Seems like we were just celebrating Disneyland Paris’ 15th Anniversary. But five years have indeed raced by and now we’re on the doorstep of the 3rd decade for the park. They’d better make it count, Disney’s themeparks are known for needing some extra maintenance once… Read More »Disneyland Paris to celebrate 20th Anniversary with New Parade, Show
(left to right) Charles Ridgway, Forrest Bahruth, Heather Will-Browne, Darlene Kennedy, Kevin Myers.
On October 1st, 2011 I had the immense privilege to interview four Magic Kingdom opening day cast members. Each brings their own interesting stories and passion for making the magic.
Author Charles Ridgway, former Director of Walt Disney World Public Relations and Disney Legend for four decades of service to “the Mouse” (Hometown: Chicago) – Before moving from California to head the Walt Disney World publicity staff, Charlie Ridgway worked for Walt Disney himself at Disneyland in Anaheim, where he hosted media interviews and set up photo shoots with Walt and Mickey. When the Magic Kingdom first opened, Ridgway says, there was still some tweaking and problem solving to do. The parking lot trams “didn’t have enough power to go up the hill to the Ticket and Transportation Center arrival area,” he recalls. “There was lots of construction yet to go, wires hanging, walls not finished.” And he remembers the Flag Retreat ceremony brought to the Magic Kingdom from Disneyland: each evening a flock of pigeons flew in a white cloud from Town Square to Cinderella Castle and back. “Walt liked to say at Disneyland, ‘If you have pigeons and balloons, you can’t go wrong.’ Park officials eventually ended the tradition out of concern for the birds and the environment.
Three more below the jump:
Read More »Walt Disney World Cast Members Share Opening Day Memories
(click to embiggen)
The 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom was punctuated by big moments at the start and end of the day with long lines for everything in between. Since Disney has chosen to ignore the anniversary in favor of a more bland promotional strategy, my expectations for the October 1st activities were quite low. Indeed, up to 3 days before the event I was told there wouldn’t even be a press event. But at the last minute, things came together and it was actually a decent show.
The morning started early for guests looking to line up for merchandise. Which had its own transportation challenges since there is no transport from the TTC at 6AM. If you entered early enough in the day you got a special map like the above and a 40th anniversary button. Both very nice. Both were essentially gone by 3pm. (click to embiggen)
Video highlights of the morning and more photos below the jump:
Today marks the big 40 for Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom. I’m out and about today trying to soak in as much of the atmosphere and celebration there is today. Disney is putting on a small bit of a show today, but there… Read More »Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary is Today!
Project XL: The World at 40 is not about your shirt size, but rather is the latest in a series of fun fan organized events by the group WDW Celebrations. This one centers around the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which is now less… Read More »Fan Led Walt Disney World 40th Celebration – Project XL
Another milestone anniversary has just been celebrated at Disneyland. The self-proclaimed “World’s Most Exciting Hotel” has just turned 55. When it opened the Disneyland Hotel was the first major hotel in Orange County. Things have changed a bit since then. Taken in 1961, the photo… Read More »Disneyland Hotel turns 55
The Walt Disney Family Museum is celebrating its first anniversary by asking What Would Walt Do? Specifically they want you, to channel your inner-Walt and create a promotional video for the museum then upload it to Youtube. The best videos will win prizes, including a trip to the museum and a private tour.
Here’s a video they’ve released with more information:
More details on the promotional contest below the jump:
Read More »Walt Disney Family Museum Hosts YouTube Contest for 1st Anniversary
A few updates related to The Disney Blog. Today is the 6th Anniversary of the first post on this blog. It’s been a long and fun journey that I hope continues for many more years. Running this blog has allowed me to meet many readers,… Read More »Backstage at the blog