Sweet Rosie stylish. O’Grady, A Bicycle Built for Two, Comrades, Little Annie In 1957, Disneyland entertainment director Tommy Walk- Rooney, She May Have Seen Better Days, The Band Played er arranged for a barbershop quartet to perform on Main On, After the Ball) Street. By 1959, the group was officially known as the Dapper • Dearie Dans. The superb four-part harmony sung a cappella by this • In My Merry Oldsmobile quartet became an institution on Main Street, with a song • Triplets* list of over one hundred tunes. They are official members of • Elegance, Before the Parade Passes By, Put On Your Sunday the Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly the Society for Clothes (from Hello, Dolly!) the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quar- Hello, Dolly! was a 1964 Broadway play based on Thornton tet Singing in America, Inc. or SPEBSQA). Wilder’s farce The Matchmaker. At the turn of the cen- The first Dapper Dans of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Dis- tury in New York City, Dolly Levi makes her living by med- ney World appeared in October 1971, and included Dick Knee- dling, matchmaking and a variety of other sidelines. land (lead), Bub Thomas (bass), Jerry Siggins (baritone), and • Desecration Rag No. 1: A Symphonic Nightmare* Bob Mathis (tenor). A line drawing of these four singers is • Fortuosity, Let’s Have a Drink On It (from The Happiest Mil- framed and hanging in the Harmony Barbershop at the lionaire) Magic Kingdom. The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 live action Disney film Using his past experience as a , Disney Legend that is loosely based on the true story of millionaire An- created background music tracks for the vari- thony Drexel Biddle. Set in Philadelphia in 1916, the story ous lands at Disneyland, and later, Walt Disney World, in his is told by John Lawless who has just taken a job as a but- own home studio two miles away from the park ,beginning ler in the Biddle household. The film included thirteen in 1970 at the request of Disney Legend Bob Jani, who was a original songs by Richard and Robert Sherman.

Photo ©Tim Foster 67 · Celebrations • I Could Love a Million Girls • Yankee Doodle • Winter Garden Rag • Gary Indiana, Wells Fargo Wagon, Lyda Rose, Iowa Stubborn (from The Music Man) The Music Man was a 1957 Broadway musical by Mer- edith Wilson. In River City, Iowa in 1912, a con man named Professor Harold Hill sells expensive musical instruments to the local citizens under the impres- sion that Hill will teach their children to play in a town band. • Oh You Drummer!* • Junk Man Rag* • In the Hills of Old Kentucky Medley The pieces marked by an asterisk were performed by The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, a non-commercial group founded in 1986 to preserve and perform “America’s origi- nal music.” “The music that is heard on Main Street U.S.A. is culled from my Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and we are the only organization that exists to preserve and perform the music of America from the late 1800s and early 1900s. We are actually a non-profit corporation, and we’ve been around for 25 years,” stated founder Rick Benjamin in an interview. “We’re at a time where we need to make comfort- ing connections to our past to help tell us where to go next. And I think a lot of what is on Main Street U.S.A. is based on that as well. It shows a confident America; that’s the entire aesthetic – this year is • Surrey with the Fringe on Top, Many a New Day, Kansas City great, next year is going to be better! And the Disney people (from Oklahoma!) do a great job of capturing that feeling in the air on Main Oklahoma! was a 1943 Broadway play by Richard Rodgers Street U.S.A.” and Oscar Hammerstein II. In the Oklahoma territory in A new music loop was created in the fall of 2012 by Dean 1906, a romance between a local cowboy named Curly Mora and his orchestra. Mora, a Los Angeles born pianist, and farm girl named Laurey runs into some challenges. became interested in music from the 1920s and 1930s when • Sidewalks of New York he saw the film The Sting when he was eleven years old. He • Mary is a Grand Ol’ Name was instantly enamored with the cars, clothes, music and • Flitterin’, Summer Magic, Beautiful Beulah (from Summer the entire style of that ragtime period. In 1994, Mora formed Magic) the band Mora’s Modern Rhythmists. Summer Magic was a 1963 live action Disney film that was Today, Mora oversees four vintage-style bands that per- based on the novel Mother Carey’s Chickens published in form American dance music from the turn of the century 1911. Taking place in Beulah, Maine, a Boston widow and through to 1950. Using period arrangements and transcrip- her three children find a new life for themselves in the tions from the original recordings, Mora’s bands built a small town. The film included seven original songs by prestigious reputation and have played at most of the his- Richard and Robert Sherman. torical venues around Los Angeles, and play regularly at the

68 · Celebrations as a handful of charts from trombonist Jim McMillen). We recorded all the tracks at Capitol Studios back in September (2011),” stated Mora. The new Main Street loop premiered at Disneyland on January 9, 2012 and then in March at Disneyland Paris. It re- placed the former Main Street loop at Walt Disney World in the fall of 2012, and includes: • Maple Leaf Rag • Married Life (from Up) • Let Me Call You Sweetheart • Surrey With the Fringe On Top (Oklahoma!) • Oh, You Beautiful Doll • Old Timers Waltz Medley • Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet • And the Band Played On • Alexander’s Ragtime Band • Before the Parade Passes By (Hello, Dolly!) • Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby • Dearie • Delerium Tremens Rag • Hello, Ma Baby • By the Light of the Silvery Moon • It’s a Long Way To Tipperary • In the Good Old Summertime • Fortuosity (The Happiest Millionaire) • Oh! You Drummer • Sidewalks of New York • There’ll Be a Hot Time In the Old Town Tonight • Wait ‘Till the Sun Shine Nellie • Meet Me in St. Louis • Elegance (Hello, Dolly!) • Kansas City (Oklahoma!) • Yankee Doodle Dandy • Wells Fargo Wagon (The Music Man) • Put On Your Sunday Clothes (Hello Dolly!) Cicada Club. Mora’s Ragtime Orchestra was formed in 2006 “Background music doesn’t have the live components of to present the ragtime repertoire from the late 1890s to the bands, singers and other entertainers, but nevertheless it’s 1910s. part of the challenge for entertainment in producing qual- In the spring of 2011, Mora was contacted by Disney Imagi- ity atmosphere experiences for the Guest,” said Ron Logan. neering to record a new music loop for Main Street. He So today, when Disney Guests walk down the middle of spent the summer helping select a new lineup of songs to Main Street U.S.A., that’s the reason why they find them- be recorded, retaining some of the previous song list but selves marching to the beat of some new, but old, songs. adding new “old” songs. Also included was Michael Giacchi- They may not realize it, but the music plays a vital role in no’s “Married Life” from the Disney-Pixar animated film Up. transporting them to era of carefree days and simpler “For the arrangements, I used a good number of period ar- times, and is a key ingredient in what makes Main Street rangements, in addition to my own arrangements (as well U.S.A. the nostalgic escape that Walt Disney envisioned.

69 · Celebrations performer was the talented who performed as a traveling salesman and as Pecos Bill. Wally came out to Flor- ida in 1971 to stage the same show for Walt Disney World’s Diamond Horseshoe. “The Diamond Horseshoe Revue” in Walt Disney World was Diamond Horseshoe Revue a reservation-only show, with Guests having to get seating he story of Frontierland begins not from the hub in times and table numbers from the Collectibles Tfront of , but from Liberty Square, as shop on Main Street, U.S.A. until they stopped being required your journey marks the Westward expansion of America. in 1995. One of the opening-day Magic Kingdom shows, it was These two lands are closely connected, not just geographi- replaced in 1986 by a similar variety show entitled the “Dia- cally but thematically. This is the story of America from its mond Horseshoe Jamboree” featuring Miss Lily Langtree founding to its westward expansion following the Louisi- and Sam the Bartender. ana Purchase. Frontierland seamlessly continues a story The show later evolved into the 45-minute long “Diamond that begins in Liberty Square in the late 1800s, continues Horseshoe Saloon Revue and Medicine Show” featuring the through St. Louis in the early 1840s, and carries on to a ghost Traveling Troubadour, Wildcat Kate, and Dr. Bill Ya Later. The town in the late 1880s, after the gold rush boom of the time. saloon’s featured singer and her two dancing girls, “Miss Lu- As you progress from Liberty Square into Frontierland, cille L’Amour and Her Lovely Ladies,” danced the can-can, the you are (metaphorically) moving from east to west across clog stomp, and other saloon numbers. Since the Diamond the United States. The architectural styles, building mate- Horseshoe shared a kitchen with the Adventureland Ve- rials, and building numbers in- randa restaurant, the menu was dicate the passage of time, from scaled back when the Veranda 1787 as seen on the Hall of Presi- closed in 1994. Instead of the origi- dents, to the 1840 setting of the nal sit-down menu, the Horseshoe Diamond Horseshoe. Set in St. now offered a counter-service Louis, which was known as the menu during one of the 5-7 daily “gateway to the west” and played shows that featured music, danc- a prominent role in the westward ing, magic, and comedy. expansion of the United States, “The Diamond Horseshoe Sa- the Diamond Horseshoe was the loon Revue” closed in January 2003 type of entertainment venue that would be available at the and was replaced by “Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree.” The edge of the frontier at this time. tables and chairs were removed, allowing Goofy and the The interior of the Diamond Horseshoe is styled like an other characters to perform some musical numbers and East Coast opera house, as opposed to the typical Wild West dance with children before the on-stage finale. The show saloons seen in old Western movies. It is decorated with pho- closed in 2004, and the location was later used as a charac- tos of classic theatrical performers like Sarah Bernhardt, ter meet and greet location, primarily for the Western-style and paintings by famed Western artist Charles Russell, all characters from Toy Story 2, including Woody and Jessie. in a venue that’s roughly shaped like, what else, a horseshoe. While the can-can dancers may be gone, the Diamond As with many other things at the Magic Kingdom, inspi- Horseshoe still remains a beautiful venue, filled with won- ration for the Diamond Horseshoe came the original in Dis- derful details from days gone by. Next time you’re there, look neyland. “The Golden Horseshoe Revue” show in Disneyland for the genuine Wurlitzer from Cincinnati, Ohio, the “World was one of the longest running shows in history, lasting Famous Self Playing Piano” that, according to a nearby sign, from July 1955 through October 1986, performing over 50,000 is playing an “Exclusive engagement direct from a tour of the shows for millions of Guests. For much of its run, the lead world’s most famous fairs and expositions.”

70 · Celebrations

hen we last parted ways, we had just finished do offer one thing that you can’t get anywhere else: that Wup a deliciously wonderful nighttime tour of Disney level of great customer service. Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That marked the end of a So, you are probably wondering why I am dwelling wonderful day, so we went back to our resort to catch on public transportation. It’s because the tram from some valuable sleep before starting all over again the the parking lot to the park entrance is not just public next day. transportation, it’s one more step on the journey that My companion and I aren’t ones to spring out of bed builds anticipation and excitement for what is about to at the crack of dawn to catch the rope drop, so we en- unfold. joyed a wonderful breakfast at our favorite restaurant, As you and your family stand waiting for the tram, Boma. We enjoyed a great spread of meats, breads and you can usually see the park off in the distance. You fruit over many glasses of Jungle Juice. It was here that know what’s coming, and you’re just moments away we discussed the many places we’ve wandered over the from being there. This invariably leads to discussions past 20-something installments, and tossed around about what you are going to do when you arrive. Which some ideas about where to go to next. We hadn’t been attractions will you head to? What shows are you plan- to Disney’s Hollywood ning on seeing? Where Studios in quite a while, will you eat? As the so we decided to make tram pulls up, the antic- that our next stop. ipation builds because We hopped into our you are now just a short car and made our way ride away. to the park. Due to our To us, and to many lazy morning, we were others, the tram (or parked far, far away; all monorail or ferry) is the way in the back of the first attraction we’ll the parking lot. experience that day. It Driving to the park is may not get your heart a double-edged sword. racing like Big Thunder While you can enjoy the benefit of coming and going Mountain, but it’s still exciting. Plus, for many people, as you please without being tied to a bus or monorail such as myself, the day hasn’t really begun until you’ve schedule, you don’t get the front door service that Dis- stepped foot on the tram. ney transportation provides. I know that I have spent every installment trying to Fortunately, Disney in their infinite wisdom provided highlight attractions that are often overlooked, but us with trams so we don’t have to wear ourselves out sometimes the path less taken may only be seen by you. getting to the entry gate. To everyone else it may just be a dense jungle. Why don’t At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything spe- you write in and tell us about something you see as an cial about the trams used at Walt Disney World. They attraction but technically is not. appear to the same as those you’d find elsewhere. But, Until next time, this is Ray and you have been Wan- this is Walt Disney World, and of course the trams here dering the World 72 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Devine 50,000 Number of lightbulbs (give or take) that are used to light up the floats. Number of lightbulbs that are replaced each week. The number varies of 1,500 course, and can be as few as 100, but that’s still a lot of bulbs!

Height, in feet, of all the screens used in the show if you were to stack 350 them on top of each other. That’s nearly twice as tall as Cinderella Castle!

Number of days after the opening of the Magic Kingdom that the 15 pageant debuted, when it was performed as part of the dedication of the Polynesian Luau.

Number of stops the water pageant currently makes on its nightly tour, 5 stopping at (in order) the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, the Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and finally the Contemporary Resort. During extra magic hour evenings at the Magic Kingdom, the pageant makes one additional stop in front of the park.

Length of each float, in feet. There are 14 floats in all, divided into two 40 groups of seven that travel throughout Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake on two barges.

73 · Celebrations How Well Do You Know Toy Story? by Tim Foster

1) What was the name of Sid’s dog? 6) Who wrote “You’ve Got a Friend In Me”? a) Rex a) The Sherman Brothers b) Dug b)  c) Scud c) Elton John d) Scab d) Alan Menken

2) What is the license plate number on Andy’s 7) What did Woody say to Sid when he was mother’s car? rescuing Buzz? a) A113 a) “Reach for the sky!” b) 1971 b) “Howdy partner!” c) DI3NEE c) “Play nice!” d) 3H63 d) “Hands up!”

3) What is the name of Andy’s little sister? 8) What were Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and the a) Bonnie Prospector known as? b) Molly a) The Roundup Gang c) Mary b) Woody’s Posse d) Megan c) Snakeboot Secret Society d) Western Rangers 4) In the original Toy Story, what did Andy get for Christmas? 9) Who provided the voice of Jessie? a) Bullseye a) Amy Adams b) Buzz Lightyear b) Joan Cusack c) Sheets c) Sarah McLachhlan d) A puppy d) Keira Knightley

5) Which of these toys was NOT in the original 10)  Who directed Toy Story 3? Toy Story? a) Lee Unkrich a) Barbie b) John Lasseter b) Mr. Mike c) Andrew Stanton c) Combat Carl d) Brad Bird d) Etch A Sketch

74 · Celebrations 11) Which was the highest grossing Toy Story 14) Where did Andy get Woody? film? a) He got him for his birthday a) Toy Story b) He bought him at Al’s Toy Barn b) Toy Story 2 c) He found him c) Toy Story 3 d) He was handed down to him from his father d) Toy Story 2 and 3 earned the same amount 15) What event led to the cancelation of Woody’s 12) What is Jessie’s last name? Roundup? a) Jones a) The first man on the Moon b) Pride b) The first c) McGillicuddy c) The launch of Sputnik d) She doesn’t have one d) The launch of the Space Shuttle

13) Who was Lotso’s original owner? Quiz Answers a) Daisy 1) C 6) B 11) C b) Lucy 2) A 7) C 12) B c) Kara 3) B 8) A 13) A d) Cindy 4) D 9) B 14) D 5) A 10) A 15) C

ANSWERS BRAIN BUSTERS WORD SCRAMBLE WHERE AM I? KIDS KORNER (pages 78–81) Dr. Nigel Channing, Professor Wayne 1. China 1. Carthay Circle Theatre on the Szalinski and Professor Philip Brainard 2. Canada Hollywood Studios entry arch to the WHO AM I? 3. Japan Animation Courtyard 1. Scar (The Lion King) FIND THE DIFFERENCE 4. United Kingdom 2. Map of the EPCOT city seen in One 2. Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast) 5. Norway Man’s Dream 3. Aladdin & Jasmine (Aladdin) 6. Italy 3. Disney Junior–Live on Stage! entrance 4. Fairy Godmother (Cinderella) 7. Germany 4. Queue of Voyage of the Little 5. Baloo (The Jungle Book) 8. Morocco Mermaid 6. Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio) 5. Digital Ink & Paint interactive station MYSTERY QUEST (pages 82–83) in the Magic of Disney Animation DISNEY CAPITALS 6. Fish outside the Voyage of the Little 1. Dinosaur SECRET SYMBOLS Mermaid theater. 2. Innoventions 1. King Triton’s trident in the sign for 7. Desk in Walt Disney’s office in One 3. Splash Mountain the Voyage of the Little Mermaid Man’s Dream 4. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular 1. A beam is missing. 2. Disney Junior–Live on Stage! sign 8. Audio-Animatronic control panel 5. Maelstrom 2. The green stripe is extended. 3. Walt Disney/Mickey Mouse mural at seen in One Man’s Dream 6. Tomorrowland Speedway 3. A rail is missing. the entrance of One Man’s Dream 4. The trees are bigger. 4.  Symbol on the entry gate to the FANTASYLAND CRISSCROSS 5. A drain is gone. Magic of Disney Animation tour C M A R 6. The umbrella is missing. 5.  “H” on the Hollywood Studios I W I C R B A T 7. The sign is blank. archway leading to the Animation R H E N A I E I E 8. The fountain is taller. Courtyard. C I N D E R E L L A 9. There is an extra fountain. U P D O T O L L R C 10. The pad is a different color. S P Y N R U E O U O A A S A P FIND THE DIFFERENCE BONUS ANSWER L I E D S The Imagination pavilion D N L

75 · Celebrations The Stalemated Chess Board By Tim Foster

In my last quest, I discovered the location of Tinny the Tin Toy, one of the first Pixar characters ever created. It got me to thinking about my other favorite characters, and many of them appeared in one of my favorite films of all time, Toy Story 2. One character that I found particularly charming, even though he had a small role, was that of Geri the Cleaner. The model for the character was actually used in one of Pixar’s earliest shorts, Geri’s Game, the first Pixar short to have a human as the main character. Voiced by Jonathan Harris (who played the notorious Dr. Smith on TV’s Lost in Space), Geri plays a game of chess against himself in the park, with a curious prize for the winner! In Toy Story 2, the Cleaner has a few chess pieces in his tool box in a nod to the earlier short. It was curious that in Geri’s Game, the match didn’t end in a stalemate, but I heard there was another famous chess game being played around these parts that could indeed never be won.

I pondered on where to begin my search, and my thoughts immediately turned to the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot. A country rich in royalty tradition, I thought I would easily find a game of kings, queens, knights, and castles there. Sure enough, I wandered into a quaint little shop called the Crown & Crest and found this magnificent window display. It was a royal banquet with several members of nobility in attendance, all taking place on a chessboard-like tiled floor. Though not an actual chess game, I was delighted to find a wonderful selection of exquisitely detailed chess sets for sale nearby. Unfortunately I didn’t find a game in progress, certainly not one that was stalemated, so I wandered outside. I soon saw Alice in her blue dress, and it got me thinking.

Of course! If anyone around here knew anything about chess, it would I made my way over to the Magic Kingdom and “it’s a small world.” I be Alice’s nemesis, the Queen of wondered if I would be able to find a chess game here, and kept my Hearts. I soon found the evil queen eyes open for the United Kingdom. Fortunately, my journey started and asked her if she knew of a chess in Europe, and I soon came across several scenes that represented game nearby. She sighed and explained the United Kingdom. Much to my delight, I saw several chess pieces to me that chess wasn’t her game- dancing on a giant chess board. I asked who was winning but they she preferred cards-and that I was didn’t seem to hear me, they were far more preoccupied with singing a probably confusing her with the Red simple yet charming song, over and over and over... Queen from Through the Looking Glass, the follow up book to Alice in Wonderland. In the book, chess is used as a motif. My confusion was not unusual she said, since in the animated Disney classic the Queen of Hearts says several lines that are actually those of the Red Queen from the original books. She dismissed me with a wave of her hand, and I left the United Kingdom pavilion, pondering where to go next. I decided to visit a smaller version of the country.

76 · Celebrations I continued my journey toward a gothic mansion that I had heard about, surely one would be able to find a chess board there. I soon came across this ghoulish domicile, and despite the distant howling of a wolf I decided to investigate further. As I examined the mansion, I noticed a number of familiar shapes lining the roof. A smile of recognition crossed my face as I realized that I could see a chess queen, a king, several pawns, a pair of rooks, and a number of bishops among the architectural elements. “No knight?” I pondered aloud to myself. “No,” remarked a passerby, “It’s only night inside.” I immediately got the joke, and replied that this was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful game. The passerby shook her head and told me that, alas, it was indeed just a joke, and that the similarities between the mansion’s decor and the pieces of a chess board was entirely coincidental.

I continued on to a world of pirates and creepy dungeons, unsure of what I would find. To my delight, I came across a prison cell occupied by two skeletons playing chess, evidently for all eternity! I learned that the setup of the chess pieces was the stalemate I was seeking; with neither player able to win. I even heard a tale that at one point the pieces were accidentally moved, but no one could remember how they were supposed to be arranged. Fortunately, an old sketch was discovered, drawn by one of the attraction’s creators, Marc Davis. The drawing showed the proper placement, and it’s been that way ever since.

Or so I thought. As a chess enthusiast, I made note of the position of the pieces on the board (taken from my photo shown here) and anxiously returned home so I could set up my own version of the board. Once I did I decided to see what would happen if I tried to move, and much to my dismay I found that, if I played as black, I could win quite easily. The position wasn’t a stalemate after all. After a bit of sleuthing, I learned that the pieces have in fact moved over the years, though a few pieces (notably the black king, black queen, and few pawns) have stayed in place. As for the others, they seem to come and go and move around. I’m sure it’s not the skeletons’ doing (it seems they gave up on the game long ago), so I’m not sure why they would move. I did hear a rumor that there was a ghost named George who haunted these dungeons, but unfortunately that’s another tale for another time!

77 · Celebrations Can you name the characters who sang these songs? 1. Be Prepared 2. Be Our Guest 3. A Whole New World 4. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo 5. The Bare Necessities 6. When You Wish Upon a Star

Can you figure out where you can find these letters that spell out “DISNEY”?

1 2

3 4

5 6

78 · Celebrations Answer all the clues to find out the answer to the bonus question that reads across the gray stripe.

1. This storybook land stars Dumbo and Goofy. 7. She can be found in a grotto. 2. You’ll find this blue animal blinking at you 8. She will tell you an enchanted tale. on “it’s a small world.” 9. You can ride this back to Main Street U.S.A. 3. She learns to fly with Peter Pan. 10. Look for the dormouse as you spin in one 4. He’s looking for his missing hat. of these. 5. The dwarfs use this to look for jewels (and BONUS QUESTION: you will too when their new attraction (Try to answer this question before you work opens!). on the puzzle!) 6. You’ll find regal horses here. Which princess has a dog named Bruno?

Answers on page 75 79 · Celebrations Who are the three scientists honored in the queue of Journey Into Imagination with Figment?

All this splashing has ruined the bottom picture! Can you spot the 10 differences in the photos below?

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BONUS QUESTION Do you know where you can find a nearby upside- down waterfall?

80 · Celebrations See if you can unscramble the names of these World Showcase pavilions.

1. INACH 2. ANDCAA

3. APAJN 4. DUTINE MIGODNK

5. YOWRAN 6. LYIAT

7. RYENMGA 8. CORMOOC

Answers on page 75

In each issue, our Kids Korner columnist will answer questions that are too tough for the grown-ups! If you have a question for her, send it to: [email protected].

How excited are you about the great addition...besides having an awesome news that Disney now owns the name, she is brave and royal - definitely a rights to Star Wars? Disney Princess. But I think they should add Star Wars + Disney = Best Match since Pixar Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph too!!! Just joined the Mouse!!! Star Tours is one of think of all the candy themed stuff they’d be my “Must Rides” at Walt Disney World and able to make! Yum! the are super cool. I hope we’ll get to see the characters more Do you like the dance party in often now and maybe get some more Tomorrowland? rides. I know my cousin is very excited that Dancing and Disney are my all time favorite the Clone Wars TV show is coming to the things in life...one day I’m going to dance Disney XD channel, so maybe we’ll get an for Disney! So I always like a good dance attraction based on that show. party. Dancing with Pluto or Chip and Dale is lots of fun...but, I think I enjoy dancing Who do you think should be added more during the Halloween and Christmas to the Princess lineup? parties. Maybe it’s the costumes and music, Aren’t we all Princesses?!? That’s what they or it might just be that extra holiday magic tell me at the parks! Merida would be a that makes them so fun.

81 · Celebrations 1 2 3 4 5 Secret Symbols Where can you find these cryptic inscriptions?

Little Known Facts • The Ursula figure in Voyage of the Little Mermaid is • Mulan was the first full-length feature film to be pro- actually a giant puppet measuring 12 feet tall and 10 duced primarily by Walt Disney Feature Animation feet wide. at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios. • In the show, Ariel was once played by the actress • The Animation Tour used to be the home of actual Leanza Cornett, who eventually became Miss Amer- Disney Animators. The animation department has ica in 1993. She also played Ariel in the 1992 Walt Dis- since been moved exclusively to California. ney World Very Merry Christmas Parade TV special.

• The original icon of the Disney-MGM Studios was the • Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream was created especially Earffel Tower, a water tower which can still be seen for the 100 Years of Magic celebration, commemorat- wearing its giant Mickey ears. In 1995, the Earffel ing the 100th birthday of Walt Disney. On display are Tower sported a pair of blue goggles in honor of more than 400 pieces of memorabilia from the Dis- Orlando Magic basketball player Horace Grant. The ney archives (the collection was originally shipped Magic went on to play in the NBA finals, but lost the from California via Federal Express on an Airbus series. The Earffel Tower is 8 1/2 feet in diameter and A300 dubbed, fittingly, the Spirit of Imagination). boasts a hat size of 342 3/8. How do we know? Disney needed to find out because during the holiday sea- • The film at One Man’s Dream was originally nar- son the Earffel Tower is often topped off with a gi- rated/hosted by then-Disney CEO . It is ant Santa hat! now narrated by actress Julie Andrews.

82 · Celebrations Where Am I? Can you determine where these photographs were taken? 3 1 2

4 6 5

Only the best explorers will be able to figure this one out... 8 7

Answers on page 75 83 · Celebrations Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Alice in Wonderland

1. The Disney animated classic Alice in Wonderland was re- cated the book and its sequel to the real life Alice, and in leased in 1951, but Walt Disney’s interest in Alice went all “Through the Looking-Glass” there’s even a poem that’s the way back to 1923. That’s when Walt created an animat- an acrostic for “Alice Pleasance Liddell,” meaning that the ed short called Alice’s Wonderland. The film combined live first letters of each line spell out Alice’s name when read action with animation, and though not an immediate suc- downward. The poem begins: A boat beneath a sunny sky, cess, it led to the production of over fifty shorts known as / Lingering onward dreamily / In an evening of July-- the in the mid 1920s. 6. For the Disney film, the voice of Alice was performed by 2. Even though Walt Disney entertained the idea of Alice be- English actress , who also served as a ing his first full-length motion picture, the challenge of live action model for the animators. She also provided the bringing Alice to the big screen (as well as other factors) voice for Wendy in the 1953 Disney classic Peter Pan. delayed the release of the film until 1951. During that time, 7. Even though Alice is not an official Disney Princess, she has the story went through countless changes, but despite occasionally been included in various pieces of Princess the massive effort, the film was met with lukewarm en- artwork and was part of the Disney Princess video It’s Not thusiasm. Walt Disney would later summarize the film’s Just Make Believe. problems by saying that Alice had no heart. 8. While the film is represented in the Magic Kingdom by the 3. Alice in Wonderland is of course based on the Lewis Carroll , you’ll have to go to Disneyland in California book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland “published in 1865. to find Alice herself. There you can join Alice and friends The film also featured segments from “Through in the Fantasyland dark ride, Alice in Wonderland. In 1983, the Looking Glass.” Carroll’s original story was in- the attraction was updated as part of the Fantasyland spired by a boat ride that he took with Reverand expansion, with a new narration provided by none Robinson Duckworth and sisters Lorina, Alice, other than Kathryn Beaumont herself! and Edit Liddell. During the trip, Carroll creat- 9. Alice made a modern-day reappearance in the ed the story of Alice and her adventures. The 2010 film version of Alice in Wonderland, directed real life Alice was so entranced by the tale that by . The part of Alice was played by she asked Carroll to write it down. Mia Wasikowska. In the new film, Alice is now 4. Curiously, Carroll’s original book suffered nineteen years old, returning to Wonderland the same fate as the Disney film. Upon after thirteen years. its release, the book wasn’t included in 10. At least that’s the story line according an 1888 poll of popular children’s stories, to the film. In actual fact, in Carroll’s and the illustrations actually garnered “Through the Looking-Glass,” Alice de- more praise than the story. clared that she was “seven and a half ex- 5. Though Carroll (whose real name was actly”, which would make her at least 20 Charles Dodgson) maintained that Alice years old if she indeed returned thirteen wasn’t based on anyone in particular, years later. The age discrepancy can be it’s always been assumed that Alice Lid- chalked up to artistic license, consider- dell was his inspiration. Indeed, the ing that the original Disney film gave story takes place on May 4th, her the appearance of a ten or eleven which was Alice Liddell’s year old, even though she was actu- birthday. Carroll dedi- ally younger in the book.

Keepsake Image: “Enchanted Rose”• Photography by Tim Devine 84 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney Back Cover Photography by Tim Devine

“Fantasy, if it’s really convincing, can’t become dated, for the simple reason that it represents a flight into a dimension that lies beyond the reach of time.” —Walt Disney