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On the Cover: “Magic on Parade”, photo by Tim Devine Issue 13 Lighting Up the Night: 42 Contents Nighttime Parades Letters...... 6 In and Around the Calendar of Events...... 8 Magic Kingdom Disney News & Updates...... 9 MOUSE VIEWS...... 15 Guide to the Magic by Tim Foster...... 16 Innoventions: Explorer Emporium by Lou Mongello...... 18 Keeping the True 50 Hidden Mickeys by Steve Barrett...... 20 Spirit of Epcot Alive Photography Tips & Tricks by Tim Devine...... 22 Pin Trading & Collecting by John Rick...... 24 Disney Cuisine by Allison Jones...... 26 Communicore Travel Tips 56 by Beci Mahnken...... 28 Disneyland Magic by J Darling...... 30

FEATURED ATTRACTION Toy Story Mania!...... 32

FEATURED RESORT Vinylmation Disney’s Pop Century Resort...... 36 Celebration! 62 FEATURED FILM Alice in Wonderland...... 40

Lou Mongello’s Wayback Machine...... 70 Wandering the World...... 72 By the Numbers: Astro Orbiter...... 73 Quick Quiz...... 74 In Search of: The Nebula Mickey...... 76 Stories Behind Walt Kids Korner...... 78 66 Mystery Quest: Future World East...... 82 Disney World: Tim & Lou’s Top 10...... 84 The Magic Kingdom Carousel Two Years of Magic...and Counting!

Two years ago, we had the idea of bringing the magic of Walt Disney World to you in a way that no one else had done before. Within the pages of our first 12 issues, we’ve explored some of our most-loved attractions, visited our favorite resorts, relived some beloved films, and discovered new secrets. People who aren’t overly familiar with Walt Disney World often ask how we could come up with enough material for one issue, let alone 12. I tell them that on the contrary, we have the opposite dilemma. How can we share all of the magic in such a small amount of pages? Therein lies the true wonder of what makes Walt Disney World such a favorite. There’s so much to explore, so much to discover, that you could spend a lifetime visiting and still find new things that you never saw before. Some of that is due to the ever-changing landscape at the parks, and some of it is due to the wealth of detail that the Imagineers infuse into every area of the parks, but I think the bigger answer is much more. The true limit to our experiences at Walt Disney World is set by our imaginations. Much of what we see, much of what we do, is a product of our ability to let ourselves go and to be taken away to faraway places. We can be futuristic time travelers, adventurous explorers, storybook characters, and world travelers. Thanks to some help from a group of wonderfully imaginative people, we can live out our fantasies and make our dreams come true. But more than that, this place can help us to reconnect with ourselves. Whether it’s as a father, daughter, friend, newlywed, or someone trying to remember what it was like to be young and innocent, Walt Disney World can help us to remember the thing that is most important to us, and it can give us the opportunity to share the magic with the people we love. It’s no wonder that we never have enough space to write about everything we would like—how can you contain the endless depths of your imagination in a few brief pages? The simple answer is that you can’t, but we can sure have fun trying! And that’s the most magical thing of all.

Tim Foster

2 · Celebrations Editors Tim Foster • Lou Mongello

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

Associate Editors Jennifer Bright Reich • Kristin Isolde Eriksen • Catherine Lusby

Creative Direction and Design Tim Foster Associate Art Director Michelle Foster

Contributing Photographers Tim Foster, Tim Devine, Lisa Foster, J Darling, Tom Bricker

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

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

©2010 Celebrations Press, Inc. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express writ- ten permission of the publisher. Statements and opinions herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Celebrations is owned and operated by Celebrations Press, Inc. and is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the Walt Disney Company, 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 It’s the Same Thing, Only Different...

I consider myself very fortunate and blessed for many reasons, one of which is how often I’ve been able to visit Walt Disney World. Since my parents took me just weeks after the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, I’ve lost count at how many times I’ve passed through the gates—and the number of smiles that passed across my face. Often people ask me if it “gets old,” or if the magic is gone. And I smile once again. No matter how many times I go, whether it be for research, a family vacation, or to spend time with friends or touring Disney enthusiasts with a passion for the details, I always enjoy the experience on many levels. Each time I visit, the experience changes for me. I’ve spoken before about how it’s no longer about rushing to attractions. In fact, I don’t think it ever was about that for me. When I visit the parks, I often find myself enjoying them as much as the first-time visitor, even when discovering a new detail. Maybe that’s what I try and impart on people I talk to through the radio show or this magazine—to help peel back all of the different layers of the Walt Disney World experience and help you appreciate it in different ways and on various levels. Also, I want to help Guest to get past the spreadsheets and timetables trying to cram it all in, and instead savor everything you encounter along the way. Throw away your guide map and instead wander, explore, and take the journey through Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Half day park? I think not. Take two days and immerse yourself in the history, culture, sounds, scents (the food, not the animal droppings), and even the ambient music. The same holds true for all of the parks, and even for your Disney resort. Stop. Look. And don’t just hear, but really listen.

Lou Mongello

4 · Celebrations Contributors

Jennifer Bright Reich is a Joe Essaf was constantly Ray Harkness thanks Disney Jim Korkis is an writer, editor, and creator surrounded by Disney as for saving his marriage. internationally recognized of DisneyWithKids.net, a child from the annual After being shown the joys Disney Historian whose helping people traveling Walt Disney World trip of a vacation by his lovely writing and original to Walt Disney World with to the VHS classic movies. wife Nancy, he now cannot research has been utilized by kids save money, time, and Growing up during the imagine being away from other Disney Historians as sanity. Jennifer also founded Disney Renaissance has work if it doesn’t involve a well as the Disney Company. the new parenting website inspired his artistic abilities Disney resort. When not MommyMDGuides.com, his entire life. His love for touring the parks, Ray which is filled with tips that Walt’s company is so grand writes for his blog Grumpy’s doctors who are also moms that he is going to school for Hollow under the name use for their own families. animation to follow in the Grumpwurst (grumpyspace. footsteps of his heroes. blogspot.com).

Chuck Lionberger Donald Myers Jr. first trip Chris Queen has Walt Disney Brian Shapiro has loved (also known as the to Disney in 1986 at age 4 World in his blood. From his going to Walt Disney World DisneyDaddy), is the forever sparked his passion first trip as a baby to recent ever since his parents first author and creator of for Walt Disney World. three-generation family took him in 1972. Today, he the DisneyDaddy blog at Don is not only a true trips, he can’t get enough. shares that passion for disneydaddy.blogspot. Disney enthusiast, but also Chris enjoys the parks, the Disney with his wife and com. He is married to considers himself to be a resorts, and all the ameni- children. When not at Walt Mickey (seriously, that’s his “Disney traditionalist” as ties, but he especially appre- Disney World, he continues wife’s name!) and has three well. He loves the history of ciates the little touches that to enjoy the magic by col- children that are all big the resort and has a special make Walt Disney World so lecting and trading pins, Disney fans. He has been place in his heart for all of special. His only complaint and by showing Disney mov- featured several times on the extinct attractions of is that Walt Disney World ies every day in his dental the WDWRadio Show. Walt Disney World. isn’t closer to his home in practice. Georgia.

5 · Celebrations Letters events and activities. One of the display on their terrace, amazing special “celebrity” appearances was seats for the Cirque Du Soleil La by Jiminy Cricket who was greeting Nouba performance, riding Star guests at the park entrance. As you Tours before it went away and seeing might imagine, the line was quite The Main Street Electrical Parade! long to actually visit with Jiminy, but We also had a few of the character my daughter, Kathryn, had a creative meals, including Donald Duck’s idea to make a meeting with Jiminy breakfast at The Tusker House where seem even more fun (and to scale, no we met Mickey Mouse (this brought less!). tears to my eyes) for the first time! Thank you so much for your Thank you so much for all of the tips continued sharing of the Disney and wonderful insight that your Jiminy Crickets! magic, magazine provides! You truly helped Hi Lou, Tim, and all of the fabulous to make our honeymoon the most Celebrations contributors, Daniel, Ann Elise, and Kathryn Record memorable and magical experience. We have loved and read every word Berlin, NH Attached is the photo of us with the of Celebrations since the debut issue.... big cheese himself. it absolutely makes our day when What Memories Are we open the mail and find the latest Made Of... Leah and John Wickett issue waiting for us! We thought the We have been thoroughly enjoying Cincinnati, Ohio attached picture would be fun to our Celebrations magazines!!! My share. sister bought all of the back issues for me in March in anticipation of our July honeymoon in Disney World. After reading just a few, we subscribed and read every issue before going. We had such a magical experience and we owe a lot of that to your insightful, beautiful and knowledgeable In April, on Earth Day, we visited issues! There are so many wonderful the Animal Kingdom. Of course, memories that we cannot pick just considering the Animal Kingdom’s one! A few of our favorite things that dedication to the environment, we experienced were; a champagne the day was being celebrated with sweethearts dinner at the California many environmentally themed Grill accompanied by a fireworks

Got a question, photo or story you’d like to share? email them to: [email protected] 6 · Celebrations Ah, Paris... Thank You!! I thought you might like to see my opening day ticket from Dear Lou & Tim, Disneyland Paris. As you can see, it is completely intact as In December 2007 my husband and I, along with our I bought a new ticket to get in on opening day; I couldn’t four children, took our first “family” trip to WDW. For most stand the idea of them tearing off the stub! I think it must of 2007 I was in my “DISNEY PLANNING PSYCHO” mode, i.e., be fairly unique as I have not seen it anywhere before. listening to podcasts, reading tour guides, and checking out the websites every day to get the latest news and information. Well, I’m happy to report that we had the vacation of a lifetime, and the memories of the happiest place on earth lingered with us for a long, long time. But after we’d scrapbooked our photos and put away the photo albums, I gradually stopped listening to the podcasts. The economy tanked...and well, my Disney fanaticism took a back seat to everyday life. Fast forward to August 2010. Thankfully, I am happy to Robert Stallard tell you that last week my husband casually said to me Cologne, Germany “When are we going to Walt Disney World again?” And the switch in my head clicked ON and “DISNEY PLANNING Oops! PSYCHO MOM” was alive and well. The first thing I did I don’t know if someone already wrote you this but there was head to the WDW RADIO podcast. It had always was an error in the Sudoku puzzle in the last issue. In the been my favorite and I could not believe I had almost 100 first puzzle with HDNMICKEY as the clue, there was an N missed episodes to catch up on. And, what was this...a printed twice in the same column. new magazine?? Whoa...I’d have to check that out. I immediately ordered a package of back issues and started Thanks! downloading and listening to past episodes of the podcast. Jenn B Well, I am writing to tell you that the magazines just arrived and let me just say that I am STUNNED! Well, that’s the last time we let Figment put together The look, the feel, the photography...ALL GORGEOUS! the Kids Korner pages! Here is the corrected From the moment I held the magazine in my hand I puzzle for those of you who want to try it again. Thanks Jenn!!! knew I would keep it forever. I put them in plastic sheet protectors before I even read through them all. My K H C Y E M D I N K C Y M D N Hchildren A even L commented P on D the Nbeautiful, visually striking appearance of them. From cover to cover the N M E D I K Y C H I P magazine is simply a joy to hold. Obviously I when you D I Y C H N E K M D Y C H N E M I were in theA planning D stagesN you were strivingP to create something that would become a keepsake. Well, I’m here to H C N E M D I Y K H N I K L tell you E that I YOU HAVE. H I cannot P tell you A how thrilled I am I Y K H N C M E D Y K M E with myI purchase - or how impressedL I am with the quality of this magazine. Outstanding, outstanding job! Kudos M E D I K Y H N C M D H C A to you H Tim Pand Lou. I will L be N enjoying the D magazine, and the podcasts and the website for the next 14 months or so C N H M Y E K D I C H M Y E K I D H P I C while I plan our next WDW trip of a lifetime. E D M K C I N H Y C E L Sincerely, Y K I N D H C M E Y I N H C E ADiane PPray E C I D

C H A L I P D N E 7 · Celebrations P N D C H E A L I O F C I L I G Y I E L A D N C H P I O G Y A L I L D E I N H P C A L W F H H A N P I D C A L E H O H F S H A Y R A C H P E L N I D S I L T A D L N H P I E A C H S O N Y R G T E I C N D A H P L C F I O T G H A P E L C I D N L C Y L H I T S H W F H A E L O F N L H S W C I H S I F W C O N L C L W O N I F H S L N O H C F S I W F S C N I W H L O I W H S L O N F C N C F W S L I O H W O L I F H C S N S H I C O N L W F

L I A T E H R G Y E R G Y A L I H T Y T H I G R A L E I H L A T Y E R G T G R H I E L Y A A Y E R L G H T I R L T E Y A G I H G E Y L H I T A R H A I G R T Y E L Calendar of Events Epcot International Food & Wine Festival October 1, 2010 - November 14, 2010 Celebrate a wide variety of culinary tastes from around the globe at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This annual event transforms Epcot into a food and wine lover’s paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, wine seminars and live musical entertainment.

Festival of the Masters Downtown Disney November 12, 2010 - November 14, 2010 Festival of the Masters is a complimentary open-air art festival held in autumn at the Downtown Disney Area featuring over 100 award-winning artists.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Magic Kingdom September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 & 31 November 1 Get ready for some spooktacular fun at Mickey’s Not-So- Scary Halloween Party. Guests can arrive in costume for some trick-or-treat fun, as well as lots of other ghoulish surprises! Requires a separate ticket to attend.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Magic Kingdom November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, and 30 December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19 The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Celebrate the seasons in Disney style at this one-of-a- Late November through December kind Christmas extravaganza. Experience the magic and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the warmth of the holidays as you’ve never seen them before, it Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a sight may even snow on Main Street, U.S.A.! Requires a separate you’ll never forget; millions of dazzling holiday lights per- ticket to attend. fectly synchronized to festive Christmas music.

Holidays Around The World/Candlelight Processional Walt Disney Marathon Weekend Late November through December January 6-9, 2011 This unforgettable event takes place nightly at the Ameri- Join in the fun at the Disney Marathon Weekend. You can can Gardens Theatre in Epcot with beautiful music, stun- take part in all sorts of activities: kids races, a Family Fun ning visuals, and guest celebrity narrators. You can also Run 5K, the Goofy Race & a Half Challenge, the Disney Half experience Christmas celebrations from around the globe Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & throughout World Showcase during the holiday season. Fitness Expo.

8 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney Disney News New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort

atina Restaurant Group has opened a new casual pizze- Ettore, he discovered the art of pagnotiello, a folded round Pria, called Via Napoli, adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, of pizza dough filled with mozzarella, ham and mushrooms. its restaurant in the Italy pavilion in Epcot World Showcase “I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This pizza,” Valenti says. “It’s a perfect food, something beloved becomes the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make the park. pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO and charred crust. I look forward to bringing it to Walt Dis- Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his ney World, where it should be a welcome addition to guests travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and over- visiting Epcot.” seeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New Via Napoli features a selection of classical Neapolitan piz- York which was awarded the coveted certification of “La zas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, Vera Pizza Napoletana.” While in Naples, Valenti spent time ortolano and a traditional margherita. Famed Pizzaiolo studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven tempera- Charlie Restivo serves as executive chef at Via Napoli, where tures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon. At Da he crafts the pies using simple and delicious Italian ingre-

9 · Celebrations Disney News

Vidia Joins Tinker Bell in Pixie HollowBy Joe Essaf idia, one of the Vstars of the dients such as San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo flour, hand- upcoming movie made fresh mozzarella, Parma Cotto, crumbled sausage “Tinker Bell and the and water calibrated specifically to the pH found in Naples. Great Fairy Rescue,” “We’re excited to be working with the Patina Restaurant is the newest fairy to Group once again on this significant expansion project,” become a “resident” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. “Via Napoli will of Pixie Hollow at certainly enhance the guest experience and the architec- the Magic Kingdom tural landscape of World Showcase just in time for our 15th park in Lake Buena annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival.” Vista, Fla. Guests can A unique feature at Via Napoli is the wood-burning ovens, meet Vidia and her which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – pixie pals, including Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Each oven is the world’s most sculpted with the “face of the volcano” -- reflecting the gods beloved fairy, Tinker Bell, inside Pixie Hollow at Walt Disney whose mythology surrounds each volcano’s history. World Resort in Florida. Vidia, who is known as the fastest- The architecture and design of the new pizzeria is based flying fairy there is, began making meet-and-greet appear- on a mix of traditional Italian styles, with the Florentine ar- ances for guests Aug. 26, 2010 at the Magic Kingdom. “Tinker chitect Stefano Nardini (of Magris & Partners) working in Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue” will be released on Blu-ray, conjunction with Rick Swisher Architect to build it. DVD and via movie download on Sept. 21, 2010.

10 · Celebrations ArtworkPhotos ©Disney ©Disney Luxury Pet Resort Opens at Walt Disney World

ourmet dog and kitty treats, plush pet bedding and all birds and hamsters Gthe creature comforts of home will be on tap for Pluto As guests and their pets approach the resort, located at wannabes and other pet pals at Best Friends Pet Resort, 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830, opening Sept. 1at Walt Disney World Resort. across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, they’ll drive be- Best Friends Pet Care Inc. will operate the one-of-a-kind, neath a stylized porte cochere canopy. From the airy lobby, 27,000-square-foot luxury facility complete with cat “con- they can watch grooming experts at work on pets of all dos,” doggy suites, and special accommodations for smaller shapes and sizes. “pocket pets.” Park and resort guests, as well as visitors stay- The resort’s exclusive dog park features a fenced walking ing off property, can reserve the pet hospitality services to trail that borders the natural wetlands around the park. include overnight boarding for pampered pups, cats and Inside the trail, a 3,300-square-foot play area is covered in pot-bellied pigs. artificial turf, and another 4,500-square-foot area is dotted The new resort, comprising more than 50,000 square feet with shade trees for owners who want to sit and watch of indoor and outdoor space, is built to accommodate 270 their pets play. Dogs even can enjoy a 1,300-square-foot wa- dogs, 30 cats and a small menagerie of pocket pets including ter park in their own splash-and-shake zone. Several park hamsters and guinea pigs. It will replace the five existing spaces are equipped with benches where guests can sit and pet care facilities now operated by Best Friends Pet Care Inc. watch their pets play. The park is secured for guests and throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Services and amenities offered at the resort are designed to create a fun and comfortable environment for all pets. Dogs staying overnight and accustomed to curling up with a child for bedtime stories will be all ears when they settle By Joe Essaf down for staff-read “tuck-in” tales. Discriminating cats with a taste for tuna can get their own custom treats. TVs will be tuned to favorite pet films like “Milo and Otis” or “Homeward Bound.” Guests also can board pets by day and take advantage of services like the resort’s doggy day camp and grooming ser- vices.

Best Friends Pet Care’s luxury pet resort includes: • 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space their pets only and is illuminated for use after dark. • 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas Directly off the resort’s lobby, a grooming salon offers “go- • A full-service grooming salon with lobby view home-fresh” baths and haircuts for pets. A la carte activi- • Two 1,100-square-foot doggy-day-camp rooms opening ties for dogs range from one-on-one playtimes and social onto a play-yard playgroups to “cuddle time” and bedtime stories with resort • A 25,000-square-foot private, nature-scaped dog park with staff. Dog owners also can choose from pet amenities that water-play area and protected trail include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium ortho- • Accommodations for 270 dogs in standard and luxury in- pedic bedding. Cat owners can treat their feline favorites to door-outdoor suites. Oversized luxury suites include raised private playtimes or gourmet snacks like “Tuna on a Ritz” or bedding (hop up Fido!) and TVs Cookies and Milk.” • A separate “Kitty City” pavilion accommodating up to 30 Guests who wish to book accommodations for their cats in “purr-fect” two- and four-story cat condos pets can visit www.wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or call • A special room for boarding of pocket pets that include 877/4-WDW-PETS.

11 · Celebrations Disney News Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Serves Up Food & Wine Classic he Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is offer- tails using liquid nitrogen. Finally, guests can delight in a Ting guests a chance to indulge at the first annual Food selection of desserts from the only two-time World Pastry & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Champion, Laurent Branlard, the hotel’s executive pastry Oct. 8 and 9. chef. Each evening will feature beverage seminars and a culi- With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary nary festival with live music and tastings from the hotel’s and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the award-winning restaurants and lounges. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually Guests have the op- receives national recog- portunity to choose nition for its food and from six hands-on bev- beverage program. The erage classes taught by hotel features more certified wine somme- than 70 certified wine liers and beer and cock- sommeliers and 1,400 tail specialists from the wine selections, includ- hotel’s team. Attendees ing organic and rare vin- will learn about their tages, plus tastes from topic of choice - ranging unique regions such as from a wine-blending Greece, Turkey and Is- seminar to a sake hour rael. - through watching, lis- Ticket Information: tening, touching and of One and two night pack- course, tasting! ages are available start- Immediately following ing at $169 per night and the lessons, guests can include a beverage semi- wander the causeway nar for two plus unlim- while being serenaded ited food and beverage by live musicians and samplings. savoring numerous Advance purchase tasty offerings. The food event-only tickets are samplings will include available for $50 and in- “Steamrollers,” a creative clude one seminar and take on molecular cui- unlimited samples on sine, from celebrity chef the causeway. venue Todd English’s Food and wine sam- bluezoo; “Pick Your Own plings also can be pur- Filet” from Shula’s Steak House; a simple yet flavorful hand- chased a la carte on the day of event. Tickets are $2 each; crafted pasta from Il Mulino New York Trattoria and more. 25 tickets for $45; or a bracelet for $50 which allows unlim- Each day of the event will feature a different selection of food. ited samples. For more information or to book, please visit Beverage stations will offer mini-learning experiences www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227- and feature offerings such as wine, sake, beer and cock- 1500 and refer to rate code “FWCLAS.”

12 · Celebrations Photo ©Disney Disney Unveils Unique Residential Resort Community at Walt Disney World Resort isney recently unveiled Golden Oak, a one-of-a-kind to offer residents access to select Four Seasons’ future ame- Dluxury residential resort community offering the un- nities including the full-service spa, restaurants, golf course precedented opportunity to purchase a home at Walt Dis- and event space. ney World Resort in Florida. Especially designed for resort Initially, Golden Oak will consist of three types of single- living, Golden Oak will provide an entirely new way for fami- family homes. Village Homes will capture the romantic look lies to connect with the world’s best-known family destina- of a Mediterranean village on home sites up to one-quarter tion and entertainment brand. acre. Estate Homes, on approximately one-half-acre home “We have a range of options for guests at all price points sites, will offer a variety of architectural styles including to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort. But Golden Oak is Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colo- something totally new: a residential resort community, nial and Island Colonial. At up to three-quarters-acre in right in the heart of the magic,” said Matt Kelly, vice presi- size, Grand Estate Homes will include architectural styles dent, Disney Resort Real Estate Development. “Golden Oak consistent with Estate Homes and will accommodate the will be a place where families can come together and make needs of large families. Homeowners will use one of Gold- memories for generations to come – with Disney World en Oak’s select custom homebuilders to build the home of right at their doorstep.” their dreams. Golden Oak will offer a limited collection of single fam- More information about Golden Oak is available at ily custom homes priced between $1.5 and $8 million, with www.disneygoldenoak.com. Golden Oak will use a Priority fewer than 30 home sites available for sale this year. De- Reservation List for potential homebuyers with an interest signed by Disney’s famed Imagineers, the gated community in purchasing a home. A position is secured on the list in the will feature intimate neighborhoods and amenities created order in which a signed Lot Release Priority Agreement and with everyone in the family in mind. Disney’s well-known a refundable $25,000 deposit is received. Deposits are now attention to detail is visible in every park, pathway and the being accepted, with the first completed homes projected custom-design of the proposed private clubhouse. Expan- for 2011. At build-out, Golden Oak is anticipated to include sive conservation areas comprise almost half of the entire approximately 450 homes. 980-acre footprint. The proposed private club- house, concierge services and collection of Walt Disney World Resort benefits will bring Disney’s guest service culture directly to Golden Oak residents. As previously announced, Golden Oak is planned to include Four Sea- sons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, combin- ing Disney’s renowned ser- vice and hospitality with Four Seasons’ defining standard of excellence. Golden Oak plans

Illustration ©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 Wonderful World of Color

s you wander through Walt Disney World, the visual splendor that unfolds be- Afore you is something you will never forget. No detail is spared in recreating the breathtaking vistas that bring this magical world to life, whether it’s the rough and tumble ruggedness of the old west, the nostalgic charm of an old-fashioned town square, or the vibrant kinetic energy of the world of tomorrow. Imagineers have a myriad of tools at their disposal to bring these visions to life, everything from light- ing and architectural elements to landscaping and background music. Another trick of the trade, and one that is often taken for granted, is the use of color. Walt Disney World is certainly a vibrant place, and there’s no question that by Tim Foster memories of past vacations are filled with images bursting with colorful hues and fanciful pallets. But the use of color goes far deeper than providing an eye-pleasing backdrop to your surroundings. Imagineers know that the proper use of color can enhance a Guest’s experience in many ways, far beyond being able to tell Chip and Dale apart by looking for Dale’s red nose! Fine artists know that color can help to create a mood, and that certain colors have an effect on how one perceives surrounding areas. For example, in this well-known opti- cal illusion, the two squares marked ‘A’ and ‘B’ are actually the same color. We perceive them differently due to the surrounding areas and our expectations of what happens to colors in real life when they are cast in shadow. Simi- larly, you can see in the second example how Tim Foster is the author of the same color appears differently when sur- the Guide to the Magic book rounded by different shades (believe it or not, series, which includes the Guide to the Magic for Kids, the Lost they are actually the same color). Journals, and the Guide to the This principle can be sign as you walk down Magic Autograph & Sticker Main Street, U.S.A., World Showcase in Epcot, Book. Tim is also the creator of or throughout the Hollywood Studios. The sidewalks are tinted pink, which makes the www.guidetothemagic.com the surrounding landscaping appear brighter. But why would that be? Red and website. green are known as complementary colors, meaning they are opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors provide the strongest contrasts to one another, and when placed alongside each other can make both appear brighter. Other complementary pairs include violet/yellow and orange/blue (now you know why Nemo stands out so well in the big blue sea, it’s a wonder how anyone could miss him!). But back to the landscaping in Walt Disney World. The pinkish hue of the sidewalks contrasts nicely with the green grass and shrubbery, making both ap- pear just a little bit brighter. The surrounding foliage would be somewhat drabber if the sidewalks were a standard gray. Speaking of foliage, Guests often take the surrounding flowers and plants for granted, but they too play an integral part in establishing the mood of your sur- roundings. Note the contrast between the sculpted trees in Tomorrowland, which lend an air of geometric precision to the world of the future, with the natural ap-

16 · Celebrations Checkershadow illusion ©1995, Edward H. Adelson pearance of the plantings in Adventure- land and Frontierland that help to rein- force the untamed nature of these exotic lands. But just as important is the use of color. Adventureland is overflowing with lush greens that evoke the deepest and darkest jungles of Africa and South America, while over at Liberty Square and the American Adventure, you’ll note that the plantings are comprised of red, white, and blue flowers. In the Land Pa- vilion, the surrounding landscape is planted in distinctive rows to represent the lushness of the natural environment. with the trees at the top bloom in white flowers to evoke the clouds in the sky. But plants are only part of the story. You’ll note that every area of Walt Disney World has its own variety of criteria. The first was the environment; the Flor- color palette; a unique mix of hues that gives each area its ida sun can be quite strong and can greatly influence the own personality. These colors are carefully chosen by the perception of color (and white) depending on how it is ap- Imagineers to enhance and to work with the complex level plied. You can see this effect in any paint store that provides of detail found throughout the parks and resorts. Compare different light sources to view paint swatches under, you’ll the rustic earth tones of Frontierland with the neon colors note that the same color can look very different depending of Tomorrowland. The former helps to evoke the mood of on what type of light is shining upon it. Similarly, many of the untamed west, while the latter gives life to a futuris- the color decisions made for Walt Disney World are made tic galactic metropolis. Sometimes this effort to provide a with the outside sun in mind; what may work indoors or in unique colorscape results in new innovations, such as the California might not work in the intense afternoon light of paint treatment given to Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat that allows the Sunshine State. it to shimmer in a myriad of brilliant colors as you walk Secondly, white can be strongly influenced by the colors around it, an effect accomplished by using a specially for- that surround it (just as the color of the pavement can af- mulated paint called chameleon paint. Or the invention of fect the perception of the surrounding landscape). On the new colors for the lasers used in IllumiNations, namely la- American Adventure building for example, the white used goon blue, mint green, pumpkin orange and lavender. in the trim on the building facade is a warm white so that Vibrant, bold colors are an obvious way to add excite- it blends well with the color of the bricks. If you could com- ment to a particular area, but sometimes the simplest of pare them side by side, you would see that the white used in color schemes prove to be just as complex. Take Cinderella’s the trim in the roof is much cooler (bluer), that’s necessary Castle, for example. During the day it looks to have a sim- due to the dark blue tiles of the roof. If the same white were ple two color scheme, but in reality seven different shades used in both places it would look very different and would of gray were used at different elevations to enhance the create a startling contrast. grandeur of this magnificent structure. Much like the use So as you can see, not everything is what it appears to be, of forced perspective (where windows in the upper stories and there’s a lot more to the use of color than, well, meets are smaller to enhance the illusion of height), the creative the eye. The next time you wander through Walt Disney use of color can enhance the visual impact of many of the World, take a moment to really examine the colors that sur- buildings and structures found at Walt Disney World. At the round you, you may be in for quite a surprise. Or better yet, American Adventure, you’ll note that the trim appears to be simply allow all of the colors that surround you to take you a uniform white, but such is not the case. Several different away to an imaginary place, and leave the scientific work up shades of white were used and carefully selected based on a to the Imagineers!

Photo ©Tim Foster 17 · Celebrations The Liberty Square Riverboat

h, Liberty Square. You’re unique to Walt Disney World, yet under appreciated. AAll too often, many Disney Guests, while dashing quickly over to the Haunted Mansion, don’t see or recognize your stories and miss many of the wonderful bits of history and trivia that abound within your small corner of the Magic Kingdom. You’re unique because unlike any other land within the Magic Kingdom, you afford visitors an opportunity to learn in a three-dimensional classroom about American history and folklore, the people who created our nation, and the Imagineering bril- liance that brought it to life. Liberty Square is not about attractions. It was never meant to be. Sure, the Haunt- ed Mansion is a beloved classic, and even the Hall of Presidents has moved closer to its original E-ticket status, but Liberty Square is about stories and storytelling. It’s by Lou Mongello about people, legends, and history. You can experience all of those aspects on one of Liberty Square’s few attractions: the Liberty Square Riverboat. More than simply a leisurely boat ride, the Liberty Square Riverboat is important far beyond the obvious. When Robert Fulton revolutionized the steam ship in 1807, they became critical in opening up the young nation to trade. And Liberty Square’s three-tiered vessel is a real, working steamboat. It has a functioning boiler room, steam engine, paddlewheel, smokestack, and steam whistle. It works as a transi- tional element, taking Guests from the late 1700s into the early and mid 1800s. The Liberty Square Riverboat wasn’t an opening day attraction. It opened as a D- ticket attraction on October 2, 1971, just one day after the park’s grand opening. The original boat was the Admiral Joe Fowler, which was named after the retired Navy admiral who oversaw construction of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom before retiring in 1972. The vessel was built in Tampa. It was dam- aged in 1980 during a refurbishment when it slipped while being lifted by a crane Lou Mongello is the host of the backstage, and it never returned to the Rivers of America. award winning WDW Radio podcast Fortunately, in 1973, a second paddle wheeler, named the Richard F. Irvine, had and the author of the definitive been brought into service. This was named to honor the vice president and direc- Disney trivia books, “Walt Disney tor of design for WED Enterprises (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering), who World Trivia” Volumes 1 and II. He is also the producer of the newly was responsible for much of the design of the early Disneyland and Walt Disney released Audio Guides of Walt Disney World and who unfortunately passed away not long after the opening of the Magic World, a CD series that gives you a Kingdom. personal tour of the happiest place The hull and superstructure of the Irvine were built by Todd Shipyards in Cali- on Earth. You can listen to the show fornia, and the engines were designed and built by MAPO, which was then a branch and discover more secrets, rumors of Imagineering. The Scotch marine boiler was designed and built by Dixon Boiler and facts at Lou’s website: www.wdwradio.com Works in California. It is 113 feet long, 26 feet wide, and 47 feet tall. It has only one smokestack, unlike the two on the Fowler and the Mark Twain at Disneyland. The 400-passenger sternwheel paddleboat, classified a Western River Class Riverboat, was assembled in dry dock right on Walt Disney World property. It took about six months to complete.

The Birth of the Liberty Belle In 1996, the Richard F. Irvine underwent a major refurbishment, and it was re- christened the Liberty Belle to theme in better with the American story being told

18 · Celebrations in Liberty Square and Frontierland. However, Fowler and Ir- hontas), Beacon Joe off the port bow, and the river pirate’s vine’s legacies live on because in 1999 two of the Magic King- hideout known as Wilson’s Cave Inn. Named after a real dom’s ferryboats were renamed in honor of the two men. pirate’s hideout on the Ohio River after the Revolutionary The Magic Kingdom I was renamed the Admiral Joe Fowler, War, it was home to Jim Wilson, a true river pirate in a place and the Magic Kingdom II was rechristened the Richard F. known as Cave-In Rock. It inspired a 1955 episode of the Dis- Irvine. neyland television program “Davy Crockett and the River Not long after the Liberty Belle returned to service Pirates.” You also pass by Fort Langhorne, which was known with its new name, the riverboat hosted Riverboat Char- as Fort Sam Clemens from 1973 to 1977. Of course, both pay acter Cruises throughout the late 90s. Guests were often tribute to our narrator, Mark Twain, whose real name was pleasantly surprised when characters such as Goofy, Davy Samuel Langhorne Clemens, But oddly enough, the current Crockett, Dopey, and Country Bear Jamboree favorites like sign misspells his middle name by leaving off the E at the Wendell and Liver Lips McGrowl joined the voyage. At other end. You’ll also notice the abandoned settler’s cabin, which times, banjo players and other musicians performed on for years could be seen burning off the starboard bow, but deck for Guests. Speaking of the decks, be sure you go ex- now sits charred and empty. ploring. You can see the working steam engine, boiler, and The man-made river itself is connected to the Seven Seas control room, and you can peek inside the sitting room and Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom through a series of the captain’s quarters as well. locks. It was designed to be dark and murky for a purpose: During the riverboat’s history, the wonderful narration to disguise the facts that the water is less than ten feet has changed slightly, but it has remained true to the story- deep and the riverboat is being guided by a rail underwater. telling along the mighty Mississippi. The narration by your While the paddlewheel drives the boat forward, the wheel captain on the Texas deck, Horace Bixby, was replaced by in the wheelhouse does not control its direction. that of one by Sam Clemens, known as Mark Twain. Horace The Riverboat Landing sits deliberately at the end of Lib- Bixby, like Mr. Twain, is not a Disney-created character, but erty Square’s “Main Street” as looking at the land from the he was a real man who, at the young age of 23, became a riv- Magic Kingdom’s central hub. Like Cinderella Castle and erboat pilot. Unlike most pilots who held one license, Bixby Space Mountain, it acts as a visual weenie, drawing Guests had three: for the Missouri River, Ohio River, and the lower into the land, but not specifically to see the riverboat itself. Mississippi River. In 1857, Horace Bixby met Samuel Clemens, This is why the landing was built so tall. A riverboat of this agreed to teach him how to pilot a riverboat, and the two type, with the third “Texas” deck on top, wouldn’t have been men became lifelong friends. Twain chronicled their meet- seen until after Texas joined the Union in 1845, and thus ing in “Life on the Mississippi”. would not fit directly into the story of Liberty Square. More The narrated attraction takes you around Tom Sawyer importantly, the Liberty Square Riverboat acts as a tran- Island, past a variety of scenes, including a Powhatan In- sitional element connecting Liberty Square and Frontier- dian settlement (a not-so-subtle reference to Disney’s Poca- land—and our nation’s journey West.

Photo ©Tim Foster 19 · Celebrations Future World West Hidden Mickeys

n this article, I wish to highlight a few compelling Hidden Mickeys in Epcot’s Fu- Iture World West. They’re fun to find! Number 4 below is my current favorite Hid- den Mickey at Walt Disney World. My previous favorite was the full-body Mickey image in the mural above the entrance to Body Wars, Wonders of Life Pavilion, but that pavilion has been closed most of the time in recent years. Even when it’s open for the Epcot Festivals, the Mickey image has been covered and out of sight. Maybe someday ... 1. In the refurbished Captain EO movie, you can spot a classic (three-circle) Mickey image on the rear of the spaceship. You have several chances to catch this Mickey image made of white circles, which are part of the ship’s propellant structure. 2. On the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride, in the center of the Sight Room, headphones on the left of two tables have Mickey ears on an earpiece. by Steve Barrett 3. Behind a pillar in the middle of ImageWorks, a classic Hidden Mickey is on the floor made of tan colored tile. 4. In the Garden Grill restaurant, The Land Pavilion, on the left side of the large wall mural of vegetation is a “Steamboat Willie” Mickey hiding behind the most promi- nent fern that extends all the way to the top. Counting up horizontally from the bottom of the fern, his face is mostly behind the fifth through eighth leaves on the fern’s right side. He’s looking slightly downward and to the right in a three- quarter profile. Two black circles that form his eyes are visible above the sixth fern leaf on the right, more than halfway to the end of the leaf. Mickey’s ears jut above the seventh leaf, and his mouth and nose are below the sixth leaf. His face and ears are green, and his mouth is slightly open. 5. A classic Mickey is in the mosaic mural on the right wall outside as you enter the Land Pavilion. Find the word “LAND” on the mural and look slightly above and to the right about six feet or so to a reddish plateau. Just above the left side of the Steve Barrett is the author of three flat upper part of the plateau are three jewels: a green “head” and two reddish “ears. Hidden Mickeys Field Guide books 6. In the manatee viewing room, lower level of The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavil- (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, ion, bubbles in a wall painting form a classic Mickey. This image is on the right and the Disney Cruise Line) and wall as you exit, in the lower left square with the polar bear. “The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation” book, as well as an iPhone 7. As you enter Bruce’s room on the lower level of The Seas Pavilion, an oyster con- app for Walt Disney World Hidden taining three pearls arranged as a classic Mickey is in the second window on the Mickeys. You can check out more left (labeled “Bruce’s Scrapbook”). Hidden Mickeys at Steve’s website: 8. In the waiting room for “Turtle Talk with Crush,” a tiny classic Mickey is in the pink www.hiddenmickeysguide.com and brown coral in the first window painting to the right as you enter the room. At the lower part of the painting, the Mickey is left of the third tallest (leftmost) blue tube, about one quarter of the distance up the side of the tube. 9. Two classic Mickeys formed of rocks are on the bottom of The Seas aquarium. (These rock images disappear and/or change locations from time to time). Cur- rently, one is best viewed from the third window on the right as you enter the corridor leading to the circular viewing area upstairs. 10. Another rock classic Mickey is visible from a window at the rear of the circular viewing area.

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21 · Celebrations Using Proper Technique

ou might think it sounds funny, but there is a correct way to hold your cam- Yera when taking a photograph. During a bright, outdoor, sunny day, your shut- ter speeds are so fast that technique really doesn’t matter, but when the light goes down and the shutter speed falls significantly (1/60 second or slower), using proper technique becomes absolutely critical. Using poor technique will ensure that your lower light photographs are blurry and out of focus. There’s even a matter of secu- rity of your equipment that comes with using good technique; more on that later.

Technique 101 by Tim Devine Technique starts with how to hold the camera in your hands. Your right hand is going to be doing most of the work on the camera, and your left hand is there to provide support and stability. You should have a firm grip on your camera with your right hand, but not a death-grip. Your left hand then goes under the lens barrel to provide support. You should not hold the lens from the top with your left hand, be- cause you lose valuable support. For the same reason you should not hold the cam- era’s frame with the thumb and pointer on the left hand, as many of you have seen. Holding a camera incorrectly looks awkward, and you’re much more susceptible to damage and theft with an improper grip. If you hold your camera correctly, it makes you much less likely to drop the camera if someone bumps in to you and it makes it much harder for someone to snatch your camera from your hands and run off with it. Further, holding the camera properly will project an air of confidence that you know what you’re doing. Owners of smaller point-and-shoot cameras can place Tim Devine is an avid photographer their entire left hands under the bottom of the camera frame as the lens is likely and the owner and webmaster too small to be held on to. of www.themagicinpixels.com, a Next position your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your left foot slightly in website created for and dedicated to fellow Disney Photography front of your right. I recommend a slight bend in the knees to lower your center of Enthusiasts. In addition to a large gravity and aid stability. (Imagine a fighter’s stance.) Keep your elbows tucked close gallery of photos you can browse, to or touching your body to give another layer of stabilization. Take a deep breath, you’ll also find tips, articles and exhale slowly, hold your breath, and press the shutter with a smooth, fluid motion equipment reviews to help you create rather than jabbing at it. This will also help to ensure a successful photograph as magical photo memories of your the shutter speed drops lower and lower. Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Tim lives in South Jersey with his wife, Karen, and their son, Billy, and Shooting Panoramic Photos recently celebrated the birth of their Now that you have the basics in order, there are a few things you can do with your second son, Ryan Christopher, on camera that otherwise you might need a tripod for. One of these is shooting pan- May 12, 2009. Be sure to check oramic photos. Of course, the best way to shoot true panoramics is to use a special www.themagicinpixels.com for piece of equipment called a Gigapan, which is a battery powered tripod head with current information on Pixelmania! a festival of Disney photography, which you set the upper left and the lower right points and it does all of the work. friends, and fun in Walt Disney World The price for a Gigapan varies depends on the size of your camera, but for now, let’s December 3 through 6, 2009. learn how to make simple panoramics handheld. For starters, you want to set your camera into “manual” mode. This ensures a con- sistent exposure throughout the entire range of the panoramic as opposed to hav- ing some areas brighter than others. Pre-focus on something in the image and set the camera to manual focus also to ensure that the point of focus does not change

22 · Celebrations from frame to frame. Here is the impor- tant part: Take the photographs for the panoramic in “portrait” (vertical) orienta- tion. You’ll need to shoot more frames to complete the panoramic, but when you as- semble the final image, you’ll have a taller image. The technique part comes in now. It’s critical that you keep your elbows tucked in against your body and rotate the cam- era with your entire body and not just your arms. You should imagine that a ver- tical axis runs right through the middle of your camera lens, and you want to rotate around this imaginary axis. Try to keep the camera at the same height throughout the series of frames and overlap each frame by approximately 25 to 30 percent. Using your camera’s onscreen display can help you to determine how and where to overlap and to make sure you are on the correct height plane. Which software package you use to assemble the final image will determine how much you need to overlap.

Shooting Better Video Using proper technique will also al- low you to shoot better videos with your camera. Nearly all new cameras (and cell phones) also shoot video, though the qual- ity varies among camera and phone models. For example, my tically varying exposures. A three-shot HDR is usually shot Canon 5dMark2 shoots 1080p true high definition video, but with the exposure in one of the frames two stops underex- most point and shoots max out at 640x480. By using proper posed and the exposure in one of the frames two stops over- camera holding and operating techniques, you can reduce a exposed. The third frame is properly exposed. The images are lot of the camera shake that plagues many home videos and then merged with special software, such as Photomatix, to give your recordings a more professional look. create an image that has great detail in the shadows but no Here’s a side note on taking video from a still camera: Al- blown highlights, and all of the detail in between. though your still camera can record video, it’s not a replace- Although it’s recommended that you use a tripod to en- ment for a dedicated video camera, and your video mode sure that the frames overlap completely, you can also create will very likely be missing features, such as auto-focus. There them handheld if you use proper technique. You need to set might also be a limit on the length of each file being recorded. your camera to burst mode and have it shoot in a “bracket- ing” mode where the three frames are shot at -2, 0, +2 expo- Shooting HDR sure levels. Any shifting in the camera position while the im- Using good technique might also allow you to try to shoot ages are being captured will result in the frames not lining handheld HDR (high dynamic range) photos. An HDR image perfectly in the final image. is a composite of generally three or more images of the same Now that you have some of the basics covered, be confi- exact scene, captured at the same exact time, but with dras- dent and go get yourself some awesome photographs!

Photo ©Tim Devine 23 · Celebrations Happy Birthday Disneyland! his year marks another historic event for Walt’s beloved first park! Disneyland Tis in the midst of celebrating its 55th anniversary. This issue, we’ll look at a small sampling of the pins that were released to celebrate this anniversary, as well as two significant others. 1980 heralded the 25th anniversary of Disneyland. Al- though pins were available pre-1999, buttons were much more prevalent at that time. This button was given to ev- eryone who bought a ticket to the party, which lasted 25 by John Rick hours and began on July 17, 1980. It was a very special event that allowed many Guests the first opportunity ever to actually spend the night in Disneyland. The small circular button reads at the top in white letters: “I was there! July 17, 1980.” There are orange and red fireworks, and Sleeping Beauty Castle is a deep, dark blue. At the bottom, white letters read: “Disney- land 25th Birthday Party” and “1980 Walt Disney Productions.” By the time the 50th anniversary arrived, pin trading was six years old, and an abundance of product was available. The Sleeping Beauty Castle Jumbo Spinner had an edition size of 500, and it was originally released on July 15, 2005. This pin fea- tures the castle as it typically appears. On the other side of the spinner, the castle is adorned in its 50th anniversary finery. Suspended in a gilt frame that sets into a gilded wood base, the pin can easily be displayed any- where you might need a touch of Disney magic. The pin measures approximately six inches tall on its base. Tinker Bell is a pin-on-pin element in the upper righthand corner. A red banner/ribbon on the bottom reads “1955 Disneyland Resort 2005” in gold letters that’s also a pin-on-pin feature. The ornate gold frame contains scenes from Disneyland in each corner. Tinker Bell sprinkling pixie dust on the Matterhorn John Rick founded the Central and a Tomorrowland Monorail; Main Street, U.S.A. with a horse-drawn carriage; the Jersey Disney Pin Traders in 2002. You can visit the website at mountains of Frontierland with the Mark Twain Riverboat; a temple with an Ad- www.cjdpt.com and contact him at ventureland Jungle Cruise boat; and Sleeping Beauty Castle in the center. The pin [email protected]. John is also one of attaches to the base with two pinposts, and a third post is at the top of the pin. the Hosts of the Disney Pincast- the Alaska Airlines released this pin in honor of Disneyland’s 50th. It was only avail- only weekly podcast dedicated to able when booking a vacation pack- Disney Pins. It can be found at age through Alaska Airlines. The pin www.disneypincast.com. John and his wife Sheila live in shows Tinker Bell flying with pixie central New Jersey. dust following, as seen on a reproduc- tion of a blue Alaska Airlines plane. Above the pixie dust trail it says “Follow me to Disneyland,” and on the tail of the plane is the 50th celebration logo. The jet’s num- ber is N791AS. This pin was available during the summer of 2005. Available exclusively to Cast Members, the 50th Jeweled Castle Jumbo was a sur- prise release on July 20, 2005. With an edition size of 1,000, on this pin Sleeping Beau- ty Castle is all decked out for the 50th with gold and jewels. A large gold “D” is on the drawbridge, and under the castle is a burgundy banner with “1955–2005.” This is a four-layer pin, with each castle turret containing multiple jeweled attachments. On the front left turret are three diamond-like jewels, two rows of three light blue jew-

24 · Celebrations els highlight the right front tur- Walt Disney Imagineering ret, and the far right turret has produced Disneyland’s 55th three ruby-like jewels. The tallest Anniversary Entrance Sign turret at the back to the right of Tinker Bell with an edition size the drawbridge has two rows of of 300. The release date was jewels: three amber and three dia- March 15, 2010. This Cast Mem- mond-like. There is a blue banner ber exclusive pin features Tin- draped above the drawbridge with the Mickey Ears “50th ker Bell wearing Minnie Mouse Disneyland” Anniversary symbol in the middle. The castle ears, standing behind a replica of the original Disneyland itself is the traditional gray and pink. Resort entrance sign. Tinker Bell’s wings are glitter filled, Our final 50th anniversary and she’s holding a lollipop in her left hand. pin, the “I Was There” Mickey These next two pins are part Mouse, had an edition size of of the 2010 Disney Heritage Pin 5,000 and was released on July Collection, which celebrates Dis- 17, 2005. This limited-edition pin neyland’s 55th Anniversary. All features Mickey Mouse as he the pins in this collection share presents Sleeping Beauty Castle the same basic style. Created on this special day. Mickey is be- especially for annual passhold- hind a golden Sleeping Beauty Castle. He’s dressed in a tuxedo ers, each limited-release pin in with his hands in the air. A blue ribbon/banner reads “I Was this series will feature one of the There July 17, 2005.” Within a gold oval at the bottom is the text original attractions at Disney- “Disneyland Resort.” The castle is a pin-on-pin element. land when it opened in 1955. This brings us to our small Walt Disney with Peter Pan’s sample of pins released for the Flight is a 3D design with a black 55th anniversary. Cast Members and white photo of Walt check- this year have been treated to ing out one of the attraction’s a pin-of-the-month collection flying boats. The photo is a circle highlighting the anniversary. inside a stylized version of the This pin is the Retro Peter Pan’s original Disneyland entrance sign. The spires of Sleeping Flight Attraction pin. It was released on July 7, 2010, and it Beauty Castle adorn the top center of the pin, and its metal has an edition size of 750. Along with text that reads “Dis- looks more antique brass than gold. The Walt Disney with neyland 55,” this pin also includes a ride vehicle on the right Jungle Cruise Boat pin was released on January 21, 2010. This and Big Ben and a London cityscape on the left. Blue glitter- pin includes a photo of Walt holding a model of the river fill dominates the background accompanied by pixie dust boat for the Jungle Cruise attraction. Additionally, this pin sprinkled about. is mounted to the special DTV Disneyland Heritage Pin Col- This pin commemorates the lection 2010 Annual Passholder Program Listings 55th Anni- 55th anniversary of Disney- versary backer card, which has a color photo of Walt next land Park and features Tinker to a 1950s style TV. At the bottom of the card it says “Limited Bell with Sleeping Beauty Cas- Release.” The back of each card also features a cover story of tle. It was released July 17, 2010, the attraction pictured on the pin. and it has an edition size of Milestone celebrations have been a big part of Disney pin 2,000. The highlight of this pin creations. Memories of anniversaries go on long after the is a gold finished castle with historic day, and pins are a wonderful way to keep those Tink on the left and a blue translucent filled “D” on the right. events documented for years to come. 2015 is right around Additionally, there is a light blue shield with “Established 55” the corner, and 60 years of making magic will be cause for silkscreened in white. Tinker Bell’s wings feature a light blue another big Disneyland celebration—and more wonderful swirl fill element. pin designs!

25 · Celebrations Kona Café at the Polynesian Resort recently got home from a vacation to Hawaii. I was missing the spirit of the is- Ilands, so I decided to review a restaurant that would bring me back to some of my favorites of that trip. What was one of the most memorable experiences of my vacation? Why coffee, of course! A region of Hawaii called Kona produces one of the richest coffees in the world. Walt Disney World has a restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort called Kona Café, which is themed after Kona coffee. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorite meal is breakfast, so I took a trip to remember Hawaii and have some amazing coffee at Kona Café.

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee By Allison Jones This restaurant is located on the top floor of the Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. As you walk into the restaurant, you can see the open prep area in the back and a statue of Disney’s most popular Hawaiian friends, Lilo and Stitch. Looking up, you will see coffee tree leaves and lights that are shaped like coffee beans. Just like many of the restaurants in Hawaii, the restaurant is very open. The tables are wooden, and the décor features lots of warm green and yellow colors. Polynesian wooden masks and decorations adorn the walls. For breakfast, the restaurant smells of rich coffee. When my party and I were seated, our server imme- diately came over to serve coffee and beverages. The regular coffee is a mix of 70 percent Kona coffee and 30 percent Columbian coffee. You can upgrade to a spe- cial 100 percent Kona Cof- fee in a French press pot, which serves two, for $7.49, As an Orlando local, Allison has seen the growth of the Walt Disney compared to the coffee World Resort. She experienced the blend, which cost $2.69 per inside as a Disney Cast Member cup. In my opinion, that’s and has planned Disney vacations a small price difference to for over 10 years. Allison Jones is a pay for the taste of Kona travel consultant with Destinations coffee. The Kona coffee at in Florida Travel and MouseDine. Destinations in Florida is an this restaurant is actually Authorized Disney Vacation Planner flown to Walt Disney World selling Disney vacations. from Kona in Hawaii. My MouseDine is a restaurant party and I selected the 100 consulting company for Disney percent Kona Coffee and lei- World Dining Reservations. Visit surely sipped it while look- www.destinationsinflorida.com or www.mousedine.com for more ing over the menu. information on Disney Dining. Throughout all of my years living in Orlando, working for Disney, and sell-

26 · Celebrations ing Walt Disney World as a destination, I’ve dined at Kona Eye, Coconut-Almond Chicken, and Tuna Oscar. You can even Café many times. However, I had never tried the Tonga enjoy a Chef Specialty Experience with an appetizer, entrée, Toast. Time to Tonga and dessert for a special price. Kona Café is on the Disney That day, I decided to finally try the Tonga Toast, which is Dining Plan and costs just one sit-down meal per person. the chef’s specialty at Kona Café. It includes banana-stuffed Kona Café is an incredible dining experience for break- sourdough French Toast rolled in cinnamon sugar and fast, lunch, or dinner. (Though I do prefer breakfast.) Now served with a Strawberry Compote. You also get a choice of you can experience the tasty Tonga Toast from your own ham, bacon, or sausage. kitchen. I am including (from the secret Disney vault) the We also ordered another popular breakfast item at Kona recipe for Kona Café’s Tonga Toast. Try it at home, see what Café, the Samoan. This entrée features poached eggs with you think. Aloha! Hollandaise sauce served over smoked pulled pork hash. We brought the kids along on this dining experience, and they Tonga Toast both wanted to try the Mickey Mouse pancakes. Some of Delicious Tonga Toast is the other breakfast menu items at Kona Café include the one of the most request- Big Kahuna (French Toast, pancakes topped with Pineapple ed recipes at Walt Disney Sauce and Macadamia Nut Butter, home-fried potatoes, World. This morning treat ham, bacon, and sausage), Steak and Eggs (New York strip has been on the menu at steak served with two eggs, home-fried potatoes, and a bis- Disney’s Polynesian Resort cuit), and Two Eggs Your Way (eggs served with home-fried for more than 30 years. potatoes, biscuit, and your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage). Don’t count calories until You can also enjoy some other American favorites, such as lunchtime. the Ham and Cheese Omelet, Blueberry Pancakes, Fruit Makes 4 servings Plate, French Toast, or Pancakes. Another Kona Café special- 1 cup sugar ty is the Macadamia-Pineapple Pancakes served with Maca- 2 teaspoons cinnamon damia Nut Butter, Pineapple Sauce, and your choice of ham, 1 8-inch loaf sourdough bread bacon, or sausage. 2 bananas, peeled Every menu item that was taken past our table looked 1 quart canola oil, for frying and smelled incredible. At many restaurants, breakfast fea- Syrup tures the same familiar dishes, but Kona Café has put an In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon with a amazing Polynesian twist on some popular breakfast items. fork until thoroughly blended; set aside. When the Tonga Toast and the Samoan were delivered to Slice the bread into four 2-inch-thick slices. our table, I think my mouth dropped. Both menu items had Cut each banana in half crosswise, and then cut each such an amazing presentation. The Samoan was a four- piece lengthwise. inch-high stack of eggs, potatoes, and pulled pork, topped Place one slice of the bread flat on the counter and tear with fresh herbs. The Tonga Toast was a huge square of out just enough from the middle to stuff half a banana into. French Toast, sugar, and Strawberry Compote. The Tonga (Do not tear the bread all of the way through.) Repeat with Toast was also probably four inches tall. When I cut into the each bread slice. Tonga Toast, I could see the banana that had been stuffed In a large pot or a deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F. Use a into the toast. I don’t remember too much of our breakfast candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get conversation, except for my daughter asking for more Ton- any hotter, or it will burn. ga Toast instead of her Mickey Mouse pancakes. We were all Gently place one bread slice into the oil for 1 minute or un- just consumed by the delicious food. til light browned. Turn the bread slice and fry for another Breakfast at Kona Café ranges in price from $8.99 to 14.49 minute on the other side. per entrée. If you want to enjoy lunch or dinner at Kona Café, Remove the bread slice from the pot or fryer, drain on pa- this restaurant has a more Asian flair for the menu items. per towels, and then toss in the sugar mixture. Repeat for Some of the lunch and dinner menu items include Miso- each piece. Glazed Mahi Mahi, Pan Asian Noodles, Ginger-Crusted Rib Serve with a drizzle of warm syrup.

Photo © Disney 27 · Celebrations Discovering the World With Young Kids

y first memories of Walt Disney World are from my childhood. I can close my Meyes and vividly picture holding my daddy’s hand as we walked down Main Street, experiencing the magic for the first time together. Even though it was… well…many many years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. That legacy lives on in my heart and inspired the love I have for all things Disney to this day. In my line of work as a vacation planner, I hear one question all of the time from concerned families: Can I really take my young kids to Disney and have a real vaca- By Beci Mahnken tion as well? Armed with the knowledge of the services that are available and with CTC-MCC a little preplanning, the answer is absolutely Yes! The following tips will help Guests with younger children prepare for a vacation that will help everyone create memo- ries of a lifetime. Keep the itinerary simple and flexible. Walt Disney World offers so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming. The temptation is to try and do it all, but frankly it’s just not possible on one trip—especially with kids in tow. Do your re- search, and as a family select a few must–dos for your trip. A key to planning success is not to over plan. Keep things flexible to accommodate the unexpected. Plan for breaks. More importantly, expect to spend some down time, especially during those hot summer days. Little legs might seem full of energy, but when it gets to mid-afternoon, they can get awfully tired. This is the perfect time to take a break from the parks and head back to your resort for a nice dip in the pool. What kid doesn’t love some quality swim time? Afterward is a great time for a nice cool nap, and then head back to the parks for some magical evening fun. Pay attention to your kids and don’t try to do it all at once. Relinquish some control. You can also have some “let the kids be the boss” time. Pick a day or an afternoon and let the kids be in charge. If you have more than one child, you can give them each their own time. An afternoon in Toontown? Great! Beci Mahnken, CTC-MCC is the founder, president, and CEO of Collecting passport stamps in World Showcase? Super! Spending time in the room MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel. An watching TV? You’re the boss, anything goes! The point is, letting kids have control authorized Disney Vacation Plan- lets this be their vacation too, and you might be surprised at the plans they’ll come ner, Beci has more than 11 years of up with. vacation planning experience, spe- Consider your resort options. Trying to find the best resort for your family? Be cializing in vacation packages and sure to consider the transportation options that are available. For example, if you cruises, with a team of more than 70 affiliates nationwide. plan to spend a fair amount of time at the Magic Kingdom, a moderate resort might Visit www.MouseFanTravel.com look better in terms of cost, but a deluxe resort on the monorail might be a better or follow her on Twitter @beci_ value overall, offering convenient transportation back to your resort for naps. Also, mousefan. be sure to call your resort prior to travel to request any necessary amenities in your room, such as a crib or bed rails. That way, everything will be ready for you when you arrive. Think through your stroller options. If you don’t want to go through the has- sle of traveling with your stroller, you can rent one at any of the four theme parks for the day. Single-passenger strollers cost $15 per day, and double strollers cost $31. You can also get a “length of stay” rental that offers a slight discount. Just retain your receipt and show it at each park to pick up your stroller for use that day at that park.

28 · Celebrations Consider bringing some type of identifying feature, such one (typically at the unloading area). When the first person as a scarf, to customize your stroller. This will help make returns, he or she watches the baby, and the second person your stroller stand out amongst the sea of strollers parked gets to ride right away. Each rider can bring up to three outside an attraction. Plus, sometimes Cast Members re- people along, and this often means that big brother and big arrange the strollers while Guests are inside enjoying an sister get to ride twice—once with Mom and once with Dad! attraction, so your stroller won’t necessarily be where you Enjoy some Mom and Dad time. Many of the deluxe re- left it! Something as simple as a colorful bandana wrapped sorts feature kids’ clubs that provide child care for kids ages around the stroller handle is very helpful to find yours in a 4 to 12 for a nominal hourly rate. The hours usually are from crowd. 4:30 p.m. to midnight, and beepers are provided so parents If you don’t want to bring your stroller, nor rent one at the can be contacted if needed. A variety of activities are avail- parks, there are several companies that will deliver a stroll- able, including arts and crafts, games, and watching Disney er to your resort and pick it up at check out. movies. Visit the baby care centers. Each of the four theme The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Resort, parks offers a baby care center, which are wonderful, cool Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and the oases for parents of small children. They offer changing Wilderness Lodge all offer kids’ clubs on site. Reservations tables, high chairs and utensils for feeding, and private ar- are usually required, so call 407-WDW-DINE to make your ar- eas for nursing moms. Also at the baby care centers, you rangements. can buy baby items, such as diapers, pull-ups, and formula. If your child would be more comfortable with in-room Check the park map or ask any Cast Member to locate the care, if you’d like to have a babysitter outside of the kids’ club baby care center. hours, if you’re staying at a moderate or value resort, or if Use the baby swap. This service allows members of the your child is to young for the kids’ clubs, in-room babysit- family to experience attractions that might not be suit- ting services are offered by third-party companies on a 24/7 able for young children—without the hassle of waiting in basis. Ask Disney or your vacation planner for recommenda- line twice. This option is not marked on signs or outwardly tions and contact information. advertised, but it’s very easy to use. Just tell a Cast Member With a little preplanning and setting the appropriate lev- that you’d like to use the baby swap option as you enter the el of expectation for your trip, your family can truly have a attraction. As your group approaches the loading area, the relaxing and enjoyable experience that will create a lifetime first person rides while the other folks wait with the little of memories.

Photo © Disney 29 · Celebrations Indiana Jones: Redefining the Dark Ride

n March 3, 1995, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye opened. OIt was so widely anticipated that lines stretched from Adventureland all the way into the Main Street hub! And for good reason. Even today, 15 years later, it’s still a rush like no other. Early conceptual drawings on display in the Disney Gallery in the park included ride ideas that ranged from a walk-though dungeon-type ride to a runaway mine cart ride. Inspired by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, it was anybody’s guess what Disney was going to actually come up with. Construction began in August By J Darling 1993. More than 400 Imagineers worked on the design and construction. The Jungle Cruise river was rerouted, and the Eeyore parking lot became the unearthed Tem- ple of Mara. The story behind the Temple of the Forbidden Eye will seem familiar to any In- diana Jones fan. Indy has unearthed a temple of the goddess Mara, who will grant upon travelers eternal youth, profound knowledge, or unlimited wealth. However, woe be on those travelers who dare to look into the eyes of Mara. Their path “now leads to the Gates of Doom.” Indy has disappeared inside the temple, and Sallah, Indi- ana’s trusty companion, is capitalizing on the discovery by providing travelers with tours through the temple.

A Memorable Queue The queue for this attraction makes the long waits fly by. Lights strung up along the queue flicker along with the sputtering generator that whirs away outside. J Darling is a California native and Swing music is played with that old radio quality. Indiana Jones fans will even no- life long Disney fan. Her parents first tice a few props from the film scattered about, such as the 2.5-ton Mercedes-Benz took her to Disneyland when she was troop transport vehicle in the outdoor queue. It was actually used in the desert 2 years old. According to them, her chase scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark! eyes just popped out of her head, and As Guests venture inside the temple, amazing hand-painted murals bring to life apparently they never went back in. the legend of Mara. One room even has a painted ceiling. Every painting is appropri- Outside of her Disney fandom, J is a singer, songwriter, blogger, and ately aged with dust, dirt, cracks, and chips, but they are masterpieces none the less. theatrical actress. Guests in line will also notice strange markings on the walls throughout the tem- You can find her music at ple’s interior. These are a form of writing referred to as “Marabic” or “Maraglyphics.” www.jdarlingmusic.com In the early days of this attraction, Guests were given decoder cards to decipher and on Myspace at the messages on the walls. Sadly, these cards are a thing of the past, but you’re in www.jdarlingmusicmyspace.com. luck, because I just happened to be an expert on Maraglyphology. I’ll pass along this Her blogs are available at www.jjourneybook.blogspot.com. hint: All of the letters resemble capital letters in the English language, except for the I, which resembles an “eye” more than an “I”. Each message can actually be read, although the quick-moving queue rarely gives Guests time to figure out the larger messages. As if that wasn’t enough to keep Guests excited about the ride to come, the wind- ing queue inside the temple has a few booby traps. One of the best traps is in the spike room. Similar to what Indiana’s companions discovered in the Temple of Doom, this room has spikes on the ceiling and floors. The walls appear to be held up by a bamboo pole within easy reach of the roped off queue. A sign above warns

30 · Celebrations Guests against pushing the pole, but this is one case where it’s okay to disobey the rules. Don’t worry, the spikes don’t come down far enough to harm any- one, but they will give un- suspecting Guests a good scare!

A Wild Ride The vehicles are the real technological achievement for this attraction. While they offer Guests a very bumpy ride, they are actu- ally remarkably stable ve- hicles. Each vehicle uses 35 gallons of hydraulic fluid and three hydraulic rams to control the pitch, roll, and elevation of the body of the car, allowing it to move independently of the base. Walt Disney World Guests have had a taste of this technology from DINO- SAUR. But just as Indiana never has the same adventure twice, this attraction pro- vides Guests with a differ- ent experience every time. Once your tour starts, your vehicle will go through one of three doors. No mat- ter which door is chosen, someone always looks into the eyes of the goddess and ens to crush the transport! (“How’d they do that?” you ask? sends the troop transport beyond the “Gates of Doom.” Oh, if walls could talk…er… move…well, at Disney, they’ve Guests afraid of the dark, rats, snakes, insects, fiery skulls, learned a few tricks.) blow darts, rolling boulders, or fleshy skeletons of any kind For the adventurous Guests, this attraction is a must-see on might want to consider skipping this attraction, because every park visit. It’s said to have the most Hidden Mickeys of that’s exactly what’s in store beyond the Gates of Doom! any Disneyland attraction, and there’s always something new The bumpy ride that ensues brings Guests hair-raisingly to see. Though the atmosphere may be dusty and gloomy, this close to nearly every danger Indiana Jones has experienced attraction never fails to inject a fresh dose of adrenaline to over the years, complete with a rolling boulder that threat- Guests who dare to look into the eyes of the idol.

Photo © J Darling 31 · Celebrations “Hurry, hurry! Woody, Buzz, and all their pals have set up the Midway Mania play center just for you! It’s a ride that’s a game; it’s a game that’s a ride. Step right up and see what’s inside!” – Mr. Potato Head

By Chuck Lionberger

32 · Celebrations Photos © Tim Foster The ride vehicles themselves are another huge tech- nological achievement for Disney’s Imagineering. Each vehicle can seat four Guests, and each Guest has a spring- action shooter. The vehicle records each Guest’s individual score, which makes for some fun and friendly competi- tion. At the back of each shooter is a pull-cord. To shoot at a target, simply pull the cord and then allow it to re- tract to take another shot. Each game screen can detect when an individual spring-action shooter is fired and also where the Guest is aiming. Individual shots are dis- played on each game screen in real time, which requires an incredible amount of computing power. n what has rapidly become the most popular attraction in Throughout the entire attraction, the games are pre- Iall of Walt Disney World, Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hol- sented in 3D, so remember to pick up your 3D glasses. Each lywood Studios combines the latest in interactive technol- game is filled with hidden targets that are revealed when ogy with 3D and other special effects to create a unique 4D other targets are hit, and you never know when a target experience. might trigger an additional 4D experience, such as being Toy Story Mania also can be found at Disney’s California squirted with water or having a jet Adventure. In fact, Toy Story Mania marks the first time Imagineering designed an attraction for two different parks at the same time. The attraction officially opened on May 31, 2008, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and on June 18 of the same year at Disney’s California Adventure. As you enter the queue for Toy Story Mania, you’ll imme- diately get the sense of being shrunk to the size of a toy. (The average Guest would be about 14 inches tall.) The queue area is filled with all sorts of oversized retro toys and board games, including Tinkertoys, View-Master, Scrabble, and Barrel of Monkeys. For adults, the queue area is a walk back in time to reminisce about childhood. For kids, the queue area offers the opportunity to discover what “game night” meant in a time before Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation. On the walls are the largest murals Disney Imagineers painted of air blown in your face. since Epcot was built. Each game lasts only about a minute, so you have to work As you wind your way through the queue, you’ll hear a quickly. It helps if you work with the person next to you to familiar voice calling all Guests to come and play. Located reveal hidden targets. toward the end of the standby queue is one of the most The attraction starts out with a bit of target practice. advanced Audio-Animatronics at Walt Disney World: Mr. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Rex hold targets for you to shoot Potato Head. The famous toy spud from all three Toy Sto- pies at. There’s no scoring here. This brief game helps Guests ry movies is dressed in his best barker outfit, complete with learn how the spring-action shooters work. a straw hat. What makes Mr. Potato Head so advanced is The first game is “Hamm and Eggs,” which is a game where his fluid motion and unique interactive ability. Voiced by you shoot eggs at different farm-related targets, such as legendary actor Don Rickles (who also voiced the character pigs, hens, ducks, and barns. In May 2010, Buttercup, a new for all three Toy Story films), Mr. Potato Head interacts with character from Toy Story 3, was added. individual Guests. During his routine, Mr. Potato Head can Game Tip: Shoot the fox that is on top of the hen house pull his ear out and put it back, which is an incredible sight. and then shoot the chickens that come out of the house

Photos © Tim Devine 33 · Celebrations very quickly to score lots of points. Also, try to shoot two shoot rings into its mouth for increasing point values. This pigs on the fence. A cat will come out close to the barn. Keep is best accomplished by working with a partner. shooting the cat every time he pops up for more points. The final set of games is “Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Next up is an all-new game added in May 2010. When Dis- Gallery.” In the first part, you shoot suction-cup darts at ney first announced plans for Toy Story Mania, Imagineers Western-themed targets. The object of this game is pretty indicated that the attraction was constructed so that old simple: Shoot as many targets as possible and then shoot games could be swapped out for new games. Disney did just the new hidden targets that are triggered. This game starts that with a new game called “Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts,” as a static shooting gallery, but it changes as you slowly which invites Guests to shoot darts at all-new balloon tar- move to a new set of screens for the final roundup. gets in a primeval world filled with volcanoes and lava bal- In the final roundup, there’s a set of four mine tunnels. loons. This replaced “Bo-Peep’s Baaa-Loon Pop,” which was a The object of this game is equally clear: Shoot as many mine similar dart-based game. cars as possible. The third game is the “Green Army Men Shoot Camp.” In Game Tip: Shoot the first three mine cars that come out this game, you shoot virtual baseballs at plates located all and then shoot the two bats in the corner. Shoot another through the game screen. round of three cars and then shoot the bats again. All of the Game Tip: Try to hit the plates that are thrown into mine cars will have high point values from here on. the air at different times during the game. They are often The last part of this game is one huge target. All you need worth a lot of points. Also, keep an eye out for helicopters to do is shoot the target as fast as possible to increase the carrying high point–value plates. point value. Hope your arm holds up: It will get tired! The fourth game is “Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers.” This After the game screens are completed, it’s time to find is an especially challenging game where you shoot rings out your score and see what virtual prize you’ve won. In May onto different Little Green Men (LGM). 2010, Disney added some new “prizes,” including several new Game Tip: Try to quickly ring all the LGMs in the ship characters from Toy Story 3. in the center of the screen. If all can be ringed before they At the very end, a scoreboard displays the top three scores regenerate, a new target will appear, and you can quickly for the day as well as the top score for the month.

34 · Celebrations Main Photo © Barrie Brewer, Inset Photos © Tim Foster Touring Tips

Toy Story Mania is very popular; it’s not uncommon to see wait times of 120 minutes or more. The reason Toy Story Mania is so popular is its high re-ridability factor. Guests keep coming back to try to top their personal high scores.

If you’re wondering why all those people are running down Hol- lywood Boulevard right as the park opens, it’s to get to Toy Story Mania before the FastPasses run out. FastPasses for Toy Story Mania typically run out early, often before noon, so if you want to try your hand at Toy Story Mania, you’ll want to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios early, preferably at park opening.

Hidden Mickeys & Little Known Facts • Near the end of the standby line, there’s a Hidden Mickey in the spattered paint near the floor. You can also find a Hid- den Mickey in the clouds near a drawing of Woody. • Look for the Hidden Nemo made out of cut paper on the wall in the queue area. • At the end of the ride, look for a giant storybook. You’ll find an illustration of Tinny from the early Pixar short, Tin Toy. • Near the end of the ride, there’s a banner that reads “Circus Fun!” Look for a Hidden Mickey in the exclamation point. • During the final prize scene, Hamm is carrying $6 in change when his cork pops. Facts & Figures Each ride vehicle weighs as much as 8,580 Woody dolls and can hold up to four Guests. It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length. More than 150 computers communicate over multiple networks throughout the attraction. Disney estimates that Guests break as many as one million virtual plates daily. The View-Master cards in the queue line are four feet wide.

Photos ©Tim Foster 35 · Celebrations By Don Myers Photos by Tim Devine

When you think about pop culture in the 20th century, what do you think of? Maybe it’s a television show from the 50s or a song from the 60s. Or maybe it’s a fashion trend from the 70s or a blockbuster movie from the 80s. Or perhaps it’s a toy from the 90s that you just had to have. Let’s face it: Over the past 50 to 60 years, pop culture has had a tremendous effect on our lives. To pay homage, Disney built an entire resort dedicated to pop culture’s most influential century: the 20th century, aka the “Pop Century!”

36 · Celebrations y 1999, Walt Disney World had a plethora of resorts Guests looking for a recreation option with a little more Bfrom which to choose. At the time, there were nearly peace and quiet can take a walk or go for a jog along the re- 20 resorts on property. Most of these resorts were in either sort’s winding trail. The trail is 1.38 miles, and it provides some the Deluxe or Moderate categories. But when it came to Val- spectacular views of Hourglass Lake. If you don’t feel up to ue Resorts, only three options were available: All-Star Mu- the full 1.38 miles, a scenic stroll down Memory Lane, which is sic, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Sports. Walt Disney World located along the shores of Hourglass Lake, is a must. property was in need of another Value Resort. Guests who Now, you may be asking why it’s called Pop Century when had been hoping for a new Value option finally got their only the second half of the 20th century is represented. wish on December 17, 1999, when Disney officially unveiled What about the first half? Back when Pop Century was in their plans for a new resort to the public. Nearly four years the process of being built, there were solid plans in place to the day after the initial announcement, on December 14, to build a second phase to the resort across the shores of 2003, Disney opened the doors to a brand new, wonderfully Hourglass Lake. The first phase was to be the Classic Years, themed Value Resort: Disney’s Pop Century Resort. and they would represent the 1950s through the 1990s. The opening of Disney’s Pop Century Resort brought near- This is the Pop Century we know and love today. The sec- ly 3,000 additional rooms into the Value category. The rooms ond phase was to be known as the Legendary Years, and it are divided into ten, four-story tall buildings. Each buildings would have represented the 1900s through the 1940s. The is designed to represent a particular decade from the second two resort properties were separated by Hourglass Lake, half of the 20th century: the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. and the Generation Gap Bridge was built to provide a walk- As soon as you approach Pop Century, your eyes are drawn way between the two resorts. Both resorts were to coexist to the larger-than-life statues that dominate the landscape under the Pop Century banner. of the resort. The enormous statues serve as representa- The Classic Years section was built first, with work then tions of pop culture items from each decade. For example, beginning on the Legendary Years section. The Genera- in the 1950s area, look for the four-story jukebox out front. tion Gap Bridge was constructed. The shells of several of The 1960s area features a container of Play-Doh, which is the buildings began to spring up, including Legendary Hall, just about as tall as the buildings. In the 1970s area, you can’t Classic Hall’s sister-building. Unfortunately, construction of miss the gigantic Foosball players and the 30-foot tall Mick- the Legendary Years section was halted in the midst of the ey Phone statue. Of course the 1980s section wouldn’t be post-9/11 tourism dry spell. For nearly a decade, the site of complete without honoring things like Pac Man, Mr. Potato the Legendary Years sat unfinished and abandoned, until… Head, and the Walkman. Finally, the 1990s are represented It was announced in May 2010 that the land currently through over-sized computer disks and laptops. In addition occupied by the unfinished Legendary Years would be the to these items, each building’s staircase is designed to tie home of Walt Disney World’s newest Value Resort: Disney’s into its corresponding decade. You’ll find them modeled af- Art of Animation Resort. This brand new Value Resort, ter 8-track tapes, Rubik’s cubes, cell phones, and more. which is slated for completion in 2012, will bring some of If you’re in the mood for a little fun and recreation, Pop Disney’s most beloved films and characters to life. The re- Century’s got some great options. For starters, you can sort is to feature a combination of 1,120 family suites and splash down at one of Pop Century’s three swimming pools. 864 standard rooms. The standard rooms will be themed to First there’s the Hippy Dippy Pool, which is located in the The Little Mermaid, while the family suites are to be modeled 1960s section. The Hippy Dippy is the main pool, and it’s after The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars. shaped like a flower. Next you have the Bowling Pool, which When it comes to value at Walt Disney World, Pop Cen- resides in the 1950s area and is shaped like a bowling pin. tury Resort is by far the best bang for your buck. First and The third pool is known as the Computer Pool. It’s shaped foremost, the resort offers some of the most inexpensive like a computer monitor, and it can be found in the 1990s rates found on property. In addition to the fantastic rates, section. In addition to the swimming pools, there’s also the you’ve also got a delightful theme, unforgettable larger- Fast Forward Arcade, which can be found inside Classic Hall. than-life decor, fun recreation options, and a picturesque The resort also has a kids’ playground, which is located be- view of Hourglass Lake. Simply put: You’ve got all the mak- tween Classic Hall and the 1970s section. ings for a “Deluxe” vacation at a “Value” price!

37 · Celebrations Pop Century Little Known Facts and Secrets • Pop Century was originally slated to open in the winter of 2001/2002. The resort’s opening was de- layed by nearly two years, but it finally came on December 14, 2003. • Pop Century is one of only two Walt Disney World resorts to have opened in the month of Decem- ber. (The other was Disney’s Old Key West Resort.) • When it comes to room totals amongst the Value Resorts, Pop Century, with 2,880 rooms, ranks in at number one by a wide margin. Tied for sec- ond place are All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies, each with 1,920 rooms. • If the buildings housing the Guest rooms at Dis- ney’s Pop Century Resort look bigger to you than the buildings at the three All-Star Resorts, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Pop Century’s Guest room buildings are four stories tall, while the buildings at the three All-Star Resorts are only three stories tall. • Pop Century is the first Walt Disney World resort to have an integrated dining and shopping area. Found inside Classic Hall and known as Every- thing Pop Shopping and Dining, this area houses the food court and the gift shops all in one con- venient location. • The Jukebox in the 1950s section is almost twice as tall as the Yeti from Expedition Everest. The Jukebox is a towering 40 feet tall, while the Yeti measures in at a height of 22 feet. • Pop Century tops all Value Resorts with a total of three swimming pools. (All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Sports each feature two swimming pools.) • There are tons of Hidden Mickeys waiting to be discovered at Disney’s Pop Century resort. For starters, you might want to explore the food court. Be sure to look closely at both the floor til- ing and the ceiling lights. For Hidden Mickey fun inside the Guest rooms, carefully study the wall- paper in the bathroom.

38 · Celebrations 39 · Celebrations By Joe Essaf

“If I had a world of my own, lice in Wonderland fulfilled Walt Disney’s long-desired goal Aof turning Lewis Carroll’s outlandish Alice stories into a everything would be nonsense. feature film. The film follows little curious Alice as she steps away from her boring life to follow a white rabbit down the Nothing would be what it is rabbit hole. She plummets into a world of unseen wonders- -from an ocean of tears to the bizarre and mad inhabitants because everything would be of Wonderland. If it wasn’t for Walt’s determination to make this film, we might never have seen Lewis Carroll’s colorful what it isn’t. And contrary- characters on the silver screen in the beautiful Disney style. Walt was always fascinated with the Alice stories. Back in wise; what it is it wouldn’t be, 1923, when he was just a budding 21-year-old, he was creating the Newman Laugh-O-Grams, a series of cartoons, and the and what it wouldn’t be, it last of these was called Alice’s Wonderland. It featured live- action mixed in with cartoons. would. You see?” The Laugh-O-Grams failed to do much for Walt and his small company, so he eventually left for Hollywood. Upon re- — Alice turning with no luck, he created the Disney Brothers Studio

40 · Celebrations Artwork ©Disney and was asked to make more Alice shorts. He and his small ly. People felt that the movie lacked the smart humor and band of now-considered-legendary animators created the interesting impression of Lewis Carroll’s books. Walt more than 50 Alice Comedies. Years later, when the idea of a thought the same as well because he believed Alice had a feature film came about, he wanted to create one based on “lack of heart.” On the other hand, the music did very well, Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece. But because of medium prob- including songs “I’m Late” and “The Unbirthday Song.” In 1974, lems, World War II, and then Paramount’s own live-action Disney re-released Alice in Wonderland to more success, pro- version release, it was put to the side until the late 1940s, moting it with the theme of the psychedelic atmosphere when production was finally put on the expressway. that many believed it fit right in with. Walt knew that he couldn’t fit all of the scenes into the In the end, Walt accomplished what he had set out to do: to film, so he picked the scenes that were the most important, create a feature film based on the Alice books. Although the combining ones from both Alice’s Adventures in Wonder- film might not have been as successful as Walt had hoped, land and Through the Looking Glass. Walt left out several it was still a technological feat for its day, creating a believ- characters, including the Mock Turtle, the Griffin, the Duch- able and intriguing story about “nonsense.” Disney once again ess, Humpty Dumpty, and the Jabberwock. Walt did have stirred the imaginations of children and adults alike. winks to these characters throughout the film, such as hav- As Walt once said, “Too many people grow up. That’s the ing Cheshire Cat sing about the Jabberwock and the Duch- real trouble with the world, too many people grow up. They ess’ characteristics being seen in the Queen of Hearts. forget. They don’t remember what it’s like to be 12 years old. The success of Alice in Wonderland varied. When it was ini- They patronize; they treat children as inferiors. Well, I won’t tially released in 1951, the public didn’t take to it immediate- do that.” LITTLE KNOWN FACTS • The film was created in five years for $3 million, largely • Lewis Carroll wrote the riddle, “Why is a raven like a because Walt had created an entire live-action version writing desk?” It had no answer, it was nonsense, and of his film so that the animators had something to that was what Carroll intended. People still tried to fig- work with. ure it out, and one popular explanation was “because Edgar Allen Poe wrote on both.” • The talking doorknob was the only new character that Walt created for the film. • In the Walrus and the Carpenter sequence, the dates are the same for March 2010, in which Disney would re- • On the title page, Lewis Carroll’s last name is spelled lease Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland. wrong. It says, “Carrol.” • The Queen of Heart’s henchmen are a deck of cards. • Listen carefully when Alice is playing croquet with the The animators had to make sure that each card was Queen and the King waves his crown. Someone yells, represented, except for the non-heart court cards, “Hooray!” Many people believe this is Mickey Mouse’s which were missing to show that the Queen isn’t play- voice. ing with a full deck.

• In the Walrus and the Carpenter sequence, watch as • This was the first film to have the actors who did the R in the word, “March” flashes on the calendar above the voices for the characters credited on screen. This the mother oyster. This refers to an old belief that you wouldn’t happen again until The Jungle Book. could eat oysters only in months that have an R in their names. Months that don’t have an R in their names are • Listen closely right after the song “Painting the Roses the summer months, and before refrigeration, people Red.” That fanfare was also used in Dumbo after Timo- couldn’t eat oysters in the summer due to the heat. thy Q. Mouse said “Dumbo the Great!”

41 · Celebrations Lighting up the Night Nighttime Parades in and around the Magic Kingdom by Chris Queen • Photos by Tim Devine

42 · Celebrations The Magic Kingdom goes through an amazing transformation after dark. Once the sun goes down and the lights go up, the park becomes even more magical. From elegantly lit attractions and landmarks, to perfectly timed fireworks shows, to special holiday parties and experiences, the Magic Kingdom takes on a whole new life at night.

43 · Celebrations he nighttime parades are hallmarks of the after-dark as The Little Mermaid, Pete’s Dragon, and Peter Pan replaced “Ba- TMagic Kingdom experience. Many park Guests don’t roque Hoedown.” The soundtrack is the only major change consider their nights complete until they’ve seen a parade in the pageant’s history. at night. Nighttime parades certainly didn’t originate with The Electrical Water Pageant begins its journey at the Disney; they’ve been around since the dawn of electric light- Polynesian Resort around 9 p.m. (or a little later if the Magic ing. But Disney plussed the nostalgic idea of the light pa- Kingdom fireworks are scheduled at that time), then it rade to create uniquely rewarding experiences at the Magic moves on to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Wilder- Kingdom and in the water surrounding the Magic Kingdom ness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and fi- that offer touches that are quintessentially Disney. nally to the Contemporary Resort. Guests at these resorts can gather on the beaches to view the splendor of the pag- The Electrical Water Pageant eant; astute Guests who time their monorail or boat rides The first nighttime parade to debut at Walt Disney World right can even see the pageant in more than one location. was the Electrical Water Pageant, which still takes place The pageant often concludes in front of the Magic Kingdom nearly every night on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. when Extra Magic Hours are in effect there. During the day, It’s the longest running parade of any kind on any Disney you can see the floats in storage from the monorail be- property. The Electrical Water Pageant debuted barely three tween the Grand Floridian and the Magic Kingdom. weeks after Walt Disney World opened, and it still goes on The Electrical Water Pageant is a unique attraction and a display in front of the resorts surrounding the Magic King- whimsical link to the earliest days of Walt Disney World; it’s dom nightly, except during inclement weather. also a special treat for the Guests of the resorts along the When Walt Disney World was in the final stages of con- Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The pageant set the stage struction in 1971, Disney executive Robert Jani was fasci- for even more nighttime magic at the Disney parks. nated by the difference between the environs of the Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California. The black- Main Street Electrical Parade ness of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake contrasted The Main Street Electrical Parade is a direct descendant with the urban sprawl just outside the gates of Disneyland. of the Electrical Water Pageant. After seeing the popularity Jani saw what was practically a blank slate as an opportu- of the Electrical Water Pageant firsthand, Jani and one of nity to create something truly unique. his associates, Ron Miziker, tried to figure out a way to repli- Jani came up with a brilliant idea; he had engineers mock cate the Electrical Water Pageant at Disneyland, which was up an electrical whale using lights on a flat panel. When the in need of some new nighttime attractions. Of course, be- whale was floated out onto the lake and lit up, Disney ex- cause Disneyland doesn’t have a vast expanse of water like ecutives on a nearby boat were impressed, and they gave the Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake, the parade was adapted the green light to what would become the Electrical Water for the Anaheim park’s Main Street, U.S.A. Pageant. The initial idea for the Main Street Electrical Parade at The Electrical Water Pageant made its debut on October Disneyland was shot down by Dick Nunis, then-executive 24, 1971. Fourteen 25-foot tall lighted floats, each with its own vice president of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Howev- generator and 800-watt sound system, portray an array of er, Nunis was overridden by then-company president Card aquatic life, including seahorses, whales, and turtles. The Walker after Miziker did some research and discovered that pageant concludes with a patriotic medley, in which the many small towns at the turn of the 20th century held pa- floats depict American flags, along with red, white, and blue rades with strings of lights after the advent of electricity. stars. The pageant uses more than 50,000 light bulbs. An early challenge in the planning stages of the parade The pageant has remained largely the same over the was how to power the floats. They considered electrifying years. Initially, the pageant’s soundtrack was a pioneering the tracks in the street and looked at several different types piece of synthesizer music entitled “Baroque Hoedown,” of generators before settling on nickel-cadmium batteries which was composed by Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon similar to those used for lighting on film sets. Kingsley in 1967, with the medley of patriotic songs at the Much like the Electrical Water Pageant, most of the origi- end. In later years, musical elements from such Disney films nal Main Street Electrical Parade floats were flat, and they

44 · Celebrations 45 · Celebrations 46 · Celebrations were initially rolled by hand. The lights were custom made Many of those floats are still used today. The floats included by the Silvestri Lights Company of Chicago. Silvestri began the Blue Fairy, Alice in Wonderland, mushrooms, snails, fire- construction on the floats, and Disney shipped the floats flies, Cinderella’s clock tower and pumpkin coach, Captain to California for their completion. Construction was com- Hook’s pirate ship, Elliott the dragon, and the rousing, patri- pleted mere days before the parade was to debut; in fact, otic “To Honor America” float. A Tinker Bell float was added early rehearsals were cancelled because the floats simply at Disneyland in 2009. weren’t ready. The Walt Disney World debut of the Main Street Electri- The dress rehearsal the day before the parade’s debut cal Parade also called for a new arrangement of “Baroque was a disaster. Some of the floats fell apart, and one even Hoedown,” this one by arranger Don Dorsey. He also added crashed into a building on Main Street. Horses collapsed an opening fanfare and sound effects and orchestrated the beneath the weight of the enormous lighted banners they cues that dimmed all of the lights on Main Street for the were supposed to carry. The glitches were fixed just in time start of the parade. Elements of classic Disney soundtracks for the debut on the night of June 17, 1972. Engineers were were woven into the score, along with patriotic music for working down to the wire; some of them jumped off the the “To Honor America” float. In 1979, Wagner lent his voice, floats that they were repairing literally seconds before the run through a vocoder to create what was at the time a floats went out onto Main Street. unique effect, to the memorable opening announcement, Another similarity between the Main Street Electrical Pa- which was written by Jani himself. After Wagner’s death in rade and the Electrical Water Pageant was the music. Origi- 2005, Dorsey replaced Wagner’s voice with his own. nally, Jani wanted to use calliope music, but the legendary At Disneyland, the revamped Main Street Electrical Pa- “voice of Disneyland and Walt Disney World,” Jack Wagner, rade ran on Main Street from 1977 to 1982, where it made suggested that the new parade use “Baroque Hoedown” just way for the Flights of Fantasy parade, and again from 1985 like the Electrical Water Pageant. Disneyland music director to 1996. Disneyland had to extend the parade’s run for six Jim Christensen collaborated with Los Angeles jazz musi- weeks in 1996 due to the incredible number of Guests who cian Paul Beaver to create a new arrangement of the piece, wanted to see the parade one last time. It returned to Dis- adding new layers of melody to the music just for the pa- neyland in 2001, this time at Disney’s California Adventure rade. under the name Disney’s Electrical Parade. One major innovation brought about by the Main Street The parade ran at Tokyo Disney Resort under the name Electrical Parade was the advent of the first show-control Tokyo Disneyland’s Electrical Parade from 1985 to 1995 and program. Imagineers designed a system in which radio- at Disneyland Resort Paris under the name La Parade Élec- activated “trigger zones” were placed all along the 2,000 trique de Main Street from 1992 to 2003. foot parade route. Each trigger zone allowed the audience At Walt Disney World, the parade opened June 11, 1977, to hear float-specific music throughout the entire parade, and it ran until 1991, when it was replaced by SpectroMagic. meaning that every Guest would experience the same show, Those parade floats were then shipped to France for the no matter where they stood along the parade route. This opening day of Disneyland Paris. The Main Street Electri- show-control program was the forerunner to even more cal Parade returned in May 1999 for a limited run until sophisticated technology at Disneyland and Walt Disney April 2001, when SpectroMagic returned. The parade made World in subsequent years. a much-publicized return in June 2010, complete with new The Main Street Electrical Parade stayed virtually the lighting and audio technology. same through the summers of 1972 to 1974. Then the parade The Main Street Electrical Parade has had its share of took a break for the nighttime event America on Parade, unusual performances. In 1978, the parade was used as the which was developed to coincide with the nation’s bicen- halftime show for the Orange Bowl. In 1997, to coincide with tennial. In 1977, the Main Street Electrical Parade was rede- the world premiere of Disney’s animated film Hercules, it veloped for its Walt Disney World debut. played to an estimated three million viewers along Broad- For the 1977 incarnation of the Main Street Electrical Pa- way; it also played on 6th Avenue in 1977 to mark the pre- rade, which also returned to Disneyland that same year, the miere of Pete’s Dragon. Most unusually, the parade appeared floats were redesigned to be completely three dimensional. at midday at Disneyland Paris during the 1999 solar eclipse.

47 · Celebrations Disney estimates the number of light bulbs used in the SpectroMagic has 36 floats, or units, as they’re officially Main Street Electrical Parade at half a million. Of course, the known at Disney. The parade begins with a title unit, flanked original Christmas tree-style lights have been replaced by by trumpeters and SpectroMen on whirlyball pods. Initially LED lights. The parade requires around 500 batteries and the trumpeters and SpectroMen wore glowing, faceless five miles of electrical cable. Cinderella’s clock tower is the masks, but these masks were later replaced by LED masks tallest float at 18 1/2 feet, and the longest float is the “To with whimsical faces. Mickey Mouse leads the parade, wear- Honor America” float, which is 118 feet long. The charming, ing a purple and amber magician’s cape, while the Genie nostalgic parade requires 80 to 100 onstage performers and from Aladdin conducts a magical orchestra. Units devoted nearly as many behind the scenes. to Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Fantasia follow, and the parade closes with a beautiful carousel and a special ap- SpectroMagic pearance by Jiminy Cricket. The SpectroMagic parade replaced the Main Street Elec- SpectroMagic differs from the Main Street Electrical Pa- trical Parade at the Magic Kingdom in 1991; its initial run rade in that it’s far more technically complex and cutting lasted until 1999. After a limited return engagement of the edge. Fiber optics, holographic technology, liquid-nitrogen Main Street Electrical Parade, SpectroMagic began a second smoke, and other lighting techniques developed by the mili- run in 2001; this run lasted until the summer return of the tary are among the many technological innovations found Main Street Electrical Parade in 2010. SpectroMagic was de- in SpectroMagic. One of the most fascinating effects is the veloped and produced by Don Frantz and Ron Logan. The “confetti of light” effect at the beginning and end of the pa- parade ran from Town Square in Main Street to the hub in rade. This effect employs xenon flashlights and mirror balls front of Cinderella Castle and through Frontierland. In 2004, to produce a six million candlepower beam. (By comparison, Disney Magazine readers voted SpectroMagic their favorite the strongest commercially available flashlights produce Walt Disney World Resort parade. 125 candlepower.) With this effect, Guests can often see

48 · Celebrations Photos ©Disney small beams of light piercing the air, much like rays of sun- teries power the speakers in the units. More than 100 miles light through a cloud. of fiber optic strands and nearly 600,000 miniature lights Like its predecessors, SpectroMagic contains memorable help create the magical effects. The amount of power for music. The beautiful score, entitled “On This Magic Night,” SpectroMagic has been compared to the power of a fleet of was written by Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated com- 2,000 trucks or seven bolts of lightning. poser John Debney, whose father, Louis, was a long-time Dis- SpectroMagic is a massive parade, with a length of 592 ney producer. It’s the only Disney parade music in 3/4 time. feet and a total weight of 117 tons. A crew of 118 Cast Mem- Debney and Steve Skorija arranged the piece, weaving ele- bers, including performers, unit drivers, and coordinators, is ments of classic Disney music throughout. Skorija, Frantz, required to put on the parade. It has been a popular parade and Bruce Donnelly wrote lyrics for the parade. for nearly two decades, and many Guests look forward to its The audio for SpectroMagic is controlled by the Digital return someday. Automated Control System (DACS), the audio system used The nighttime parades and events at Walt Disney World to control most of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom. have been wowing Guests for almost 40 years. Imagineers Antennas atop Cinderella Castle emit DTMF tones, better have shown the astounding magic they can create using known as Touch-Tones, through radio frequencies, which old-fashioned technology combined with Disney innova- are received by each unit. Each unit has its own audio, while tion and a little pixie dust. Nighttime parades have been the main score plays on the speakers in each zone of the popular at Disneyland in Anaheim, as well as at Tokyo Dis- parade route. Lighting cues and effects are controlled by 30 neyland and Disneyland Paris. The new World of Color mini-computers located inside the units. nighttime event, which debuted at Disneyland in summer It takes a tremendous amount of power to produce Spec- 2010, is a sign of more incredible things to come at the Dis- troMagic: 948 deep-cycle batteries power the units; the ney Parks. Who knows what we’ll see at Walt Disney World combined weight of the batteries is 75 tons. Another 112 bat- in the coming years?

49 · Celebrations 50 · Celebrations Photos ©Tim Foster Keeping the True Spirit of Epcot Alive “May EPCOT Center entertain, inform, and inspire and, above all may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.” —Card Walker, at EPCOT’s dedication, October 24, 1982

by Chuck Lionberger

51 · Celebrations ne of the opening day attractions at EPCOT Center on OOctober 24, 1982 was the Communicore, a two-building center (divided into east and west), featuring several exhib- its designed to showcase man’s future potential. In the spirit of advancement and innovation that was the cornerstone of EPCOT, Communicore evolved over the years and was eventually replaced by Innoventions. In the spirit of “inform- ing, inspiring, and instilling belief and hope”, the attractions in Innoventions are continually updated to reflect the latest advances in technology. Join us as we take a look at some fa- vorites, past and present, and remember that the Innoven- tions landscape is constantly changing, you’ll never know what surprises are in store tomorrow!

Innoventions East As we enter from near Spaceship Earth, we first encoun- ter one of the most intense experiences at Innoventions: StormStruck. This exhibit, sponsored by the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), simulates what happens when a hurricane or powerful storm hits someone’s home, which is pretty appropriate for central Florida. StormStruck is known as the “tale of two homes.” The first time that Guests go through the 3-D simulation, the “homeowners” haven’t taken proper precautions. As a result, their home is heav- ily damaged. Guests then take part in some interactive demonstrations to protect the home against potential weather damage. Then Guests experience the storm again. The results are very different. In spring 2009, a new element was added to StormStruck: flooding. Guests now also learn about the importance of flood walls and how they can pre- vent flooding in their home. StormStruck is very loud and quite intense. Smaller chil- dren might become frightened in this exhibit. You can learn more about StormStruck online at www.StormStruck.com. Across from StormStruck is one of two Kim Possible kiosks in Innoventions. Want to try your luck as a secret agent in World Showcase? This is one of many places you can sign up. As we continue through Innoventions East, we next come to the Don’t Waste It exhibit, sponsored by Waste Manage- ment. In this exhibit, Guests learn about recycling and what happens to trash after you toss it. This exhibit features three interactive segments, and Guests work in teams to “recover the resource.” This is a great exhibit, especially for elementa- ry-age kids who are learning about recycling in school. Further along in Innoventions East is the Sum of All Thrills. This exhibit opened in the fall of 2009. Sponsored by Raytheon, it’s the first true attraction in Innoventions. It fea-

52 · Celebrations tures four robotic arms in which Guests “ride” a roller-coast- technology and met HAL. No, I’m not talking about the com- er, bobsled, or airplane of their own design. The intent is for puter from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but rather the Home Auto- Guests to develop a greater understanding of how math mated Living system, which allows people to control home and science come together to create incredible experiences. appliances and lighting with simple voice commands. A The robot arms used in this experience are the same kind of particular favorite part of the tour was the state-of-the-art arms used in the Seas with Nemo & Friends where the deep- bathtub, complete with a built-in TV! water fish is trying to catch Marlin and Dory. Because this Ever wondered what they really do at the Underwriters experience is relatively new, expect significant wait times. Laboratories? At the Test the Limits Lab, sponsored by, you “Sum of all Thrills is an example of how Raytheon is using guessed it, UL, Guests can try their hand at slamming doors, innovation to encourage students to develop and sustain hitting TV screens, crushing a fireman’s hat, and more. This is an interest in math and science,” said William H. Swanson, a great place to lets kids burn off some energy because many chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. “By experiencing of the six interactive experiences require Guests to jump up the ‘thrill’ of math in this environment, students have the and down, pull heavy levers, and more. This is one place where opportunity firsthand to feel the excitement and possibili- it’s okay to slam the door! There are a few hidden tricks to ties of careers that are possible with math and science.” make some neat things happen; just as a Cast Member! Interactive and customizable, the Sum of all Thrills lets As we complete our tour through Innoventions East, we Guests of all ages create their own experience by first choos- come to the Environmentality Corner. Here kids can learn ing a ride theme, including a roller coaster, bobsled or air- more about protecting the environment and how to make plane. Guests use math and engineering-based tools, such paper, which they can take home. as rulers and speed dials, to design and customize their ride by adding corkscrews, inversions, or steep hills. Guests learn Innoventions West and apply mathematical and engineering principles to de- Entering Innoventions West from near Spaceship Earth, termine things such as how much energy is needed for a jet we first come to the Where’s the Fire? exhibit, which is spon- to take off or for a roller coaster to make it up its first climb. sored by Liberty Mutual. This is another interactive exhibit. When the design of the ride is complete, it’s saved on a per- Guests compete against each other in teams to identify sonal card with a unique bar code. The card is then used to and fix fire safety problems in a virtual home. This exhibit allow each Guest to experience his or her custom ride from is great for families because parents and children can work beginning to end on the robotic KUKA RoboSim 4-D simu- together learning about common household fire hazards. lator. Inside the simulator, Guests experience their rides Each team uses an interactive “flashlight” that works much on immersive high definition video combined with stereo like an oversized Wii Remote. After the fun and friendly com- sound and controlled air motion for a complete sensory ex- petition, kids can get an up-close look at an actual fire truck. perience. The KUKA RoboSim 4-D simulator creates a four- Here are some tips: The fire hazards in Where’s the Fire? dimensional experience through 3-D robotic motion and come fast and furious, so people who work together as a “wind” that controls air movement to stimulate the senses, team will perform better than individuals. Look for the tell- providing a more realistic simulation experience. tale wisps of smoke that show off some of the harder-to- The Sum of All Thrills replaced a popular exhibit at Inno- find fire hazards. ventions, the Fantastic Plastics Works. This exhibit was a As we continue counter-clockwise around Innoventions two-part experience. First, Guests created their own inter- West, we next come to one of the more popular exhibits in active robots, choosing different qualities. Second, Guests Innoventions: Segway Central, which is sponsored by Seg- competed against other Guests in a virtual running race in way. (Surprise!) a physically demanding video game. After the race, Guests The purpose behind Segway Central is pretty simple—to moved on to a robot construction center where they could learn how to ride a Segway. Disney offers special pre-park- build their very own plastic robots. opening Segway tours of Epcot, and Segway Central offers Another popular former attraction was the House of In- a sneak peek of what the Epcot Segway tour offers. The ride noventions, which was a tour through the house of tomor- time for Guests at Segway Central is pretty short—only a row. During this short walking tour (which usually lasted few minutes. For a much longer Segway experience at Epcot, around 15 minutes), Guests glimpsed some of the newest consider the Epcot Segway tour; you even get to ride around

Top Two Inset Photos ©Tim Devine Bottom Two Inset Photos ©Tim Foster 53 · Celebrations World Showcase. Next on our tour of Innoventions West is an exhibit that teaches an important lesson for kids, especially in the current economic climate. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, sponsored by T. Rowe Price, opened in 2009 and takes kids (and adults) on a journey to in- vest and save money as they work toward a savings goal. Lessons here are to teach kids about the need to avoid frivolous spending, to diversify investments, and to understand the value of money and just what’s needed to achieve a goal. The path to saving isn’t an easy one because the dastardly big bad wolf comes in from time to time and takes some of your savings. Across from the Great Piggy Bank Adventure is the Slap Stick Studios, presented by Velcro. This is, as the title suggests, a comedic show about the many uses of Velcro! This is another exhibit that kids will love as the What’s Your Problem? show includes a lot of au- dience participation, challenging volunteers to come up with creative (and hilarious) solutions to prob- lems. Kids also get to make their own Velcro frogs to take home. This exhibit can be crowded, especially with younger Guests and parents, so you might want to get in line about 15 minutes ahead of time. As we complete our circuit around Innoventions West, we come to the Smarter Planet, presented by IBM. This is another interactive video game-style ex- hibit where Guests can star in their own video games. Guests begin by creating an avatar (your personal character) to use in a game as they run, jump, and dance their way through the history of computers. A favorite attraction which recently closed was Rockin’ Robots. Remember Expo Robotics from Com- municore? Here, Guests could try their hands at making a little music: robot style! Guests could direct the four robots to use chimes, gongs, crates, and car horns to make music. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds, and it could sound pretty funny until you got the hang of it. As you interacted with these robots, you couldn’t help but think of all the advances Disney has pioneered in Audio–Animatronics—and now you got to take control. At other interactive stations in Innoventions, you can send e-mail postcards. So be sure to have your friends’ e-mail addresses handy! There’s a second Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure kiosk located across from Where’s the Fire?

54 · Celebrations Photos ©Tim Foster Food, a Store, and More In addition to the different exhibits, Innoventions Plaza of- fers one of only two counter-service restaurants in Future World: the Electric Umbrella. This restaurant features quick- service food, such as burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries. Innoventions Plaza also hosts one of the more popular lo- cations on a hot, summer day: Club Cool. Ever wanted to have a taste of soft drinks from around the world? Here, you can sample different Coca-Cola products offered in Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. But be careful; some fla- vors might surprise you! Across the plaza from Club Cool is MouseGear, which is the largest retail outlet in Epcot. The store is huge, taking up half of the Innoventions East building. As you go through MouseGear, keep an eye out for some lost Epcot treasures, such as DreamFinder’s vehicle from the original version of Journey Into Imagination. Also look for silhouettes of Mickey and Donald as they deal with some “issues” in the upstairs office. MouseGear has many hidden Mickeys; see how many you can find! Innoventions is much more than just a place to find some air conditioning or to escape from a rain shower. It’s a place of learning and interactivity, understanding and entertain- ment. On your next trip to Epcot, take the time to enjoy and appreciate Innoventions. You might be surprised at what you’ll find and how much you’ll learn!

55 · Celebrations by Lou hen Walt Disney first came up with the idea for EPCOT, he had something Mongello Wmuch grander and bolder in mind than another theme park. He envi- sioned the construction of an actual working city, where people could live, work, and play in an ideal environment free from the problems that typically exist in today’s cities. In fact, EPCOT was (in Walt’s mind) the centerpiece of the Florida project. Concepts were dreamed up, plans were made, but sadly, Walt passed away before he could bring his vision to life. EPCOT has of course evolved into the spectacular park that all know today, and although it didn’t turn out as Walt Dis- ney originally had intended, EPCOT Center followed the idea of a self-contained city more closely than you might think. Looking back to when EPCOT Center opened in 1982, we saw evidence of this as soon as we entered the park in the shadow of the park’s icon – Spaceship Earth. Spaceship Earth’s original “Earth Station” post show was meant to act as EPCOT Center’s “City Hall,” much as Main Street, U.S.A. has its own turn-of-the-century version. Moving deeper into the park, we were surrounded by two buildings on either side. Currently home to Innoventions East and West, the twin structures were collectively known as Communicore. These building were designed to be analogous to the Magic Kingdom’s central hub, or the “Main Street Town Square” of EPCOT. Described as “Future World’s global Main Street of ideas and inventions,” origi- nal concepts for the pavilions required that Guests travel through Communicore to enter the main area of the park, (just as Guests have to journey down Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom). As part of the Town Square design, it would house Future World’s main dining establishments, much like a downtown dis- trict. Over time, these original plans changed to become the two semicircular buildings we have today.

56 · Celebrations Design and Architecture to the outer rim of the building for new attractions and so Back when Communicore first opened, there was a cen- on. To that end, these exterior, glass walls were not load tral corridor that ran though each of the buildings from bearing and could be removed quite easily. In fact, if you end to end, with a number of entry/exit points to the out- look at the areas on the outside of the perimeter of Inno- side and a breezeway to the other building. In fact, Commu- ventions now, you’ll see a great deal of empty space just for nicore was originally designed to have a WEDWAY People- that purpose. The areas between the Communicore build- Mover system installed on the second level. That explains ing out to the monorail tracks were left open for a gradual why the main corridors are so high; it was to accommodate expansion, which would have basically doubled the size of the track system for the TTA-like conveyance. the buildings. Communicore’s two circular buildings were filled with in- In fact, some expansion and change did take place as soon teractive exhibits, attractions and restaurants. This design as construction had begun. The original location of the Od- was chosen for a variety of reasons, most notably the ability yssey restaurant was to be on the south corner of Commu- to build OUT from the existing structure. Disney wanted to nicore East. However, a large sinkhole forced its relocation be able to add on floor space to each of the 100,000 square to its current spot. The sinkhole is still there, and is actually foot buildings. Thus, wedge-shaped pieces could be attached the small lake to the southeast of Innoventions East. Old

Illustration ©Disney 57 · Celebrations concept art even shows the Odyssey restaurant attached to nicore attractions. This concept was also evident through the buildings, again demonstrating the Town Square men- the WorldKey system, the use of robotics around the parks, tality. The old Sunrise Terrace restaurant also changed and and various interactive kiosks and terminals. expanded during construction, and the Centorium shop The areas inside the buildings were to be the central plac- was extended out in 1987 during its refurbishment. es for interactivity with Guests, and would allow corporate Unlike Main Street’s Town Square, Communicore’s build- pavilion sponsors to have a second venue to interact with ings were surrounded by Guest areas and attractions. Thus, Guests after the attraction, such as Exxon, who had no addi- there needed to be a series of service tunnels underneath tional space in or around their pavilion. Now that we know the buildings. Much like a simplified version of the Utilidor a little bit about why they look the way they do, let’s take system in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT’s tunnels connect the a look inside. Although the floor plans inside the buildings two building as well as some backstage areas. So, just like were very open, they were broken down into a number of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT’s Future World can technically separate and distinct areas. be described as being on the 2nd floor of a larger structure. There is a large entry ramp to the tunnels right next to the COMMUNICORE WEST Energy pavilion outside of Guest views. There are also stor- Communicore West was home to a number of large ex- age areas, break rooms, offices, etc., but there are no tours hibits, the first of which was sponsored by AT&T, who at and this area is strictly off limits to Guests. the time was also the sponsor of Spaceship Earth. Extend- In the northeast areas of this underground section were ing the communications theme from the attraction into the computers than ran all of EPCOT Center. Instead of be- Communicore, their exhibits showcased some incredible ing hidden however, they were in plain sight and featured technologies. in one of Communicore’s main attractions. In the early 80s, FutureCom was meant to be a demonstration of ad- computers were not a household commodity and were very vanced communications technology in use today, in what new, expensive and huge (think of the computer scene in AT&T called “FuturePresent”. They used a large “Intelligent Spaceship Earth), so they truly were a new technology that Network Map” to show the flow of information across the was being showcased. Because they were so new and un- United States. One could imagine this as a simple precur- known, Disney and the corporate sponsors made it a point sor to a map of the internet pipelines across the continent. to portray computers as being safe, friendly, entertaining Here, Guests could use interactive touch screen terminals and useful, as demonstrated in one of the main Commu- to access information. These were known as ARIEL (Auto-

58 · Celebrations prototype personal computers and even prede- cessors of modern PDAs. Also in Communicore West was the EPCOT Dis- covery Center, a research center all about EPCOT and Walt Disney World (later called “Ask EPCOT” and then EPCOT Outreach), the Sunrise Terrace Restaurant, and eventually the Expo Robotics show. Originally there were plans for a TRON ar- cade in this location, but sadly, it never came to pass.

COMMUNICORE EAST The other side of Communicore was home to…well…let’s just say one of Walt Disney World’s more “interesting” shows. Remember, computers in the early 80s were basically nonexistent to the average person, and the ones that did exist were giant, monolithic machines that filled rooms and, by today’s stan- matic Retrieval of Information Electronically). dards, had a limited amount of computing power. Other exhibits included the Fountain of Information, So, how did Disney decide to showcase EPCOT Center’s where neon lights were formed to look like a fountain, rep- massive computer room? Mickey? Nah, too cliché. Figment? resenting the various ways that people receive information. Nope. He’s busy with Dreamfinder. Ah, got it! Let’s have some Games here included “Packet”, where Guests could decode English gentleman in a white suit sitting at the Rose and messages distinguished by colors, demonstrating modern Crown Pub in the U.K. pavilion. Better yet, he’s there with a packet switching. There was also the AT&T Family Phone monkey (stay with me people). Let’s use some non-existent and the Information Age Theater. This giant mural on one technology to beam him to Future World, shrink him down of the outer walls represented communication both mu- to about 12” tall, and project his image onto the tops of the sically and visually, and tied directly into Spaceship Earth, computers! No, I’m not making that up. That’s what Disney showing how communication had helped man throughout did. And to make it even more interesting, they had him history sing. Yes, this was the Astuter Computer Revue. This show WorldKey Information was basically a help desk staffed ran from opening day to January 2, 1984 and holds the dis- by an AT&T Representative, and had games and exhibits tinction of being the first attraction to be removed from such as the AT&T Phone display, and personal computers EPCOT. It was hosted by Ken Jennings and sponsored by that were “online”. The Face to Face exhibit showed video Sperry. And while it offered a great view of the giant DEC conference technology, with a Cast Member on TV interact- VAX computers that controlled all of the rides and shows, it ing with Guests. Here, there were also a number of games was not very popular. It quickly became the Backstage Mag- such as Lost for Words (where you could guide an electronic ic show which introduced us to Julie and I/O and presented mouse through a maze with your voice commands); AT&T a more serious look at the history of computers and how True Vision; Famous Faces (where you could use the touch they were used at Walt Disney World. screen to unscramble a celebrity face); Scramble Faces; Tele There were interactive activities here as well, including Trivia (which talked about fiber optic cables); Electronic Fin- Get Set Jet (where you could help board guests on a plane); ger Painting; Network Control (a game where you switched Putting It All Together (a trivia quiz about EPCOT); the Com- lines for phone calls to make as many connections as you pute-A-Coaster (like cyber Space Mountain using CAD) and could); Phraser; and the Chip Cruiser (a video game where the Manufactory (where you could assemble a U.S. Flag on you could shoot computer viruses before they made their assembly line). They may not sound all that exciting today, way through the network). Most importantly, there were but they were innovative and cutting edge at the time. You

Illustration ©Disney 59 · Celebrations could also find the very popular SMRT-1, a little purple and chrome robot that sat on a rotating pedestal surrounded by telephones. He spouted trivia and played games with Guests where they could compete against one another via the phone handsets. The Travelport, sponsored by American Express, featured a giant 14-ft sphere showing destinations worldwide, reminiscent of the new, larger globe at the current Spaceship Earth post show. The American Express Travel Service desk was located nearby, where guests could obtain could take part in a poll and vote by pressing one of five more detailed information from live hosts and hostesses buttons marked A through E on their seat armrests, with and even make reservations. You could also find the Energy the results being instantly tabulated. Topics ranged from Exchange, which was sponsored by Exxon and located near people’s thoughts about nuclear energy to our most impor- the Universe of Energy pavilion, and had wind, solar, nuclear, tant freedoms. Even better than that was the Person of the oil and gas kiosks which were actually quite interesting. One Century. Here, people were able to cast their votes on 89 dif- even had a giant mini oil rig, if you can imagine such a thing. ferent nominees, or write in their own choice, for who they Other activities included the Epcot Poll at the Electronic felt was the “Person of the Century”. At varying times, some Forum, which opened on December 23, 1982. Guests entered of the top nominees included Lucille Ball, Winston Churchill, the 175-seat Future Choice Theater and watched short films Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Mikhail Gorbachev, Michael about current events. After the watching the clips, viewers Jackson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mother Theresa. Be-

60 · Celebrations Photos ©Tim Devine lieve it or not, Walt Disney was not one of the nominees! closed in August, 1999, it was the last original Communicore The poll was supposed to run until January 1, 2000, when piece left before being taken over by MouseGear. Michael Eisner would announce the winner in a television special. Had the recipient no longer been alive, he would Attractions That Never Were have given the award to his or her descendants. However, Other technologies and exhibits that never made it off after a little more than a year, the machines were uncer- the drawing board (though some have since appeared in emoniously removed from Communicore, and the “Person one form or another at Innoventions) included the Road to of the Century” voting disappeared faster than... well... FAST! Utopia, which let Guests try their hands at city planning to Why? Well, according to legend, some “creative” Cast Mem- design the city of the future, and HomeStyles 2000, which bers started writing in the name of a single Cast Member. showcased new technology in the home (a la Horizons). What started out as a joke took on a life of its own, and next The EPCOT Creative Center would have displayed concep- thing you know, they were telling people tual work from students across the country, and the Audio to “Vote for Dan.” Well, it worked… sort Adventures Maze would let Guests navigate a maze using of. Because the results were SO skewed, only their voice. While this never made it to EPCOT, the tech- Disney just took the exhibit and poll nology was later used at Soundstations at the Disney-MGM down, never formally acknowledging the Studios’ Monster Sound Show. results or explaining why it was taken down. Finally, do you remember the old Communicore in 1982 was quite different than the In- Population clock? This was a clock that noventions that we have today. It truly meant to serve as displayed the rough population of the EPCOT Center’s version of Main Street, U.S.A. and accom- Earth and changed with every passing plished that goal quite nicely. Much like a true Main Street, second. it was a center for both community (restaurants and at- For dining and shopping, you could tractions) and commerce (pavilion sponsors). It really was visit the Stargate Restaurant located an extension of the surrounding pavilions in Future World across from Energy Exchange. From your and brought together almost all of the corporate sponsors seat in the Stargate, you could look across under one roof. For the Guest, it was something to enhance the entire building from the bright floor their visits and experiences at the pavilions, and to EPCOT to the ceiling windows. You could then Center as a whole. visit the Centorium, which was the larg- The timing for Communicore was absolutely perfect – it est merchandise location in the parks at opened at the beginning of a new technology revolution, over 13,000 square feet. It was wide open, and was a great way to introduce and educate people about bright, and had a mezzanine level, el- computers. For the first time, we had an up-close and per- evator, and varying levels on the ground sonal look at the giant machines that ran EPCOT, as well as floor. It featured an amazing selection of the handheld devices, touch screens, voice recognition and merchandise that hasn’t been duplicated internet technologies that we would all come to rely on in anywhere on property, not even at the the not-too-distant future. It was fun, often funny, and em- World of Disney. When the Centorium bodied the spirit of EPCOT in more ways than one.

Illustrations ©Disney 61 · Celebrations by Brian Shapiro

t all started with a mouse, Disney’s Vinylmation Ibut for some reason it Disney introduced its own doesn’t look like the mouse version, Vinylmation, in Walt we all know and love. Sure it’s Disney World at the Festival shaped like Mickey Mouse, but of the Masters in Downtown why does it look more like Ker- Disney in November 2008. The mit the Frog? Or an owl? Or a first figures were blank, white, cheeseburger? That’s because create-your-own figures. They it’s Vinylmation. were followed by Park Series #1 A great collectible offered by figures in December 2008. Disney, Vinylmation are vinyl figures in the shape of Mickey Originally, Vinylmation figures came in two sizes: three- Mouse that are painted or decorated in any way imaginable. inch and nine-inch figures. (We’ll talk more about those Think of the figure as a three-dimensional canvas. Vinylma- blank figures a little later.) tion is an example of a designer toy. Designer toys first ap- With the debut of Park Series #1, Disney introduced figures peared in the 1990s as collectibles or toys made by artists out of both sizes that were designed by the incredible Disney of materials such as vinyl, plastic, wood, metal, or resin. The Design Group. The designs were influenced by characters, creation of the urban vinyl style of designer toy figures is attractions, and locations in the Disney theme parks. The credited to artist Michael Lau in Hong Kong in the late 1990s. nine-inch figures came in windowed boxes, so you could Since then, other artists and companies have produced their see which design you were buying. They were limited edi- own variations of urban vinyl designer toys. tion, which means they were produced in finite numbers.

62 · Celebrations Main Photo ©Lisa Foster Inset Photo ©Disney The three-inch figures were sold in blind boxes, so it was a Vinylmation Jr. mystery as to which design you bought until you opened the Last spring, Disney added a new twist to Vinylmation box. In all, there were 11 known designs for the three-inch fig- when they introduced Vinylmation Jr. Series #1 in April, fol- ures and one mystery design, called a “mystery chaser.” The lowed quickly by Series #2 in June. Vinylmation Jr. figures blind boxes came in trays of 24. Each tray had two each of are 1½-inch figures that also come blind boxed and have a the known designs, and one chaser. Now if you’ve been keep- keychain attached to them. Each series has 18 different de- ing track, that only adds up to 23 boxes. The last box was a signs, two of which are chasers. They can be sold in individual random one of the 11 known designs. No tray ever contained boxes or in trays of 36. The first series featured imaginative more than one chaser. You could buy an individual blind box designs similar to the Urban Series, and the second series or an entire tray of boxes. The three-inch Park Series #1 were featured designs that suggested various Disney characters. limited release, which means that while their edition sizes Although most three-inch Vinylmation figures are sold were not limited, they were only available for a limited time in blind boxes, Disney released three unique series of three- before being retired. With the introduction of the mystery inch figures that were packaged in windowed boxes, so blind box three-inch figures came the new Vinylmation there would be no mystery about the design being pur- catchphrase, “Which one did you get?” chased. These included the Oh Mickey Series, which were In the short time since the Vinylmation debut, Disney decorated with different faces or poses of Mickey Mouse; has released many Vinylmation series, and each series has the Sports Series, which were designed to look like footballs, a different theme or story to tell. They continue to come in baseballs, and more; and the Big Eyes Series, which were dec- nine-inch limited editions and trays of three-inch blind box orated on the backs of the figures and featured the upper limited-release editions. The three-inch editions continue to half of the faces of famous characters such as Mickey, Pluto, have 12 different designs, one of which is a mystery chaser. and Buzz Lightyear. One thing to note is that while the Oh Sometimes there are limited edition nine-inch figures that Mickey and Sports series were packaged in windowed boxes, come in a combo pack with three-inch figures. Included in they included a mystery 1½-inch Vinylmation Jr. figure that the boxes of most figures are cards bearing a picture of the matched the theme of each of the two series. figure’s design and the artist’s signature. Disney followed Parks Series #1 with Park Series #2, #3, More Vinylmation and #4, which continued to celebrate everything from well Whew, that’s a lot of series! These don’t even include the known park icons such as Big Al and the monorail to ob- occasional special-release Vinylmations that celebrate anni- scure icons such as the Colonel from the Adventurer’s Club versaries, such as Cinderella’s 60th or Space Mountain’s 35th, and the Fantasyland Trash Can. Park Series #5 should be out nor Vinylmations that mark special events, including the by the time you read this. D23 Expo, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, and the mar- If park-inspired designs aren’t your taste, there’s the Ur- athons. So you see, there’s something out there for everyone. ban Series of Vinylmations. Urban Series #1, #2, #3, and #4 fea- The fun doesn’t stop at collecting. Because of the mys- tured or mimicked many artistic styles, and they offered tery three-inch blind box, Vinylmation, like pins, lends itself unusual designs that don’t necessarily have anything to do to trading both in and out of the parks. In fact, around the with Disney. Sometimes the urban designs defy description, beginning of 2010, Disney renamed its Pin Trading Nights to and they’re very whimsical in appearance. Disney Trading Nights because of the popularity of Vinylma- If neither of these series interests you, fear not. There’s tion trading. Also, like pin trading, Cast Members can trade been a Holiday Series and a Muppet Series, both of which with Guests in and out of the parks. You can trade with a are self-explanatory. There’s also been a Cutester Series, Cast Member in two different ways. In the first instance, the featuring cute designs like a ladybug and an owl. Recently, Cast Member has an open trade box, which is windowed so Disney released the Have a Laugh Series, showcasing charac- you know what you’re trading for. In the second instance, the ters from some of Disney’s classic animated films from the Cast Member has a mystery trade box in which the figures 1930s and 1940s, such as Mickey and the Seal and Lonesome are hidden, and it’s a surprise which figure you’ll receive. One Ghosts. Upcoming series include a Haunted Mansion Series, thing to note is that there’s now some crossover between a Nightmare Before Christmas Series, a Star Wars Series, and Vinylmation and pins, because new Vinylmation-inspired an Animal Kingdom Series! pins feature artwork from the various series.

63 · Celebrations Create-Your-Own Vinylmation Unlike pin trading and collecting, Vinylmation has one last exciting option, the ability to create your own custom Vinylmation figure. As stated earlier, the original create- your-own blank Vinylmation figures came in three-inch and nine-inch sizes, and they were available only in white. Since then, Disney has come out with yellow, red, pink, purple, and black figures in both sizes. There are even glow-in–the-dark blanks! You can decorate blank figures with markers, paint, glitter, and stickers. There’s no wrong way to decorate your vinyl, and there’s no limit to what you can do. Many Guests in the parks use blank figures to collect character autographs to make one-of-a-kind collectibles to commemorate their trips. You can showcase your art on several online com- munities. Creating a custom Vinylmation figure is a fun, rewarding activity than can be enjoyed by everyone in the family at any age.

Buying Vinylmation It’s easier than ever to buy Vinylmation. When they first appeared in the parks, many Cast Members didn’t even know where you could buy them. Now they can be found almost anywhere at shops in and around the parks and re- sorts. They’re also available on the Disney Cruise Line. Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland each have flagship stores in their Downtown Disney areas called D-Street, which serve as headquarters for all things Vinylmation. Aside from the various series, these stores offer Vinylmation-themed mer- chandise, including shirts, notebooks, and bags. They also have stations where you can create your own customs. Furthermore, Guests at D-Street can buy one-of-a–kind, cus- tom creations handmade by members of the Disney Design Group. If you can’t get to one of the Disney parks, though, don’t worry. Many of the Vinylmation series and Vinylmation- themed merchandise, including online exclusives, can be purchased online at DisneyStore.com. Vinylmation has even begun to appear in the newly redesigned Disney Stores all over the country. In fact, the Toy Story Series, Have a Laugh Series, and Urban #4 Series debuted at a Disney Store in Mon- tebello, California, before they did in the parks.

So what are you waiting for? Now’s the time to get into this great new hobby. Collect your favorite series. Trade with friends and Cast Members. Create a custom work of art and submit a picture of it to Celebrations magazine. Tell us all, Reader’s send in their favorite Vinylmation collectibles! which one did you get? From top: Bonnie Smith, Daniel Campozano, and Jerry Daly

64 · Celebrations 65 · Celebrations Photos ©Tim Devine The Magic Kingdom Carousel A Never-Ending Fairy Tale

66 · Celebrations “Following their fairy-tale romance and happily ever after That famous merry-go-round that inspired Walt still wedding, Cinderella and Prince Charming took up residence in operates today in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Located in Cinderella’s Castle. With peace throughout the kingdom, Prince Park Center between the Los Angeles Zoo and the Los Feliz Charming had time to practice for jousting tournaments. In the park entrance, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round has been countryside near the castle, he built a training device of carved a family attraction for over five generations. It was built in horses, on which he could practice the art of ring-spearing, a tour- 1926 by the Spillman Engineering Company and is the only nament event in which a knight rides his horse full speed, lance in Spillman-built carousel still in existence. It has most of its hand, toward a small ring hanging from a tree limb, with the ob- original parts and paint. ject of spearing the ring. This event was known by various names After many years, Walt’s original inspiration came full throughout the lands, but generally came to be called “carrousel”. circle as another magnificent carousel found a new home “The carrousel device drew the attention of the villagers, who at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Every day, un- wanted to take a turn on this amazing spinning contraption. So suspecting guests at Walt Disney World ride a genuine an- Prince Charming had a second carrousel constructed closer to tique by mounting a horse that might be valued at more the Castle, where everyone could take a spin on this wondrous than $100,000 and decorated with 23 karat gold leaf. For two invention. Instead of a working knight’s training device, however, minutes, they are transported to the joy of their youth or a this new carrousel is more befitting its regal location in the Castle royal fantasy where they heroically ride round and round Courtyard—its rustic training horses replaced with ornately dec- through a land of enchantment. Ironically, that experience orated prancing steeds adorned with golden helmets and shields, was originally valued at just an “A” ticket, the lowest price for flower garlands, feathers and other festoons. Prince Charming any Walt Disney World attraction. But before we explore the invites one and all to test their horsemanship skills and to enjoy history of the Magic Kingdom carousel, let’s take a look at their own happy ending.” back at the beginnings of the ride itself.

n June 1, 2010, the Disney Company decided that to ex- The Origins of the Carousel Opand on the stories of Walt Disney World’s Fantasyl- Most historians agree that the birth of the carousel began and, Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel would be renamed Prince in the 1100s, when Italian and Spanish crusaders watched Charming Regal Carrousel. Even though it will be a focal Arabian and Turkish horsemen play a very serious game on point of the newly expanded Fantasyland, the carousel is in horseback (actually a cavalry training preparation exercise) fact the oldest attraction in all of Walt Disney World, with a that the crusaders dubbed “little battles” or “little war”. In long and storied history worthy of any classic Disney tale. Italian, that translates to “garosello”, and in Spanish “caro- sella”. The French adapted this game into an extravagant The Inspiration for a Park display of horsemanship called “carrousel” (with two “r”s). In the September 25, 1963 episode of the television series Both the riders and the horses performed choreographed The Magic Telescope, hosted by Fletcher Markle for the Canadian Broad- routines and were elaborately costumed for the entertain- casting Corporation, Walt Disney revealed that carousels ment of royalty. One of the more popular activities was that were the partial inspiration for the creation of Disneyland. of a man on horseback using his lance to spear a small ring Kingdom Fletcher Markle: “Where did you originally get the first no- dangling from a tree limb or pole. Roughly three hundred tion for Disneyland?” years ago, the French built a rotating device that moved Walt Disney: “Well, it came about when my daughters were up and down and featured carved horses and chariots very young and Saturday was always Daddy’s day with the suspended by chains radiating from a center pole to train Carousel two daughters. So we’d start out and try to go someplace, young noblemen for the event without tiring their horses. you know, different things. I’d take them to the merry-go- By the late 1700s, there were numerous carousels (pow- round and I took them different places and I’d sit while they ered by men, mule or horsepower) scattered throughout A Never-Ending rode the merry-go-round. Sit on a bench, you know, eating Europe, built solely for amusement at fairs and special peanuts. I felt that there should be something built where venues. In the 1860s, Gustav Dentzel was the man who pio- Fairy Tale the parents and the children could have fun together. So neered the modern carousel in America inspiring other tal- that’s how Disneyland started.” ented craftsmen. The American carousels were bigger and

Photo ©Tim Foster 67 · Celebrations more elaborate. The horses and chariots were extravagant- and two chariots. The distinctly American horses were ly decorated in keeping with the tradition that this was an black, brown, gray, and white. Their saddles included items event for the entertainment of royalty. American carousel that celebrated the American frontier. Carved figures of horses are much more active than their European coun- Lady Liberty holding shields that featured a red, white and terparts, with expressive eyes, tossed manes and extreme blue flag emblem decorated the interior top circle. There poses of movement. It truly is an art to bring the illusion of were eighteen landscape paintings of American scenery. life to a piece of wood. Just below was a running board decorated with golden Technological advances allowed for the addition of a sta- American eagles. Over the years, less skilled craftsmen tionary circular platform for people to walk on and station- would slop paint and lacquer over the horses, eventually ary animals (standers or prancers) to be added, with bevel obscuring the intricate and uniquely engraved features un- gears and cranks to give the up and down motion to other derneath. The Philadelphia Toboggan Company only built animals around a center pole. During the Great Depression, eighty-nine carousels before 1929 and the Great Depression. the decline of amusement parks resulted in many carousels The Liberty Carousel is #46 and one of only a dozen or so being abandoned or destroyed as the few remaining com- of those classic originals from the Philadelphia Toboggan panies producing them shifted their manufacturing focus Company that still exist and operate today. or went out of business. Carousels were now considered Olympic Park closed in 1965. By that point, the Liberty Car- just a children’s ride rather than something to be enjoyed ousel had fallen into a state of disrepair and was slated for al- by adults. With a huge interest in collecting the carousel most-certain demolition. Antique carousel horses are in such animals as antiques in the 1970s, many of the remaining demand that it was planned to sell them and the decorations carousels were dismantled to sell the individual figures for off individually. Fortunately, by 1967 Disney had located and ac- a huge profit of thousands of dollars. Just over a hundred quired the antique masterpiece for the Magic Kingdom. carousels built during the Golden Age before the Great De- “All of the horses were shipped to Disney Shops,” wrote pression still exist intact today in the United States. (It was Voght, “where craftsmen were surprised by the detail and estimated that during the Golden Age there were more artistic grace uncovered when all the years of paint and than 4,000 operating carousels.) grime was removed down to the gleaming Maplewood of the horses. Months of Disney artistry went into the reha- Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel bilitation. The chariots were removed and the carousel was During the Golden Age of American Carousels, there were filled out to the [then] present number of 90 horses when three primary styles: Philadelphia style (inspired by the Disney purchased some antique horses that were made by work of Dentzel and the Philadelphia Toboggan Company), two other well-known producers of carousels, the Dentzel Coney Island style and County Fair style. Co. and the Parker Co.” According to Isle Voght, a delightfully talented Disney The horses were sanded down carefully to the original craftswoman who supervised and maintained the Walt wood so that no detail was lost. Sanding down to the ac- Disney World carousel for over two decades, “The Walt Dis- tual wood could have resulted in damage and loss of detail, ney World Carousel in the Magic Kingdom was produced so today they are only sanded down to roughly the level of in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, which cre- primer and no further. Then the horses were primed and ated some of the most beautiful horses of the era. It was painted white. carved by German and Italian carvers to express the patrio- Why white? Well, two reasons. First, since it is Cinderella’s tism that was prevalent in the United States after the First carousel, the white horses reference the white horses that World War. The carousel was named Liberty, and was one pulled Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage. Secondly, one of the of the largest carousels ever built, being some sixty feet in things Disney discovered with King Arthur’s Carousel at diameter. The first home of the Liberty Carousel was at the Disneyland, was that when people rode a carousel, they first Detroit Palace Garden Park where it stayed until it was reha- tried to get on a white horse because it was considered the bilitated in Philadelphia in 1928 and set up in Olympic Park “hero” horse. For over a decade or so of operation the Dis- in Maplewood, New Jersey for the next 39 years.” neyland carousel featured horses of different colors until The Liberty Carousel originally had seventy-two horses Imagineer John Hench made the decision to make them all

68 · Celebrations Arctic white. The decision was made that at a Disney theme tale that inspired the Disney animated feature). On the sign park, every Guest, no matter what their size, gets a chance are the two mice, Gus and Jacques, perhaps waiting for the to be a hero. Walt also wanted every guest to have a “jumper” Fairy Godmother to return and transform them again into rather than a “stander”, so some horses on the Disneyland white horses. carousel were refitted into running horses. When the carousel was being prepared for Walt Disney For the Magic Kingdom carousel, each horse has a unique World, the two authentic chariots were removed so that color palette and is numbered on its bridle. But there are more horses could be installed for Guests. As often hap- more subtle differences between the horses. Each row of pens, those chariots disappeared and Voght was unable to horses is five horses deep (a “row” of horses on a carousel goes locate them years later. Times change, and it was felt that from the outer edge of the carousel toward the center), with very young Guests or Guests with mobility issues might the largest “A” horse being on the outside and the smallest “E” enjoy riding in a chariot. There was some discussion about horse being on the inside. Since the “A” horses are the ones creating fiberglass replicas based on some existing photos facing the crowd they are more elaborate in their design and artwork but Voght was adamant that she wanted the and detail. The horses progressively get less intricate as they originals since everything else on the carousel was original. move toward the center. In addition, the side of the horse She posted pictures in her work area and tried everything that faces out toward the audience is more elaborate than she could to try to locate the chariots, including contacting the side that faces the center. The outer side is known as the as many people as she could. “romance” side, and is very similar in concept to the set of a In 1996, a cast member who was a friend of Voght and fa- play or a movie. While the differences between the two sides miliar with her hunt, was walking through one of the Dis- of the smaller “E” horses are not as noticeably significant as ney warehouses in California looking for something else. the much larger “A” horses, the difference still exists. For some reason he decided to look up and behind where According to Voght, “Each year, between fifty to sixty he was standing. There, stored in the rafter area, was some- horses are completely redone at a cost of between $2,500- thing that looked like one of the chariots, unlabeled and ap- $3,000 each. All the horses are hand painted and everything parently “lost” on the books. He took a photo and sent it to that looks like gold really is gold. Only 23 karat gold leaf is Voght who immediately confirmed it was one of the miss- used along with silver, copper and aluminum leaf. The an- ing chariots. tique wood horses of the Walt Disney carousel are valued It was quickly recovered. John Hench selected the color between $20,000-$100,000 depending upon size, intricacy of scheme for it and it was repaired and painted and finally carving and age.” installed on the Magic Kingdom carrousel in 1997. When The smaller horses can take two to three days to do, but asked if she would use this original as a mold for a fiber- the more elaborate “A” horses can take a week or more. In glass model for the other side of the carousel, Voght said, addition, when the Disney Company obtained the carousel, “Only originals.” She felt that the other chariot would still almost all of the original wood working parts were replaced pop up somewhere in one of the many Disney warehouses. by metal, but the horses, decorations and band organ (from “After all, it only took twenty-five years to locate this one,” one of Italy’s most famous factories) were saved. she joked. The chariot took up the space of four horses, so In an interesting side note, when the Magic Kingdom the carousel has eighty-six horses now. was being built, Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney was inspecting the area. At the train station, he looked down Main Street With the recent announcement of the new name, Prince and saw through the castle gate opening that the carousel Charming Regal Carrousel, the fabled Magic Kingdom at- seemed off center. Subsequent measurement showed he traction is ready for the dawn of a new era as Fantasyland was right and the ride was re-centered. According to legend, undergoes the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. the carousel had only been off a foot or two. Despite all of the changes the carousel has seen through- When the Carousel opened, it was an “A” Ticket attraction. out the years, one thing is for sure. It will continue to be a It was called Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel (with the two favorite among young and old alike and will always be, as “r”s to reference the French word for the original as well Walt envisioned, the perfect place for parents and children as the fact that it was the French version of the Cinderella to share a magical moment.

69 · Celebrations had at least one of those) and turn the Wayback Machine not to 1986 when Captain EO opened in the Imagination Pa- Captain EO vilion in Epcot, but two years earlier to 1984. ichael Jackson will forever be remembered for his In 1984, Jackson was truly the King of Pop. 1982 brought us Mimpact on music and pop culture, but he was also Thriller, which was the best-selling album of all time. In 1983, known for his love of Disney and the Disney theme parks Jackson introduced us to the Moonwalk (I perfected it final- around the world. Beyond having visited the parks regu- ly in 2007), and by 1984, the Jacksons’ Victory tour was selling larly and even christening his home the “Neverland Ranch,” out arenas worldwide. Jackson reached a level of fame and Jackson’s ties to the park went much deeper. Jackson was popularity that far eclipsed both Elvis and the Beatles. an integral part of one of Walt Yet Jackson retained a child- Disney World’s (and Disney- like sentiment. When he was land’s), most unique, expensive, approached about starring in and extravagant shows—ever. an attraction for Disneyland, of Michael Jackson, the King of course he said, maybe. Well, he Pop, was also Michael Jackson, said yes, but with a caveat. He galactic hero Captain EO. wanted his good friend George History might look back on Lucas (he did a small indie film the summer of 2010 in Walt Dis- called Star Wars) to be involved. ney World as the time of Sum- Lucas was already working mer Nightastic, but more im- with Disney on a number of portantly, this time in Disney’s other projects (Oh how we love history is one in which nostal- you Star Tours and Indiana gia played a key role in changes Jones), so the stars were align- to the parks. During this time, ing perfectly. everything old was new again, That same year, Michael Eis- with the return of the Main ner came from Paramount, Street Electrical Parade, the and Frank Wells moved to new fireworks show that bor- Disney from Warner Broth- rows heavily from the old Pi- ers, and each brought movie- rate and Princess party display, making experience to the com- and even the subtle refreshing pany and the parks. Captain EO of Fantasyland and other areas of the Magic Kingdom. But moved forward and was about to bring to Disney’s theme although not officially part of Summer Nightastic, nostal- park attractions something it never had before: a superstar gic, fans, Disney historians, and those of us who are forever performer (unless you count Tex Ritter doing the voiceover stuck in the 80s will remember this as the summer that we work for Big Al in the Country Bear Jamboree). With Lucas were paid a visit from an old friend: Captain EO. producing and Francis Ford Coppola directing, Eisner’s “ex- Captain EO, the classic musical spectacular that thrilled tended 3D music video” was starting to take shape. Two Epcot Guests from 1986 through 1994, returned in July 2010. years later, Captain EO was born. It’s only fitting that we don our rhinestone gloves, red leath- The timing couldn’t have been better. Walt Disney Imagi- er Thriller jackets, and penny loafers (admit it, like me you neering worked with Lucas on the 3D technology, it fea-

70 · Celebrations The story of this mini-movie/extended music video re- volves around the hapless EO and his crew needing to bring a gift to the Supreme Leader. They crash and are captured, but before being sentenced for their actions, Michael—I mean EO—breaks into song and dance and transforms the queen and her minions to reveal their inner beauty. Just goes to show you how powerful a few “hee heees” and some Moonwalking can be! Inside the theater, in addition to the 3D film, special 4D effects such as smoke, lasers, and lights extended into the audience and enhanced the experience. In time, the incredible crowds that came to see Jackson, a new sci-fi film, and/or the latest 3D technology began to dwindle. In 1993, unproven allegations against Jackson tar- nished his reputation, adding to the decreasing popularity of the film. On July 6, 1994, Captain EO and his rag-tag crew made their last efforts to change the world in Epcot—or did tured two moviemaking giants, the most popular musician they? of all time, as well as Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Hus- Almost immediately after the untimely passing of Jack- ton as the Supreme Leader, and James Horner writing the son on June 25, 2009, Disney fans began to say the name score. Jackson himself wrote two other songs, “We Are Here (loudly) of Captain EO on online communities and social to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me,” and the show sites. Was it simply nostalgia? A desire for something they was sponsored by Kodak. In 1986, a making-of film created no longer had? Or something else? for television was hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. Ladies and A year later, that question would be answered, and in July gentlemen, this was a multimillion-dollar recipe for success. 2010, the 17-minute, classic 3D film experience returned to The 17-minute film cost a staggering $1.7 million per min- Epcot, the Disneyland Resort Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, and ute to produce, making it the most expensive movie, per Disneyland in Anaheim, California, for an open-ended run. minute, ever produced. Dollar for dollar, it cost the same as the entire Disneyland park did in 1955. This is amazing considering Captain EO would only be shown on four screens world- wide: Epcot, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Captain EO premiered at Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion on September 12, 1986. Just six days later, the film debuted at Disneyland in Tomor- rowland’s Magic Eye Theater. Legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde assisted with development of characters such as Hooter, Fuzzball, Nostalgics were treated to the original film with enhanced the Geez, and Major Domo. On the alien planet, the Supreme in-theater effects, while new audiences were able to experi- Leader looked like H.R. Giger’s Alien and Star Trek: The Next ence it for the first time. Generation’s Borg Queen had a baby—with Anjelica Hus- Time will tell if the attraction still holds up 16 years later. ton’s face. The film just screamed “80s!” and it was heav- If early crowds are any indication, the music is timeless (at ily influenced by Lucas’s own Star Wars (the Death Star-like least to old guys like me), and new fans enjoy the sentimen- trench sequence is clear), and also by even earlier, 1920s tal return performance of a worldwide phenomenon, and Flash Gordon films (pay close attention to the crash of EO’s maybe a renewed sense of hope that we really can change ship). the world.

71 · Celebrations n the last installment, we discovered that the splash and soak up the nice cold air. Once we felt that we got Ipads are an excellent way for children to cool down. all we could out of Innoventions East, we took a deep But let’s face it, we aren’t exactly seeing adults beating a breath and dove back out into the humidity toward path to these locations to get soaking wet. As my com- our next destination, Innoventions West. After pick- panion and I were standing in the hot, humid Florida ing up some icy treats at Fountain View Ice Cream and heat, I realized that while my wide-brimmed floppy hat exploring the exhibits a bit, we felt reasonably cooled does a great job of keeping the sun off my face, it does and decided to head over to the Land Pavilion side of nothing to prevent the look of being freshly showered Future World and do some exploring. We thought we’d in my clothes as a result of the Florida humidity. It also continue through the Innoventions building toward makes my companion’s curly hair practically unman- the rear exit. There we discovered one of those unique ageable—as she was quick to remind areas at Walt Disney World, an area me. So our eyes scanned the horizon that is nearly always deserted yet for a place to cool off while avoid- affords one the opportunity to rest ing the prospect of an afternoon of up a bit–with a few surprises at the wandering in wet clothes. ready for those who look around. I’m Simultaneously we both shouted referring to the huge open area by “Innoventions” and picked up the the doors leading back outside. pace. I know what you’re thinking, A few years back, this area was “Ray, what is so off the beaten path home to a special exhibit celebrat- about Innoventions? Those build- ing Epcot’s 25th anniversary, which ings have been around forever occupied a (now closed off) room and are a fixture of Future World!” that hosted a fascinating exhibit Well, it’s my opinion that, just like about Epcot’s history. The exhibit Toontown at the Magic Kingdom, might be gone, but you can still ex- Innoventions is an oft-overlooked plore the timeline mural on the wall, treasure at Epcot. Yes, Innoven- which presents a wonderful history tions screams edutainment, but of this remarkable park. This oft- who doesn’t like a little education overlooked area is a wonderful place wrapped in a sugar coating of great to catch your breath, sit on the floor, Imagineering? Not only that, it has lean against the giant walls, and do air-conditioning, lots of places to sit down, more air- some people watching. It’s a great place to cool off! conditioning, few crowds, and did I mention, it has air- Here at Wandering the World, we like to highlight the conditioning! attractions off the beaten path, but remember it’s not I’d be lying if I said that every exhibit drew us in and always the destination that might be off the beaten captivated us. In fact, my companion and I both agreed path, but the entire journey. If good fortune shines your that we weren’t in the mood to stand in a line, so we way, it can sometimes be refreshingly cool. took a pass on the Sum of All Thrills so that we could Until next time, this is Ray, and you’ve been Wander- wander around and pop in and out of other exhibits ing the World. 72 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Foster Astro Orbiter

The year that the attraction opened. It was originally known as 1974 the Star Jets and featured a replica of a Saturn V rocket in the center, the type that launched the astronauts to the moon.

The last launch of a real Saturn V rocket, used for the Apollo 17 1972 mission. Number of spaceships on the Astro Orbiter, and also the number 12 of Apollo launches utilizing the real Saturn V rocket. The year the attraction was redesigned and reopened as the Astro 1994 Orbiter (sans rocket). Height, in feet, that the Astro Orbiter soars above Tomorrowland. 50 Think that’s tall? Well... Height, in feet, of a real Saturn V rocket. If you’re counting that 363 means you could stack seven Astro Orbiters atop one another and still come up short!

Distance, in miles, that you travel in your spaceship during your 3/4 journey (if you weren’t going in a circle that is!). Approximate speed of your spaceship in miles per hour, that’s 11 31 rotations per minute! 320 Number of days it would take you to reach the Moon at that speed. Number of days it took the Saturn V rocket to reach the Moon (but 3 then again, they didn’t get a great view of Tomorrowland along the way).

Photo ©Lisa Foster 73 · Celebrations Anniversary Celebrations by Jennifer Bright Reich

1. Where did Walt and Lillian Disney spend their 6. What was the theme of Walt Disney World’s 30th wedding anniversary? 20th anniversary? a. On the Mark Twain Riverboat a. Celebrate Today b. In Sleeping Beauty Castle b. The Happiest Celebration on Earth c. Inside the Haunted Mansion c. The Happiest Homecoming on Earth d. On Tom Sawyer Island d. Surprise Celebration

2. What year did the Magic Kingdom open? 7. What was the theme of the 25th anniversary? a. 1970 a. Remember the Magic b. 1971 b. The Year of a Million Dreams c. 1972 c. Give a Day, Get a Disney Day d. 1973 d. Celebrations

3. How much did a one-day adult admission cost 8. What was done to Cinderella Castle for the back then? Magic Kingdom’s 25th anniversary? a. $1.75 a. It was coated in twinkly lights. b. $4.00 b. It was transformed into a giant cake. c. $3.50 c. It was hidden by scaffolding. d. $2.25 d. It was strewn with toilet paper.

4. What was the name of Walt Disney World’s 10th 9. Mickey’s Toon Town Fair was originally called anniversary celebration? Mickey’s Birthdayland. What birthday were a. A Decade of Fun they celebrating? b. TenTasmic a. Goofy’s 50th birthday c. 10th Anniversary Celebration b. Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday d. The Tencennial c. What would have been Walt Disney’s 100th birthday 5. Epcot opened on which Magic Kingdom d. Mickey Mouse’s 50th birthday anniversary? a. 10th 10. When did the town of Celebration open? b. 9th a. 1994 c. 11th b. 2001 d. 12th c. 1997 d. 1996

74 · Celebrations 11. What’s the average price of a home in 14. What’s the traditional gift for a first Celebration? anniversary? a. $250,000 a. Cotton (How about Mickey ears?) b. $150,000 b. Paper (Park tickets perhaps?) c. $220,000 c. Candy (Celebrate with treats from Goofy’s Candy d. $320,000 Company!) d. Crystal (The makings of a beautiful palace!) 12. Around how many couples get married at Walt Disney World each year? 15. Which celebration launched in 2006? a. 3,000 a. Year of a Million Dreams b. 1,500 b. Dream a Million Dreams c. 1,000 c. Celebrate Today d. 2,500 d. Celebrate Good Times (c’mon)

13. Around how much does it cost to get married at Cinderella Castle? Scoring 6. D 12. B a. $28,000 1. A 7. B 13. A b. $50,000 2. B 8. A 14. B c. $21,000 3. C 9. B 15. A d. $42,000 4. C 10. D 5. C 11. C

ANSWERS BRAIN BUSTERS WORD SCRAMBLE WHERE AM I? KIDS KORNER (pages 78–81) The Phoenecians 1. China 1. Inside Mouse Gear 2. Morocco 2. Atop the directional sign as you enter WHERE AM I? FIND THE DIFFERENCE 3. France Future World East 1. Ellen’s Energy Adventure 4. Italy 3. Safety light near the welding display 2. Enchanted Tiki Room 5. Mexico in the Test Track post-show area 3. Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Germany 4. Control panel at Mission: Space Race 4. Haunted Mansion 7. Japan in the Mission: SPACE post-show area 5. Gran Fiesta Tour 8. Norway 5. Universe of Energy pool 6. Carousel of Progress 6. On a stone bench outside of Mission:

2 MYSTERY QUEST (pages 82–83) SPACE SPLAT! 1 6 8 9 7. Near the anique car display as you 1. Mickey’s Country House 3 4 5 10 13 SECRET SYMBOLS first enter the Test Track queue 2. Tower of Terror 7 11 12 1. On the floor as you enter your Mission: 8. The rug inside the Electric Umbrella 3. Mission: SPACE 1. The screen is bigger. SPACE capsule 4. Expedition Everest 2. The image is a different color. 2. Exterior of the Test Track building 5. Stitch’s Great Escape 3. The status bar is bigger. 3. Sign as you approach the Car Wash 6. Troll in the Norway pavilion 4. A light is missing. near Test Track 5. There is a new planet. 4. On the GM Fuel Cell car in the Test WORD CROSS 6. There is an extra bar. Track post-show area A 7. The photo is gone. 5. On the display commemorating the P L F S D 8. The image is upside-down. first space rendezvous in the queue I A C T G R P O P R 9. There is an extra light. for Mission: SPACE (specifically, the R D A R E I J A L A I S E 10. The screen is blank. Gemini VII plaque) A D V E N T U R E L A N D T I E E I Z N R W A G A H FIND THE DIFFERENCE BONUS ANSWER E N E G O H C O K E The X-2 Deep Space Shuttle S L W I E E A E P D

75 · Celebrations I was discussing my love for star gazing with one of the local inhabitants when I heard the most fantastic story: a Mickey Mouse nebula that sported the most wonderful colors you could imagine. Knowing that a nebula was a cloud-like formation in outer space, I immediately recalled hearing of a Mickey-shaped cloud in a nearby mountain. I was not prepared for the giant splash that greeted me at the bottom of Chickapin Hill, but soon I came across this interesting cloud formation to right of the steamboat. However, I quickly realized that this was merely a terrestrial type of cloud and decided I needed to explore the far reaches of outer space to find what I was seeking.

From Splash Mountain I ventured to the aptly named Space Mountain. As I raced through the inky blackness of deepest space, I saw plenty of I heard of a group of nearby Space Rangers asteroids, stars, and other celestial bodies, but and went off to see if I could enlist their no Mickey, I did chance upon this interesting assistance. They wasted no time in welcoming sign for Starport Seven Five, perhaps this me to their crew, and before I knew it we indicated the location of the elusive nebula. I were making our way through a training asked but no, this merely referred to the year facility. As I wandered through I quickly 1975, the year that this structure opened. spotted this unusual planet with an oddly familiar continent. I asked if this planet, Pollost Prime, was located near a similar looking nebula, but was told that it was not. The rest of the team decided to head off to Sector Z, but I figured I’d had enough.

I heard that Mickey Mouse could be found among the stars over at the Hollywood Studios, so I set off to investigate. I explored an old Chinese theater where I did come across some fearsome aliens and experienced an exhilarating jump through hyperspace, but there was no nebula to be found. I asked a local resident if it was true that Mickey could be found among the starts near here. She took me out in front of the building and directed my eyes downward. I was confused at first, but then realized that the word “star” had a completely different connotation in this land.

76 · Celebrations I decided that if I were to discover this nebula that I’d better seek out the largest and grandest spaceship of all. A quick investigation revealed that that would be Spaceship Earth, and at an impressive 180 feet in diameter it certainly seemed big enough. During my journey I saw an awe-inspiring TV image of the first men landing on the Moon, and saw a breathtaking vista of planet Earth floating amid a myriad of brightly burning stars. I couldn’t find Mickey however, and asked about to see if anyone had spotted him. It turned out that no one had seen him recently, but a few years back a giant representation of his hand adorned the massive geosphere. Unfortunately the hand has been missing since 2008, and I would have to continue my search elsewhere.

I felt that perhaps the answer could be found in the distant past, in the very origin of the universe. I visited the nearby Universe of Energy with the understanding that I could witness the Big Bang itself. After a strange dream sequence by someone named Ellen, we finally got to the moment that I had arrived for. It was a spectacular display as hundreds of stars and galaxies exploded all around me. But alas, I saw no sign of a Mickey nebula. Much like the equally confused Albert Einstein, it seems that I was getting nowhere, relatively speaking.

Right next door I found an intriguing structure that promised an exhilarating mission into deepest space. I boarded my green team craft but wasn’t prepared for the rigors of outer space travel. Upon my landing on Mars, I gingerly left my spaceship and made my way toward the supply depot. As I gathered my wits I was surprised to see Mickey Mouse himself all decked out in his finest astronaut gear, Surely I must be getting closer to my goal...

I looked around but still didn’t see anything. Dismayed, my eyes drifted skyward and much to my amazement, there it was! The Mickey nebula itself! I noticed that the image of the nebula was made up of several photographic plates, all pieced together to create the breathtaking image overhead. Further examination of the facilities revealed several other Mickey shaped features. Among them was a black junction box by the exit and a trio of craters on the lower portion of the moon image on the far wall. Satisfied at my discovery, I felt a renewed sense of energy and decided to make a repeat visit to the red planet. I had joined the green team originally and found the experience quite hair-raising, surely the orange team would be much more relaxing, don’t you think?

77 · Celebrations On which attractions would you find these characters? 1. Albert Einstein 2. Fritz 3. Carlos 4. Leota 5. Panchito 6. Cousin Orville

Figment was trying to touch up some of the photos he got from his last trip, but the only thing he managed to do was to spill ink all over them Can you figure out what each of them are?

1 2

3 4

5 6

78 · Celebrations See if you can solve the 13 clues below. When you do, enter them vertically into the grid. When you’re finished, you’ll spell out a word going across in the heavily outlined boxes that all of the clue words have in common.

1. Bootstrap Bill and William Turner 8. Captain Teague’s son

2. Abu’s friend 9. You can get one at Aloha Isle

3. ______of Wonders 10. The Crystal ______

4. There’s a giant one near Aloha Isle 11. He knocked the Sorcerer Hat out of Donald’s hands in Mickey’s PhilharMagic 5. You ain’t never had a friend like him 12. A cobra or an asp 6. Pierre, José and ______13. “We wants the ______!” 7. The ______Navigation Co.

Answers on page 75 79 · Celebrations According to your narrator on Spaceship Earth, who invented the ABCs?

Things aren’t going very well at Mission Control. Can you spot the 10 differences in the photos of Mission: SPACE below?

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BONUS QUESTION What is the name of your spaceship on Mission: SPACE?

80 · Celebrations Unscramble these countries found in World Showcase.

1. NAHIC 5. ICEMOX

2. CROMOOC 6. NARMEGY

3. CRENAF 7. ANPAJ

4. LYITA 8. WAYRON

Answers on page 75

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

What’s your favorite Hidden Mickey? If I go to the Food & Wine Festival There are a lot of Hidden Mickeys that I like with my parents, is there food there to find, but my favorite is in the Pirates of the that I will like? Caribbean. You can find it in the ride by a drunk My mom says that I’m a picky eater, but Pirate where there are three cats. The light needs something about Disney food makes me brave to shine on the cats just right so that the shadow enough to try something new! The Food & makes a Mickey head. It can be hard to find, it Wine Festival is a lot of fun and I usually can took me a couple of times after I was told about find something I like there - the Cheddar Cheese it to actually see it! Soup is my favorite...but just remember there are Now that Fantasyland is getting always the desserts to try. :) updated, if you could add another I’m nervous about Mission: SPACE, land to the Magic Kingdom, what have you ever been on it? would it be? I haven’t ridden with the Orange Team, but if I’m excited about the Fantasyland addition, but you want to see what it’s like to ride a spaceship, I’m going to miss Mickey’s Toontown SO much! the Green Team is lots of fun. You don’t spin If I could create another land, it would still be a around so it’s really not that bad (if you liked place that looked like you walked into a cartoon Star Tours you’ll definitely love this). But even and could meet characters from different if you don’t want to ride, you can still visit the movies. Wouldn’t you want to visit a Dalmatian Advanced Training Lab and play some cool video Plantation or see Mickey with his friends at their games and climb through all the tunnels in the clubhouse with me? giant Space Base. Now that’s fun!!

81 · Celebrations FUTURE WORLD EAST SECRETS Future World East’s original attractions included The Universe of Energy pavilion is a modern the Universe of Energy, Horizons, the World of example of the capabilities of alternate energy Motion and Communicore East. In 1989, the sources. The roof is covered with two acres of Wonders of Life pavilion opened between the photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight to Universe of Energy and Horizons. The 100,000 electrical energy. These cells provide 15% of the square foot golden geodesic dome contained a power required to run the attraction inside. variety of exhibits that dealt with health related themes. The dome still exists but is now only As you wander around Future World, you may used for special events such as the Flower & notice a purple bench with solar panels. This Garden Festival. isn’t a mere decoration, the solar panels actually provide energy for the fans and lighting on the In contrast to the landscaping and architecture bench, creating a futuristic resting spot for the of Future World West, Future World East features weary Guest! angular designs, sculpted plantings and metallic colors in keeping with the more technological Behind Test Track you’ll also find the Odyssey theme of its pavilions. Center. The former restaurant itself has been long closed (it’s only used for private Near Test Track, you’ll find a unique place functions), but you can take the walkway for a to cool off and grab a refreshing drink. peaceful shortcut to World Showcase. During Continuing the automotive theme, what would the holiday season, the walkway is also a nice make more sense than a giant car wash? place to watch the tree lighting ceremony.

Where can you find these cryptic inscriptions?

1 2 3 4 5

82 · Celebrations Answers on page 75 Can you determine where these photographs were taken?

2 1

4 3

6 5 8

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

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

This is the “Little Mississippi”, symbolically dividing Fron- tierland into the east and the west. This symbolism is not only figurative but literal-beneath the metal plate is a channel that carries water to the Rivers of America. 5. The landscaping in Frontierland is purposely left a bit on the wild side to give a more natural appearance, reinforc- ing the overall theme of an untamed wilderness. 6. If you’re a fan of the film Mary Poppins, you may remem- ber this exchange between Bert and Uncle Albert: Bert: “Speaking of names, I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith.” Uncle Albert: “What’s the name of his other leg? (Get it?) If you do remember it, (or even if you don’t!), be sure to visit the Frontierland Train Station and look for a wooden leg among the props. It has a label on it that says, you guessed it, Smith! 1. Frontierland is one of two Magic Kingdom lands not di- 7. Speaking of the train station, in November 1990, in order rectly accessible from the central hub (Mickey’s Toontown to make room for Splash Mountain, the original Frontier- Fair is the other). To get to Frontierland you need to pass land train station was entirely demolished. Frontierland’s through Liberty Square or Adventureland. All of the other new station, which was built as part of Splash Mountain, lands in the Magic Kingdom have their own “spoke” off the opened in December 1991. central hub. 8. “Texas” John Slaughter is the name of the Frontierland 2. As you walk through Frontierland (and Liberty Square), Trail Boss, as seen on the sign hanging over the entrance you may notice that the buildings have address numbers to the store. If that name sounds familiar, you might re- on them. These numbers are actually years, and corre- call that “Texas John Slaughter” was the name of a classic spond to the approximate time when that style of build- TV Western series produced by Disney in the 50’s and 60’s ing would have been constructed. For instance, The Hall starring Tom Tryon as the lead. of Presidents bears the street number 1787 (the year the 9. One of Frontierland’s original attractions was Davy Crock- Constitution was ratified), while the Town Hall in Fron- ett’s Explorer Canoes. Guests could paddle their own 35- tierland is 1867. foot long canoe down the Rivers of America. 3. Frontierland also follows a geographic pattern. The eastern 10. When the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade first opened, real United States is represented by the transition from Liberty lead pellets were fired from the rifles at the targets. Oth- Square and the Hall of Presidents. Continuing on you’ll find er than the obvious safety concerns, the rifles soon had the early-1800 St. Louis-style architecture of the Diamond to be refitted to no longer shoot these projectiles. The Horseshoe Saloon. From this point on your trek takes you real reason they were modified was paint. Paint? Yup! Be- further out into the pioneer-era west, culminating with cause the pellets chipped the paint off the props in the the untamed ruggedness of Big Thunder Mountain. attraction, it was necessary to repaint them every night. 4. Speaking of geography, you may notice a metal strip slic- Over the course of a year, that amounted to over 2000 gal- ing across the walkway halfway through Frontierland. lons of paint!

Keepsake Image: “Illuminating” • Photography by Tom Bricker 84 · Celebrations Photo ©Tim Foster Back Cover Photography by Tim Devine

“The era we are living in today is a dream coming true” – Walt Disney