March Madness Quiz — Answers

Here are the answers to yesterday’s quiz. Let me know if you got all 20 correct.

1. Since its opening on October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom has always been open seven days a week. Disney planners knew that their audience would be driving and flying in from great distances and they understood that the park needed to be open every day to accommodate visitors’ vacation plans. But that wasn’t the case with Disneyland when it first opened on July 17, 1955. Most guests would be making day trips as they lived in the Southern California area. Because of this, Disneyland was closed for two days each week during off season. What two days were they closed?

A. Monday & Tuesday
B. Tuesday & Wednesday
C. Wednesday & Thursday
D. Thursday & Friday
E. The above statement is untrue. Disneyland was always open seven days a week.

A. Disneyland was closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.

In the early years, attendance did not demand seven-day operation. Closing the park for two days each week helped keep costs down and allowed maintenance workers to complete many on-stage tasks out of sight from guests. In addition, nearby Knott’s Berry Farm was closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This gave vacationers and day visitors a theme park to visit every day. Disneyland did not begin seven day operation until February 6, 1985.

2. Where would you find Devil’s Elbow at Walt Disney World?

A. Haunted Mansion
B. Tower of Terror
C. Rivers of America
D. Rafiki’s Planet Watch
E. None of the above

C. Rivers of America

Along the banks of the Rivers of America are a number of river markers such as Tree Snag Reef, Crawdad Shoals, and Howling Dog Bend. At the north end of Tom Sawyer Island is Devil’s Elbow. This is the spot where the Lilly Belle Riverboat makes a sharp turn to return to Liberty Square.

3. Who narrates the Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom?

A. Maya Angelou
B. J.D. Hall
C. Morgan Freeman
D. An uncredited Disney Imagineer
E. None of the above

C. Morgan Freeman

When Bill Clinton was added to the presidential lineup, Maya Angelou narrated the presentation. When George W. Bush was added, J.D. Hall was called upon to tell the story of the chief executives. And when Barack Obama joined this elite club, Morgan Freeman took over the job of narrator.

4. What company was the original sponsor of the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain?

A. FedEx
B. RCA
C. General Electric
D. Monsanto
E. None of the above

B. RCA

RCA was the original sponsor of Space Mountain and helped fund the attraction’s construction. Its logo could be seen on the marquee from January 15, 1975 until sponsorship ended in 1994. FedEx took over sponsorship in 1994 and ended its Disney alliance in 2004. Currently, Space Mountain has no corporate affiliation.

5. Tower of Terror sits at the end of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. What other idea did the Imagineers seriously consider for this spot?

A. Mary Poppin’s Jolly Holliday
B. The Rocketeer’s Flight
C. Cruella de Vil and the 101 Dalmatians
D. Dick Tracy’s Crime Stoppers
E. None of the above

D. Dick Tracy’s Crime Stoppers

Disney had very high expectations for their movie “Dick Tracy” starring Warren Beatty. So much so that they put their Imagineers to work planning a new attraction to be titled “Dick Tracy’s Crime Stoppers.” Designers envisioned guests riding in 1920-style vehicles that would use the same Enhanced Motion Vehicle technology that is now seen on the Indiana Jones Adventure and Dinosaur attractions. Each rider would be equipped with a Tommy gun that used the laser technology found in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. As riders careened through the streets of Chicago, they would aim at a number of “bad guy” targets along the route. Unfortunately, the movie did not live up to expectations and the attraction was shelved.

6. During the preshow of “Dinosaur” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dr. Marsh introduces the audience to the Time Rover, a vehicle that will take us to the early Cretaceous period. However, one of her colleagues has different ideas and reprograms the Time Rover to take us to the late Cretaceous period so we can bring back an iguanodon. What is the name of this second doctor?

A. Dr. Clarence P. Wilkerson
B. Dr. Harry F. Sinclair
C. Dr. Bernard Dunn
D. Dr. Grant Seeker
E. None of the above

D. Dr. Grant Seeker

Phylicia Rashad plays Dr. Helen Marsh and Wallace Langham plays Dr. Grant Seeker. Although neither character’s first name is mentioned in the attraction, Dr. Marsh’s first name can be found in newspaper clippings posted in Restaurantosaurus. The only first name reference I could find for Dr. Seeker was in Wallace Langham’s IMDB webpage.

Grant Seeker”¦ The name is a joke. Think about it.

7. Who created the voice of Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom?

A. Marni Nixon
B. Eleanor Audley
C. Barbara Billingsley
D. Natalie Schafer
E. None of the above

B. Eleanor Audley

Eleanor Audley voiced Madame Leota in the Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansions. However it is Imagineer Leota Toombs’ face guests see floating in the crystal ball. Besides Ms. Audley’s numerous television appearances, she also voiced Lady Tremaine in the Disney animated film “Cinderella” and Maleficent in “Sleeping Beauty.”

Regarding option “A””¦ For those of you not familiar with Marni Nixon, she is known for her “behind-the-curtain” singing voice and has lent her talents to some of Hollywood’s greatest stars. She dubbed for Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady,” Natalie Wood in “West Side Story,” and Deborah Kerr in “The King and I.” All of these accomplishments were uncredited and kept secret for many years.

Marni Nixon also has a Disney connection. She was the soloist in the opening sequence of “Cinderella.” The singing flowers in “Alice in Wonderland” owe their vocal talents to her as well as the geese in “Mary Poppins.” And finally, the singing voice of Grandmother Fa in “Mulan” was Marni. Of these, “Mulan” is the only movie in which she received on-screen credit.

8. Where in the Magic Kingdom is Mr. Dinglinger referenced?

A. Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland
B. The Chapeau shop on Main Street
C. Prairie Outpost & Supply in Frontierland
D. Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus
E. None of the above

B. The Chapeau shop on Main Street

On the wall in The Chapeau, a small shop located across the street from Tony’s Town Square Café, is an old-fashioned telephone. If you lift the receiver and listen, you can hear momma calling Dinglinger’s Store to talk to her daughter Annie. This 3½ minute conversation is very amusing. If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend listening in on your next visit. I think you’ll enjoy it.

This conversation was one of two originally recorded for the Market House at Disneyland and one version or another has been playing there since the park opened in 1955.

This was a difficult question. Give yourself a bonus point if you got it correct. That is, if you actually knew the answer and you weren’t just guessing.

9. Who dedicated the Disneyland monorail in June, 1959?

A. Actor Ronald Reagan and family
B. Television Personality Art Linkletter and family
C. California Governor Pat Brown and family
D. Walt’s wife Lillian and his two daughters Diane and Sharon
E. None of the above

E. None of the above

Then Vice President Richard Nixon and his family dedicated Walt’s newest toy, the Disneyland-Alweg monorail.

At the event, a large pair of scissors were handed to Nixon’s two daughters Tricia and Julie to cut the ceremonial ribbon. However, the scissors were made out of wood and would not slice through the ribbon. After several attempts, Walt reached down and tore the ribbon in half by hand.

With the monorail now officially open, Walt and the Nixon family climbed into the monorail cab. At the same time, Art Linkletter, Fred MacMurray, Bob Cummings, and their families climbed into the passenger compartments. Once everyone was onboard, Walt throttled up and the monorail took off, leaving the horrified Secret Service on the boarding platform. After successfully circling Tomorrowland, the monorail returned to the station and was about to stop. The Secret Service took a collective sigh of relief, that is until Tricia and Julie yelled out “Again!” This excited Walt and he took everyone on another trip, leaving Nixon’s protection on the station platform for a second time.

Below is a Disney created video showing the monorail dedication. Interestingly, the part of Walt ripping the ribbon in two has conveniently been edited out.

10. Who narrated the World of Motion attraction at Epcot?

A. Gary Owens
B. Dick Martin
C. Dan Rowan
D. Arte Johnson
E. None of the above

A. Gary Owens

Gary Owens’ career included disc jockey, voice actor, comedian, performer, and writer. But he is probably best remembered as the announcer on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. He was also selected by the Imagineers to give a tongue-in-cheek narration of the World of Motion attraction at Epcot which ran from October 1, 1982 until the ride closed on January 2, 1996. The theme song for the ride was “It’s Fun to be Free.” This catchy number was written by X Atencio (also composed “Yo Ho” from Pirates of the Caribbean) and Buddy Baker, another legendary Disney composer.

11. Who was the original voice of Figment, the iconic character found at the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot?

A. Mel Blanc
B. Tim Curry
C. Billy Barty
D. Kurt Russell
E. None of the above

C. Billy Barty

Film actor and television star Billy Barty had a long and successful career. Although much of his work consisted of bit parts, gag roles, and children’s television shows, he was still a recognizable celebrity. People knew the name, Billy Barty. Barty’s gravelly voice was perfect for Figment and he lent his talents to this beloved character from 1981 until 1998. Dave Goelz took over the role in 2002.

When EPCOT Center opened, it was Figment’s role to be the “cute and lovable” character of the park. The Imagineers wanted to distance EPCOT Center from Mickey and the gang and did not include them in the park’s roster of personalities. However, guests complained loudly and it wasn’t long before the other Disney characters began appearing in the park.

In 1998, the original “Journey into Imagination” attraction was closed for a major reworking. In 1999, “Journey into YOUR Imagination” opened. However, Figment’s role had been reduced to a few cameo appearances and Dreamfinder was absent altogether. Once again, guests complained loudly and the attraction was shuttered once more. In 2002, the ride reopened as “Journey into Imagination with Figment.” This time, Figment is prominently featured, however Dreamfinder is still someplace in oblivion.

12. What would you find inside the Metropolitan Department of Water and Power building found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

A. Pizza Planet
B. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
C. Restrooms
D. Muppet*Vision 3D
E. None of the above

A. Pizza Planet

This restaurant’s interior was inspired by its namesake as seen in the 1995 Disney/Pixar movie “Toy Story.” Although the menu is limited, this counter service restaurant is a good child-pleaser as it has lots of arcade games to keep them entertained before, during, and after their meal. To see the full menu, click here.

13. Before Sunset Blvd was added to the Disney/MGM Studios, what could be found where the entrance to this street now begins?

A. A plywood wall with a plaque reading “DREAM BUILDERS ‘There’s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine'”
B. The original entrance to the Backstage Studio Tour attraction before it was moved to Mickey Avenue
C. A Disney Vacation Club kiosk
D. A scaled down version of the Hollywood Bowl
E. None of the above

D. A scaled down version of the Hollywood Bowl

Original plans for the Disney/MGM Studios called for it to be a “half-day” park. It wasn’t intended to be a real competitor to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT Center. However, from day one, Disney charged the same one-day admission fee for the Studio as they did for their other parks and guests expected more than there was.

Since the Studio was envisioned to be a small park, the Imagineers did not create a grand stage for elaborate shows. Instead, a scaled down replica of the Hollywood Bowl was built were smaller productions could be performed. Notice, there is no overhead canopy to shield guests from the sun and rain.

Regarding option “B””¦ When the Disney/MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989, the original Backstage Studio Tour loaded from Animation Courtyard — the same place that is now the beginning of the Animation Tour.

Regarding option “C””¦ The first Disney Vacation Club did not open until December 20, 1991, over two years after the Studio. At that time, DVC informational kiosks did not appear in the theme parks.

14. What is the name of the fort on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland?

A. Fort Sam Clemens
B. Fort Wilderness
C. Fort Langhorn
D. Fort Outpost
E. None of the above

B. Fort Wilderness

In an effort to capitalize on the success of the Pirate movies, Disney reimagined and renamed Tom Sawyer Island to Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island in 2007. This refurbishment added many new swashbuckling elements to this isolated section of Disneyland. As part of the effort, long-neglected Fort Wilderness was razed and rebuilt. However, it is no longer open to the public and now serves as a break area for cast members.

Regarding answers “A” and “C””¦

When Tom Sawyer Island first opened in the Magic Kingdom, the fort was named Fort Sam Clemens (Mark Twain’s real name). In later years, it was renamed Fort Langhorn, the middle name of Sam Clemens. It’s interesting to note, his actual middle name is spelled with an “e” at the end Langhorne.

15. What is the name of the clock tower that stands beside the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance in the Magic Kingdom?

A. Torre del Sol
B. Torre del Cielo
C. Torre de los Amigos
D. Torre del los Piratas
E. None of the above

B. Torre del Cielo

You should have all gotten this question correct since I gave you the answer in last week’s article about Adventureland. Torre del Cielo means Tower of the Sky. It is fashioned after a Caribbean-style watchtower that guarded many island harbors.

16. Speaking of Pirates of the Caribbean”¦ What is the name of the town that the pirates pillage and plunder and rifle and loot?

A. Castillo del Morro
B. Puerto Dorado
C. Puerto de Tesoro
D. Ciudad Tranquila
E. None of the above

B. Puerto Dorado

This was a very difficult question as the answer cannot be found within the attraction. It can only be found in books and archives. Puerto Dorado means Golden Port.

Regarding answer “A””¦ Castillo del Morro is the name of the fortress that houses the attraction at the Magic Kingdom.

17. What is the name of the backup group that accompanies Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom?

A. The Astro Girls
B. The Space Angels
C. The Cosmic Gals
D. The Mars Maidens
E. None of the above

B. The Space Angels.

Although invisible, Sonny Eclipse references the Space Angels several times during his 25-minute routine.

18. Electric Umbrella is a counter service restaurant located in Innoventions East at Epcot. What was the original name of this dining establishment?

A. Stargate
B. Sunshine Terrace
C. Future World Foods (or FWF)
D. CommuniCore Verandah
E. It was always called Electric Umbrella

A. Stargate

Stargate was the original counter service restaurant in CommuniCore East. It closed on April 10, 1994 as part of the transition from CommuniCore to Innoventions. Electric Umbrella opened in this same location on June 24 of the same year.

Regarding option “B””¦ Sunshine Terrace was another EPCOT Center counter service restaurant and was located in CommuniCore West. It also changed its name and theming around this same time as Stargate and became Pasta Piazza Ristorante. However, this spot closed on April 22, 2001 and this space is now used as a character meet-&-greet area.

19. The California Grill is one of Disney World’s most popular restaurants. What originally occupied this spot when the Contemporary Resort first opened?

A. Contemporary Grill
B. Restaurant 15
C. Top of the World
D. Gulf Coast Room
E. This spot has always been the California Grill

C. Top of the World

When the Contemporary Resort opened in 1971, the fifteenth floor of this A-frame building housed the Top of the World restaurant. For the first ten years of operation, named entertainers performed on a stage located in the southwest corner of the restaurant. A full orchestra backed them up and provided music for dancing. This arrangement continued until June 29, 1981 when it was replaced by a permanent show called “Broadway at the Top.” This production featured two men and three women performing a medley of Broadway show tunes. The Top of the World restaurant closed on September 30, 1993 and officially opened as the California Grill on May 15, 1995. To pay tribute to this original name, the lounge at the top of Bay Lake Tower was named Top of the World.

Regarding option “D””¦ The Gulf Coast Room was a restaurant located on the Contemporary’s fourth floor. This establishment closed in 1988.

20. On what date did Roy E. Disney dedicate Walt Disney World?

A. October 1, 1971
B. October 2, 1971
C. October 25, 1971
D. November 1, 1971
E. None of the above

E. None of the above

Roy Edward Disney never dedicated any Disney park. However, his father Roy Oliver Disney dedicated Walt Disney World on October 25, 1971.

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