Tag: Disney history

During its four-year run, Holidayland gave guests a Disneyland experience right outside the fabled berm

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
An aerial view shows Holidayland during its heyday, right outside the berm at Disneyland. Much has been written about the berm at Disneyland … those large mounds of dirt, cleverly placed foliage and other inconspicuous obstacles which keep Disney guests from seeing the outside world, effectively insulating them from reality. As Disney Legend John Hench … Continue reading "During its four-year run, Holidayland gave guests a Disneyland experience right outside the fabled berm"
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Through the decades, the Magic Kingdom has remained true to Walt Disney’s vision

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The fabled photo of Walt Disney World’s cast members in front of Cinderella Castle, taken a few weeks before opening day in 1971. [Life Magazine/Yale Joel] Remember the first time you visited Walt Disney World? I certainly do. It was in November of 1972 during the Thanksgiving break, a little more than a year after … Continue reading "Through the decades, the Magic Kingdom has remained true to Walt Disney’s vision"
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The Disneyland Pancake Race

Posted on by Gary Cruise
Six decades ago Disneyland was brand new! The Disney Corporation had invested heavily in its construction and they were rumored to be overextended. The senior management team was constantly trying new ways to attract guests to the park and increase revenues. That big pile of debt had to be repaid! Fortunately, Disney Studios had several … Continue reading "The Disneyland Pancake Race"
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With a tinge of sadness, Ryman Arts carries on with a ‘Celebrating Marty Sklar’ fund-raiser

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Juliana Hansen, accompanied by Nelson Kole, sings “A Kiss Goodnight” for the guests at the Celebrating Marty Sklar fund-raiser for Ryman Arts. [Courtesy of Ryman Arts] During dinner at the Ryman Arts fund-raiser in the Hollywood Hills home of Marty and Leah Sklar on Sept. 16, guests were asked to write down words of inspiration … Continue reading "With a tinge of sadness, Ryman Arts carries on with a ‘Celebrating Marty Sklar’ fund-raiser"
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Disney’s participation at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair was a pivotal moment for the company

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The endearing dolls in the it’s a small world attraction at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. [Chuck Schmidt collection] Before there was Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland or Shanghai Disneyland, there was just little, ol’ Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Although Walt Disney detested doing sequels to his movies, he … Continue reading "Disney’s participation at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair was a pivotal moment for the company"
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When a ‘hard freeze’ hit Walt Disney World in 1989, cast members turned to faux plants along Jungle Cruise

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
During the hard freeze of 1989 in Florida, most of the vegetation along the Jungle Cruise died, forcing Disney to bring in plastic stand-ins. [AllEars.Net] The term “hard freeze” sends shivers up and down the spines of anyone in Florida associated with plant life. When the temperature dips below 32 degrees and stays that way … Continue reading "When a ‘hard freeze’ hit Walt Disney World in 1989, cast members turned to faux plants along Jungle Cruise"
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