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On the Cover: “Westward, Ho!”, photo by Tim Foster Issue 21 Exploring the Old 42 Contents West at Letters...... 6 Calendar of Events...... 8 Disney News & Updates...... 10

MOUSE VIEWS...... 15 Guide to the Magic by Tim Foster...... 16 Explorer Emporium by Lou Mongello...... 18 48 Hidden Mickeys by Steve Barrett...... 20 Photography Tips & Tricks by Tim Devine...... 22 Pin Trading & Collecting by John Rick...... 24 Disney Cuisine by Allison Jones...... 26 Riding the Fort Travel Tips 54 by Beci Mahnken...... 28 Wilderness Railroad Magic by J Darling...... 30

FEATURED ATTRACTION ...... 32

FEATURED RESORT Drifting Along the Dolphin...... 36 Sassagoula River 58 FEATURED FILM Brave...... 38

Lou Mongello’s Wayback Machine...... 70 Wandering the World...... 72 By the Numbers: Liberty Square Riverboat...... 73 Quick Quiz...... 74 In Search of: Pavilion Logo...... 76 The Story Behind Kids Korner...... 78 66 Mystery Quest: Frontierland...... 82 Scales at Port Orleans Tim & Lou’s Top 10...... 84 Try it, You Just Might Like It!

Many of you reading Celebrations have the good fortune of being repeat visitors to Walt Disney World, with some of you having trips numbering in the double digits…and beyond! As a frequent visitor myself, and occasional guest of other regulars, one thing always astounds me. For all of the wonderful things there are to do at Walt Disney World, we humans are ferocious creatures of habit, and I’m always surprised at the number of things that those around me HAVEN’T tried. Very often, the frequent Guest will inevitably stop at the same snack venues, ride the same attractions, and even follow the same path through the parks. I’m no different: for me (if I’m staying at the resorts as I often do), it ‘s usually straight to the International Gateway, off to Journey Into Imagination, fol- lowed by a quick jaunt over to for some China Watermelon delight, and so on.

And why not? Visiting the parks for many of us is like visiting an old friend. There’s comfort in the familiar, especially in a place that we visit to put that extra sparkle in our hearts. But if this sounds like you, don’t be afraid to unleash that explorer inside of you. Forego that favorite snack and try a new place, even if you never considered it before. Or check out that minor attraction that you always pass by on the way to the bigger rides. Like the Stave Church in Norway, or the Art Gallery in Morocco. Or even, dare I say, , which probably holds the record for the number of “nah, that’s boring, where’s ?” comments to be overheard from passersby. Or take the path to the left, not the right. Never mind that it’s a short cut you think that nobody else knows about. Take this opportunity to explore, to broaden your ! Who knows? You just may find a new Walt Disney World favorite lurking right in front of your eyes!

Enjoy the Magic! Tim Foster

2 · Celebrations Editors Tim Foster • Lou Mongello

Contributing Writers Steve Barrett J Darling Tim Devine Allison Jones Beci Mahnken John Rick

Associate Editors Jennifer Bright Reich • Michelle Foster • Catherine Lusby

Creative Direction and Design Tim Foster Associate Art Director Michelle Foster

Contributing Photographers Tim Foster, Tim Devine, Michelle Harris, Jamie Hecker

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©2011 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 own- ers. 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 capitaliza- tion, where appropriate. 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 A Life Changing Experience

Really, Lou? “life-changing?” Oh yeah, and I’m not alone. In fact, if you’re reading this, chances are Disney has, in some way, changed your life. Probably for the better. And how we respond to those experiences varies as much as the individual experiences themselves. If you think I’ve lost my mind, or that I’m being overly dramatic (insert dramatic music here), ask yourself if Disney has changed your life in any way. Has it given you fond memories of visiting the parks or even simply enjoying a Disney movie with your family? Has it introduced you to new people who share a common pas- sion, or set of similar values? On an even much more basic level, has it evoked an emotional response at the sight of for the first (or hundredth) time? Or has it impacted you so much that you made a life change and even picked up your family and moved to just to be close to the magic? (Lou and others raise their hands) I can think of few other places (and certainly no other corporate brands) that impact and effect people the way Disney does. So what is it? It’s not a ride or a movie. It’s not the Florida heat (trust me on this one). It’s not your favorite, old Mickey plush from when you were a kid. It’s not the tangible things, or individual experiences. There’s something more. Something unquantifiable. It’s something that resonates with us on a much deeper level. Something that changes who we are, or even magnifies positive qualities in us which, in turn, make us happy. It’s a feeling. An emotion. And it’s something that may literally alter the course of our lives, whether it’s a memory that may stick with us forever, enjoying a more affirmative life, or a literal change in who (and where) we are. So I ask you to think about how Disney has impacted your life in a positive way. How has it changed you, your family or your life’s direction? Has it made you a different, and hopefully better, person? Was it an event, a person or just a feeling that prompted that change? And even more so, have you taken that positive impact and helped make someone else’s life better, too? If Disney has changed your life in a positive way, maybe you can positively influence someone else’s because of it. I think Walt would have wanted it that way.

Lou Mongello

4 · Celebrations Contributors

Ray Harkness thanks Disney Jamie Hecker has been a Jim Korkis is an Donald Myers Jr. first trip for saving his marriage. lifelong fan of Disney, and internationally recognized to Disney in 1986 at age 4 After being shown the joys is passing on his love to Disney Historian whose forever sparked his passion of a vacation by his lovely his sons. He and his family writing and original for Walt Disney World. wife Nancy, he now cannot visit Orlando annually and research has been utilized by Don is not only a true imagine being away from always look forward to other Disney Historians as Disney enthusiast, but also work if it doesn’t involve a their next trip. When not well as the Disney Company. considers himself to be a Disney resort. When not in Orlando, he resides in “Disney traditionalist” as touring the parks, Ray northern Virginia with his well. He loves the history of writes for his blog Grumpy’s beautiful wife Suzanne, two the resort and has a special Hollow under the name boys and four cats. place in his heart for all of Grumpwurst (grumpyspace. You can read about his the extinct attractions of blogspot.com). “hidden Disney” musings Walt Disney World. at http://myhiddendisney. blogspot.com/

Ryan P. Wilson was born and raised in central Florida where his passion for Walt Disney World was developed at a young age. Today he lives in Asheville, NC with his wife, Aileen, and spends time teaching and authoring the Main Street Gazette www.mainstgazette.com.

5 · Celebrations Letters We started a new tradition in November 2006 while on our Disney honeymoon: we decided we would buy a new Christmas tree ornament each year when we visited the parks. We’ve never missed a year yet, and we love looking back each year as those little memories hang on our tree. Attached is a collage of 4 of the ornaments, including Even More Holiday Magic the one that started it all- We had such a great response to our the Mickey and Minnie “Just request for Christmas photos that we Married” ornament! We can’t had to save some for this issue. Enjoy! wait to go back and add many more Here is a picture of Stitch getting to our collection! in on the action. We got this photo My family and I always go the parks Thank you for having such an while watching the filming of the during the holidays. It’s a tradition awesome publication. It’s that extra holiday parade in 2010. that I hope my kids will pass on...it’s bit of magic that holds us off until all part of being a Disney family! we can get back! Laurie Schaerer Mobile, AL Shawn Visser Sincerely, Apollo Beach, FL Mandy Behling

Got a question, photo or story you’d like to share? email them to: [email protected] 6 · Celebrations Here is a favorite Disney holiday photo that we took back in 2008.

Mark Swayze

This is my girlfriend’s niece, Mia McNeal, age 13, at the MVMCP 2010. We took a “Girls Only Weekend” to WDW specifically to see the taping of The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade!! I don’t know what was more exciting to her, missing two days of school or swimming in December (our flight left West Virginia as the first snow of the season began!). Aren’t You a Little Thank-you for the awesomeness Short to Be Reading that is Celebrations Magazine. Celebrations? I thought you might get a laugh out Stacey Wolfe, Lynell Stone, and of this photo of me and my better Mia McNeal half in our stormtrooper armor , WV reading your magazine while we were on down time at a charity event.

Iain and Liz

C’mon, It’s Not THAT Bad! Here is a “surprise” photo of my 16 year old son Tyler trying for the first time over at Club Cool in Epcot. The reaction is priceless :-). Thanks!

Mike Wilk

For those who don’t know, Beverly is the drink from Italy at Club Cool in Future World. It really is delicious (see the look of delight on Tyler’s face?). Trust us :)

7 · Celebrations Calendar of Events Half Marathon Weekend Epcot & February 24-26, 2012 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.

The weekend features four different events: Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo Friday, February 24, 2012- Saturday, February 25, 2012 Disney’s Royal Family 5K Saturday, February 25, 2012 Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races Saturday, February 25, 2012 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Sunday, February 26, 2012 experiences. And in what has become a Disney tradition, kids will again have the opportunity to run the bases after Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival every game. March 7 – May 20, 2012 An eight-foot-tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary holds Sounds Like Summer Concert Series court at the entrance to the 19th Epcot International Epcot World Showcase Flower & Garden Festival March 7-May 20. Standing atop Summer 2012 a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff and towering above Summer just isn’t summer without great tunes. So all sum- the park’s front-entrance topiary bed, the commanding mer long, Epcot has your ears covered with great enter- Sorcerer Mickey will direct a riot of color in the manicured tainment from some of the world’s greatest tribute bands, shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, courtesy of the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. hippos, alligators and elephants straight from the classic Get the family together and get into the groove with the Disney film, Fantasia. songs you all know and love. Dance to classic hits and have a toe-tappin’ good time under the skies of the open-air Braves Spring Training America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. ESPN Wide World of Sports Early Spring, 2012 Some of Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including Magic Kingdom the reigning World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals September 7-8, 2012 and New York Yankees, will take on the Atlanta Braves at Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful enter- Walt Disney World Resort during spring training in 2012. tainment to the Magic Kingdom theme park. During this Each Braves spring training game has a unique Disney contemporary , Guests can delight feel with family-oriented fun, including in-game enter- in live performances by music superstars across a variety tainment, Disney character appearances and on-field fan of genres—including rock, pop and gospel.

8 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney 9 · Celebrations Disney News

little gardening magic will go a long way when an New Sorcerer Mickey A eight-foot-tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary holds court at the entrance to the 19th Epcot International Flow- Topiary Conducts er & Garden Festival March 7-May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort. Standing atop a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff and towering above the park’s front-entrance topiary bed, the Floral Magic at commanding Sorcerer Mickey will direct a riot of color in the manicured shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, 19th Epcot International mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants straight from the classic Disney film, Fantasia. Disney topiary specialists worked to create the striking Flower & Garden Festival new design with innovative materials and recycled ele- ments from years past, says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden. An earlier version of Sorcerer Mickey stood less March 7-May 20 than five feet tall; a larger frame was built, Darden says, to more accurately reflect the character in the front-entrance Fantasia scene. The new Fantasia “mountain” grew from a 2003 topiary piece that once held a Steamboat Willie display. “The challenge is to use our resources, repurpose them, and keep them fresh every year,” Darden says. “These are some of our most popular characters from a topiary stand- point, and ‘Fantasia’ was a groundbreaking film for its mu- sic and animation techniques.”

Don’t Miss! For 75 festival days, Epcot guests can explore topiaries and gardens, learn planting, style and design techniques and rock to the tunes of popular Flower Power concerts: ’s Butterfly House, three times the size of the festi- val’s original, will be a-flutter with multiple species of brilliant butterflies. At Imagination Walkway by West. Fairy Garden features a fabulous Disney fairy topiaries alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsi- cal garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5. At the Walkway. The HGTV Designers Stage will present HGTV celebrities each Friday through Sunday and nationally recognized gar- den personalities Monday through Thursday. The Flower Power concert series will welcome back 20th century pop favorites this year when Jose Feliciano, Chubby

10 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Davy looks outside the Italy and Norway pavilions, Will-Browne Jones and seven other bands rock the America Gardens The- says. In Italy, gardeners will display a mix of containers atre with their timeless tunes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. overflowing with bright flowers and pots of fragrant herbs Performers and appearance dates subject to change. used in Italian cuisine. Around Norway, “we’ll do a white show of geraniums, violas, snap dragons, poppies and alys- Petal Power sum,” she says. A small Norway meadow will feature “a mass Thirty million blooms, 240 floating mini-gardens on two of brilliant, wild mixed color.” Each of the park’s other nine ponds, 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and World Showcase countries will feature special festival land- vegetables, dozens of Disney character topiaries, 30 “flower scape elements. towers” of impatiens and sweeping beds of floral designs will create a tapestry of brilliant color across the 260-acre More Festival Fun Epcot landscape. It takes more than one full year and 400 The Festival Center: Guests can shop for festival mer- Walt Disney World horticulturists to plan and prepare for chandise, attend demonstrations and get ideas and tips the 75-day festival. One of the most interesting challenges from master gardeners. In Future World between Universe is finding just the right plant materials to bring the park’s of Energy and Mission:SPACE. topiaries to life. Disney Gardening at Home presentations: Disney The front-entrance Fantasia rock cliff topiary will be horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in carpeted with a “blackish-purple Ajuga,” says Disney plant a hands-on, take-home activity at the Festival Center. specialist Heather Will-Browne. White and blue flowers will Special Festival Weekend Celebrations: An Art in the represent streams of water tumbling down the rock face, Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March she adds, and the “Fantasia” theme will be carried out with 23-25; a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering will be masses of hot pink geraniums, blue delphiniums, white April 27-29; and a Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute poppies, violet petunias and blue pansies, among others. is slated for May 4-6. Other show-stopping character topiaries: Lightning Mc- More information about the 19th annual Epcot Inter- Queen and Mater from Cars 2 at the Japan showcase; Buzz, national Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling Woody and Lotso the teddy bear from Toy Story 3; and the 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/ Fab Five – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto flower when festival time approaches. The festival, includ- and — outside the Festival Center. ing all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in reg- The horticulture team also will plant new landscape ular Epcot admission.

11 · Celebrations Disney News

the addition of other exotic models, as well. Petty Holdings Adds Exotic It will officially begin on January 16, 2012. “This exotics business is the most significant new offer- Driving Experience ing from our company since the creation of Richard Petty Driving Experience in 1994 said Brian Flynn, Petty Hold- ings Chief Executive Officer. “This was a strategic decision The Exotics Course at Walt Disney intended to expand our customer base by diversifying our World® Speedway will be new home to experiential offerings.” Plans call for Exotic Driving Experience to operate ap- “supercars” proximately 150 days annually on The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World Speedway, a new track configuration (see be- ombine some of the world’s finest automobiles with a low) at the motorsports complex located on the grounds of Ctrack specifically designed for drivers to safely experi- the world-famous theme park. ence their awe-inspiring acceleration, and handling Driving Experiences will start at $189 for six laps around and you have “Exotic Driving Experience”, the latest offering the circuit. Thrill Rides with a professional driver at the from Petty Holdings. wheel will be available for $99. Best known as owner and operator of Richard Petty Driv- ing Experience, the worldwide leader in the stock car ride The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World Speedway® and drive business, Petty Holdings has applied its expertise Built in 1994, the one-mile oval at Walt Disney World in delivering safe, accessible, exciting automotive enter- Speedway® has been home to Indy Racing League (IRL), NAS- tainment to develop an experience allowing anyone with a CAR Truck series and United States Auto Club (USAC) sanc- driver’s license the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a tioned races. Since 2000, it has been operated year-round “supercar” – a rarified class of automobile. exclusively by Richard Petty Driving Experience, which has Exotic Driving Experience will feature supercars by Fer- seen more than 250,000 people drive or ride in one of its rari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Future plans include NASCAR race cars.

12 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney Petty Holdings recently completed an interior road Although Exotic Driving Experience officially begins course-style section at the track, specifically for Exotic after the new year, reservations for 2012 can be made at Driving Experience, which features a series of quick, chal- exoticdriving.com or by calling 815-822-0149. lenging right and left-hand turns, known as “switch backs.” Complete with barriers and rumble strips, this section re- places the frontstretch of the oval when the supercars are About Petty Holdings: on track and, together with the backstretch, comprises an- Petty Holdings, LLC owns Richard Petty Driving Experience, the other one-mile layout which has been named The Exotics worldwide leader in NASCAR-style stock car drive and ride enter- Course at Walt Disney World Speedway®. tainment, which operated at 25 race tracks in the United States “We needed a circuit that would allow customers to really and Canada in 2011. It markets other Petty and Richard Petty get a sense of what these incredible cars are capable of” said branded and licensed ventures including Petty Safe Driving and Rick Fedrizzi, President and Chief Operating Officer, who Richard Petty’s Fantasy Racing Camp. It also provides motorsports designed the new interior section. “Drivers can rapidly ac- support services to the commercial and film industries, mobile celerate to high speeds on the backstretch of the oval and, marketing event services and designs and executes ride and drive when they come into the interior section, feel the incredible events for automobile manufacturers braking and handling characteristics of whichever exotic Headquartered in Concord, NC, Petty Holdings is a portfolio they’ve selected.” company of BV Investment , a leading middle-market “It is an absolute blast to drive this course in any one of private equity firm, investing in the information and business ser- these cars,” Fedrizzi said. vices, communications, and media sectors. Sorcerers To Begin Invading Magic Kingdom

isney’s legacy of innovation and creativity continues Dtoday as Cast Members have begun to test a new in- teractive experience called Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Featuring unprecedented interaction with animated characters, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom transforms Ad- ventureland into an immersive game enabling fans to cast spells. In this role-playing, trading card game, players try to defeat the Disney Villains who are working to take over the Magic Kingdom. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, players must search for the magic symbols that lead them to the animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, these Sorcerers can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other ne’er do wells hid- ing throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every vil- lain, with a simple flick of the wrist. While still in its testing phase, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is expected to be available to Guests early next year. Playing the game will be included as part of park ad- mission.

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 Peeling Back the Layers omeone once wrote that one of the reasons for the enduring popularity of the SBeatles is that the songs work on a number of different levels. For the first sev- eral listenings you tapped your foot in time with the bouncy tune. After that you started to take note of the cleverness of the lyrics. Months (or years) later, you sud- denly noticed the musical nuances such as a guitar lick you never picked up before or the rolling bass line that never caught your attention. As time went by you even started to catch on to the inside jokes, whether it was a cryptic mumbling buried in the mix, or even a musical mistake that somehow worked in the end anyway. The point is, the songs could and can be enjoyed on a number of different levels, and each listening experience was sure to bring about a new “aha” discovery of some- by Tim Foster thing you never noticed before. And so it is with all works of classical art. Disney films, and in particular the films made under ’s creative direction, similarly work on many levels. You may be enchanted by the clever story, or mesmerized by the dazzling visuals. You may laugh at the childlike humor, or shed a tear at the emotional poignancy of a pivotal scene. Even the gags can appeal on two levels. A hilarious moment of slapstick can send the little ones reeling, while the same joke pokes fun at a nostalgic memory for the older folks.

Uncovering the Magic What does all of this have to with Walt Disney World? Why, everything, of course! One of WDW’s greatest strengths is in the sheer number of layers that the resort presents to Guests. On its surface, the parks offer up a wide variety of attractions, everything from relaxing, tranquil boat rides to white-knuckle thrill rides that will send your head spinning. And to rest your weary head you can choose between the Tim Foster is the author of Victorian splendor of a lush hotel or the rustic charm of an old-fashioned camp- the Guide to the Magic book ground…and everything in between. series, which includes the Guide to the Magic for Kids, the Lost But it’s not just about the attractions. In the great tradition of Disney animation, Journals, and the Guide to the there’s a story behind everything you see, and that’s the next layer that most peo- Magic Autograph & Sticker ple discover. Some of the stories are obvious, such as your mission to retrieve an Book. Tim is also the creator of Iguanodon in the near-catastrophic adventure of Dinosaur, or your training flight the www.guidetothemagic.com to Mars in Mission: Space. Other stories are more subtle, such as the freak (fictional) website. Florida snowstorm that led to the creation of Blizzard Beach, or the story of how the town in Big Thunder Mountain came to ruin (revenge by the scared spirits that once inhabited this pristine landscape before the miners came perhaps?).

No Detail is Overlooked The rewards of discovery grow as you peel back more and more layers. As you wander throughout Walt Disney World, you’ll soon come to realize that there is a wealth of detail everywhere you look. You’d certainly expect it in the attractions, and yet no matter how many times you ride, you’ll always discover something new. For instance, did you notice that in the Country Bear Jamboree theater you can actually see claw marks on the waiting room floor (presumably made by some of the permanent residents of the building)? Or that the “hands” on the clock in the Haunted Mansion are actually fingers? How about the semaphore flags at the Yacht

16 · Celebrations Club that actually spell out the names of the shops and res- find some oddly named doors throughout Journey Into taurants where they are found? Or that the word “Penn- Imagination with Figment (such as the door that says “Dean sylvania” is misspelled on the replica of the Liberty Bell in Finder,” a reference to the beloved Dream Finder), as well as Liberty Square, just as it is on the real thing? (Though to be pipes marked with cryptic chemical formulas in the load- , it’s not technically misspelled, that was one of the ac- ing area at Dinosaur (the actual compounds made up by ceptable spellings at the time. It was also spelled that way these chemicals aren’t quite as sinister as you would think, on the original Constitution, and there is a map in Indepen- those are the chemical names for ketchup, mustard and dence Hall with the same spelling. Walt Disney World. Fun mayonnaise!). No place is too out of the way or too obscure AND educational!) for some Imagineering mayhem. Watch for the shadows If you keep your eyes open, you’ll discover a non-ending moving behind the exterior windows of the Haunted Man- treasure trove of details. Even the simple act of walking sion. Listen for the out-of-tune warbling coming from the around will reveal some hidden surprises. For example, Voice Lessons window on Main Street U.S.A. Pick up the old- those critters just didn’t confine themselves to the Coun- fashioned phone in the Chapeaux shop on Main Street for a try Bear Jamboree. If you look closely at the pathways sur- special greeting. rounding the Wilderness Lodge you’ll discover a whole host Hidden Mickeys are a great example of Disney’s self-ref- of animal tracks embedded in the ground. Pay attention as erential humor, but the fun doesn’t stop there. If you spot a you walk around World Showcase and notice that not only number that looks like a date, chances are it means some- are the lampposts a different design in each pavilion, but thing. For example, on the TTA you’ll see a sign for SpacePort so are the patterns in the ground. Surprises await you over- 75 as you pass through Space Moun- head as well; see if you can spot the director’s chair near the tain, that’s a reference to the year that entrance to the Indiana Stunt Show Spectacular, and the opened. The numbers Green Army Men keeping watch over Pixar Place in the Hol- on the buildings throughout Liberty Square and Frontier- lywood Studios. land are actually references to years (matching up with the period when those buildings would have existed), and your flight number in Soarin’ is also a reference to the opening date of the attraction in . Tributes to lost attrac- tions can be found everywhere, from the Horizons logo in the middle of the space station wheel in Mission: Space to the silhouette of the original Dreamcatcher on the sheet music in the final scene of Journey Into Imagination with Figment.

Just Between You and Me…Inside Jokes A closer examination at your surroundings at Walt Dis- ney World will unveil a wealth of inside jokes and self-ref- erencing humor. If you ever see an envelope, an old crate, or a package lurking about, see if you can spot any writing on it. Chances are you’ll find a clever pun or other humor- ous scribble, such as the “Lytum & Hyde” dynamite crates in These glimpses into the many layers of Walt Disney World the queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or the crate barely scratch the surface. The next time you visit, keep marked “Rosebud Sled Company” near Min & Bill’s Dock- your eyes open and see what undiscovered treasures you side Diner in Echo Lake (Fans of the film Citizen Kane will can find. Just as in your favorite song, you’ll discover some- get the joke!). Even the plumbing gets into the act, as you’ll thing new every time.

Photos ©Tim Foster 17 · Celebrations Along the Shores of the hen looking back at Walt Disney World’s history, we often focus on the con- Wcepts, construction, and lost attractions, but while thinking about the Seven Seas Lagoon, which borders the Magic Kingdom, something in the water caught my eye. When Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (yes, that’s what it was called when it opened in 1971), opened, it marked a milestone in the hotel industry. In fact, it was a hotel that helped define what a theme resort would be for generations of Guests to come. Inspired by Walt Disney’s own fascination with Polynesian supper clubs in the 1950s, the resort would not only capture that sense of 50s pop culture fascination by Lou Mongello with tikis, but his idea for the Tiki Room restaurant in Disneyland (which eventually became the Enchanted Tiki Room Audio-Animatronics attraction). Designed with the help of Imagineers Rolly Crump and (who had an interest and large collection of Paupuan New Guinea art), the resort was originally supposed to be a 12-story high-rise hotel in the center of a lagoon. The resort would have had the main building surrounded by small streams, a skin diving lagoon and waterfalls, and be topped off (literally) by the requisite “South Sea” dining room. And while the resort itself was planned to include a multitude of land-based en- tertainment, the Seven Seas Lagoon was also going to be home to a collection of fun-filled additions.

The Legendary Polynesian Wave-Making Machine Just off the shore of the resort, you’ll find a small, unmarked island known as Beachcomber Isle. Since the Polynesian was to represent an authentic South Seas Lou Mongello is the host of the resort, Walt Disney World Vice President Dick Nunis believed the shores in front of award winning WDW Radio podcast the resort should also have the same type of lapping waves that could be found off and the author of the definitive a real Polynesian island. Disney trivia books, “Walt Disney In order to accomplish this, Imagineers constructed a mechanical wave-making World Trivia” Volumes 1 and II. He is also the producer of the newly machine about 50 yards off the shore, near Beachcomber Isle. The machine could released Audio Guides of Walt Disney be adjusted to generate everything from gentle, quiet waves to large ones suitable World, a CD series that gives you a for surfing (It was believed that Nunis hoped that surfing lessons and competitions personal tour of the happiest place could be held in the Lagoon). The sound of the crashing waves would also add a on Earth. You can listen to the show tropical ambience to the beach area over by Luau Cove. and discover more secrets, rumors That was the plan, and initially it worked. Actually, it turned out that it worked and facts at Lou’s website: www.wdwradio.com too well, as the waves themselves were eroding the sandy beaches in front of the resort. Unfortunately, these were the same beaches that Guests used to relax, sun- bathe, and swim (Yes, at one time you could swim in the Seven Seas Lagoon, but no longer). So just a few months after Walt Disney World opened, use of the machine was slowly cut back and eventually stopped entirely. Despite being tested again in 1985, the machine was eventually dismantled as much as possible. Because it was built during the creation of the man-made Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney was unable to remove it entirely, which is why (if you know just where to look), you may still see

18 · Celebrations tail waitress. Whatever became of the Eastern Winds? It actually ended up doing pleasure cruises in the Virgin Islands. It seems that Ron Cooper and is partner were flying in a private plane over Florida and spotted the junk sitting anchored in the middle of a body of water. That body of wa- ter just happened to be the Seven Seas Lagoon – right in front of Disney’s remnants of the machine to this day. Of course, as no good Polynesian Village Resort! One month after making his of- idea at Disney ever dies, although surfing in the Lagoon nev- fer, Mr. Cooper received the call from Disney to come and er happened, Nunis ensured that a wave-making machine pick up his stripped-down boat. But getting it was more dif- would eventually come to Walt Disney World, which it did ficult than expected. in 1989 at Typhoon Lagoon. Because Walt Disney World is land-locked, a trailer had to be positioned under the junk to transport it across the But wait…There’s More! state. Once he brought the boat to its new home, the crane Fear not, intrepid travelers, for there was more (much operator wanted no responsibility for any damage to the more), to do in, on and around the Seven Seas Lagoon. boat, so it was launched off the back of the trailer like a Guests could rent and actually travel around the islands on small powerboat. a 40-foot “War Canoe,” as After some time spent well as the circular “Bob- refurbishing the boat, A-Round“ boats – each of it was used for pleasure which had its own, built- cruises in St. Thomas in in stereo (remember, this the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its was the 70s and that was current location could very cool). But the “pièce not be determined at this de résistance” was, get time, and one wonders if ready, an authentic Chi- she is still treating pas- nese Junk. sengers to sunset cruises, A what? That’s right, the much as she did in Walt Polynesian was home to Disney World. 65-foot Chinese Junk that was built in Hong Kong in 1964 and later purchased by a Tex- Today, you can enjoy the Seven Seas Lagoon via the as oil baron. The unique vessel, named the Eastern Winds, many types of watercraft available for transportation or was docked at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort hotel from pleasure. From Sea Raycers to sailboats, pontoon boats to 1971 to 1978 and featured a cocktail lounge aboard. It was Boston Whalers, pedal boats to kayaks and canoes to the available for charters and took a crew of two to operate; a Grand One, there are many ways to enjoy the waterways of pilot and a deckhand. The ship included a galley on board the Lagoon. The next time you’re tooling around, take a look for dining as well as a full wet bar. During charters, the crew back at the shores of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and would often include a chef, a server, a bartender, and a cock- imagine what once was.

19 · Celebrations Beach Club Resort Hidden Mickeys

or a rewarding hunt outside the main parks, it’s worth Fyour time to check out the Epcot Resorts. Make your way over to the Beach Club Resort; it’s chock full of compelling Hidden Mickey images, start with these:

1. Along the inside walkway in front of the Cape May Cafe, a full length Mick- ey Mouse is standing in a sandcastle. It’s the sculpture farthest to the left, on the wall facing the pool. Mickey has been greeting us here for a long time, and I hope he doesn’t decide to leave!

2. A classic Mickey is on a blue plate inside Cape May Cafe. The plate is perched on a small shelf on the right wall just past the check-in podium at the res- by Steve Barrett taurant’s entrance. Mickey is on the inside of the plate and has a red circle for a “head” and two black circles for his “ears.” The plate is evidently ro- tated from time to time, as this classic Mickey is sometimes upside down.

3. Enter the Solarium from the Beach Club main lobby. The first painting on the wall to your left has Mickey’s face on spare tires on the backs of the yellow car (left side) and the blue car (right side).

4. Classic Mickey hood ornaments adorn the blue and red cars on the right side of this first painting in the Solarium.

5. In the second painting on the left wall of the Solarium, you can see Mick- ey’s face looking out at you from the clouds at the upper right.

Steve Barrett is the author of three 6. In the Solarium, Mickey balloons are on the right side of the third painting Hidden Mickeys Field Guide books to your left. (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the ) and “The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World 7. Classic Mickeys are in the wallpaper along the guest room hallways of the Vacation” book, as well as an iPhone Beach Club Resort. app for Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys. You can check out more 8. Sand dollars form classic Mickeys in the carpet of the Marketplace shop of Hidden Mickeys at Steve’s website: the Beach Club Resort. www.hiddenmickeysguide.com 9. Under the Ariel statue in front of the entrance to the Beach Club Villas, seashells are embedded in the ground. One group of three shells forms a classic Mickey.

10. In the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, onion rings form a classic Mickey. He’s on the left wall as you enter, on the second panel back from the rear wall. Look to the upper right of the onion rings.

Photos ©Steve Barrett 20 · Celebrations 1 2

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21 · Celebrations Parades: Character Photos That Come Right to You! ithout a doubt, parades are some of my favorite things to photograph in a WDisney Theme Park. The colors, characters, set pieces, floats, and music come together in an amazing display of eye candy that practically screams to have its pic- ture taken. There is even an added bonus... you get to take lots of character photos, and they come right to you! No waiting in long lines to get photos of your favorite Disney characters! How good is that? There are some general tips that go into photographing parades. Keeping these by Tim Devine basics in mind will make your parade photos instantly better, and give you the confidence to press on and try new ideas to get even more interesting photos. As we have discussed in the past, shooting with long, medium, and tight frames will help you establish your scene, give some details, and tell the story with great ef- fectiveness and interest. Long shots establish the set pieces, setting, backdrop, and scale, while tightly cropped images convey emotions and fine details. Use mid-range shots to tie it all together in one fantastic package.

Performer and Character Photos The most important thing to consider when photographing parades is that tim- ing is everything! Being patient and waiting for your favorite character to look in your direction will instantly make your parade photos better. As an added bonus, you won’t have to go back and delete a bunch of lesser quality photos from your Tim Devine is an avid photographer memory cards because you don’t like them. While each character does have a re- and the owner and webmaster hearsed routine that they don’t deviate from, they all give heaping amounts of eye of www.themagicinpixels.com, a contact if you are patient enough. website created for and dedicated to fellow Disney Photography It is important to note, however, that you want to be sure not to have the char- Enthusiasts. In addition to a large acters’ faces covered with their hands when they are waving at you. It helps to be a gallery of photos you can browse, bit early or a bit late with your shot to separate their hands from their faces as they you’ll also find tips, articles and arrive or pass by. A mere second or two is all it takes to separate a great shot from equipment reviews to help you create a “near miss.” Also keep in mind that it may take several viewings of a parade from magical photo memories of your different vantage points to see all of the characters, as they generally don’t cross Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Tim lives in South Jersey with his floats from side to side. wife, Karen, and their son, Billy, and Many of the dancers and other non-character performers will pose and smile for recently celebrated the birth of their you if you take interest in them and make eye contact as they are coming by. You second son, Ryan Christopher, on can get some fantastic photos of the performers that way, and because Guests tend May 12, 2009. Be sure to check to fixate only on the characters and pay less attention to the other performers, you www.themagicinpixels.com for may get some bonus “face to face” time because you showed an interest in them. current information on Pixelmania! a festival of Disney photography, Have your camera ready and seize this opportunity. friends, and fun in Walt Disney World October 2011. Location and Lighting Conditions Another key factor to consider is location, especially when it comes to the back- ground you want for your photos. As a personal choice, I prefer to shoot on Main Street, U.S.A., because I like to use the buildings as “leading lines” and try to work Cinderella Castle into the background as often as possible to give the photos an

Photo ©Tim Devine 22 · Celebrations added dimension of interest. Planning where you want to shoot and what backdrop you are going to use adds another layer of interest to your photos. Similarly, you need to analyze the lighting conditions that will be affecting your photography. For example, when shoot- ing a daytime parade, you need to pay special attention to the position of your body versus the sun, especially for late- afternoon parades. Make sure the sun is behind you to help light the floats and characters. You’ll want to avoid shooting toward the sun, as this will cause your subjects to be backlit and underexposed, while simultaneously creating unwanted sun flares and drab colors. The remedy can be as simple as moving to the other side of the street or finding some shade. If you are photographing a parade that makes stops, such as Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it or Block Party Bash, it is very helpful to familiarize yourself with the stopping points of whatever floats or characters you are most interested in photographing. This way, you can position yourself in just the right spot to get that unforgettable photo.

Main Street Electrical Parade There are special considerations that need to be taken when attempting to shoot the Main Street Electrical Parade. Even though the floats and characters are covered in bright, sparkling lights, the ambient light levels are drastically re- duced, so you need to set your camera appropriately. As a starting point, it helps to have faster lenses (an f/2.8 zoom is a fantastic lens to use for a night time parade) and a higher to slow down a bit, allowing it to capture more detail. I know ISO setting in your camera to help get faster shutter speeds this seems contradictory to what I just said about keeping and create sharp pictures. Some of the walking performers the shutter speed higher, but this will actually affect the and characters are just too dark to get photos of, so don’t get f/stop and not the shutter speed if you are shooting in shut- discouraged. Concentrate on the brightly colored floats as ter priority mode. you develop your parade photography skills. The Electrical I shoot the Electrical Parade in shutter priority mode, with Parade requires skill and practice so remain confident and a starting point of 1/80 second. I can then easily modify the make this an enjoyable experience. More importantly, turn shutter speed based on the brightness of the float or charac- your flash off! Using a flash during the Main Street Electrical ters in front of me if I need faster or slower shutter speeds. Parade will destroy the beautiful lighting and ruin the effect, In shutter priority mode, the camera sets the f/stop, and by leading to poor and uninteresting photos. (Not to mention using some exposure compensation, the camera will under- the annoyance it will cause for other Guests around you!) stand that I want to slightly overexpose and use a slightly You may also need to set your camera’s exposure com- wider (smaller f/number) aperture to allow more light to en- pensation to +1/3 or +2/3 in order to capture the float lights ter the camera to make the picture. and some of the ambient details. Because the floats are so dark compared to the bright lights, your camera can be eas- Parade photography is not all that difficult with a little bit ily tricked into speeding up or closing the f/stop a bit too of pre-planning and some self-confidence. Next time you’re at much, leading to nicely exposed lights on the floats but no the parks, try to remember some of these tips and go make other details, because everything else is too underexposed. some breathtaking images that you will be proud of and Setting the exposure compensation will force your camera want to frame!

23 · Celebrations “Will You Be Mine? Aboard the Disney Cruise Line…” here is perhaps no place more romantic to celebrate Valentine’s Day than the TDisney Cruise Line. The Disney pin team has used the DCL to showcase holiday pins through the years, and they have become some of the most highly sought after pins in the Pin collecting. Valentine’s Day is just one of the holidays that has been consistently recognized aboard the DCL, and in this article we will by John Rick look at these pins and the mark they have left.

In November 2001, the pin team created the DCL Artist Choice Series, which continued until September 2007. In February 2002, the cruise line released an “Artist Choice” Dangle Cupid Mickey. With an edition size of 750, this pin features Mickey Mouse coming out of a striped valentine heart with a cupid bow. This is a multi-layered pin: the heart is one layer, Mickey and his right arm is another, and his left arm is the third. The bow is strung with fishing line. The dangle below reads: “DCL Art- ist Choice, Disney Cruise Line.”

Also in February of 2002, there was a surprise re- lease aboard the DCL. With an edition size of 1000, this pin features Captain Mickey and Minnie inside John Rick founded the Central a heart-shaped life preserver. Below the preserver is Jersey Disney Pin Traders in 2002. You can visit the website at the DCL logo inside a ships wheel. The dangle portion www.cjdpt.com and contact him at of the pin is an anchor sign that says “Valentine’s Day [email protected]. John is also one of 2002.” the Hosts of the Disney Pincast- the only weekly podcast dedicated to February 2003 saw the release of the Mickey & Min- Disney Pins. It can be found at nie 3D/Dangle. This limited edition of 1000 includes www.disneypincast.com. John and his wife Sheila live in a pin-on-pin and central New Jersey. dangle design. The pin features Captain Mickey presenting a “Free- D” fabric red rose to his first mate (Minnie) with a heart providing a suitable background for this pin. Below them reads “Disney Cruise Line Happy Valentine’s Day 2003. The dangle portion of the pin is 3 red hearts.

Released in February, Mickey and Minnie celebrated again in 2004 with this limited edi-

24 · Celebrations tion of 1000. This pin features The limited edition Mickey and Minnie exchanging of 500, released in Janu- a big kiss. Minnie is sitting on ary of 2008 onboard the the ship’s wheel while leaning Magic and the Wonder, over and kissing Mickey who featured Mickey dressed is gripping one of the wheel in his captain’s uniform cogs with both hands. Minnie presenting Minnie with is portrayed as she was in early some roses. Minnie is artistic concepts, including her wearing a red dress with famous hat that sported a single flower. “2004 Valentine’s a yellow belt and a red Day” is on the wheel and “Disney Cruise Line” is printed be- bow on her head. A pink flag above Mickey has the Disney low. The pin also includes the DCL logo. Cruise Line’s wave logo on it and Happy Valentine’s 2008 is written above Minnie’s head. Mickey and Minnie are includ- For 2005, Marlin and Dory ed as pin-on-pin elements. graced the 1000 pins that were released in February. From Dis- For Valentine’s ney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Marlin Day 2010, this pin and Dory are a pin-on-pin ele- was released in ment, with the pin also featuring January. Released a treasure chest filled with heart as a limited edition bubbles. This heart-shaped pin also includes the Disney of 500, this pin in- Cruise Line logo and a small heart that reads, “Valentine’s cludes Mickey and Day 2005.” Minnie with glitter filled hearts. The was chosen to heart-shaped pin includes a black silhouette of the Disney celebrate the holiday in 2006. ship against a dark blue night sky. Mickey and Minnie are Released in January with an included as pin-on-pin elements, and Minnie has kissed edition size of 500, she sprin- Mickey several times as can be seen by the lipstick marks on kles pixie dust in the shape of his left cheek. Inside two of the glitter-filled hearts are “2011” a heart over the and “Valentine’s Day.” Also included on the pin is the Disney and Wonder. The dangle is a Cruise Line wave logo. glitter-filled heart with the Dis- ney Cruise Line logo. The top of By keeping the edition sizes small and the pins exclusively the pin is in the shape of a heart on-board the ships, the Disney Pin Team has continued to with a pink background. create pins that have become the most treasured pieces in many a trader’s collection. With 2011 seeing the christening In January of 2007, Mickey of the , and 2012 set as the launch date of the and Minnie shared a Valentine’s Day kiss in this limited edi- Fantasy, we should see the continued release of DCL pins tion Disney Cruise Line pin. With its edition size of 500, Mick- that will celebrate the holidays. The Disney fleet will soon ey and Minnie are featured as be four ships strong, so we will probably see an increase a pin-on-pin element, kissing in the edition sizes in order to accommodate the growing in front of a porthole. You can number of DCL Guests. You can be sure that the pin team see clouds in the porthole will continue to challenge the Disney Design Group to come that spell out “I heart you.” In a up with amazing creations. Not only will they include the heart at the bottom center of characters we’ve come to expect, but also some lesser-rec- the pin are the words, “Happy ognized couples that will help us celebrate this romantic Valentine’s Day 2007.” time of the year in pure Disney style.

25 · Celebrations Garden Grill: Dining with the Land magine sharing the experience of farm-to-table dining with some special Disney Ifriends! You can do so at the Garden Grill Restaurant, an original Epcot dining venue located inside the Land Pavilion in Future World. This restaurant hosts the Character Dining Experience called Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast. But what is farm-to- table dining? Farm-to-table dining means that some of the foods that you’ll enjoy during your meal came right from the greenhouses in located in the pavilion. The Garden Grill Restaurant sits on the top floor of the pavilion, with the tables arranged in a circular dining room that slowly rotates. The revolving floor allows you and your family to enjoy the nearby attraction from a dif- ferent viewpoint. Don’t worry about getting motion sickness at this restaurant, the Garden Grill restaurant moves very slowly. By Allison Jones Since farm-to-table dining means you’ll enjoy delicious food grown in the green- houses in the Land Pavilion, I always suggest riding the Living with the Land attrac- tion before dining at the Garden Grill. You will learn how many of these vegetables were grown, making your dining experience more exciting and educational. The Garden Grill Restaurant serves family style, so the food that you’ll receive at your table arrives in large portions that are perfect for sharing. You can order your choice of beverages that include Coca Cola products, milk, tea, coffee, lemonade, root beer, or specialty drinks. After your drink orders, your server will drop off some piping hot bread with maple butter. While your meal is served in large portions for everyone to share, it’s all-you-can-eat, so make sure you come hungry. The family style meal includes salad, beef, chicken, fish, vegetables, rice, and pota- toes. The salad is a Harvest-Inspired Farmer’s Salad. The entrees include Char-Grilled Filet of Beef with Red Wine Butter, Sustainable Fish with Sweet Tomato and Fennel Chutney, and Roasted Turkey Breast with Cranberry-Orange Relish. The side dishes include Garden Fresh Vegetables, Smashed Potatoes, Turkey Dressing, and Rice Pilaf. For children, they can request an Oven Roasted Chicken Drumstick, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli, and Crispy Sweet Potato Sticks for their meal. As an Orlando local, Allison has seen the growth of the Walt Disney Have Some Friends Over for Dinner! World Resort. She experienced the Besides the scrumptious food, you’ll ex- inside as a Disney Cast Member perience some extra magic during your and has planned Disney vacations meal with some help from Mickey Mouse, for over 10 years. Allison Jones is a Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Pluto. These Disney char- travel consultant with Destinations acters are dressed in their country best; in Florida Travel and MouseDine. Destinations in Florida is an just wait until you see Mickey Mouse Authorized Disney Vacation Planner decked out in his overalls! The character selling Disney vacations. mix is subject to change, but no matter MouseDine is a restaurant who shows up, you can be sure that there consulting company for Disney will be lots of fun in store. You can cap- World Dining Reservations. Visit ture some incredible memories with the www.destinationsinflorida.com or www.mousedine.com for more Disney characters as they stop at your information on Disney Dining. table for autographs and pictures. This is one of the best ways to get pictures with your favorite Disney characters without

26 · Celebrations the hassle of long waits usually found in the parks. Have your camera and autograph books ready!

A Special Treat Be sure you save room for coffee and dessert. The dessert is a sweet and flaky Fruit Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream. This tasty treat, especially when enjoyed with coffee, is a perfect way to end your delicious meal at the Garden Grill restau- rant, just in time to see IllumiNations! Dinner is served from 4-8 PM daily. An Advanced Dining Reservation is highly suggested for this popular Charac- ter Dining Experience. The price is $34.99 per adult plus tip and $16.99 per child (3-9) plus tip. Disney does charge slightly more for special Holiday seatings throughout the year. This restaurant takes one sit down meal on the Disney Dining Plans. This restaurant does have a new cancellation policy. If you cancel within one day of the reservation or are a no show, Disney will charge a $10 per person cancellation pen- alty.

The Chefs at Garden Grill gave us one of the favorite menu items called Cranberry-Orange Relish for our Celebra- tions Magazine friends to enjoy at home. Try the Cranber- ry-Orange Relish for your next dinner. Send me a tweet at www..com/wdwfan to let me know how you liked the recipe!

Cranberry-Orange Relish Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups frozen cranberries, sliced 1 cup sugar 1 cup orange juice ½ teaspoon orange compound (dried orange peel - can be omitted) ½ teaspoon dried ginger 4 ounces mandarin oranges, in a can, diced

Method of Preparation: 1. In a saucepan, add olive oil and heat. 2. Add cranberries. 3. When the cranberries begin to break down, add the sugar, orange juice, orange compound and ginger. 4. Cook ingredients until they are incorporated, then re- move from heat. 5. Add small-diced mandarin oranges and chill. 6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Photos © Disney 27 · Celebrations Recreational Diversions Outside the Parks here are many things that come to mind when you think about a Walt Disney TWorld vacation. It could be the magical experience of a favorite attraction, or the anticipation of patiently waiting for a hug and picture with your favorite Disney character. Perhaps it’s the delicious dining, the inviting resorts, or even the friendly Cast Members who are ready to cater to your every need. By Beci Mahnken While those are the usual hallmarks of a typical Disney getaway, some vacation CTC-MCC goers may not realize that there is also an abundance of recreational activities available outside the theme park gates. Here are just a few of the options available to anyone who’s looking for some vacation fun away from the parks.

Drop a Line! Catch-and-release fishing excursions launch from several Disney World marinas, including the Boardwalk Resort, the Yacht & Beach Club, the Contemporary, the Polynesian, Port Orleans, and several other convenient locations. Board a pontoon boat and enjoy a two-hour excursion that includes rod, reel, tackle, bait, and an ex- pert guide. Get more information by calling 407-WDW-BASS (939-2277). You can also elect to fish the old-fashioned way; dockside. Cane poles can be rent- ed at Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds.

Saddle Up! The Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground of- fers a variety of activities for the whole family. Chief among these are the 45-minute guided trail rides (on either horseback or wagon) that offer a unique way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Please note there are height & weight restrictions Beci Mahnken, CTC-MCC is the Founder, President and CEO of to ride horseback. For the younger members of the family (ages 2+ and under 45 MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel pounds) pony rides are available. Holiday sleigh rides and Haunted Carriage rides – An Authorized Disney Vacation also depart seasonally. Call 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529) for more information. Planner - Beci has over 12 years vacation planning experience, Do You Feel the Need for Speed? specializing in vacation packages Then take the wheel of a 358-cubic-inch V-8 NASCAR Cup style stock car and test and cruises, with a team of over 75 affiliates nationwide. your skills with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, located right outside the Visit: www.MouseFanTravel.com or Magic Kingdom. Not quite ready to hit 140 mph on your own? No worries. You can follow her on twitter experience the same thrill as you ride shotgun with a professional driving instruc- @beci_mousefan tor. If you crave the excitement of an Indy car, then the Indy Racing Experience is for you! You can ride behind an Indy Racing League driver or drive these Indy machines yourself. For once-in-a-lifetime thrills, this experience can’t be beat. Currently, the only other venue that allows you to get behind the wheel of an actual Indy car is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself! Thrill seekers have the opportunity to race around the 1-mile track for 8 laps. Call 800-BE-PETTY (237-3889) to reserve your spot, or 888-357-5002 for the Indy Racing Experience. But wait! There’s more! Coming in January 2012 you can also get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or Ferrari with the Exotic Driving Experience. It may not be the

28 · Celebrations Piston Cup, but I’m sure it will be just as thrilling!

Slowing It Down Traditional 2-wheel bicycles and 4-wheel surrey bikes are available for rent throughout Walt Disney World, including the Wilderness Lodge and the Fort Wilderness campground (which feature a network of trails that wind through and connect the two resorts), the BoardWalk, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, both Port Orleans Resorts, and Old Key West. Enjoy a leisurely ride in the woods, around the Board- Walk (be sure to work up enough speed to get over those hills!), or down one of the many scenic trails. Check with your resort for rental locations.

Catch a Wave If water sports are your thing, you might have a hard time fitting the theme parks in your schedule! That’s because you’ll be busy checking out all the water sport options at Walt Disney World. The marina at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the place to be if you’re looking for a wet and wild adventure on . You can choose from waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and even parasailing to get a birds- eye view of the lake and the surrounding resorts. You can get more info by calling 407-939-0754. Want to learn how to surf? Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon wa- ter park provides a Learn to Surf program on select days be- fore the park opens. The 2.5 hour sessions are available and can also check out the Dolphins In Depth Tour or the Seas include 30 minutes of instruction on land before you hang Aqua Tour. Get all the info on these adventures by calling ten in the controlled waters of the surf pool. You can make 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). arrangements for your lesson by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Take aim and hit your target Fort Wilderness also serves up the opportunity to try Skipper Your Own Boat your hand at mastering the bow and arrow with their Ar- From Sea Raycers and pontoon boats to sailboats and ca- chery Experience. The program is available a few days each noes, Walt Disney World has an array of rentals that allow week for ages 6 and up and includes tips from an accom- you to captain your own water adventure along the many plished instructor as you take aim at a range target. For lakes, lagoons, and bays. Pontoon boats and Sea Raycers are a schedule and to reserve time at the archery range call available at many of the marinas. Sailboats are available at 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Caribbean Beach Resort and Catamarans can be found at the Grand Floridian Resort. Of course, this list is just scratching the surface of all the wonderful things you can experience at the Walt Disney Go Under the Sea World Resort, many without even stepping foot in a theme Scuba certified guests can get up close and personal with park. Pricing varies per experience and keep in mind many the over 6,000 residents of Epcot’s 5.7 million gallon salt- have rules and restrictions (age, height, weight, etc.), so be water Caribbean reef aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & sure to check before you book. Friends pavilion. All diving equipment is provided for this Hmm, I’m thinking I need to take this list and go do some three-hour experience. Guests who are not scuba certified “research”!

Photo © Disney 29 · Celebrations The Bread and The Wine (and The Chocolate?) o adventure into the great state of California is complete without a quesadilla, Na glass of wine (for those of appropriate age), and a bite of San Francisco sour- dough bread. Disney embraced these parts of the California lifestyle in the Golden Vines and Pacific Wharf areas of the park. Far more than just thoroughfares to the upcoming Carsland, the Pacific Wharf area captures the feel of Cannery Row in the northern city of Monterey, and the By J Darling relaxed feel of some areas of the famous Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, while never copying either one. The wooden planked buildings and small factories and stands are just the sort of things found on California Historic piers, sandwiched in between tourist-driven gift shops. Disney embraced all that was classic and time- less about these waterside streets and translated the best features into one artis- tic, browsable area. But there is more than just looking to be done here. The area within the alleyway of the Pacific Warf is usually thick with delicious smells. Throughout the day, the most recognizable scent is the smell of fresh baked sourdough bread. Guests following their noses will discover a Boudin’s sourdough bakery welcoming them for a tour. Upon entering the building, Guests are offered a taste of the delicious bread. Guests can nibble their treats (freshly baked that day) while watching the video about the history of sourdough bread. It’s standing room only for this show, and though that may seem a little ‘dry’ to some, the bread isn’t and neither is the show – as Rosie O’Donnell and Colin Mochrie (of Whose Line Is It J Darling is a California native and Anyway?) bring Disney Edutainment to life. A pair of doors slides open and Rose and life long Disney fan. Her parents first Colin follow Guests into the bakery (via well placed screens throughout the factory). took her to Disneyland when she was From behind glass walls, Guests get to watch the bakers hard at work making all 2 years old. According to them, her sorts of different shapes and sizes of sourdough bread for the day. The bread is used eyes just popped out of her head, and at the Pacific Wharf Café and is for sale on stands throughout the park. A Guest fa- apparently they never went back in. vorite for those with a serious taste for mother-dough is the Mickey Mouse shaped Outside of her Disney fandom, J is a singer, songwriter, blogger, and loaf. The head is complete with eyes, nose, and mouth details! Weighing in at several theatrical actress. pounds, the loaf makes a great quick snack throughout the day, or a great conversa- You can find her music at tion piece when served up at a later date. For something more manageable, the café www.jdarlingmusic.com serves sandwiches, hearty soups (including Monterey Clam Chowder) and salads in and on Myspace at bread bowls. Seating is outdoors under umbrellas, bringing on a true pier-side feel. www.jdarlingmusicmyspace.com. While this area is themed more after northern California, San Diego snuck in as Her blogs are available at www.jjourneybook.blogspot.com. well. Adult Guests looking for something unique to wash down their sourdough won’t be disappointed. Across the pier just a few steps is a yellow stand serving Karl Strauss beer. Though the Boudin family started making bread in 1849 and the Strauss brothers started making their award winning beer in 1988, they seem to complement each other perfectly. Not in the mood for sourdough or a brew? There is also a margarita stand open on the wharf (hours vary), the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill counter service (a nod to the strong Mexican influence in Southern California), and The Lucky Fortune Cookery – another counter service sharing the same seating area (and paying hom-

30 · Celebrations age to the wonderful Chinatowns located in nearly every world of Cars!). The Blue Sky Cellar has given Guests insight major California coastal city). to the and the new Paradise Pier long before Ready for dessert? Ghiardellis announced this week that they became realized experiences to be enjoyed by the en- they are coming to Disney’s California Adventure. It will tire family. The current exhibition focuses on changes hap- surely be a delectable addition! pening in the Hollywood section of the Park. Buena Vista street changes the atmosphere from a “Hollywood in its Parallel to The Pacific Wharf is the Golden Vine Winery. Heyday” Disney Studios feel to the way downtown Los An- This is a perfect hollow for adults to slip away and enjoy a geles may have felt as Walt encountered it in the 1920s, com- taste of the beautiful California wine culture. Themed after plete with Red Trolley Street Cars. On the way out, it’s easy California’s Napa Valley, there is a small ramp that allows to look over one fun attraction in this space. Hidden among Guests to get a glimpse of the vines that make up a work- the wine casks on the wall are kiosks where Guests can ing winery. Nearly 90% of American wines are made in Cali- challenge their Disney knowledge with a trivia game. This fornia and they have been praised around the world since is a great way to get out of the sometimes-oppressive Cali- the 1970s. Naturally, there is a wine tasting bar located here, fornia sun and slow down. The Blue Sky Cellar is all about but also a culinary delight perfectly geared toward families. taking in the details. The Wine Country Trattoria offers Italian food spanning Continuing on through the Golden Vine Winery, Guests the palate, offering something for everyone: beef, chicken, will come across a true hidden treasure – and my preferred fish, lamb, pastas, and soups. This is also one of the locations way of seeing World of Color. Hidden among the vines and offering Prix Fixe meals for the behind a short stucco wall is So- World of Color dining packages – noma Terrace, a shaded patio though nothing beats a glass of where Guests can pick up a pic- wine and a bowl of soup as a Dis- nic pack prior to the show. While ney parade goes by in the middle advance reservations are always of the day. Some advance plan- advisable, Guests can usually ning is necessary for the World of stroll in on the same day and pick Color dining package and reser- up a picnic meal and - vations are recommended, but in es for a preferred area to view most cases, unlike at Walt Disney World, they can be made World of Color. At press time, Guests could choose between a day or two before arriving. While diners can’t actually an All American meal (starring honey stung fried chicken watch the water spectacular from their seats, Guests who served cold and apple pie), a European Antipasto (cured purchase that package are offered a preferred seating sec- meats, cheeses, and chocolate-dipped tiramisu), the Taste tion for the show. If you’re looking for a healthy dining op- of Asia meal (chilled miso-glazed salmon and mandarin or- tion while in Disney California Adventure, the Trattoria is ange cake), and the Mediterranean Vegetarian meal (a per- one of your best bets. For Guests looking for a place to put sonal favorite - marinated grilled veggie wrap with lemon their feet up and enjoy some of California’s legacy in a glass, cake). A popular option with Annual Passholders (especially the wine tasting patio is a perfect escape. since Annual Passholders get a Discount) is to pre-order a Currently, the most prominent attraction found at the picnic, pick it up at any point during the day, and store it in Golden Vine Winery is the Blue Sky Cellar. While this may a locker (or other cool place) for lunch or dinner time. Each be temporary, it currently houses exhibits about coming meal costs a reasonable $16 and is a great option for those attractions to Disney California Adventure. Exhibits may who don’t want to wait in a FastPass line as soon as the park change, but have included scale models of The Little Mer- opens to ensure a good viewing spot. maid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and Goofy’s Sky School. A regularly updated video shows progress of current projects One of the greatest delights in Disney Parks comes from (such as the much anticipated Carsland opening in 2012 – the little things – so take the time to slow down and enjoy stay tuned to your next issue of Celebrations Magazine for a stroll through these tucked away corners of DCA. Let your coverage of the amazing trip into Radiator Springs and the taste buds lead the way.

Photo © Michelle Harris 31 · Celebrations By Don Myers, Jr. he Country Bear Jamboree has been a staple of Walt Disney TWorld’s Frontierland since the Park opened its gates nearly forty-one years ago. The attraction’s roots go all the way back to the mid-60s, but not to Disneyland as you might expect. The origi- nal stomping grounds for the bears was intended for California, but it wasn’t going to be anywhere near Anaheim. Instead, the Coun- try Bear Jamboree was going to be a feature attraction at “Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort,” a ski lodge that Walt Disney was hoping to build near California’s Sequoia National Park.

32 · Celebrations Walt recruited Marc Davis to bring the bears to life. With projects such as the , the Enchanted Tiki Room, it’s a small world, and of Prog- ress under his belt, Davis was already a well renowned Imagineer. In addition, Davis had also been a successful animator for Disney prior to his Imagineering work, creating characters like Br’er Rabbit, Maleficent, Tinker Bell, and Cruella De Vil just to name a few. Assisting Davis was fellow Imagineer Al Bertino. Bertino had compiled an im- pressive resume of his own, having been an animator on Disney classics like Fan- tasia and Pinocchio, as well as being involved in the development of attractions like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Toward the end of 1966, Davis and Bertino were hard at work on the new proj- ect. They knew there was going to be a band of singing bears, but they still weren’t sure what the bears were going to look like, or even what kind of music the bears would be singing and playing. At one point, there were even drawings made up for a mariachi bear band! But the country theme was eventually decided on, and plans seemed to be moving forward. However, the ski resort was never built, due to environmental concerns raised by a coalition of preservationists. With plans for the resort now scrapped, the bears were in need of a new home, and the soon-to-be-opened theme park in Florida was the logical choice. With the Country Bears back on track, Grizzly Hall was constructed in Frontierland to serve as the bear’s home base. After nearly six years in the making, the Country Bear Jamboree finally made its debut on October 1, 1971. The attraction was an instant success. Guests just couldn’t get enough of the hand clappin’, feet stompin’ good ol’ country fun featur- ing such lovable characters as Henry, Wendell, Big Al, and Liver Lips McGrowl. So much so in fact that when Disneyland’s version of the attraction opened in 1972, their Grizzly Hall came equipped with double theaters!

Photo © Tim Devine 33 · Celebrations Back at the Magic Kingdom, the Country Bear experience a tune from Liver Lips McGrowl sandwiched in between. begins as soon as you step off the streets of Frontierland Trixie is next, with a sad, slow melody entitled “Tears Will and enter Grizzly Hall. Everything is wooden and rustic, Be the Chaser for Your Wine.” Trixie is followed up by the Five from the floors and the walls to the benches and light fix- Bear Rugs, who have returned with another hand clappin’ tures. A collection of antique photographs hangs about the feet stompin’ tune to get the crowd revved back up. A slew of room, giving you a glimpse of some of the performers that songs then follow, including “Heart We Did All We Could” by await you inside the theater. the swinging Teddi Barra, and “Blood on the Saddle” by Big Al. Once you enter and find a seat, you’ll notice three stuffed After Big Al, Henry is back (with his raccoon pal Sammy) to animal heads hanging on the wall to your right. They are sing “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.” But before he can finish, Melvin (the ), Max (the Deer), and Buff (the Buffalo). Big Al interrupts him and begins playing again out of turn. Soon, the heads spring to Audio-Animatronic life, demand- This causes an impromptu Grand Finale, in which the ma- ing that Henry start the show. Who’s Henry? Henry is the jority of the bears return to sing “Ole Slew Foot.” Undeterred, emcee of the Jamboree, and he is brought to life by the Big Al continues his serenade of “Blood on the Saddle” while voice talents of Pete Renaday (Renaday also provides the the rest of the Country Bears sing the Grand Finale. voice for Max the hanging deer head). Henry seems to An instant hit, the raucous Jamboree would go on to en- have been caught off guard by the crowd’s presence, but he tertain Guests in its original form for over thirteen years. In quickly gathers himself together and, accompanied by his the winter of 1984, Grizzly Hall received a holiday makeover. pal Gomer, begins the show with the first musical number Dubbed “The Country Bear Christmas Special,” the all-new “Pianjo.” Next, Henry introduces the Five Bear Rugs (plus show made its debut on December 19, and featured a classic Gomer), who (along with vocals from Henry) get Grizzly Hall slate of holiday tunes including “The Twelve Days of Christ- hootin’ and hollerin’ with the upbeat “Bear Band Serenade.” mas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Deck the Halls,” “Let From there, it’s a pair of songs from Henry and Wendell, with it Snow,” and more. Naturally, all of the bears featured in the original show were back again for the Christmas Special, in- cluding Big Al, Wendell, Teddi Barra, and Liver Lips McGrowl, with Henry as emcee. The Country Bear Christmas Special made recurring appearances for twenty-two years, ending its run with the 2005-2006 holiday season. 1986 ushered in another new show, “The Country Bear Va- cation Hoedown.” Once again, all the bears from the original show were present, as were Buff, Max, and Melvin. This time though, the bears were donning a brand new wardrobe for the show’s vacation theme. Henry was sporting his child- hood t-shirt from Camp Grizzly, and his top hat had been replaced with that of a Scout Master’s. Big Al’s vest had been exchanged for red flannel, and he was now wearing a min- er’s helmet and knapsack (complete with sleeping bag and fishing pole).Other new attire included Trixie in a sun dress and hat, Wendell sporting a Hawaiian shirt and camera, and Liver Lips dressed as a lederhosen clad Elvis Presley! But the clothing and props weren’t the only changes to take place. The original soundtrack was completely removed, with a whole new batch of tunes now in place. Familiar songs were now a focal part of the show, with tracks like Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” in the mix, as well as a few parodies of songs by the Beach Boys (“California Bears”) and John Denver (“Thank God I’m a Country Bear”).

34 · Celebrations have come to fruition, who knows what the future would have held for the attraction. One thing is for sure howev- er, and that’s the fact that the Country Bear Jamboree has stood the test of time in its little section of Frontierland for almost forty-one years now.

Country Bear Jamboree Secrets & Little Known Facts • The character of “Big Al” was created in the image of Al Ber- tino (Bertino served as one of the primary Imagineers for the attraction). • In addition to Henry and Max, Pete Renaday was also the voice of Captain Nemo in the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction as well as the narrator for the Transit Authority. You can still hear him today on the Lib- erty Square Riverboat, providing the voice of Mark Twain. • The show features 24 Audio-Animatronics figures, includ- ing 18 bears. • Composer was brought in to create the mu- sic for several of the show’s songs, including “Bear Band Ser- enade” and “Come Again,” the song played as you exit. The Country Bear Vacation Hoedown was a fun show, • The lyrics for “Bear Band Serenade” were written by Disney but Guests longed for a return to the original Country Bear Legend Francis (X Atencio). Atencio is also Jamboree. In 1991, with attendance dwindling for the Va- the man behind the lyrics to “Grimm Grinning Ghosts” and cation Hoedown, Grizzly Hall closed down for a major re- “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me).” furbishment. When it opened back up in February of 1992, • Throughout the duration of the show, Henry appears on Guests were delighted to discover that the original show three of the five stages. At the beginning, he emerges from had returned. behind the right-center stage curtain. Then at the 3:30 The Country Bear Jamboree is still going strong today at point of the show, he’s at the left-center stage toting a gui- Walt Disney World, but the bears had a harder time finding tar for his duet with Wendell. Henry stays to the left-center an audience out in California. On September 8, 2001, nearly for a few songs, and then he’s back to the right-center. Then thirty years into its run, Disneyland’s version of Grizzly Hall it’s back to the left-center for Teddi Barra’s introduction, saw its final performances of the Country Bear Jamboree. before finally appearing at the far-right stage to perform The next day, the attraction was closed and the Country the Ballad of Davy Crockett! Bears were replaced by another bear, Winnie the Pooh. As • When the Country Bear Jamboree opened up in 1971, it was popular as the attraction was (and still is) in Florida, the an “” attraction. Country Bears just couldn’t find their niche out in Califor- • In 1978, the land where Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort was nia. But the same can’t be said for ’s ver- to be built officially became a part of Sequoia National Park. sion of the attraction. The Country Bear Theater opened up • The Country Bear Jamboree even spawned its very own on April 15, 1983 in the park’s “Westernland,” and continues to Character Breakfast! Named “The Melvin the Moose’s go strong to this day. If fact, Tokyo Disneyland still features Breakfast Show” (after the talking stuffed moose head), all three shows! That’s right, at different times throughout the meal was housed inside Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort the year, you can visit Westernland and enjoy the original Wilderness Resort and Campground. It made its debut in show, the Vacation Hoedown, and the Christmas Special (or 1986, and the title was changed to “Chip n Dale’s Country as they call it, the “Jingle Bell Jamboree”). Morning Jamboree featuring Melvin the Moose” about a It’s hard to imagine Frontierland without the Country year later. The Character Breakfast was discontinued in Bear Jamboree. But if Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort would 1991 after a run of about five years.

Photos © Tim Devine 35 · Celebrations By Don Myers, Jr.

36 · Celebrations rom afar, the Walt Disney World Dolphin is a sight to magic, and a unique architectural creation. Whimsy and Fbehold. The main portion of the building is 12-stories sophistication came together like no one had seen before, tall. A triangular tower carves out the middle of the resort, and the resort possessed that special Disney touch that climbing 257 feet into the Florida sky. The two dolphin stat- continues to be present today. While the Dolphin is owned ues high atop the resort are also sure to catch your eye, and and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide un- with each statue measuring in at a height of 56 feet, it’s easy der the Sheraton Hotels brand, it is as iconic to the Disney to see why. But once you arrive at the Dolphin, the architec- landscape as any other deluxe resort. tural journey really gets going. One of the primary themes The Dolphin features a wide variety of recreational op- of the Dolphin (and its sister resort the Swan) is water. So tions for you to choose from. Between the main Grotto it’s no surprise that you’ll find fountains scattered through- Pool, the lap pools, and the watercraft rentals, you’ll find out the property, both indoors and out. These fountains are all your aquatic needs covered. And for you land-lovers, the true works of art. Each one is unique, and they all do a per- Dolphin has basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts. fect job of tying the resort’s theme together. There’s even You’ll also find the and Fairways Minia- a fountain with 9-stories of cascading water! The water ture Golf Course within walking distance of the resort. And pools into a gigantic clamshell and picturesque views of the if the weather’s not cooperating, fear not; the Dolphin even fountain can be seen from many of the resort’s restaurants has its own indoor health club. While the majority of these and lounges. Additionally, the resort is home to a number recreational options are commonplace among the Walt Dis- of breathtaking murals and other works of art. These cre- ney World resorts, there is one thing that sets the Dolphin ations breathe life into the resort, and along with the foun- apart from most of the others: the Bali-themed Mandara tains and other architecture, do a perfect job of driving the Spa. Covering an area of 12,000 square feet, this unique spa Dolphin’s aquatic theme home. features a vast array of facials, wraps, and massages to relax The man we have to thank for all of this is Michael Graves. you and indulge your senses. Graves, a renowned architect, was brought into the mix in Venture over to the Dolphin and you’ll discover a resort 1986. Graves had been designing buildings for nearly twen- that features incredible design and unique décor, some- ty-five years, and a year prior, he had been the architect thing Guests of Walt Disney World have grown accustomed for Disney’s Corporate Headquarters in Burbank. Despite to. But that just scratches the surface. When you combine the fact that he had never designed a hotel before, Disney the brilliant architecture with the award-winning restau- knew what they were getting with Graves. In the summer rants, Mandara Spa, and everything else the Dolphin has to of 1990, when all was said and done, the result turned out to offer, it becomes clear you’ve got all the ingredients needed be much more than a 1,509 room hotel. It was pure Disney for an unforgettable Disney Vacation!

Photos © Tim Foster 37 · Celebrations WDW Dolphin SECRETS & • Todd English’s BlueZoo was designed by architect Jeffrey LITTLE KNOWN FACTS Beers. Additionally, the restaurant has been on the AAA Four Diamond Award winners list every year since 2004. • The two dolphin statues that sit atop the Resort weigh • The menus at Shula’s Steakhouse are unlike anything else 60,000 pounds, identical to the weight of the two swan you will find at Walt Disney World, as they are painted by statues at its sister resort. But the dolphin statues have hand onto an official NFL Football. the swans beat when it comes to height. The two 56-foot • There’s a plethora of Hidden Mickey’s hiding over at the dolphins are 9 feet taller than their swan counterparts, Dolphin, and they’re out there just waiting for you to find which stand at a height of 47 feet. them! For starters, be sure to check out the Dolphin’s lob- • In addition, the statues are designed to resemble nautical by. Next, head over to the bridge between the Dolphin and dolphins, not mammalian dolphins. You’ll find this nauti- Swan Resorts and do some exploring. Finally, for Hidden cal dolphin design featured throughout the Resort. Mickey fun inside the guest rooms, carefully study the • The Dolphin’s room total of 1,509 nearly doubles that of its headboard on your bed! sister resort, the Swan, which has 756 rooms. • Between 1986 and 1991, Dolphin architect Michael Graves designed more than 20 buildings in the United States, France, and Japan! • The Dolphin’s restaurant and lounge total of 9 is more than French Quarter, Riverside, and Caribbean Beach… COMBINED! • Todd English’s BlueZoo and Shula’s Steakhouse have both been recipients of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Both restaurants have won the award multiple times.

38 · Celebrations WDW Dolphin Restaurants

• If Signature Dining and seafood are your thing, look no further than Todd English’s BlueZoo. Lobster, shrimp, tuna, cod, salmon, clams, scallops, oysters, and more-it’s all fresh and it’s all here. Hinted at in the restaurant’s name, the menu was created by Chef Todd English. In addition to the exceptional menu, you’ll also find an expansive wine list as well. • Themed after the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins (who were coached by none other than Don Shula), no sports fan should miss Shula’s Steakhouse. A Signature Dining experience, Shula’s Steakhouse specializes in, what else, steak! From the 10 oz Steak Mary Anne all the way up to the 48 oz Porterhouse, carnivores of all ages are sure to rejoice. And if you can finish off the massive Porterhouse, you’re inducted into “Shula’s 48-Ounce Club!” • Picabu’s is a quick-service restaurant that serves up its meals buffet style, so there’s sure to be a little something there for ev- eryone. Picabu’s is waiting there whenever you’re hungry, as it’s open 24 hours. The restaurant even has its own mascot! • Fresh Mediterranean Market is open for breakfast and lunch (lunch is seasonal), and serves up the finest delicacies the region has to offer. Greek, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan cuisine, and more, you’ll find them all at Fresh Mediterranean Market. Breakfast is set up buffet-style, and highlights include classic favorites like eggs, pancakes, waffles, French toast, sausage, bacon, cereal, and pastries. • The Fountain is where you’ll find all your sweet tooth needs and more. Shakes, malts, cookies, cakes, pies, hand-dipped, and soft- serve ice cream are all waiting here for your enjoyment. The Fountain also offers up a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and is open for both lunch and dinner. • Cabana Bar & Beach Club is a pool-side oasis that specializes in frozen drinks and cocktails. Flatbreads, salads, and other snacks are also available.

Photos © and Dolphin 39 · Celebrations 40 · Celebrations ince ancient times, stories of epic battles and mysti- humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film, originally Scal legends have been passed through the generations titled The Bear and the Bow, is Pixar’s first fairy tale. The story across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In itself, written by Brenda Chapman, was inspired by Hans Brave, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm. Chapman’s (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and love for her daughter was also a key element in the devel- the fiercest of beasts. opment of the story. Originally, the movie was intended to Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of have a Christmas 2011 release, but is now set to open on June King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice 22, 2012. This breathtaking tale takes place in the 10th centu- of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in ry in the mysterious highlands of Scotland, and will feature life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproari- the first female protagonist in a Pixar film. Kelly Macdon- ous lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin ald, who plays Merida, was recently seen in Harry Potter and McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, the final installment of the Harry cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Meri- Potter film franchise, where she played the Grey Lady, later da’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the king- revealed to be Helena Ravenclaw. dom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (voice of A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The and signature Pixar humor, Brave uncovers a new tale in ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true the mysterious Highlands of Scotland where the impetu- bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late. ous Merida defies an age-old custom and inadvertently un- Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and leashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true produced by Katherine Sarafian, Brave is a grand adventure bravery before it’s too late. Presented in Disney Digital 3D™ full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar in select theaters.

Artwork ©Disney 41 · Celebrations 42 · Celebrations by Lou Mongello

Hey, howdy hey! Welcome to the Wild West of Frontierland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Unlike the dangerous realities of the real early American frontier, Frontierland looks at the glorified and romanticized West of the movies, television and tall tales. Walt Disney loved America, and that sense of patriotism came through in Walt Disney World’s Main Street, U.S.A. and Liberty Square. He wanted Americans to learn about and appreciate their heritage and recognize the importance of historical events, par- ticularly how they shaped the freedoms they enjoy today. He once said “All of us have a cause to be proud of our country’s history, shaped by the pioneering spirit of our forefathers…Our adven- tures are designed to give you the feeling of having lived, even for a short while, during our country’s pioneer days.”

43 · Celebrations Like much of the Magic Kingdom, Frontierland was in- a Pueblo Indian village. spired by the original at Disneyland, but the Florida version There would also be a turned out differently in many ways. Walt Disney never liked pack mule ride working repeating himself, (“You can’t follow pigs with pigs,” he said, its way across the stone referring to his reluctance to do a Three LIttle Pigs sequel bluffs, and like Splash after the original 1933 film’s success) so the Frontierland in Mountain today, the Florida expanded on what he had learned in California, with Walt Disney World Rail- unique attractions and a novel philosophical approach. In road would have trav- contrast to the rustic, historical vision seen in Disneyland, eled straight through Florida’s Frontierland is brighter in color and more humor- the mountain range. ous in overall tone. However, the flagship But Frontierland today looks vastly different than what attraction would have the original plans called for... been the Western River Expedition, a “Pirates Frontierland Takes Shape of the Caribbean in the Picture in your mind’s eye the area currently occupied by Wild West.” Staged in- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Now imagine going back side the mountain itself, in time to Opening Day, 1971. In that location was basically a Guests journey through great, big bunch of nothing - a wide open, green space that a boat ride like Pirates, served as a placeholder for what was going to be a Thunder through the legendary Mesa - a huge, looming, and mountainous backdrop which days of cowboys and In- would have served as the centerpiece of Frontierland. dians. Originally planned Plans for Walt Disney World originally did not include a as an attraction for Riv- attraction, as Disney believed that erboat Square, an indoor Florida’s proximity to the real Caribbean would reduce in- theme park Disney was terest from Floridians in a ride about a place so close to looking to build in St. home. And much like Walt Disney himself, Dick Irvine, then Louis, this boat-based, the chief executive of Imagineering (then known as WED), audio-animatronics at- wanted Walt Disney World to be more than simply a clone traction would have rec- of Disneyland. Instead, legendary Imagineer Marc Davis de- reated Lewis and Clark’s signed a new themed area, unique to Walt Disney World, and historic journey through which would focus on the Wild West of American folklore. the American West. Like Pirates, it would have been a musi- More than a single attraction, Thunder Mesa would have cal experience with a recurring theme song and other lively encompassed a large area, and included at least three at- music by legendary Disney composer . Near the tractions in a gigantic, four-story . Designed end of the attraction, Guests would have experienced a wild to look like the mesas and deserts of Utah’s Monument trip through the rapids and a fall down a waterfall to avoid Valley, it would have literally changed the Magic Kingdom’s the outlaws. landscape in dramatic fashion. Plans for the attraction Early park maps and even souvenir postcards heralded were so elaborate and expansive that it would have been the impending opening of the new area. In 1969, preview nearly three times the size of ! literature for Walt Disney World was heavily promoting Marc Davis imagined almost a land unto itself, including Thunder Mesa. In 1973 at The Walt Disney Story, Hoot Gib- a runaway mine train ride. (Of course, no good idea ever dies son, the wise old owl who was to serve as the host of Thun- at Imagineering, and thus Big Thunder Mountain was later der Mesa, described the attraction to Guests and invited born). Additionally, Thunder Mesa would have had a series them to come back when it opened. Elaborate models had of hiking trails atop the mesa where Guests would walk been built, work had begun on some of the animal audio- by natural arches, waterfalls, desert flora and fauna and animatronics and Disney Legend had done many

44 · Celebrations Photo © Tim Devine concept paintings. Land had been even been cleared for the (the Island wouldn’t open until 1973), and thus no rafts plied show building.... but... When the Magic Kingdom opened in the Rivers of America as yet. There was no Caribbean Plaza October, 1971, Guests clamored for the legendary Pirates of allowing you to move from Frontierland to the Caribbean attraction that they either enjoyed in Dis- (because there was no Pirates of the Caribbean and thus neyland, or saw previews for on TV. Then-Disney Company Adventureland dead-ended at the Tropical Serenade). How- President agreed with the Guests. That, cou- ever, over the decades, just like a real Western town, Fron- pled with serious budget concerns and interest in Westerns tierland continued to expand in order to meet the needs of declining, the development of Thunder Mesa was shelved, the people. and Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Walt Disney World’s Adventureland in 1973. Expanding the New Frontier As long as you’re still imagining Frontierland around Oc- Frontierland tells many stories, including the overriding tober 1, 1971, you would have been able to look around and tales of America’s expansion - both from East to West as well see that there was no train depot and the Walt Disney World as from West to East - from St. Louis in the early 1840s all Railroad only provided a single-stop, “grand circle tour” of the way through to a California ghost town in the late 1880s, the Magic Kingdom. Tom Sawyer Island wasn’t complete after the gold rush boom of the time.

45 · Celebrations While some attractions, stories and experiences in Walt ibles shop on Main Street, USA until they stopped being Disney World were unique to the park, others were, in many required in 1995. One of the opening-day Magic Kingdom ways, inspired by the Disneyland originals. shows, it was replaced from 1986 until the mid-90s by a One of the most obvious is the Diamond Horseshoe Sa- similar variety show entitled the “Diamond Horseshoe Jam- loon, inspired by the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in Disney- boree” featuring Miss Lily Langtree and Sam the Bartender. land. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue officially closed in Disneyland’s “The Golden Horseshoe Revue” was “the world’s January 2003 and was replaced by Goofy’s Country Dancin’ longest-running live stage show,”ran from July 1955 through Jamboree. The show closed in 2004, and the location was October 1986, providing more than 50,000 shows for mil- later used as a character meet and greet location primar- lions of Guests. , a lead performer whose roles ily for the Western characters from Toy Story 2 like Woody included a traveling salesman as well as Pecos Bill, came out and Jessie. Today, the Diamond Horseshoe is a quick-service to Florida in 1971 to stage the same show for Walt Disney eatery during lunchtime, serving sandwiches and snacks. World’s Diamond Horseshoe (which also inspired the Hoop- For dinner, it is a Casual Dining restaurant serving all-you- De-Doo Revue dinner show at Ft. Wilderness). care-to-eat American dishes such as Saloon Salad and the “The Diamond Horseshoe Revue” was a reservation-only Ranchhand’s Feast. show in Walt Disney World, with Guests having to get seat- The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, an opening day attrac- ing times and table numbers from the Disneyana Collect- tion, originally fired real lead pellets at the frontier-themed

46 · Celebrations Photo © Tim Devine metal targets in the “Boot Hill Cem- blue Saloon building on the left was the location of the Mile etery” and nearby ghost town. In 1982, Long Bar. It closed and became part of Pecos Bill’s during the the .54 caliber Hawken rifles that were 1998 refurbishment. commonly used on the frontier were converted to the infrared beams that Wet & Wild are used today. Bringing Splash Mountain to Walt Disney World in the The nearby Frontier Trading Post early 1990’s meant that the landscape of Frontierland would once sold authentic cowboy hats and have to change dramatically. When the Magic Kingdom boots, jewelry, toy guns, as well as Indi- first opened in October 1971, there was only one train sta- an items like headdresses, moccasins, tion for the Walt Disney World Railroad, located at Main tom toms and even peace pipes. Street, USA. Until the original Frontierland Railroad Station Outside, the street in front of the opened 8 months later in May 1972, passengers only saw a Frontier Mercantile and the covered water tower and small shack in that nearly empty area of breezeway to Adventureland was Frontierland. When the station opened, it marked the west- once home to Walt Disney World’s ernmost point of Frontierland for nearly two decades, as first, and very unique, stunt show. well as the only other stop on the Railroad line until Mick- The Frontierland Stunt Show began ey’s Birthdayland opened in 1988. The small building consist- in 1986, near the original Walt Disney ed of a single room with benches and a loading platform World railroad station, but moved raised only about 5 feet above ground level. In 1992, the origi- the following year to the street near nal Frontierland Station was torn down, with new depot the Country Bear Jamboree. The live- built and incorporated into the Splash Mountain attrac- action show featured cowboys with tion, serving as a transition element between the theming, names like “Marshal Lucas Tanner”, architecture, geography and time between the Splash and “Cactus Jack Slade”, “Cody Garrett” and Big Thunder Mountains. (Of course, the demolition of the “The Stupid Kid.” The cowboys would original Frontierland station meant that for many months, be planning a bank robbery (although the Railroad could not make a full loop, and instead ran be- no bank seems to exist in Frontier- tween Main Street, USA and Mickey’s Starland. Backwards.). land), and this 10-minute comedy The demolition of the station also afforded Imagineers the show climaxed with a gunfight on opportunity to gradually change the theming of the area the rooftops between the Country Bear Jamboree and the from the Wild West to the Deep South of Splash Mountain. Frontier Mercantile Shop, directly over the walkway to Ad- Oh, and speaking of great Marc-Davis-Thunder-Mesa- ventureland. The show entertained Guests for 9 years until ideas-that-never-were-lost, Imagineer adapted it ended its run in 1994. A Pecos Bill Café has been a part of Marc Davis’ original Thunder Mesa runaway railroad con- Frontierland since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, but cept into the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that debuted during an expansion in the 90’s, it also became a home of in Disneyland in 1979 and a larger version in Walt Disney relics from stories of the Old West by becoming Pecos Bill World the following year. How large? The total cost of this Tall Tale Inn and Café. Originally located next door to the single attraction was about $17 million - equal to the entire original Pecos Bill Café was The Mile Long Bar. When it amount it took to build all of Disneyland in 1955. opened, it sold Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay snack items, and And Thunder Mesa? Well, that didn’t completely die, ei- then later sold small Mexican entrees, churros and bever- ther. Baxter, a lead designer on , named ages. The name, “Mile Long Bar,” came from the use of mir- the Frontierland town “Thunder Mesa,” and used elements rors on either end of the bar, which made it seem like it was from the Western RIver Expedition storyline for the park’s a mile long. Mounted heads of Buff, Melvin and Max from version of the Haunted Mansion, “.” the Country Bear Jamboree hung above the bar and would Like America’s own expansion, this was just the beginning move, sing and talk as Guests exited from the show next of the growth of Frontierland–a land rich in history as well door. If you stand in Frontierland and look at Pecos Bill’s, the as stories and details, but those are tales for another time!

47 · Celebrations WELCUM TO Tom Sawyer Island -You WUZ WARNED! by Don Myers, JR.

48 · Celebrations Photos © Tim Devine he landscape around Walt Disney World’s Magic King- Fast forward to 1973. WDW had been delighting Guests for Tdom has changed dramatically since its opening back in two years now, and new attractions were being added, such 1971. As the years roll by, it’s getting harder and harder to find as the Pirates of the Caribbean. On May 20th 1973, Frontier- areas in the park that appear as they did (or somewhat close land received its own addition with the opening of the Flor- to how they looked) forty years ago. But there are still a few of ida version of Tom Sawyer Island. If you were at the Magic them out there if you know where to look. One of these places Kingdom back then, you would have had to fork over one has been sitting right in the heart of the Rivers of America “D-Ticket” to board a raft and explore the island. since 1973. Here you’ll discover a tiny section of the park that’s As mentioned earlier, the only way to get to Tom Sawyer been relatively unchanged by the hands of progress. This area Island is by raft. This is one of the things that makes the seems to have been locked inside a time capsule, with small attraction so special, and conversely, may also be a reason rafts bearing names such as “Huck Finn” and “Becky Thatcher” why it’s so overlooked. It may seem like a lot of effort to get providing the only access to to the island, but the raft ride this explorer’s oasis. The docks only takes a few minutes, and for these rafts can be found shouldn’t be viewed as an in- over in Frontierland, just across convenience. Instead, let your the way from Big Thunder imagination transport you to Mountain Railroad. The journey the banks of the Mississippi may begin here, but the real ad- River, and think of the raft venture awaits just a short raft ride over to the island as the ride away at Tom Sawyer Island. gateway into Tom and Huck’s Tom Sawyer Island may have world. The attraction begins made its Florida debut in 1973, the moment you step onto but its roots go back much fur- the docks and catch that first ther. Walt Disney was always glimpse of a raft heading your fascinated with “.” way. There are four rafts in to- This passion was sparked at tal, and each one has a normal a young age during his years capacity of around 60 Guests living in Marceline, Missouri. (although the rafts may run Coincidentally, just 90 miles a bit “heavier” during peak east of Marceline is the town season). The four rafts are all of Hannibal, the childhood named after characters from stomping grounds of anoth- the novels: “Tom Sawyer,” “Huck er American legend, Samuel Finn,” “Becky Thatcher,” and “In- Langhorne Clemens, better jun Joe.” Contrary to popular known by his pen name, Mark belief (and unlike many other Twain. Twain is responsible boat attractions at Walt Dis- for creating two of the most ney World), the rafts don’t run beloved characters in American Literature, Tom Sawyer along an underwater track. That’s right. The human cap- and Huckleberry Finn. Their adventures along the “Mighty tains are actually piloting the rafts back and forth along Mississip” have excited the imaginations of readers since the Rivers of America without the aid of a motorized track! the novels were first published in 1876 and 1885 respectively. When you think “Americana,” Mark Twain and his thrilling The Journey Begins adventures of Tom and Huck certainly come to mind. A rec- Soon you’ll find yourself on Tom Sawyer Island. Before you reation of their “neck of the woods” would be a perfect fit for rush off the raft and explore the secrets of this rustic hide- Walt’s new park, and as Disneyland undertook its first ex- away, be sure to take a few moments to look around the pansion, Tom Sawyer Island was added to the mix, officially main landing (which is aptly titled “Tom’s Landing”). Similar opening on June 16th 1956. to the departing dock in Frontierland, this area appears to

Photos ©Tim Foster 49 · Celebrations have been plucked right from the pages of a Mark Twain enough light to safely guide you along the path. Before ex- novel. Rustic objects such as wooden barrels, fish- iting the mine, the source of the eerie noise is discovered ing nets, and crates of all sizes are scattered about. Each ob- in the form of a small cache of glowing jewels. But why are ject does a magnificent job of visually bringing the attrac- these glowing jewels making such an ominous sound? And tion’s theme to life. is the running water you’ve been hearing actually flowing Now that you’re on the island, the big question is what uphill? These are just some of the “mysteries” that await you to do first. Here is where you’ll discover one of the great in Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine. charms of Tom Sawyer Island, the fact that your adventure After exiting the mine, you can take “Hangman’s Steps” up is entirely up to you! Tom Sawyer Island is a walkthrough to “Hick’ry Switch Hill,” or you can head over to “Harper’s Mill.” attraction, which means you can go along at your own pace, Harper’s Mill can be seen from the mainland and boasts a exploring whatever you want for as long as you want. If you working water wheel, so this is usually one of the first spots want to comb every square inch of the island, you’re free to people are drawn to. The name “Harper” refers to another do so (at least until it gets dark!). If you’d rather sit back in character from the Twain novels, Joe Harper. Joe was one a rocking chair and watch the Liberty Belle cruise around of Tom’s best friends, and the Mill was named after his fa- the Rivers of America, you can do that too. Helping to guide ther. Many people assume that Harper’s Mill is named af- you on your journey around Tom Sawyer Island are large ter Joe, but a sign out in front of the Mill (written by Tom) Explorer Maps. Basically, these are basically big maps that states that the Mill was named after his friend Joe Harper’s point out all the areas of the island, but they can be quite “Old Man”. Disney buffs may also know that the Mill’s name a useful tool if you aren’t familiar with the surroundings. also pays homage to legendary Imagineer , You’ll find the maps posted up at various spots around the who created many early renderings and pieces of concept island, including one just as you exit the landing area. At first art for Disneyland. As soon as you step foot inside the Mill, glance, you may see some names or places you recognize you’ll notice the gigantic wooden gears all moving in uni- from the books. This is certainly no coincidence. In order to son. And if you listen closely, you may also notice that the make you feel as if you’ve been transported into Tom and gears appear to be “singing”. This is not your imagination! Huck’s World, the Imagineers have named each and every The gears really are creaking along to the tune of the 1910 area after a character or location from the Twain novels. classic “Down by the Stream,” which was written On the left side of the map you’ll see “Ambush Cove” and by Tell Taylor in 1908. In addition, the 1937 Academy Award “Huck’s Landing” (the island’s secondary landing, used pri- winning Disney cartoon The Old Mill is also honored inside marily during peak seasons), as well as “Potter’s Mill” and Harper’s Mill. The cartoon (from the Walt Disney Silly Sym- “Potter’s Pond” (both of which are named after Muff Pot- phonies series) depicts a violent thunderstorm ravaging a ter, the character falsely on trial in The Adventures of Tom rundown, decrepit old mill, while the inhabitants of the mill Sawyer). To the right, you’ll see “Harper’s Mill,” and directly in (various country critters such as mice, birds, bats, and owls) front of you is “Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine.” try to hunker down and make it through the storm. Next Since Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine is in close proximity to time you’re inside Harper’s Mill, try to look and listen for the Tom’s Landing and the Explorer Map, it’s often the first stop different animals. Here’s a hint, look in the gears for a tiny on the adventure that lies ahead. Just outside the mine sits bluebird and her nest, and scour the rafters for a hooting a wooden sign. The sign has been left there by Tom Sawyer owl. Also, take note of that sign out in front of the Mill that himself, and it’s just one of the many he has left around the talks about Joe and his Old Man, you’ll see that it also asks island. The signs can be found outside of several areas, in- that you “please don’t scare the birds.” cluding right here at Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine. The sign From Harper’s Mill, you’re only a hop, skip, and a jump reads: “I have explored many old mines, but this un’ is the away from “Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn.” Aunt Polly’s is a quick- best ever! Strange things happen in here, so keep a sharp service dining spot that offers up a small menu of snacks, eye out and don’t stop for nuthin! -Tom” Immediately upon ice cream, and drinks. Gone are the days where you can sit entering the dark and spooky mine, you soon discover what outside and enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but Tom was alluding to. Running water and other eerie nois- the current menu does feature a tasty variety of sundaes. es can be heard echoing throughout the mine, and dimly It’s also worth noting that Aunt Polly’s operates seasonally, lit lanterns line the rocky walls and ceiling, providing just so it may or may not be open when you visit the island. If the

50 · Celebrations Photos ©Tim Foster 51 · Celebrations restaurant is closed, you can always grab a beverage from the middle part of the island (where you’ll find “Hooky Hol- one of the vending machines. The views are spectacular ler,” “Fidgety Ledge,” and “Roundabout Rock”), or you can head from Aunt Polly’s, so you can sit in the gazebo or pull up a past “Jimpson Weed Junction” and complete the grand circle dock-side rocking chair and take in the scenery all day if you tour with a stop inside “Injun Joe’s Cave.” The cave is named choose. And yes, the restaurant’s name refers to yet another after Injun Joe, the “villain” in The Adventures of Tom Saw- character from the Twain novels. Tom lives with his Aunt yer. As with Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine, Injun Joe’s Cave is lit Polly, and although she can rule the roost with an iron fist, with dim lanterns and is filled with eerie noises. The cave she also loves and looks after Tom like a Mother would. is appropriately named, as Injun Joe’s fate was sealed here. On the path between Harper’s Mill and Aunt Polly’s, you’ll Should you be frightened? Tom’s sign out front sums it up find a wooden fence that has been partially whitewashed. On best: “Do not wurry...... Injun Joe ain’t been seen in thess parts the part that has yet to be completed, you’ll see the names for a long time. His cave is deserted! P.S. If’n you want to, may- of Tom, Huck, and Becky. Even those who may not be totally be you could wurry just a little bit. -Tom”. Enter if you dare! familiar with the books should recall the story behind the fence, but nonetheless, here’s a quick refresher. Aunt Polly A Fort Unlike Any You’ve Ever Seen gave Tom the task of whitewashing a fence (a punishment You have now completed your trip around the first por- which came as a result of Tom skipping school the day before tion of Tom Sawyer Island, but the adventure is far from over. and getting his clothes filthy in a minor scuffle). But what Head back to Jimpson Weed Junction, and you’ll soon arrive young boy wants to waste his entire Saturday whitewashing at “Superstition Bridge.” This tiny suspension bridge is the a fence? Tom didn’t want to paint a fence all day, he wanted gateway to the second half of Tom Sawyer Island: “Fort Lang- to go exploring. Soon after beginning the chore, Tom uses horn.” Naturally, the Fort gets its name from Mark Twain… his brains to trick a few of the kids into thinking that white- aka Samuel Langhorne Clemens (although for some reason washing is fun. Long story short, he ends up recruiting sev- the Fort’s spelling of Langhorne omits the “e” at the end). When eral of the kids into continuing the task in his absence. The Tom Sawyer Island first opened in 1973, the Fort was known partially-painted fence, along with the whitewashed names as “Fort Sam Clemens”. But in 1996, the name was changed to of Huck, Tom, and Becky, is just another example of the intri- “Fort Langhorn” to coincide with the release of the Disney cate details that are put into everything at WDW. If you want movie Tom and Huck. The movie had a Fort Langhorn in it, to join in on the fun, be sure to search the island for a paint so the name was changed to keep the island’s theme up to brush of your own! Each day, six brushes are hidden in vari- date (Ironically, the Fort’s original and current names both ous spots around the island. If you happen to discover one of pay homage to Twain). As an aside, this wasn’t the only name the hidden brushes, simply return it to a Cast Member and change to take place in the long and storied history of Tom you will be rewarded with a prize (usually a special FastPass Sawyer Island. Originally, Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine was for you and your entire Family which can be used at Splash known as the “Magnetic Mystery Mine.” Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain). Once you’ve crossed Superstition Bridge you can follow As you leave Aunt Polly’s, you’ll soon come to “Smuggler’s Wilderness Trail to the wooden gates of Fort Langhorn Cove.” Not so fast, though. To pass Smuggler’s Cove, you must (or as it’s referred to in the Liberty Belle narration: “The journey across the “Barrel Bridge.” The Barrel Bridge is a big last Trading Outpost before you head into Indian Coun- favorite amongst the youngsters but beware, things can try”). Once inside the Fort, there are three main features get a bit bouncy. As a result, you may want to watch a few to explore. First up are the Audio-Animatronics inside the people venture across before braving it yourself. Don’t fret Blacksmith shop and the Guard House. You can look into though, there’s a rope fence lining both sides of the Barrel the Blacksmith’s shop and watch as he hammers out a Bridge to prevent any spills into the Rivers of America. If you shoe for one of the waiting horses (there’s also some noisy think the Barrel Bridge may be too much for you to handle, chickens milling about as well). In the Guard House, you there is an alternate path along solid ground. can peek through the wooden bars and catch a glimpse After crossing Smuggler’s Cove via the Barrel Bridge (or of a snoring man fast asleep in his bed. The Animatronics the alternate solid ground route), you pass by “Poor Ole Jim’s are rather primitive by today’s standards, but they are a lot Shack.” From there, you can venture up the path to explore of fun to look at nonetheless. But as always, the true gems

52 · Celebrations of the Blacksmith shop and the Guard House are found in end of Superstition Bridge looking in the direction of Fort the details. The Blacksmith shop is filled with various ob- Langhorn, simply take the path to your left and continue jects like old saddles, wooden wagon wheels, and barrels following it. You’ll run right into Pappy’s Fishing Pier, and of feed grain. 19th century tools and thick ropes hang from you’ll be happy you did. The pier is a quiet oasis away from the walls, and several sets of antlers are on display. In the the hustle and bustle of Fort Langhorn. If you like, you can Guard House, you’ll find another pair of antlers, as well as a just sit there in a little wooden chair and soak in the scenery. glass pitcher and a water basin on the man’s bedside table. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can be seen looming across Once you’re done exploring these areas, you can head on up the riverbank, and every few moments a train will dart to the “Rifle’s Roost.” The Rifle’s Roost can be found by tak- past, ripping through the tranquil silence. Pappy’s Fishing ing the steps up to the second floor of the Fort. From there, Pier is equipped with its fair share of barrels, crates, ropes, you can take aim with one of the many toy rifles that are and other rustic objects. As with so many other places on set up throughout the area. You can even hear the piped-in the island, when it comes to this area, it’s all about two sound of bullets whizzing through the air! All of this may things: the details and the scenery. sound like a kid’s dream come true (which it is), but don’t ignore the great views across the Rivers of America. As with With the exploration of Fort Langhorn and Pappy’s Fish- so many other places around the island, there are some ing Pier, you’ve now reached the end of your adventure. To great details to be found. For instance, look up on the high exit the island, just follow the path back to Tom’s Landing, ledges for items like a metal coffee pitcher, a metal coffee and from there you can reboard one of the rafts back to cup, books, and wooden crates. Regardless of your age, you’ll the mainland. Tom Sawyer Island has been sitting out on want to venture up there and take a look around. The last the Rivers of America for almost 39 years now. There have of the three main features at Fort Langhorn is the “Escape been a few changes over the years, but for the most part, Tunnel”. The Escape Tunnel is a secret passageway that the island appears much as it did back in 1973. Between Old takes you out of Fort Langhorn and deposits you back onto Scratch’s Mystery Mine, Harper’s Mill, Injun Joe’s Cave, Fort Wilderness Trail. The entrance to the Escape Tunnel can be Langhorn, and the paintbrush hunt, there’s more than found near the Guard House, on the ground level of the Fort. enough to keep the youngsters (and the young at heart) oc- Before taking Superstition Bridge back to the main part cupied. Add in all the intricate detail and lush scenery wait- of the island, don’t pass up the chance to discover one final ing to be discovered, and you’ve got everything you need to hidden gem. It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the make an attraction that stands the test of time for Guests entire island: “Pappy’s Fishing Pier.” If you’re standing at the of all ages.

Photos ©Tim Foster 53 · Celebrations 54 · Celebrations team locomotives and trains have a long, storied asso- station was located in the Settlement area near Pioneer Sciation with the Disney name. The connection goes all Hall and Bay Lake, while the other station could be found the way back to Walt Disney’s job as a news butcher on the at the Reception Outpost, near registration and the main Missouri Pacific line, eventually leading to the creation of parking lot for the resort and nearby attractions, including his backyard railroad, the Carolwood-Pacific. Various loco- River Country and Discovery Island. motives have spun a ribbon around the Magic Kingdoms of the world, including the trains of tomorrow known as Traveling Back in Time monorails and . The Disney train legacy even You would be able to hear the chugging of the engine and stretched out to the animators who worked for Walt Dis- the distant whistle long before the trains arrived. At one ney, who built their own backyard engines. When the Fort station, the trains slowly churned their way around the Wilderness Campground opened in 1971 with its rustic back- bend as they approached. It was almost as if the pine and cy- drops, hewn log buildings, and old fashioned swimming press trees were curtains, gently giving way to the featured holes, it was only a matter of time before the steam engines attraction. Each of the small plantation cars mirrored the of yesterday began to creep along down the tracks. vivid colors of the engine, only this time the deep woodsy The Fort Wilderness Railroad began operating on a three green was front and center, with brassy gold outlining vari- and a half mile loop through the campground in 1973. Each of ous sections of the car. The windows themselves, looking the four trains carried five passenger cars, otherwise known out onto the world of Fort Wilderness, were trimmed in red. as rolling stock, and were modeled after the plantation loco- Each passenger car was fitted with long bench seats motives found in Hawaii. Hawaii? Sure! Steam engines were which gave each passenger the pleasure of a window seat. well suited to the tropical climate and softer soil, and the lo- The open air cars created a cool breeze as they moved; pro- comotives were used to ferry pineapples, sugar cane and oth- viding welcome relief from the stifling summer heat. As er produce from large farming outfits to the shipping ports. they traveled throughout the campground, Guests could The Fort Wilderness versions of the plantation locomotives spot deer and heron scouring the canals and fields for their were smaller than their Hawaiian counterparts, reaching breakfast. The train would rumble over bridges and across only one hundred and fifteen feet in length and comprising small islands, many of which were not accessible any other five cars. However, there was elegance in their simplicity, and way. Waving to canoe bound Guests was a favorite pastime! their color palate emulated the larger locomotives of the Along the way, passengers would amble through camp- Walt Disney World Railroad. The engines were highlighted by ground loops, past the meadow, and near the activity areas bright red and forest green, trimmed with shining brass and of Fort Wilderness. As the journey continued, the surround- a traditional black smokestack. In the front was a red cattle ings gave way to heavily wooded areas where the train catcher as well as an oversized headlamp, a necessity when glided beneath a lush canopy of slash pines, cypresses, oak chugging down the tracks after dark! Contrary to their real- trees, and Spanish moss. Guests could easily imagine that life inspiration, the Fort Wilderness trains used No. 2 diesel oil they were westward bound for new frontiers. instead of wood for fuel. Construction of the $1 million line As you would expect, the attention to detail further en- began in 1972, with MAPO (a company formed by Walt Disney hanced the feeling of moseying towards the unindustrial- to deal with Disneyland’s transportation system) assembling ized midsection of the United States. Playgrounds com- the engines and passenger cars in California, while Buena prised of wooden forts and metal teepees begged for a Vista Construction handled the preparation of the terrain legion of rambunctious children to come and plan out their and bridges in Florida, as well as the construction of the track sieges. When the engines needed to take on water, Guests itself. would discover a wooden wagon sitting near the water When the four trains took to the rails in 1973 (each capa- tower. It didn’t take much to imagine that this wagon was ble of carrying 90 passengers), any Guest who boarded the ready to be loaded with supplies for a long journey to a rus- trains could ride all day (well, at least as long as the trains tic farming homestead off in the untamed wilderness. ran, which was from 7:00am until 11:00pm) for one single fare, $1 for adults and fifty cents for children. Boarding of Trouble on the Tracks the Fort Wilderness Railroad took place at two depots, one Unfortunately, problems seemed to crop up for the Fort at either extreme of the campground’s borders. The first Wilderness Railroad almost as soon as it began rolling

Artwork ©Disney 55 · Celebrations down the line. For starters, the air pumps that were used er factors at play in the derailments. to build up air pressure for the trains’ braking systems did The railway bed was mostly clay with a layer of rock not perform up to the expected standard. The real design placed between the clay and the track, which caused the hitch, however, came from the locomotives themselves. The tracks to continually shift and slip. Additionally, the ties Fort Wilderness Railroad engines were 4/5 scale, as opposed and rails themselves were spiked together without the tie to the full size engines of the Walt Disney World Railroad, plates that would ordinarily help reduce the deterioration and ran on tracks that were twice as long as the railway of the railroad ties, keeping the tracks in place. Finally, unlike used in the Magic Kingdom. The saddle-tank engines used the vast majority of railways, where curved rails are formed in the smaller plantation locomotives could only carry 225 on precision rolling machines, the construction crews bent gallons of water and 175 the rails of the Fort Wil- gallons of diesel oil. Com- derness Railroad as they pared to the 1837 gallons of were laid. All of these fac- water and 664 gallons of tors forced the rails to fuel that the Walt Disney kink away from sharp World Railroad engines corners which, combined could store for a journey with the unproven engine that was only half as long, crews, caused numerous it should have been obvi- derailments. With all of ous that the Fort Wilder- these problems mount- ness locomotives would ing towards a crisis level, need more frequent main- it was time to call in some tenance. Unfortunately, of the brightest locomo- the operators were often tive minds in the Disney young, ill-instructed, and directory. frequently disregarded Imagineers Roger the fact that the engines Broggie and Bob Booth required constant fueling offered their consider- and water, causing the in- able assistance to the ail- evitable (and consistent) ing Fort Wilderness Rail- breakdown of the trains. road. For example, when The inexperienced it was discovered that youngsters hired to run a particular switch was the line were not, as one causing trains to bind as would imagine, trained they traveled through it, railroad engineers. In- Broggie called upon Bob stead, the Fort Wilderness Harpur, who was assigned Railroad was outfitted the task of crafting a solu- with ride operators who tion. Within a few hours, could be employed for a Harpur had removed the fraction of the cost. Even though they were given essen- switch points and bent them a tad in order to improve the tial training in steam train processes, the novice operators configuration between the two sets of tracks. Called the were simply not as attuned to the subtle needs and warn- California switch, the improvised solution worked imme- ing signs of the engines as a full fledged railroad crew would diately and the trains were once again, at least at this one have been. This lack of expertise led not only to trains run- intersection, chugging on down the line. ning out of fuel, but also derailments. If the problem could As if these problems weren’t enough, there was another have been solved with a better crew, then our story would aspect of the Fort Wilderness Railroad that continually stop here. Unfortunately, it turned out that there were oth- plagued Guests. The steam engines were required to sound

56 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney their whistle as they approached roadway crossings for the safety of the crew, passengers, and Guests traveling in motor vehicles. With an operating win- dow of 7:00 am until 11:00 pm, the locomotives con- tinually caught the ire of campers, especially those in tents, who were startled from a deep sleep by the piecing cries of the trains’ whistles.

The End of the Line In time, the constant derailments, stranded steam engines, and steady stream of Guest complaints all led to the demise of the Fort Wilderness Railroad. In 1977, the locomotives pulled into the depot for the last time. The rails would remain as a reminder of the de- funct line for years to come, but eventually even they would be pulled up throughout the campground. Even though all signs of the locomotives were erased from the campground, this would not be the last stop for the finely detailed trains. After years of being stored in a warehouse, the Fort Wilderness Railroad engines and passenger cars were abruptly transferred to an outdoor boneyard, where their only shelter was some simple tarps that eventually decayed in the harsh Florida environment. A solitary pair of passenger cars was refurbished and used tem- porarily as ticket booths for Pleasure Island, but even these were eventually replaced by more permanent structures. Over time, the four steam engines and twelve re- maining passenger cars left in the vacant lot had succumbed to dry rot and rust. All seemed lost until the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society discovered them, Swimmin’ Pool, a water tower relocated from River Country and after negotiating with Disney for five years, the Society was used to enhance the aesthetics of a newly inserted wa- rescued the remaining pieces. Members of the Carolwood ter slide. The original symbol of the campground’s railway Pacific Historical Society then began the arduous task of re- line now adorns the side of the water tower, proving that storing the trains to their striking forms once more. Rem- what is old can be made new again. nants of the tracks and trestles can still be found among the pines of Fort Wilderness, and while it’s possible that the The Fort Wilderness Railroad, with it deep reds, lush engines and rolling stock cars may be brought back to ac- greens, and gleaming brass, trundled its way through the tive duty, for now they are in the loving hands of private forested campground for a short five years, but it was a tur- collectors. Not likely to be used for public transportation or bulent and storied five years that forever tied it into the his- recreation in the near future, we can only hope that once tory of Walt Disney World. In the still silence of the morning they are restored they will once again be on display for all at Fort Wilderness, the railroad’s big brother, the Walt Dis- the world to enjoy. ney World Railroad, continues to blow its whistle from the In the spring of 2009, the overlapping letters of the Fort Magic Kingdom. In those moments, it isn’t hard to imagine Wilderness Railroad logo once again made an appearance what it was like to hear the small plantation engines chug in Fort Wilderness. During a refurbishment of the Meadow along through the wilderness.

57 · Celebrations 58 · Celebrations Drifting Along the Sassagoula River

Story and Photos by Jamie Hecker

59 · Celebrations alt Disney World has many impressive bodies of wa- Statutes. It successfully created the Reedy Creek Drainage Wter, both inside the parks and out. Bay Lake itself District, named after a natural creek running through the caught Walt’s eye and became the northern anchor of the property. Disney now had the preliminary tool to begin Walt Disney World resort. In its day, River Country was the management of its property, much of it swampland. Disney wildest and wettest spot on property, allowing for fun at took it a step further, working with the Florida state legisla- the ol’ swimming hole. Epcot features a grand lagoon to ture to create an Improvement District. Disney argued that celebrate World Showcase and the nightly spec- this was necessary if it was to proceed with EPCOT as Walt tacular Illuminations. The Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise originally envisioned it. On May 12, 1967 the Reedy Creek Im- boats ply the majestic rivers of the world. Outside the parks, provement District was formed, giving Disney wide-ranging borders on the Village Lake, with the powers to manage its property, allowing for the creation supple Sassagoula River’s delta feeding into it. and maintenance of roads, public utilities and, of course, a Walt Disney World, with four parks and multiple resorts, massive effort to tame and control the swamps. reflects many facets of American life, past, present and fu- Disney relied on its Joes to get the job done – Admiral Joe ture. For example, Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom Fowler and Joe Potter. Admiral Joseph Fowler brought a captures the spirit of Colonial America, Sunset Boulevard at “can do” spirit to the development of the Florida property, Disney’s Hollywood Studios reflects the bountiful optimism tapping into his experience from his similar role of lead- of 1930’s , and the Wilderness Lodge echoes the ing the construction of Disneyland. He was the Senior Vice magnificent National Park lodges found in Yellowstone President of both construction and engineering of Walt Dis- and the great Northwest. Given all this, it’s easy to see Walt ney Productions, overseeing the staggering task of building Disney World as a microcosm of the United States. If the the Vacation Kingdom. William E. “Joe” Potter teamed with mighty Mississippi River, the majestic ribbon that sepa- Walt during the 1964-65 Worlds Fair, in which Disney pre- rates our Eastern and Western halves, is the iconic water- sented its groundbreaking audio-animatronic character of way of America, then the Sassagoula River is Walt Disney Abraham Lincoln. Potter joined the Walt Disney Company World’s Mississippi. In fact, Sassagoula is one of the many shortly thereafter as vice president of Florida Planning, and names given to the Mississippi. Native Americans all along led the construction of the Walt Disney World property in- the river coined different names for it, including Sassagou- frastructure. la, proffered upon it from a tribe along its southern banks. To transform the property, over fifty miles of canals and Disney Imagineers used this name when rebranding the levees were built, allowing for better water control of the existing waterway on the southwest corner of the Walt Dis- property. Named after Potter, the canals were dubbed “Joe’s ney World property, tying it to the newly created Southern- Ditches.” All in all, it was important to maintain a consistent themed resorts Port Orleans and Dixie Landings. water level between droughts and floods, and not damage The beginning of the Sassagoula River can be traced the environment. It was also important that the canals back to one of two starting points – 1967, when the develop- have a natural look. The simplest construction method ment of Walt Disney World property began, and 1704, when would have the canals as straight lines, but legendary French explorers Pierre D’Orr and Philip Leane founded Port Imagineer successfully argued that the canals Orleans. Both stories are equally fascinating. should curve and have varying widths, as if following natu- The Walt Disney Company purchased over forty-three ral contours of the land and appearing as genuine rivers square miles of Florida land to build its next Magic Kingdom or creeks. The canals are self-regulating, with simple gates and Walt’s ambitious “City of Tomorrow.” The size and scope that allow for water flow or constriction. They require nei- of the property was as daunting as it was promising. Before ther electricity nor human monitoring, instead relying on the Magic Kingdom could be built, the property would need gravity to open or close, depending on adjacent water levels. to be molded into shape, to accommodate not only the first Aerial views of the property show how extensive the canal park but also several resorts and a suitable infrastructure system runs. The largest originates at the southeastern cor- for future development. The Walt Disney Company was ner of Bay Lake and traverses south, passing by Fort Wilder- the primary landowner and utilized a unique element of ness and running briefly between Epcot Center Drive and the Florida state law; it petitioned the State legislature to the Port Orleans and Old Key West resorts. It continues on, form its own Drainage District, per Chapter 298 of the state eventually passing under Interstate 4 and curling around

60 · Celebrations 61 · Celebrations and beyond the Disney-inspired town of Celebration. This resorts have formally merged and are now Port Orleans artery has many tributaries stemming from it, including a French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside. The Sentinel major branch that connects into the Sassagoula, ensuring and Times are no longer published but the stories they told that the aquatic DNA from Bay Lake is shared throughout are still very much alive. the property. Before the Port Orleans resorts were built, the canal lead- In the late 1980s, Disney began development of Dixie Land- ing up to them had to be expanded. The channel was ex- ings and Port Orleans, and the canal system was enhanced panded north, creating a fork in the canal next to the 16th to provide an authentic backdrop to the resorts. Port Or- hole of the Lake Buena Vista golf course. The excavated soil leans opened in 1991 and Dixie Landings in 1992. Both resorts was used to form several islands in the canal; the modestly have a Southern theme and derive much of their identity sized Beaux Tie Island across from the French Quarter dock, from the river. Disney developed extensive back-stories for and the larger Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans Riverside which the resorts, originally published in the Sassagoula Sentinel features a lavish swimming pool and slides, a playground for Port Orleans Guests, and the Sassagoula Times for Di- and a fishin’ hole. A major engineering feat on Ol’ Man Island xie Landings Guests. These tales, which we’ve discussed in was completed with the arrival of a mature 85-ton oak tree one of our past issues, were presented in lavish faux news- (Querces virginiana) that serves as a visual anchor to the is- papers with typography and photographs appropriate to land. Appropriately enough, it arrived on Earth Day – April a bygone era. Over the years, much has changed. The two 22, 1991. It took a total of three days, along with months of

62 · Celebrations painstaking preparation, to arrange the slow-motion jour- about everyone emerges with a “fish story” to tell. There are ney from what is now Disney’s Animal Kingdom property no souvenirs, however, as all fishing at Walt Disney World is to the island. catch-and-release. The Sassagoula offers a romantic side as The Sassagoula River, over two miles in length, originates well, featuring horse-drawn carriage rides that take Guests in a wide circle around Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans River- between the two Port Orleans resorts along the riverbank. side. Guests arriving at this resort may observe that when Exercise enthusiasts can run, jog or walk along the mani- checking in, you are “booking passage” with the Sassagoula cured grounds of the Port Orleans resorts. A one mile loop is Steamboat Company. The river wends south passing by available along the riverbanks in the Port Orleans Riverside Port Orleans French Quarter on the right and a portion of resort, while a longer course is available that extends into the golf course on the left. After passing under Disney Va- the Port Orleans French Quarter property. Golfers at Walt cation Club Way, it traverses through protected wetlands, Disney World can enjoy the challenging Lake Buena Vista which host the recently updated Treehouse Villas. The wa- golf course, teeing off at the Saratoga Springs resort and terway next reaches another branch, with one path leading traversing along and over the Sassagoula at numerous in- to the Old Key West Resort and the other heading past the tersections. Saratoga Springs Resort and ultimately delivering into Vil- There is an abundance of wildlife on the Sassagoula, both lage Lake and Downtown Disney. Along the way, the Sassa- above and below the waterline. Past the genteel charm of goula varies in both width and depth, much like a real river Port Orleans but before the kinetic energy of Downtown would. It ranges from twenty to fifty feet wide, and can Disney lays a soothing stretch of pristine wetlands. Cardi- reach depths of over twelve feet. It’s difficult to gauge the nals, red-bellied woodpeckers and gray catbirds dominate depth due to the unique dark caramel color of the water. the sky and branches of the cypress, magnolia and long-leaf Cypress trees dominate the wetlands, and the tannins from pine trees. Egrets and herons can be found along the water- these trees spill into the water and give it its unique tint. line, wading through the Sassagoula in search of their next With a river steeped in the history of the Old South, it’s meal. High above may be ospreys, using keen vision to find only fitting that “steamboats” ply the water, offering a wa- their prey. Along the Sassagoula, Disney wildlife manage- ter taxi service. Naturally, the pontoon boats that transport ment has placed several solar-powered fish feeders, which Guests between the resorts and Downtown Disney bear release food at random intervals. This was necessary since the insignia of the Sassagoula Steamboat Company. Over a the previous method involved feeding the fish directly from dozen craft are used in the fleet, ranging from twenty-eight a boat. The problem was that the birds in the area quickly to thirty-three feet in length. The longer boats serve the recognized that the boat meant mealtime! Not all wildlife Port Orleans Guests while the shorter craft are used for Old along the Sassagoula is welcome, however. Mosquitoes are Key West and Saratoga Springs Resort Guests. The nautical naturally present in the swampland and are a nuisance and names of the boats reflect the Southern charm they evoke. a health risk, but their population is kept under control by Just imagine a cool evening aboard the Blossom Queen, the way of natural predators. Birdhouses sitting atop long poles Jazz Lady or the Crescent City Queen on a lazy trip to Down- dot the southern banks of the Sassagoula along the mani- town Disney underneath a crescent moon. cured greens of the Lake Buena Vista golf course. These are As would be expected of any Disney vacation, there is the home of the tiny but mighty martin, an aerial-feeding plenty of recreation to be enjoyed on, along and around the bird that feasts on mosquitoes. Sassagoula. Watercraft rentals are available at the Port Or- leans Riverside marina, featuring pontoon boats that can The Sassagoula River interconnects several resorts at accommodate six to ten persons. Two-person watercraft Walt Disney World, passes by a challenging eighteen-hole are also available for zippier excursions, although speed golf course, traverses a protected wetlands area and emp- and wake restrictions apply at marked areas. Young buc- ties into the Village Lake with the vast dining and shopping caneers can seek the treasure of Captain John Lafitte, the resources of Downtown Disney. Lodging, recreation, dining infamous New Orleans pirate in the Bayou Pirate Adven- and commerce, all a part of the magical Disney experience. ture. In the spirit of Tom Sawyer, Guests can enjoy a lazy day In this one corner of the vast Walt Disney World property, of fishing on Ol’ Man Island with authentic cane poles. The the Sassagoula touches upon all the elements of an amaz- water is stocked with catfish, bluegill and bass fish, and just ing Disney vacation.

63 · Celebrations 64 · Celebrations 65 · Celebrations The Two Tales of Scales at Port Orleans

66 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney s a boy growing up in Glendale, California, I had the The streets that radiated from the courtyard area were Aopportunity to visit Disneyland a few times during designed in a similar arrangement to the historic Jackson the year. One of my favorite attractions as a child was the Square Warehouse District located in the actual French . That ride ended with the discovery of a Quarter of New Orleans. The architecture showcased balco- two headed sea serpent that the ship’s captain claimed was nies, wrought-iron railings, cobblestone streets, and court- merely a hallucination from being submerged too long. yards reminiscent of New Orleans in the 19th Century. The I never realized that when I moved to Florida a decade lush landscaping consisted of pear trees, oaks, crepe myr- and a half ago that I would run into another Disney sea tles, and magnolias that reinforced this theme. serpent. But this time, instead of having two heads, it had The jester figure located near Doubloon Lagoon pool was two…tales. Of course, the two headed sea serpent of my closely based on the figure found next to the Canal Street/ youth had been transplanted to the now defunct 20,000 Algiers Ferry terminal in New Orleans. Leagues Under the Sea attraction in the Magic Kingdom Mardi Gras legends Blaine Kern Artists Inc. collected and in 1971, but Disney’s Florida parks were filled with other sea created special prop items such as the jesters. Some of serpents. the Mardi Gras decorations were purchased directly from Over the years, there have been sea serpent topiaries at warehouses in New Orleans. both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. A thirty-foot tall Two decades later, King Neptune still holds his iconic tri- Lego sea serpent thrusts out of the water at Downtown Dis- dent high in the air, riding majestically on top of the head of ney in Florida. There was a sea serpent in the “World of Mo- a highly unique and popular pool slide, a sea serpent named tion” attraction at Epcot. And of course, the Electrical Water Scales. Guests emerge from the jaws of the serpent to slide Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World down Scales’ long twisting fifty-one foot pink tongue into features one of the oldest Disney sea serpents, utilizing four the 225,000 gallon pool. separate floats. When Guests checked in to the Port Orleans Resort dur- It was a particular surprise for me almost fifteen years ing the first few years of operation, they received a copy of ago when I relocated to Central Florida to discover a sea the “Sassagoula Sentinel,” a faux newspaper that included serpent taking up residence at Disney’s Port Orleans resort, Guest information including where the ice machines were now officially called Port Orleans—French Quarter. located, whether a Guest would be charged for making a The text on the back of the very first postcard released collect call, when the boat would leave for the Village Mar- for the resort stated: “Evoking a bygone era of romance and ketplace, restaurant information, and other helpful direc- charm, the hidden courtyards, splashing fountains and lush tions. gardens of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort create a welcome This wonderful eight-page tabloid format (11”x17”) news- retreat. At the heart of it all is Doubloon Lagoon, where paper was also filled with historical news stories that re- ‘Scales’ the sea serpent invites visitors to make a splash!” counted the fictional back-story of the resort. The story Right in the middle of the illustrated card was this mas- was a mixture of authentic history mixed with fanciful but sive sea serpent, who didn’t look quite as dangerous as most logical additions from . sea serpents. Guests could join the parade of life size band- Here is the story of Scales from the “Sassagoula Sentinel”: costumed alligator figures playing jazz instruments to find the pool area of Doubloon Lagoon, named for the doubloon THE STORY OF SCALES, SEA SERPENT OF THE SASSAGOULA coins (along with strings of beads) that are tossed to folks A Mardi Gras Legend, 1882 celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Resting comfort- ably in that pool was Scales. “Folklore in the Sassagoula delta is a mix of various cul- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort first opened to the public at tural traditions. The Indians that inhabited the area had the Walt Disney World Resort in May 1991. It was themed to many stories about the origins of the Sassagoula. One story the French Quarter of New Orleans around the mid-1800s they told explained how the river feared that the sea would and was situated by the Sassagoula River, a man-made Dis- consume all its water if the sea could find the source of the ney waterway named after the Native American word for river. So in order to confuse the sea, the Sassagoula split into the Mississippi. a thousand small rivers just before it reached the sea. This

67 · Celebrations was how the delta was formed. full service restaurant called Bonfamille’s Cafe and next to “The French and Spanish settlers brought many of their it was Scat Cat’s Club. Disney animation fans will instantly own cultural folklores with them and over time these tra- remember that retired opera singer Madame Bonfamille ditions melded together. Most of the stories the children was the owner of the talented French cats in the animated learned dealt with religious observances and holidays. feature . Those famous felines were assisted However, one story emerged that was totally unique to Port in their adventures by a jazz band of cats led by the outra- Orleans. geous Scat Cat. “It seems that parents have always had a difficult time Not only was a special children’s menu created for Bon- keeping their children away from the bayou that surrounds famille’s Café, it was done in the form a booklet with line the city. These swampy marshes have inherent dangers art drawings that could be colored at the table by energetic such as alligators and snakes. So in order to frighten their kids waiting for their meal. This coloring book was written children away from playing in the bayou, a story emerged of by Greg Ehrbar and illustrated by the very talented Peter a large serpentine creature that lurks beneath the surface Emslie. Emslie illustrated several Walt Disney World chil- of the dark and still waters, waiting to eat unsuspecting dren’s menu including ones themed to Jungle Book and The children. Many people, it was said, met their demise while Rescuers.” wandering in the misty depths of the murky swamp. In the form of a photo album journal by Madame Ad- “Some of the older children were not frightened by the elaide Bonfamille, the booklet described how the good Ma- myth. So a group of fathers decided to do something to dame, Duchess, the kittens, Thomas O’Malley, and the alley scare them. In a cabin near the bayou, the men constructed cat band took a musical cruise to Port Orleans, where they a large dragon-like serpent made of fence wire and bed- were “tailed” by a jazz-loving sea serpent. sheets. The sea creature fell in love with the jazz that Scat Cat “They painted it with whatever they could find, so the and his band played on the voyage. He was named “Scales” finished product was a horrendous looking, multi colored (a nod to musical scales and the Sherman Brothers tune, contraption that took sixteen men to operate. “Scales and Arpeggios” that appears in the film). The story When the unsuspecting children arrived at the bayou, closes with him staying at the Resort to enjoy the music the serpent emerged, howling, screaming and chasing the played by the resident “jazz gators.” The menu stopped be- ashen children all the way back to town. ing produced for young Guests years ago, and unfortunately “Each year the serpent reappeared at the end of the the resort doesn’t have a copy in its reference files. Mardis Gras parade, reminding the children to stay away Greg was among those people under the direction of from the bayou. Eventually ‘Scales’ became a permanent fix- Dale Stafford (who was in charge of the resort) who came ture at Doubloon Lagoon and can been seen there today.” up with the names for the various locations and objects in the new resort, everything from boats and the laundry to But Wait, There’s More… the sea serpent in the pool. Greg was responsible for nam- As with many , a bit of sleuthing reveals a ing “Doubloon Lagoon” and “Scales.” Greg was just told there second background story for this “fearsome” serpent. One would be a sea serpent slide in the then-unnamed pool, but could make the case that the credit for the name “Scales” was given no further information. should be given to one of the hidden treasures at Walt Dis- However, with his vast knowledge and love of Disney ani- ney World, talented writer Greg Ehrbar. Over the decades, mation, he was able to create a back-story for a new Disney Greg has contributed his writing skills to many Walt Disney character that has delighted Guests for over two decades. World projects, including providing accurate and enter- There were two tales of Scales that were told to Guests taining fun facts for ’s narration of the annual during the early years of the resort, but as time has passed Christmas parade, the creation of the hilarious “Timmy” vid- they have both faded into the misty memories of years eos, and the charming children’s menu given out at Tony’s gone by. But no matter where he came from, Scales will Town Square restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic always bring the same smile to my face that I had as a kid Kingdom. when I eagerly pressed my face up against the porthole to Speaking of children’s menus, Port Orleans once had a get a better look at a sea serpent.

68 · Celebrations 69 · Celebrations and establish the cities of Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake. Walt didn’t rely on taxpayer dollars, so he now had the free- dom to do what he wanted. Of course, the surreptitious trips to the swampland that would eventually become Walt Disney World and subse- quent land purchases by Disney executives are legendary. (The next time you’re strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., take a moment to look up at the Crystal Arts building and make Building a Dream… note of the windows that pay homage to the fictitious com- pany names used to purchase the land.) The Construction of Walt To make the dream come true, the swamp needed to be drained while still preserving the environment. Since the entirety of central Florida area basically floats on a body of Disney World fresh water, damaging the water supply here would have s one looks back at Walt Disney World’s history, from its devastating consequences. Aoriginal concept and planning to the actual construc- Over fifty miles of canals and levees were constructed on tion, it becomes clear that this was something that had property to control water levels without losing the supply. never happened before, and will never (ever) happen again. This is where the first type of resort theming took place. Trying to comprehend the awesome planning and engi- When the canals were first dug, they were created in a neering it took is overwhelming, and clearly demonstrates straight line, but Walt wanted them to curve through the the fact that Walt Disney (and those that followed him) had natural landscape. an incredible vision as well as an uncanny sense of how to From there, they went on to create three resorts, a theme turn that dream into reality. park, a transportation hub, and an infrastructure for what Turning Central Florida swamp into a “Vacation King- was basically a working city. dom” seemed to be an insurmountable challenge, but there was no one better to face that challenge than Walt himself. When he flew over the proposed site (a large area of muck and swamp around Bay Lake) and said “this is it” (OK, so I’m paraphrasing), the fact that he had the foresight and confi- dence in the people around him to make it so was a wonder in of itself. Eventually, his brother Roy O. Disney carried on that vi- sion, and with the help of Admiral , General Joe Potter, and thousands of construction workers who la- bored over an 18-month period, they turned their dreams into a beautiful reality. But part of what makes this a true wonder is what Disney was able to do before they moved one piece of dirt. After Disneyland opened, Disney learned from, and intended to improve upon, what they had done in Anaheim. This time They also created their own beaches and a new body of around, Walt wanted total control over the design and con- water, the Seven Seas Lagoon. Imagine draining Bay Lake, struction of the planned resort, not only so they could build scooping out the muck on the bottom and finding tons of what they wanted (in the way that they wanted), but more pristine white sand. Voila! You have your beach. Now to cre- importantly so he could build his EPCOT City. He was able to ate the Lagoon, they dig out over seven million cubic yards convince the State of Florida to allow him to form his own of earth, which they laid as the foundation for the Magic quasi-government, the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Kingdom. (I have a tough enough time trying to hang a pic-

70 · Celebrations ture straight, let alone even con- sidering doing something on that scale.) But that’s what they did – they made the impossible possible using the latest technologies in communication, building, horti- culture, food distribution – they even built their own energy plants, and the largest laundry and costuming facilities in the world. Another challenge was with communications. There were no telephone lines or telephone sys- tem on property before it was purchased, so what did Disney do? They partnered with the Flor- ida Telephone Company and cre- ated a completely new state-of-the-art telephone system. It became the first totally electronic telephone system using underground cabling instead of standard poles with over- head lines. It would be the first to use a fiber-optics system in a commercial venture, and the first in Florida to use the 911 emergency system. The resort hotels even used a method of construction never before implemented. The hotels’ main skeletal struc- tures were being erected on property, while their rooms were manufactured at an assembly plant miles away. Each one was completely outfitted with wall coverings, bath fix- tures, and mirrors, and then slid into place like a chest of drawers. We all know by now that the Utilidors act as the first floor of the Magic Kingdom, where Cast Members have easy ac- cess to utility systems, offices, and storage areas, and also backstage passages to Cast Member work locations. This is also the home to the park’s computer systems and (AVAC) waste-management system, which was the first of its type workers and more than $400 million to bring the most to be installed in the United States. Constructing the Magic magical place in the world to life. Kingdom on what was basically the second floor was pure It all came together like a giant three-dimensional movie, engineering genius. on a set that is twice the size of Manhattan, operating ev- Think about what it took to build the Magic Kingdom eryday of every year, with four themed parks, two water itself, everything from the props, sets, and theming, to the parks, countless hotels and restaurants…and that’s just larger-than-life icons like Cinderella Castle. Thousands of what the average Guest sees. The detail, design, (and yes, tons of steel, fiberglass, and wood. Over 20,000 different col- maybe a little bit of magic) make what Disney accomplished ors of paint. It was quite a feat, and it took more than 9,000 a true wonder.

71 · Celebrations hen we last parted ways, my companion had just true artistic splendor. There were mosaic patterns ev- Wsuccessfully returned from her very own voyage erywhere we looked, as well as a multitude of displays on the Wayback Machine powered by the percussion showcasing the art of Moroccan culture from differ- stylings of Matsuriza. ent phases of their history. We spent quite a bit of time As we were crossing in front of Morocco, my com- wandering around looking at all the items hanging on panion was distracted by the smells, sights, and sounds the walls and inside glass cases. The centerpiece of the of the shops and insisted that we do some exploring. gallery was surely the magnificent horse, which was I must admit, I haven’t really walked through these actually representative of a Fantasia, an equestrian ex- shops before, and I was amazed at how wonderfully travaganza that is at the heart of many Moroccan fes- detailed they are. So much so that I believe you could tivals. Elsewhere we discovered stunning pieces of jew- share pictures from the pavilion with your friends and elry and amazing examples of the art of Henna. Even they would have no idea the light fixtures were that you weren’t actu- breathtaking; just see- ally in Morocco. ing them was enough As we were wander- to make the visit well ing around the pavilion, worth it. I happened to overhear This room alone a conversation between would prove to any a Cast Member and an- Guest that the Moroc- other Guest about the can government played origins of the pavilion. a valuable role in the I found it interesting creation of this pavil- that while corporations ion. The artistic pieces sponsor all of the other found in this little World Showcase pavil- space (and it is small) ions, this pavilion is ac- are the kinds of arti- tually sponsored by the facts that you would Moroccan government. In addition to that, the King of expect to find in a museum. To our delight, the room Morocco sent artisans to Epcot to create the breathtak- was very well lit, making it a great photo opportunity ing mosaic work for the pavilion. for shutterbugs like us. To the delight of our tired feet, As we continued to explore, we stumbled across a there were also plenty of places to sit down. door with a sign that said “Gallery of Arts and History.” Don’t be afraid to peek and see where a door might I doubt we would have noticed the door if we weren’t take you. Those doors don’t always lead to a trip down taking in the sights so intensely, as it really looked like a the rabbit hole, but once in while you’ll uncover a true part of the scenery. But as we’ve discovered many times, hidden treasure. sometimes the greatest treasures can be found where you least expect them. Until next time, this is Ray and you have been Wan- As we entered, we were greeted by a showcase of dering the World. 72 · Celebrations Number of pistons that turn the 10,001 giant paddlewheel.

Temperature, in degrees, that the 10 interior of the boiler reaches.

Greatest depth of the Rivers of 8 America, in feet.

Draft of the riverboat’s hull, in inch- 18 es. (For you non-nautical types, that’s the distance from the water line to the bottom of the hull.)

Number of people it takes to steer 0 the riverboat. (The riverboat actu- ally glides along an I-beam track un- derneath the surface of the river.)

Number of boats that have plied the 2 waters of Liberty Square. The Admi- ral Joe Fowler was the first, begin- ning operation one day after the Magic Kingdom opened, retiring in the fall of 1980. The Richard F. Irvine arrived on May 20, 1973, and was re- named The Liberty Belle in 1996.

Number of Guests that can sail on 450 the riverboat at one time. 3 Number of decks on the ship. Length, in feet, of the riverboat. 113 That’s over 20 feet longer than Splash Mountain is high!

Photo ©Tim Foster 73 · Celebrations How Well Do You Know the Walt Disney World Mountains? by Tim Foster

1. What is the tallest Disney Mountain? 6. What is the name of the mountain that is a. Splash Mountain home to the Yeti? b. Everest a. Everest c. Space Mountain b. The Forbidden Mountain d. Big Thunder Mountain c. Chakranadi Mountain d. Serka Zong 2. Which mountain came first? a. Splash Mountain 7. What is the name of the town seen on Big b. Everest Thunder Mountain? c. Space Mountain a. Gloomy Gulch d. Big Thunder Mountain b. Ridges c. Thunder Mesa 3. What is the name of the mountain in Splash d. Tumbleweed Mountain? a. Chickapin Hill 8. What lesser known mountain can be found at b. The Laughing Place DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney? c. The Briar Patch a. CyberSpace Mountain d. b. Space Mountain with Buzz Lightyear c. Inca Mountain 4. Which mountain has the slowest top speed? d. VR Mountain a. Splash Mountain b. Everest 9. Which mountain is the only one based on a c. Space Mountain Disney film? d. Big Thunder Mountain a. Splash Mountain b. Everest 5. What are the names of the two tracks on Space c. Space Mountain Mountain? d. Big Thunder Mountain a. Alpha and Omega b. Alpha and Beta 10. What is the name of the first drop in Splash c. Apollo and Gemini Mountain? d. Apollo and Mercury a. The Laughing Place b. Slippin’ Falls c. Slidin’ Slips d. The Briar Patch

74 · Celebrations 11. When it was completed, Expedition Everest 14. At the Magic Kingdom, which mountain has was the most expensive ever the strictest height requirement? built. How much did it cost? a. Splash Mountain a. $20 million b. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad b. $75 million c. Space Mountain c. $100 million d. They’re actually all the same d. $250 million 15. Why does the moving ramp at the exit of 12. How much is a permit to climb the real Space Mountain dip down and then up? Mount Everest? a. You’re passing beneath a portion of the ride a. Up to $25,000 b. You’re passing beneath a portion of the b. $100,000 Tomorrowland Transit Authority c. Less than $100 c. You’re passing beneath a portion of the Walt d. Nothing, you climb at your own risk Disney World Railroad d. To give the illusion that the building is taller 13. Which two companies have sponsored Space than it really is Mountain? a. FedEx and RCA Quiz Answers b. FedEx and HP 1) B 6) B 11) C c. Boeing and Seimens 2) C 7) D 12) A d. Lockheed Martin and IBM 3) A 8) A 13) A 4) C 9) A 14) C 5) A 10) B 15) C

ANSWERS FIND THE DIFFERENCE BONUS ANSWER MYSTERY QUEST (pages 82–83) By raft KIDS KORNER (pages 78–81) BRAIN BUSTERS SECRET SYMBOLS WHO AM I? WORD SCRAMBLE 1. Splash Mountain entrance sign 1. Cruella 1. Br’er Rabbit 2. On the fence at Tom Sawyer Island FIND THE DIFFERENCE 2. Doc 2. Shooting gallery 3. The Country Bear Jamboree sign 3. Woody 3. Raft 4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad sign 4. Lilo (or her sister Nani) 4. Pecos Bill 5. Carriage sign on the Frontierland 5. Christopher 5. Saloon Trading Post building 6. Randall 6. Lantern 7. Train tracks WHERE AM I? MOUNTAIN MYSTERY 8. Mountain goat 1. Frontierland entrance sign 1. Expedition Everest 2. Inside Fort Langhorn at Tom Sawyer 2. Splash Mountain Island 3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 3. Entrance sign to Splash Mountain 4. Space Mountain 4. The exterior entrance queue to Big 5. The (Disneyland) 1. The compass is facing a different Thunder Mountain Railroad 6. Pride Rock () direction. 5. The floor inside the Country Bear 2. “Map” is spelled wrong. Jamboree theater MATCH GAME 3.  The raft is turned around. 6. Pecos Bill sign Numbers 3 and 4 are the same. 4. The name is gone. 7. Inside Harper’s Mill at Tom Sawyer 5. The path has been filled in. Island 6. There is an extra cloud. 8. Target in the Frontierland Shootin’ 7. The last line of the story is gone. Arcade 8. There is an addition to the fort. 9. There is a new tear in the parchment. 10. The fastener is gone.

75 · Celebrations One of my fondest memories from my early days of exploration at Epcot was the various symbols used to represent the different areas of this fascinating locale. It was hard to pick a favorite, but if pressed I would have to say that it was the symbol that stood for a unique pavilion known as the Land. (This particular version was located on the second floor of the pavilion.) It seemed to perfectly represent the promise of growth that was at the heart of this pavilion, and, as was the case with the other Epcot icons, I was saddened to see it leave. However, much to my delight, I overheard that the Land pavilion symbol still existed somewhere in all its original glory, so I set off on a quest to find it.

I recalled that the icon could also be found on the exterior signage, though the sign I was thinking of had long been replaced. However, it seemed that the mural would be a good place to conceal the symbol, so I spent the next several hours scouring the thousands of tiles in a quest to find it. It was a laborious task, seeing as there were approximately 150,000 tiles, but I did make many interesting discoveries. The tiles themselves were made up of many materials including marble, granite, slate, glass and gold, and I even found a single emerald tile. It seemed awfully familiar (as if I had discovered it on an earlier quest), but sadly there was no icon to be found.

As I pondered where to look next, I suddenly remembered one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite films, and the supposed connection she had to the Land pavilion. The film was Wall-E, and the character was Eve. For those of you unfamiliar with the tale, Eve (whose name is an acronym for “Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator”) was sent to a barren, future Earth to look for signs of plant life, which would indicate that the planet was habitable once again. A rumor had sprung up that the symbol that appeared on Eve’s exterior when she discovered a plant was in fact the original logo for the Land pavilion. Alas, it was just a rumor, as a closer inspection revealed that while the two symbols are similar, they aren’t quite the same. A disappointment to be sure, but in any event it makes a cute story. But enough daydreaming, it was time to continue my search.

76 · Celebrations I thought that a search through my photo archive would jar my memory and give me a clue as to where the elusive symbol might be found. I was surprised to run across this photo, and it took me a moment to remember where it had come from. After thinking about it for a few moments, I recalled a special exhibit that was on display during the celebration of Epcot’s 25th anniversary. The entire history of the park was presented through a series of displays, many of them featuring some rare artifacts of long closed attractions. This particular photo focused on the Land pavilion, right down to the pavilion’s slogan, “Set Sail for Tomorrow’s Harvest.” The logo was in plain view, and there was even a photo of a larger-than-life logo being constructed, this turned out to be the version I had recalled when my expedition began. Elsewhere, the exhibit included many other artifacts, including a whimsical robot butler from a place called Horizons. I noticed that the pavilion had an agricultural connection (Indeed, Horizons was the only pavilion in Epcot to incorporate all of Future World’s elements: communication, energy, transportation, and man’s relationship to the sea and land among others.), and wondered if the elusive symbol might be found there. I recall the pavilion being directly opposite the Land pavilion, so I set off to see what I could find.

I quickly discovered that I was too late, the building that once served as the home to the Horizons attraction was no longer there. In its place stood a futuristic structure that looked like some sort of exotic spaceship. I soon found I was much closer to the truth than I thought, as this was the launching pad for an historic journey to Mars. I ventured inside, still hoping that the remnants of the Land logo could be found inside. My heart skipped a beat as I studied the giant revolving space station in the heart of the entrance. There, in the middle, I saw a tiny symbol that looked very familiar! Could it be? Alas, upon closer inspection, I realized that, even though it was indeed one of the original Epcot symbols, it wasn’t the one I was seeking. This was the symbol for Horizons, which made perfect sense. Unfortunately, it only heightened my desire to locate the Land pavilion symbol.

I remembered that the original main attraction of the pavilion was the Living With the Land boat ride (known as Listening to the Land when it first opened). It would make sense to find the symbol inside, so I boarded one of the boats and set off toward the greenhouses. Once inside I did see several symbols, but they obviously represented the plants that were growing nearby. But then I saw this symbol looming ahead. Tucked behind a glass window, it was hard to make out at first, as we got closer my heart started to pound. Unfortunately it turned out to be a false alarm, it was just a collection of test tubes. Why they were in the shape of a mouse’s face I have no idea…

Upon exiting the boat, I remarked to a passerby that it was nice to have boarded the boat so quickly, seeing as I had a lot of work to do. I was informed that this hadn’t always been the case; the lines used to be much longer until the arrival of the sightseeing tours of California. I amusingly noted that the FastPass kiosks for Living With the Land must be accumulating a lot of dust, when inspiration struck. I went over to one of the kiosks, now draped in a vinyl covering. Since they were rarely used anymore, I wondered if that meant they haven’t been updated in quite a while. I tentatively lifted the covering and let out an audible gasp. There it was! The elusive Land pavilion logo at long last! My heart now soaring, I thought I would check out this California sight-seeing venture, I hope it’s worth the trip!

77 · Celebrations What is the first name of each of the following characters? 1. De Vil 2. Hudson 3. Pride 4. Pelekai 5. Robin 6. Boggs

Can you identify these different Disney mountains? Hint: one is in California and one is is a Disney film.

1 2

3 4

5 6

78 · Celebrations Only two of these murals are an exact match, can you figure out what the identical pair is?

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

Answers on page 75 79 · Celebrations Splash Mountain is based on an old Disney classic film. Do you know what it was called?

Exploring the caves of Tom Sawyer island can get a bit confusing. Can you spot the 10 differences in the photos below?

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BONUS QUESTION How do you get to Tom Sawyer Island?

80 · Celebrations See if you can unscramble the names of these things you can find in Frontierland.

1. RERB TIRBAB 2. THINGOSO RYELALG

3. ARTF 4. SCOPE LIBL

5. SOLONA 6. TERNNAL

7. ANTIR SCARKT 8. NUTMAINO TOGA

Answers on page 75

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

What do you think of the addition Have you visited the new queue at of Avatar to the Animal Kingdom? the Haunted Mansion? Is it worth Any time Disney announces a new project going through? I get very excited, and this time they seem Oh, definitely!!! It is almost as much fun to be building a whole new world!! :) I as the ride itself, and it’s a great way to pass know some people think that since Avatar the time while waiting in line. There are isn’t a Disney movie, it doesn’t belong, but so many things to do, like helping a ghost and Indiana Jones aren’t Disney write a poem, playing music on all kinds movies either, and everyone loves those of different instruments, and even helping attractions. With Avatar, there are so many to solve a ghost mystery. My favorite is things for the Imagineers to create. the addition of Captain Culpepper Clyne’s crypt. The poor guy was a sailor but ended Do you like the new dance area in up drowning in his bathtub! His crypt has Tomorrowland? singing, bubbles, and unfortunately, a I like dancing anywhere and LOVE couple of leaks! (See what happens if you dancing in Disney!!! It’s also a way to have try to plug them up!!) But be careful of any something to do while Mom & Dad take a sneezes!!! :) If you look carefully, you can rest (You know they need it!). also find the new bride’s ring, cool!

81 · Celebrations Secret Symbols Where can you find these cryptic inscriptions?

3 1 5 2 4

Mae if they took a ride on one of Mike Fink’s Did You Know? Keelboats. “Texas” John Slaughter is the name of the You can only reach Frontierland by passing Frontierland Trail Boss, as seen on the sign through Liberty Square or Adventureland. All hanging over the entrance to the store. of the other lands in the Magic Kingdom have their own “spoke” off the central hub. “Texas John Slaughter” was also the name of a TV Western series starring Tom Tryon that From 1971 until 1994, the Davy Crockett was produced by Disney in the 50s and 60s. It Explorer Canoes allowed Guests to paddle a ran on the “Disneyland” show, which aired on real canoe around the Rivers of America ABC before it moved to NBC and was renamed “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.” When the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade first You could once find the Marshall keepin’ opened, real lead pellets were fired from the peace daily in Frontierland, as well as the rifles at the targets. However, the rifles Prospector “Gold Dust Gus” at various times soon had to be refitted to no longer shoot throughout the day. These character actors these projectiles. There were of course seamlessly blended into the theme of the obvious safety concerns, but the real reason land, and gladly interacted with Guests. they were modified was paint. Paint? Yup! Because the pellets chipped the paint off the The Rivers of America surrounds Tom props in the attraction, it was necessary for Sawyer Island, and is home to the Disney maintenance personnel to repaint Liberty Bell riverboat. Until the mid the attraction every night. Over the course 1990s, Guests could travel on the of a year, that amounted to over 2000 gallons Gullywhumper or the Bertha of paint!

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

3 2

1

6 4 5

8

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

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

6.If Nemo’s siblings had survived the bar- racuda attack, Nemo would have had hundreds of brothers but no sisters. In the real world, every clown fish is born male, and will only change to female if the sole breeding female dies. If the fe- male dies, the breeding male changes sex. If you think about it, that means Marlin should have changed sex to be- come the dominant female once Coral died. But, hey, this is a family film! 7. It wouldn’t make Nemo feel better, but he’s quite a catch. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority regulates the number of permits that are issued to aquarium fish dealers who collect 1. Finding Nemo was released in 2003, but that wasn’t the clown fish within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. first appearance of everyone’s favorite orange fish. If you 8. So how do Marlin and Nemo survive in the anemone’s ten- looked carefully, you could spot a stuffed toy Nemo on a tacles anyway? Two reasons. First, they secrete a mucus couch in Boo’s room in Monsters, Inc. Nemo would go on to that prevents the anemone from stinging them. Secondly, make another cameo appearance in Toy Story 2 as a sticker clown fish are immune to the anemone’s toxins. And of on Andy’s toy box. course there’s the magic of animation… 2. Leave it to Dory to forget Nemo’s name. Throughout the 9. In the film, we are told that “all drains lead back to the film she called him Fabio, Elmo, Bingo, Chico, and even ocean.” Well, that’s not exactly true. Waste water typically Harpo. undergoes treatment before leading to the ocean, though 3. How could you forget that name? His famous namesake is in Sydney, much of the sewer system does go through of course Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. pipes that lead deep offshore, though some pumping and Appropriately, Nemo means ‘nobody’ or ‘no one’ in Latin. filtering does occur. A cut sequence showing Nemo going Additionally, Nemo is the Latin variation of the ancient through a treatment plant’s mechanisms was planned Greek term Outis, which also meant “nobody.” This was but not included in the final film. However, you can still the pseudonym Odysseus employed to outwit the Cyclops see the logo for “Sydney Water Treatment” on the pipes in Polyphemus. Now you know where Nemo got his elusive- the ocean, indicating that Nemo did pass through some ness from! sort of water treatment system. 4. Alexander Jerome Gould, who also provided the voice of 10. Nemo’s popularity led to the mass purchase of clownfish Bambi in the 2006 film Bambi II, voiced Nemo. Gould is also as pets in the U.S. This demand was met through large- well known for his role as Shane Botwin on the Showtime scale harvesting of tropical fish in regions like Vanuatu. TV series “Weeds. “ Tourism in Australia also increased following the film’s 5. What is Nemo’s favorite subject in Mr. Ray’s class? Ocean- release, with people flocking to the Land Down Under in ography of course! their quest to find Nemo for themselves!

Keepsake Image: “Nighttime Stroll Along the Rivers of America”• Photography by Tim Devine 84 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney Back Cover Photography by Tim Foster

“You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney