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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 , please visit www.celebrationspress.com.

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On the Cover: “Cinderella ” Photo © Tim Foster Issue 32 Castle: From Dreams to 42 Contents Reality Calendar of Events...... 8 Disney News & Updates...... 10

MOUSE VIEWS...... 15 Guide to the Magic by Tim Foster...... 16 Walt Disney and the Explorer Emporium by Lou Mongello...... 18 1960 Olympics 50 Hidden Mickeys by Steve Barrett...... 20 Photography Tips & Tricks by Tim Devine...... 22 by Jamie Hecker...... 26 Disney Cuisine by Allison Jones...... 28 A Pirate’s Adventure: Disney Secrets Treasures of the 56 by Jamie Hecker...... 30 Magic Seven Seas by J Darling...... 32

FEATURED ATTRACTION of Progress...... 34

FEATURED FILM Disney Infinity: ...... 38

Unleash Your 60 Lou Mongello’s Way-Back Machine...... 70 Wandering the World...... 72 Creativity By the Numbers...... 73 In Search Of...... 74 Quick Quiz...... 76 Kids Korner...... 78 Mystery Quest...... 82 Tim & Lou’s Top 10...... 84 The Story Behind 66 Tomorrow...and Today continues to innovate and embrace the latest and greatest technologies. Walt Disney may have conceived of partly as an on-going World’s where companies would showcase their latest offerings, and indeed, continues to live up to that ideal today. But Walt Disney World isn’t just about displaying museum pieces; many of these technological advancements are a part of the very fabric of the park.

The past few years have seen a dizzying cavalcade of new gadgets and gizmos, all designed to enhance the Guest experience. We’ve seen on-screen animated characters talk directly with the audience, and enjoyed interactive queues that are almost as much fun as the attractions themselves. We’ve seen Talking Mickeys and Glowing Hats that magically react to our surroundings, and even MagicBands that allow us to enter our resort rooms, enter the parks, and even interact with fun-filled quests.

It’s all very cool, and all very exciting. Even our online options are rapidly expanding, with the ability to make dining reservations, check attraction wait times, and even reserve FastPasses, all at the tips of our fingers. Yes, the technology is amazing, and it all serves to add to the magic that surrounds us throughout our Disney experience. But sometimes there’s no substitute for good-old fashioned traditions and memories. That’s why, for most people, the most magical moment of all, despite all the new bells and whistles and techno-gadgetry, can be found simply by rounding a corner and looking up.

And there it is. That castle. That breathtaking moment when you realize that fairy tales do come true and your heart skips a beat. That’s the moment that truly brings the experience home.

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, Barrie Brewer, Lisa Mahan, Loren Javier, Jamie Hecker

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.

©2013 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. The Twilight Zone® 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 Letters pins on. It turns out that the pins were limited editions and the Cast Member was a VP at WDW. He was so taken by my wife’s enthusiasm and love of Disney that he asked to meet the entire family. What followed was an invitation for the four of us (my mother and step-father included) to be Grand Marshalls at that day’s Parade. We got to lead the parade and received special embroidered Mickey Ears with our names on them, keepsake photos and certificates. It was a memory we will never forget and all made possible by some innocent and fun pin trading!

Ray Palen The Magic of Pin Trading You’re never too old to pin trade! By now, most regular Thank You!! visitors to WDW have noticed the sometimes frenzied Just wanted to thank you and your amazingly fantastic pin trading that takes place between collectors, fans and cast members for such a wonderful and joyous magazine. Cast Members. It is not only a great way to interact with For those of us that cannot get to the parks as much as we all WDW Cast Members but could also get you recognized would like too, seeing Celebrations arrive in the mail is like in unexpected ways. Case in point, upon a visit to Magic taking a magical mini trip to our happy place! Beautiful Kingdom a few years back my wife, Debbie, did her usual pictures, fascinating insight, astoundingly brilliant writers, walk along Main Street to scan the Cast Members and and moreover something that the whole family can share. their pin selection. She went up to one well-dressed Cast I subscribed a few years ago and let it lapse due to lack of Member who appeared to have some large and colorful good judgment, but I have returned and plan to never let it lapse again. Long ago when the Disney decided to stop publication of their magazine, it felt almost devastating. But now I realize that your magazine is not a replacement , but in fact an up- grade! Your staff has set a new precedence in what all enthu- siast periodicals should be and should strive to be! Again, thank you for bringing the magic into our home and congratulations on such an awe inspiring “magical” magazine…

Gratefully, The Blankenship Family

Got a question, photo or story you’d like to share? email them to: [email protected] 4 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney Family Magic Last August, I had the chance to check off an item from my ‘’bucket list’’. After many years, we finally made the family trip to WDW come true. My sister and her family (the Slyne), my parents and my family (the Charbonneau) visited all together. It was amazing. The group was composed of WDW veterans (it was my 9th visit) and rookies (my son, 1st visit). Everybody had a blast. This day will become a precious memory for all of us. I wanted to share pictures of this great vacation.

Mathieu Charbonneau

Now That’s a Sweet Tooth! I’m a current subscriber and fan of Tim’s segments on WDW Radio. I thought I’d pass along one of my favorite pictures from Walt Disney World. This is a picture of my son, Grant Samuels, taking an aggressive approach to consuming a big WDW lollipop. Behind him you can see Grant’s older brother (my other son), Hudson Samuels. My mother, Jan Samuels, is also in the picture. This picture always makes me smile, so I thought I might be able to share the smiles, whether it is just with you or also with other Celebrations subscribers. The picture was taken in near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin at the Magic Kingdom in June of 2010. Take care and keep up the great work!

Todd Samuels

A New Fan! Here is our dog Minnie. We adopted her last year. She was a Sandy survivor. Now who said Celebrations magazine is just for people? She loves it!

Gary Zerilli

5 · Celebrations 6 · Celebrations Contributors

As a full-time freelance Kevin Carpenter works in Lori Elias credits her pas- Joe Essaf’s annual family journalist, Matt Cabral professional soccer and sion for Disney to long- vacations to Walt Disney covers video games, film enjoys writing from his time friend Tara Miller, World have instilled in and television for a variety home in Berea, Ohio. Kevin a Cast Member with the him a love of magic and of online and print outlets. has been published on ESPN Disney Cruiseline. Lori is fantasy. Along with his When he’s not watching Cleveland, On the Fly, and a Cleveland-area middle appreciation and passion the latest blockbuster on Cleveland.com. Kevin is a school music teacher by day, for the animated classics, the big screen he’s at Walt life-long Disney fan with a freelance writer by night, Joe has a strong connection Disney World with his family. particular interest in the and Disney fan 24/7. She has with Disney and all of its Feel free to look Matt up on life and works of its founder, written for a number of properties. Joe will always Facebook and follow him on Walt Disney. music publications, and is continue to visit Walt Disney @gamegoat.. thrilled to be able to share World and pick himself up a her love of all things Disney. delicious Mickey Bar.

Shana Gallardo is an Ray Harkness thanks Disney Jim Korkis is an Rod Wheaton is blogger, elementary school teacher for saving his marriage. internationally recognized writer and guest and a Mom to three already After being shown the joys Disney Historian whose podcaster who made his Disney-addicted boys. She of a vacation by his lovely writing and original made her first visit to Walt wife Nancy, he now cannot research has been utilized by first visit to Walt Disney Disney World at age 17, imagine being away from other Disney Historians as World when he was 6 and enjoys helping other work if it doesn’t involve a well as the Disney Company. years old. Rod has passed families plan their Disney Disney resort. When not his love for all things vacations. touring the parks, Ray Disney to his kids, who writes for his blog Grumpy’s Hollow under the name have become just as big Grumpwurst (grumpyspace. fans of WDW as their dad. blogspot.com). You can read Rod’s blog at WDWMousenger.com.

7 · Celebrations Calendar of Events Mickey’s Not-So-Scary when the Magic Kingdom hosts “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party Halloween Party.” This year, Jack Skellington and Sally, from Magic Kingdom ’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, bring their October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31 unique Halloween celebration to Magic Kingdom. Guests November 1 can meet the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town and his Mickey and Minnie Mouse are decked out in their newest love during the party for a little “spook-tacular” fun in Town Halloween party-wear in front of at Square on Main Street, U.S.A. A separate ticket is required the Magic Kingdom. It’s all part of the fun that takes place to attend.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival September 27 - November 11, 2013 Throughout the festival, delight in out- standing food, fun and entertainment. Festival highlights include: • Nearly 30 international food and beverage Marketplaces • Signature dining experiences with cel- ebrated chefs • Culinary demonstrations and wine semi- nars • The Eat to the Beat concert series, with nightly performances from popular hit- maker With so much to see and do, you can return to the festival again and again… and dis- cover something new each time!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Magic Kingdom November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, and 22 December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20 Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry won- derland ready for holiday revelers. Enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade, and favorite holiday tradi- tions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. You’ll even be treated to magical snow flurries right on on Main Street, U.S.A.!

Photo ©Disney 8 · Celebrations 9 · Celebrations Disney News fresh flavor to the Brazil Marketplace, returning by popu- 18th Epcot International lar demand. Griddled lobster tail with garlic butter sizzles at the Hops & Barley Marketplace by American Adventure, and the aromas of more than 25 ethnic and specialized Food & Wine Festival marketplaces — Africa, , South Korea and Local included — waft across the World Showcase Prome- through November 11 nade. Guests can have their own complimentary “passport” stamped at each location for a fun festival souvenir. isney Guests can grab a Marketplace Discovery Pass- In wine news, the festival is one of the first venues in Flor- Dport and embark on a global tasting tour during the ida to serve wine on tap in kegs under a new Florida law 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by allowing wine to be dispensed from sustainable stainless- Chase through November 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World. steel containers. Guests can taste a Cabernet and Chardon- The 46-day festival, celebrated for its inspired food-and- nay from kegs at the Festival Center and sample a Pinot Gris beverage marketplaces, high-energy concerts and premi- and a Pinot Noir from kegs at the park’s Cool post. um dining events, debuts a Scotland Marketplace and adds Disney Guests can catch culinary demonstrations by ce-

10 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney Smith, Allen Susser, “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio and Andrew Zimmern share their talents during culinary demos and premium events. Festival Welcome Center buzz- es with activities Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars. Culinary demonstra- tions and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee. Reserved culinary events draw foodies Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned lebrity chefs like Cat Cora, Warren Brown and Jamie Deen. winemakers, Guest chefs and speakers like Master Somme- Daily wine tastings and mixology seminars offer new sips lier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, to Guests. Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts keep the party luncheons, seminars and wine schools. rockin’, and six bands make their festival debut this year. In Future World, the iconic Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns Other festival highlights include: for a third year to introduce families to the cranberry’s rich • More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary agricultural heritage. stars from across the country • Party for the Senses grand tasting events featuring tempt- Fresh for 2013 ing bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and New marketplace debuts; favorites return beers and live entertainment. The new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney • Premium events including “Scotland: Land of Food & Drink” Imagineering features traditional dishes with a twist in- the new “Parisian Breakfast” on Sundays, ”3D” Disney’s Des- cluding Scottish salmon, vegetarian haggis and beverages sert Discovery on select Fridays, and Cheese Seminars on including a Loch Lomond cocktail and Scotch whisky flight Saturdays. from Glenfiddich Whisky. Scottish have worked with Disney to develop cuisine with a distinctly Scottish What’s Included with Epcot Admission: origin or theme to delight Guests’ tastebuds. The Brazil Mar- Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, ketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural ad- menu that includes Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans and ventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attrac- Xingu Black Beer. Terra, which debuted last year, returns tions and park entertainment are included with regular with vegan favorite Trick’n Chick’n Curry. Epcot admission. Eat to the Beat Concerts Nineteen bands are slated to appear, including returning Special Programming by Reservation: fan favorites The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. special wine and culinary programs require reservations Celebrity chefs cook and dish and separate event admission. Guests will be able to call Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Jamie 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations. Informa- Deen, Emily Ellyn, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Gale Gand, tion and reservations for select programs is at www.epcot- Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Art foodfestival.com.

11 · Celebrations Disney News

ence of Disney nobility and becoming immersed in their Happily-Ever-After Dreams world. As loyal subjects to the princesses, Guests can choose be- tween two queues: one for Cinderella and a visiting princess Come True at Princess or one for Rapunzel and a visiting princess. The castle-like entrance to Princess Fairytale Hall fea- tures walls of stone and stained glass windows with im- Fairytale Hall ages from the Disney animated film classic Cinderella. The he fantasy royalty becomes reality in entryway opens to a large Royal Gallery – an airy space with Tthe all-new Princess Fairytale Hall, where Magic King- stone columns and a high ceiling with wooden beams and dom Guests get to live out their dream of meeting a real peaked arches. Framed portraits of Disney princesses adorn . the walls. It’s the ideal royal setting for coming face-to-face The enchanting new home to Cinderella, Rapunzel and with a Disney princess as their timeless tales come to life. the princesses who visit them is fit for royalty with lush pur- When it’s time for the big moment, Guests are ushered ple and gold trimmings, stone walls and ornate chandeliers. into the royal chambers, richly paneled in wood and el- Past the intricate tiara that graces the attraction’s entry- egantly finished. Cinderella in one reception room and way, Guests will feel the anticipation of being in the pres- Rapunzel in the other are each joined by one other Disney

12 · Celebrations princess. Royal visitors might include , , , Jasmine or . Whoever from the royal court stops by to meet and greet New Interactive Glow With her loyal subjects, it’s a royal scene made for making magi- cal memories. the Show Mickey Ear Hats Each chamber features a large framed painting of a fai- rytale landscape and a table with a set of bound leather storybooks that bear the titles of fairytales in the language Let Guests Shine During of the original tale. Rose vases are located on the far side of each reception room and wallpaper decorated with crowns After-Dark Spectaculars and other royal imagery completes the scene. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras and autograph books. Disney uests of the Walt Disney World Resort will light the PhotoPass Imaging specialists also are on hand to capture Gnight thanks to new Glow with the Show Ear hats that the events in each room. will magically change colors in sync with fireworks, shows “Through the years dating to Walt’s time, fairy tales have and each other at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood always been a rich cornerstone of Disney storytelling,” said Studios. Chris Beatty, Creative Executive Director of Walt Disney These magical Ear hats glow in myriad colors, command- Imagineering. “Princess Fairytale Hall carries on our tradi- ed with the latest technology to complement the imagery tion of bringing classic Disney fairy tales to life in new and and beat of the fireworks and spectaculars. When not acti- unexpected ways.” vated by these experiences, more surprises are in store for To make Princess Fairytale Hall their new home, the prin- participants as the magical ears glow with other ears and cesses relocated from their former meet-and-greet area at settings around the Vacation Kingdom. Town Square Theater. Besides the standby queue, Guests us- “Technology allows the Ear hats to dance and play along ing + and Legacy FastPass will be welcome as loyal with each musical and illuminated sequence. They truly subjects to Princess Fairytale Hall. bring the show’s environment out of the lagoon and the sky, and into the audience in an amazing and dazzling new way, making our Guests truly Glow With the Show,” said Dara Tru- jillo, manager of merchandise marketing, communication, synergy and integration, Walt Disney World Resort. And beginning Oct. 19, Guests will be able to experience the Wishes fireworks extrav- aganza at Magic Kingdom with the new Glow with the Show Ear hats. During the holiday season, Guests can don their hats and “glow” with the Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at the Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks display, and at , the nighttime projection show at at Magic Kingdom. Each set of Glow with the Show Ear hats is available for $25 at select locations throughout the Magic Kingdom and Dis- ney’s Hollywood Studios.

Photos ©Disney 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 Magic Mirror on the Wall

hroughout literature, mirrors have always held a mystical place in tales of fan- Ttasy and adventure. From Alice’s journeys through the looking-glass to “The Pic- ture of Dorian Gray” (in which Dorian uses a mirror to compare his image to his rap- idly decomposing canvas portrait, reminiscent of the opening scene in the Haunted Mansion), mirrors have served as portals to new worlds and as revealers of truths and secrets. For Walt Disney, the very first lines of dialog in his very first animated feature were the now-iconic “Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” Since then, mirrors have played an imaginative role throughout Walt Disney World; sometimes mystical, sometimes for effect, but always in a way that adds a unique by Tim Foster dimension to the wonderful details that make Walt Disney World so magical.

Looking Back in Time Before we explore the mirrors of Walt Disney World (and beyond), let’s take a mo- ment to reflect on the mirror that started it all, the Magic Mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Snow White’s origins go all the way back to the Brothers Grimm, who first published the tale in 1812 as part of the first edition of “Grimms’ Fairy Tales.” The actual German text reads “Spieglein, Spieglein an der Wand, Wer ist die Schön- ste im ganzen Land?” which roughly translates to “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the (most) beautiful throughout the country/land?” The English translation was modified to the familiar “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who in this land is fairest of all?” (Rhymes much better, you see!). In the 1937 Disney classic, the line was once again modified to read “Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” This has actually lead to it being one of the most misquoted lines in film history, with most people saying “Mirror mirror Tim Foster is the author of on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” (Some variations of the Grimm Brothers’ the Guide to the Magic book tale depict the mirror as a handheld mirror instead on one on a wall, changing the series, which includes the Guide to the Magic for Kids, the Lost famous line to “Magic mirror in my hand, who is the fairest in ?”) Curiously, Journals, and the Guide to the some scholars maintain that there was a real-life inspiration for Snow White and Magic Autograph & Sticker the Magic Mirror. Nearly fifty years after the release of the Disney film, a German Book. Tim is also the creator of scholar proposed that the original Grimm Brothers tale was based upon a young the www.guidetothemagic.com noble girl, Maria Sophia Margaretha Catherina von Erthal, who was born in 1729. website. When Maria Sophia’s mother died in 1741, her father remarried in 1743, and like most fairytale stepmothers, she was cruel toward her new stepdaughter. Her mother had a mirror now referred to as “The Talking Mirror,” which can be seen today in the Spessart Museum in Bavaria, Germany. In the Disney film, the voice of the spirit in the mirror was performed by Moroni Olsen, who also had an uncredited role as the voice of the Senior Angel in It’s a Won- derful Life. In the former Magic Kingdom attraction, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, the mirror made its appearance in the first scene after you passed through the doors, though the dialog began with the mirror’s answer to the Queen’s infamous question. In the Disneyland version however, the Queen does ask who the fairest of them all is, but misquotes the film by saying “Mirror, mirror…” Interestingly, that’s not the only mirror of significance in the attraction. Later on is a scene which features the Witch offering Guests (from the point of view of Snow White)

16 · Celebrations your Doom Buggy by hitch-hiking ghosts. The images of the ghoulish tagalongs are projected onto a mirror along with your reflection, giving the illusion of ghostly transparency. A similar effect creates the ghosts in the ballroom, though in their case the images are reflected off giant panes of glass instead of mirrors. The original hitch-hiking ghost effect was achieved with simple Animatronic figures (well, their images anyway), but have since given way to CGI animations that not only ride along, but have some mischievous fun along the way (you may lose your head over this!). An imaginative use of mirrors can be the famed poisoned apple. Unfortunately, Guests often found over at the Imagination Institute in Epcot. Keep an tried to grab the apple, sometimes successfully, so during eye on the butterfly as you leave the Sight Lab, and see if its 1983 refurbishment, the apple was replaced by an image you can figure out how it disappears. Finally, you can see a created by an arrangement of parabolic mirrors. Through display of mirrors on a much grander scale at the Universe some clever optical trickery, the apple that Guests see is ac- of Energy. In addition to the 80,000 photovoltaic solar cells tually a reflection. that cover the roof, the attraction building features over Snow White’s Magic Mirror makes another appearance in 180,000 square mirrors that create a dazzling reflection of the parks, and that is in the nighttime spectacular Fantas- the pavilion’s surroundings, enhanced by the sunlight shim- mic! The image of the mirror is projected onto one of the mering off the nearby reflecting pools. See if you can spot giant water screens, and once again the Queen asks “Who yourself! is the fairest of them all?” This time however, the mirror re- plies that ’s imagination creates fairer things Beyond the Parks than she (not sure how Snow White feels about that!). In- At the World of Disney in , you can furiated, the Queen turns into the evil Witch and uses the find another sort of Magic Mirror. This one is interactive, mirror to summon the forces of evil. as young princesses can see how they would look as their favorite princess, complete with gowns and royal accesso- Other Magic Mirrors ries. In Disney Stores around the country, such as in Times Even though Snow White’s Magic Mirror disappeared Square and Chicago, a similar Magic Mirror is brought to life with the closure of Snow White’s Scary Adventures in the when you wave a special object in front of it. Once activated, Magic Kingdom, a new sort of Magic Mirror has taken up an animated will unfold before your eyes, just like residence over at Enchanted Tales With Belle. Once Guests magic. And best of all, you won’t have to deal with the men- enter Maurice’s cottage, a mirror on the wall magically acing evil Witch! transforms into a portal which leads to the Beast’s Castle, where Guests will meet Madame Wardrobe on their way to That’s just a glimpse (pardon the pun) into the many the library where they will meet Belle herself, along with magical mirrors that can be found at Walt Disney World. a very animated Lumiere. The mirror illusion is quite con- The next time you’re touring the parks, see if you can find vincing, and is a clever combination of sliding walls (a la the any others. Remember, a mirror isn’t always what it seems, stretching rooms in the Haunted Mansion), lighting effects, and what you see may not really be there. But this is Walt and ingenious design. Disney World after all, and one thing you can be sure of is Over at the Haunted Mansion, one of the most beloved that there’s magic around every corner. Even when you effects occurs at the end of the tour when you’re joined in don’t really see it.

Artwork © Disney 17 · Celebrations 5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Magic Kingdom 1. Days Gone By on Main Street, U.S.A.: The Lost Shops Over time, Main Street has grown (literally and figuratively), and along the way, some of the quaint shops have vanished into distant memory. For example, the wonderful Confectionery in Town Square was once the home of The Camera Cen- ter, known at one time as the “GAF Camera Center.” (It later became the Polaroid Camera Center and then the Kodak Camera Center as corporate sponsors changed throughout the years). Inside, the store sold and processed film and supplies, per- formed minor repairs, and had cameras available for purchase or rental. Remem- ber film? Farther up the street, the Uptown Jewelry store exits into an alleyway, by Lou Mongello evidence of the fact that Main Street is just two blocks long. This alleyway is known as East Center Street, and is home to the silhouette artist’s cart, and a façade in the rear advertising an Art Festival. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, silhouettes were created in the rear of the building next door, at the Shadow Box Silhouette Studio, which shared space with the Crystal Arts shop. On the right hand side of the alleyway was the former location of the Wonderland of Wax. No, not a wax museum, this shop sold candles and was later renamed the Main Street Candle Shop in 1981. The alley across the street, known as West Center Street, was removed, as part of the fabled growth and progress of the town. Along with it went the original loca- tion of the Harmony Barber Shop (back when it also used to sell nostalgic shaving items like moustache cups), the facades for Champion Cyclery, the Chinese Hand Laundry, and Livery Stable. At one time, West Center Street was also the home of the Hallmark Card Shop, which sold stationery and party goods. This store closed in 1985 and became the Disney Clothiers. The Greenhouse, which sold plants and flow- Lou Mongello is the host of the ers, was also located on West Center Street from opening day until 1984, when it be- award winning WDW Radio podcast came the Main Street Flower Shop. The New Century Clock Shop sold Elgin watches and the author of the definitive and a wide variety of wall clocks, and was also present from opening day until April, Disney trivia books, “Walt Disney 1986. Most people don’t remember (or believe!) that there was once a Tobacconist World Trivia” Volumes 1 and II. He is also the producer of the newly shop on Main Street! Under the doorway with the address of 209, and across from released Audio Guides of Walt Disney the oval sign that stands alongside the curb, it sold a variety of cigars, hand-carved World, a CD series that gives you a pipes and tobacco by the pouch. Since the late 80s, no cigarettes or tobacco prod- personal tour of the happiest place on ucts have been sold in any of the WDW theme parks. The Tobacconist closed in 1985 Earth. You can listen to the show and and was replaced by the Main Street Stationers, which sold cards and stationery, discover more secrets, rumors and and was sponsored by Gibson Greeting Cards. The Stationers closed just 4 years lat- facts at Lou’s website: www.wdwradio.com er when it became the Main Street Book Store. In 1995, like the other stores around it, it became part of the Main Street Athletic Company.

2. Call Me...Maybe? As you cross the bridge into Adventureland from the Hub, there are two mer- chandise kiosks on you left, known collectively as Bwana Bob’s. It sells a variety of items, such as pins, hats, shell jewelry, and Hawaiian leis. Originally, this location was home to a ticket booth kiosk, as the Magic Kingdom still used the A through E system of ticket coupons. But in 1980, it became a merchandise shop known simply

18 · Celebrations as the Adventureland Kiosk. In 1985, it was renamed Bwana 4. The Frontier Trading Post Bob’s, after the 1963 film Bwana Bob starring Bob Hope, who Just like a saloon or a jail, a trading post was one of the coincidentally appeared as a guest on the NBC TV special en- most necessary and prominent buildings in a Western town. titled The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World, which aired on It was a place where residents and travelers could purchase October 29, 1971. Introduced by singer Glen Campbell as the or trade for needed supplies from tools and groceries to spirit of eternal youth, he rode into Disney’s Contemporary just about anything a person would need. And Walt Disney Resort aboard monorail blue joined by two VIP tour guides. World’s is no exception. “Texas” John Slaughter He introduced himself as Bob “Ex-Mouseketeer Hope” and runs this particular business. Slaughter was an historical even asked the girls to wait for him in, of all places, Adven- figure from the Old West. As portrayed by actor Tom Tryon, tureland. his adventures were the basis for several episodes on the weekly Disney television series beginning in 1958. The 17-epi- 3. The Liberty Tree sode run made it the longest-running Disneyland series. In Liberty Square, located near the Liberty Bell, is the Lib- He got the nickname “Texas” because he served as a Texas erty Tree. Like the Liberty Bell, it has its roots (pardon the for a period of time after the Civil War. Like every- pun), in real American history. The original Liberty Tree thing we experience in Walt Disney World, incredible details was christened in Boston in 1765 when the Sons of Liberty and props punctuate the story in which we are immersed. gathered beneath its boughs to protest the imposition Here, you’ll find examples of just some of the wares that a of the Stamp Act. In the years that followed almost every real frontier traveler might need, including sacks of sugar American town had a Liberty tree as a symbol of freedom and flour, and even an extra saddle. Behind the register, the of speech and assembly. Since each lantern was distinctive overriding story of Frontierland is brought together with a to a particular household, hanging it on the tree was the wanted sign for one Br’er Fox (who’s wanted for swindling “secret code” to let the rebel patriots know where the meet- some of the many pins available in the shop). ing was to be held. Here at Liberty Square the 13 lanterns were hung to represent the original 13 colonies. The Lib- 5. You CAN Fly erty Oak Tree in the Magic Kingdom is a real Southern live The timeless classic Peter Pan’s Flight takes Guests on a oak (quercus virginiana). It is over a hundred years old and magical journey through the moonlit skies over the roof- was found here in Orlando, six miles south from its pres- tops of London on your way to Neverland. Today, while Pe- ent home in Liberty Square. At over 40 feet tall and 60 feet ter Pan’s Flight is a FastPass attraction, at one time some- wide and weighing more than 38 tons, it is by far the larg- thing else stood where the FastPass machines now reside. est living specimen in the Magic Kingdom and probably one Welch’s Troubadour Tavern occupied that space seasonally of the largest ever transplanted trees. To move it from its from 1971 until 1993, and it was there that Welch’s sold their original location, Imagineer and landscaper Bill Evans had trademark grape juice and other snack items. In 1993 it be- to come up with a creative method of relocating it since just came Hook’s Tavern, which sold soft drinks, lemonade, and lifting it with a cable would have caused injury to the tree. snacks. In fact, the crocodile holding the lantern, which now Two holes were drilled horizontally through the sturdiest adorns the FastPass sign, is the same one that was used on section of the trunk. The holes were filled with dowels and the Hook’s Tavern sign. And while we’re standing near the a 100-ton crane lifted the tree by these rods, which were FastPass location, look for the barrel located just outside later removed and replaced with the original wood plugs. the covered archway. On it reads “Fire Chief – W. Ray Colburn. Unfortunately, the wood plugs had become contaminated Lost Boys Fire Brigade.” While the Lost Boys refers to the and a serious infection set in and rotted out a portion of the band of children who live with Peter Pan in Neverland, who inside of the trunk. To save the tree, the plugs again were is W. Ray Colburn? Not a classic Disney character, he is the removed, the holes were filled with cement, the diseased real-world manager of the Emergency Services and Fire Pre- areas were cleaned out, and a young quercus virginina was vention Departments of the Reedy Creek Improvement Dis- grafted onto the tree at its base, where it grows even today. trict. But why here? Because underneath that hollow barrel Acorns from this tree have been responsible for the cre- sits an unsightly fire hydrant. So to adhere to the overriding ation of countless new trees both on and off Disney prop- story, time, and place of this portion of , it was erty over the years. covered with the barrel.

19 · Celebrations Echo Lake Hidden Mickeys remier shows, attractions, and restaurants surround Echo Lake at Disney’s Hol- Plywood Studios. Disney Imagineers and artists designed some compelling Hid- den Mickeys and other images in this entertaining area! Let’s take a look at a few of the hidden gems in Echo Lake.

1. At Tours, along the right side of the inside entrance queue, circles make a Mickey hat with ears on the upper part of the control panel behind C-3PO’s head, at the lower center of the upper screen.

2. In a wall display along the queue, the silhouette of R2-D2 appears sev- eral times in a continuous video loop of moving shadow figures. At one point, R2-D2 sprouts satellite ears that rotate into round “Mickey ears” for a few seconds. by Steve Barrett 3. Along the Star Tours entrance queue, a robot watches a continuous scan of lug- gage moving along a conveyor belt. You can spot an image of this plush , along with images of , Aladdin’s lamp, a Sorcerer Mickey hat, a Mr. Incredible shirt, Madame Leota’s crystal ball, and others.

4. If you’re patient, you can also spot several pieces of luggage with Mickey ears! Here’s one.

5. A small classic Hidden Mickey is formed of blue lights in the gift shop at the exit of Star Tours. It’s at the lower part of the counter to the right as you exit the ride.

6. At the “Build Your Own ” station in the shop at the exit of Star Tours, a classic Mickey is on the front lower right panel. It’s formed by blaster holes with surrounding burn marks as the “ears” and a central raised circle as the “head.” Steve Barrett is the author of three Hidden Mickeys Field Guide books 7. In the waiting area of the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, washers shaped like classic Mick- (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, eys secure the white tabletops. and the ) and “The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation” book, as well as an iPhone 8. On the left wall inside Hollywood & Vine Restaurant, the “San Fernando Valley” app for Walt Disney World Hidden wall mural has a stick figure Mickey on the far right, behind a pole. Bushes form Mickeys. You can check out more several classic Mickeys to the immediate left of the stick figure Mickey and also Hidden Mickeys at Steve’s website: above him. www.hiddenmickeysguide.com 9. Outside Hollywood & Vine Restaurant, a silhouette of Roger Rabbit is in a window above and to the left of the entrance.

10. Echo Lake itself is part of a Hidden Mickey! Study the map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The face of Mickey Mouse on the upside-down map has been distorted over time. The corner of his smile is still visible on one side of the big Sorcerer’s Hat, and his forehead “widow’s peak” shows up just below where Hollywood Bou- levard ends. (Look closely and you’ll see that his smile, eyes and widow’s peak are darker areas in the cement.) To the right, Echo Lake forms a distorted ear.

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21 · Celebrations Pixelmania Photo Contest Winners

ast year’s Pixelmania fan gathering was a fun-filled event where photo enthu- Lsiasts got a chance to get together and do what they love to do best, take pho- tographs of the most magical place on Earth in the company of new friends. Last year’s event saw the debut of the Pixelmania/Celebrations Photo Contest, and with- out any further ado, here are the winners. Congratulations all!

by Tim Devine

he Magic in Pixels is proud to announce that Pixelmania 2013 is scheduled Tim Devine is an avid photographer Tfor December 5-8 in the Walt Disney World Resort. We have had so much and the owner and webmaster of fun and have grown so much during Pixelmania 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, and www.themagicinpixels.com, a website there is still more room to pack in even more fun and memories. There is a lot created for and dedicated to fellow Disney Photography Enthusiasts. In more information coming very soon, but for now, please be sure to mark your addition to a large gallery of photos calendar and plan on being at Walt Disney World during this fun and informa- you can browse, you’ll also find tips, tive event and join your fellow Disney shutterbugs in the event. Accommoda- articles and equipment reviews tions are once again expected to be handled by Emily Felt under the direction to help you create magical photo of Allison Jones of destinationsinflorida.com and her very capable team, so be memories of your Walt Disney World sure to stay tuned for some great rates and deals! Resort vacation. Tim lives in South Jersey with his wife, This year’s event will celebrate the 5th year of Pixelmania, and will be the big- Karen, and their sons, Billy and Ryan. gest and most jam-packed Pixelmania ever. Tons of fun, prizes, and surprises Do you have a photography topic that (and maybe a special guest or two) are in store so be sure to get on board early you would like to see in this column? so you don’t miss out. Please email Pixelmania is a gathering of Disney photography, friends, and fun and is de- [email protected] signed to be a low-stress, open-ended get-together where we can all learn and share together. The schedule is flexible, with plenty of down time so you can enjoy your favorite dining and attractions, while still having fun in the compa- ny of your fellow photogs and online friends. Events range from in-park walk- throughs and attraction hopping, to enjoying the decorations and festivities of the world-class resorts. For more information, go to pixelmania.us and follow @tmip_pixelmania on Twitter.

22 · Celebrations “IllumiNations” by Joanie Eddis-Koch What do you do when you get separated from the rest of the group? Drop anchor and make your own awesome images, such as this shot of IllumiNations from over by Imagination.

Photos ©Tim Devine 23 · Celebrations “Everest” by Dr. Jim Rudolph Part of the fun of Pixelmania is seeking out shots that you can’t easily get most of time, as evidenced by Dr. Jim’s hauntingly beautiful shot of the area.

“Lights, Motors, Action!” by John Wolff Come to Pixelmania, score some awesome seats, and nail the shot of the explosive finale.

24 · Celebrations “Gaston” by Dennis Dunkman A side profile of the statue of Gaston outside of Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland is something much more creative and different than your typi- cal shot. 25 · Celebrations Bringing to Life he legacy of the Walt Disney Company is built upon the art of animation and Ta legendary cast of characters with memorable personalities. Mickey Mouse, of course, is an American original and the iconic image of the company. There’s a reason the phrase “it was all started by a mouse” resonates so well. But Mickey isn’t the only endearing character from the early years of the company. Six years after , Walt introduced a new character that equally fascinates and en- tertains - Donald Duck. He made his debut in the 1934 short , and was an instant hit, with his dual character traits of joyful exuberance and a thinly controlled by Jamie Hecker hot temper. His unique voice, a mix of garbled quackery and semi-intel- ligible words, also helped him rise in fame. Donald Duck was the perfect ve- hicle for exploring new character dynamics; Mickey was increasingly becoming the ambassa- dor of the company and had less latitude for wild adventures, so Donald took on that mantle. In fact, Donald Duck proved so popular that he soon eclipsed Mickey in terms of screen time in Disney shorts, animated features, and in . He’s equally present at the theme parks and Disney Cruise Line ships. With his broad appeal and lasting legacy, it’s no surprise to learn that a talented group of men share a collective responsibility for Donald Duck’s fame. Jamie Hecker has been a lifelong is largely responsible for the success of the Donald Duck cartoon fan of Disney, and is passing on his love to his sons. He and his family shorts that proliferated from the 1930s to the 1960s. Hannah’s Disney career began visit Orlando annually and always in 1933. Like most animators at the studio, he began as an in-between and cleanup look forward to their next trip. artist on Donald Duck and Silly Symphony shorts, but quickly rose up through the When not in Orlando, he resides ranks. In 1939 he transitioned to the story department and used his wild imagina- in northern Virginia with his tion to create tales for the short-tempered fowl. A few years later, Hannah was beautiful wife Suzanne, two boys again promoted, this time to director. Here he applied his masterful touch to over and four cats. You can read more about his eighty shorts, many of which featured Donald Duck. He was nominated for an “hidden Disney” musings at Academy Award eight times. Hannah even ventured into the new medium of tele- myhiddendisney.blogspot.com/ vision, directing many episodes of Walt Disney’s Wonderful . Disney was no stranger to the mixture of live-action and animation, and the animated Donald made numerous appearances on the television show interacting with Walt at the studio. Hannah, whose Disney career was deeply connected with Donald Duck, re- called a peculiar story about the star. To help pay off a bar tab and earn some extra cash, he painted a mural of three Donald Duck bowling poses inside a San Diego bar. “I got permission from Roy O. Disney,” Hannah recalled. “I didn’t dare go to Walt!” Hannah’s work with Donald also extended into print, working with to develop comic books that featured the feathered fowl. In 1942, “Donald Duck

26 · Celebrations Finds Pirate Gold” debuted to the public. Barks continued to vision as Taliaferro. Al even went to the top with his idea. “I work on Donald Duck comics for the next twenty-five years ran into Walt in the hall one day and told him I thought it until his retirement. Barks, like Hannah, joined the Walt would be a good idea to do another strip using Donald Duck. Disney Company in the 1930s, beginning in animation. He Walt had a habit of raising his eyebrow and you’d know you’d too rose in ranks to the story department and worked on hit a chord somewhere,” Taliaferro would recall. To make over thirty Donald Duck shorts. Barks is also credited with his case, Taliaferro drew three week’s worth of strips and expanding the universe of Donald Duck, first by introduc- eventually won Roy over. The Donald Duck strip debuted on ing Huey, Dewey, and Louie in the comic books and the 1938 February 7, 1938, drawn and inked by Taliaferro, and was an animated short Donald’s Nephews. Barks next introduced instant hit with the public. Donald’s wealthy McDuck in comics in 1947. Donald Duck is perhaps most famous for his irascible Barks developed the metropolis of Duckburg for the com- personality, often flying into an incoherent rage. His unique ics, and Barks’ legacy and body of work led to the popular voice mannerisms are a core part of his personality. His spo- animated television series Duck Tales. The early Donald Duck ken words are mixed with quackery gibberish and when comic books are a valuable perturbed, his rants are un- commodity, which led Barks, intelligible but highly mem- at his Disney Legends cer- orable. Clarence “Ducky” emony, to wryly observe: “I Nash (pictured here along want to thank all the kids with Donald) has the honor that bought my comic books of being the original voice for a dime and are now sell- of Donald. He parlayed his ing them for $2,000.” childhood habit of mimick- Comic books weren’t the ing barnyard animals into only venue for Donald Duck. a fifty-year career at Disney. Comic strips, as opposed to Nash was in comic books, are syndicated performing in radio shows to daily and weekly newspa- doing animal impressions. pers. Originally, back in the In 1933, he paid a visit to the 1930s, Mickey Mouse was the Disney studios to pitch his only character made avail- vocal services, aware they able to syndicated strips were regularly animating by Disney. Disney soon ven- animals. Nash auditioned tured further with comic his billy goat voice and made strips with the introduc- a fabulous first impression. tion of the Silly Symphony Walt heard the audition and Sunday comic strip series. immediately stated “That’s In 1935, a year after his ani- our duck.” Nash made his Dis- mation debut, Donald Duck ney debut in 1934 and contin- appeared periodically in the ued to voice Donald through Silly Symphony strip. , a Disney animator who 1983’s Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and appeared at numerous oc- began his career working on the Mickey Mouse comic strip, casions celebrating Donald’s fiftieth birthday. Not only did was responsible for Donald’s work in the Silly Symphony Nash provide the voice of Donald in all his animated forms, strip. But Al had bigger ideas for the duck, believing that he he also provided the Scottish brogue of Scrooge McDuck. He could star outright in his own comic strip. Taliaferro, de- even took the extraordinary step of dubbing Donald’s voice scribed by fellow comic strip animator in different languages, learning to quack in French, Chinese, as an “ambitious guy,” pitched his idea to management but and German. was initially rebuffed. Walt’s brother Roy was in charge of For their collective work on Donald Duck, Hannah, Barks, the comic strip division and didn’t initially share the same Taliaferro and Nash were all named Disney Legends.

27 · Celebrations Royal Dining at Akershus in Norway ere ye…here ye! Her highness the Queen has made a proclamation. It has been Hdeclared a special day in honor of the world’s best loved Storybook Princesses, and in celebration, a grand feast is to be held in their honor. This feast is held regu- larly at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion in Epcot. Inspired by the Norwegian castle of Akershus, one of the oldest and most impressive of Nor- way’s medieval fortresses, the Royal Banquet Hall is a fitting place for this celebra- tion. As you are announced for the banquet, you will meet one of the Disney Prin- cesses for pictures and autographs. You are then escorted to your table by a host or hostess. The restaurant is beautiful and features several individual rooms filled with pictures, flags, dark furniture, and tapestries. There are several thrones that decorate the hallways, and in the main dining room, the tall ceiling is decorated By Allison Jones with medieval chandeliers, large windows, and flag banners.

Let the Feast Begin! At the Royal Banquet Hall, you can enjoy an authentic Norwegian buffet called koldthord, which means “cold table.” This includes cold meats, seafood, salads, cheese, and breads. You can then add to your buffet selections with a hot dish served at your table. The dinner menu is quite extensive, featuring several local Norwegian favorites. The entrees include Pan-seared Salmon, Oven-roasted Chick- en Breast, Traditional Kjottkake, Mushroom-stuffed Pasta, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Grilled Pork Chop, and Pan-seared Beef Tips. The Pan-seared Salmon is served with sweet corn, applewood-smoked bacon, roasted potatoes, and lemon-herb butter. The Oven-roasted Chicken Breast comes with vegetable-barley risotto, asparagus, and a champagne-mushroom sauce. The Traditional Kjottkake consists of Norwe- gian meatballs served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and Lingonberry sauce. The Mushroom-stuffed Pasta includes Swiss chard, shiitakes, and a Parme- san cream. The Norwegian favorite of Braised Beef Short Ribs comes with a potato casserole, grilled asparagus, and Blueberry Gastrique. The Grilled Pork Chop fea- tures a potato casserole, grilled asparagus, and Lingonberry Barbecue Sauce. The As an Orlando local, Allison has seen the growth of the Walt Disney World Pan-seared Beef Tips with Cremini mushrooms, shallots, and maple peppercorn Resort. She experienced the inside as a sauce is served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Disney Cast Member and has planned For the youngest Princes and Princesses, they have a royal feast perfect for little Disney vacations for over 10 years. appetites. They can enjoy Grilled Chicken Breast or Salmon with roasted potatoes, Allison Jones is a travel consultant vegetables, and fruit salad. This is the special Mickey Check Meal that follows the with Destinations in Florida Travel Disney Nutritional Guidelines for a complete meal for kids. There are other choices and MouseDine. Destinations in Florida is an Authorized Disney for kids including Pizza, Cheese Ravioli, Hot Dog, or Meatballs. Vacation Planner selling Disney You can accompany your meal with Coca-Cola products, coffee brewed by Jof- vacations. frey’s, beer, or tea products. You can even try one of the Specialty Drinks including MouseDine is a restaurant the Magical Star Cocktail, the Stavanger, the Kristiansand, the Oslo, or the Tromso. consulting company for Disney World The Magical Star Cocktail includes X-Fusion organic mango and passion fruit li- Dining Reservations. Visit queur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, and a souvenir multicolored glow www.destinationsinflorida.com or www.mousedine.com for more cube. The Stavanger is a refreshing blend of raspberry, vodka, and Linie Aquavit. The information on Disney Dining. Kristiansand is a taste of Norway’s southern coast with a frozen combination of raspberries, mango, Linie Aquavit, and rum. The Oslo is a creation from the capital city in Norway. This frozen fruity favorite combines strawberries with Crème de

Photo ©Disney 28 · Celebrations Banana, Linie Aquavit, and vodka. The Tromso is a frozen As a special gift from the Disney Princesses, your family will blend of creamy Cappuccino, Baileys Irish Cream, and Ama- receive a photo package souvenir. This includes (4) 4 x 6 pic- retto. The Speciality Drinks range in price from $9.75-$10.75. tures and (1) 6 x 8 picture from the Princess meet and greet The Coca-Cola products, coffee, and tea are included with as you entered the Banquet Hall. This is a free souvenir from your dinner. your banquet that you will receive at the end of your meal. The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall hosts breakfast, lunch, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a popular restaurant for and dinner for royal families. (Yes, that’s you!) The prices at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant only requires Akershus vary based on the season. For breakfast, the price one table service entitlement on the . Be ranges from $40.46-46.85 per adult and $24.49-27.68 per child sure you book an Advanced Dining Reservation, because this (3-9). For lunch, the price ranges from $41.53-50.05 per adult restaurant does book up early. Your travel agent can book and $25.55-28.75 per child (3-9). Dinner prices range from this reservation or you can call 407-WDW-DINE. $46.85-55.37 per adult and $25.55-29.82 per child (ages 3-9). This does include the cold bar, dinner, dessert, and a non-alcohol- Come, enjoy the warmth of Norway! Kom og opplev var- ic beverage. Gratuities are extra and paid at the end of your men av Norge! dinner. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Meeting the Princesses Ingredients: During your meal, the Disney Princesses will make their ½ cup butter way around the tables welcoming you to the banquet. This is 4 pounds red potatoes your opportunity to get pictures with the Disney Princesses 1 head of cauliflower and your royal family. The Princesses also invite younger roy- 2 cups grated Jarlsburg cheese alty to march around the restaurant greeting all of the at- 1 cup heavy cream tendees of the banquet. This procession takes them around Salt to taste the entire restaurant waving and greeting all of the Guests. Pepper to taste The Disney Princesses that may appear during the meal in- clude Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora, Prepare: Mulan, or . Children are welcome to dress up 1. Steam the potatoes until soft. for the occasion, so this is the chance for your princess or 2. Steam cauliflower in separate pan until soft. prince to look their royal best. It’s the perfect opportunity 3. Add all ingredients and mix on low . to get those amazing pictures and capture those memories. 4. Season to taste.

29 · Celebrations Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour Secrets isney’s Hollywood Studios has been entertaining Guests since 1989, showcasing Dthe magic of television, live action, and animated films. Originally created as a place to entertain Guests as well as generate content, the theme park, in its prime, was responsible for such television shows as The ’s Mickey Mouse Club, live action films such as Ernest Saves Christmas, and animated features that included Lilo and Stitch. Although production has since ceased, the unique charm of the park remains in its in-depth and intimate viewing of the magic of Hollywood, offering a peak behind the curtain to see how actors, costumes, stuntmen, props, building By Jamie Hecker facades, and animation come together to generate distinct Disney content. Before Sunset Boulevard existed, with its double lure of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ , and before there was Place and the im- mensely popular Mania, the big draw of the park was the comprehensive Backlot Studio Tour, a two hour behind-the-scenes peek at film production. Today, the Studio Backlot Tour still operates, but in a reduced size and scope. However, even though the tour may have downsized some over the years, there are still plenty of well-placed Disney secrets worth exploring. The tour begins with Guests lining up in front of a massive water tank movie set. Along the way, props from recent Disney films are on prominent display, including items from the films. These items, of course, can vary depend- ing on the current slate of Disney live-action movies. The water tank set is used to showcase how aquatic adventures can be filmed in a controlled manner. This set once featured a partial hull of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea live- action film and the Magic Kingdom’s attraction. The premise of the water tank set is that a war movie, Harbor Attack, is being filmed. Readers of this column will recall that the PT boat features insignia artwork that the Walt Disney Company created for the Navy during World War II. After the water set presentation, Guests walk through a prop warehouse. Al- Jamie Hecker has been a lifelong fan of Disney, and is passing on his though the time in the warehouse is brief, the room is rich with Disney history. If love to his sons. He and his family you spot a facade of a New York subway car, it’s there for a reason. It was seen briefly visit Orlando annually and always in the short film The Lottery, starring , which was featured in early ver- look forward to their next trip. sions of the tour. It was filmed entirely within the park, notably on the New York When not in Orlando, he resides street set, and showcased the antics of a voice teacher who wins the lottery, only in northern Virginia with his to watch her ticket fly out of her hands. One scene shows Midler diving onto the beautiful wife Suzanne, two boys and four cats. subway tracks to retrieve her winning ticket, only to be rescued just in time from You can read more about his an oncoming subway. “hidden Disney” musings at Fans of Epcot’s earlier attractions will take comfort in the presence of props from myhiddendisney.blogspot.com/ Horizons and the World of Motion. Horizons took us through fanciful aspects of our future, including a diving facility at the Sea Castle Resort. In this scene, several fu- turistic looking pink crates are used, with prominent G-44 stenciling. These crates are now stored within the prop warehouse. There’s an extra bonus for Horizons aficionados in Disney’s Hollywood Studios – the Pegasus hoverlift from the Mesa Verde scene can be found at the Backlot Express restaurant. The World of Motion was an opening day attraction at Epcot, until it closed in 1996 to make way for . World of Motion offered a whimsical view into the history of transportation, from foot power to automobiles and beyond. Several

Photos © Tim Foster 30 · Celebrations of the props from this attraction are scattered throughout the warehouse. If you recall the brief scene involving a used chariot salesman, there’s a ban- ner proclaiming “Savings Maximus” and price markdowns written in Roman numerals, such as XXIII to XIX. The prop warehouse also includes several aerial devices from World of Motion, such as a hot air balloon basket and Leonardo da Vinci’s flying harness. The time spent in the warehouse is brief, so keep your eyes peeled for these items and other Disney movie and park references, as they of- ten rotate in and out. Next up on the Backlot Studio Tour is a tram ride that takes you through Catas- trophe Canyon, a recreation of a large- scale movie set. Additionally, the tram passes alongside wardrobe rooms to let you see firsthand how movie outfits are tailored. Large-scale props are also scattered throughout the tram tour, of- fering a close-up look at semi-functional and non-functional items featured in film. Recent examples include full-size World War II non-flying airplane repli- cas that were used in Pearl Harbor, and one of many cars used in the various movies that starred the impish Volkswagen. Perhaps the most endearing item on the tram tour is a in November of that same year that Walt and his crew flew genuine piece of history from the Walt Disney Company – over coastal and central Florida in the original Queen Air the company plane, a Gulfstream 1, complete with a waving for an aerial reconnaissance of several proposed sites. On Mickey on the tail. The FAA call letters read N234MM, giving the way back to the corporate office in Burbank, California, it the nickname “Mickey Mouse.” The tram narration cites they stopped in New Orleans for refueling and learned that that this is the plane used by Walt and his hand-picked team President Kennedy had been assassinated. With this sober- in 1964 to finalize site plans for the company’s Florida Proj- ing news as a backdrop, Walt concluded that the search for ect. This plane was also used extensively to shuttle Disney land for his Florida Project was over, and Orlando would be executives between California and New York for the 1964 the site. World’s Fair and to Florida for the eventual development of N234MM served the Walt Disney Company proudly un- Walt Disney World. Walt did indeed fly over central Florida til its retirement in 1992. It was delicately transported to and gave his approval for the current location of Walt Dis- the Studio Backlot Tour, where it affords Guests a unique ney World; he was especially taken with Bay Lake and its is- glimpse into a slice of the company’s history. land within. However, there’s more to the story. The compa- Be sure to visit the Studio Backlot Tour on your next visit ny’s original plane was a Beechcraft Queen Air that was put to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and see what secrets you can into corporate service in early 1963. It was on a fateful day find.

31 · Celebrations Mickey and the Magical Map

he Fantasyland Theater in the furthest corner of Disneyland’s Fantasyland, Ttucked away beside the station and the entrance to Toon- town, has been the birthplace of many an amazing stage production. In fact, one of the most beloved shows still plays today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. The Beauty and the Beast stage show started right here, long before it hit Broadway or found its long-term home in Florida. This hidden theater’s other claim to fame in- cluded an amazing Snow White stage show where Patrick Stewart voiced the Magic Mirror. It was most recently home to the ultimate royalty-in-training experience, By J Darling Disney Princess Fantasy Faire. Since opening in the 1980s (originally under the name Videopolis), it has wel- comed such stars as New Kids on the Block, Tiffany, and other Top 40 bands of the 1980s, and has also been host to the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon shows from 1987 through 1995. Originally operating as an all-ages dance club venue in the evenings (complete with 70 screens showing the most popular music videos of the day) and a theme park show location during the days, it was shuttered for a few years before being renamed the Fantasyland Theater in 2009. It’s been 5000-square feet of stage show magic ever since. Today, there is little sign of aging as the theater remains just as timeless as the fairy tales that have come to life on its stage. The latest show features what just may be the biggest star to grace the stage, the main mouse himself, Mickey! In his latest adventure, Mickey is helping the great wizard Yen Sid (better known as the Sorcerer from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice segment in Fantasia) with a magical J Darling is a California native and map he’s making. In his journey to become more than just the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, life long Disney fan. Her parents first Yen Sid instructs Mickey to find the secret of the map. Once he finds that, he can be a took her to Disneyland when she was true mapmaker. Guests who have played the Epic Mickey games might find the show 2 years old. According to them, her a bit familiar, not only because of the extensive use of screen technology, but also by eyes just popped out of her head, and the story itself. In the story, Mickey is magically transported into different moments apparently they never went back in. from Disney films. Guests get to go along for the ride as Mickey meets several other Outside of her Disney fandom, J is a singer, songwriter, blogger, and famous Disney characters. Though video game fans may find the premise of the theatrical actress. story familiar, the technology it’s told with is, in true Disney fashion, revolutionary. You can find her music at It’s not uncommon for many cutting edge Broadway musical stage shows to in- www.jdarlingmusic.com clude multi-media pieces to bring the audience deeper into the artistry of the show. and on Myspace at In this case, this is accomplished with the help of more than 35,000 square inches www.jdarlingmusicmyspace.com. Her of LED screens. The million pixels are broken up into six sections that part right blogs are available at www.jjourneybook.blogspot.com. down the middle when, for example, Princess Tiana’s 18-foot tall, 1,200-pound show boat makes its appearance. All six sections are mounted onto wagons to keep the movement safe for the cast, and synchronized for the audience. Even though there is a split right down the middle, the separation is invisible during the performance. Perhaps more astounding than the 9000-pound wagons used to move the screens, the 11-foot wide show boat, or the more than six miles of cable used in the show, is the way Mickey manages to pop in and out of the map. Mickey Mouse, dressed in his Sorcerer Apprentice best, appears to physically move into the map. Technologically speaking, this is done through precision acting on the part of everyone’s favorite

32 · Celebrations mouse, and a sly series of trap doors. As simple as it sounds, Many familiar songs echo throughout the production. Poca- it’s sometimes hard to tell if Mickey is in ‘the map’ on screen, hontas’ version of “Just Around The River Bend” is worth any or standing right in front of Guests. wait there might be to get into the theater, but combin- Not only do the Disney Princesses get in on the act, you’ll ing it with “Reflection” (sung by Mulan) and “I See the Light” also see King Louie from The Jungle Book, Sebastian from The (sung by Rapunzel and Flynn Rider) is sheer genius. There Little Mermaid, and everyone’s favorite alien, Stitch. While isn’t a weak voice in the cast. Other songs include, “I Wanna over 900 hopefuls auditioned for the production, the cast Be Like You” from The Jungle Book, “Hawaiian Roller Coaster includes about 50 actors, singers, and dancers who keep Ride” from Lilo and Stitch, and “Under the Sea” from The Little things lively on stage from beginning to end. Mermaid. But Mickey’s Magical Map doesn’t just relive old The story and magic are bound to keep younger Guests favorites. Composers Adam Watts and Andy Dodd (of High glued to their seats, oohing and awing over their favorite School Musical fame) wrote a completely original song for characters appearing and disappearing. The music, pag- the production. Entitled “Journey To Imagination,” it acts eantry, and wonder-factor of the technology needed to very much like a bookend that holds up a shelf filled with bring this show to life will keep even the most cynical beloved tales. Guests intrigued. For those who are more fashion-minded, The show is currently being performed daily and should they won’t be disappointed either. From the characters’ cus- be the latest addition to any Disneyland Guests’ not-to-be- tomary costumes, to the dancers’ wardrobes, no detail has missed list. The amphitheater itself is mostly covered, which been overlooked. makes it a perfect midday break from the often-relentless Much of the show’s look was inspired by a vintage ideal Southern Californian sun. Food and drink are allowed in the that can’t be narrowed down to any specific time period. It theater, and there is a handy snack stand located within an appears to be set somewhere between the era where Mer- easy walk of the theater, along with several popcorn carts. lin would have worked his magic and today. The Senior Cos- Conveniently, restrooms are located here as well. Lines for tume designer, Matt Davidson, was influenced by the Jules this attraction are very manageable, as the theater accom- Verne-H.G. Wells era vision of the future (more commonly modates large crowds easily. That being said, keep in mind known as the Steampunk movement). that seating is on a “first come, first served” basis, so plan to As with so many of Disney’s masterpieces, the music arrive at least 30 minutes before show time to get a good for Mickey’s Magical Map reaches in and pulls at the heart spot. While there isn’t a bad seat in the house, the best seats strings of young and old alike, breathing life into the fai- are in the middle of the theater, about one third of the way rytale world and making even the most cynical Guest want back from the stage. This is one corner of Fantasyland that to believe in magic, love, and that all is right in the world. deserves not to be overlooked.

Photo Courtesy of and © Loren Javier 33 · Celebrations By Joe Essaf

34 · Celebrations Photo © Tim Foster “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new The Seeds of Progress things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down Carousel of Progress was originally proposed as an at- new paths.” – Walter Elias Disney traction for a new area of Disneyland to be called “Edison Square.” This area, which would be an offshoot of Main alt Disney always believed in moving forward, and in Street U.S.A., was intended to be a tribute to Thomas Edison Wthe course of creating what eventually became the and his contributions to society. The area would consist of Carousel of Progress, he was able to showcase how far we 1920s-style houses surrounding a small park with a statue have come and where we might go tomorrow. Today, the of Edison in the middle. The square was also going to fea- unique revolving theater show follows a family through ture an attraction called Harnessing the Lightning, which the early 1900s, the 1920s, the 1940s, and finally to present would show how we used electricity throughout past de- day. Along the way the family demonstrates many of the cades (sounds familiar, right?). Originally, Guests would technological advances that were all the rage at the time, walk from theater to theater to see each part of the show showing you how far things had come. The cast of Anima- (that would change, of course). Unfortunately, the idea for tronic characters includes the father, John, his wife Sarah, Edison Square was eventually scrapped, but when Disney daughter Patricia, son James, the grandparents, the dog was approached to provide attractions for the upcoming Rover, and of course Cousin Orville. The show is presented 1964 World’s Fair in New York, Harnessing the Lightning was in six acts, beginning with an introduction. If the narrator given new life. sounds familiar and reminds you of the holi- days, that’s because that’s Jean Shepherd, who also narrated the classic holiday film, A Christ- mas Story. Once the intro is completed, the en- tire seating area revolves toward the right and on to the first scene; our host family as depicted in the early 1900s. Here you’ll be introduced to such marvels as the gas lamp, a water pump in the kitchen, and a hand-operated washing ma- chine. In the next scene, set in the 1920s, you’ll see an icebox (“Keeps milk from not spoiling as fast!”), a radio, and best of all, electric lighting (until Father blows a fuse that is!). The 1940s bring about a wave of new appliances, including a dishwasher, a television, and a state-of-the- art paint mixing system (well, not so much that last one). The final scene depicts a modern-day Christmas, with virtual reality entertainment, voice-controlled lighting, and a state-of-the-art kitchen The attraction was reimagined and became Progress- complete with a voice-activated oven (which unfortunately land, with sponsorship provided by General Electric. One of takes a few spoken commands a bit too literally.) the major changes was eliminating the need for Guests to Carousel of Progress is a showcase of the inventions and walk from theater to theater; instead they would enter in innovations that have created (and continue to create) a one area to be seated, and they would stay in that section as brighter future for all mankind. Walt Disney firmly believed the entire seating area revolved around the central stage. that there would be a great, big, beautiful tomorrow, and This allowed more Guests to watch the show simultane- the Carousel of Progress was his celebration of technology ously, and allowed for a smooth transition between scenes, and the promise of a future that was just a dream away. In- since Guests would now remain seated. This eliminated the terestingly, the Carousel of Progress itself has a grand his- possibility of log jams created by slow-moving crowds, al- tory of technological innovation and , and is the lowing more people to see the show without a long wait. A ideal embodiment of Walt’s idea of progress. similar innovation was employed at the Haunted Mansion,

35 · Celebrations message was losing its impact). It was decided that the show would move to the Magic Kingdom, and the show components were packed up and moved into the new the- ater built for the attraction. Unlike the Disneyland version, the new building was only one-story, though it did include a loft that was used for the Transit Author- ity. The Progress City model was dismantled and partly re- assembled in a special display area that can be seen from the TTA as it passes through Stitch’s Great Escape. With the newly revamped attraction, GE also wanted a new theme song to encourage people to buy their new GE appliances today, instead of looking ahead to tomorrow. The new song, “The Best Time of Your Life,” was written by the Sherman An original scene from the World’s Fair show brothers as a new theme for the attraction. (In their hearts which was originally going to have Guests walking through though, the much preferred the original, the interior. The addition of the Doom Buggies eliminated as to them it not only perfectly reflected the spirit of the at- the possibility of gawking crowds. (Imagine wanting to traction, but was more or less Walt Disney’s personal theme stick around a bit to try and get the perfect photo of the song, at least in their eyes.) A new cast was assembled for Bride…no flash pictures please!) After viewing the show, the show, and the Christmas scene was slightly updated. Guests would walk upstairs where they could see a scaled (The final scene would undergo another update in 1981.) model of Walt Disney’s Progress City, the key component of Epcot, Walt’s vision for a working community of the future. Progress Means Change Another key component of the show was the theme song, GE opted not to renew their contract when it expired on “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written by Robert March 10, 1985, and the attraction closed briefly to remove and Richard Sherman specifically for the new attraction. most of the General Electric references (however, you can Throughout 1964 and 1965, the attraction was immensely still see the occasional GE logo here and there, most notably popular. But even after the World’s Fair had ended, Walt had on the refrigerator in the 1940s sequence). In August 1993, the future plans for his famed show. attraction was refurbished to better reflect the new con- cept for Tomorrowland, “The Future That Never Was.” A gear Off to California and Florida motif, prominent in the new Tomorrowland design, was Renovations for Tomorrowland at Disneyland were be- added to the signage and show building, and the attraction ing planned for 1967, and Walt thought it would be the ideal was renamed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. To the de- setting for his incredibly popular attraction, which was all light of nostalgic fans, “It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” about progress and the promise of tomorrow. Unfortunate- was brought back as the show’s theme, and a new voice cast ly, Walt passed away in December 1966 and was not able to was brought in. The Christmas scene also underwent some see the completion of the new Tomorrowland, but GE and changes, bringing it more in line with modern day technol- the Walt Disney Company worked together to bring his plan ogy. (This scene has always presented the same problem to fruition. The new attraction had two levels, just like the as Tomorrowland itself, how do you depict the future-or World’s Fair version, but now featured a built-in speed-ramp present day-without becoming out of date? Even today to transport Guests to the upper level and Progress City. Disney fans debate the final scene, and while it is a favorite The attraction’s name was also changed from Progressland among many, there’s always a murmur that the technology to General Electric Carousel of Progress. should be updated.) After 9/11, the show closed briefly, but After six years in Disneyland, audiences were starting to soon reopened on a seasonal basis, leading some to think dwindle, and GE was questioning their continued sponsor- that the show would someday close permanently. However, ship of the attraction (surmising that the majority of the the show continues to this day, seemingly as popular as ever audience had seen the show multiple times and thus the (despite its seasonal status the attraction is rarely closed).

36 · Celebrations Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is an attraction that • Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny, voiced Cousin Orville, will always live on as a reminder of all the innovations and one of the few occasions he did voice work for Disney. (He changes we have made in the past century. It was always also did minor vocal effects for Snow White and the Seven one of Walt Disney’s favorites (rumor has it that he specifi- Dwarfs and Pinocchio.) cally ordered it never be closed), and will continue to show- • , who voiced the original father in the Disneyland case the technologies and mindsets that are leading us to, version, was hired to voice the grandfather in Act 4 of the dare we day, a great, big, beautiful tomorrow. current version. • The Carousel Theater (the original theater in Disneyland Little Known Facts that hosted the attraction) was renovated to host America • Throughout the 1964/65 World’s Fair, an average of 45,000 Sings! after the attraction moved to the Magic Kingdom. Guests saw the show every day (250 every four minutes!). It eventually became the original Innoventions (later seen Over the course of the entire event, about 16 million Guests in Epcot). saw the show. • , a 1983 attraction in , used • When brought to Disneyland, the theaters could sit 3,600 a similar revolving theater setup. This attraction focused Guests per hour. During its run from 1967-1973 in Disney- on Japanese history and lasted until 2002. land, over 31 million people saw the show. • In the film, Iron Man 2, Tony Stark hosts a “Stark Expo,” • Astute viewers will note that as you progress through the much in line with the New York World’s Fair. The map of years during the show, you also progress through the sea- the Stark Expo shows the same building that Progressland sons. The first scene takes place around Valentine’s Day, the was in (though here it is referred to as the Kodak pavilion). second around the Fourth of July, the third around Hallow- Richard Sherman also wrote the theme song for the Stark een, and the final at Christmas. Expo, “Make Way for Tomorrow Today.”

Photos © Tim Foster 37 · Celebrations By Lori Elias

38 · Celebrations Artwork © Disney ouglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, Sean Connery, Cary El- of Robin Hood was a balladic poem called “Piers Plowman,” Dwes, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe: from the begin- written by William Langland in the late 14th century. A ref- ning of the history of cinema to the present day, some of erence was made to “the rhymes of Robin Hood,” so though Hollywood’s most handsome and swashbuckling actors no earlier written record has yet been found, evidently some have taken on the role of legendary English folk hero Robin form of the Robin Hood legend was known at that time. Hood. Certainly, though, there has been nobody “foxier” than A history of Scotland written in the 14th and 15th cen- the version released by Disney in 1973 and voiced by British- turies called the Scotichronicon also mentioned a “bandit born theatre actor Brian Bedford! Robin Hood, with and their accomplices.” Around Robin Hood, which was conceived by , writ- 1500, The Gest of Robin Hood was published, which was the ten by Larry Clemons, and directed by Wolfgang Reither- first significant telling of Robin Hood’s story in print. This man, was only the third animated film to be released fol- means that a character named Robin Hood was found in lowing Walt Disney’s death in 1966, and one of the last to both fictional and non-fictional works…so was Robin Hood have his personal influence on the production. From the real? Unfortunately, there is no confirmation regarding earliest days of Disney Studios, Walt had wanted to base a Robin’s actual existence, though a man named Robert Hode, film on the story “Reynard the Fox,” a European folktale that who lived as an around Yorkshire in the early 13th originated sometime in the 10th and 11th centuries, when century, may be a strong contender. stories were created in which animal characters were used Real or not, Robin Hood’s antagonist in the stories was to create satires of human experiences. Reynard was a sly ’s Prince John, who did indeed exist. Prince John and deceiving figure who manipulated his way out of chal- was the younger brother of King Richard I, called the Li- lenging situations, thus gaining a degree of sympathy from onheart, who reigned from 1189 to 1199. Richard led British the audience, but whose predicaments often resulted in armies during the Crusades, and while he was away in bat- the death of those around him. For a number of years, Walt tle, Prince John ruled in his place. John continually plotted tried in vain to find enough noble qualities in Reynard to against his brother in hope of gaining the throne for him- build a suitable story; ultimately it was decided to instead self, and was despised by the English people for his rampant shift attention to the equally crafty but much better-in- raising of taxes, which were collected by the local sheriffs— tended character of Robin Hood, whose policy of robbing in Robin’s case, the Sheriff of , who was as ruth- the rich and giving to the poor and defying the ruthless in less and hated as his employer. power made for a respectable anti-hero. In the 1950s, Disney animator Ken Anderson had put to- Disney and Robin Hood gether a potential script and preliminary drawings in an- All of this drama certainly makes for an excellent adven- ticipation of a Reynard film. It was realized that many of ture story, so it is natural that so many film treatments Anderson’s drawings could still be utilized, as making the have been inspired by the Robin Hood tale. In fact, the be- sly and cunning Robin Hood a fox, with as his loved animated classic was not Disney’s first foray into vixen, would work perfectly. Therefore, the film was pre- Sherwood. In 1952, Disney released the live-action film The sented as the Robin Hood legend from the animals’ point Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men. Unlike the animated of view, with the animators correlating the characters movie, in which Robin was already an established outlaw with their human counterparts. King Richard the Lion- with a band of allies and fans, the live-action film showed heart could only be portrayed as a lion, of course, and so his the onset of the rivalry between Robin and the Sheriff of brother Prince John was as well. Little John’s name was a Nottingham at an archery match, his subsequent gather- joke regarding his notable size, and so he was turned into ing of the “merrie men,” and their fight against the sheriff a large bear. and Prince John. Mixed into the story were Robin’s efforts to show his loyalty to King Richard, and of course his court- The Origins of Robin Hood ship of Maid Marian. Irish actor starred as Given Disney’s propensity for fairytales and folklore, it Robin, Joan Rice portrayed Maid Marian, and Peter Finch seemed almost inevitable that the studio would eventu- was the Sherriff of Nottingham. The film was later edited ally do a take on the famous legend of Robin Hood, a story and shown in two segments as part of the Walt Disney’s Won- that goes back many centuries. The earliest known mention derful World of Color television series in 1955.

39 · Celebrations The musical score for The Story of Robin Hood and his Mer- and the American South. Many tried-and-true Disney vet- rie Men was composed by Clifton Parker, who also wrote the erans joined forces with animation newcomers to tell the music for Disney’s Treasure Island (1950) and episodes of the story of the legendary figure. Wonderful World of Color series. Songs crooned by the char- Brian Bedford, who voiced the title role, has portrayed acter Allan-a-Dale were composed by Elton Hayes, who also a number of small television and film roles in the United portrayed the minstrel merrie man. Kingdom and the United States, both before and after his work on Robin Hood. On this side of the Atlantic, however, he Making Music was—and is—known primarily for his work on the Broad- This formula was repeated in the animated version of way stage, including winning the 1971 Tony Award for Best Robin Hood, as Roger Miller both portrayed Allan-a-Dale and Actor in Molière’s classic play The School for Wives. His most wrote the songs Allan sang: “Oo-de-Lally,” “Whistle Stop,” and recent of seven Tony nominations was in 2011 for Oscar Wil- “Not in Nottingham.” de’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Two other composers were hired to complete the mu- It should be no surprise that Maid Marian and Lady Kluck sic for the animated film. , the movie’s music had excellent chemistry: Robin Hood was the second Disney director, wrote the score, as well as Maid Marian’s ballad film credit for their actresses, Monica Evans and Carole Shel- “Love,” with lyrics by (who had also writ- ley, who also played sisters Abigail and Amelia Gabble, the ten the lyrics to “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” from the 1970 gossipy geese in (1970). In addition, they played film The Aristocats). Academy Award-winning songwriter sisters Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon in the Broadway, film, Johnny Mercer filled out the score with “The Phony King of and television versions of The Odd Couple. England.” (Does Mercer’s name ring a bell? His list of songs Two-time Academy Award-winning British actor Peter includes the well-known hits “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Hoo- Ustinov voiced the wretched Prince John, as well as his ray for Hollywood,” “Moon River,” and “Accent-tchu-ate the noble brother Richard the Lionheart. Prince John’s sidekick Positive”…just to name a few!) Sir Hiss was portrayed by London-born comedian Terry- Thomas. Thomas was well known for the gap in his front The Voices Behind the Characters top teeth, which the animators incorporated into the char- Joining Roger Miller was a voice cast that featured an acter; not only did it mimic the actor, but it also provided a interesting mix of accents from both the Commonwealth gateway for Sir Hiss’ slithery tongue!

40 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney Phil Harris was already well known to Disney fans when over the tyrannical strong, all blended together with the he signed on to portray Robin’s right-hand man Little John. magic of Disney animation: with this combination, it is easy Harris had made his Disney debut in 1967 with The Jungle to see why forty years after its original release, Robin Hood Book (and Robin Hood audiences quickly noticed the simi- continues to delight fans of all ages. larities between Baloo the Bear and Little John), and had charmed his future Robin Hood co-stars Monica Evans and Robin Hood Fun Facts: Carole Shelley as Thomas O’Malley in The Aristocats. • The film uses two well-known college fight songs during Another Aristocats veteran, Pat Buttram, who had voiced the chaos following the Tournament of the Golden Arrow: Napoleon in the earlier film, played the Sheriff of Notting- the University of Southern California’s “Fight On” is played ham. A highly regarded character actor, he was particularly during the chase, and “On Wisconsin” from the University known for his roles in the television series Petticoat Junc- of Wisconsin-Madison is used during the scene in which tion, Green Acres, and Love, American Style. His later Disney film Lady Kluck fights off Prince’s John’s men in a simulated work included Luke in (1977) and Chief in The football game. Fox and the Hound (1981), as well as small roles in Who Framed • While Tony-winner Brian Beford has built a successful the- Roger Rabbit (1988) and A Goofy Movie (1995). atre career in plays, he got to flex his melodic muscles as Two beloved television actors with distinctive drawls Mr. Fezziwig in the televised production of ’s were tapped to play the bumbling vultures Trigger and version of A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004). Nutsy. George Lindsey (Trigger) had portrayed Napoleon’s • The character of was originally conceived of as pal Layfayette in The Aristocats, but was undoubtedly better a pig, but was changed to a badger because the creative known to audiences as Goober Pyle in both The Andy Griffith team was afraid of offending religious institutions. Show and its spin-off, Mayberry R. F. D. He also appeared • Maid Marian’s song “Love” was nominated for the Academy numerous times on the cowboy series Gunsmoke, which Award for Best Song. starred Ken Curtis (Nutsy) as Festus. • Unlike his characters Prince John and King Richard, Peter Some of the smaller roles—both in the size of the part Ustinov would never inherit a throne; however, he was and the character—were portrayed by actors with large knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. Disney résumés. John Fieldler, who voiced the Sexton, had • An alternate ending was written in which Robin was portrayed Piglet in the short film Winnie the Pooh and the wounded while escaping Prince John’s clutches. As Mar- Blustery Day (1968). He would reprise the role in Winnie the ian was tending to him, the prince attempted to kill Robin, Pooh and Too (1974) and the combining of the original but was stopped by King Richard. It was determined that Pooh short films into The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh this scene was too troubling for the film, and was replaced (1977). He continued to provide the voice of Piglet through- with Robin’s successful escape to the river. out the Winnie the Pooh features of the next few decades, as • King Richard’s only appearance in the animated film is for well as on the television series The New Adventures of Winnie a brief moment following ’s wedding at the Pooh, until his death in 2005. the end of the movie. Whether it was intentional or not is His Winnie the Pooh co-star, Barbara Luddy (Kanga), a matter of speculation, but the same device was used in voiced both Mother Rabbit and Mother Church Mouse in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), when the Lionheart, por- Robin Hood. Her extensive list of Disney credits also includ- trayed by Sean Connery in a cameo appearance, joined the ed Lady in (1955), Merryweather in Sleep- wedding celebration of Kevin Costner’s Robin and Mary ing Beauty (1959), and Rover in 101 Dalmatians (1961). Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s Marian. Other Disney veterans filling out the cast were J. Pat O’ • Dori Whitaker played the rabbit Tagalong, daughter of Malley (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, 1949; 101 Dal- Mother Rabbit, who was voiced by Barbara Luddy. Whita- matians; Alice in Wonderland, 1951; and The Jungle Book) as Otto, ker also played Roo to Luddy’s Kanga in Winnie the Pooh and the dog with the broken leg; and Candy Candido (Peter Pan, Tigger Too, and subsequently in The Many Adventures of Win- 1953; , 1974; The Rescuers; and The Great Mouse nie the Pooh. Detective, 1986) as the Captain of the Guards. • Dori Whitaker’s brother Billy provided the voice of Tag- Adventure, romance, and victory of the righteous weak along’s brother Skippy.

41 · Celebrations CINDERELLA CASTLE From Dreams to Reality By Rod Wheaton

42 · Celebrations Photo © Tim Foster 43 · Celebrations n a bright morning as the sun shines in a beautiful many, has features that are readily recognizable to Disney Osky, you hurry through the turnstiles. The energy and fans. It also has an interesting back-story as to how and why noise of the crowd quickens your pace as you make your it got its Disney connection. Ludwig II commissioned the way across the courtyard, the monorail gliding overhead castle in 1869. Ludwig was sometimes called “Mad” Ludwig behind you. Past the flowered entrance, past throngs of because of his eccentric ways. While some felt his eccentrici- friends and families posing for pictures, through the cool ties detracted from his ruling abilities, others consider him shade of the tunnel leading out onto Main Street U.S.A., you to have been an innovative, creative thinker. For instance, make your way through the town square and on to the many earlier were little more than barricaded forti- main thoroughfare. And there it is, the breathtaking sym- fications; cold, dark and forbidding. However, Ludwig was a bol of everything that Disney stands for; magic, dreams, and patron of the arts, and this shone through in his directions fantasy. There, at the far end of Main Street, soaring 189 feet for Castle Neuschwanstein. It incorporated brighter colors up into the Florida sky, is Cinderella Castle. and artwork than had been used in previous castles, and Walt Disney knew how to make a great impression. Going its windows were designed, not for strategic defense, but all the way back to when he was designing his first park, he to complement the beauty of the architecture while taking understood that he needed a central icon, a “weenie,” that advantage of the sweeping vistas of its surroundings. Today, would beckon Guests inward and draw them deeper into over a million people visit it every year, just as Walt did when the fantasy world he was he and Lillian took their bringing to life. When Disney- European tour before con- land opened in 1955, Sleeping struction began at Disney- Beauty Castle made an im- land. And thus one creative pact from the moment the thinker inspired another. drawbridge was lowered, and Years later, Walt would bring children and Guests crossed in artist Herbert Ryman to over into Fantasyland for the incorporate all these ele- first time. But impressive as ments as the chief designer it was, Walt had trained his of both Sleeping Beauty and Imagineers to always look for Cinderella Castle. ways to improve, to change, and to “plus” up an experi- Building the Dream in Or- ence. When they began to lando design the castle for the park On May 30th, 1967, the gi- at the heart of Walt’s Florida ant earth-moving equip- Project, they went even big- ment rolled in, and the ger and bolder than they Florida Project that would had ever done before. Cinder- become Walt Disney World ella Castle in Orlando is more quickly became America’s than 100 feet taller than the largest private construction one built for Disneyland. project. By the time Cinderella Castle began construction in early 1970, the Imagineers had over 15 years of experience Seeds of the Dream honing their unique design and building craft going back Walt’s dream for his grand castles had its roots in classic to Disneyland’s opening. They used several of these tricks architecture and palaces throughout the world. You can and techniques in building the castle we know today. For see elements of their inspiration in places like Chaumont, example, at 189 feet, Cinderella Castle is already an impres- Alcazar of Segovia, Moszna Castle in Poland, and Castle sive structure. But through the use of , it Neuschwanstein of Bavaria. The last in particular, Castle is made to appear much taller. Most visitors and devoted Neuschwanstein (shown here) in the Bavarian Alps of Ger- Disney fans are familiar with this concept. Stated in sim-

44 · Celebrations plest terms, forced perspective is an optical illusion technique that can make an object ap- pear closer, farther away, larger, smaller, taller, and so on. It manipulates visual perception by the way related objects are scaled together, coupled with the vantage point of an observer. Forced perspective is used extensively in pho- tography, film, and art. It’s worth remembering that Walt Disney and his Imagineers had their roots in filmmaking and animation, and this background made it possible for them to make extraordinary use of this concept in building and design. As the castle rises higher in height, its proportions get smaller. Windows, doors, and turrets all get progressively smaller so that by the time you reach the top spire they are actually half the size of their ground-level counterparts. This tricks the eye into thinking that they are much higher than they actually are, since your brain instinctively “knows” how big they are supposed to be. These elements all combine to make the Castle appear to tower even higher over the realms of the Magic King- dom. Four years of research, design, and construc- tion went into Cinderella Castle, and another Imagineer’s trick was used in the selection and use of specialized building materials. Despite the stone-like As Cinderella Castle neared completion, details began to appearance of the castle, no brick, block, or stone was ac- take shape. Gargoyles came to take their perches there; 13 of tually used. Instead, materials like fiber-reinforced gypsum, them in fact. There were 29 towers originally designed for fiberglass, concrete, and 276 tons of steel were used to give the castle, numbered 1 through 29. However, the astute ob- the appearance of a Gothic stone castle from the middle server will note that there are only 27. Towers 13 and 17 were ages. The spires were lifted and set into place with a crane. never built because the Imagineers realized they couldn’t Here’s a great chance to dispel a long-repeated Walt Disney be seen from any vantage point in the park. The clock is in World myth: you will sometimes read on the Internet, the Tower 10, and the tallest is Tower 20. 18 of these spires are forums, and even from a Cast Member that Cinderella Cas- topped with gold-painted finials. tle was designed to be quickly dismantled in the event of No castle would be complete without a moat. The one a . This simply isn’t true. Building elements were surrounding Cinderella Castle averages six feet in depth bolted, built, and welded permanently into place. Even if and holds over 3 million gallons of water. The moat and they weren’t, it would be dangerous, not to mention out- drawbridge at Cinderella Castle have a distinct difference right impossible, to use a crane to remove the turrets and from . Sleeping Beauty Castle has a other elements in the high winds that would accompany working drawbridge, and the lowering of the drawbridge to any approaching hurricane. In any event, such precautions allow children to run screaming with delight into Fantasy- are unnecessary, as Cinderella Castle was designed to easily land was a feature of the live television broadcast on open- withstand typical hurricane force winds sometimes expe- ing day. Cinderella Castle, however, has a fixed drawbridge rienced in central Florida. that cannot be raised or lowered. For 10 years, a “D” ticket at-

45 · Celebrations 46 · Celebrations traction, The Plaza Swan Boats, operated in the moat. ber to keep looking closely at the columns, particularly at Over time, all the work and planning came together, and the top. You’ll see the mice, birds, and other forest friends of after only 18 months of construction, Cinderella Castle was Cinderella. Entering into the main dining room, surrounded completed in July of 1971, ready for her debut on Walt Disney by arched windows overlooking the Magic Kingdom, Guests World’s opening day in October of that year. have the opportunity to enjoy their meal in a medieval set- ting while meeting Disney Princesses at their own table. Inside the Royal Castle With the recent opening of the in As majestic as the appearance of the castle is from a dis- the New Fantasyland, seats for this coveted dining experi- tance, it is just as impressive up close, and as with so many ence are a bit easier to get, due to the overwhelming popu- things in Walt Disney World, it pays to look at the details. As larity of Be Our Guest. If you’ve never had the opportunity you walk through the passageway into Fantasyland, you will to dine like royalty in one of the most elegant settings of all, see a series of beautiful mosaics that tell Cinderella’s story now’s your chance! in pictures. Take note of Cinderella’s step-sisters. You will Every Disney fan’s dream is a stay in the most exclusive notice one has an angry red face, while the other is tinged room in all of Walt Disney World: The Cinderella Castle green to denote her envy of Cinderella. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Suite (shown above). It’s so exclusive; money can’t buy it (un- Boutique also makes its home near here, where girls can get less you’re Tom Cruise, but that’s a story for another day!). their very own princess makeover. The space was originally intended to be an apartment for One of the focal points of Cinderella Castle, and the high- Walt and his family when they would be in Florida. After light of any trip, is a chance to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Walt died, the plans for an apartment were scrapped and Table restaurant (left). Originally it was named King Stefan’s for nearly 40 years it alternately sat empty, served as a stor- Banquet Hall when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, but age area, and as a call center. In 2006, Imagineering used the was renamed in 1997. As you walk through the passageway space to build the suite. During its early operation in 2007- toward the restaurant and into the waiting area, remem- 2008, a family was randomly selected every day to receive

Photos © Disney 47 · Celebrations strictly reserved for special giveaways to Guests and Cast Members as well as Disney charity events.

Different Looks Throughout the Years Despite the iconic status of Cinder- ella Castle, the Imagineers have never been afraid of mixing things up and trying out new looks. After all, in creat- ing Cinderella Castle, they had already pulled a dramatic departure from what they’d done in Disneyland fif- teen years before. In keeping with that spirit, they’ve tried out several differ- ent “looks” for Cinderella Castle over the years, some very well received, and others less so. For Walt Disney World’s 25th Anni- versary, the entire castle was turned into a giant, pink anniversary cake, complete with the pink icing, gum drops, candles, candy canes, and other colorful confectionery designs (oppo- site). Some Guests loved the whimsi- cal look, and the architectural prow- ess required to pull it off was truly impressive. Still, some were not so thrilled, and it was reported that over 200 Disney weddings were cancelled by would-be brides who weren’t very thrilled by the idea of having their wedding pictures taken in front of a giant pink cake. On a more whimsical note, on No- the suite as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams.” Stories, vember 16th, 2004, Guests arrived at the Magic Kingdom interviews, and photos hit the Internet showcasing this to find Cinderella Castle had been “toilet papered” as a gi- amazing new addition. In the ensuing years it has grown ant prank to kick off the grand opening of “Stitches Great to near cult-like status as the “Ultimate” WDW destination. Escape.” Stitch fans found it amusing and since it was only Entrance is gained through a private elevator that takes a one day event, the decorations were removed that night. you straight to the suite. The doors open into a foyer area Throughout 2005 and 2006, “The Happiest Celebration on where you’ll see a display case with Cinderella’s glass slipper, Earth” brought one of the most popular looks yet, with Cin- tiara, and three pumpkins to remind you of her humble be- derella Castle being trimmed out in gold and surrounded ginnings. On the floor is a mosaic of the pumpkin coach in- by a variety of Disney characters in flight or perched round laid with 30,000 Italian tiles. The suite is ornately furnished and about the towers (upper left). from floor to ceiling and has all the modern amenities But perhaps the most beautiful transformation of all de- while retaining its elegant Gothic look. Today, the suite is buted in the winter of 2007, as the Dream Lights covered the

48 · Celebrations Photo © Tim Foster castle in hundreds of bluish-white twinkling lights, trans- show ended on September 3 of that year, but was replaced forming Cinderella’s palace into a dazzling ice sculpture. by a similar nighttime multimedia show, Celebrate the The lighting of the castle has quickly become a favorite Magic, which began on November 13, 2012. After holiday tradition at the Magic Kingdom, and for many is the splashes pixie dust over the castle, it becomes an enchanted highlight of a holiday celebration at Walt Disney World. canvas that takes Guests down the rabbit hole with Alice, Of course, Cinderella Castle has always been a spectacular high above the Big Top with , and across the African sight at night every day of the year. Breathtaking lighting savanna with Simba. Celebrate the Magic features seasonal effects transform the castle from royal purple and majestic additions such as the arrival of beloved Disney couples in blue to emerald green and pumpkin orange (and many col- January, Lilo and Stitch and in the sum- ors in between). The closing of the park every night ushers mer, and a special appearance by the Disney villains toward in a special sight that many fans are unaware of, the Kiss Halloween. Speaking of Halloween, look for ghoulish pro- Goodnight. After the park closes, Roy O. Disney’s dedication jections to sweep across the castle during Mickey’s Not So speech for the Magic Kingdom can be heard throughout Scary Halloween Parties, in addition to some spectacularly the park, and the castle is bathed in a dazzling array of col- spooky green and orange lighting. Similarly, stars, snow- ors (including some not seen earlier in the evening). flakes, and other festive shapes shine on the castle during On January 18, 2011, the castle saw the debut of a special other holiday celebrations including the Fourth of July and nighttime show that featured photographs and videos of Christmas. And finally, no Wishes presentation would be Guests taken throughout the day. The photos were inter- complete without Tinker Bell’s famous flight from the top woven with other video effects, such as flames, mosaics, of the castle. and even the spectacle of the castle taking off like a rocket. Called The Magic, the Memories and You, the show was part It’s All In the Details of Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” campaign for 2011. The The attention to detail built into the Cinderella Castle is astounding, and it’s some of these overlooked details that are the most rewarding to discover. For instance, behind the castle is a low water fountain near a statue of Cinderella. When drinking from this fountain, a crown from a mural behind the princess appears to sit on her head. Imagineers say the fountain was put intentionally low so that when drinking, alert Guests would realize they were “bowing” to the princess! Look for the sculpted coat of arms above the front and rear entrances to the castle; that is the coat of arms of the . Some of the tiles in the inte- rior mural are especially significant. Aside from the red and green tiles in the cheeks of the aforementioned stepsisters, there are tiles of actual silver and 14K gold. Finally, great care has been taken to maintain the illusion of fantasy, and even where modern life intrudes, it is cleverly hidden. Viewed from Main Street, there is a white flag on the side of the Castle. No, this isn’t a flag of nobility; it’s actually a communi- cations antennae used to communicate with parade floats! For over 40 years, Cinderella Castle has been more than just the icon most closely associated with the Magic King- dom. It’s been a part of the Disney experience itself, with countless photos of families in front of this beautiful land- mark gracing homes around the world. The next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate this wonder of Imagi- neering.

49 · Celebrations Walt Disney and the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympic Games By Kevin Carpenter

50 · Celebrations alt Disney was proud to be an American. WFrom his earliest days in film-making to the opening of his , he imbued his creative endeavors with the loftiest ideals of the American spirit. Global audiences flocked to Disney’s wholesome entertainment, thrusting Walt into the role of makeshift goodwill ambassador to the world. Walt was only too happy to embrace this role. There was little he would not do for his beloved country. But his devotion was put to its ultimate test when he was asked to chair the Pageantry Committee for the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics.

51 · Celebrations atriotism had always been a Disney strong suit. Most at an all-time high. Walt Disney Productions had just com- Ppublicly displayed in 1940 when he led a tour of studio pleted filmingThird Man on the Mountain in Switzerland and artists through South America, Walt’s collaboration with Walt was entranced. the U.S. government continued throughout World War II. Luckily for the Squaw Valley organizers, this would not The Disney studio took an honored place on the front lines be the Disney studio’s first foray into Olympic assistance. of the war effort, producing both propaganda and military When the Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles in training films for the government. Why, even the Burbank 1932, Walt provided Mickey Mouse shorts for the nighttime studio was commandeered by the Army for many months! entertainment of the visiting athletes. 1960, though, would Walt, of course, was not complaining. This additional be a whole new ballgame. Walt would wield a heavy hand in work benefited not only the United States, but also provid- the success or failure of the first Olympics on American soil ed guaranteed contract work at a time when the overseas in nearly thirty years. If his expertise was needed to put his markets were shuttered. Walt’s wartime productions were country’s best foot forward on the world stage, then Walt a safe harbor for his studio in the churning and dangerous could not refuse. waters of the early 1940s. Even though scarcely a year remained before the 8th Even during times of peace, Walt’s love for his country still Winter Olympics were to commence on February 18, 1960, spilled forth. The very entrance to his beloved Disneyland, Walt jumped in with both feet. It did not take him long to Main Street, U.S.A., is effectively a love letter to the Ameri- realize just how little money had been earmarked for the cana of yesteryear. With bunting adorning shop fronts and Pageantry Committee. “Prentis Hale and some members of a barbershop quartet harmonizing on the town square, the Organizing Committee talked me into becoming pag- Disney’s Main Street does not just lead into the heart of the eantry chairman. I made the mistake of not even asking if I Anaheim park...it transports Guests into the idyllic world of had a budget.” He would eventually cajole about $300,000 for turn-of-the-century America. his committee, but even that was far short of sufficient. Not until he drafted some of his top studio talent did Walt feel The Squaw Valley Olympics on solid ground. Heading the Pageantry Committee for the 1960 Olympics, Chairing the Olympic Pageantry Committee was an im- though, was asking a lot, even of a patriot like Walt. Already mense responsibility for anyone, let alone a man as busy consumed with unfinished studio projects and certainly as Walt Disney. Although the Opening Ceremonies rightly not looking to take on additional work, he could have been garnered the lion’s share of the attention, that was just the forgiven for politely declining the offer. But when Uncle Sam tip of the iceberg. The daily medal ceremonies, off-hours came knocking, Walt could not help but answer the door. entertainment at the Olympic Village, the Closing Ceremo- The obvious choice to head up Squaw Valley’s Olympic nies, theming and decor, and much more fell under Walt’s festivities, the Disney boss offered that rare combination purview. of sterling governmental support with an unparalleled But, in his mind, the Pageantry Committee had one re- reputation as an entertainment maestro. However, while sponsibility above all others. “Nothing is more important undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime, Squaw Valley than creating lasting goodwill among our visitors and we possessed some unique problems. Chief among them was shall do everything we can to make their stay a happy one.” that Squaw Valley itself was little more than a ski lodge when it won the rights to the 1960 Olympics. The promise Setting the Stage that it could recreate itself into a resort area able to accom- Creating lasting international goodwill was easier said modate one thousand athletes and countless more specta- than done, and that’s where the aforementioned Disney tors was as yet unfulfilled. To make matters even dicier, the talent came in. From Walt’s own studio came such vision- Organizing Committee could not offer Walt much in the aries as Tommy Walker, the unseen hand behind Disney- way of time or money. How could he ever hope to create a land’s many parades and firework displays, art director and spectacle worthy of America (and the Disney name) under Imagineering legend , and future president of such conditions? Walt Disney Productions . He even managed to It proved fortuitous that the Organizing Committee ap- recruit (shown opposite) to head up the com- proached Walt at a time when his interest in alpine life was mittee’s entertainment planning. Linkletter had teamed

52 · Celebrations with Walt on the snake bitten live broadcast of Disneyland’s to the ancient Greek tradition of constructing statuary of opening day in 1955 and both men were surely hoping for a its most honored Olympians. The committee would be tip- more successful partnership on this occasion. ping its cap to the Olympic homeland while still retaining a With such a strong Disney influence on the Pageantry clever Squaw Valley twist. Committee, it should come as no surprise that Walt took Paying for these snow statues, however, remained no one very large cue from his Anaheim jewel. Much as Sleep- small obstacle. With the meager pageantry budget already ing Beauty Castle majestically rises at the center of Dis- strained beyond its limit, Walt had to get creative if the neyland, so too must Squaw Valley have a centerpiece. It snow figures were to become a reality. In a desperate ef- was decided that the Tower of Nations would fill this role, fort for subsidization, Disney’s Edsel Curry pitched a unique proudly standing guard at the center of all Olympic activity. idea. Select California cities could each donate one statue Surrounding the tower as a gift to show their would rise thirty flag- solidarity and support poles, each flying a flag for the Squaw Valley from one of the thirty Olympics. Agreement participating nations. was slow and grudg- (One of these majestic ing, but all thirty-two flagpoles now stands statues were eventu- in front of Walt Disney ally built. Elementary School in While so much of Walt’s hometown of Walt’s time and ef- Marceline, Missouri.) fort went into the Smaller, decorative elaborate theming at flags would adorn Squaw Valley, there the tower’s 80-foot still remained the not- tall frame. The Tower so-small matter of the of Nations was to be Opening Ceremonies. Walt’s larger than life Always a highlight of symbol of the world- the Olympic experi- wide fellowship that ence, these Opening the Olympics stand for. Ceremonies would But the Tower would need to be ground- not be the only head- breaking because, for turner in store for Squaw Valley. Walt planned thirty-two the first time, they would be televised. The entire nation large statues, made of snow and ice, to represent Olympic could tune into CBS to witness the Disney-created extrava- athletes competing in various events. Thirty of the snow ganza. Although modern Opening Ceremonies far outpace figures were to line the Avenue of the Athletes, while two their mid-20th century counterparts in terms of storytell- larger icy sentinels would flank the Tower of Nations. ing and grandeur, Walt was determined to raise the bar The concept of creating such beautiful snow sculptures with an exciting show of fanfare and color that would prop- had been bouncing around in Walt’s imagination from the erly do justice to this gathering of the world’s best athletes. moment he was recruited. One of his first moves as pageant- The highlight of any Opening Ceremonies is surely the ry chairman was to dispatch John Hench to the Dartmouth lighting of the Olympic Flame, and for this, Walt had big Winter Carnival to research the wintry statues there. Prov- plans. Once the Olympic Torch (expertly designed by John ing that just one Winter Carnival is never enough, Hench Hench) arrived in Los Angeles, it would make a short stop also swung by a similar event in Quebec before returning at the Los Angeles Coliseum, paying homage at the site of to California. the 1932 Summer Games. It would then begin an arduous pil- Walt envisioned these sculptures to be more than just grimage north, carried on foot by hundreds of high school eye-catching theming. They would serve as subtle tributes athletes through such cities as Fresno, San Francisco, and

53 · Celebrations Sacramento. The torch would then be transported high up The rest of the pageantry plans, though, were rounding into the mountains surrounding Squaw Valley where Walt into shape just in the nick of time. The Tower of Nations and his committee had a grand design for the torch’s en- took center stage, the snow sculptures had been installed, trance into the newly-constructed Ice Arena. and even the planned nighttime entertainment promised “Can you picture that setting with a background of 5,000 to exceed expectations. A variety of cinematic and musi- high school instrumentalists and choir singers into which cal programs would play each night in the Olympic Village, parade the representa- offering a pleasant di- tives of the competing version to the athletes nations each in different who had competed so and colorful costumes?” tirelessly during the day. Walt exclaimed. “It will Walt even convinced be a tremendous spec- , he of Disney- tacle!” land’s Golden Horseshoe There was one aspect Revue, to step in with of the Olympic opener, some live entertain- though, that raised ment. some concerns. Wor- Months of furious ef- ried animal advocates fort left those on the loudly questioned just Pageantry Committee what would become of confident and proud of the 2,000 “doves of peace” a job well done. Despite (which were actually a deficit of time and pigeons) that were to money, most commit- be released during the tee members believed Opening Ceremonies. that the spectacle they Winter in the Sierra had planned would soar Nevada mountains can beyond the public’s lofty grow quite severe, leav- expectations. But agree- ing many to wonder if ment was not unani- the birds were being set mous. Just one week free only to suffer cer- before the Opening Cer- tain death in such icy emonies, an anonymous climes. But, as always, Disney staffer confided Walt had an answer. The to the press that “this mate of each pigeon would be waiting in San Francisco and will be the first production on which Walt has lost”. the Olympic bird, when released, could home in on its part- If Walt and his committee were going to lose, though, it ner’s call. This mating call would be the lifeline leading each would not be by their own hands. No, a much more power- pigeon to safety. ful foe had turned its malevolent sights on Squaw Valley With February 18 creeping ever closer, even innocuous and all of Walt Disney’s hard work; the weather. tasks became problematic. Walt had hoped to use the origi- nal 1896 composition of the Olympic Hymn, to again pay Weathering the Storm tribute to the event’s illustrious past. However, his commit- Mid-February saw a torrential rainstorm descend upon tee struggled to find a copy, or at least one that could be un- Squaw Valley. The organizers always knew that the local derstood. “We wrote to several countries and they all sent us weather might prove mischievous, but they were not pre- Japanese versions we couldn’t understand,” Tommy Walker pared for this. The deluge of rain arrived at the worst pos- lamented. After several laborious attempts at translation, sible time, threatening to quite literally wash away all of Walt conceded defeat and opted for a new arrangement. the snow needed for the competitive events and, with it,

54 · Celebrations everyone’s hard work. In a twist that proves truth can be stood Andrea Mead Lawrence, a gold medalist from 1956. stranger than fiction, Native Americans of the Washoe tribe She gracefully skied down the mountain, holding the Torch were called upon to perform a snow dance. They happily all the while, with an honor guard of four to each side. Glid- complied and, amazingly, the desperate maneuver worked. ing to an effortless stop in front of the Ice Arena, Lawrence The rain stopped and snow began falling. passed the Torch to skater Ken Henry. After one lap around Smiles turned upside down, though, when the snow re- the rink, he lit the brazier and officially began the 8th Win- fused to stop. A blizzard developed, restoring the much- ter Games. needed accumulation of snow that had been washed away The lone unfortunate element of these Opening Ceremo- days before. But now the wintry conditions threatened nies was the meager attendance of 8,000, far below the an- to disrupt the Opening Ceremonies. In fact, ticipated 20,000. The calamitous snowstorm had wreaked Richard Nixon, who had been charged with officially open- havoc with spectators’ travel plans, leaving many in frus- ing the Games, had to cancel his helicopter flight and in- trating traffic jams on the way to Squaw Valley. Fortunately, stead make the slow although the Ice Arena journey to Squaw Valley had an understandably by car. sparse crowd, the en- Yet, as if by magic, the tire country was able to snow stopped just as watch on television. the Opening Ceremo- Walt’s Opening Cer- nies were to begin. Rays emonies, and the rest of of sunlight shone down his Olympic contribu- for what seemed like the tions, were an unquali- first time in days. With fied triumph and a wel- the assembled athletes come harbinger for the ready to partake in the Squaw Valley Olympics traditional entrance as a whole. Although march, it was finally everyone involved had time for the Olympics to faced many obstacles in get underway. Walt Dis- bringing the pageantry ney had made a habit of alive, Walt Disney’s con- bringing magic into the tributions stood alone. lives of fans through- Just as he had done so out the world, but this many times throughout might have been a new his life, Walt faced the high even for him! challenges head-on and rose to new heights. The 1960 Olym- pics had countless heroes: the athletes traveling from far Let the Games Begin and wide to compete, the Washoe tribe for conquering the With the severe weather finally abated, Walt’s Opening weather, the singers and musicians uniting the crowds in Ceremonies unfurled in their full splendor. A cavalcade of song, and so many more. Yet the memory that still lives on gunfire and fireworks filled the valley. Thousands of voices is Walt’s unique ability to persevere through struggle and rose and fell in song. The “doves” were freed skyward, and still produce magic. quickly flew off to their waiting mates. Tens of thousands As the Opening Ceremonies finally concluded and the of balloons were released into the air. Rockets buzzed athletes began their slow parade out of the Ice Arena, the through the sky, dropping flags that fluttered back toward snow began falling again. What could have upended the en- the ground. The Pageantry Committee had set the perfect tire Olympics opener had acquiesced at just the right time stage for the main event. and respectfully remained clear throughout Walt’s entire The big moment had at last arrived, it was time to light show. Perhaps no greater proof will ever be needed that the Olympic Flame. High up on Little Papoose Mountain even Mother Nature is a fan of Walt Disney.

55 · Celebrations Avast ye maties! If ye be lookin’ for some treasure, then you’ve come to the right place. In this here adventure, ye must think and act like a pirate. Ye be sailin’ the seas and helpin’ Cap’n Jack Sparrow find his doubloon while fendin’ off such scallywags as the Royal By Shana Gallardo Navy and Cap’n Barbossa.

56 · Celebrations Photos © Disney hew, that was a mouthful. Welcome to “A Pirate’s Ad- you seek will be cleverly blended in with the overall theme Wventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” at the Magic of Adventureland, so you will need to have a keen eye to Kingdom. In this adventure, inspired by The Pirates of the spot them all. Caribbean, you’ll be on the quest for treasure. What sort of There are a total of five adventures that you can under- treasure, you ask? Well, that’s for you to find out. If you’re take, though you’ll only be given one map at a time, so you someone who has always had a fascination for sailing the won’t have to worry about going on a wild goose chase. high seas or simply just The map and your tal- likes to say “arrr,” then isman are your tools this is the right place to help you on your for you. journey. Use the maps to figure out where to Charting a Course go next, and tap your So, how do you get card or Magic Band on started? After you the object to get your walk down Main Street next clue. When you U.S.A., veer to the left activate a clue object, and head on to Adven- you’ll be rewarded tureland. As you enter with sounds, lights, the Caribbean Plaza, and even smoke to let you’ll pass the Pirates of you know you’re on the the Caribbean attrac- right track. Once you tion on your left, and have located all of the continuing on you’ll clues from your map, soon find the Crow’s you’ll head back to the Nest. Once you are at Crow’s Nest, where the the Crow’s Nest, wan- resident pirates will der on in and tell the make sure you’ve actu- resident pirates that ally succeeded on your you’re ready to search quest and aren’t just for Captain Jack Spar- telling tales (but no, row’s treasure. When you won’t be dunked checking in, you’ll need in a well like poor Car- to show either your los over at Pirates of admission card or your the Caribbean; all they MagicBand, and then need to do is scan your you’ll be given instruc- card or MagicBand!). tions to begin your adventure. You’ll be given a “magic talis- Once they see that you’ve completed all of the clues from man” (actually an RFID-chipped card), which is what you’ll the map, you’ll be handed another. Each map will give you use to activate clues on your adventure. (You can also use additional clues to help you partake in more escapades. your MagicBand if you have one.) No treasure hunt is com- There is a directive accompanying each map that will de- plete without a map, and like all good treasure maps, this scribe your latest endeavor, each written by a different pi- one is riddled with clues. Your mission is to seek out and rate, some friendly and some not. Don’t worry about being discover the various clues, which you can interact with via double-crossed though; all you need to do is to remember your talisman or MagicBand. Keep in mind that the clues to stick to the map. The five maps are:

57 · Celebrations Heads You Lose: Starting with this map, you’ll be looking souvenir of your pirate adventure. for objects like palm trees, silver coins, a jungle mask, and There are no reservations needed to be a part of Cap- more. tain Jack Sparrow’s Crew, and there is also no charge to Guardian’s Curse: Be careful on this map…there could participate. However, you must have a valid theme park be danger if you head toward something you haven’t been admission to enter the park. The Pirate’s Adventure is told to go to check out! open as long as the Magic Kingdom is open. Completing Haven Defense: You may encounter a fire and shackles your quest should take about a half hour, depending on when using this map. how busy the park is. A King’s Ransom: Captain Jack Sparrow has a special Since the entire quest takes place within the confines message for you inside of this map. Be sure to read his let- of Adventureland, you can always take a Dole Whip break ter carefully. at Aloha Isle, enjoy a tropical citrus swirl the from Sun- Blackbeard: Your final map holds the key to finding your shine Tree Terrace, or savor a delicious flaky eggroll from greatest prize. This map symbolizes the completion of the Adventureland cart near the Swiss Family Robinson your mission. But just what is that final treasure you’ll be Treehouse (but alas, someone hid the rum). Since there seeking? Aye, that’s for you to discover! are five different maps, that’s five snack breaks. Yummy!! After you’ve finished your quest and found the loot, The Pirate’s Adventure is perfect for scallywags of all you may keep the maps as a memento of your conquest. ages. However, if your young buccaneer is not a fluent The maps are authentically detailed with a weathered, reader, an adult or older crewmember should tag along yellowish tinge and seared edges, and make a wonderful for the fun.

58 · Celebrations Photos © Disney More Adventure Await Ye adventure takes place on Bay Lake and , If you’re thirsty for some more pirate adventures, you where kids will hear the legend of “Gasparilla,” a real Flor- can enjoy a few other pirate-themed activities at the Walt ida pirate. (Now you know how the Grand Floridian’s Gas- Disney World Resort. Channel your inner pirate at Cap- parilla Island Grill got its name!) On the “Islands of the Ca- tain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial located in Adventure- ribbean Pirate Cruise” at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, land in the Magic Kingdom. Similar to the Training buccaneers will hear tales of Old Port Royale and its pirate- Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll get to cross laden past. Kids can also participate in the “Albatross Trea- swords with Jack Sparrow and learn how to duel. If cho- sure Cruise” and search for pirate booty across Crescent sen from the audience, you will be brought on stage where Lake and Epcot park’s World Showcase Lagoon. This cruise you can learn the fine art of swordsmanship, pirate-style departs from the Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht and (don’t worry, the swords here Beach Club Resorts. Finally, are wooden, and there are no the “Bayou Pirate Adventure” Stormtroopers lurking about!). takes young pirates on a The tutorial takes place right cruise down the Sassagoula in front of the Pirates of the Ca- River, where they will thrill ribbean attraction. Show times to the legend of Captain are subject to change and take Jean Lafitte, one of the most place at various times through- notorious pirates ever to out the day, so check your guide haunt the waters of New Or- map when you arrive at the leans. This adventure begins park. As with A Pirate’s Adven- at the Fishin’ Hole on Ol’ Man ture, there is no additional fee Island at Disney’s Port Or- to participate (though theme leans Resort – Riverside. At park admission is required). the end of each cruise, each If your child still wants more, head on over to the nearby junior pirate gets a hearty meal of the finest pirate chow Pirates League located just outside of the Pirates of the Ca- (you know, goldfish crackers, pretzels, and a juice box). ribbean (shown opposite). At the Pirates League, children of The two-hour cruises, which embark at 9:30 am, are for all ages can be transformed into a pirate and will even be young buccaneers ages 4-12. Reservations are required and given their own pirate name. There are many options to there is a fee of $31.95 per child. Prices are subject to change choose from, including a pirate tattoo, pirate makeup, a until booked. Note: Parents do not stay with their children necklace, a pirate bag, swords, costumes, and more. Once on this voyage. the transformation is complete, your buccaneer will take Finally, don’t forget about another adventure that the pirate oath and take part in a parade with other aspir- awaits you at the Magic Kingdom. Sorcerers of The Magic ing pirates. Guests can also choose to be become an em- Kingdom takes you on a fun-filled journey throughout the press or mermaid. Prices start at $29.95, and you must have park, where you’ll help Merlin the Wizard fight villains us- valid theme park admission. The Pirates League is open to ing magical cards. The quest begins at the Firehouse on Guests ages 3 and up. Be sure to make your reservations Main Street U.S.A. or behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe early, as this is a very popular attraction! Walk-ups are pos- in Liberty Square. sible, but not guaranteed. Want more? Five of the resorts at Walt Disney World The Pirate’s Adventure: Treasure of the Seven Seas is the offer Pirate Adventure Cruises. On these fun-filled excur- perfect way to let your inner pirate out. If you and your sions, your young swashbucklers will hear legends of pi- child love Pirates of the Caribbean and always wanted to rates past and discover clues that lead to a bountiful trea- sail off on exotic adventures like Jack Sparrow, this is the sure chest. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the place for you. Yo ho, yo ho! A pirate’s life for me!

59 · Celebrations 60 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney*Pixar 61 · Celebrations magical mash-up of interactive adventures and col- place figurines, and a hexagonal spot to place world discs A lectable toys, Disney Infinity is both a traditional video (more on these later). With the peripheral plugged into a game and the next potential Disney collector craze. Like game console (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, or 3DS) players place any other video game, Disney Infinity puts players behind separate figures on the base, which then zaps them into the a gamepad and lets them loose in a virtual universe where game’s virtual world. Once transported into the game, they they’re encouraged to explore new worlds, battle bad guys, control, play, and interact much as any virtual avatar would and solve puzzles. However, where most games put players in any other video game universe. in the boots of world-saving space marines or behind the The $74.99 starter pack comes with the game disc, the armor of princess-rescuing knights, Disney Infinity puts Disney Infinity Base, and three collectable characters—Mr. them in the shoes of their favorite Disney*Pixar characters. Incredible, Captain Jack Sparrow, and James P. Sullivan— But it’s how these characters are brought to life that re- along with three play sets based on , Pirates of ally separates Disney Infinity from the been-there-played- the Caribbean, and Monsters University. The latter are stand- that pack. Using a portal-like peripheral dubbed the “Disney alone, story-driven interactive adventures that players can Infinity Base,” gamers are able to summon their favorite dive into as the respective characters. With Sulley placed on toy characters from various Disney*Pixar films onto their the base, for example, players can play as the scare-master television screens. The Infinity Base has two round spots to in a video game inspired by Monsters University. Swap Sulley

62 · Celebrations and Fantasia. Each play set comes with two characters from its respec- tive universe, and other figures can be added to your collec- tion and transported into the game. Those who want to fill out The Incredibles cast, for example, can choose from Mrs. Incredible, Dash, Violet, and even Syndrome—all of which can be unleashed in The Incredibles Play Set included with the starter pack. Similarly, additional pirates (like Captain Barbossa) and monsters (such as Mike) can be purchased separately. The gameplay is exciting of course, but it’s the tangible as- pect of Disney Infinity that should appeal to toy collectors as much as video game fans. New characters are always being released, and rare and exclusive figures—like the limited- run Sorcerer Mickey gifted to Expo attendees—ensure the game’s faithful following will have many offerings to choose from. Many of the game’s early adopters are already counting the days until they can free Jack Skellington from his blister pack, while Disney Princess adorers have their calendars marked for Rapunzel’s holiday arrival. At a recent Disney Infinity media event, Chief Creative Of- ficer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasse- ter was as giddy as a child strolling the Toys “R” Us action-fig- ure aisle when discussing the detail-drenched collectibles. “Even if you’re not into video games, you’ve got to have these. The nerd in me comes out whenever we are doing previews of them…the figures are just fantastic. I’ve worked with Pixar artists, Disney artists, and the Avalanche [Disney In- finity’s developer] artists, so we could get them just right. We worked with sculptures and designers and story artists and everybody.” As Disney collectors who have gotten their out for Jack Sparrow and you’ll find yourself enjoying a high mitts on these mini-masterpieces are well aware, it’s hard seas, swashbuckling adventure game. to argue with Lasseter’s enthusiasm. Featuring hefty vinyl The play sets are only compatible with their property- construction and oozing with character-specific details, specific characters, so you can’t, say, have Mr. Incredible each figure looks and feels more like a collectible toy than a walking Captain Jack’s plank. However, because the base video game accessory. supports up to two figures, a pair of universe-sharing char- While Lasseter—sporting a Wreck-It Ralph Hawaiian acters—like Mike Wazowski and Sulley—can play together shirt—was as enthusiastic as a big kid when talking about in the Monsters University play set. In fact, this is the best way the figures, he was decidedly more serious when discuss- to enjoy Disney Infinity, because it means two friends or ing his passion for Disney Infinity’s creative side. “One of the family members can play cooperatively in the same game. things that’s most exciting to me about Infinity is the cre- The Pirates of the Caribbean, Monsters University, and The In- ativity. I always say that true play is creativity and creativity credibles play sets feature 6-8 hours of gameplay each, but is play. It’s amazing what you can do with this. It’s a virtual additional play sets can be purchased separately. The Lone toy chest that you have all your toys in, and you can pull out Ranger and Cars standalone adventures are already avail- your play sets and just do whatever you want.” Driving the able, and future releases include Toy Story, The Nightmare Be- creativity that has Lasseter so excited is Disney Infinity’s fore Christmas, Wreck-It Ralph, Phineas and Ferb, , Frozen, “Toy Box” mode, a component of Disney Infinity that throws

Artwork ©Disney 63 · Celebrations out all the rules that apply to the more self-contained Play players can create anything from simple challenges to dedi- Sets. While character cross-pollination isn’t allowed in the cated games. Want to pit the Incredibles against Sparrow’s Play Sets, the Toy Box encourages characters from entirely scallywags in a game of soccer? Go for it. Want to make the different properties and universes to play nice in a sprawl- match more interesting by putting attacking robots and ing virtual world. Using an analogy that’ll be comforting to pinball flippers on the pitch? Sure, why not! Toy Story fans, Lasseter nails the appeal of this creativity- If you’d rather not play by the rules of more traditional encouraging mode. “In Andy’s room there is a toy box and it’s competitions, you can always build your very own version full of toys from all different things and they come togeth- of Walt Disney World, limited only by your imagination. How er and he plays with them all in a very creative way. That about putting right next door to Cinderel- is something cool. To have this toy box full of toys…players la’s Castle? You can run rampant in the open-world, experi- can do whatever they want, go anywhere, and build stuff menting with character vehicles and items. See if Dash can and change stuff and it’s really completely up to them.” out-race Lightning McQueen on a makeshift track or, better While the prospect of unleashing every fan-favorite char- yet, play an impromptu game of tag by arming Sulley with acter—from Captain Jack to Jack Skellington—in a shared Stitch’s blaster and letting Jack Sparrow catch some air on digital Disney World sounds endlessly cool, it’s the potential Mr. Incredible’s hover board. for, well, infinite creativity that should give the game legs Disney Infinity’s standalone play sets and do-what-you- long after players have done the obvious stuff like pitting want virtual Toy Box might offer wildly different experi- Sparrow’s sword-swinging skills against Sulley’s scare tac- ences, but they’re not entirely disconnected. As players tics in an arena based on the world Buzz Lightyear lives in. progress through the play sets’ universe-expanding narra- Infinity’s earliest adopters may not yet possess the skills to tives, they’ll unlock items that are later accessible in their direct their own Pixar film, but this virtual toy chest does virtual Toy Box. Whether sailing on the highs seas in Cap- provide the tools necessary to allow them to craft their tain Jack’s universe or saving the world in Mr. Incredible’s own games and experiences. Combining characters, props, self-contained adventure, these story-driven campaigns themes, terrain, and architectural pieces (including many continuously add to your creative arsenal. As players bust that’ll be familiar to frequent Walt Disney World visitors) up bad guys, complete missions, and crack puzzles in each as well as rule sets, scoring systems and action triggers— character’s dedicated universe, they’ll unlock props, items,

64 · Celebrations Artwork © Disney gadgets, and other goodies that can then be used however the play sets and Toy Box mode cooperatively with other they like in the digital playground. Just as Lasseter envi- Disney-loving friends and family members; whether a par- sions Buzz Lightyear’s jet pack strapped to Mr. Incredible’s ent and child join forces as Mike and Sulley in the Monsters back, this feature might ultimately see another player sad- University Play Set or four friends team up for some DIY Toy dling Flynn on Merida’s faithful steed, or perhaps arming Box shenanigans, Infinity’s best enjoyed with another play- Agent Perry with Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. er at your side on the couch, or across the country online. On top of unlocking goodies through play set participa- Further feeding this social aspect is the ability to share your tion, players can also utilize item-granting power discs. creations with an entire community of budding game de- Placed on the Infinity Base like the figures, these hexagon- signers. shaped wafers bring cool props (like Cinderella’s Royal Car- Much like attempting to tackle four Disney parks in just riage or the ride vehicle from Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger one day, it’s impossible to discover all of Disney Infinity’s Spin) or themes (such as one that mimics ’s magic in a few months. While scratching the surface of its undersea setting) into the customizable Toy Box. Similarly, pixie dust-sprinkling potential won’t happen overnight, round power discs—placed beneath the figures—add char- Lasseter has little trouble summing up its fan-pleasing acter-enhancing perks, like increased speed and power. In promise as well as the passion that’s gone into creating it. the spirit of Disney Infinity’s collectable aspect, these discs “I love having fun in everything we do and that shows in are sold in blind packs of two, so you don’t know which pair our movies, but now it’s in your hands. All the Avalanche of plastic prizes you’ve scored until the seal’s been cracked guys, everybody at , all the folks I worked on the packaging. with at Disney Animation and Pixar…everybody has been While it’s easy to become overwhelmed by Infinity’s vari- involved in this. It’s been a true group effort. I’m so excited ous moving parts—both physical and virtual—it’s impor- about Disney Infinity. I have never seen anything quite like tant to remember that its figures, play sets, power discs, this before. It’s the characters you know and love, and put- and Toy Box all exist in service of fun. Whether enjoying a ting them all together in a way that’s really exciting. This property-specific campaign or letting your imagination thing is unbelievable.” run as mad as a hatter in the virtual Toy Box, the game pro- If you’re a gamer, toy collector, Disney geek, or—gasp!— vides a forgiving, accessible space that favors fun-fueled ex- all of the above, you can count on Disney Infinity to give “A perimentation over frustrating challenges. Supporting this Whole New World” an all new meaning. fun-at-all-costs philosophy is the ability to romp through Let the creating begin!

65 · Celebrations Splash Mountain

66 · Celebrations his upcoming year marks the 25th anniversary of the Third (and seemingly unrelated), the Tomorrowland TSplash Mountain attraction. Splash Mountain opened attraction “” had opened June 29, 1974 with at Disneyland on July 17, 1989 and three years later on July much hoopla to take advantage of the upcoming Bicenten- 17, 1992 at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Officially, the nial celebrations. Utilizing the “Carousel of Progress” stage, attraction was dedicated at Magic Kingdom on October 2, an Audio-Animatronic eagle and owl took Guests on a patri- 1992, but it was actually up and running as a “soft opening” otic journey through the Great American Songbook as per- for roughly over two months during that summer, begin- formed by a large cast of Animatronic animals. However, a ning July 17. decade after opening, the show was seeing significantly de- While the two versions share many similarities, there are creasing attendance, and the Disney Company planned to a handful of differences. For instance, the Magic Kingdom close the attraction, setting aside all the charming “America version had to have some significant exterior color chang- Sings” Animatronic characters for parts. es in order for it to blend in with the Florida Frontierland Imagineer Bruce Gordon, who was a show producer on color scheme (which would have clashed with the reddish- the attraction, wrote about the flash of insight that led to Georgia coloring used at Disneyland). Additionally, the mu- the creation of Splash Mountain. “Sitting on the Santa Ana sic has more of a country-western feeling with the addi- freeway (Interstate 5), trapped in the Southern California tion of banjos and harmonicas. There are also significantly commuter rush, Imagineer was hit with the fewer Audio-Animatronic characters in the Magic Kingdom inspiration for a new Disneyland attraction.” The story goes version, since many of the figures used in Disneyland were that Baxter had an epiphany while impatiently waiting in actually rescued from the previously closed “America Sings” traffic against the backdrop of the Anaheim Hills. Baxter attraction. Due to the expense of creating Animatronic realized that Disney could design a new E-Ticket flume ride figures, there are fewer in the Florida version. Finally, the while simultaneously repurposing the “America Sings” Ani- flume length of the attraction in the Magic Kingdom is 40 matronics characters to tell the story of the Disney animat- feet shorter than its California counterpart, and has one ed feature, (1946). It would solve all three less drop. challenges. However, at its core, the attraction is basically the same. “Tony came up with the idea and suggested it that morn- ing…by the end of the first day we knew what the show Imagine a Mountain… was going to be,” stated Gordon. “That’s the fabulous part of Splash Mountain was created to solve three significant the attraction. We heard the idea, and it just clicked. It was a business challenges at Disneyland. First, Bear Country (“A natural. Show Designer John D. Stone came up with a story- Honey of a Place since ‘72”) was suffering in attendance. Even board that showed what the attraction would look like, and though it had the popular attraction “Country Bear Jambo- Splash Mountain was on its way.” ree,” that was the only thing that drew Guests into the area. Imagineer had done some of the animation Bear Country was a dead end, and even on a busy day at for the film Song of the South, and his designs for the charac- Disneyland, as little as two percent of the daily Guests ven- ters in “America Sings” were reminiscent of that same style; tured into the area. It desperately needed at least one other a fact soon discovered when the Imagineering Information big attraction. Resource Center was raided for model sheets from the orig- Second, Executive Vice President Dick Nunis (basically the inal film. head of Disney Parks and Resorts) had long been lobbying “The three of us—Tony, Bruce Gordon and myself—lit- for a water flume ride. He didn’t have to look far for a good erally spent the next three days in Tony’s office preparing reason to have one. The Calico Log Ride (later renamed Tim- about thirty storyboards and outlining the entire project,” ber Mountain Log Ride) at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm was recalled Stone in a 1989 interview. “After we developed a designed by Bud Hurlbut and was a themed experience that 1/20th scale model, Bruce Gordon was the person who start- captured some of the authentic aspects of the California ed showing it to everyone and getting everyone at WDI, logging experience. It had opened on July 11, 1969, with actor including the financial people, excited about the project.” John Wayne taking the first ride, and had since garnered The whole thing, from idea to storyboard to model, came tremendous publicity and attendance. together in less than a month, though at this point the at-

Photo ©Tim Foster 67 · Celebrations traction didn’t have a name. big splash at the end…it’s Splash Mountain.” That all changed when new CEO was given Because various departments were backed up with other his first tour of Imagineering to hear new project pitches. projects, approval for the go-ahead on construction didn’t Tony Baxter and the flume attraction model had been come until 1986, two years after the project was proposed. pushed into a back corner because there were so many It took another two years to construct the attraction. All other presentations. Eisner had chosen to bring along his together, roughly six years elapsed from the initial idea to fourteen year old son, Breck Eisner. While his dad was being the official opening. One reason for the lengthy construc- shown the projects that WDI had on its top agenda, Breck tion time was that the firm responsible for the flume tech- wandered over to the flume model. Toward the end of his nology had been unable to fulfill all its guarantees, causing tour, Eisner noticed him in the back and came over to dis- delays for the originally announced opening in January. cover that his son really liked the model. But what was it called? Building a Laughing Place Tony, Bruce and John had come up with several possible Back when the final drop was first tested, riders got total- names for the attraction, including “Song of the South Log ly drenched. The log itself was filled with water. No amount Flume Ride,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” and “Zip-a-Dee River Run.” It of modification to the flume could solve the problem so the was Eisner though, who came up with the perfect name. As logs had to be re-configured. The original 45 log vehicles had he looked at the model he said, “It’s a mountain…you have a to be replaced by vehicles that were five hundred pounds

68 · Celebrations Photo © Tim Foster lighter. Each log’s seating capacity had to be trimmed from Br’er Bear were the only new ones in the original attraction. eight to seven, reducing the per hour capacity. (Today, each “It was a lot of work, but worth the extra time,” Feiten ex- vehicle accommodates six riders.) plained. “Every time you do something, once it’s done you see During this phase of testing, weighted sacks were used ways that you could have done it better, and this gave me to simulate actual Guests. One day, Eisner showed up and that opportunity.” wanted to ride. The Imagineers were extremely reluctant, but Eisner was adamant. Water levels were still being The Journey Through Chickapin Hill checked and adjusted. The Imagineers took a huge black The attraction loosely follows some of the action in the trash bag and punched a hole in the end and pulled it over animated sections from Song of the South. Br’er Rabbit runs Eisner’s head to offer some small protection from the final away from home, only to find himself involved in more ad- splash. When Eisner completed his ride, the Imagineers anx- ventures than he intended. He continually outwits Br’er Fox iously waited to hear his reaction. Was it too wild? Too wet? and Br’er Bear until he is trapped in honey (rather than the Not exciting enough? To their delight, Eisner’s only response politically incorrect Tar Baby in the movie) and taken to was “Can we go again?” Br’er Fox’s lair to be eaten. As in the movie, he convinces Br’er When it was completed, that final plunge down Chick- Fox to toss him into the spiky Briar Patch, allowing him to apin Hill was fifty-two and a half feet long and inclined at escape. How? Well, that’s where the plucky rabbit was born an angle of 47 degrees. Guests descended at a speed of ap- and bred, so he was intimately familiar with it and knew proximately 40 miles per hour. In addition, there were (and how to get out of it. (Your fall into the Briar Patch doesn’t still are) a dozen water cannons that go off at the bottom end quite as well, as this is the moment of your final splash to add to the spray, giving the watching spectators a more down.) The grand finale has the Oscar-winning “Zip a Dee dramatic (and wet) experience as well. Doo Dah” song being sung by critters on a massive rocking Concrete was used for much of the construction as it showboat (one of only two things on the attraction not could stand up to the dampness created by the water, and sculpted out of cement, the other is the mule cart in the also allowed for the mountain to be built in far less time same scene) as Br’er Rabbit rediscovers the comforts of the than a normal steel structure. Concrete also offered some home he tried to abandon. special opportunities for painting the flume itself. “The en- With the introduction of the new attraction, Bear Coun- tire set is made of cement—right down to the watermel- try was renamed , since there were now ons,” stated Stone. “You begin the ride on the outside with many other animals to be found there besides the Country the real grass hanging over the knolls and its rough rocks, Bears. It was one of the most expensive attractions that and then you go inside and it’s just like Uncle Remus telling Imagineering had built up to that time, exceeding seventy- the story of Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Bear. The screen suddenly five million dollars in cost. Historically, this was the first bursts into lavish animated colors, and you’re in the middle time that any Disney ride based on animated cartoon char- of a cartoon. That’s exactly what happens in this ride once acters from a Disney film had been built outside of Fantasy- you go inside.” land. Due to its instant popularity, plans were made to build Imagineer Bruce Gordon wrote new lyrics to some of another version at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with the classic songs to help explain the story to Guests as they modifications for the geographical differences. wind their way through the attraction. Actor Nick Stewart, The attraction proved just as popular at the Magic King- seventy years old at the time, was called back to record lines dom, and proved once again that at Disney, there’s no such for Br’er Bear, a character he voiced in the original film. Jess thing as the “same old same old.” In the case of Splash Moun- Harnell provided the voices of Br’er Fox and Br’er Rabbit, one tain, it wasn’t just a case of adding a typical flume ride to the of his very first professional voice work jobs. parks. It was an opportunity to take something traditional Imagineer Dave Feiten programmed (and often re-pro- and to transform it into an entirely new experience. grammed) all of the characters and smoothed out various As Show Designer John D. Stone explains, “We can’t build story problems, eventually removing ten figures to help the a log ride just for the sake of building a log ride. It’s got to flow of the story and moving others to different locations. be better. It’s got to have a themed story. That’s why people Audio-Animatronic figures for Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and love it.”

69 · Celebrations the ocean on our way to Vulcania, past the graveyard of lost ships and Atlantis, and of course past the legendary sea serpent. It was a true adventure that made you forget that you were in Florida, and had truly entered the world of ’s novel. From the 38, 61-foot submarines that made up Top 5 Extinct Attractions the fleet, to the music, the details, the costumes, and con- 1. Horizons vincing narration by Renaday, it was (for me) the very I loved Horizons for many reasons, but mostly for its mes- first, truly immersive Walt Disney World experience based sage. “If we can dream it, we can do it…yes, we can!” That line, on a single film, and one that I think is rivaled today by Radi- taken from the lyrics from the theme song from EPCOT ator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure. If I could Center’s extinct Horizons attraction, resonates in the mind bring back one attraction...this would be it! of many Walt Disney World fans. Not just for the catchy 4. Communicore tune from which it comes, but for the message it conveys. In Epcot, the two semicircular buildings that are current- More than a means to tell a story of a single attraction, it ly home to Innoventions East and West were once known has instead become an anthem for many, just as it was for collectively as Communicore. These building were designed the person from whom this belief was derived. Walt Disney. to be analogous to the Magic Kingdom’s central hub. A 2. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride showcase of technologies present and future, it truly meant Oh, how I remember my little, green, lawyer friend, J. to serve as EPCOT Center’s version of Main Street, U.S.A. and Thaddeus Toad. The original inhabitant of the Many Adven- it accomplished that goal quite nicely. Much like a true Main tures of Winnie the Pooh, and an opening day Magic King- Street, it was a center for both community (restaurants and dom attraction, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride took Guests on a “jog attractions) and commerce (pavilion sponsors). It really was along…a hilarious, reckless ride through Old London.” Born an extension of the surrounding pavilions in Future World in 1908 in a popular fable called the “Wind in the Willows” by and brought together almost all of the corporate sponsors Kenneth Grahame, it was adapted by Disney in 1949 into one under one roof. For the Guest, it was the ideal enhancement of their many post-war compilation films called The Adven- to a visit to EPCOT Center. tures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. This feature combined the story 5. The Dreamfinder of our little friend Toad (and his oddly-named friends Moley, A moment of silence, please...but wait, Lou...you’re talking Mac Badger, Ratty, and Winky) with that of Ichabod Crane about attractions and you mentioned a character. Why? Be- from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride actu- cause the Dreamfinder is part of what I miss most about ally offered you two completely different ride experiences the original Journey Into Imagination. This “Professor of based on which side of the queue you chose. It was the only Imagination” traveled around the universe collecting bits of time in Disney park history this has happened, and it hap- magical things on a Jules Verne-inspired vehicle, and dem- pened for Mr. Toad. It did it in style, and I can still close my onstrated his greatest accomplishment and use of his tal- eyes and hear the sounds of “The Merrily Song” (the only lyri- ents with the creation of a living “Figment of the Imagina- cal music from the Disney film, written by Churchill, Gilbert, tion.” He collected Sparks of Inspiration, stored them in the Morey & Wolcott) and the constant recorded instructions Dream Port, and then recombined them into New Things – to “Step out to your right...when the car stops, step out to making the attraction a true three-act play. The Dreamfind- your right please.” er was an adventurer, who was fascinated by everything 3. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea around him, always thinking creatively about life in general, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closed on October 14, 1994, and always with a smile on his face, with a “dash of child- exactly 23 years to the day after it premiered. It was an at- ish delight.” I love what he represented, what he brought to traction experience that I always bought into; the fact that EPCOT Center, and how he made me feel that anything was the Nautilus was plunging into the cold, barren depths of truly possible. Yeah...I really miss that guy...

70 · Celebrations 71 · Celebrations hen my companion and I last left you, we were tury New England resort. The woodwork is ornate; the Wenjoying the comfort and beauty of The Solar- furniture has beefiness to it and has a measure of so- ium at the Beach Club Resort. Once we were nice and phistication and antiquity that would be perfectly at relaxed, we decided to continue our tour of the Epcot home in your grandmother’s drawing room. resorts and headed to its sister resort, The Yacht Club. One of the most beautiful examples of the grand ar- We opted to backtrack out of the Beach Club resort as if chitecture is the giant globe in the center of the lobby. we were heading back to Beaches & Cream. Not only did The antique-looking globe is opulent and incredibly I feel that it was the most efficient path to take, but it detailed, and was custom-made to fit within the archi- allowed us an opportunity to gawk at the Stormalong tecture of the resort. Guests are free to take the globe Bay pool area, considered by many to be the premier for a spin, and if you look closely enough you may find a resort pool at the Walt Disney World Resort. Our jour- Hidden Mickey amongst its many details. ney took us into a side door that lead to the Yachts- Other highlights of the lobby include a grand stair- man Steakhouse and nearby case that leads to a small Crew’s Cup Lounge (one of sitting area (a much over- the very best “hidden places” looked spot to sit and relax), to grab a bite no matter what some exquisitely detailed time of day), and we headed model ships, and a chest- down the hallway toward the of-drawers with engraved lobby. metal name plaques. The As we made our way into jewel of this find is that the the lobby of the Yacht Club, names on those plaques be- the first thing that hit us was long to Mickey and the gang. a distinctive luxurious scent, I can see this as being a great which immediately brought game for kids that their par- to mind a rustic seaside re- ents can set them on while treat. I swear, every time I they are trying to get things enter this lobby, that scent just takes me away. I was settled at check-in. “Hey kids, somewhere in this lobby is remarking about this to my companion when a Cast a chest of drawers that has the names of Mickey and his Member overheard us and pointed out that they actu- friends on them. Go find it and report back!” ally pump in a special aromatic blend into the lobby to So, my fellow wanderers, when wandering the world, give it that distinctive aura that instantly transports remember that lobbies aren’t simply giant open spaces you to the waterside. that you sprint through as you are trying to get some- As we wandered around the two-story lobby, it was where. Thought and care went into their design and apparent how talented the architects and designers staging, and in the case of this wonderful, wonderful must have been to create such a formal, elegant space, resort, they are filled with treasures and beautiful de- without making it seem stuffy and untouchable. Every- tails. Stop, look around, and enjoy. where you look, there are pieces of furniture, artwork, Until next time, this is Ray and you have been Wan- and architectural details right out of an early 20th Cen- dering the World

Photo ©Tim Foster 72 · Celebrations 200,000 Number of LED lights that make up the Castle Dream Lights. 2007 Year the Dream Lights made their holiday debut. 500 Number of strobes used to make the castle twinkle. Amount of fish netting, in square feet, used to hang the 40,000 lights on the castle.

Total length of cable, in miles, that attaches everything to 18 the castle. What’s that, you can’t see it? Don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you; the cable was specially dyed to blend into the color of the castle walls and tur- rets, much as you would use green cord for your Christmas lights on your tree!

Number of times that amount of cable could stretch back 6 and forth between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Photo ©Tim Foster 73 · Celebrations The Party Line By Tim Foster

Today I was enjoying a pleasant voyage through Spaceship Earth, and soon came upon one of my favorite scenes: the inventions of the telephone, radio, and cinema. I usually keep an eye open for the radio microphone that has WDI emblazoned on the side (must be initials for someone rather famous!). However, this time I was drawn to the old-fashioned switch board, where I could barely make out the sounds of many conversations going on simultaneously. I of course couldn’t get close enough to hear them, but I was reminded of a tale of another party line nearby that you could listen in on. As my journey continued a tried to find some clues as to the whereabouts of this unique phone.

I remembered that there was a video-conferencing scene somewhere ahead, and I anxiously looked to see if I could ascertain an additional clue. As I recall, the conversation was between two children, one in the U.S. and one in , and they were sharing tales of their latest athletic exploits. Unfortunately, as we approached the area that I knew to be home to the scene, I instead found an old garage strewn with primitive computer parts and empty pizza boxes. On the wall was a Fleetwood Mac poster, and it was only later that I humorously realized the significance of the word “Mac” and its connection to the depiction of the invention of the personal computer.

Undeterred, I wandered back toward the American Adventure pavilion, as I had heard that this place was home to several well-known inventors. Sure enough, I came across this scene set in the Centennial International Exposition of 1876 taking place in Philadelphia. (Curiously, home to the Liberty Bell that we were searching for in our last adventure!). There before me was none other than Alexander Graham Bell himself, inventor of the telephone. His telephone was on display for the public to see in the Machinery Hall of the Exposition, but seeing as the actual event had ended well over 130 years ago, I realized this wouldn’t do me much good. I exited the building and headed toward the front of Epcot, and as I walked back underneath the shadow of the grand geodesic sphere known as Spaceship Earth, I had a sudden recollection.

74 · Celebrations I remembered that this area was once home to a vast communications center at the exit of the attraction. One of its many features was a series of interactive video terminals called WorldKey Information. There, you could talk to a Cast Member right on the screen who would help you make dining reservations and so forth. Even though that seems pretty simple to do today, at the time it was very unusual, and pretty amazing as well. Unfortunately the area closed in 1994, the same time that the larger Communicore center made way for Innoventions. But the thought of Communicore stirred a distant memory. Looking through my journal I saw a reference to a Figment Fun Fact about Communicore that ended up containing a vital clue to aid me in my quest.

According to Figment, the Communicore buildings were originally intended to accommodate a conveyance similar to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. My first thought was, “How cool would that have been?” Me second was, “Wait, I’m in the wrong park!” Figment’s clue was telling me that I needed to make my way to the Magic Kingdom, and I was certain I would find my answer there. Just to be certain, I went into his Imagination Institute to double check, but predictably he was too busy talking on the phone to notice. However, I took that as confirmation that the phone that I sought would indeed be found in the home of the PeopleMover.

I ventured over to the Magic Kingdom and planned to make my way over to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. First though, I thought it prudent to pick up a hat as the sun was particularly hot that day. I ducked into the Chapeau shop and was looking through the selection of Mickey ears when I noticed an old-fashioned phone on the wall. Could this be it? I gently picked up the hand set and put it to my ear. Much to my surprise, I overheard a conversation between a girl named Annie and her mother. They were going on and on about the price of ham and steaks and suits, and at one point I thought they realized I was on the phone as the mother admonished someone to get off the other line. It turns out she was talking to someone else (she could hear her breathing because of a cold), but I figured I’d better get off the line before I was discovered. However, I was thrilled to realize that I had located the legendary party line, and I decided to head over to the TTA to see if I had received a message from a Mr. Tom Morrow....

75 · Celebrations How Well Do You Know Tomorrowland? by Tim Foster

1. Which of these Tomorrowland attractions was 6. Why are there beams on the outside of the the only one operating on Walt Disney World’s building? opening day? a. To channel rainwater from the roof. a. Flight to the Moon b. To provide structural support while maintaining b. Grand Prix Raceway a smooth interior surface to better showcase the c. If You Had Wings projected space effects. d. Astro c. To support a second story that was part of the 2. Which Disneyland Tomorrowland attraction original construction plans but never completed. holds the distinction of being the shortest d. To provide support for exterior tracks, as the lived Disney attraction? attraction was originally conceived of as an a. Flying Saucers outdoor roller coaster. b. The World Beneath Us 7. According to the back story for the new c. The Monsanto House of the Future Tomorrowland, what organization was d. The Viewliner headquartered there? 3. What was the original name of the a. The Intergalactic Federation Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover? b. The WED Galactic League a. The WEDWay PeopleMover c. The Metro Retro Society b. The TTA d. The League of Planets c. The Blue Line 8. In which attraction’s building is the Progress d. Tomorrowland Transit Authority City (EPCOT) model located? 4. In what year did Tomorrowland receive an a. Stitch’s Great Escape! extensive makeover, turning it into a Jules b. The Carousel of Progress Verne/H.G. Wells stylized vision of the future? c. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor a. 1982 d. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin b. 1994 9. In the late 1980s, the course for the c. 1997 Tomorrowland Speedway (as it is now called) d. 2006 was shortened. Why? 5. What was the first attraction to be housed in a.  To remove a portion of the track that had the building now occupied by Buzz Lightyear’s deteriorated over time. Space Ranger Spin? b. To improve the traffic flow for the notoriously a. If You Had Wings slow-loading attraction. b. DreamFlight c. To make room for Mickey’s Birthdayland. c. If You Could Fly d. It was shortened as a result of the demolition of d. Delta DreamFlight the Tomorrowland station.

76 · Celebrations 10. Who played the part of H.G. Wells in the now- 14. The attraction that preceded Stitch’s Great closed attraction, ? Escape, the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien a. Jeremy Irons Encounter, was originally conceived of as b. Robin Williams being based on what science-fiction classic? c. Eric Idle a. Star Wars d. Bill Nye the Science Guy b. The Black Hole 11. The former Skyway attraction connected c. Buck Rogers Tomorrowland to what other area of the d. Alien Magic Kingdom? 15. Guests on the TTA can still hear the familiar a. Adventureland page for Mr. Tom Morrow as they ride b. Fantasyland through Space Mountain. On what attraction c. Frontierland did Tom Morrow make his first appearance? d. Liberty Square a. Mission to Mars 12. According to the Tomorrowland Transit b. Flight to the Moon Authority back story, which of the following c. Innoventions was not a transit line on the TTA system? d. DreamFlight a. The Blue Line b. The Orange Line c. The Red Line d. The Green Line Quiz Answers 13. What design motif can be seen in the 1) B 6) B 11) B walkways throughout Tomorrowland? 2) D 7) D 12) B a. Stars 3) A 8) A 13) D b. Atoms 4) B 9) C 14) D c. Clocks 5) A 10) A 15) B d. Gears

ANSWERS KIDS KORNER (pages 78–81) BRAIN BUSTERS WORD SCRAMBLE MYSTERY QUEST (pages 82–83) Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and the 1. Cinderella Castle WHO AM I? Prospector (Stinky Pete) 2. Spaceship Earth SECRET SYMBOLS 1. Woody 3. Tree of Life 1. Starbucks symbol at the Main Street 2. Dory FIND THE DIFFERENCE 4. Tower of Terror Bakery 3. Will Turner 5. Expedition Everest 2. logo 4. Celia (Monsters Inc.) 6. Sorcerer Hat 3. Sign for the Crystal Arts shop 5. Anton Ego (Ratatouille) 7. Contemporary Resort 4. Cement heart in front of Tony’s Town 6. Fix-It Felix, Jr. 8. Partners Statue Square Restaurant 5. Sign outside the Hall of Champions LOGO-MANIA 1. Monsters Inc. WHERE AM I? 2. Cars 1. Atrium of the Crystal Palace 3. The Incredibles 2. Glass blowing equipment inside the 4. Toy Story Crystal Arts shop 5. Ratatouille 1. There is an extra cone. 3. Machinery inside the Confectionery 6. Wall-E 2. The beam is taller. 4. Sign for The Chapeau shop 3. The is an extra band. 5. Harmony Barber shop pole CASTLE MATCH 4. The sphere is larger. 6. Pinball machine inside Casey’s 1. Ariel 5. The color is different. 7. Statue of Roy Disney and Minnie 2. Belle 6. The dark object is bigger. 8. Display inside the Emporium Gallery 3. Merida 7. The cable is missing. halfway down Main Street U.S.A. 4. Sleeping Beauty 8. There is an extra truss. 5. Cinderella 9. A connector is missing. 6. Jasmine 10. The spire is shorter. 7. Snow White

8. Rapunzel FIND THE DIFFERENCE BONUS ANSWER 9. Giselle Toy Story and Monsters Inc.

77 · Celebrations Who uttered the following movie quotes? 1. “Play nice...” 2. “Just keep swimming.” 3. “That was for the smell.” 4. “Googlie bear!” 5. “Pray you don’t disappoint me.” 6. “I can fix it!”

All of these images are close-ups of the logos from different Disney•Pixar films. Can you name them?

1 2

3 4

5 6

78 · Celebrations See if you can match each castle to the princess that it’s associated with.

Answers on page 77 79 · Celebrations Can you name all the members of Woody’s Roundup Gang?

Looks like Stitch has been messing around with the Tomorrowland decorations again. Can you spot the 10 differences in the photos below?

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BONUS QUESTION What two Pixar movies are represented by attractions in Tomorrowland?

80 · Celebrations See if you can unscramble these Walt Disney World landmarks?

1. LACERINDEL SCATEL 2. CHAPPESSI HEART

3. ERTE FO FIEL 4. ROWTE FO ROTERR

5. PIXITONEDE TREVSEE 6. CORRSERE THA

7. MOPCRATERYON TORSER 8. SNAPTERR TUSATE

Answers on page 77

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].

Which did you like better, of people were upset when characters were Captain EO or Honey I Shrunk the added to “its a small world” in Disneyland, Audience? but I think it’s a really cool idea!! Also, Michael Jackson and company are pretty wouldn’t it be awesome to see Carl’s house cool, but I admit I liked the Honey I floating by in Soarin’, or to see one of the Shrunk the Audience show better. Maybe ships from streak past in Spaceship it was more surprising to me - those mice Earth? would make me jump every time! I also liked to visit Journey into Imagination & What’s your favorite resort to visit the “Imagination Institute” right after the during Christmas? movie. Maybe it is time to do an update.... We try to visit a couple of resorts each possibilities!! holiday season & I look forward to visiting the Grand Floridian the most! If you could add a Disney The decorations are just so pretty and character or two to an existing the gingerbread house is incredible!! Did attraction, who would they be? you know you can buy cookies in the So many attractions are based on movies gingerbread house? Even Santa comes to and characters that it’s hard to think of visit on Christmas Eve before he goes to another ride to add them to...I know a lot deliver all those presents :)

81 · Celebrations Main Street, U.S.A. Secrets Visitors to Walt Disney World could once tour See if you can find the window for an exhibit called The Walt Disney Story, which as you walk along Main Street. Wells was the opened in Town Square two years after the former CEO of Disney, and he loved mountain park’s opening. The out-of-the-way attraction climbing. This is reflected in the name of the (which rarely saw large crowds as most people company in the window, “ toured the headliner attractions) showcased Expeditions, Frank G. Wells President,” and a variety of Disney memorabilia, including fittingly, the window is the highest of all the historical photos and Cinderella’s glass slipper. windows on Main Street. Guests could also see a documentary film of Walt Disney, shown in two 300-seat theaters. When designing Main Street in Disneyland, Walt The attraction closed in 1992 but many of the Disney specifically ordered that all the windows artifacts remained on display until the area be lower than normal so that children would be was transformed into a meet and greet area for able to easily look through them. Mickey, Minnie, and the Princesses. The Partners Statue in front of Cinderella Castle Main Street U.S.A. is actually comprised of just is a favorite photo spot, but don’t forget to look four buildings or blocks, bisected in the middle around the hub for the smaller statues of many by a crossroad called Center Street. On the of your favorite Disney characters including right side of Center Street (as you approach the Minnie Mouse, Dumbo, Donald, Duck, Br’er castle), you can hear the sounds of voice lessons Rabbit, Goofy, , Pinocchio, and Chip and emanating from a second story window. Dale.

Where can you find these cryptic inscriptions?

1 2 3 4 5

82 · Celebrations Can you determine where these photographs were taken?

2 1

3

6 4 5 8

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

Answers on page 77 83 · Celebrations Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cinderella Castle

1. Both Cinderella Castle in Florida and Sleeping Beauty 5. If you have eagle eyes, another set of three windows can Castle in Disneyland face south. Why is that? Walt Disney be seen around the corner toward the rear of the castle, specified that the castles be oriented in that fashion so though these are somewhat obscured and harder to that amateur photographers would have ideal shooting make out. From left to right, this set of windows depicts conditions when taking their souvenir photos. a grander castle, Gus and Jacques holding a key, and the 2. Though the castle has gone through some temporary glass slipper. make overs throughout the years (see our feature arti- 6. You would think that the Suite would offer spectacular cle on page 42), the structure of the castle has remained views of the Magic Kingdom, but such is not the case. This largely intact. But that hasn’t been the case for the paint is largely due to the fact that much of the park mainte- color. In 2006 the castle received a new palette, with the nance is done at night, and it was felt that that wouldn’t walls and towers becoming a pinkish off-white, and the make for a very magical view. You can get a blurry glimpse turrets becoming a darker, royal blue. of Fantasyland through the glass slipper on one of the 3. In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration implement- rear windows, but it’s a limited view. (That’s OK though, ed a permanent Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over there’s enough magic in the Suite itself to keep you more Walt Disney World. The restricted zone is a circle six nau- than occupied!) tical miles across, and the only planes permitted to fly 7. The Cinderella Castle in Tokyo Disneyland had a walk- in that space are WDW Cessna 172 and law enforcement through attraction that operated through 2006. The Cin- aircraft. (Don’t be alarmed if you see a plane flying high derella Castle Mystery Tour took Guests on a walking tour overhead though, the TFR zone only extends to 3,000 feet.) through the Gallery, the Ball Room, the Dining Room, the In order for pilots to visualize the location of the circle, a Guest Room, and the Tower. The attraction focused on suitable landmark was needed to mark the center. What Disney Villains, and featured a Magic Mirror (even though landmark? Why, Cinderella Castle of course! (In case you’re this was Cinderella’s castle and not Snow White’s). curious, Tinker Bell has special permission to take her eve- 8. In addition to the Disney family coat of arms that hangs ning flight from the top of the castle.) over the entrances to the castle, you can find an addition- 4. The Castle Suite is a dream destination for every Walt al 40 or so hanging in the restaurant. Each one pays trib- Disney World Guest, though as of now this privilege is ute to a key Disney individual, similar to the windows on restricted to specially chosen Guests Main Street U.S.A. and Cast Members who are occasion- 9. The castle includes three el- ally awarded with a night in the cas- evators; one that takes Guests tle. But where is the Suite exactly? If to Cinderella’s Royal Table, one you’re looking at the side of the castle that goes to the Suite, and one from the Liberty Square bridge, look reserved for Cast Member use for a grouping of three tall stained only. glass windows; those are the win- 10. While the castle was being con- dows to the Castle Suite. If you look structed, a makeshift banner closely you may be able to make out was hung above the entrance the three designs in the windows, that read “Remember, Opening which are, from left to right, a clock, Oct. 1971.” Just in case anyone an invitation, and a smaller castle. forgot!

Keepsake Image: “Fit For a Princess”• Photography by Tim Foster 84 · Celebrations Back Cover Artwork by Herbert Ryman © Disney

“Here you leave today, and visit the worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” –Walt Disney