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On the Cover: Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat, photo by Tim Devine Volume 1 • Number 5 Disney’s Hollywood 46 Contents Studios: 20 Years of Letters...... 6 Movie Magic Calendar of Events...... 9 Disney News & Updates...... 10

MOUSE VIEWS...... 15 Guide to the Magic by Tim Foster...... 16 Main Street Windows Explorer Emporium by Lou Mongello...... 18 Hidden Mickeys by Steve Barrett...... 20 Disney Style by Cara Goldsbury...... 22 Photography Tips & Tricks 54 by Tim Devine...... 24 Pin Trading & Collecting Magical Waters: A by John Rick...... 26 Travel Tips Tour of the Walt by Beci Mahnken...... 28 Disney Cuisine Disney World Resort by Allison Jones...... 30 Pools Magic 60 by J Darling...... 32 FEATURED ATTRACTION Collecting the Magic: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster...... 34 Pressed Pennies 66 FEATURED RESORT Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground...... 38

FEATURED FILM Up...... 42

Lou Mongello’s Wayback Machine...... 70 Wandering the World...... 72 The Dueling Pianos By the Numbers: 68 Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel...... 73 of Jellyrolls on the Quick Quiz...... 74 BoardWalk In Search of: The Chachapoyan Golden Idol...... 76 Kids Korner...... 78 Mystery Quest: Future World West...... 82 Tim & Lou’s Top 10...... 84 Movies and Magic As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in this issue, I’m reminded of the role that movies have played in the history of . On one hand, it’s easy to overlook the history behind all of the characters and attractions as you take that final plunge on or race through the inky blackness of . But even a casual stroll through will remind you of all of the wonderful films and stories that inspired much of what you see. Peter Pan. and the Seven Dwarfs. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Alice in Wonderland. These classic films provide the inspiration for some of the most beloved attractions in Walt Disney World, and they (along the rest of the Disney cinematic library) are the foundation upon which everything we see rests. And that’s one of the things that makes Walt Disney World so magical—the realization that there is a rich history behind everything. This isn’t a mere amusement park; it’s an entire empire built on some of the most familiar icons and historic characters in movie history. The magic we experience isn’t just based on the things we see and hear in the parks; it’s also based on the memories that are rekindled when we are reminded of a favorite moment from a classic Disney film. Whether we’re taking a magical flight over London with Peter Pan or exploring a whole new world with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, the chance to relive those special memories in a brand new way is something we will never forget. Of course, the cinematic traditions of Disney reach far beyond the retelling of familiar tales. Walking through the parks is like walking though a virtual movie set, whether you’re deep in the exotic jungles of or traveling around the globe in World Showcase. No detail is overlooked, from the music and lighting to the sightlines and even the smells, creating a totally immersive experience that puts you in the middle of a far-off land. It’s no small wonder that Walt Disney World has a whole park devoted to the magic of the movies, because the magic of the movies is everywhere you look. (Before we to explore, you may have noticed that we’ve grown by a few extra pages! I’m happy to introduce you to our newest columnist, J Darling, who will be sharing the magic and wonder of Disneyland in , where the magic all started of course!)

Now, on with the show! Tim Foster

2 · Celebrations Editors Tim Foster • Lou Mongello

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

Associate Editors Jennifer Bright Reich • Catherine Lusby

Creative Direction and Design Tim Foster Associate Art Director Michelle Foster

Contributing Photographers Tim Devine, Tim Foster, Sharon Reedy, Jeff Heimbuch, Barrie Brewer, Lou Mongello

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©2008 Celebrations Press, Inc. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written 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 Fanlity? Reatasy?

“Fantasy and reality often overlap.”—Walt Disney

When I try to qualify what Walt Disney World is, I see it as both a patchwork of reality and fantasy, as well as something with many layers—where the deeper you look, the more magic you’ll find. Everywhere you look—in a park, on an attraction, at a resort, in a restaurant, or even strolling its grounds—what you see on the surface is often just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to detail, story, and magic. Walt Disney World blurs the line between reality and fantasy on many levels—both physically and emotionally. Physically, we’re surrounded by faux buildings, manufactured landscapes, Imagineered backdrops, and characters seemingly lifted off of movie screens. We’re enthralled by the sights of Audio-Animatronic birds inside its buildings, and we’re comforted by the sounds of real birds as we wander its lush grounds. And we unconsciously enjoy the fact that sometimes we’re unable to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Emotionally, we find ourselves vested in personal moments, and also in songs, places, the aforementioned characters, and even physical structures. Many people will freely admit that they have shed tears at the initial reveal of from Main Street, U.S.A. And of course, there are the real stories that we take with us after spending time making memories with family and friends in the parks, and there are also the fantasy stories that have been spun for us by the brilliant, creative people backstage. The layers on both run quite deep. For example, the memories we carry with us might be of something as simple as a character encounter, but they represent and encapsulate a childhood filled with great times with parents or children. The stories woven by Disney allow us to escape reality as we pass through the turnstiles, and they afford us a peek into an all-new world filled with its own real and imagined history. We gladly suspend our disbelief and allow ourselves to be immersed in a reality that’s much different than the ones we leave at home. And by doing so willingly and unconditionally, we truly “leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy!”

Lou Mongello

4 · Celebrations Contributors

Jennifer Bright Reich is a Ray Harkness thanks Disney Jeff Heimbuch lives along Chuck Lionberger writer, editor, copy editor, for saving his marriage. As the Jersey Shore, but his (also known as the and creator of www. a self professed workaholic, heart lies at Walt Disney DisneyDaddy), is the DisneyWithKids.net, helping vacation was a 4-letter World. When not visiting the author and creator of people traveling to Walt word. After being shown happiest place on Earth, he the DisneyDaddy blog at Disney World with kids save the joys of a vacation by his enjoys making movies. You disneydaddy.blogspot. money, time, and sanity. lovely wife, he now cannot can see his work at com. He is married to Jennifer has contributed imagine being away from bamferproductions.com Mickey (seriously, that’s his to more than 150 books work if it doesn’t involve a and read his Disney blog at wife’s name!) and has three and written more than 100 Disney resort. He and his www.page626.com children that are all big magazine and newspaper wife, Nancy, have logged Disney fans. He has been articles. She lives in almost 50 days in the featured several times on Hellertown, Pennsylvania, parks since 2006. When the WDWRadio Show. with her husband and their not touring the parks, Ray three- and one-year-old writes for his blog Grumpy’s sons, who anxiously await Hollow under the name their next trip. Grumpwurst (grumpyspace. blogspot.com).

Sharon (Sha) Reedy is 40 A Disney fan from birth, Rod Wheaton made his first Glenn Whelan came to years old and lives about Sara Vigrass has never been visit to Walt Disney World Disney very early in life. His 90 minutes north of Walt able to get enough just 3 months after opening connection began through Disney World. Her first trip of Walt Disney World. She is day when he was 6 years old. the unusual route of the was in 1972, but amazingly a College Program alumni He and his family quickly often under appreciated still has a lot to do despite and also worked became hard-core Disney live-action films. However, over 100 trips to Disney. She in WDW entertainment geeks and to this day it is the “True Life Adventures” and is an amateur photographer for three years (she was site of their annual family “Follow Me, Boys!” took a and her photos can be VERY good friends with the vacations. He has passed secondary role after the found at princesses). Though she his love for all things Disney opening of Walt Disney Believesinfairies.smugmug. lives in NYC now and works to the next generation thru World. Glenn recently com/Disney. She is looking as an editor for Fox and a his kids, and his 11 year old turned to writing as well as forward to her first trip to writer for the examiner.com, daughter recently began a a new career with Rollins Disneyland in December, she still visits WDW often, blog for the ‘tween set. College located in Winter 2009. never losing touch with her Park, Florida. You can read inner-mouse. his blog at: passamaquoddy.blog.com

5 · Celebrations Letters Thank You! I love your magazine and have my fingers crossed that you do reprint I am a fan of all things Disney. After the premiere issue, as it is the only 42 trips to the World, (including mar- one I don’t have. As I complete one rying there,) collecting Disney pieces, of the magazines, I can hardly wait watching Disney films, and listening for the next one to arrive. I feel like to Live 365 as often as possible, I find I step inside the parks each time I myself always looking for Disney info. open the magazine. I’ve also learned Your magazine stands out as a treat a lot about Disney World that I among many offerings. didn’t know, for example the Star Receiving a publication as fantas- Wars training camp. My grandson tic as yours is a blessing. I recently would love to do that when we go Spotted: A Junior subscribed, and when I received my in September. Thank you for a great Skipper! first issue today I couldn’t believe my magazine! eyes. The photographs are fabulous As an Anniversary present my hus- and the articles are terrific. So many Cheryl band gave me a subscription to your thanks to everyone involved in put- wonderful magazine. Keep up the ting out such a delightful piece. I Thanks Cheryl! You’ll be glad to know good work! plan on keeping every issue I receive. that we will indeed be doing a limited I loved the “Wandering the World” Thanks again. reprinting of our premiere issue, so if you article by Ray Harkness. Mr. Hark- missed out don’t despair, you’ll be able to ness commented that he offered Ginger Miller complete your Celebrations collection! treasures and riches to Cast Mem- bers in order to pilot a Jungle Cruise Boat to no avail. This instantly reminded me of our last trip to Walt Disney World. On my 6 year old son’s first trip on the Jungle Cruise he answered one of the Skipper’s jokes and developed an instant friendship with this outstanding Cast Member. A few minutes later we rode with the rest of the family and the Skipper welcomed my son back AND let him pilot the boat. He also got an Of- ficial Skippers license. It was a truly special moment on a very special vacation. I am attaching a picture of this mo- ment.

Nancy Cuozzo

Got a question, photo or story you’d like to share? email them to: [email protected] 6 · Celebrations More Pin Trading Magic

I just wanted to say how wonderful the special pin trading event and What a Fantastic collection of some very the free gift of the Small World Print thought you or one of the contribu- special pins!! I just wanted to comment was...and what a surprise. I knew this tors might be interested in these. on 2 of the pins from . magazine had great potential but it I went to Paris and Tokyo in Febru- has gone above and beyond what I ary and got these pins while we One is the Mickey’s “Pin’versary” Event- ever expected. The articles in each is- were there. The one . This is an event only pin; sue are fantastic and the images are came out on Friday the 13th while we it is an individually numbered edition amazing. After carefully storing the were there, and of the other 2 Paris of 600. It was originally released on print in my photo album I started to ones, one I bought and one was a gift 29 March 2009 during Mickey’s 80th flick through and found the Flower from Patrick who was keeper of the Pin’versary Event held at the New York and Garden Festival article which is pin board. The Tokyo ones were only Hotel. really great. I have never been there available if you played a special game. And the second is the 15th anniversary at that time of year, but the pic- I’m not a massive pin collector (and Event Old Hag. This too was an event tures allowed me to live vicariously these are the only Limited Edition only pin, again an individually num- through you. And of course the Star pins I have) plus I don’t really take bered edition of 600. This was originally Wars Weekend article....sigh...one day much notice of happenings while at released 23 June 2007 to commemorate I will be there. home, but trading in the parks is a the 15th anniversary of DLRP. really fun thing to do. But the real reason I’m writing is Thanks again, they are all great pins!!!! that I just saw the article about Louise John Rick

Photo ©Disney

7 · Celebrations does in Florida. We also use a poncho I am sending in this photo after to wrap Pal Mickey in, when he joins listening to the Top 10 Things To Do us on the water rides :) When it Rains. The photo is of my 2 Letters daughters Rachel and Nicole at Hol- And the Rain Rain Rain Emma lywood Studios during the 2007 Star Came Down Down Surrey, England Wars Weekends, it was taken as we Down left the park and it had rained for a while at the end of the day. Enjoy! I just listened to your recent WDWRadio podcast #115 segment John Gartland about the Top Ten Things To Do When it Rains (you can listen to the whole show at wdwradio.com-Ed.). Here is a picture that I took in the , last October - the rain was just easing off, luckily in time for Spectromagic. In the centre of the photo is my boyfriend, and yes, he is wearing a poncho! We bought them in 2006 on our first trip to Disney together. They are a real novelty to us as it rarely rains in England like it

8 · Celebrations Calendar of Events Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Weekends Magic Kingdom Disney’s 7:00 p.m. - Midnight Hollywood September: 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 Studios October: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 May 22-24, 29-31, November: 1 June 5-7, 12-14, It’s a spooktacular celebration where Guests can dress up 2009 in their favorite costumes and enjoy a night of haunting The power of Halloween magic! A separate ticket is required to attend. the Force and the magic of International Food & Wine Festival Disney com- September 25 - November 8, 2009 bine for the It’s a food and wine lover’s paradise with specialty food ultimate Star items, culinary events, and live musical entertainment Wars gathering. from all around the world. Be sure to bring your appetite! Special events include parades, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! trivia contests, Magic Kingdom activities, and 7:00 p.m. - Midnight Photo ©Disney the chance to November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29 meet and greet Star Wars legends and characters. December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15,17, 18 The weekend festivities are included with regular theme Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas cheer where you can park admission. enjoy the Magic Kingdom in all of its holiday splendor. See spectacular parades and shows, enjoy free yuletide treats, Sounds Like Summer and meet all of your favorite characters. You can even see it America Gardens Theater at Epcot snow on Main Street! June 15 – August 9, 2009 This fun-filled concert series will have you rockin’ to some Holidays Around The World of your favorite all time tunes. Throughout the summer Epcot you can dance the night away to a variety of bands cover- November 27 - December 30, 2009 ing classic songs made famous by rock legends , The Bee During the holidays, World Showcase transforms into a Gees, The Supremes, Bon Jovi, and many more. Three shows breathtaking celebration of diverse international holiday nightly at 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm. Be sure to bring your traditions. Highlights include the Candlelight Processional, dancing shoes! IllumiNations: Holiday Edition and Holiday Storytellers from all over the globe. Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights September 11 & 12, 2009 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park This inspirational musical event returns to the Hollywood November 30, 2009 - January 3, 2010 Studios with some of the most popular names and most The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is an powerful voices in rock, pop and gospel Contemporary incredible Christmas outdoor display featuring millions of Christian music. holiday lights and festive music.

9 · Celebrations Disney News Up, Up and Away ! he fun soars to new Theights at Downtown Dis- ney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the water- front. Characters In Flight oper- ated by Aerophile is a 72-foot- diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Dis- ney’s “flying characters” – such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and . The vibrantly colored balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter- than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-de- gree view of up to 10 miles. Guests board a gondola be- neath the 105-foot-high bal- loon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Down- town Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while as- cents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Avail- ability is on first-come, first- serve basis.

10 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney The Big Cheese amed French Chef Paul Bocuse greets a new Audio-Ani- Fmatronics figure named “Remy” April 3, 2009 at Les Chefs de France restaurant at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Remy, made famous in Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated film “Ratatouille,” is featured at the restaurant in a new guest experience called “Bon Appetit from Chef Remy.” The Audio- figure — the smallest ever created by — interacts with diners inside the res- taurant. Through Sept. 5, Remy will make appearances in the dining room during specific times.

service meal at up to 100 restaurants for each night of the Guests Can Celebrate With package stay. With this special offer, a family of four can get a five-night ‘Free Dining Plan’ Vacation stay at a select Disney Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way base ticket (with free dining) for as little as: • $1,390 in a standard room at a Disney Value Resort Package Offer • $1,764 in a standard room at a Disney Moderate Resort uests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will • $2,276 in a standard room at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Ghave extra reason to celebrate with a great vacation or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offer that features the popular for free. • $2,586 in a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort or Guests buying a five-night/six-day room and theme park Disney’s Old Key West Resort.* ticket package for stays most nights from Aug. 16 to Oct. The package can be booked now through June 21, 2009 at 3, 2009, can enjoy the Disney Dining Plan for free. The plan disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY or their local includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table- travel agent and asking for package code RYH.

11 · Celebrations Disney News Celebrity Chef Cat Cora To Open New Walt Disney World Restaurant hef Cat Cora and Disney are joining together Cto open an exciting new family dining res- taurant at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Kouzzina by Cat Cora will feature a menu of Mediterra- nean-style cuisine that pays tribute to the chef’s Greek roots. The restaurant, to be owned and operated by Disney, is scheduled to open by fall 2009 in the space currently occupied by Spoodles. “I am pleased to welcome Cat Cora and her en- gaging new concept for Kouzzina to the Walt Disney World Resort,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This collaboration between Cat and Disney represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to offer unique culinary experiences and choices for our guests.” As a Mississippi native born to a family of Greek restaurateurs, Cora grew up immersed in two different and flavorful cultures , and has taken from that unique background the kitchen “know-how” handed down through generations. The cuisine at Kouzzina (Greek for “kitchen” and pronounced “koo-zee-nah”) will showcase Medi- terranean cuisine and Chef Cora’s philosophy to create simple yet sensational meals. Cora said that the new restaurant will feature “time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean The first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network’s dishes that my family loves.” hit show “Iron Chef America,” Cora is a graduate of the Cu- She began working with Disney in 2008 by creating a linary Institute of America in New York. She also is Execu- Disney Video on Demand series to showcase ways to help tive Chef for Bon Appétit magazine. In addition to hosting families develop more healthy eating habits. “I’m extremely the instructional cooking demonstrations for Disney Video excited about this latest extension of my relationship with on Demand, Cora has been a featured chef at the Epcot In- Disney,” she said. “Together, we’re going to develop a truly ternational Food & Wine Festival and at Disney’s California amazing contemporary Mediterranean restaurant.” Food & Wine Festival at .

12 · Celebrations Tren-D, New Retail Offering, Blends Retro Style and Current Trends with a Touch of Disney

stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offer- Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered A ings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set Disney Marketplace with the March opening of Tren-D. The among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic en- urban-inspired Walt Disney World specialty store is a one- vironment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings. seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories. Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere “This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, new silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry – the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates blending it with Disney-inspired creations. to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, director “With its exclusive product lines and new environment, of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue we think Tren-D will complement the existing merchandise to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta. they can’t purchase at home. Tren-D speaks to what is hap- Tren-D is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders pening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Disney influences.” Summer Sands.

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 The Imagineer’s Bag of Tricks magineers spend a lot of time and thought dreaming up all of the things that Imake Walt Disney World such a magical place. As you might expect, they have a full arsenal of technology and talent at their disposal to bring these dreams to life, but they’ve also cooked up a variety of pranks and gags to fool Guests and to create masterful illusions, in a fun and magical way, of course. How so? Let’s take a stroll through the parks and see what sort of mischief awaits you.

Things Are Not Quite as They Appear Sometimes you might be fooled into seeing things that are not really there, or by Tim Foster at least aren’t quite what they seem. A favorite trick of Imagineers is called forced perspective, which makes things appear bigger than they really are. How does it work? To understand forced perspective, you need to know how our eyes and brain work together. When you look at a distant object, your brain uses many subtle clues to help you judge how big it is, or conversely, how far away it is. For instance, if you see a friend waving to you across a field, your brain instinctively knows how tall she is. Right now though, your friend might only appear to be an inch or two tall. (Hold up your hand and pretend to hold her between your thumb and forefinger to get an idea of how tall she appears to you. Don’t squeeze though!) Of course, your friend isn’t actually two inches tall. But that’s one of the clues your brain uses to let you know that your friend is standing far away from you, as opposed to a few feet away. Similarly, if you see an object that you know is a certain distance away, such as across a football field, you have a pretty good idea of how big it really is, because you’re used to how knowing big other objects appear at that distance. Confusing? Well, let’s go to Main Street, U.S.A., for a perfect example. Everyone has, of course, Tim Foster is the author of seen a two- or three-story house. So you have a pretty fair idea of how big a window the Guide to the Magic book looks to you if it’s at ground level, on the second floor, or even higher. The smaller the series, which includes the Guide to the Magic for Kids, the Lost window, the higher it must be . The Imagineers used this perception Journals, and the Guide to the to make the buildings seem taller than they really are. If you were to measure the Magic Autograph & Sticker second and third story windows on the stores of Main Street, you’ll find that they’re Book. Tim is also the creator of much smaller than the first story windows. Because the windows appear smaller to the www.guidetothemagic.com you, your brain tricks you into thinking that they’re much higher than they really are. website. How much smaller are they? The ceilings of the first floors of the Main Street shops are 12 feet tall, which is a perfectly reasonable height. But the second story is only 10 feet tall, while the third floor is only 8 feet tall! ( would probably get his hat knocked off.) For comparison, look at the Town Square Exposition Hall, and you’ll notice quite a difference. There, the floors are all the same height like a nor- mal building. Imagineers use the trick of forced perspective throughout the parks to give Guests a sense of grandness. You’ll see it at Cinderella Castle (the stones actually get smaller and smaller the higher you go), the mountainside of the Canada pavilion in Epcot (where the trees are smaller at the top), the Eiffel Tower in the France pavilion (which in reality is only 1/10th the size of the real thing), and the Empire State Build- ing facade in the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Forced perspective isn’t only used to make things appear bigger. In Peter Pan’s

16 · Celebrations Flight, for instance, the appear to have been de- tiny buildings you see molished by a cave-in. when you fly over London Over at Epcot, part of are much narrower at the your journey through bottom than they are at Maelstrom sends you the top to exaggerate the backward through the illusion of height! land of trolls, seemingly heading toward a treach- Mirror, Mirror erous drop over the falls. Imagineers use reflec- But at the last moment, tions quite often to make your boat changes direc- things appear and disap- tion and you (thankfully!) pear. For instance, the continue your adventure disappearing butterfly il- traveling forward. lusion in the Journey Into Imagination With Fig- Gotcha! ment is accomplished by So far, these tricks have a cleverly placed mirror in been used to create illu- the middle of the cage. In sions or to confuse your , the expectations. But Imagi- famous ballroom scene neers aren’t beyond giv- ghosts are reflections, ing you a nice, healthy not off of a mirror, but off of a large piece of glass that’s scare! The attic and graveyard in the Haunted Mansion are positioned between you and the ballroom floor. (The Audio- both filled with spooks that pop out at you unexpectedly, Animatronics figures are actually beneath the balcony!) A unleashing a shriek that will make you jump out of your similar technique was used in Spaceship Earth during one seat. In Test Track, your leisurely(?) tour through the test- of the final scenes where you saw people communicating ing facility has a heart-jolting surprise as you round one of with each other across great distances, such as the mother the bends. (As your guide explains, that’s what they call an singing a lullaby to her child. Some of the figures were actu- “evasive maneuver.”) ally above and behind you, and they were being reflected off Finally, the Imagineers have come up with another way of the glass in front of you to make them semi-transparent. to have some fun at Guest’s expense. As if fooling your eyes Another creative use of mirrors is to give the illusion of weren’t enough, they decided to have some fun with your depth. The infinite corridor in the Haunted Mansion makes nose. While the smell of cinnamon-laced apple pie in Mick- use of this technique. What you’re actually seeing is a series ey’s PhilharMagic is enchanting, you’ll probably be less ap- of repeated reflections of the ghostly candelabra floating in preciative of the skunk odor in Journey Into Imagination, the distance. the stinkbug in It’s Tough to be a Bug, the acid smell in Test Track, or (my personal, um, favorite) Stitch’s chili dog belch A Bit of Misdirection in Stitch’s Great Escape! A favorite prank of the Imagineers is to fool you into Imagineers have even provided Guests with a great way thinking something sinister is about to happen to you, and to get in on the mischief. Here’s a favorite trick of Epcot vet- then at the last minute letting you off the hook. In Expedi- erans: Take an unsuspecting friend (who probably won’t be tion Everest, for example, the initial part of your journey your friend for long), and head on over to Club Cool. You can leads you to a pair of twisted railroad tracks that appear taste test Coca-Cola products from around the world at the to be sending you hurtling off the mountain. Instead, you self-serve drink stations. Suggest to your friend that he try careen backward down the slope toward your fearsome en- Beverly from Italy. Tell him it’s delightful. Enjoy the grimace counter with the Yeti. (Small comfort!) A similar trick is used on his face. Run. on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, where your train tracks Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Photos ©Tim Foster 17 · Celebrations Where Fantasy and Reality Overlap

n Walt Disney World, the line between fantasy and reality is blurred to say the Ileast, and that’s one of its most endearing—and enduring—qualities. While we leave our reality at the gates when we step inside the fantasy worlds of the parks, in many instances, the real world makes its way into the Imagineered fantasy worlds we are surrounded by. This weaving of fantasy and reality takes places almost ev- erywhere on property, from the theme parks to the individual attractions, resort hotels, restaurants, and even other entertainment areas. Possibly more than at any other place, however, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers examples of the overlap of fantasy and reality, which is something that Walt Disney said happens quite often in real life. One might surmise that Walt would have been happy to see the Studios created, because he often gave private tours of the original by Lou Mongello Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s, usually to celebrities who requested them. When the Disney-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989, Chairman ’s dedication read “Welcome to the Hollywood that never was and always will be.” Dis- ney wanted to evoke the Golden Age of Hollywood and take you back in time from the moment that you pass through the turnstiles. And like any good movie set, at the Studios, the division between what is real and what is simulated is sometimes hard to discover and define.

Tipping a Hat to History You’ll find countless nostalgic references throughout the Studios to people and places of historical importance, as well as many references to fictional people and places. In fact, these references begin before you even walk into the park. Theater magnate Marcus Loew once said, “The show starts on the sidewalk.” This definitely holds true for the Studios. The streamlined main entrance gates of the Studios are Lou Mongello is the host of the reproductions of a facade of the 1935 Pan-Pacific Auditorium in , which award winning WDW Radio podcast was destroyed by fire in 1989. and the author of the definitive All along Hollywood Boulevard, building facades range in architectural styles— Disney trivia books, “Walt Disney from craftsman bungalows, to Art Deco featuring black marble, to Spanish revival. World Trivia” Volumes 1 and II. He is also the producer of the newly The facades also reflect the real Hollywood buildings that inspired their design—in- released Audio Guides of Walt Disney cluding famous locations such as Frederick’s of Hollywood, the Max Factor Building, World, a CD series that gives you a the J. J. Newberry store, and even the animal hospital on North Highland in Holly- personal tour of the happiest place wood that served as the inspiration for the ’s Palace store. on Earth. You can listen to the show On the right hand side of the street, you’ll see the Darkroom shop, which sells and discover more secrets, rumors cameras, film, and supplies. It’s adjacent to the Cover Story shop, where you can get and facts at Lou’s website: www.wdwradio.com your picture on the cover of a magazine. Designed to look like the front of a camera, this building follows in the programmatic architecture movement of the period (also known as California Crazy), where buildings had eccentric designs, sometimes reflecting what was being sold inside. The original camera shop upon which this building was based was built in 1938 at 5730 Wilshire Boulevard. As you reach the end of Hollywood Boulevard and approach Echo Lake on your left, you come upon Min and Bill’s Dockside diner. Named after the primary char- acters in the 1930 feature film Min and Bill, the counter-service snack location is in a building shaped like an old tramp steamer. Alongside the ship (on the “dock” as

18 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Foster it were), check out the large, steel gray crates with refer- Wander further and look up. In second story windows, ences to films from the Golden Age of movies and some of you might spot a reference to above the Holly- its more famous characters. Look for the names and ad- wood & Vine restaurant. Not too far away, you’ll see a simple dresses of Rick’s American Cafe from the classic film Casa- sign that honors Walt Disney himself. Above Peevy’s Polar blanca and the bicycle being shipped to Miss Dorothy Gale Pipeline (which pays homage to the Disney film The Rock- in Kansas. Can you find the homage to Citizen Kane? Look for eteer), there’s a “For Rent” and “Vacancy” sign above a door the shipment from the Rosebud Sled Co. to Charles Foster marked “Holly-Vermont Realty.” This reference is to the first Kane, Xanadu Compound, Gulf Coast, Florida. (Xanadu was Disney Brothers Studio, which Walt rented for $10 per week, the fictional estate of Charles Kane in the film.) George Bai- a small office above a Realtor’s office, from October 1923 un- ley from It’s a Wonderful Life has a shipment on the way, and til February 1924. something else is heading to Scarlett O’Hara’s plantation. These are but an incredibly small number of the details One of my personal favorites is from the Mel Brooks’s clas- and tributes that exist throughout Disney’s Hollywood sic, The Producers; look for a crate addressed to producer Max Studios. Whether they reference the Hollywood that once Bialystock that’s from the Anita Doubleset Ledger Company. was or the movies that were made there, count- (Say the name quickly—“I need a double set,” as in ledger less hidden treasures and details wait to be books.) discovered here. As with any of the parks, Across the lake, another example of California Crazy ar- take the time to explore, investigate, look chitecture sits in the water—a large, green, mist-breathing around, and enjoy. There’s always a sto- dinosaur named Gertie. While Gertie is just an ice cream ry—whether real or imag- stand, she represents something very significant ined—to be told in every- to the Walt Disney Company—in fact to the en- thing you see, hear, and tire film industry. Gertie was the first truly ani- experience. mated character. She was created by New York Times cartoonist and actor Winsor McCay in 1912, who hand-drew about 14,000 frames of Gertie and background scenery on rice paper before showing his cartoon just a few years later. Years later, when Walt Disney met Mc- Cay’s son, Walt said that he owed much of his inspiration as a cartoonist and animator to Winsor McCay. Elsewhere at the Studios, you’ll find building facades designed to rec- reate the Carthay Circle Theatre, site of the 1937 world premiere of Disney’s first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

19 · Celebrations Hidden Mickeys at the Studios ickey is hiding throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, even near the boat Mlagoon at the charter bus benches! For this article, I’ll concentrate on some of my favorite Hidden Mickeys outside the attractions. You’ll come across these gems while strolling around the park, but you have to know where to look. As you’ll see, some of these images fit perfectly with the Hollywood Studios theme.

1. Outside the park, a classic Mickey stamped in cement is about nine or so benches (and three light poles) from the main entrance promenade toward the walkway to the BoardWalk Resort, near the charter bus area. It’s across from the “C6” mark- er on the cement.

2. On both sides of Sunset Boulevard near its intersection with Hollywood Boule- vard, you’ll find small impressions in the cement sidewalks, near the curb. They by Steve Barrett read, “Mortimer & Co, 1928 Contractors.” Mortimer Mouse was Mickey Mouse’s first (and soon discarded) name; 1928 was the year Mickey was “born.” Two more of these stamps are at the other end of Sunset Boulevard.

3. A boy wearing Mickey ears is in a car on a wall mural outside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The mural faces you as you enter the front courtyard from Sunset Boulevard. A tiny classic Mickey is on the front of the boy’s Mickey hat.

4. The outside mural above and behind The Hollywood Brown Derby has a classic Mickey hidden up in the clouds. This image is at the far upper right of the mural.

5. As you face the entrance to , Harry Anderson’s celebrity im- pression is at the front left of the Chinese Theater. Look for a classic Mickey on Harry’s tie. Steve Barrett is the author of “The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World 6. Just inside the entrance doors to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, a Dalmatian Vacation” and “Hidden Mickeys, A on the right has a black classic Mickey spot on its right shoulder (your left). Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets”. You can check out more Hidden 7. Just inside Mama Melrose’s, to the right of the check-in podium (as you face it), Mickeys at Steve’s website: a green classic Mickey leaf is about one and a half feet above the bottom of the www.hiddenmickeysguide.com window, along the left edge.

8. In the Stage 1 Company Store, look for an old bureau that’s loaded with hats for sale and has paint cans at the very top. You’ll find a green, painted classic Mickey near the center of the desktop.

9. Above the arcade games in the Pizza Planet, in the moon near the top of the wall mural, you can spot a three-quarter Mickey profile facing left.

10. About halfway along the outside queue for , a white classic Mickey is high on a tree trunk, just below the walkway platform for the village above. It’s on the huge central tree, directly across from the Imperial Walker.

Photos ©Steve Barrett 20 · Celebrations 1 2

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21 · Celebrations Lounge Lovers, Live It Up! ot everyone who travels to Walt Disney World wants to spend their free time in Nthe theme parks. Some Guests crave a freshly-shaken martini and a hip crowd. Others prefer a cold beer and a delicious appetizer or light meal. Just about every area of Walt Disney World has a great lounge, but the Epcot resorts really shine. Here are a few of my favorites.

Crew’s Cup Lounge Located at Disney’s Yacht Club, this lounge has long been a popular choice. A cozy seaport-style lounge, it has a nice selection of beers, the typical Disney cocktails, and by Cara Goldsbury a sporting event playing on the large screen TV. Fun and lighthearted, it’s the per- fect casual meeting place for pre- or after-dinner drinks. You can enjoy appetizers, such as Honey-Ginger Chicken Wings or Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip, or you can order in from the next-door Yachtsman Steakhouse for more substantial fare, such as rich Lobster Bisque and delicious Seared Maine Diver Scallops.

Bluezoo Lounge This lounge at the Walt Disney World Dolphin (pictured below) has to be one of the dreamiest places in Orlando. Chic chocolate brown leather booths, mango or- ange accents, and copper lighting set the stage for a sophisticated evening on the town. Sip an exotic martini and savor the action. When hunger strikes, belly up to the raw bar for some daily-harvested seafood or try the Selection Platter of Maine lobster tail, oysters, clams, jumbo shrimp, day’s ceviche, tuna cruda, and dipping sauces.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of “The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort”, has appeared in 2008 as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! and Disney Royalty, and has been cited numerous times in national news articles as an expert on Walt Disney World. Visit her site at www.WDWLuxuryGuide.com. A travel agent for over twenty years, she can plan your luxury Walt Disney World vacations at www.LuxuryOrlandoTravel.com.

22 · Celebrations Il Mulino Lounge order up a specialty cocktail or a single-malt scotch, head The is where you’ll find this ever- outside to the balcony, and watch the BoardWalk come alive. so-happening spot (shown above) frequented by a very spiffy crowd. Adorned in shades of tangerine and chocolate with Kimonos a super cool illuminated bar and hip cocktail waitresses, it’s If you want a real blast of a the hot place at Walt Disney World. My favorite appetizer is time, head down the hallway of Arancini, lovely rice balls stuffed with ground meat perched the Swan to Kimonos for night- on a bed of tasty marinara. Or try the Insaccati Misti, a ly karaoke and delectable sushi. beautiful platter of Italian meats, cheeses, and cherry vin- Dark teakwood, rice paper over- egar peppers and sun-dried tomatoes, accompanied by a head lighting, and ornate kimo- bold glass of Italian red. Just off the bar is an exterior court- nos adorning the walls add to yard with a sparkling fountain, which is the ideal place to the drama of this jewel box of a enjoy the balmy Florida weather and a fine cigar from the bar. The sake, cocktails, and wine humidor. are excellent, and you’ll love the house specialties, such as Asian Belle Vue Lounge hors d’oeuvres, Gyoza, Sea Bass Miso-Yaki, and Kobe Beef This snug lounge at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has the nos- and Duck Satay, which are perfect for spur-of-the-moment talgic feel of a 1930s living room. Settle into one of the over- dining. More people make for a merrier crowd here when stuffed chairs and relax to old-time broadcasts and senti- it comes to karaoke, so don’t be put off if the place looks mental music with the likes of Benny Goodman playing swamped. Just squeeze in somewhere and join the fun. from vintage radios. Or while away the time playing a board game. The biggest plus is balcony seating overlooking a side Whatever your preference, lounge lovers, you’ll find great view of the BoardWalk and Crescent Lake. As dusk settles, ways to live it up at the Epcot resorts.

Photos ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 23 · Celebrations Magical Photo Opportunities: Disney’s Hollywood Studios ou’ll find many different types of photographic opportunities at Disney’s Hol- Ylywood Studios—from rip-roaring action, to dimly lit atmospheric scenes, to minute details that tell a story in a way that only Disney can. In this installment of Shutters & Lenses, we’re going to discuss two polar opposites: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Shall we?

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show by Tim Devine This stunt show provides lots of action, combining high-speed stunt cars, breath- taking motorcycle jumps, and a huge helping of pyrotechnics to provide one awe- some experience. Because you will be outdoors in bright sunshine, you don’t need to have a super-fast camera with super-fast lenses. The sun is plenty bright enough for you to get your photos. You’re seated a fair distance away from the action, so you won’t use your wide-an- gle lens. A medium-long range telephoto zoom lens will do the trick. My telephoto lens is the Sigma 120mm-400mm that I mount on a Canon 5d Mark II. When I photograph Lights, Motor, Action! I prefer to frame the action fairly tight- ly with a slightly slower shutter, so the camera can capture the tires spinning and smoking, which gives the sense of speed and power in the show. You need to be care- ful, however, that your shutter is not too slow that you create camera shake and end up with unsharp photos. Here’s a rule of thumb for minimum shutter speed: Tim Devine is an avid photographer 1/x where x is the focal length in millimeters. For example, a 100mm focal length and the owner and webmaster should have a shutter speed of at least 1/100 second, if not faster. If you have stabi- of www.themagicinpixels.com, a lized lenses, steady hands, and good technique, you can go slightly slower than the website created for and dedicated to fellow Disney Photography recommended speed with great success and to great effect, but it takes practice. Enthusiasts. In addition to a large Lights, Motors, Action! requires a lot of anticipation and familiarity with the gallery of photos you can browse, show to take successful photos. You need to know when the cars and motorcycles you’ll also find tips, articles and are going to jump, before they jump, or you will not get the photo. I usually prefocus equipment reviews to help you create on the edge of the ramp and watch the cars enter the area out of the corner of my magical photo memories of your eye, so when the moment is , I hit the shutter and have a nice picture. You Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Tim lives in South Jersey with his wife, want to capture the car or cycle as it’s taking off or still going up, not as it’s going Karen, and their son, Billy. down or landing. To get the “money shot” of the finale, with the hero car descending from the sec- ond floor and jumping through the pyrotechnics, you need to be prefocused on the front edge of the jump ramp. As soon as the hero car hits the ramp, shoot, shoot, and shoot again. If your camera has a burst mode, use it!

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror While Lights, Motor, Action! is pure adrenaline, the Twilight Zone Tower of Ter- ror is a masterpiece of atmosphere. As you enter the front desk area, you’ll notice that there’s nobody around, and there’s a thick layer of dust. Due to the lower light levels inside the front desk area, you need to switch to faster lenses and higher ISO (film speed). Do whatever you can to keep your shutter speed high enough to ensure

24 · Celebrations sharp photos. Riding during the day will help by brightening the room for you. I could spend an hour taking photos here. Little details—such as the luggage, light fixtures, cobwebs, lipstick-stained drinking glass, old newspaper, and the 13 Dia- mond award—make you feel like you’re really in an old hotel. As you pass through the front desk area to the library, take a few pictures of the directory sign and the display case. The Once you get the confirmation, flip your camera into manual preshow library is very dark, and you only have a few mo- focus and do not touch the lens! Your focus will remain in ments to take pictures because you need to exit immediately the same position as it was before your flipped the switch, when the lights come back on. I suggest you develop a plan and you only have to worry about holding the shutter for what you want to try to photograph each time before release down. you enter; familiarity is your friend here. Once you have safety returned from your stay at the “ho- The boiler room is also dimly lit and overlooked for photo- tel,” three more areas remain to photograph. The first is the graphic opportunity. Old pipes, ladders, signage, and tools all area where you review your Photopass pictures. Look behind make for interesting pictures. (Hint: Use the railing to brace the monitors for details and opportunities that are often your camera so you get a sharper picture.) overlooked: old ladders, tools, photos, jars, and even an old Once onboard the , your photo assignment be- switchboard. You have plenty of time here to take your pic- comes much more difficult. To get a good shot of the ghosts tures. The other areas are the gift shop and the area outside in the hallway, I recommend you “spot-meter” (check your of the gift shop. Check out the menu outside of the Sunset camera’s manual) so you don’t overexpose the apparitions Room to see what was on the menu for dinner on the night and leave them as pure white with no detail. Other tech- of October 31, 1939. niques you can use to help get a better photo are to prefo- One final note: Try converting your photos to black and cus on the ghosts and shoot in burst mode. To prefocus in white and not removing any of the high ISO noise. They will this instance, if your camera will allow, focus on the ghosts. look very cool! Until next time...

Photos ©Tim Devine 25 · Celebrations An Artist Behind the Magic s a Disney pin collector, wouldn’t it be a fantasy come true to talk with a Disney Aartist for a while and come away with some interesting insider information? I recently had my fantasy come true, when I had the opportunity to interview one of the Disney artists, Alex Maher. As a senior character artist in the Disney design group for the past 16 years, Maher has dedicated his work to just one thing: Keeping the memories of Walt Disney alive for both Cast Members and Guests alike. by John Rick A Dream Is Born At the tender age of five, Maher knew that he would someday, somehow work for Walt’s company. After taking a trip to the library and reading a book about Walt, Maher was fascinated by Walt and read everything he could about the man. Still to this day, Maher is excited about “all things Walt.” Maher grew up in Miami, Florida. He started to draw and sketch at an early age, and of course, his subject matter has always been the wonderful Dis- ney stories and characters. Throughout those early years, Maher’s parents, especially his father who was an artist himself, served as in- house art critics and teachers, in addition to providing the support and encourage- ment that Maher needed to continue on the path to his dream. Fast forward to 1991. After a stint in the U. S. Navy (when Maher claims he was drawing Disney characters during his free time), he began his serious Disney jour- ney. Maher took numerous trips to Orlando and “knocked on the doors” of his cur- rent employer. Maher knew of Don Williams, a well-known Disney artist in the mar- keting art department. (Don “Duckie” Williams has been responsible for numerous John Rick founded the Central fantastic pieces of Disney art throughout the years, most recently preparing art Jersey Disney Pin Traders in 2002. You can visit the website at for the Disney Cruise Line.) Maher visited that department and met Jim Flanigan, www.cjdpt.com and contact him at the art director. Flanigan suggested that Maher call on the merchandising art de- [email protected]. John is also one of partment manager, Mark Seppala. Unsure about the responsibilities of this depart- the Hosts of the Disney Pincast- the ment, Maher none the less provided Seppala with three samples of his work: Roger only weekly podcast dedicated to and Jessica Rabbit and, of course, the main mouse himself. That meeting and those Disney Pins. It can be found at samples lead to Maher being offered a position as an in-house freelance artist. In www.disneypincast.com. John and his wife Sheila live in 1993, Maher was hired as a senior character artist in the creative merchandise art central New Jersey. department, which was later renamed the Disney design group.

A Legacy Is Created One of the numerous responsibilities of the design group is indeed pins. Since the early days, Maher has been at the forefront of these “tangible Disney memories.” The following are some pins in Maher’s extensive portfolio that hold a special meaning for him. Growing up in the sixties and seventies, Maher, like many of us, has fond memo- ries of “Uncle Walt” and his Wonderful World of Color. Maher said that when it came time to develop this Artist Choice pin, “You would have thought that with the hun-

26 · Celebrations dreds of photos peared all those years ago. Maher told me that every time and artwork of he visits California, he visits the barn to visualize a simpler Sleeping Beauty time in the life of the “Great Man.” Members of Walt’s family Castle at Dis- were presented with these pins, and Alex said, “This is truly neyland, this pin the highest compliment and honor any Disney artist can would have come receive.” together quite easily. However to the contrary, I was able to finally find a line art drawing of the castle I liked, but then within the computer I had to color it to the stage you see in the final pin.” Growing up in Florida, the water was a very big part of Maher’s life. When it came time to create this Artist Choice pin for the Disney Cruise Line, Maher wanted to incorpo- rate his love of diving and snorkeling. Maher originally de- signed this pin with Mickey snorkeling with a stingray in much the same pose as the dolphin you now see. The art- work featuring Maher has done many pins with photos of Walt and en- the stingray joys every opportunity to visit the Disney photo library was complete while in California. “I get to pour over thousands of incredi- and loaded into ble photos that have been taken through the years and now Maher’s com- have been gathered and organized in one central location,” puter on a Friday Maher said. afternoon to be sent Along with the artist’s striving for perfection, the technol- out to the manufac- ogy in the manufacturing process is constantly evolving. “In turer for production on the early days, I had about 100 colors to choose from when Monday morning. That weekend, however, Steve Irwin, the I designed a pin,” Maher said. “Today the possibilities are al- “Crocodile Hunter,” died after his heart was pierced by the most endless.” Maher said that he is constantly amazed “at serrated, poisonous spine of a stingray. Maher regarded Ir- how the advances in the manufacturing process allow the win as an “idol” and a truly “amazing” man. Monday morning, vendors to reproduce the pins almost line for line the way Maher called Disney’s product developer for limited edition they were originally drawn.” pins. Maher explained that the image needed to de redone. I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance In about 45 minutes, Maher drew the dolphin to replace the to spend some time with Alex Maher, an artist whose stingray, and the pin was sent to production with no delay. passion for his work speaks on many levels but most of Walt’s love of trains is no secret, and with this pin (per- all speaks of him as a Disney fan. You don’t need to talk haps Maher’s favorite), Maher wanted to pay tribute to with Maher very long to realize that the relationship be- that part of Walt. At the heart of this pin is Walt’s barn, “his tween him and the Walt Disney Company goes far be- happy place,” which served as his workshop and the hub yond the traditional employee/employer relationship. of the “live” steam railroad on his Holmby Hills estate. This Maher sums it up best in a quote from a class he teaches barn was created as Walt remembered it as a boy back on for Cast Members: “Yes, remember it was all started by his parent’s farm in Marceline. This barn has since been a mouse; however, it was really all started by a man.” relocated to the Los Angeles Live Steamers club in Griffith Park where the public can ride trains just as Walt did and Hear Maher’s entire interview on episode #61 of the Disney Pin- view the barn within a scene very much the same way it ap- cast, which you can download at www.DisneyPincast.com.

Photo ©John Rick 27 · Celebrations Beat the Heat o you love the summer sun but hate the summer heat and Florida humidity? DThat heat and humidity are the ingredients for a very uncomfortable—and possibly dangerous—vacation. However with a little preplanning and some simple strategies, you can make the most of your vacation time and keep the fun in your vacation. Here’s how. • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other beverages, such as sports drinks that contain electrolytes. It’s a good idea to avoid caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages. While they might quench your thirst, they can actually do more harm than good. Your body might need more hydration than you are used to at home, so By Beci Mahnken, be sure to remind yourself and your family to drink. CTC-MCC • Watch for signs of dehydration, which include muscle cramps, nausea, headache, dizziness, and feeling a bit cranky. If you experience these symptoms, drink water and consider visiting the medical facility in the park. Any Cast Member will be hap- py to direct you there or to get the medical folks to you if needed. Keep an extra close eye on infants and small children and older folks, who are more susceptible to dehydration than older children and adults. • Let your body breathe. Pack lightweight, light-colored clothing that helps pull sweat away from your skin. You can buy clothing made of UV protective fabrics, such as Solarweave, that will protect you from the sun and make you feel more comfortable. • Carry a second pair of socks to change into mid-day. Happy feet=happy Guest! • Prevent sunburn. Many a vacation has been ruined by a bad burn. Slather on plenty of sunscreen on all exposed skin. Don’t forget the back of your neck, your ears, and the backs of your knees. A hat will go a long way to help create a little shade for your face. • Take a bandana or hand towel with you to the park. Periodically soak it in water or wrap ice cubes in it to drape around your neck. • If you have access to a freezer, available in the villas resorts and other select area Beci Mahnken, CTC-MCC is the Founder, President and CEO of accommodations, freeze water bottles and juice boxes the night before. Take them MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel. with you to the parks, and you’ll have cool drinks by early afternoon. Beci has over 10 years vacation • If you have long hair, bring a hair tie to pull back your hair off your neck. Remem- planning experience, specializing ber to put sunscreen on your neck. in vacation packages and cruises, • Take some time to plan your day in the park. Alternate between outdoor and in- with a team of over 50 affiliates door, air-conditioned attractions. Plan to attend some of the longer, air-conditioned nationwide. Visit www.MouseFan.Travel attractions in the midday heat, such as Mickeys PhilharMagic and the Carousel of for expert planning of magical Progress at the Magic Kingdom, Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot, Walt Disney: One vacations to Disney destinations, and Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Finding Nemo—The Musical and www.MEI.Travel for vacation Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. packages & cruises around the globe. • Take a water ride on Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom or on Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom—and hope that you’re the lucky one to go down the falls backward! • Visit Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Blizzard Beach Water Park. There’s nothing like a lazy drift along Castaway Creek a trip on Summit Plummet to make you forget all about the heat. • Escape the afternoon sun by relaxing at one of the many Disney spa facilities,

28 · Celebrations getting pampered and feeling renewed. • At Downtown Disney, you can plan an afternoon of air- conditioned fun at DisneyQuest, playing all the games and interactive attractions. You can round out the day with a great lunch, take in a movie, or see Cirque du Soleil–La Nou- ba! • If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, sleep in and make it a resort day enjoying the pools. • Rent watercraft and zoom across the water in a Sea Ray- cer, kayak, pontoon boat, canoe, sailboat, or pedal boat. • Here’s my personal favorite: Check the park hours before you leave and plan to take full advantage of extra magic hours at the theme parks. To avoid the hottest hours of the day, get to the park in the early morning before the heat of the day, then escape from the sun for a few hours such as back at your resort for a nap, and then return to the park after the sun goes down.

With these tips, a little common sense, and some preplan- ning, you’re sure to have lots of summer vacation fun at Walt Disney World!

Photos ©Disney 29 · Celebrations Little Italy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Mama Melrose’s y recent trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios brought me to the cozy Mama MMelrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Guests often overlook this restaurant because it’s hidden away in a corner of Disney’s Hollywood Studios near the Toy Story Piz- za Planet Arcade and MuppetVision 3D. Many Guests walk right by the restaurant without even noticing it. Hidden restaurants such as Mama Melrose’s are some of my favorites at Walt Disney World.

Enjoy Dinner at Mama’s By Allison Jones Today I had my two little kids with me (ages three and five). As we entered the restaurant, my five-year-old gasped, “This is so cool!” I agree. The Italian-themed restaurant is dim with little white lights twinkling from the ceiling, so it feels more like Mom’s kitchen than a restaurant. The restau- rant is decorated with grapes and greenery and Italian vases and decorative plates. You can’t miss all of the framed pictures on the wall, many with Mickey Mouse over the years. My favorite display is near the host/hostess stand on Melrose Avenue with all of the Legends of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You might want to take a minute to check out all of these legends before heading to your table. The catchy music—with a little bit of Italian and a little bit of Hollywood—puts you in the mood for dining. As we were seated, it was hard to concentrate on the menu as the smells of Italian food floated around the restaurant. One of the servers instantly caught my atten- tion as he breezed by with a tray of desserts. I tried to focus on the regular course of a meal: appetizer, entrée, and then dessert, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about that dessert tray, including Honey Hazelnut and Ricotta Cheesecake, Tiramisu, and Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake. In the distance, we could see the chefs working in the kitchen. “Mama Melrose” situated her kitchen right up front, and you’ll pass it on your way to your table. This serves as great entertainment for kids! As an Orlando local, Allison has seen the growth of the Walt Disney World Resort. She experienced the Disney Trips Are Short—Eat Dessert First? inside as a Disney Cast Member I managed to stop thinking about dessert and focus on the menu in hand. Af- and has planned Disney vacations ter gazing at all of the different options, we decided to start with the Bruschetta, for over 10 years. Allison Jones is a with marinated tomatoes and crostini. Also tempting was the Artisan Breads and travel consultant with Destinations Spreads, including arugula and chive pesto, sun-dried tomato, roasted vegetable, in Florida Travel and MouseDine. Destinations in Florida is an and roasted garlic. On a past visit, I tried the delicious Crispy Calamari and Mozza- Authorized Disney Vacation Planner rella and Tomatoes appetizers, which are both popular choices at Mama Melrose’s. selling Disney vacations. As we savored every bite of the crispy Bruschetta, we continued to peruse the MouseDine is a restaurant menu for our entrées. Some of the entrées that caught my eye were Charred Butch- consulting company for Disney er Tender Steak (cooked with gorgonzola butter on roasted red pepper polenta and World Dining Reservations. Visit served with grilled asparagus), Penne Alla Vodka (penne pasta with onion, tomato- www.destinationsinflorida.com or www.mousedine.com for more basil sauce, vodka, and Romano cheese), Wood-Grilled Chicken (pipette pasta with information on Disney Dining. artichokes, peas, and roasted red peppers in a basil-and-four-cheese cream sauce. You can substitute chicken for the shrimp), and several entrées of flatbreads, which are one of the specialties at Mama Melrose’s. You can choose from Grilled Pepperoni

30 · Celebrations Flatbread, Vine-Ripened Tomato Flatbread, Grilled Chicken Flatbread, or Four-Cheese Flatbread. I selected another entrée, Eggplant Napoleon, which was quite delicious. It included eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes over a cannellini bean ragu. My kids chose the Kids’ Picks, which include an appetizer (such as carrots and celery or garden salad), entrée (such as macaroni and cheese or spaghetti), and dessert (fruit cup or ice cream sundae). Because my kids rarely finish a whole range from $3.99 to 6.99. The dinner kids’ meals are $7.59. meal, I got to sample the spaghetti with meat sauce. It was Dinner at Mama Melrose’s offers an added free perk: With delicious! Besides the Kids’ Picks meal, there are other great the Fantasmic! Dinner Package, you can book this restau- options on the children’s menu, including Grilled Fish with rant for an early dinner with a guaranteed seat to Fantas- rice and vegetables or Grilled Chicken Strips, topped with mic! The show is normally quite popular, and seating fills marinara sauce and served with macaroni. up one hour prior to showtime, leaving you with an hour After our meal, I had to try a few bites of the Warm to sit, waiting for the show to begin. With the Fantasmic! Chocolate Truffle Cake. I was stuffed from the savory Brus- Dinner Package, you dine at Mama Melrose’s or one of the chetta and Eggplant Napoleon, but I couldn’t pass up a latte other select restaurants, and you’ll receive a voucher from with the cake, filled with chocolate ganache over raspberry your server for a guaranteed seat for Fantasmic! later that sauce and a pistachio Florentine. It was the perfect relaxing same evening. To book your meal or the Fantasmic! Dinner dining experience, right in the middle of a busy Disney park. Package, talk with your travel agent or call Disney Dining at Mama Melrose’s serves lunch and dinner. Appetizer prices 407-WDW-DINE. range from $5.49 to $7.99. Lunch entrées range from $11.99 to $17.99. Dinner entrées range from $11.99 to $20.99. Desserts Buon appetito!

Photos ©Barrie Brewer 31 · Celebrations Timeless Disneyland Featured Attraction: The Enchanted Tiki Room any Disney Guests believe that President Lincoln was the very first Disney- Mcreated Audio-Animatronic. While there’s no debate that Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a very impressive merger of machinery and artistic vision and that President Lincoln was the first human Audio-Animatronic, the very first Audio- Animatronics attraction still packs houses daily in Disneyland: the Enchanted Tiki Room. But did you know that the attraction was originally intended to be a restaurant? By J Darling That’s a feat even Iago and Zazu have yet to attempt in the “Under New Manage- ment” version in the Magic Kingdom in Florida!

The Enchanted Tiki Room Restaurant While it’s true that today you can buy Dole Whips in the preshow area of the En- chanted Tiki Room in Disneyland, Walt Disney’s original vision for the Enchanted Tiki Room was for Guests to actually dine there, in a fantastic and fanciful version of Polynesia. Diners would enter a small waiting patio where they would be treated to a little Polynesian folklore by talking statues and plaques. This patio still serves as the preshow area for Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room today. Interestingly, the Tiki Room is the only show house to have its own set of bathrooms in the preshow area, which is a sound idea, if you ask me. After Guests were seated at their tables, the original concept was for them to eat while being serenaded by a cast of more than 150 birds, tiki masks, tiki gods, and J Darling is a California native and flowers. The project was so far along, in fact, that a price of 75 cents had been set (in life long Disney fan. Her parents first addition to park admission) for entry into the Tiki Room. took her to Disneyland when she was 2 years old. According to them, her The Restaurant Becomes an Attraction eyes just popped out of her head, and Somewhere along the way, however, the Enchanted Tiki Room restaurant be- apparently they never went back in. came the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction. Guests today can see still see a few hints Outside of her Disney fandom, J is a singer, songwriter, blogger, and of the original restaurant concept, however. One stands in plain view. Guests sit on theatrical actress. theater-in-the-round benches around the Magic Fountain, staring right at what You can find her music at was to be the restaurant’s coffee station! Ask the Cast Members (before or after the www.jdarlingmusic.com show, of course), and they might show you the hidden, empty, cabinet space inside and on Myspace at the pylons of the Magic Fountain. www.jdarlingmusicmyspace.com. The Enchanted Tiki Room has always been a great retreat from the sometimes Her blogs are available at www.jjourneybook.blogspot.com. oppressive Anaheim summer sun, and that too is a remnant of the original concept. Due the highly technical nature of the attractions’ Audio-Animatronics that were supposed to be the dining entertainment, the computers were housed in the same building. To keep the sensitive equipment cool (not out of concern for the Guests’ comfort!), the building was air-conditioned, marking the debut of air-conditioning in Disneyland.

Parrots with Personality Of course, the biggest part of the Enchanted Tiki Room that remains from its

32 · Celebrations original concept is the Audio-Animatronics. For example, favor of the Magic Kingdom’s revised version: the Enchant- four parrots host the attraction. They sing the infectious ed Tiki Room Under New Management. Thankfully, this was theme song, “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room,” which was written by not the case. The 2005 refurb resulted in the installation of the famous (whose other credits include a magnificent sound system that truly brings the world of “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” of the Carousel the tiki gods and Walt’s fanciful version of Polynesia to life. of Progress and the music of Mary The original Tiki Room still stands Poppins). largely unchanged from its June Each parrot host has a distinct 1963 opening—even though that personality—and nationality. For was vastly different from Walt’s example, José (voiced by Disney original concept! legend ) speaks with a Disneyland’s history whispers to Mexican accent and is plumed in Guests in the detailed beauty that bright colors, reminiscent of South is the Enchanted Tiki Room. While American art. Pierre (voiced by Er- there’s no doubt that Walt Disney nie Newton) speaks with a French World’s version with Iago and Za- accent and has blue, white, and red zu’s run-in with a tiki goddess is an feathers. Michael (voiced by Fulton astounding effect that will keep Burley) seems to be an Irish parrot audiences coming back for more, by accent, and his plumage is green there’s something to be said for and red. And finally, Fritz (voiced by Disneyland’s version, a soothing at- ) speaks with a traction that offers a respite from German accent and proudly wears the Anaheim heat and crowds— his red, black, and white feathers. All and a chance to sit where Walt of the parrots’ chests are covered with woven cashmere. Walt once sat. wore a cashmere sweater, and it’s rumored that the Imagi- While there are currently no plans to bring Walt’s original neers decided that cashmere moved just right to help with vision for his Enchanted Tiki Room restaurant in Disney- the illusion that the parrots were breathing. land to fruition, why not grab a delicious Dole Whip and en- Some Disney fans feared that Disneyland would lose the joy a little piece of history on your next visit to the Happiest original Tiki Room during the last major refurbishment, in Place on Earth?

Photos ©J Darling 33 · Celebrations Did you ever dream of being at a recording studio with the legendary band ? Well, now’s your chance! As a special guest of the G-Force Recording Studios, you’re getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities. You’ll even get a chance to see Aerosmith in action as they lay down some blistering tracks for their new album.

During your tour, you’ll see some rare mem- orabilia, including actual instruments used by some of rock’s legends. Pretty soon you’re in the studio itself, and right there in front of you is Aerosmith! Unfortunately they look to be wrapping up their session. (So much for your fantasies of playing some burning gui- tar licks with !) And to make things worse, the band manager has just popped in to remind the band that they’re going to be late for their concert if they don’t hurry. Looks like no autographs either! But the band has other plans for you. Rather than stay behind, they’ve invited you to the concert. No car? No problem! It just so happens that there’s a stretch limou- sine right outside, all gassed up and ready to go. So you head outside where your ride awaits. The only problem is that the concert is start- ing soon, so you’d better hurry. But don’t worry, this limo has a little bit of extra zoom under the hood. Hang on tight!

34 · Celebrations Once you climb into your limo, you’re in for one of the most thrilling rides in all of Walt Disney World. Things get going with a bang as you rocket out of the launch area from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds (We told you to hang on!) The twisting, turning ride takes place in total darkness, save for the neon glow of the street signs that race past on the left and the right as well as above you and below you. Below you? That’s right! The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster boasts three inversions: one corkscrew and two loops. (Oddly enough, some people don’t realize that they’ve gone upside down three times. It gets a little confusing in the dark, and the ride itself is super smooth.) In no time at all, you’ve reached your destination, where you climb out of your limo (a bit frazzled but otherwise okay) and on to the red carpet leading you into the concert hall. Rock on!

PhotoPhoto (left) ©Disney ©Tim Foster 35 · Celebrations Photo (right) ©Tim Devine Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Hidden Mickeys and Other Secrets • Look on the tile floor as you exit the first room of the ride building to find three tiny circles in a familiar Mickey shape. • In the next room, look on the carpeted floor to find another Hidden Mickey. It seems a bit distorted; apparently the designer had just ridden the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster and gotten a bit dizzy! • Look on the floor of the studio to find some cables coiled up to form a Hidden Mickey. • When you exit your limo, look for a piece of tape that says “Box #15.” The o in “box” has a couple of ears! • Sound out the license plates on the limos for a humorous surprise: 1QKLIMO UGOGIRL BUHBYE 2FAST4U H8TRFFC • As you get ready to tour Studio C, you’ll hear several pages come over the PA system. Those aren’t made-up names; they’re the Imagineers who worked on the attraction. • Your journey is intended to take you on several Los Angeles area freeways, including Interstate 5, Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 101. If you can keep your eyes open, you’ll see the street signs for the different routes as you pass by. (At least that’s what I’m told. My eyes are always squeezed shut!)

Did You Know? • When the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster was first built, the coaster itself was assembled first, and the building was constructed around it. The building’s volume is a staggering 3.7 million cubic feet. • At 40 feet tall, the larger-than-life Stratocaster guitar that adorns the entrance of the attraction has a 32-foot-long neck, which is nearly 15 times the size of the neck on an average Stratocaster guitar. • During construction of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Disney engineers were concerned that the rollercoaster’s launch, coupled with the nearby Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s two elevator drops, might bring down the entire Hollywood Studios’ power grid! The solution? Construction of a new electric substation specifically for the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. • When Aerosmith came to Walt Disney World to preview the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry rode it 12 times in a row. That’s 72 inversions all together—whew! • To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Disney made a giant replica of a Fender Stratocaster guitar in the parking lot—out of Corvettes! More than 80 Chevrolet Corvettes, many varying in year and model, but all red, black, or white, were arranged to create the design, which was only visible from above.

36 · Celebrations Touring Tips Avoiding the Lines The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is one of the more popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, right along with the nearby Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. In fact, many folks head straight down Sunset Boulevard in the morning to get to these attractions. If you arrive early enough (and if you’re brave enough), you can try and grab a for one of the attractions while the lines are still light. Then quickly ride the other one on stand-by. After that, use your FASTPASS to ride the first and get a double dose of white- knuckle excitement! (Me? I’ll catch you over at the Great Movie Ride.) If you ride later in the day, you will most likely want to take advantage of FASTPASS. But beware that they often run out by mid-afternoon. More Tips • Many rollercoaster enthusiasts find the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster to be very smooth and not nearly as frightening as some of its bigger cousins. That’s not to say that it isn’t scary, but if you can handle Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with no problems, you should find the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster to be right up your alley. Just don’t forget those inversions! • As you get ready for that initial launch, keep your head back firmly against your headrest. You’re in for a bit of a jolt! • You need to be 48 inches tall to ride.

Facts & Figures Length of track: 3,403 feet Maximum height: 80 feet Ride duration: 1 minute, 22 seconds Maximum speed: 60 mph Maximum G force: 4.5 (This is mighty impressive considering the typical space shuttle launch subjects the astronauts to around 3Gs!) Number of speakers per seat: 5 Total number of speakers in each limo: 125 (plus 24 subwoofers) Total number of speakers in the attraction: 900 (yeah, it gets loud in there!)

Main Photo ©Disney 37 · Celebrations Inset Photos ©Tim Devine Across the blue waters of Bay Lake, along a white sand crescent beach and sitting on more than 750 acres full of shady cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, sits an often overlooked gem of Walt Disney World—the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The parks might be a constant buzz of nonstop action and fun, but Fort Wilderness is a peaceful oasis where you can ride a bike, paddle a canoe, lie in a hammock on the beach, or rock on the porch of Crockett’s Tavern while taking in the relaxing atmosphere of a bygone frontier era—all amid the beauty of central Florida. by Rodney Wheaton

38 · Celebrations lthough Fort Wilderness has long been considered to ness. You might want to take in a performance of the highly Abe one of the “original three” resorts, it actually opened popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Pioneer Hall, which one month after the Contemporary Resort and Polynesian is a song and dance show reminiscent of the old West as a Resort, on November 19, 1971. Fort Wilderness was an imme- singing waitstaff brings ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, and diate hit with both locals and Disney travelers alike. In Fort strawberry shortcake. Wilderness’s early days, reflective of Walt Disney’s love for Kids in particular love the Fort Wilderness petting zoo trains, it even featured its own steam train that transport- and pony rides. Kids—and kids at heart—enjoy looking ed Guests and campers along 3½ miles of fields, wilderness, through the horse barn, where you can see the large ani- and trestles. Nearly 40 years later, the resort is still a favorite mals that pull the wagons in parades and the carriages on among Walt Disney World fans. rides. Check out the pictures of Disney’s animals through Over the years, the campground has undergone many the years, including Walt himself in full cowboy regalia. You changes. More camping loops have been added, and the size can even watch the blacksmiths and farriers shoeing the of the resort has increased from its original 231 campsites horses at the blacksmith’s barn. to its current 799. As Fort Wilderness’s popularity grew, 409 For the fitness inclined, there’s a 1½-mile round trip bik- “home away from home” cabins were added. The newest and ing and jogging trail between the campground area and the most recent renovations include wider campsites, WiFi ac- Wilderness Lodge. You could work off all of those calories cess, a new swimming pool area with a slide and children’s from the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Trail’s End Restaurant! wet play station, and an enclosed dog park for some off-leash Nighttime in Fort Wilderness has an atmosphere all its playtime. Transportation from Fort Wilderness is convenient own. Walk the softly lit pathways, accompanied by the mu- with the Magic Kingdom only a boat ride away from the Fort sic from Pioneer Hall and the laughter of families in the Wilderness docks, and buses servicing the other parks. campsites. Beautiful horse-drawn carriages pass with their You don’t have to be staying at Fort Wilderness to visit bells jingling as you wind your way to the beach for a mes- it. You could take a walk along its shady streets, where you merizing view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks across Bay might spot deer, rabbits, and even armadillos roaming Lake, followed by the Electric Water Pageant. A short moon- freely. You could stroll through Fort Wilderness’s trading lit walk back to your RV or cabin brings the perfect end to post–themed shopping areas, where you’ll discover spe- your day. With so much to choose from, Fort Wilderness has by Rodney Wheaton cialty Disney merchandise that’s unique only to Fort Wilder- something for everyone!

Photos ©Disney 39 · Celebrations • Each night beginning around 7 p.m., Chip and Dale host a Fort Wilderness Resort & campfire program, featuring s’mores, sing-a-longs, and car- Campground Fun Facts toons and a feature length film on the outdoor screen. In the event of rain, the sing-along is held on the porch of the Mead- ow Trading Post. This is a real Walt Disney World treat, and it’s free to Walt Disney World Guests.

• Just outside the Settlement Trading Post along the path to the boat dock, you’ll find the “lawn mower tree.” The tree has grown completely around an old-style hand-powered grass mower left by a long-since-forgotten previous resident.

• Before at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm in the Magic Kingdom was built, the site was home to a petting zoo called Grandma Duck’s Petting Farm. This zoo used to be home to Minnie Moo, a holstein cow that was famous due to her having a (real!) Hidden Mickey on her side. She was moved to the Fort Wilderness Resort after the Barnstormer was built. Minnie Moo died in 2001 from natural causes, but you can still see her picture at the Yachtsman Steakhouse over at the Yacht Club Resort.

• Fishing is a popular and exciting pastime at Fort Wilderness. Each year, there’s a fishing tournament on Bay Lake, and Guests staying in the campground have access to miles of shoreline and waterways for catch-and-release fishing.

• You can rent bicycles, canoes, golf carts, kayaks, and four-wheel

40 · Celebrations surreys at the Bike Barn, which is located behind the Mead- Beach nor Typhoon Lagoon. It was River Country, a Fort ow Trading Post. With miles of paved roads and waterways Wilderness destination that opened in 1976 and was lo- to enjoy them on, an afternoon or even a whole day of good cated behind the Settlement Trading Post. Disney history times is practically guaranteed. buffs will be thrilled to hear that the new pool renovation at Fort Wilderness features a slide built around a water • The extremely popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one tower that was an original fixture from River Country. of the longest running dinner shows on the globe, having run continuously since September 1974. (That’s approxi- mately 38,000 shows!) Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Restaurants • Like all Disney resorts, Fort Wilderness has Hidden Mickeys. Crockett’s Tavern is a lounge offering pizza, nachos, For fun, look for the one near Davy’s rifle in Crockett’s Tav- and a full-service bar. ern. For a challenge, search near the stage in Pioneer Hall. Trail’s End Restaurant features breakfast, lunch, and • The Fort Wilderness Railroad ran from 1976 to 1980, but dinner buffets that are consistently ranked as some sinking tracks spelled its doom. After some years of rusting of the best deals on property. It’s located at the Settle- away, one car was restored and operated as a Pleasure Island ment Trading Post near the boat dock. ticket booth. The remaining cars and all four engines were acquired by members of the Carolwood Pacific Historical So- Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is a country–themed, all-you- ciety and found new life under their restoration. can-eat character buffet, featuring music, singing, and line dancing with the characters. • Walt Disney World’s first water park was neither Blizzard

Photos ©Disney 41 · Celebrations 42 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney/ 43 · Celebrations Up is the first Pixar full-length feature film to be presented in Disney Digital 3D. But what exactly is Disney Digital 3D? It all starts with a special projector, which shows the film at an astonishing 144 frames per second. (That’s six times faster than a regular movie.) Every scene in the film is comprised of two parts, called the “right eye” and “left eye.” Every 1/24 of a second, each part is shown three times, alternating between the right eye and left eye. (That’s a total of 72 images each second for each eye, which makes the image virtually flicker-free.) Viewers wear plastic 3D glasses with circular polarized lenses. Though similar to the glasses worn in Mickey’s PhilharMagic and other Walt Dis- ney World 3D movies, the glasses you find in the parks use linear polariza- tion. What’s the difference you ask? Well, without getting too technical, circular polarization allows for much greater head movement without losing the 3D effect or the viewing of ghost images. To create the 3D effect, a special set of screens sits in front of the pro- jector. The screens match the different polarization in each lens of your glasses, blocking light from entering either the left or right eye, depend- ing on which screen is in place. When a “left eye” scene is on-screen, the matching polarizing screen is moved in front of the projector, which means your right eye sees nothing while your left eye sees a normal-look- ing frame. For the next frame, the screen in front of the projector swaps while a “right eye” image is shown. The situation is now reversed, and you see nothing with your left eye and a normal but slightly shifted version of the same scene with your right eye. Your brain knits together the al- ternating left-right perspectives into a seamless 3D view of the scene. Simple!

Meet Dug (voiced by Bob Peterson), a dog with an unusual collar that translates his thoughts into comical English.

44 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney/Pixar UP FUN FACTS • You would think that animating 10,000 balloons would a dog. You didn’t actually see the dog; the only thing vis- prove to be a daunting technical challenge, but it wasn’t ible was his shadow. Dug will make his on-screen debut nearly as difficult as animating the clothing so that it in Up. Be sure to keep your eyes open! looked convincing on Carl’s short, stubby arms. And that • Up will be shown with a new Pixar short, Partly Cloudy. The wasn’t the only technical innovation; new software was story involves a cloud named Gus, one of many clouds developed to create Kevin’s iridescent feathers. that make the babies that are delivered by storks. You’ll • When you see the movie, you might wonder why the also meet Peck, Gus’s delivery stork. The babies that Gus house wasn’t up in the air to begin with if the balloons makes tend to be on the dangerous side (such as tigers were already on the house. The answer is that the bal- and crocodiles), and that makes Peck’s job much more dif- loons were actually tethered to the ground in Carl’s back- ficult. But how will Peck cope? We’ll have to wait and see! yard. He just untethered them to get the house airborne. • John Ratzenberger continues his tradition of appearing Simple! in every Pixar film, this time voicing the part of a con- • Up is the first Pixar film to be presented in Disney Digital struction worker. 3D and the second Pixar film (after The Incredibles) to be • 10,000 balloons might seem like a lot, but the producers rated PG. Up was also the first animated film to open the estimated that in reality it would take nearly 23 million Cannes Film Festival. balloons to lift up a house! Thankfully, the balloons that • You might not realize it, but if you’ve seen Ratatouille, Carl used must have been pretty powerful. you’ve already seen one of the characters from Up: the • As in every Pixar film, if you look carefully, you can spot dog, Dug. (Say that three times fast!) You might remem- the Pizza Planet truck. Keep your eyes on the intersection ber an early scene in the film where Remy is barked at by below the house right after it first lifts off.

Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) is a 78-year-old balloon salesman who promised his late wife a life of adventure that sadly went unfulfilled. When the home Carl made with his wife is threatened and he’s suddenly forced into a nursing home, he finally realizes his lifelong dream of great adventure by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying away to South America.

Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai) is an eight-year-old wilderness explorer who dreams of becoming a Senior Ranger Scout. To do so he only needs one more merit badge. And what badge would that be? Why, the “Assisting the Elderly” badge, of course!

45 · Celebrations DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

46 · Celebrations DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS 20 YEARS OF MOVIE MAGIC by Glenn Whelan

FADE IN

EXTERIOR SHOT. HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD: MAY 1, 1989

The street is lined with buildings of a Hollywood that never was— and always will be. The twilight moon peeks over the buildings as spotlights crisscross the sky above. A scarlet red carpet stretches majestically from the Crossroads kiosk down to the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Large yellow shoes step onto the carpet, drawing an obvious primary color contrast. The shoes belong to our host, Mickey Mouse.

MICKEY Lights, camera, action!

Photo ©Tim Devine 47 · Celebrations ardon me if I romanticized the opening of the Studios there would be nowhere to turn for external support. Still, Pback on May 1st two decades ago. In reality, that day in some high profile work was created on the lot, and each po- 1989 opened with fireworks and food, crowds and confetti, tential film shoot or television taping would provide park music and magic, stars and superstars—each element as Guests with a behind-the-scenes look. exciting as the one before. It was an exhilarating day for Of course, the ambitious working studio was only part everyone who attended. The park opened that day as the of the park idea. Attraction ideas flowed as the Imagineers Disney-MGM Studios, and it’s now known as Disney’s Holly- considered the lay of the land. In the planning stages, the wood Studios. But no matter the name, the Studios contin- changes came fast and furious. For example, the entire park ue to entertain the senses, stimulate the imagination, and was intended to be elsewhere on Walt Disney World prop- satisfy the palette. But how did we get here? erty, but it was relocated when the Epcot resorts were built near the back of its park. This new location creates a more The Preproduction cohesive zone of entertainment options. When the good folks at Disney began planning Epcot Cen- The soul of the new studio park would be its backstage ter, one of the ideas was a movie-themed pavilion to be lo- tours and production availability. But many other ideas cated between the Land and Imagination pavilions. As the were considered as well, such as a Great Movie Moments ideas flowed, it quickly became apparent that this concept attraction which developed into the existing Great Movie was burgeoning with potential. It was so good in fact, that Ride. Although the image and likeness licensing for that at- within a few weeks the pavilion was scratched from Epcot traction was very successful, other attractions did not fare planning, and a third gated park devoted to the cinema was so well. For instance, a James Bond stunt show spectacular on Disney’s drawing board. hit more snags than the villains from Spectre. That concept, The movie studio park concept is very organic to the Walt along with a Keystone Cops stunt show idea, gave way to Disney Company. After all, in the early days at the the Epic Stunt Spectacular! studios, Walt Disney’s friends and celebrities would often Originally the park was called the Disney-MGM Studios. stop by to see how the cartoons were made. Gradually, the Why? Because although the Disney Studio name is synony- tours became longer and more complex. Walt had even dis- mous with wonderful animated features, its live-action cussed bringing his scale model railroad around for visitors film base wasn’t as rich. A “Condorman Epic Stunt Spec- to ride on. That studio tour morphed and evolved, and it’s tacular” doesn’t have much drawing power. So contracts considered to be the foundation for Disneyland in California. were signed, and many MGM films were connected to the It was decided early on that Walt Disney World’s studio new park with restrictions. (Eventually those restrictions, a would not be just an amusement park. In typical Disney lengthy legal battle over studio rights, and Disney’s growing fashion, it was to be impeccably themed. But even more dar- live-action film base would result in the park dropping the ing, it was also to act as a true working film studio. “MGM” from its name.)

The Production The Premiere Construction began. The planned opening day was to Like a tremendous movie premiere, the studios opened coincide with that of Disney’s second water park, Typhoon with hobnobbing celebrities, cameras clicking, and tape Lagoon, and the nighttime entertainment park, Pleasure rolling! Chairman Michael Eisner stood upon a raised Island. The studio space was finished first, and even while platform just inside the gate and dedicated the new the park was still under construction, films were being cre- park with legendary comedian at his side. ated. Both Disney’s Newsies and Ernest Saves Christmas had some work done on the lot. The animation studio was also The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney active prior to opening, supporting animation work out in Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a Burbank, California. map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and It was quite risky to declare the park a comprehensive wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused working movie studio. One concern was the lack of film pro- by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that fessionals living in central Florida. Another worry was that never was—and always will be. if a project couldn’t be fully created on the new studio lot, —Michael Eisner, May 1, 1989

48 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Devine 49 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Devine

Guests were immediately treated to something very dif- staff, this restaurant has always been one of the most en- ferent. As they walked down Hollywood Boulevard, they tertaining meals on property. (But be sure to keep your el- rubbed elbows with living “streetmosphere” characters. Al- bows off of the table!) though this sight is familiar today, back then it was a far cry The Studios’ opening day attractions were focused from Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom. The build- on giving Guests a true taste of what happens behind-the- ings lining the walk were designed to emulate many build- scenes on their favorite films and television shows. For ex- ing styles of Hollywood’s 30s and 40s. With an added touch ample, Guests could experience the Great Movie Ride. Built of whimsy and detail, the Studios definitely recalled a Hol- behind the facade of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, this lywood that never was—and always will be. large attraction celebrated many of the best films ever. The map of the Studios was very different on opening Guests travel in large vehicles—not unlike the theater seat- day. There was no Sunset Boulevard with its Hollywood ing inside Epcot’s Universe of Energy. (Even today, the Great Tower Hotel. The backstage area was not open to pedes- Movie Ride’s three-minute movie montage ending still gets trian access; rather it was traveled by trams on the studio me every time.) tour. Back then the specific delineation between onstage On opening day, Guests could also experience what it was and backstage wasn’t quite as distinct as it is today. The like to be in a television taping during Superstar Television. onstage areas of the park were neatly manicured and filled They could later watch Dick Tracy’s Diamond Double-Cross, with ornate décor. The backstage on the other hand was which was a musical stage show that helped define the sparse, and the utilities were serviceable rather than or- new direction in which this park was traveling. This stage nate. Onstage traffic walked on colored pavement, but as production carried a more mature theme with its danc- soon as you passed the guard gate into backstage, the pave- ing girls and machine gun–wielding mobsters. Mickey and ment was old, cracked, and unpainted. his friends were nowhere to be found in Dick Tracy’s world. So much about the Studios on opening day was different Although that show was short-lived, Dick Tracy was a huge from other parks, and its food was no exception. On open- property for Disney around the time of the Studios’s open- ing day, snack foods were plentiful, but you could also dine ing (The Dick Tracy film would open soon after). An entire at the Hollywood Brown Derby, which remains a classic in street was dedicated to Dick Tracy’s primary color paint park dining experience. (Ask your server to explain the ori- schemes. (The next time you’re in front of the Grauman’s gin of the Cobb Salad while enjoying your Grapefruit Cake Chinese Theatre, check the handprints. In two of the most dessert!) Also featured on opening day was the 50’s Prime primary locations, you’ll find the handprints of Warren Be- Time Café. With its home-style cooking and interactive wait atty and Charlie Korsmo, the film’s stars.)

50 · Celebrations Backstage on opening day, Guests could experience be- vard. That new street became the home for the Beauty and hind-the-scenes material unlike any other. In the Monster the Beast—Live on Stage show as well as several shops and Sound Show, they would learn how sound effects were dining options. Today, Sunset Boulevard also leads down to added to the movies and even perform Foley effects live to the Fantasmic! theater and the incredibly themed Twilight a film starring Chevy Chase and Martin Short. No Disney Zone Tower of Terror in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Studio tour would be complete without considering the in- Over the years, the Studio Backlot Tour has also seen credible advances in animation. The studio tour introduced many changes. With the advent of DVD and the propensity the process behind an animated feature, learned over the to fill these discs with behind-the-scenes materials, today’s shoulder of a typical park Guest: Robin Williams. Finally, the Guests arrive at the Studios with a much better under- bread and butter of the whole studio was the two–hour, be- standing of the film process than their counterparts did hind-the-scenes tour, which was divided into two parts. The 20 years ago. Yet the Studio Backlot Tour remains popular first half featured a tram ride through the creation of film still. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! is now a crafts. Guests visited a residential street, a prop graveyard, long-running staple with a humongous cast. The Superstar costume shops, water effects tanks, construction shops Television attraction has gone and is now the home of the and Catastrophe Canyon—a special effects display that American Idol Experience. The backlot has been opened to showcased all that you had learned. The second half of the foot traffic. Now, there is space for MuppetVision 3D, the tour was on foot and moved from room to room, introduc- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, and even a nice ing visual effects and sound editing. The tour culminated Italian restaurant in Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. in the viewing of a short film, The Lottery, starring Bette Recently, we’ve seen the addition of Toy Story Mania!, Midler as a down-on-her-luck music teacher. The film was which is a wonderfully realized, game-style attraction that first shown straight through, and then it was broken down combines innovation, story, fast game play, and little green into process pieces for Guests to understand. aliens. Today, the Studios is also home to special dedicated events, such as , which celebrates the The Present beloved film series for four weekends Twenty years have gone by, and the Studios have gone in the summer. through a plethora of changes. They tore down the theater where Dick Tracy played and replaced it with Sunset Boule-

Photo ©Tim Foster 51 · Celebrations EXTERIOR SHOT. HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD: PRESENT DAY The lights continue to shine brightly on Hollywood Boulevard as the final Guests leave the park for the day. Their smiles grow as they consider their next return to the Studios. They turn as… MICKEY MOUSE Hey!

…Mickey joins them as they walk slowly toward the Crossroads.

FADE OUT

52 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Devine 53 · Celebrations by Jeff Heimbuch

54 · Celebrations hen Walt Disney started to make films, he had a these small touches might not even be noticed by the aver- Wmasterful plan. He dreamed that moviegoers would age Guest, they all add to the illusion that Main Street, U.S.A., forget about the world outside for a few hours and be en- is a living, breathing town. grossed in the world of fantasy he created for them. This Another small, often under appreciated, touch that same vision carried over into Walt’s idea for the Disney Walt added to Main Street was the placement of the shop’s parks: Guests could come to his parks and lose themselves windows. Most windows are usually a few feet off of the in a magical, make-believe world. Walt created and honed ground, making it hard for anyone of small stature to see in. this concept at Disneyland, and he practically perfected it at When designing Walt Disney World, the shop windows were Walt Disney World. placed lower to the ground so even the smallest children The first place that you are transported to when you visit could look into them and see the wonders that awaited Walt Disney World is Main Street, U.S.A. Many of Walt’s mov- them inside. After all, why bring children at all if they can’t ie-making techniques carried over into his theme parks, experience everything for themselves? and some of the most amazing examples of this concept While we’re on the subject of windows, that brings us to can be seen right here on Main Street. For example, to cre- why we’re discussing Main Street today! While Walt’s mov- ate the illusion that Main Street, U.S.A., is a thriving town ies had the benefit of opening and closing credits, his parks in the early 1900s, a cast of characters was created to popu- did not. But Walt was a clever man, and he managed to sneak late it. You might recognize some of them strolling about some tributes to the people who helped him build his dream. town, such as Mayor Weaver (who likes to remind you that One of the most famous places for these tributes is election time is coming soon, so “Pull the lever and vote for on Main Street. On the second and third stories of al- Weaver!”), Scoop Sanderson (ace reporter for the Main Street most every building on Main Street, you’ll find window Gazette), and even (a barbershop quartet signs advertising the businesses that inhabit this turn- that performs on Main Street). But it doesn’t stop there! of-the-century town. The names of these businesses are Take a walk down one of the side streets, and you might be witty tributes to the men and women who made Walt lucky enough to hear someone practicing the piano or tak- Disney World what it is today. Let’s take a look at some of ing singing lessons from one of the upper windows. Though these windows and talk about the history behind them.

Main Photo ©Barrie Brewer, Inset Photo ©Tim Foster 55 · Celebrations Walt Disney World Railroad Office to honor his brother and to ensure his legacy would live Walter E. Disney forever. Though many people played a part in getting Walt The first window that you should notice is located on the Disney World off the ground, without Roy’s determination, train station, right before you walk into the park. Walt is it may never have actually happened. named as the Chief Engineer, and rightfully so. Walt Disney World was his vision from beginning to end, and he was tru- Elias Disney ly tasked with “keeping the dreams on track,” as the window Contractor says. On top of that, Walt is known for having had a love of This window, which used to be above the Emporium railroads. He even had a 1/8th-scale working model steam but is now located further down Main Street, honors engine railroad in his backyard in California. Having Walt’s Walt’s father, Elias. Elias worked a number of odd jobs over window be on the train station is more than fitting. the years, such as a farmhand, railroad machine shop

Dreamers & Doers Roy O. Disney Roy was one of Walt’s brothers and also his long-time business partner. Just before Walt passed away, Roy had planned on retiring. Rumors circulated that he would sell the company off to the highest bidder. However, after Walt’s untimely death, Roy put off his retirement and charged ahead with keeping his brother’s dream alive. He contin- ued on the project and saw it through to completion. He changed the name from Disney World to Walt Disney World

56 · Celebrations worker, and professional fiddler. This window refers to a contracting business that Elias started in Chicago in 1895.

Roy E. Disney Specializing in the Gentlemanly Sport of Racing at Sea Roy E. Disney is the son of Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney. He was the vice chairman of the Walt Disney Company for many years, and he currently serves as a consultant for them. He is also director emeritus for the board of direc- tors. Roy’s window refers to his love of competitive sailing, for which he recently received an honorary doctorate from the California Maritime Academy for his contributions to the sport. Listed along with Roy are his ex-wife, Patty, (they divorced in 2007) and their four children.

M.T. Lott Co. Real Estate Investments Donn Tatum was the first non- member to become the president and chairman of the board for Walt Disney Productions. He was also the first president of Walt Disney World. The businesses referred to on the window are all skeleton companies Walt used to buy the land in Florida that would become Walt Disney World. If people had known that Walt was buying land for something, the price per acre would have gone through the roof. So, to keep things secret for awhile, Walt created these dummy corporations to throw people off the trail. Even though Tatum was never the presi- dent of any of these companies, they were all subsidiaries of Walt Disney World, of which in turn, he was in charge.

Pseudonym Real Estate Development Company Roy Davis, Bob Price, and Bob Foster This window also refers to the process in which Walt bought up land for Walt Disney World. When Roy O. Disney visited Florida real estate agents and looked at potential lo- cations for Walt Disney World, he used the pseudonym “Roy Davis.” Similarly, Robert Foster used the pseudonym “Bob Price” when he dealt with landowners in the area.

General Joe’s Building Permits Gen. Joe Potter Walt hired retired Major General William E. “Joe” Potter as the first official Disney employee in Florida. The general oversaw the transformation of 300 acres of Florida orange groves into the Magic Kingdom we know and love today. He

Photos ©Jeff Heimbuch 57 · Celebrations was the park’s senior vice president after it opened, and he Fashions by John retired in 1974. General Potter was named a Disney Legend Dressmaking, Hemstitching, & Picoting in 1996. Dick Nunis, former chairman of Walt Disney Attrac- This window honors the original costume department tions, said, “Without Joe Potter there would be no Walt Dis- leaders at Walt Disney World: Tom Peirce, Orpha Harryman, ney World today.” Ken Creekmore, Alyja Paskevicius, and John Keehne. This window is also notable for another reason: It used to have a sixth name! A former show quality monitor told me that a few years ago he was in charge of building an index of all the windows on Main Street. When researching for this window, he found information on the five names that cur- rently are on the window without much difficulty, but for the sixth, he was coming up short. He eventually wrote to the corporate personnel archives to ask what that person did for the company. They replied that he had worked for Disney, but only for about four months! Turns out the mys- terious sixth person had spent those few months work- ing in the sign shop, and his job had included painting and

Plaza School of Music B. Baker, B. Jackman, and G. Bruns These three men are known for creating some of the most memorable tunes for Disney’s theme parks. , who was named a Disney Legend in 1998, scored many of Disney’s movies. With X Atencio, he cowrote “” for the Haunted Mansion. Bob Jackman provided the voice of Goofy in the 1950s, and he was also the manager of Disney’s music department. He specialized in writing cues, small snippets of music that were adapted from longer selections, which acted as lead- ins or exits from scenes. He cowrote the “Swisskapolka,” which you hear while climbing the in Adventureland. George Bruns composed quite a lot of the area music you hear around the park, but he’s most known for composing that famous pirate anthem “Yo-Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me).”

58 · Celebrations to climb them all except for Everest, although he made the attempt twice.

Walter E. Disney Graduate School of Design & Master Planning The last (but certainly not the least!) window I will men- tion brings us back full circle. Walt’s window overlooking the castle and the park’s main hub honors the man himself, and also the Imagineers who were instrumental in bring- ing Walt Disney World to life. , , Edward Brummitt, Marvin Davis, Fred Hope, Vic Greene, Bill Martin, and Chuck Myall all worked for WED Enterprises and helped design the architectural and show elements that went into the Magic Kingdom.

Though I did mention quite a few of the windows on Main Street, I merely scratched the surface. Countless other windows honor the many incredibly creative people who helped to bring the Magic Kingdom to life. So the next time you take a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., take a minute to look up at these windows and appreciate the work that these people did that went into creating the happiest place on Earth.

touching up (you guessed it!) the windows on Main Street! Apparently, he thought that five names didn’t balance well when they were split two and three, so he inserted his own name to even out the columns. The man’s name stayed on the window for close to ten years before it was found out. As you can see, the current sign shop quickly corrected that problem!

Seven Summits Expeditions The late Frank Wells was the former Walt Disney Com- pany president and chief operating officer. Wells joined the company in 1984. Along with Michael Eisner, Wells was an integral part of helping save the company from financial disaster during his time there. Wells, who tragically died in 1994 in a helicopter accident, was known for his sense of adventure. His window, located on the third floor, is the highest of all the windows on Main Street. Seven Summits Expeditions refers to Wells’s goal of reaching the summits of the tallest mountain of all seven continents. He managed Photos ©Jeff Heimbuch 59 · Celebrations MAGICAL

Watersby Sara Vigrass

60 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Devine MAGICAL

Watersby Sara Vigrass

Touring the Walt Disney World theme parks is certainly a magical experience, but sometimes the Florida sun can get awfully hot. Never fear though, Walt Disney World is spilling over with swimming holes that are just as imaginative and varied as the parks themselves. From waterslides and whimsy to exotic settings and unique designs, the Disney Resort pools give swimmers a little something extra—a special splash of magic.

61 · Celebrations Slip Slidin’ Away for its twisting river currents, sandy bottoms, and ship- Even Splash Mountain can’t beat the irresistible quench wrecked theme. This expansive complex also has one of of a waterslide and the thrill of rushing through a tunnel the tallest hotel waterslides in Walt Disney World, spinning of cascading water. Though most Moderate Resorts, Deluxe through the ship itself until it spills out near the swirling Resorts, and Deluxe Villas have waterslides at their main lagoon. The backside of the shipwreck also has a mini slide, pools, the following spin their riders through a truly the- made just for guppies. matic journey. Over at the BoardWalk Inn, you can take a quirky trip For example, you can bring out your inner explorer over at down the 200-foot-long Keister Coaster, which is a twisting the Coronado Springs Resort. The resort’s centrally located waterslide that spits you through an enormous clown’s face Dig Site boasts a 123-foot long Jaguar Pool Slide that twists into the Luna Park Pool. Modeled after wooden roller coast- behind the Mayan pyramid. But watch out for the feisty jag- ers from the 1940s, the Keister Coaster brings back that ol’ uar who prowls these waters, dousing anyone who dares seaside thrill. You can almost smell the cotton candy and to dip. Nonriders can scope out the area from a walkway salt-water taffy! bridge, or take pictures of their family and friends as they scream on the slide below. Wet Whimsy Meanwhile, King Triton’s mighty sea serpent, aka Scales, As you might expect, you’ll discover a wealth of backsto- has taken over the Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter’s ries and theming at nearly every Walt Disney World Resort Doubloon Lagoon. Slip down a short—but thrilling—ride pool. Each resort takes you to a different world, whether it’s on the monster’s pink tongue into the waters below. Look the Victorian splendor of the Grand Floridian or the rustic out for the alligator band that merrily squirts water from surroundings of the Wilderness Lodge. The pools are an its instruments around the pool, drenching you even more. important part of the experience. A simple round pool just The Yacht Club and Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay is famed won’t do, of course. Mood, story, and creativity tie the pools

62 · Celebrations to the main theming of the resort, adding to the ambience the ivories is your forte, boogie down to the Piano Pool at and helping to whisk you away to a far off land. the All-Star Music Resort. The gigantic piano keys lead into For example, Ol’ Man Island, located in the heart of Port the grand piano–shaped pool. Don’t forget to take a picture Orleans Resort—Riverside, has its own special story. Its leg- with Ariel as she strums her guitar nearby. end goes back to 1835, when a young man made the island You can also score a home run at the Grand Slam Pool his home. Soon, word spread to the children in town of the at the All-Star Sports Resort. Goofy stands on the pitcher’s island’s exciting activities. Before you could say “crawfish,” mound in the baseball diamond–shaped pool. But watch kids were jumping into the island’s swimming hole. Look out, he’s got a cannon full of water aimed right toward for that rushes water into the pool, drench- home base. ing swimmers and taking you back to the days of carefree Got a movie fan in the family? Then head on over to the splashing fun. All-Star Movies Resort, where the Fantasia Pool brings your But if adventure be what ye after, then ye landlub- favorite classic movie to life. Beware though, it seems that bers best be sailin’ to Old Port Royale at the Caribbe- Sorcerer Mickey still hasn’t gotten the hang of his magic! an Beach Resort. The newly revamped pirate-themed Those broomsticks just won’t stop dumping water. Luck- pool, which reopened this past September, is designed ily for us, they’ve dumped it into a delightful pool, complete to resemble a Spanish fortress, complete with crumbling with a squirting Mickey statue. stone walls and pirate cannons. Youngsters adore the sunk- Finally, take a dip back in time in one of the Pop Century en ship play area, with its kiddy slide and water-dumping Resort’s themed pools. Bop down to the 1950s Bowling Pool. bucket. Arrrrr! Nine giant bowling pins line the resort, but to pick up the And the fun doesn’t stop there. Bright and cleverly deco- spare, you have to leap into the pin-shaped pool. If peace, rated, Disney’s Value Resorts explode with thematic fun. Ev- love, and happiness are more your speed, groove into the erywhere you look, you can find figures and features that Hippy Dippy Pool at the 1960s building. Shaped like a flower, enhance the theme of the resort. For instance, if tickling this pool blooms with fun.

63 · Celebrations Photos ©Tim Devine Just Around the Riverbend mingos who reside nearby. Many Disney Resort pools mix entertainment with beau- For a more tropical setting, take your whole Ohana to the ty. Not only can you enjoy the thrill of a waterslide, you can Polynesian Resort’s volcano themed pool. The Nanea Vol- also escape to an exotic or natural setting. Let’s take a tour cano Pool captures the warmth and wonder of Hawaii’s Big of some of those Disney pools that promise to take you Island. Its tubular slide spins you through the interior of the away to a whole new world. smoking volcano and spits you out like lava into the water. We’ll start at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where you Unlike the active Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, you won’t get can immerse yourself in the splendor and sophistication burned if you get too close—unless you’re not wearing sun- of the Victorian age. Inspired by the 120-year-old Hotel del screen, of course. Coronado in San Diego, the Grand Floridian mixes elegance Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa’s natural-looking High Rock with a beachside theme. Its grotto-inspired Beach Pool is el- Spring Pool was designed to resemble the resort’s namesake, egant with rock formations and cascading waterfalls, with a 19th-century retreat in upstate New York. The spring starts a slide twisting through the rocks into the water below. as gurgling water that flows down the rocks into the swim- In the mood for something a little more exotic? Then ming pool below. A large slide twists through the rocks and journey over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge where you’ll under a bridge before tossing you into the water. find a mighty watering hole. However, instead of being sur- The Wilderness Lodge’s Silver Creek Springs Pool is simi- rounded by wildebeest and lions, tourists of the human larly nestled in a rustic, natural setting. The pool is actu- variety flock to this giant pool. At 11,000 square feet, Uzima ally part of a vast water complex, starting with a bubbling Pool is the largest of any Walt Disney World pool. Uzima, spring in the lobby. The water flows under the lobby’s win- means “springs of life/wellness/vitality” in Swahili, and life dow wall and runs outside, widening as it goes. This creek abounds around the pool area. When you’re not busy slip- eventually turns into Silver Creek Falls, a 15-foot waterfall ping down the 67-foot water slide, you can check out the fla- that spills over into the boulder- and tree-lined pool. It’s a

64 · Celebrations lot of fun swimming in the frothing currents at the base of Inc., a New Orleans–based company that specializes in Mar- the waterfall—but don’t worry, a strategically placed rope di Gras figures, created this whimsical character. prevents you from getting too close! For some added excite- ment, take a plunge down the twisting waterslide. Poca- The Best Laid Plans… hontas would have loved this place! In the course of designing and building all of these won- derful pools, it should come as no surprise that a few of Sweating the Small Stuff the more ambitious ideas didn’t come to fruition, or at One of the most magical things about Walt Disney World least didn’t go quite that way that they were planned. For is of course the incredible attention to detail. Special fea- example, when the Polynesian Resort first opened, a wave tures such as waterfalls, zero-entry access, figurines, and machine was installed in the Seven Seas Lagoon. Though other touches flood the resort pools, making the swimming fun for the family, the waves severely eroded the beach. The experience even better. machine was turned off, but never completely removed. If waterfalls are your thing, head on over to Port Orleans (Thankfully, you can find several wet and wild wave pools Resort—Riverside. There you’ll find the most mini-water- at the nearby water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard falls of any Disney Resort. You can also check out the beau- Beach, but that’s a story for another time!) tiful waterfall at Coronado Springs Resort’s Dig Site, which Also, the Yacht Club and Beach Club had huge plans for a splashes 46 feet down the Mayan Temple’s steps. filtered pool that lacked chlorine and contained real fish. Another highly regarded feature at many of the resort Swimming with sand and fish beneath you would have pools is zero-entry access. Rather than entering the pool been an awesome idea, if it weren’t for one major factor: via a set of steps (or a good old-fashioned cannonball), you sunscreen. Fish gills and sunscreen just don’t mix! can easily walk from the pool’s deck into the water down a gently sloping floor, just like in the ocean. The Caribbean So the next time you’re at the parks and feeling the heat, Beach Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club, don’t despair! Head on back to your resort and enjoy some Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs, and Polynesian Resort all splish splashin’ fun Disney style. It’s sure to bring out your have pools with this feature. inner Nemo! You’ll also discover a wealth of small details that help transport you to an exotic setting. For instance, over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Uzima Pool, the water isn’t as blue as many of the other resort pools. This, however, was intentional. The pool’s bottom was painted a sandy brown so that the water would resemble a real African watering hole—minus the crocodiles of course! Meanwhile, a visit to the Polynesian Resort puts you in the heart of the Pacific. In fact, you can even hear the music of the islands while you’re fully submerged in the Nanea Volcano Pool. The Ha- waiian tunes are piped directly into the pool for underwa- ter listening. Lastly, the Wilderness Lodge recreates the Pa- cific Northwest in all of its glory. What would a wilderness retreat be without a steaming geyser erupting next to the pool? Modeled after Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, Fire Rock Geyser shoots a 120-foot-high spray of water every hour on the hour until 10 p.m. Finally, you’ll find a variety of figurines that match the concept of the resort. For example, the jester, who resides at the Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter’s Doubloon La- goon, closely resembles a figure found at the Canal Street/ Algiers Ferry terminal in New Orleans. Blaine Kern Artists,

Photos ©Disney 65 · Celebrations by Chuck Lionberger

hat’s flat, oval-shaped, stamped with Disney art- Where in the (Walt Disney) World Can You Find Pen- Wwork, and makes a wonderful, unique, and resort- ny Press Machines? exclusive Disney collectible? A pressed penny! Penny press machines are located in the parks, water parks, resorts, restaurants, and stores—just about every- What’s a Pressed Penny? where on Walt Disney World property. You can visit Guest Pressed coins, or elongated coins as they are some- Services at each park to get a list of pressed coins that are times known, have been around for a long time. Some available in that park. people say that the practice of smashing coins dates If you’re really going to get into collecting pressed pen- all the way back to the 1892–1893 World’s Columbian Ex- nies, I highly suggest printing a list to help you keep track position. Coin press machines aren’t unique to Disney of which pennies you have and which ones you want to parks. But at Walt Disney World alone, there are hundreds get. Simply Google “pressed pennies” and “Disney” to find a of designs for coins from which to choose The best part is plethora of sites listing the machines’ locations. that each machine is unique, and the hunt to find new de- Oh, and don’t think you’re going to find all of the ma- signs helps make a trip to Walt Disney World all the more chines in one trip. It just can’t happen. There are way too special and exciting. many of them—nearly 1,000 different designs! Each penny press machine at Walt Disney World usu- To make collecting the different coin designs even ally has three or four designs to choose from. Nearly every more of a challenge—and even more fun—the designs machine has unique designs, so you aren’t likely to come change over the years. Some designs at Walt Disney World across the same design in two different locations. have been retired to make way for new ones. For instance, You’ll find two types of penny press machines at Walt Disney created many designs in 2005 related to the Happi- Disney World: automated and hand-crank. Most of the est Celebration on Earth campaign marking the 50th an- automated machines have three designs, while the hand- niversary of Disneyland. Many of those designs are now crank machines have four designs. It takes a little bit of being retired. muscle to make those hand-crank machines press a pen- New machines pop up all of the time. For instance, a ny—about 20 tons of pressure (but don’t worry, the ma- new machine was put at the Yak and Yeti restaurant just chine does most of the work)! this year. According to one pressed coins collectors site, In addition to Walt Disney World’s penny press ma- 26 new designs are coming to Walt Disney World in 2009. chines, the parks also have several quarter press ma- chines. They work just like the penny press machines, Why Collect Pressed Pennies? although a pressed quarter usually costs $1.25, including Collecting pressed pennies is so much fun because the quarter you’re pressing. Most quarter press machines there are designs that will appeal to every Disney fan. only have one design, although a few machines at Walt For instance, if you’re a big Mickey Mouse fan, there are Disney World offer three different designs. dozens of coins featuring Mickey—from classic Mickey

66 · Celebrations Photo ©Barrie Brewer to Sorcerer Mickey to Safari Mickey to Mickey in differ- So the next time you happen to have a penny (and a few ent costumes related to the various pavilions in Epcot’s quarters), consider getting a pressed penny. It’s a souvenir World Showcase. Princess fans can collect a whole series that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Who knows, you might of princess-related coins. Non-princess fans can find just just start another Disney collection! as many characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Lightning McQueen. Other designs feature some of the The Penny Arcade great Disney villains, including , Maleficent, Today you can spend a penny (and two quarters) and Syndrome. and get a pressed penny. But there was a day when you What makes collecting pressed coins even more fun is could use a penny at Walt Disney World for something the hunt for designs you haven’t seen before. You could other than penny presses. The part of the Emporium compare penny press machines to Hidden Mickeys be- that today houses the Main Street Athletic Company, cause they’re sometimes hidden in the corners of shops used to be home to the Penny Arcade. or attractions or just standing by themselves. It takes a Back then, for only a penny, Guests could hear their sharp eye to find some penny press machines. fortunes at a classic fortune telling machine. You could test your luck on the Kiss-o-Meter. Guests also What Do I Do with All of My Pressed Pennies? could pay a penny to see old Charlie Chaplin films. Disney sells penny collector books in all of the parks. You Walt Disney himself would likely have watched and can buy them in just about every store on property. These studied these films, because he was a big fan of Chap- tri- or quad-fold books have several small plastic sleeves lin. In fact, the original Mickey Mouse was based par- that you can fit pressed pennies into. Some of the books tially on Charlie Chaplin. The very first penny press also have slots for those larger pressed quarters. machine at Walt Disney World was located at the If you want to press a penny with a special year, such as Penny Arcade. your birth year, and have that year remain on the pressed The Penny Arcade closed in 1995 to make way for the penny, place the heads side of the penny away from the Main Street Athletic Company as part of an expansion quarters when you put them into the slots. The heads side of the Emporium. As with many things at Walt Disney will end up on the back of the final pressed penny, and World, the old makes way for the new. you’ll be able to make out the date.

67 · Celebrations An Evening of Musical Mayhem at Jellyrolls on the BoardWalk by Sharon Reedy by some cash, the song is only a suggestion. But if you add o you know what time it is?” If you don’t, you soon will. some green, it becomes a request. This being Disney, they DYou’ll hear that question posed—and enthusiastically even have a FASTPASS! A twenty gets your song played next! answered—throughout the night at Jellyrolls. So pull up a The doors at Jellyrolls open at 7 p.m., and once the fingers chair, sit back, relax—and welcome to Jellyrolls! start flying at 8, the music is continuous. The first two pia- Located on Disney’s BoardWalk, Jellyrolls is a fun and fes- nists will start playing for the 8 o’clock hour, and then they’ll tive piano bar, which was named in honor of Ferdinand “Jel- swap with another team. The teams continue to alternate ly Roll” Morton, who was a ragtime pianist in the early 1900s. throughout the night. Depending on the night you are Inside the pale blue and white-striped exterior, you’ll dis- there, you’ll enjoy the talents of Scotty Kilwein, Ray McGee, cover a bar that’s unlike any at Walt Disney World. Jellyrolls Michael Kilwein, Michael Williams, Tommy Bell, or Daniel is a sing-a-long show featuring dueling pianos, where the Deal. They’ll make your night something to remember, and Guests make the requests. Because of this, no two shows you’ll want to return again and again. Jellyrolls is addicting! are ever the same! The pianists will make you smile, laugh, With your participation, you help make Jellyrolls unique and remember songs all the way back to your childhood. Jel- and exciting for everyone there. You’ll likely hear favorites, lyrolls is a great place to be, even if you don’t have a great such as Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believ- singing voice or are afraid of karaoke. You’ll blend right in! ing,” Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places,” and Chuck Ber- When you enter Jellyrolls, you’ll find seating on the up- ry’s “My Ding-a-Ling.” Popular requests are the songs of Jim- per portion and around the edges of the sunken floor area. my Buffett, Barry Manilow, the Barenaked Ladies, ABBA, and A large angled mirror behind the pianists gives you a great . You might even hear some songs from School view of the talented musicians. The décor at Jellyrolls fea- House Rock, Fraggle Rock, or some Disney favorites. Have a tures lots of wood with signs advertising various alcohol list of song requests ready, because if you get there late and and beer venders and a surf board with a shark bite taken your request was played already, you get to think of another out of it. You’ll see two bars on either side of the room, al- one. But beware: If you’re late, you might miss Scotty Kilwein though servers take your orders at the tables. doing “Rainbow Connection,” which is a must-see. These guys can play just about anything. Just try to stump them! Sing Us a Song… When the music gets going, the audience really helps— Celebrate Good Times, Come On! you’re part of the show. Your server will bring you some nap- Jellyrolls is a great place to celebrate birthdays, first kins, upon which you can write a song request. Either you dates, bachelorette/bachelor parties, weddings, and more! can walk your napkin up to the stage, or you can ask your Chances are that someone will be brought up on stage to server to. Here’s a secret: If the napkin isn’t accompanied celebrate something special. Other times, the pianists in-

68 · Celebrations vite people up on stage to join in a group song. For the possible bachelor or bachelorette, there is a singles version of “I’m a Little Tea Pot.” Other times, they get the audience involved by playing something like, “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” and every time you hear a word beginning with “B,” you stand up or sit down. Or the pianists will play songs like “The Unicorn Song,” “Pink Cadillac,” “The Hokey Pokey,” or even the “Time Warp.” Don’t worry if you don’t know what to do. The staff gets up on stage (and the bars) to help lead you along. The service at Jellyrolls is really good, as are the drink specials. An Evening of Musical Mayhem at Jellyrolls on the BoardWalk They serve alcohol, wine, beer, and soda, along with $1 pony beer, from 9 p.m. until they are gone, and a 32-ounce drink special for $9. Popcorn is free! There’s a $10 cover charge, and you must be 21, with photo id to prove it, to enter. Jellyrolls is open every day of the year. No smoking or video taping is allowed. Although there isn’t any resort–to-resort transporta- tion at Walt Disney World, you can drive to and park at the BoardWalk, or take a taxi. You can also take a bus to Downtown Disney and then catch another bus to any of the Epcot resorts. It’s an easy walk to the BoardWalk from the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin, and, of course, the BoardWalk Inn.

Oh, in case you’re thinking we forgot: When you hear “Do you know what time it is?” The response is, “No. What time is it?”

Performer Photos ©Sharon Reedy 69 · Celebrations the hull. One jet near the bow and the other near the stern were independently controlled and allowed the boat to ro- tate easily. The boats were shaped like giant swans, and they were named after heroines from classic Disney films, such as Tinker Bell and Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty. The boats originally departed from what is now the low- er terrace seating area for the Plaza Restaurant. For most The Plaza Swan Boats of this D-ticket attraction’s duration, they docked from the hile walking through the Walt Disney World parks, I small, green-roofed pavilion on the lower level of what is Woften find myself savoring its sights and sounds. Of- now the Plaza Rose Garden. ten, something catches my eye, and I let my mind wander From there, the boats traveled along a clockwise path back in time. As I walk from the Magic Kingdom’s central past Cinderella Castle, through Adventureland, past the hub toward , I always look down into the Swiss Family Treehouse, and back toward Tomorrowland. Plaza Rose Garden and waterway below, remembering a The boats were originally planned to operate using an elec- time when long, white boats tronic guidance system, but in- plied the waters. stead the Cast Members manu- The graceful Plaza Swan ally helmed them. Boats (you actually feel the Difficulty in steering might need to call them graceful or have contributed to the attrac- serene when describing them, tion’s relatively short duration because “Plaza Swan Boats” (and the fact that there were seems incomplete) operated only five boats running by seasonally from May 1973 un- 1983), as well as engine difficul- til August 1983 in the canal ties and operational costs. surrounding Cinderella Castle Since its closure, rumors and through parts of Adven- have persisted that the boats tureland. were sold to the city of Orlan- The 17-minute ride was do and used on Lake Eola, but guided—usually by a young, fe- that’s not true. Sadly, the boats male Cast Member—who gave were stored at the north end a tour past numerous points of property for some time be- of interest. Clad in white-and- fore being sold. blue costumes reminiscent Today, the green-roofed dock of a sailor (or cruise director), on the water’s edge between they piloted your boat and Cinderella Castle and Tomor- narrated your journey by high- rowland still exists. It serves lighting interesting details as a gentle reminder to Guests and interacting with Guests, who experienced and enjoyed as opposed to reciting a mem- this attraction. orized script. The Plaza Swan Boats hold a unique place in Walt Disney Each of the 12 boats in the fleet carried 26 passengers on World history as one of its most serene and charming at- benches that faced each other on the port and starboard tractions. Much like a waterborne version of the WEDway sides of the boat, much like on the Jungle Cruise. The boats PeopleMover (Tomorrowland Transit Authority), the boats (including the one used to clean the canals) were powered offered a simple, relaxing ride with unique views of the by natural gas, and they were propelled by water jets below park.

70 · Celebrations

hen I last corresponded, my wonderful compan- get shooting. Is it possible that there are guns in the Wion and I were just finishing up some riveting Magic Kingdom? We had to check it out for ourselves. boating adventures at Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle My companion and I didn’t have to travel far be- Boats. What I failed to realize was just how much of a fore coming upon the Shootin’ Arcade. hunger skippering boats could generate. After a quick Standing before us was a recreation of 1850s Boothill coming together of the minds, we decided that it was in Tucson, Arizona, with a jail, hotel, bank, and cem- still way too early in the day to eat an entire meal. So we etery—complete with targets. Quite a few people were decided to track down a quick bite to eat. We thought standing about taking potshots at the targets scat- we’d do the easy thing and double back to Main Street, tered throughout the set. I, always being a sucker for U.S.A., and grab a couple of hot dogs at Casey’s Corner. stats and numbers, decided to count the targets while As my companion and I were heading out of the waiting for our turn to pick up rifles. It turns out there Jungle Cruise exit that took us toward the Swiss Family are 97 targets to take aim at. Treehouse, we were stopped by the sounds of little kids My companion and I quickly got our turns. Holding a ri- screaming in delight. As we turned fle in my hands, I saw that it wasn’t around to catch a glimpse of three ordinary. Instead of shooting pel- kids trying to dodge the spitting lets like at most shooting galler- camel at the Magic Carpets of ies, each rifle was equipped with Aladdin, we suddenly looked at infrared emitters, and the targets each other and said at the same become animated when hit. time, “Egg rolls!” Nothing brings out the com- The famous Dole Whips steal petitive streak in two people like the limelight of epicurean treats a game of skill that involves a of Adventureland, but the unsung heroes are the hot, score. My companion and I were not immune, and poor fried, and oh-so-yummy treats that can be obtained at Boothill didn’t know what hit it. I was on a shooting the Egg Roll Wagon. frenzy like Ralphie with his Red Ryder BB gun taking on After wolfing down a couple of shrimp egg rolls, my Black Bart. The targets didn’t stand a chance against my companion and I quickly reassessed our battle plan. It infrared emitting rifle. My companion was sure to bow was quite apparent that Adventureland had become down to my expert marksmanship! popular. Because we were standing near a relatively When the time ran out and the “dust” settled, I turned overlooked shortcut to Frontierland located behind to my companion to do my little victory dance. To my the Magic Carpets between the Sunshine Tree Terrace surprise, I didn’t even come close to winning. My com- and the Agrabah Bazaar, this looked like the most logi- panion thrashed me soundly. Oh well, Boothill will al- cal direction to go. ways be there to try and conquer another day. As we stepped into Frontierland, we talked about As we were walking away, my wonderful companion catching some air-conditioning in the Country Bear was quick to point out that the clouds were starting Jamboree. Before we turned left toward the Country to come in. Is it time for one of those famous central Bears, we stopped at the sounds of something far more Florida afternoon thunderstorms? I guess you all have intriguing. To the right came the tell-tale sounds of tar- to wait till next time to find out! 72 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Foster Cinderellas Golden ’ Carrousel

Number of Rs in Carrousel. Why two? That’s actually the old- 2 fashioned way of spelling it, and it’s the version that was selected to reflect the nostalgic charm of the attraction.

Total number of horses on the Carroussel (And yes, that means 86 344 legs if you’re counting!)

Number of horses with a golden ribbon on its tail. That sounds 1 like a pretty special horse, and it is! It’s Cinderella’s personal steed.

Year that the Carrousel was built, making it the oldest attraction 1917 in the Magic Kingdom

Number of hand-painted scenes 18 that adorn the canopy Number of horses that are the same. Each horse actually has its 0 own color palette, as well as its own identifying number on the bridle.

Number of times the Carrousel has been moved. While the 1 Magic Kingdom was being built, Roy Disney noticed that the Carrousel was a bit off center when seen through the castle, and it was quickly moved to the proper position.

Number of lights that illuminate 2,325 the Carrousel at night Photos ©Tim Foster 73 · Celebrations Which Disney Resort Would You Most Like to Live At? by Jennifer Bright Reich

1. Which of these Walt Disney World attractions 5. What’s your favorite sport to participate in or would be your favorite? watch? a. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor a. Football b. Castaway Creek b. Beach volleyball c. Space Mountain c. Laser tag d. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail d. NASCAR e. Cinderella Castle e. Horse racing

2. Which of these would be your favorite free 6. What’s your favorite type of music? thing to do at Walt Disney World? a. Top 40 a. Go swimming at your resort’s pool b. Beach Boys/Surfer-style b. Ride the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, c. Techno Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and d. Country Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground e. Classical c. Take a ride on the monorail d. Visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness, 7. What’s your favorite color scheme? which is the home of the draft horses used to a. Primaries: red and yellow pull the trolleys down Main Street, U.S.A. b. Ice creams: teal and mango e. Window shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic c. Ices: blue and white Kingdom d. Natures: sage and tan e. Victorians: plum and rose 3. Which of these would be your favorite splurge? a. Channel your inner NASCAR driver at the 8. Which of these types of books would you most Richard Petty Driving Experience like to read? b. Watch IllumiNations from a private boat a. Sports memoirs c. Spring for a VIP tour guide b. Happy, feel-good stories d. Go catch-and-release fishing c. Sci-fi novels e. Enjoy a massage in your own private cabana at d. How-to books the Grand Floridian e. Fantasy or romance novels

4. Who’s your favorite Disney character(s)? 9. What’s your favorite time of day? a. Mickey Mouse a. The morning, you’re the first up and raring to go. b. Dory b. Party time! When evening rolls around, you’re at c. Buzz Lightyear your peak. d. Chip and Dale c. At night, in the light of the moon and in the com- e. Duchess pany of the stars, you’re at peace.

74 · Celebrations d. Suppertime, with family and friends gathered 13. What’s your favorite dessert? around the hearth, is your fave. a. Banana split e. Afternoon tea time, a time to relax b. Fruit smoothie c. Cheesecake 10. Of the following, which is your favorite d. S’mores movie? e. Tiramisu a. Rudy b. Beach Party Scoring c. Star Wars Count up all of the A, B, C, D and E answers you d. City Slickers gave. The letter with the most answers corre- e. Titanic sponds to your “home” resort, see below! A: All-Star Sports: You’re fun to be around and 11. Which of these cars are you most likely to love sports and other recreational activities. drive? B: Caribbean Beach Resort: If you’re not going a. Corvette to the party, it’s probably coming to you. Although b. VW Bug you love a good party, you also take the time to c. Honda Insight relax and kick back. d. Dodge Ram C: Contemporary Resort: Modern and stylish, e. Bentley you’re always on the cutting edge. People admire your forward-thinking views. 12. Which of the following are you more likely to D: Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: do after a stressful day? You’re comfortable with yourself and are a. Shoot hoops easy-going. People are drawn to you because of b. Walk on the beach your down-home charm. c. Surf the web E: Grand Floridian: You appreciate the finer d. Prop up your feet on the porch things in life, and you have the ability to make e. Savor a fine wine things happen, which people respect about you.

ANSWERS 8. E (France) FIND THE DIFFERENCE BONUS ANSWER 3. Living with the Land (See if you can KIDS KORNER (pages 78–81) 9. C (Italy) You don’t get the chance to visit the spot them among the plants!) 10. A (Norway) Taste and Touch Labs, which is prob- 4. The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Look ALL MIXED UP 11. K (United Kingdom) ably just as well! in the clams at the bottom of the 1. Toy Story murals in the interactive pavilions) BRAIN BUSTERS WORD SCRAMBLE 2. A Bug’s Life 5. Introductory film for Honey, I Shrunk 3. Toy Story 2 Experimental Prototype Community 1. Circle of Life the Audience 4. Monsters, Inc. of Tomorrow 2. 6. Outside of the computer lab in Jour- 5. Finding Nemo 3. Colors of the Wind ney Into Imagination With Figment 6. The Incredibles FIND THE DIFFERENCE 4. A Whole New World 7. Safety film in Soarin’ 7. Cars 5. Be Our Guest 8. The science labs in Living with the 8. Ratatouille 6. Under the Sea Land 9. WALL-E 7. You Can Fly 9. You might see some in Living with 10. Up 8. Heigh-Ho the Land, but you can also find the PICTURE TWISTER manatees munching on some at the 1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Seas with Nemo & Friends MYSTERY QUEST (pages 82–83) 2. Sorcerer Mickey Hat 10. Figment’s house (Think he’ll share?) 3. Liberty Square Riverboat SECRET SYMBOLS 4. Mickey’s PhilharMagic WHERE AM I? 1. The T is missing. 1. Innoventions sign (the O and the V) 5. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin 1. Living with the Land 2. There are extra Post-It notes on the wall. 2. Sign for Imageworks in the 6. Toy Story Mania! 2. Journey Into Imagination 3. A piece of paper is gone. Imagination Pavilion 3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends WORLD SHOWCASE CHALLENGE 4. The picture is flipped. 3. Soarin’ symbol 4. Soarin’ 1. B (United States) 5. The writing on the sleeve is gone. 4. The O in the Club Cool sign 5. Club Cool 2. D (China) 6. The lamp is higher. 6. Walkways outside Innoventions 3. G (Japan) 7. The seat has changed color. SCAVENGER HUNT 7. Courtyard behind Innoventions 4. I (Germany) 8. There is an extra panel. 1. Figment’s house in Journey Into 8. One of the leaping fountain basins 5. J (Morocco) 9. The magnifier is bigger. Imagination With Figment outside the Imagination Pavilion 6. F (Mexico) 10. The giant push-pin is missing. 2. Soarin’ (look out!) 7. H (Canada)

75 · Celebrations As I wandered throughout the Magic Kingdom, I was reminded of the legend of the Chachapoyan Golden Idol, an ancient artifact sought after by none other than the legendary Indiana Jones. (I seem to recall he had a run- in with a large boulder when the idol was briefly in his possession). I heard that the idol had found its way to Walt Disney World, so I set off on a perilous journey to see if I could find it for myself. My adventure started in the Magic Kingdom, and I recalled hearing tales of a priceless statue in front of Cinderella Castle. I found it alright, but it certainly wasn’t made of gold, just bronze.

I ventured over to the Jungle Cruise next, for I knew my journeys there would take me to the river (among others). Doctor Jones (as I like to call him) had originally Back to Main Street, U.S.A., and found the idol in the Peruvian jungle, near further exploration of the area the Amazon, and I thought the idol might surrounding the castle. It just have found its way back. But alas, all I found seemed obvious that a great was a collection of useless treasures. treasure should be found there, and sure enough, I came across this golden object in the center courtyard. I shrieked with joy at my discovery, but my excitement was tempered by a local resident telling me that it was just an elephant. I felt so dumb.

However, this same individual told me that the object I sought could be found at the nearby Hollywood Studios. Wasting no time, I headed over to the famed Studios and began my search. It wasn’t long before I came across this beautiful statue, and I thought I might have attained my goal. To my dismay, I learned that while an actor named Corey Carrier possessed a smaller version of this statue for his performance of Indiana Jones in a television show, this was not the famed idol I was looking for.

76 · Celebrations My explorations did turn up one important clue. It seems that Indiana Jones was personal friends with a pair of legendary storytellers, and . (I’d never heard of them, but they sounded like nice chaps.) Mr. Lucas in particular was a great weaver of fantastic tales, and I found a futuristic tribute to one of his most famous stories nearby (the War of the Stars, the Star and the War, something like that). I ventured inside and found this breathtaking artifact. Could this be it? I asked around, and nobody seemed sure of what this object was, only that it liked to talk a lot. Apparently even though it was fluent in over six million forms of communication, it wasn’t worth six cents here on Earth. However, the detour wasn’t a total waste of time. I was told of another place where I could find Indiana Jones himself!

I hurried over to the Great Movie Ride, and after a few run-ins with some notorious gangsters and a fearsome alien, I stumbled upon Indiana Jones himself and his companion struggling with a breathtaking golden object. Could that be it? No, it was only a golden box, something called the Ark of the Covenant. Interestingly, I found a carving of the statue I had seen earlier (which I learned was called C-3PO) along with his companion, a short fellow called R2-D2. They were etched into the blocks on the left, right above some snakes. (Snakes? Why’d it have to be snakes?).

In the very next room, I came across a frightening scene, a giant altar in the form of the Egyptian god Anubis, a jackal-headed god associated with mummification and the afterlife in Egyptian mythology. I thought that the treasure might lie here, and while there was a treasure to be found, it was actually a giant jewel, not the golden idol I sought. It was just as well. The individual who went after the treasure met with a rather untimely end. That was too close!

I raced out of the Great Movie Ride and soon came across an outdoor theater that was putting on a thrilling production called the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! I saw Indy himself racing with the statue past a formidable assortment of booby traps, among them spikes that came out of the floor and the giant boulder I had heard about before. Since this was only a show, I thought the boulder was a light- weight facsimile, but it turns out that the giant ball was no prop; it weighed well over 400 pounds! Thankfully, Dr. Jones made it through the ordeal with nary a scratch, and he later showed me the wondrous statue that treasure hunters have been seeking for centuries. He asked me if I would like to hold it, but I told him no, it probably should go to a museum. To this day, I’m not sure why he found that so funny...

77 · Celebrations Can you rearrange these Pixar movies in order from oldest to newest? 1. Cars 2. WALL-E 3. Monsters, Inc. 4. Ratatouille 5. Toy Story 6. Up 7. The Incredibles 8. Finding Nemo 9. A Bug’s Life 10. Toy Story 2

Looks like our latest batch of pictures got stuck in the ! Can you figure out where these photos were taken?

1 2

3 4

5 6

78 · Celebrations Can you match all 11 World Showcase country shapes with the correct flag? For an extra challenge, see if you can identify them all! Can you rearrange these Pixar movies in order from oldest to newest? 1. Cars 2. WALL-E 3. Monsters, Inc. 4. Ratatouille 1 4 5. Toy Story 6. Up 2 7. The Incredibles 8. Finding Nemo 9. A Bug’s Life 10. Toy Story 2 3 6 7 5 9

8

10 11

A) Country:______B) Country:______C) Country:______D) Country:______

E) Country:______F) Country:______G) Country:______

H) Country:______I) Country:______J) Country:______K) Country:______

Answers on page 75 79 · Celebrations What does “Epcot” stand for?

Figment’s been up to his usual mischief in the Sight Lab at the Imagination Institute! Can you spot the 10 differences in the photos below?

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BONUS QUESTION What two labs do you not get the chance to visit in the Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction? (Yes, it’s Figment’s fault!)

80 · Celebrations Unscramble these famous Disney songs.

1. CLERCI FO FIEL 5. EB RUO SUGET

2. ETH REBA SCINTESISEE 6. DUNER HTE ASE

3. ROSOLC FO ETH NIWD 7. OYU NAC LYF

4. A LEWHO WEN LROWD 8. GIHEH-OH

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].

Do you have any tips for meeting part is when Tinker Bell flies over top of us. characters? Take your own picture!!! Really...use your What should we do on a rainy day? own camera, or borrow your mom or dad’s, Go to the parks anyway. Unless there is thunder and let the characters know that you want and lightning, it’s safe to get wet. The lines at the to take pictures of them before you get their rides will be shorter because almost everybody autographs. They have so much fun posing for else will head for the hotels. Besides, you’ll dry you and can get pretty silly! Once, after I took a out eventually…right? picture of Pooh, he took my camera to take one of me back, then he took a picture of . We If I’m 10 years old, am I too old for the had a lot of fun with Pooh taking pictures and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? me chasing him to get my camera back. That No way. Who doesn’t like getting all glamoured silly ‘ol bear :) up? Besides, if you don’t want to be a Princess, did you know that you can get a Pop Star What do you like best, Wishes, Makeover at the Downtown Disney location? I IllumiNations or Fantasmic? haven’t gotten one yet, but I’m working on my That’s a hard question; I like them all. But if mom to get it the next time we go to Disney I have to pick just one, it would have to be World. The “Disney’s Secret Star” will make you Wishes. I love the music, the castle, the fireworks over into a pop star like Hannah Montana. I (especially the Smiley Face ones), and the story can’t wait! that they all tell together. Of course, my favorite

81 · Celebrations Join us as we explore the wonders of Epcot on the land, under the sea, in the air, and even in our imaginations. Do you have what it takes to be a true explorer? Answers on page 75

Secret Symbols: Where would you find these cryptic inscriptions?

2 3 1 4 Future World West Scavenger Hunt Here are a variety of items you might find Secrets around Future World West. • The leapfrog fountains outside of the Imagination Pavilion make Can you figure out where they are? use of a technology called Laminar Flow. Water pressure and the direction of the tubing in the fountains are carefully synchronized 1. Onion rings to create the illusion of a single splash of water leaping about the various fountains. 2. A golf ball • The entire seating area in the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience theater is actually on a platform that can be raised four inches to simulate 3. Ladybugs the lifting of the theater. 4. Pearls • The aquarium at the Seas With Nemo & Friends holds an astounding 5.7 million gallons of water and is home to over 2,000 different 5. A frog creatures. The aquarium and surrounding facilities took 22 months to construct. Believe it or not, the glass walls of the aquarium are 6. A pair of sneakers actually held in place by the water itself. When the pavilion was being constructed, it was decided not to introduce anything into the 7. Mickey Mouse ears aquarium that might harm the animals (including any materials that might have ordinarily been used to secure the walls), so instead 8. A NASA sign the tank was simple filled with water, and the resultant pressure was used to hold the glass in place. 9. Lettuce 10. Popcorn

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

1 2 3

4 5 6

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

Photos ©Tim Foster

83 · Celebrations Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Goofy

1. Okay, once and for all, Goofy is most definitely a dog. How do we know? Because his original name was Dippy Dawg, of course! But why does Goofy talk while Pluto does not? Because Pluto is Mickey’s pet, and as everyone knows, pets don’t talk. (Well, Pluto did say “kiss me” once, but that’s a subject for another Top 10!)

2. Goofy’s birthday is May 25, 1932. That’s when he first ap- peared (as Dippy Dawg) in the cartoon short Mickey’s Revue. His first appearance as Goofy was two years later in Or- phan’s Benefit, which also saw the debut of .

3. So is Goofy his first name or his last name? It’s hard to say. His full name has variously been given as George Geef, Goofus D. Dawg, and G.G. Goof. His son’s name is , and his father’s is Benjamin Goof, leading one to believe that Goofy is simply a nickname. But in recent years, his

proper name has evolved to Goofy Goof, so first name it is! Photo ©Disney

4. Goofy’s distinctive “hee-yuk” was originally voiced by Pinto 8. Goofy also has a secret identity, Super Goof, able to leap tall Colvig, who was also the voice of both Sleepy and Grumpy buildings in a single bound, most of the time anyway. Often in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as the pig who he would lose his powers at the last minute, leading to hi- built the house of bricks in the classic Disney short Three larious results. And how did he get his super powers? Super Little Pigs. goobers, of course! (Those are to you and me.)

5. Goofy is a member of the “Fab Five” (Mickey, Minnie, Don- 9. Goofy has a film-making connection with his smaller ald, Goofy, and Pluto), but even though he was the last to canine cousins, the puppies in One Hundred and One Dal- come on the scene, he was the first to star in his own tele- matians. The 1961 film was the first to use the xerography vision series, , which debuted in September 1992. technique, which replaced the painstaking process of hand-inking each animation cel. (It sure beat having to 6. For a time in the 1950s, Goofy was known as Mr. George draw all those spots by hand!) Coincidentally, Goofy’s last Geef, a common man contending with the perils of mod- “classic” solo animated short, , was made the ern living. Gone were his big teeth and floppy ears, and same year, and it was the only time a solo Goofy cartoon even his voice was changed to a more normal tone. used xerography in its production.

7. Goofy took in interest in personal fitness in the 1980s, tak- 10. You might spot Guests wearing familiar floppy-eared ing on the persona of Sport Goof. How did he do? He must Goofy hats around the Magic Kingdom, but one of Goofy’s have fared pretty well because he was eventually named first merchandising appearances was in a deck of playing the official mascot of the French Olympic team! cards. Which card? The Joker, of course!

Keepsake Image: “All Aboard!” • Photography by Tim Foster 84 · Celebrations Back Cover Photography by Tim Foster

“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” —Walt Disney