Jim Korkis’ Mysteries of the Wilderness Lodge Tour

Photographic Innoventions by Scott Thomas

Last month I attended Pixelmania 2011 hosted by TheMagicInPixels.com. Pixelmanaia was four days of fun with some of the best and soon-to-be best Disney fan photographers around the Internet. One of the meets was hosted by Jim Korkis, a former Disney historian and author of The Vault of Walt, called Mysteries of the Wilderness Lodge. For those who do not know Mr. Korkis, he is a character worthy of Disney. Being an actor, he is very animated when he speaks and is extremely entertaining to listen to. Like the title of his book, Jim is a vault of information about everything Disney. The Wilderness Lodge was no exception.

The group of thirty people meet up with Jim outside of Roaring Forks restaurant in the courtyard. After being introduced by Tim Devine, head photographer of TheMagicInPixels.com, Jim remarked, as photographers, all of us need to document the Disney parks and resorts during each of our visits. He talked about how things change overtime. Details originally designed into parks and resorts by Imagineers get removed or replaced by managers over the years who were not aware of their significance. Our photos help keep the magic alive for years to come.

Jim Korkis outside of Roaring Forks restaurant at Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Jim Korkis outside of Roaring Forks restaurant.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/250s, f/9, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 100mm focal length, fill flash.

As the group moved from the courtyard up the hallway next to Artist Point restaurant, Jim continued to point out the reasons why the lanterns looked to be oriental and how the color red, rug and stones where patterned as a nod to the Chinese immigrants who were a big part in creating the railroads which opened up the western United States back in the 1800’s.

Upon convening in the huge lobby of the Wilderness Lodge Resort, Jim told us the story of the north positioned totem pole. I do not remember the entire story but the frog again won the heart of the princess. A tale known to the native people’s of the Pacific Northwest.

Jim Korkis telling the story of the totem pole at Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Jim Korkis telling the story of the totem pole.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/3.5, ISO 6400, EV 0, 28mm focal length.

Did you know, the entire lobby floor has meaning in Native American lore? The center of the lobby is the Center of the Universe and the design of the floor is like one large rug. Each side depicting one of the Four Directions: North, South, East and West. Jim told us of an annual ceremony held about this time of year called the Blessing of the Four Directions which cleanses the resort.

The Lobby of Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
The Lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge resort tells a story of the Four Directions.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/100s, f/3.5, ISO 6400, EV 0, 28mm focal length.

On the balcony overlooking the Wilderness Lodge’s stream, pool and geyser, Jim told us about the resort’s mascot, Humphrey the Bear. You may remember Humphrey from old Disney animated shorts made back in the 1950’s. For your information, no other Disney resort has a mascot. Jim is pointing out the locations where you can see Humphrey the Bear at night as he ran out of time to take us outside to view it.

Jim Korkis making a point on a balcony at Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Jim Korkis making a point on a balcony.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/250s, f/6.3, ISO 200, EV 0, 50mm focal length, fill flash.

Our last stop on the tour was the Carolwood Pacific Room in the Villas of Wilderness Lodge next to the main resort. Jim told us stories of Walt Disney’s personal trains he kept in his home’s backyard in California. Something a train buff in the group made sure he caught Jim’s every word about (see photo below). The room itself is a marvel and had two of Walt’s train cars on display.

Jim Korkis talking in the Carolwood Pacific Room in the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.
Jim Korkis talking in the Carolwood Pacific Room.
Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/40s, f/4, ISO 6400, EV -0.3, 42mm focal length.

Jim Korkis could have talked for hours about the Wilderness Lodge. For those of you who will be attending his SOLD OUT talk on the Carousel of Progress next month during the AllEars.net A December to Remember events, you are in for a treat. Be prepared for the talk to run long as Jim enthusiastically will have a lot of great information and trivia for us.

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Scott's "Photographic Innoventions" blog focuses on intermediate to advanced photography concepts and techniques relevant for Point and Shoot and Digital SLR cameras.

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One Reply to “Jim Korkis’ Mysteries of the Wilderness Lodge Tour”

  1. Thanks for such a timely tale. I can’t wait to hear Jim for myself next month. Plus, I can’t wait to join your meet in Animal Kingdom, too. I’m really getting excited now!

    Scott replies: Oh, you are going to love Jim and Barrie and I, too! (I hope so anyways!)