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RETURN TO DISNEYLAND: California Adventure has finally hit its stride

February 27, 2023 by Chuck Schmidt

Funny thing about Disney theme parks: Historically, it takes a bit of time before they catch on with the public. Disney’s California Adventure, which opened in February of 2001 across a newly constructed esplanade from Disneyland Park, was no stranger to this phenomenon. After a massive overhaul, DCA has finally hit its stride.

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The Sad Demise of Mickey Mouse’s House in Walt Disney World

February 15, 2023 by Brian Delpozo

The story behind the opening and closing of Mickey's House at the Magic Kingdom.

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RETURN TO DISNEYLAND: After a six-year hiatus, new thrills, old-fashioned charm

February 13, 2023 by Chuck Schmidt

While much has changed at the Happiest Place on Earth since our last visit in 2017, so much – thankfully – remains the same, rooted in the ideals and philosophies espoused by its creator, Walt Disney: A place where parents and their children can have fun … together.

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Yes, The Great Movie Ride Is Missed…But Let’s Celebrate The Whacky World of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

January 16, 2023 by Chuck Schmidt

If The Great Movie Ride isn’t the most-missed attraction in all of Walt Disney World, it’s certainly among the Top 5. But let's celebrate its replacement, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway.

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We Observed A Lot By Watching Bruce Kimbrell’s Disney Magic Presentations

November 7, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

Former Disney cast member Bruce Kimbrell, who worked for the company for 40 years, gave seven thoroughly enjoyable presentations in the Disney Magic’s Buena Vista Theatre during a recent trans-Atlantic voyage. Kimbrell began the series by talking about his 40-year career, which he described “as a real E-ticket ride.”

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VINTAGE DISNEY PHOTOS, VOL. 4: Main Street, U.S.A. Takes Center Stage

September 19, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

Of all the highways and byways sprinkled throughout our country, Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdoms at Disneyland and Walt Disney World are perhaps the most photographed. They also may be the most crowded. Part 4 of our Vintage Disney Photos focuses on Main Street U.S.A.

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More Vintage Photos: Disney ‘Whirled,’ The Studios’ Facades, Grand Canyon Concourse

August 15, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

The latest installment of Disney Memory Lane, Vintage Photo edition, includes photos of the Grand Canyon Concourse in the Contemporary Resort in 1986 and an aerial view of the Backlot Studio Tour at the Disney-MGM Studios.

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These Vintage Photos Offer A Glimpse Into Disney Parks’ Past

July 11, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

Vintage Disney photos serve as time machines of sorts, allowing us to return to a simpler time, all the while illustrating just how much things have changed in the Vacation Kingdom of the World and the Happiest Place on Earth over the past 30 or 40 years.

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SAILING WITH DISNEY: PART 4: From Park Attractions To Modes Of Transportation In Florida

May 30, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

In building Disneyland, Disney’s creative staff had to figure out ways to make realistic-looking bodies of water on fertile soil that had supported orange groves for decades; in planning Walt Disney World in Florida, planners had to learn how to manage water in a way that was both efficient and environmentally sound, as well as devise ways to transport guests on the area's waterways.

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SAILING WITH DISNEY, PART 3: The Disneyland Fleet Expands

May 16, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

As if The Rivers of America waterway wasn’t crowded enough in the late 1950s, Walt Disney decided that another large sailing vessel – preferably one of historical significance – should join the fleet. Walt tapped Joe Fowler, Disneyland’s construction supervisor and a retired Navy admiral, to pilot the project.

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