Tag: Disney history

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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The History of EPCOT – A Timeline

Posted on by Gary Cruise
I’m a big fan of Disney’s Imagineers! They do a terrific job. One of the things that continually impresses me is the little details that they build into the theme parks, sometimes in the most unusual places. Some of them are right in the middle of high traffic areas yet people walk right past and … Continue reading "The History of EPCOT – A Timeline"
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This blogger’s been busy: Two new books recently released

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The entrance to Disneyland Park in France goes under the Disneyland Hotel. [Ginny Osborne] When my first book was published, I had what can be best described as a George McFly moment. You remember the scene from Back to the Future: Surrounded by his family, George proudly opens a box containing copies of his newly … Continue reading "This blogger’s been busy: Two new books recently released"
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Yo Ho Yo Ho — 50 Years of Piracy

Posted on by Gary Cruise
Today is a special day in Disney history! It was 50 years ago today that one of Disney’s most popular attractions opened! On March 18, 1967 guests at Disneyland were able to take their first ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. ♫ ♪ Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! ♫ ♪ At … Continue reading "Yo Ho Yo Ho — 50 Years of Piracy"
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The Big Red Boat

Posted on by Gary Cruise
Way back in the mists of time, in the long lost days of yore, before there was a Disney Cruise Line, avid Disney fans sailed with a cast of Disney characters on The Big Red Boat! Premier Cruise Lines, which operated the Big Red Boat, was formed in 1983 by two veterans in the cruise … Continue reading "The Big Red Boat"
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Documentary shows how Bob Gurr created so many classic Disney attractions

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Bob Gurr holds a copy of his book, “Design: Just For Fun,” after its release. [Ape Pen Publishing] If there’s such a thing as a blueprint for an exciting, fun-filled, never-a-dull-moment retirement, Bob Gurr seems to have created it. Which, in a way, makes perfect sense, since Gurr is the man responsible for creating so … Continue reading "Documentary shows how Bob Gurr created so many classic Disney attractions"
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Charlie Ridgway and Rick Sylvain: Two Disney PR guys with the “write” stuff

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Rick Sylvain, left, and his former boss, Charlie Ridgway, crossed paths in England several years ago. As Rick puts it: “This was taken in 2007 after a travel writers’ convention in Manchester, England. Two friends and I were getting our rental van serviced deep in the English countryside. Who do we run across on that … Continue reading "Charlie Ridgway and Rick Sylvain: Two Disney PR guys with the “write” stuff"
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Remembering Walt

Posted on by Gary Cruise
Fifty years ago today, December 15, 1966, the world lost a great man! His life story has been well documented and I’m sure that those of you reading this are as familiar with his background and his achievements as I am. But on this special day, let’s pause briefly and reflect on the life of … Continue reading "Remembering Walt"
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Chess Men at the Haunted Mansion

Posted on by Gary Cruise
Here’s another little tidbit of Disney lore that Carol and I were told by a cast member during a behind the scenes tour . . . it explains those odd objects on the roof of the Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The story the guide told us began in California back in … Continue reading "Chess Men at the Haunted Mansion"
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