marty sklar News & Updates

Imagineers’ Recent Trip To New Orleans Is Another Example Of Their Boots-On-The-Ground Quest For Authenticity

July 10, 2023 by Chuck Schmidt

One of the most important tools used by the members of Walt Disney Imagineering in creating cutting-edge attractions and adventures is – believe it or not – hitting the road. A recent trip by a group of Disney Imagineers to New Orleans is just another example of the Imagineers' commitment to authenticity.

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Strong Relationships With Major Corporations Have Allowed Disney To Flourish

June 19, 2023 by Chuck Schmidt

The Walt Disney Company has been a money-making juggernaut for decades, what with its theme parks, movies, television shows, a cruise line and Broadway shows. Partnering with Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars more than a decade ago has only solidified the company’s status as a Wall Street darling. But it wasn’t always that way. Thanks to corporate sponsorship during its lean years, Disney has been able to ride out tough financial times.

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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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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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SAILING WITH DISNEY: PART 5: From FriendShips to Floating Cars — Waterborne Options Throughout The Rest of Walt Disney World

June 13, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

Compared to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the watercraft options available at Disney’s other three theme parks are limited at best. Disney Springs, however, is blessed with a boatload of aquatic options.

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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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Making Sense of Things That Don’t Make Sense at Walt Disney World

March 3, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

Taking a deeper dive into why there aren't any more pavilions in World Showcase and why Pandora: The World of Avatar was placed in Animal Kingdom.

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After Nearly Two Decades, Pixar Animation Finally Made It Into Mickey’s PhilharMagic

February 22, 2022 by Chuck Schmidt

The addition of scenes from the movie "Coco" into Mickey's PhilharMagic --now a Disney Animation AND Pixar production -- have given the show a fresh vibe.

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New Book Helps Shine Light on Career of Disney Background Specialist Claude Coats

November 30, 2021 by Chuck Schmidt

With the recent release of David A. Bossert’s Claude Coats: Walt Disney’s Imagineer—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond [The Old Mill Press, 264 Pages, $65] the world will learn about Claude Coats – through indepth text and stunning archival photos – and his amazingly productive career with the Walt Disney Company.

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