summer2014 • Volume23 • Number2 What does it really mean to be Happy? If you’re the by-the-book (or Wikipedia) type, it means you’ve achieved “a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.” If you’re an animated Dwarf, it means you live with six friends, you needn’t a mustache to complete your beard and you aren’t afraid to accentuate your belly by fastening a belt over your brightly colored shirt. This sunny summer edition of Disney Files Magazine is fi lled with stuff that makes me Happy, and my eagerness to share it with you has me somewhere between contentment and intense joy. I’m Happy, for example, to see two of my favorite resorts in the neighborhood get interior facelifts that give warm, woodsy themes a cool, contemporary edge (pages 3-6). I’m Happy anytime I get to sit down with one of the most beloved Cast Members in our community – an ageless gentleman whose passion for spreading happiness is nothing short of extraordinary (pages 7-8). I’m Happy to daydream about paradise (page 9), watch an attraction concept become real (page 19) and see an animated fi lm honor heroes who tend to fl y under the radar (page 24). I’m Happy to see faces on repurposed trash (page 14), barbecued meats on my plate (pages 16 and 21) and Marty’s memories on our pages (25-26). And fi nally, I’m Happy to give this issue’s “Last Word” to a cute kid who has the will power to make even the fairest of all Disney princesses plead for affection. (All of us at Disney Files Magazine are impressed with this kid’s intestinal fortitude, as we tend to cave anytime Snow White asks for a hug.) Whatever happiness means to you, I hope you fi nd some of it in the pages ahead and that your happiest vacation is one you’ve yet to take.
Welcome home,
Ryan March Disney Files Editor
Illustration by Keelan Parham
VOL. 23 NO. 2
Disney Files Magazine Information contained in this Contact Member Services from For Member Services in Japanese, Disney Vacation Club magazine is subject to change 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Eastern weekdays call 0120-98-4050 Tuesday-Sunday, P.O. Box 10350 without notice 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Eastern weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Japan Time) Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800 Email: [email protected] DVC-MBR-65-Z Update your mailing address online at Fax: (407) 938-4151 Please recycle this publication www.dvcmember.com Email: [email protected] facebook.com/disneyvacationclub Membership (bonding) Magic By Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney
In introducing the Disney Files Magazine, for example, includes a fun first wave of Membership shot of Gaston posing with three girls (of course) Magic offerings in from two Member families who met while on the spring edition of vacation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and have Disney Files Magazine, continued to vacation together at the Walt Disney I noted that this new World Resort. range of Membership Another great example came in a letter we enhancements, exclusive received from Dan and Diane Meyr of Illinois, experiences and special offers was not just Members since 2011, who became part of our about the information we deliver, the services we community after visiting with Tom and Karen provide or the experiences we enable, but mostly Hysell of Illinois, Members since 2002. What’s about you. As proud as we are of the flexibility, extraordinary is that they didn’t meet in their value and spectacular accommodations we’re shared hometown of Chicago, but rather on able to deliver, it’s your dreams, your memories, vacation in Italy. The couples became fast friends your families and your friends that drive us to do and later returned to Italy together, posing for what we do, and it’s what Membership Magic is the photo below in Pompeii. Sometimes you have really all about. to travel halfway around the world to meet a My use of the word “drive” here speaks to an neighbor. analogy I use often around the office. Comparing It’s with these and countless other stories in Disney Vacation Club to a car, I find myself talking mind that we continue to look for new ways to to our team about “the road ahead,” cautioning bring Members together, from Member nights against the dangers of spending too much time at Splitsville Luxury Lanes to Culinary Magic at looking in the “rearview mirror” and pointing to Disney restaurants to our ever-evolving slate the special kind of magic that happens when we of special events on land and at sea. Because “fire on all cylinders.” While taking my car analogy whether you make a new friend while bowling too far may reveal how little I actually know about a turkey (that’s three strikes in a row) or eating mechanical engineering (and that I may have a turkey, we believe the connections you make spent a little too much time in Cars Land during represent the true power of Membership Magic. my last visit to Anaheim), I can comfortably say that Members aren’t just passengers in this vehicle. You’re also the fuel. Our company is all about storytelling, and the stories you share propel us to continue raising our game. I’ve become particularly fond of stories about the friendships Members have formed with other Members during their vacations. It’s a dynamic that immediately caught my attention when I began my Disney Vacation Club career aboard a Member Cruise – watching Member families reunite at sea like old classmates – and it’s a phenomenon at the heart of some of my favorite Member letters. The “Photo Finish” spread in this edition of
2 ‘De r’ to your heart
Re-imagining The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge One of the most beloved fi lms in Disney history has now inspired some of the most charming new details within The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. “When you think of Disney storytelling in a forest setting, you can’t help being drawn to Bambi,” Walt Disney Imagineer Kwannet Keyes told Disney Files Magazine. Artistic details throughout the newly re-imagined villas recall Bambi’s coming-of-age journey, from his earliest days with his mother (depicted in a mural tucked behind a bed that unfolds from a combination TV unit and table in the studio) to his eventful skating lessons from Thumper (sketched on one side of living room sofa pillows) to his friendship with Faline (sketched on the other side of those pillows). Even a painting on a bathroom wall (in the studio and second bedroom) celebrates the cherished fi lm, with a mouse reaching for a “Little April Shower” falling gently from a forest leaf. While these animation-inspired details pull from a fi lm that fi rst captivated audiences in 1942, other design choices have a more contemporary edge, from the vinyl-wood-plank fl ooring that now unites previously carpeted and tiled living spaces to modern interpretations of woodsy themes on linens, draperies, area rugs and more. “Introducing modern design styles to an environment set at the dawn of America’s railroad expansion through the Pacifi c Northwest is a careful balancing act,” Kwannet acknowledged. “It’s all about taking timeless colors, textures and materials inspired by nature and interpreting them in a way that feels fresh without deviating from the story.” New sink and bathtub faucets, for example, blend a modern nickel fi nish with a design inspired by antique water pumps. “From The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the newly re-imagined villas both here at this resort and at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort (see pages 5-6), the Disney Vacation Club neighborhood is fi lled with examples of design styles that give nostalgic themes a contemporary twist,” Kwannet said. “As a designer, that’s always a fun challenge.” Look for Bambi and his forest friends during your next visit “home” to The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
3 4 Hihin tl the Lowcountry
Re-imagining the villas at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort Since 1996, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort has welcomed Members “home” to villas sporting a hunting-and-fi shing-lodge aesthetic that has remained largely unchanged…until now. Walt Disney Imagineering has teamed with a group of Atlanta-based designers to boldly re- imagine the villa interiors for the fi rst time in the resort’s history, infusing timeless traditions of the Lowcountry with contemporary sensibilities. Bringing the outdoors in was among the teams’ design principles as they looked to transition away from the spaces’ existing dark reds and greens to a lighter, brighter palette. “We landed on a design concept that we call ‘cabin in the woods,’” Walt Disney Imagineer Kim Brunson told Disney Files Magazine. “It begins with lighter colors that represent the grayish-blue moss you see hanging from the beautiful live oaks throughout the resort. When paired with the warm, rich tones of the wood furnishings, these colors offer a more contemporary take on the nature theme. It’s like a breath of fresh air.” Featuring everything from driftwood-inspired hanging lights to tree-branch-inspired table lamps to a charming vignette of shadowboxed bird sculptures above the master bed, the re-imagined spaces balance modern styles with affectionate nods to the natural wonders that have attracted generations of vacationers to Hilton Head Island. The design choices also aim to make the villas feel more open, from the lighter colors that cover the walls and linens to the vinyl-wood-plank fl ooring that unites spaces previously separated by carpet and tile. Bedrooms, meanwhile, received stylish new carpeting featuring a raised leaf pattern that continues the nature theme. Asked what she has enjoyed most about the project, Kim pointed to the moments when vision becomes reality. “As much as I love the blue-sky phase, when anything can materialize and we aren’t limited in our thinking, there’s just something exciting about seeing it all come together,” she said. “Developing the custom pieces, working with the manufacturers and having everything combine to create real spaces that exceed our lofty expectations is tremendously satisfying. I think Members are going to love their new-look ‘home’ in the Lowcountry.” See the new look for yourself during your next stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.
5 Photos by Olga Thompson
6 with Richard Gerth
Guests arriving at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have long enjoyed memorable meetings with a man named Richard. The Nebraska-born son of a minister (a lineage he says helped prepare him for a life “on stage”), the incomparable Richard Gerth has greeted countless families for more than 22 years, tipping his Victorian cap and fl ashing his trademark smile. The role is a “follow-up act” of sorts to his former career as a successful designer of steel bakery display cases in New England. Displaying smiles in Orlando instead of pastries in Boston was a life-changing decision that came at an emotional crossroads. Having lost his beloved wife (a woman he recalls being so taken by that it took him several dates to get up the nerve to hold her hand), Richard followed his prayers to Florida – not to retire in sorrow, but rather to embark on a mission to spread happiness. Now 22 years into that mission, the 87-years-young Cast Member sits down with Disney Files Magazine Editor Ryan March to share his happy outlook.
Ryan: I have to say, I think this is the fi rst Richard: Simply put, I greet people with time I’ve ever seen you sitting down. happiness.
Richard: Yes, it’s kind of hard for me to stay Ryan: And you do it beautifully, my friend. seated. Would you mind sharing how you got the job?
Ryan: How would you describe what you do Richard: Sure. I went in the front door [of for a living? the resort], and they said, “We’re looking for a
7 greeter … Why don’t you take this number to through the years? Casting?” … So I went over to Casting and said, “I have this number that the Grand gave me.” [The Richard: Gosh, already today, I’ve had 20 Cast Member] put it in the computer and said, pictures! “Richard, you got the job!” I never fi lled out an application. I’m still here – 22 years later – happy Ryan: And it’s not even noon. So if I as ever. calculate that over 22 years, that’s…well…a lot of photos. Now I know you’re anxious to get back Ryan: If only every job interview was out to work, but before I let you go, I’m curious that easy. You’ve clearly perfected the art of about your own vacation traditions. What do spreading happiness. What’s your secret? vacations look like for you?
Richard: It starts with being happy yourself. Richard: For one month out of the year, I go It’s not about people being happy because of up north to my home in New Hampshire. It was me; I like people to be happy with me. the home that my wife and I enjoyed the most.
Ryan: Well with that in mind, think for a moment about your happiest days on the job. What makes for a good day?
Richard: I think just about every day is a good day. To be acknowledged by another person is the greatest feeling anybody could get out of a job, and I get that feeling every day. When I say to you, “Ryan, it’s great to have you here on the job interviewing me today,” that’s meaningful. When I greet families and they say, “Richard, it’s great to see you,” I’m overjoyed.
Ryan: Many of the families who express how happy they are to see you really do look forward to your greetings each year. What does it mean to you to be part of families’ vacation traditions?
Richard (laughing): It touches your ego a little more than I should let happen. I’m overwhelmed … Just today, I’ve had four families stop by whose kids have posed for pictures with me every year … The children have come to look at me like a grandfather … Many of them have lost their grandfathers, and I’m still that image.
Ryan: Do you ever stop and think about the number of photos you must have posed for
8 community
Connecting in (and to) paradise Hawaiian excursions deepen cultural connection Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, 2 p.m. excursion, available to Members and Hawai‘i: While every great vacation helps Guests ages 4 or older, includes roundtrip families connect with each other, Adventures by transportation from Aulani, a guided walk Disney excursions from Aulani go a step further, through botanical gardens, hands-on Hawaiian connecting families to the culture and traditions activities (including traditional games of skill for of the Aloha State and, in turn, to the many kids), snacks and lunch, and more. related details found throughout the resort. Matt cited early Hawaiians’ use of the Kukui Whether guiding Members and Guests by Nut Tree (the state tree of Hawai‘i) among the surfboard or kayak, horseback or hiking shoes, many Waimea Valley wonders that deepen the family friendly excursions are designed to families’ appreciation of Aulani details. take families to places they wouldn’t – or “Kukui in Hawaiian means light or fi re, so couldn’t – discover on their own, while also the tree is known as the candle nut tree,” he delivering a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i. explained. “Ancient Hawaiians would break open “I was born and raised here on O‘ahu, and the nut, which is about 80 percent oil, skewer I’m so proud to be able to connect families to them and then light them as torches. Each nut the real Hawai‘i,” Aulani Adventure Guide Matt would stay lit for 5-10 minutes, so they served as Solomona told Disney Files Magazine. “The more both a light source and as an early clock system, I can help families experience and understand knowing about how long each would last. If you my home, the more they can understand and look at a lot of the torches at Aulani, you’ll see appreciate Aulani.” that they’re designed to represent those Kukui Among the excursions Matt leads is one Nut torches.” that takes families out of the Disney-created To learn more about the diverse excursions Waikolohe Valley and into the island’s spectacular available from Aulani, including pricing and sacred Waimea Valley – a living example and advance-reservation information, visit of what’s known in Hawai‘i as an ahupua‘a, a DisneyAulani.com/excursions. To register for an traditional Hawaiian land division that extends excursion while at the resort, visit the lobby’s from the mountain to the shore. The 8 a.m.- Holoholo Tours and Travel desk.
9 Did you know? The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently honored Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, with three prestigious ARDA Awards, including the “ACE Project of Excellence Award” for its cooperation between designers, engineers, operators, government offi cials and the local community; the “Amenities Award” and Best the “Green Sustainable Program within a Resort Award.” Trip Ever! Golden anniversary
Jim and Renee Walker of Idaho, Members since 2007 When a vacation fi nds you connecting like you desire, so we would recommend renting a never before after 50 years in each other’s lives, car for transport to and from the airport and for 2013 you may be having the best trip ever. That was exploring the island. We found it’s best to travel the case for Jim and Renee Walker of Idaho, at mid-morning or mid-afternoon for lighter Members since 2007, as they took their fi rst traffi c. Though once you are at Aulani, you will trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, fi nd yourself reluctant to leave.” Hawai‘i to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Up next on the couple’s vacation radar is a day they met. return trip to paradise. “We are seasoned Disney Vacation Club “We have already booked our return to Aulani Members, so we’re always expecting to and cannot wait,” they wrote. “But no matter be impressed,” the couple wrote. “You still how many times we return to Aulani, our fi rst trip astounded us [with] a masterpiece in the Disney there was our best trip ever!” tradition. Every facet of the resort is awe- inspiring.” This vacation was a rare opportunity to relax and reconnect for parents whose daughter has special needs that have required 24-hour care since 1978. Unwinding meant immersing themselves in the resort’s most tranquil amenities, enjoying treatments at Laniwai – A Disney Spa, relaxing in the Waikolohe Valley and taking in the sunset from their dinner table at ‘AMA ‘AMA. “We would advise anyone making the trip to Aulani to plan ahead and take full advantage of the resort amenities by booking your dinner and spa appointments as early as possible,” the couple shared as a tip. “We spent the fi rst day at the spa, and it really helped us get in the ‘aloha spirit.’ You can really sense the peace and serenity if you just relax and soak it in. Slow down and visit with the resort’s staff. Take the time to view the murals, and learn about Hawaiian history and traditions. Aulani makes this easy and entertaining … The resort is located within easy driving distance of just about any island activity
Tell us about your best trip ever by mailing a letter to Disney Files Magazine’s “Best Trip Ever,” Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. Tell us where you traveled with your Membership, what made the trip so memorable and what advice you have for other Members visiting that destination. Include photos if you have them (saving copies for yourself as we can’t return ours), and remember to enclose a completed and signed release form, available for download at dvcmember.com/releaseform. Please also tell us your preferred contact information (phone number or email address) and the year your family became Disney Vacation Club Members. 2007
10 community Learn moreatDVCMember.com. 15 percentMember discountoffspatreatmentsapplies. Walt DisneyWorld Resort? Rememberthatyourusual weekly MembernightsatSenses– A DisneySpaatthe “Me TimeMagic”inFlorida: Mandara Spaoffers Memberexclusives Bali holiday Club Membermenuofferings available during vacation, besure to askaboutDisney Vacation Mandara Spatreatment to your Disneyland Room that beginsevery experience. service nailpavilion, alongwitharestful Tea rooms, aworld-class fi tness center andafull- separate men’s andwomen’s saunaandsteam treatment rooms, aspaciousCouples’ Suite, & Crafts style. The spafeatures eightexotic to compliment thehotel’s classic California Arts stonework andfi nelycrafted woodwork combine treatments inanoasisofrelaxation, where rustic Resort experience, Mandara Spaoffers tranquil Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel &Spa. Members at therenowned Mandara Spaat “secret menu”created for Disney Vacation Club Files over rain. It’s withthat spiritinmindthat California asmovie stars, fancy carsandpanic secret menusare assynonymous withSouthern ordered aburger “animal style” knows that When calling (714) 300-7350When calling(714) to adda Adding atouch of Bali to theDisneyland Disneyland Resort: Anyone who’s ever Magazineispleasedto letyou inona Taking advantageofthe Disney Disney Member treatments, whichare just between us.) (Of course, that menuwon’t mentionthesecret even afull,downloadable menuofofferings. hours, descriptionsofsignature treatments and location. There, you’ll fi ndupdated operating the locations listing andlookfor theAnaheim MandaraSpa.com, clickon“United States” in before callingto make your reservation, visit paraffi nhandtreatment (a$30 value). Members for $165andincludesacomplimentary This secret 60-minute treatment isavailable to serum andmask,sunprotection andmore. that includesacleanse, facial massage, eye and medicinalproperties) inapurifyingprocess from a“miracle tree” known for itsnutritional Peel product andmoringa(aningredient taken Moringa Facial” that usesElemis’Papaya Enzyme Members may enjoy anexclusive “Papaya + another secret layer to MembershipMagic. the menuofofferings available to Guests, adding availability, thesetreatments aren’t includedon your visit.Offered seven days aweek basedon To learnmore aboutthespa’s offerings This June, JulyandAugust, for example, part of Wake up on the wild side Sunrise Safari available to more Members for a limited time Walt Disney World Resort: The Disney’s in unfamiliar fashion. Without the usual number Animal Kingdom Lodge Sunrise Safari – a of safari vehicles on the savanna, each group’s small-group expedition and breakfast at vehicle is free to stop for photos whenever Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park typically animals exhibit interesting behaviors. And with reserved for Members and Guests staying on the animals’ energy levels at their peak during the Kilimanjaro Club Concierge Level of Jambo these cooler morning hours, those moments tend House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – is to be more plentiful. available this summer to all Members staying at “We get to see some of the animals’ fi rst Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (both Jambo steps onto the savannas for the day, so they’re House and Kidani Village), as well as their Guests, more interested in exploring,” Animal Operations as part of Membership Magic. Manager Greg Peccie told Disney Files Magazine. The recently launched test period for this While observing animals at this leisurely broadened offering, which takes place on pace, adventurers enjoy rich interactions with Thursdays and Sundays, is tentatively scheduled their onboard guide, gaining insights on Disney’s to run through August, giving more Members animal care and Park operations. The experience than ever the opportunity to beat the summer culminates with guides joining Guests for a heat with this early-morning adventure. breakfast buffet featuring traditional and African- Designed to deliver a more relaxed animal- inspired fare in a private room at Pizzafari. viewing experience, the Sunrise Safari leads as “Our favorite part of the experience is getting many as 56 Members or Guests (who meet at the chance to spend more time visiting with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge before traveling families about the work we do and the passion together to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme we have for the animals,” Greg added. Park, where Theme Park admission is required) Call Member Services for pricing, reservations through the familiar Harambe Wildlife Reserve and more details.
Not a morning person? Check out the Dine with Animal Specialists lunches at Sanaa, the savanna- view restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas’ Kidani Village. Available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the experience lets as many as 12 Members and Guests (primarily adults, though the experience does welcome children) visit with a Disney Animal Specialist while savoring a four- course meal that culminates with an up-close encounter with radiated tortoises – one of the most endangered animals cared for at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. A portion of the proceeds benefi t the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. Call Member Services for pricing and reservations. (Note that reservations are highly recommended and are available as many as 180 days in advance.)
12 Do you have a Disney home? Whether it’s an expansive collection of Disney memorabilia or your own Disney-inspired space, we’d like to see it. Send your photos (keeping copies for yourself
community as we won’t return ours), along with a letter containing your Member Since year and describing your unique Disney style, to Disney Files Magazine’s “My Disney Home,” Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. Remember to include a signed release form, available for download and printing online at www.dvcmember.com/releaseform.
Disney Files Magazine proudly presents their favorite Disney Parks, films and characters. photos and stories from Members who have From Belle’s date night with the Beast to Peter made Disney part of their home decorating. Pan’s flight over London to a Sleeping Beauty This edition’s submission comes from Gary and Castle mural that sparkles with fiber-optic Kristen Vistalli of California, Members since 2007. fireworks, the murals are part Michelangelo, part Mickey Mouse and all worthy of honoring here Treating sheetrock like canvas, Gary and in Disney Files Magazine. It’s the perfect setting Kristen Vistalli have turned their home into a for a couple who married on July 17, sharing their glittering gallery of Disney magic, covering walls anniversary with the Disney Theme Park that with sprawling, hand-painted murals celebrating started it all.
13 of
Our excitement about the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction (page 19), coupled with our enthusiasm for any idea that involves repurposing trash, drew us to this cute craft idea (suitable for kids ages 5-8) from our friends at Spoonful. Remember to “whistle while you work” on this one, and visit Spoonful.com for more fun ideas to inspire your family to make…every day!
Stuff (most of which is available at your local craft store, junk drawer or waste basket)
1. 11 toilet tissue tubes 2. Craft knife 3. Measuring tape 4. Craft paints in assorted colors* 5. Paintbrushes 6. Pencil 7. A few cotton swabs 8. Fine-tipped markers 9. Felt in assorted colors* 10. Scissors 11. Hot glue gun or tacky glue 12. 7 small yellow buttons 13. Black embroidery fl oss or string 14. Craft wire (5-inch length)
*including white and character-appropriate skin-tone
Steps: (remember wide smiles for Happy and Dopey, a scowl 1. Paint the upper third of seven toilet tissue tubes a for Grumpy and a small circle for Sleepy), eyebrows skin-tone hue. Then paint the lower portions of the (arched for Grumpy) and eyelashes for Dopey and tubes assorted colors for the Dwarfs’ shirts. From the Bashful. remaining tubes, cut seven 2-inch lengths and paint 4. Cut beards from white felt for all Dwarfs except Dopey them assorted colors for the Dwarfs’ pants. (who instead should get fl esh-tone felt ears) and glue 2. When the paint is dry, cut one vertical slit all the way them in place once facial features have dried. through each pants tube from one open end to the 5. Next, fashion hats by rolling four-inch felt squares into other, then slip the pants tube into the shirt-colored cones and gluing down the overlapped edge. Trim the ends of the larger tubes. remaining triangle from the brim to create a perfect 3. Time to make faces. Use a cotton swab to dab on the little cone, and pull the hats over the Dwarf’s heads. whites of their eyes, and add pink eyelids for Sleepy, 6. For belts, thread the yellow buttons onto 6-inch pink noses (except for Sneezy, whose nose should be lengths of embroidery fl oss or string, tie snugly around more red), pink cheeks (red for Bashful) and white the tube and trim the ends. bushy eyebrows for Happy. When the paint is dry, 7. Finally, twist a pair of glasses for Doc from your craft use markers to lightly outline the eyes and add pupils wire, wrapping the wire around your pencil to create (blue irises, too, for Dopey). Then draw on the mouths appropriately-sized lenses. picture this community See if you can spot the seven things we’ve altered in this photo of an eclectic lobster shack in the great state of Maine, one of the charming New England destinations available to Members through Member Getaways.
original
altered
a boat in the background has started to sink. to started has background the in boat a
head, (6) one of the largest buoys on the front of the shack has turned from yellow to red and (7) (7) and red to yellow from turned has shack the of front the on buoys largest the of one (6) head,
window panes on the door have become one, (5) the life ring on the door now mimics a Mickey Mickey a mimics now door the on ring life the (5) one, become have door the on panes window
has landed on the light post, (3) the “LOBSTERS” sign now has a New England accent, (4) two two (4) accent, England New a has now sign “LOBSTERS” the (3) post, light the on landed has ANSWERS: (1) The two window shutters near the roof peak have become one, (2) a seagull seagull a (2) one, become have peak roof the near shutters window two The (1) ANSWERS:
15 DISNEY DISH
Big Thunder Ribs As the recently refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad takes Disneyland Guests back out on the rails for the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Disney Files Magazine is pleased to enhance your summer menu with the recipe for Big Thunder Ribs, complete with the Big Thunder Ranch’s secret to creating its Citrus Roundup BBQ rub.
Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub ingredients: Other ingredients for dish: 2 ½ tablespoons lemon pepper 1 (4-pound) rack of pork spareribs, trimmed of 2 tablespoons seasoning salt excess fat 2 tablespoons paprika ½ cup water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder ¼ tablespoon cayenne pepper
Steps: Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub 1. Stir to combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
Ribs 1. Sprinkle Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub on both sides of ribs, rubbing into the meat to adhere. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place ribs in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet and pour water into pan. Cover with foil and roast for one hour. 3. Remove the pan from oven and uncover. Pour off any excess water. Evenly coat top of ribs with BBQ sauce, return uncovered pan to oven and roast for 30 minutes. 4. Remove pan from oven and cover lightly with foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. 5. Slice ribs between each bone with a serrated knife and serve immediately.
This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The fl avor profi le may vary from the restaurant’s version. All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission.
16 community neighborhood notes new and newsworthy in our magical community
Development news: Construction is progressing Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas: Johari on the planned Disney Vacation Club location Treasures, the shop located in the Kidani Village at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where plans lobby, recently added oatmeal, breakfast include proposed water bungalows on the Seven sandwiches and assorted pastries to the menu Seas Lagoon. Watch Disney Files Magazine for of prepared breakfast offerings available from updates at a future date. This resort is not yet 7-11 a.m. daily. At the Maji Pool Bar, meanwhile, a completed, registered or available for sale. barbecue pork sandwich, foot-long chili cheese dog, and nachos with chili and cheese are among the latest additions to the menu. Both locations accept select Disney Dining Plans (an entrée, drink and dessert at either location qualifies as a quick-service meal, while a pastry item at Johari Treasures qualifies as a snack).
Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District: ESPN Club, a dining hotspot that doesn’t typically take reservations, has a new option Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, for fans who want to secure their spot in the Hawai‘i: Look for the new logo above on a restaurant for a particular game. Available variety of Aulani merchandise items, including during certain popular sporting events, the new T-shirts, a hat, a holiday ornament, a window VIP seating option lets Members and Guests cling and more at Kalepa’s Store. The design’s call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to reserve a cleverly hidden Mickey feels right at home at a banquette-style seat on the second tier of the place where a second look is often rewarded with “Sports Central” dining room, with prime view of a new discovery. the theater-sized screen. Note that a minimum spend (subject to change) of $50 per adult and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary $25 per child ages 3-9 (tax and tip not included) Resort: Beds at Bay Lake Tower (a resort that is required. inexplicably turns five years old on Aug. 4!) have switched from standard pillows to jumbo pillows, Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District: made the move from duvets to the more modern Members and Guests can now make their rock ‘n top sheet style that previously debuted next roll dreams come true with the “Let’s Get Rockin! door at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and have Totally Interactive Band” on Thursday nights received new box spring covers. Sleep tight. at Atlantic Dance Hall on Disney’s BoardWalk. Play the guitar, bass, drums or keyboard and even assume the role of lead singer while the Tom Casey band plays back-up. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the experience keeps rockin’ until 1:30 a.m. While a $5 cover charge applies to Guests, Disney Vacation Club Members get free admission for themselves and as many as three Guests each. Note that admission is limited to Members and Guests ages 21 or older.
17 Trip Tip: Here’s a little trip tip for Members using MagicBands at the Walt Disney World Resort. While you may use your MagicBand to charge back to your room for food, merchandise and recreation at select locations, remember to carry your Disney Vacation Club Member ID and photo ID to ensure you’re able to enjoy any available Member discounts and make purchases that require an ID. You may also consider carrying a credit card or debit card in case you need to guarantee a last-minute dining reservation or make purchases without your MagicBand. Your photo ID and Member ID also will come in handy if you need to replace your lost MagicBand. Remember that you also can manage your MagicBands through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas: Look for new pool The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort furniture (including a pool table) during your next & Spa: Look for new appetizers on the updated visit “home” to Disney’s Beach Club Villas. menu at the Grand Floridian Café, including pan-seared scallops with bacon-laced arugula, Disney’s Old Key West Resort: A variety of spinach, fennel and a lemon-butter emulsion; and refurbishment projects are maintaining the luster a new salad that pairs seasonal greens with local of the original Disney Vacation Club Resort, with strawberries, toasted pecans, goat cheese and crews recently installing a new beverage island at aged balsamic vinaigrette. Goods to Go, and refreshing the look of Gurgling Suitcase with new tile, flooring, props and an Condo Meeting: The 2014 Disney Vacation Club expanded bar counter. As this magazine hits the Condominium Association Meeting is scheduled press, crews are installing new flooring at Olivia’s, to take place on Dec. 11, 2014 at the Walt Disney which will remain open throughout the process. World Resort. Watch DVCMember.com updates and more details. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Meet Pirate Goofy and Pirate Donald as you feast on such “harrrrrty” Pool hopping: Whenever you’re using your fare as rotisserie chicken, brisket, pulled pork, Membership to stay at a Disney Vacation Club potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort or at cornbread and cupcakes during special “Pirate Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, you and any Guests Dinners” at Shutters on Monday nights (5-9 p.m.) staying with you are permitted to pool hop to through Sept. 1, 2014. For reservations, call (772) other eligible pools if they’re not at capacity. Due 234-2180. to expected high occupancy, pool hopping isn’t available May 23-26, June 28-July 7, Aug. 29- Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Members may Sept. 1, Nov. 24-29, and Dec. 20, 2014- pre-book a memorable “turtle walk” with the Jan. 4, 2015. Pool hopping is never available at Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) for Monday or Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Thursday evenings (8:30 p.m.) in June and July Contemporary Resort, the pools at Disney’s at the Barrier Island Center, located about 10 Animal Kingdom Lodge, Stormalong Bay at miles north of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. (Note Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, the pool at that transportation isn’t provided, so you’ll need Disney’s Beach Club Villas, the pools at Disney’s a car or cab.) During the experience, which calls Art of Animation Resort or at the Disneyland for a donation of $15 a person, attendees have Resort in California. Further block-out dates a private opportunity to explore the Barrier may be added based on capacity issues. Look Island Center before learning about sea turtles for details online at DVCMember.com. Please and embarking on a walk for a chance to see a remember that pools are available only to nesting loggerhead sea turtle. registered Members and Guests staying at that To pre-book, visit resort (along with those staying with them in dvc.seaturtlewalks.org their room), as well as Members utilizing and use the booking their pool-hopping perk. Pool usage code DVC14STC. isn’t available to Guests who are staying at other resorts or who live locally.
18 destinations
Seven ‘Happy’ features An inside look at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Walt Disney World Resort: Walt Disney Go ‘home’: “This is the fi rst time we’ve ever Imagineer Dave Minichiello shares seven built a full-size rendition of the Dwarfs’ cottage. experiences he “digs, digs, digs” about the Seven Guests get really nice views of this new icon from Dwarfs Mine Train family coaster, scheduled to the queue, and the fi nale scene of the attraction have completed New Fantasyland at the Magic takes you just outside the storied cottage.” Kingdom Park by the time this magazine mails. Mix it up: “The attraction offers an even Venture into the woods: “From the beginning mix of leisurely indoor scenes at speeds similar of the New Fantasyland project, the vision for to traditional dark rides and thrilling outdoor this area of the Park was that beyond the castle coaster sequences with twists and turns that wall is an Enchanted Forest ... With the Seven make full use of those pivoting train cars.” Dwarfs Mine Train, we’re able to complete that forest vision in dramatic fashion.” ‘Rock’ out: “Each area of rockwork in New Fantasyland tells a unique story, from the sharp, See ‘Seven’ from 360: “The Seven Dwarfs chiseled rocks surrounding the Be Our Guest Mine Train holds the rare distinction of being Restaurant to rockwork near Prince Eric’s castle viewable from every angle, creating incredible that appears to have been weathered by the views both on and near the attraction.” sea. At the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, rockwork features bigger, rounder boulders with warmer Stay smooth: “We developed brand-new, tones, completing the diverse, rocky landscape of pivoting ride vehicles specifi cally for this the Enchanted Forest.” attraction, and they’re unlike anything we’ve ever created. Unlike a traditional coaster with curves Get perspective: “As our story is told from that shift your weight from side to side, the the Dwarfs’ perspective, which is another fi rst for pivoting train cars – and your center of gravity – a Disney Park, we’ve scaled everything to have allow you to move smoothly through every twist a bulky, oversized appearance. It helps give the and turn. It’s a really fun sensation that makes the attraction a really unique look, and I think it adds attraction easily repeatable for the entire family.” to its charm.”
Get a sneak peek at the cutting-edge Seven Dwarfs Mine Train characters!
19 Join the rat race Ratatouille-inspired attraction anchors new mini-land
Disneyland Paris: A studio built by a mouse “Although Remy’s restaurant is seen only briefly is about to welcome a rat, as Walt Disney Studios in the film, it provided our designers the jumping- Park at Disneyland Paris will soon open a new mini- off point for creating our restaurant. We took our land inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Ratatouille – the cue from the film, imagining what human objects Academy Award-winning 2007 film about a Parisian Remy would use to create tables, chairs and other rat with big dreams of becoming a great chef. items needed in a restaurant. It was tremendously This new corner of the Theme Park’s Toon fun for the designers, and yet one of the biggest Studio area will be home to Ratatouille: L’Aventure challenges of the project.” Totalement Toquée de Remy, a first-of-its-kind Equally challenging, Tom acknowledged, was attraction that will shrink Guests to the size of a rat. creating a French environment in actual France. To avoid capture by culinary nemesis Chef Skinner, “With the real Paris down the road, our intent Guests will have to scurry with Remy and his friends here was to recreate the Paris of Ratatouille, through the kitchen, dining room and walls of employing many of the design tricks and Gusteau’s restaurant, with three-dimensional sets techniques the Pixar team utilized when creating and special effects combining to immerse the entire the look for the film,” Tom explained. “The term family in the hair-raising adventure. ‘crookedology’ was used quite a bit to represent “We bring Guests onto the rooftops of Paris the idea of exaggerating angles and shapes of at human scale, and then, through a theatrical buildings. And, of course, we reached back to the transition, shrink them down and reveal the early techniques used by Walt’s original Imagineers rooftops now seen from the scale of Remy,” Walt for Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland, using forced Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald told Disney Files perspective to create the illusion of greater height Magazine. “It’s a wonderful moment in the show by reducing the size of each successive floor in that gets Guests ready for the adventure to follow.” the building. This has the added benefit of giving Also part of the mini-land is the adjacent Bistrot the buildings a more fantasy look and feel, making Chez Remy, a table-service restaurant inspired by them appear friendlier and more inviting.” the rodent-sized eatery Remy opens at the end of Both the attraction and restaurant are the Disney•Pixar film. scheduled to open this summer, and a new “It seemed only natural that Guests would want merchandise shop – Chez Marianne Souvenirs de to experience Remy’s cooking first-hand,” Tom said. Paris – is slated to complete the mini-land this fall.
20 destinations BUZZWORTHY 10 stories • 2 pages • 1 space ranger
Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts: Walt Disney World Resort: House of Blues Here’s a little “trip tip” for families looking to at Downtown Disney West Side has added a keep their kids’ nutrition on track during their quick-service “Smokehouse” to its menu of Disneyland or Walt Disney World vacation. Southern-style dining options. Located near the Remember to look for the “Mickey Check” Front Porch Bar (where popular concoctions symbol on restaurant menus to easily identify include the “Swamp Water,” a blend of vodka, items meeting Disney Nutrition Guidelines that Blue Curacao and orange juice) and expanded limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar. outdoor stage (home to nightly performances by local musicians), the new Smokehouse window Walt Disney World Resort: It “Sounds Like serves a variety of smoked-meat sandwiches Summer” at Epcot, where tribute bands are (beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken), smoked performing nightly concerts at the America turkey legs, St. Louis-style ribs and all-beef Gardens Theatre, performing hits made famous hot dogs, along with sides of coleslaw, baked by the Eagles (June 8-14), Journey (June 15-21), beans and fresh-baked bread. The Smokehouse Billy Joel (June 22-28), Boston (June 29-July 5), typically operates from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, the Bee Gees (July 6-12), Bon Jovi (July 13-19) with prices ranging from $6.99-$12.99. and U2 (July 20-26). Walt Disney World Resort: Members and Guests Walt Disney World Resort: The ever-evolving My experiencing this year’s Epcot International Disney Experience mobile app, part of MyMagic+, Food & Wine Festival will have an extra week recently added a new home screen for iPhone, to feed their appetite, as the festival will run a along with significant speed and performance week longer than usual – tempting taste buds improvements for iOS devices. The free app, for a record 53 days from Sept. 19-Nov. 10. Visit available for iPhone and Android devices (look EpcotFoodFestival.com to learn more, and look for Android-app enhancements later this year), for additional details about the festival in the fall makes it easier than ever for families to plan and edition of Disney Files Magazine, scheduled to share their Walt Disney World vacation details at begin mailing in August. home and on the go. Access Theme Park hours, show times and attraction wait times; explore the Walt Disney World Resort: Work is underway Parks with GPS-enabled maps; browse restaurant on a Magic Kingdom project that will enhance menus and make the hub in front of Cinderella Castle with reservations; select sculpted gardens, additional pathways, and a and modify FastPass+ special viewing area for fireworks and other experiences; manage performances. Also part of the multiphase your MagicBands project are seating areas outside of Casey’s and more. Download Corner and The Plaza restaurant, which will it today through the nearly double in size. Work is scheduled for Apple App Store or completion in 2015. Android Marketplace, and learn more Walt Disney World Resort: New images, artwork about MyMagic+ and artifacts related to watershed moments in offerings online at African American history have joined the “Re- DVCMember.com. Discovering America: Family Treasures from Norway the Kinsey Collection” exhibit at The American Disney Cruise Line: An unprecedented slate Adventure pavilion at Epcot. The Kinsey family’s of itineraries will take Disney Cruise Line private collection has been displayed throughout Guests on voyages of discovery, culture the U.S., including the Smithsonian National and excitement in 2015 with new ports and Museum of American History. Since 2008, destinations adding to a diverse slate of about 40 pieces from the collection have been returning favorites. on display at Epcot, where Guests use touch During the summer 2015 season, the screens to further explore the pieces’ related newly re-imagined Disney Magic will “Let it history. Guest-activated lanterns help bring the Go” through the “Frozen” fjords of Norway, story to life with narration by such celebrities as with select itineraries also making stops Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg, ABC in the Faroe Islands (steeped in Viking News’ Diane Sawyer and ABC primetime star history) and Iceland. Other European ports Kerry Washington (“Scandal”). on tap for this fl agship vessel include such Northern European capitals as St. Petersburg, Walt Disney World Resort: Be sure to visit Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki, and Disneyworld.com/Summer to learn about such Mediterranean ports as Naples, Rome, special Walt Disney World experiences available Monte Carlo and Florence. in the months ahead, including an after-hours The Disney Wonder, meanwhile, will Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park event return next summer to the great Northwest called “Harambe Nights.” This all-inclusive event to explore the rugged grandeur of Alaska features a unique theatrical experience in the with 7-night voyages to Skagway, Ketchikan, new Harambe Theatre, bringing the story of The Juneau and Tracy Arm. Lion King to life with a celebrity narrator, live Summer sailings to the Bahamas from Port orchestra, cast and choir. The event, which also Canaveral, Fla., include 3-, 4- and new 5-night includes African-inspired cuisine, as well as wine voyages aboard the Disney Dream (with some and beer, is scheduled to take place on select itineraries featuring two visits to Disney’s Saturday nights beginning June 7. private island paradise, Castaway Cay) and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean Adventures by Disney: As this edition of Disney cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy. Files Magazine mails, our friends at Adventures Looking beyond the summer season by Disney are announcing their slate of new and through the end of 2015, Disney Cruise itineraries for 2015, including the company’s Line itinerary options will include Hawaiian, fi rst guided trips to the “Ecuador: Amazon and Mexican Riviera and Bahamian experiences the Galapagos.” Watch DVCMember.com for aboard the Disney Wonder, as well as Adventures by Disney 2015 itineraries and points Caribbean and Bahamian voyages from Miami charts*, and look for more details about this new on the Disney Magic. Port Canaveral will vacation option in the fall edition of continue to be the gateway to the Bahamas Disney Files Magazine. aboard the Disney Dream and the Caribbean aboard the Disney Fantasy. Watch for available itineraries as points charts* become available online at DVCMember.com before calling Member Services to book your voyage.
*Some vacation options are available only to Members who purchased their ownership interest directly from Disney.
22 diversions
Enjoy Disney Movies Anywhere New free service makes it easier to enjoy Disney movies on the go
Whether you’re taking Olaf outdoors, Remy lets fans browse digital titles from Disney’s to a restaurant or Tony Stark on a cross-country entire active digital-movie library of more than fl ight, there’s a new app for that. 400 titles and counting (earning Disney Movie Available through the iTunes App Store Rewards points and special offers in the process), (AppStore.com/Disney), the Disney Movies enjoy exclusive content (from behind-the- Anywhere app is part of a free, cloud-based scenes features to original series, with content service that lets fans easily access their personal updated weekly) and more in a family friendly Disney, Pixar and Marvel movie collection (both Disney environment that’s instantly accessible. digital downloads and digital copies of physical New purchases can be made through the user’s DVDs and Blu-ray Discs) anytime, from just about connected iTunes account. anywhere. Fans with digital copies of Disney movies By creating a free account or using their already in their personal iTunes libraries can existing Disney Movie Rewards account sync them with their Disney Movies Anywhere information, fans can browse and access their account, and owners of codes for digital copies purchased Disney digital movies on their of Disney movies (found in many Disney DVD and computer (through DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com), Blu-ray Disc releases since 2008) can download TV (through Apple TV with iCloud or AirPlay) or those fi lms through the new service free of Apple iOS mobile devices (iPhone, iPad or iPod charge. touch). By connecting their accounts to iTunes, To celebrate the launch of this “incredible” users will have access to their content in both new service, fans who register for Disney Movies places. Disney plans to expand availability to Anywhere and link to their iTunes account will additional providers and devices in the future. receive a complimentary digital copy of the Part digital locker and part movie Disney•Pixar hit The Incredibles. Learn more at marketplace, Disney Movies Anywhere also DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com.
23 Flying into the fi re Planes: Fire & Rescue opening in theaters July 18
Moviegoers will soar into the world of wildfi re second chances.” air attack on July 18, as Planes: Fire & Rescue The story choice also allowed the fi lmmakers fl ies into U.S. theaters in 3D. to honor a group of heroes whose work often Developed concurrently with 2013’s Planes, goes unnoticed. the new Disneytoon Studios animated adventure “There are more than 50,000 wildfi res a year fi nds Dusty Crophopper – the determined crop in the United States, but we only hear about the duster who realized his racing dreams in the big ones,” Bobs said. “These heroes are out there 2013 fi lm – at a crossroads as engine damage every day fi ghting fi res and protecting lives and threatens to end his competitive career just property.” as it’s taking off. Shifting gears and launching Producer Ferrell Barron echoed those into the dangerous world of aerial fi refi ghting, sentiments, noting that fi lmmakers spent Dusty (voiced by Dane Cook) joins forces with extensive time with fi refi ghters through the a veteran fi re-and-rescue helicopter named California Department of Forestry and Fire Blade Ranger and a courageous attack team Protection (including research trips to the that includes spirited air tanker Dipper (voiced Hemet-Ryan Air Attack base, the largest air- by Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, attack base in frequently fi re-threatened ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch Southern California) to ensure that the fi lm was of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The accurate in its portrayal of this heroic work. Smokejumpers. Battling with the team against “These are extraordinary people, and it a massive wildfi re, Dusty fi nds not only a new became our mission to make sure that, at the purpose, but also a new perspective on what it end of the day, the fi refi ghters are happy with really means to be a hero. this movie,” Ferrell told us. Taking the Planes universe into the world of Part of that commitment to authenticity aerial fi refi ghting was a natural course. included ambitious visual effects that would “Dusty’s character design is based on an push the animation art form to new heights. actual aircraft type that’s known as a S.E.A.T., “Fire, water and smoke are known to be or single-engine air tanker,” director Bobs among the most diffi cult visual effects in Gannaway explained to Disney Files Magazine. animation, and this fi lm is fi lled with all three,” “It’s built not only for crop dusting, but also for Ferrell said. “There are more than 660 visual fi refi ghting. So there’s a natural entry for Dusty effects shots in this fi lm – including fi re animated into this story. In fact, the very fi rst air-attack on a scale never attempted by Disney – and fi refi ghting team was a group of California we spent more than two-and-a-half years in crop dusters in the 1950s who re-jiggered their research and development to make sure we aircraft to drop water.” could pull it off. To do something in animation Crop dusters aren’t the only vehicles fi nding that we haven’t been able to accomplish before “second careers” as fi refi ghters, a fact that is tremendously satisfying.” further inspired fi lmmakers. “Almost all of the aircraft used in air-attack fi refi ghting today are repurposed military or commercial vehicles,” Bobs added. “So it becomes a perfect metaphor in our story of
Disney.com/PlanesFireAndRescue
24 Disney Legend Marty Sklar, the longtime creative leader of Walt Disney Imagineering and the only Cast Member to have been heritage part of every Disney Park opening on earth, continues to write and inspire in retirement, penning everything from his revealing memoirs (Dream it! Do it! My Half Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms, available wherever books are sold) to his recurring column in Disney Files Magazine. As 2014 marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the famed 1964 New York World’s Fair, Disney Files Magazine is thrilled to share Marty’s firsthand perspectives of Disney’s contributions to that landmark event. Readers may email Marty at [email protected]. Memories of the ’64 World’s Fair By Disney Legend Marty Sklar world’s biggest stages). In retrospect, it’s easy to see that Walt Disney Ever since the amazing Crystal Palace dazzled used the New York World’s Fair as a stepping- audiences at the 1851 World’s Fair in London (the stone from West to East – from Anaheim to fi rst great World’s Fair and an event “modestly” Orlando. By designing four of the fair’s fi ve most dubbed “The Great Exhibition of the Works of All popular shows for major corporate sponsors, Walt Nations”), World’s Fairs have celebrated innovation even managed to help fund his East Coast dream in technology, architecture and design. Many city with other companies’ money (companies, by the skylines continue to feature treasures from World’s way, that were all too happy to have Walt Disney Fairs, from Paris’ Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 on their World’s Fair team). Exposition Universelle; to Seattle’s Space Needle, The fair, as you may know, took place at created as the symbol of the Century 21 Exposition Flushing Meadows in the New York City borough in 1962; to the venerable Museum of Science and of Queens – the same site that had hosted the Industry in Chicago, which occupies the former 1939 World’s Fair, symbolized by the famous Palace of Fine Arts, built for the 1893 World’s Trylon and Perisphere. Twenty-fi ve years later, Columbian Exposition. And of course, there’s New the U.S. Steel Unisphere – still standing there York’s iconic Unisphere, built for the World’s Fair today – became the symbol of an international that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. event emboldened by the theme “Peace Through To fully appreciate the envelope-pushing Understanding.” It took place on a 646-acre site nature of the four pavilions Disney created for that featured 150 pavilions and 66 participating that fair, it helps to have some historical context. nations. While 51 million visitors attended, notably Consider, for example, how common it is for any missing (in the midst of the “Cold War”) was a hit Broadway show to cut its teeth in smaller Russian pavilion. markets like Peoria or Toledo before hitting the Major corporations gathered to compete for Great White Way. Walt Disney broke that rule fairgoers’ favor. IBM’s “People Wall” and GM’s (and plenty of others) at the 1964-65 World’s Fair, “Futurama” were among the favorites, as were introducing his repertoire of magical attractions the Francis Thompson fi lm, “To Be Alive” (for in New York – the country’s center of business Johnson’s Wax), the viewing of Michelangelo’s and commerce – before moving them to “smaller Pieta (in the Vatican Pavilion) and the Belgian markets” in Southern California and, later, Central Waffl es that had visitors drooling in the Florida (both of which now rank among the international area.
25 But if this was truly “the Olympic Games of and the spinning Carousel Theatre). There was the Industry” as some called it, then it was Walt Disney debut of the PeopleMover technology to transport who won the gold medal. Walt called the Fair “the guests in Ford convertibles along the Magic greatest show on Earth – except for Disneyland!” Skyway. And there were the fi rst ever new songs Others claimed that the fair’s organizer, New York created especially for Disney Park-to-be shows, urban planner Robert Moses, hit the jackpot with Dick and Bob Sherman’s “Great Big Beautiful his “two stars” – Michelangelo and Walt Disney! Tomorrow” for the Carousel of Progress, and (you Beginning in 1960, Walt’s team began guessed it!) “its a small world (after all)” for the creating pavilion presentations for General Electric Pepsi Cola/Unicef “happiest cruise that ever sailed (Carousel of Progress), Ford Motor Company around the world.” (Magic Skyway), The State of Illinois (Great Perhaps the most important result of Moments with Mr. Lincoln) and Pepsi Cola/Unicef Disney’s participation in the World’s Fair was this: (“its a small world”). Taking on such work 3,000 “Broadway” became the East Coast rehearsal for miles from Disneyland Park was a huge gamble for the brand new production that would open in Disney. After all, the Park was only fi ve years old October 1971. We know it today as Walt Disney at the time, and suddenly Walt was dedicating his World. But it might never have happened except top design, manufacturing and construction talent for the fact that the Disney shows, on New York’s to a two-year adventure that Disney didn’t own. biggest stage, had been so successful that the I should say “didn’t own yet,” as contracts great LOOK Magazine pinpointed the star of called for Disney to retain the shows after the fair. the entire World’s Fair in a story heralding “Walt So just as Walt had planned, everything came back Disney – GIANT at the Fair!” to Disneyland! Even before the fair offi cially ended, For me, the fair was truly a once-in-a-lifetime Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opened in the opportunity. I was still in my 20s, and here I was Opera House on Town Square and, within a year, writing Walt Disney’s narration for the Magic the entire “its a small world” attraction – including Skyway, the script for Walt’s update to the GE the boats and the water trough through which Board of Directors about the Carousel (including they sailed – had opened in Fantasyland, and the Sherman Brothers actually singing “There’s A the dinosaurs from Ford’s Magic Skyway began Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” on camera) and a to roam the Grand Canyon along the Disneyland “thank you” from Walt to the whole Disney team Railroad. And in 1967, the Carousel of Progress in a souvenir booklet sold at the fair called “Walt came to Tomorrowland for a fi ve-year stay before Disney’s it’s a small world.” I still love to read the moving back East to the Magic Kingdom Park in lines from Walt’s introduction: “We have tried to Florida in 1975. make this new ‘land’ the happiest of places … a And if the World’s Fair was a water-shed event, ‘magic kingdom of all the world’s children’.” the Disney innovations were like a fi re-hose of The New York World’s Fair taught me what it inspiration. There was the fi rst wide-spread use of was like to be a “we” in a company with only one Audio-Animatronics (in all four pavilions, including name on the door: Walt Disney. As designer and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln). Disney Legend John Hench used to say, “It’s not There was the order of magnitude increase an ‘I’ business, it’s a ‘we’ business. When we fi nish in ride capacity (3,600 THRC – theoretical hourly a project, so many hands have touched it that no ride capacity – for the boats in it’s a small world one can say, ‘I did that’.”
Four photos from left: Magic Skyway, “it’s a small world,” Carousel of Progress and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, all as seen at the ‘64 World’s Fair Secrets of the Duck By Jim Korkis
After penning a Disney Files column about can understand what he says in any language, but Mickey Mouse a few months ago, I received an the whole world still laughs at him.” angry call from a duck. While I couldn’t make So to celebrate the latest milestone out every word, I left the one-sided conversation anniversary of a beloved, fowl-tempered fellow, feeling as though I should dedicate my summer I’m pleased to present a few “Secrets of the Duck.” column to a star who will celebrate his 80th anniversary in June. Go Ducks: I start with this fact in part because Donald Duck’s biography may list March 13 I find it fascinating and in part because I know as his birthday to explain all his bad luck, but how to flatter this magazine’s editor – a proud his official debut came in the Silly Symphony graduate of the University of Oregon. animated short “The Wise Little Hen,” released In the late 1800s, the university’s athletic June 9, 1934. teams were unofficially known as the “Webfoots,” Like many a nod to Massachusetts fishermen who became Hollywood stars, Revolutionary War heroes and whose descendants Donald looked later settled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Local a little different sports writers began playfully referring to the in his debut teams as the “Ducks” in the 1920s and, decades role, with his later, a variety of duck images emerged -- some of famous sailor which started resembling Disney’s Donald. suit (inspired Recognizing a potential conflict and by a French opportunity, Oregon Athletic Director Leo Harris Navy enlisted worked with a friend at the Disney Studios to man’s sailor suit arrange a meeting with Walt Disney. Harris flew that American to Los Angeles to ask Walt to allow them to use children were Donald as their mascot. Walt agreed, and the wearing in the 1930s) framing an elongated bill two shook hands on the deal in 1947. There was and neck that were a bit more “duck like” than no formal written contract – just a single photo the version we know today. In June 1936, Donald (below) of Walt attired in an Oregon Ducks jacket “moved” to his more modern physical form in the alongside Harris as evidence of the agreement. animated short “Moving Day.” Satisfied by that photo, The Walt Disney Disney Legend Jack Hannah, who wrote and Company reached a formal agreement with the directed most of Donald’s theatrical shorts, told university in the 1970s, and to help celebrate me many years ago that, “Donald was an accident. Donald’s 50th Just like in real life, someone comes on as an extra anniversary in in a film and then – boom – the audience falls in 1984, the school love with them.” made Donald an Walt Disney spoke of Donald’s univeral appeal honorary alumnus during a Nov. 13, 1960 ABC-TV special celebrating at a ceremony Donald’s silver anniversary. in front of “You might say Donald speaks a universal thousands language,” Walt said. “That is to say that no one of fans.
27 Oscar night: Donald Duck co-hosted the 30th Juicy: Donald Duck Orange Juice has been Academy Awards on March 26, 1958 at the RKO produced by Florida’s Natural Growers agricultural Pantages Theater in Los Angeles with Bob Hope, cooperative (known as Citrus World from 1969- Jack Lemmon, David Niven, Rosalind Russell and 1998) in Lake Wales, Fla. (not far from the Walt James Stewart. (Donald appeared on fi lm, rather Disney World Resort) since around 1940. It is the than in person.) longest existing Disney licensee, and for many decades, Donald’s smiling face even appeared on Army strong: In the 1942 Disney animated short the company’s water tower. “Donald Gets Drafted,” Donald was inducted as During the World War II years, rationing a private in the United States Army. His draft resulted in the restriction of materials needed to notice revealed for the fi rst time his middle name: make character merchandise, so Disney Legend Fauntleroy. (The name was a gag about Little Kay Kamen cleverly licensed the image Donald Lord Fauntleroy, who wore a velvet suit and fancy Duck to a variety of food products instead, blouse with a lace collar, as well as ringlet curls.) including peanut butter, jam, popcorn, mustard, Donald appeared on roughly 400 military chocolate syrup, Nabisco “Cheese Quackers,” insignia during World War II and remains a mascot broccoli, chili sauce, sandwich spread, bread, of the U.S. Coast Guard. sweet relish, applesauce and ice cream, On May 19, 1984, in the City of Torrance in among many other food products. Southern California, four-star general Arthur E. Most of those contracts faded in Brown, Jr. presided over an offi cial ceremony the early 1950s, and Walt personally promoting Donald to the rank of Buck Sergeant ended any further food-licensing before honorably retiring the Duck from service. deals due to potential confl icts of interest with paid advertisers on Disney’s weekly television program (including such products as Peter Pan Peanut Butter). Production continued, however, on Donald Duck Orange Juice, which remains available today.
Bragging rights: On May 21, 1984, Donald imprinted his feet and signature into the cement of the forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. While both Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck have their signatures and feet in the forecourt of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of the famous theater, Mickey’s imprints do not appear at the theater in Hollywood.
Pants optional: I’ll “fi nish” by debunking a “Finnish” myth. Contrary to urban legend, Donald Duck was not banned in Finland in 1977 for not wearing pants. It was merely a misunderstanding that stemmed from a budget-related halt in production of Donald Duck comic books in the country. Following a media uproar, the classic comic books returned, with Donald still limiting his signature wardrobe to a shirt and hat.
28 photofinish
1. A spoonful of sugar is almost as sweet as this photo of little Julia, granddaughter of Joe and Marilyn Meo of Connecticut, Members since 2000. 2. Gaston demonstrates the limits of his literacy by spelling the last letter in O-H-I-O with, from left, Courtney and Bailey Leasure of Texas, Members since 2006, and Maggie March (no relation to Disney Files Editor Ryan March) of Ohio, Member since 2004. The two families 1 met at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and continue to vacation together. 3. Young Abby, part of the McCullough family of Delaware, Members since 2012, meets the boss (and Walt). 4. Disney Files Magazine congratulates, from left, Gavin Borg, Abby Zerull, Emily Borg and Anders Borg of Ohio, on the academic achievements they celebrated at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort with Abby’s parents, Chris and Donna, Members since 1997. 5. From left, Alex and Laura Smith, and Dmitri Wood, part of the Wood/Smith family of New Hampshire, Members since 2005, stay informed on the sideline. 2 6. Nostalgic art by Stacia Martin keeps Haley Silver of Illinois, Member since 1993, warm in Iceland. 7. From left, Grant, Melissa and Jackson Whitman of Illinois, Members since 2005, stay connected to the news in Athens. 8. The adorable Ava, part of the King family of Oklahoma, Members since 2009, is the “Belle” of her own ball. 9. Xander, part of the Bush family of Virginia, Members since 2008, questions the purpose of his meeting with Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother.
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8 9 The Last Word.
Disney Files Magazine is pleased to dedicate its back cover to the playful purpose of turning Member memories into editorial exclamation points. Selected from the countless Member photos we look forward to receiving whenever our friendly postal carrier arrives at the door, each photo celebrates a moment that we think is worthy of having the last word.
This edition’s “Last Word” goes to adorable little Liliana, part of the Ross family of New Jersey, Members since 2007. Clearly unconvinced by Snow White’s humming of a merry tune, Liliana stands strong in her grumpiness, hands firmly on hips and eyes sternly avoiding contact. At ease, Liliana. You’ve just had the last word.
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