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Tom Morrow, Mot Worrom and Mr. Johnson

2011-10-09T04:05:43Z

Here's good ol' Mr. Johnson, from Mission to Mars. Before Mr. Johnson was helping people travel to Mars, he was Tom Morrow, also voiced by George Walsh, helping people fly to the moon. Today's Tom Morrow is the robot, voiced by Nathan Lane, that greets you as you enter Disneyland's Innoventions. The character of Tom Morrow, had also been heard being paged in "Star Tours." If you listen closely in "Star Tours" today, you'll still hear his name, but now it's backwards! Mot Worrom!

Do you know Orange Bird?

2011-10-06T04:33:53Z

Although much has been written recently about Walt Disney World's 40th anniversary, a Disney character also celebrated his 40th on October 1st. Orange Bird was introduced at Magic Kingdom, where he was seen at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland. Here's a fun article from 1971 that tells the "story" of Orange Bird!

Walt Disney World turns 40 today!

2011-10-01T17:02:16Z

On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World opened its gates officially for the first time. While the grand-opening festivities occurred later that month, today is indeed a day of historical significance… the 40th anniversary of that magic day when the public was able to experience a Disney Resort as it began its journey to become the premier family destination in the world.

9/11 - "We Go On"

2011-09-11T16:57:06Z

Don Dorsey wrote the lyrics to "We Go On" for the finale of Epcot's "Reflection's of Earth," which made its debut the year before 9/11. I believe his lyrics are even more powerful now.

We go on to the joy and through the tears.

We go on to discover new frontiers.

Moving on with the current of the years.

We go on moving forward, now as one.

Moving on with a spirit born to run.

Ever on with each rising sun.

To a new day

We go on.

My first day working for Disney

2011-09-08T02:07:12Z

This is the day it all began for me with Disney, March 28, 1988. I was hired as a production assistant in Walt Disney Television Animation and was to work on a series called "Magic Kingdom," in which Disney's classic characters would board a Disney park attraction, such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Haunted Mansion," and they would be transported into real-life adventures. While that show never got off the drawing board, so to speak, I ended up working on the second season of "DuckTales."

Also in this photo is TV Animation producer Bob Taylor. One of my favorite memories of Bob is that we both had heard about this "Disney Morgue," which housed all the original artwork from Disney's animated features. Bob and I took a trip over to the Morgue and were greeted by Leroy Anderson, the man who ran it. Leroy was a kind gentleman and I think he enjoyed our enthusiasm. He pulled out entire sequences of pencil drawing animation from classic films, and even original backgrounds from "Lady and the Tramp." I remember Bob pointing out to me how they were all designed from the perspective of a dog, low to the ground.

Also in our orientation group was Tom Schumacher who went on to head up Disney Feature Animation and later Disney Theatrical Productions.

For me, this day began a life's journey that I am so happy to be on.

Disneyland Ambassadors of the past

2011-09-07T20:30:00Z

All of these ladies have been a Disneyland Ambassador, and each has kindly shared their stories with me. Pictured are Leona Dombroske Ross (1979), Christina Schendel Walker (1976), Kathleen Mitts Micalizzi (1993), Willie Vander Zwaag Burckle (1981) and Mindy Wilson Fisher (1983).

The first time a Disneyland Ambassador was chosen was in 1962, and the Ambassador program that continues today began in 1965. According to a 1973 brochure, the Ambassador was to serve as “an official spokeswoman for the entire Disney organization, and representing Disneyland while hosting VIPs, participating in special events and celebrations and traveling throughout the United States and foreign countries.”

It was a pleasure getting the chance to interview each of these wonderful Ambassadors and I look forward to sharing their stories with you in the future.

Look for this in the Golden Horseshoe!

2011-09-06T15:14:18Z

Recently I had the honor of being hired by Disneyland for my archival knowledge as they planned a special tribute to Wally Boag and Betty Taylor, both of whom starred in Disneyland's long-running "Golden Horseshoe Revue." Wally was in the show from 1955 to 1982, and he passed away on June 3, 2011. Betty was in the show from 1956 to 1986 and amazingly passed away a day after Wally on June 4. In 2007, the third member of the group, Fulton Burley passed away. He performed in the show from 1962 to 1986.

At our tribute, Disneyland president George Kalogridis presented the families of Wally, Betty and Fulton with replicas of a special poster featuring the likenesses of each. The original poster would soon hang in the Horseshoe to pay tribute to these three Disney superstars.

Following the tribute, a special tribute for former cast and crew of the show was held inside the Golden Horseshoe, reuniting some for the first time in decades. The poster was on display as pictured here, and hangs in the Golden Horseshoe as a daily reminder to all Guests of the immensely talented trio who delighted audiences in every one of their tens of thousands performances.

Retired pirate

2011-07-06T19:52:00Z

If this pirate looks familiar to you, it might not be that you've seen him in the Pirates of Caribbean as pictured here. This Audio Animatronics figure got his start in Florida in the World of Motion attraction at Epcot, as a seafaring explorer staring through his telescope at a sea serpent, who was staring right back.

When the attraction closed, a few of the figures debuted in Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland in 1997. This guy not only was hoisting treasure up the final lift, but grunting in tune with the Yo Ho song.

In 2007, when Captain Jack Sparrow debuted in the attraction, this pirate got shanghaied out of there.

Walt Disney, the dad

2011-06-19T16:16:15Z

For Father's Day today I thought I'd post something about a Disney dad, and then I thought, what better "Disney dad" than Walt Disney himself. After all, he created Disneyland because he'd go to a park with his daughters and didn't feel completely fulfilled, he wanted a place where parents and children could have fun together. His dream continues to live on with Disneyland, Walt Disney World, other international Disney Resorts and the Disney Cruise Line.

Here's a newspaper clipping, of Walt Disney, proud father.

The Main Street Electrical parade anniversary

2011-06-18T00:16:00Z

Did you know that the Main Street Electrical Parade debuted at Disneyland on this day in 1972? Described perfectly by Disneyland Vice President of Entertainment Bob Jani, it's a “spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination, in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds… the Main Street Electrical Parade!” When it was originally used, that phrase was spoken by Disneyland announcer Jack Wagner, it wasn't the melodic synthesized version of Jack that continues to be heard today at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Two Disney greats have passed away

2011-06-05T18:12:00Z

On June 3, Wally Boag passed away, and the following day, Betty Taylor. From 1956 until 1982, the two co-starred in Disneyland's "Golden Horseshoe Revue," the show that has the distinction of having had more performances than any other show in entertainment history.

Wally, a former vaudeville performer, began with the show in 1955 and left in 1982. He is best known for his routine of spitting out his "teeth" at the end of the performance. Wally was also instrumental in helping Walt to bring humor to his attractions. He not only helped write the script for the "Enchanted Tiki Room," but he is the voice of Jose, the bird emcee. Wally also traveled the world to entertain the troops and to promote Disney film releases.

Betty began with the Horseshoe in 1956 and remained until the very last performance in 1986. Starting her singing career at the age of 12, she went on to sing with Frank Sinatra and other legends. Along with Wally, she brought the "Golden Horseshoe Revue" around the country, including an historical performance at the White House. For the carousel theater attraction in Disneyland, "America Sings," Betty provided the voice of the beautiful singing pig, belting out "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey"?

The two passed away within a day of each other. Wally at the age of 90, Betty at 91.

To see Betty's last interview and rare photos and videos of each, please visit my site at:
http://www.mouseclubhouse.com/Interviews/betty-taylor/betty-taylor.htm

http://www.mouseclubhouse.com/Interviews/wally-boag/wally-boag.htm

Exciting times at Disney California Adventure

2011-04-19T15:41:00Z

It's getting pretty exciting around Disney California Adventure! Work is progressing nicely on the all-new entrance and Buena Vista Street, the new Cars Land, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure, Goofy's Sky School and the new food court - and lots more!

Bambi Easter basket giveaway

2011-04-13T16:50:00Z

I'm giving away a Bambi-themed Easter basket. For details and to enter, visit:
http://www.mouseclubhouse.com/misc/2011/04-13-11-bambi-giveaway.htm

TRIVIA: Do you know where you can hear an entire Bambi medley somewhere in Disneyland?

The next time you are in Fantasyland, listen to the beautiful music while you are waiting to board the Storybook Land attraction and you might hear the Bambi medley!

Mr. Toad's wild devils

2011-04-05T03:41:00Z

Did you know... if you listen closely at the end of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland, you can hear one of the devils coughing from the "smoke."

See Walt Disney's wife's favorite carousel horse

2011-03-29T03:21:00Z

The next time you visit Disneyland, you can see Lillian Disney's favorite horse on King Arthur Carrousel. How will you know which one it is? Simply look for the only horse with a gold tooth!

A great big beautiful familiar voice

2011-03-26T21:30:00Z

Did you know... in the Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom, listen to the grandfather in the final scene. His voice is that of singing cowboy Rex Allen, who was the original Father in the World's Fair & Disney versions of the attraction. He also provided the narration for many of Disney's nature-themed films.

Disneyland Candy Palace - smells nice!

2011-03-25T19:00:00Z

Next time you're in Disneyland, walk by the Candy Palace and look at the building, look down, close to the ground. You will see a round grate. This was placed there to help blow out some sweet smells to entice you to visit!

Did you know... Country Bear Jamboree

2011-03-24T16:46:00Z

Did you know... Big Al in the "Country Bear Jamboree" is actually a caricature of Disney artist Al Bertino, for whom the big bruin is also named for.

The Disney Dream!

2011-02-14T21:25:00Z

I had such a fantastic time aboard the Disney Dream with Mickey Vacations! Disney Dream could not be better named! It's almost hard to describe the amazing Disney experience.

Below are a few photos, and I invite you to see more photos at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42304&id=118982918133998

They are on the Mickey Vacations facebook page, but you don't need to join to view them.

SEA ya real soon!

The Magic, The Memories and You!

2011-02-10T18:55:00Z

Here's a photograph I took of the new "The Magic, The Memories and You!" show in Walt Disney World at the Magic Kingdom. This was my favorite of many designs that appeared on the castle. I'll soon take some photos at "it's a small world" where the show is appearing in Disneyland, too!