Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Disney's Fantasia began production as a short called The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Because of the effort and costs, the Disney brothers realized that they could never make their costs back if they released it as a short. It was decided that a "Concert Feature" should be made.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Journey Into Imagination Generations
Journey Into Imagination, the attraction located within The Imagination! Pavilion at the Epcot, has been through three incarnations since its 1983 opening. All three of them featured a purple dragon named Figment.
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Special Commemorative Medal Honoring Walt E. Disney at the White House
On March 25, 1969, U.S. President Richard Nixon presents Lillian Disney with a special Commemorative Medal (authorized by Congress) honoring her late husband Walt.
The medal, designed by C. Robert Moore of Walt Disney Productions and struck by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, bears a likeness of Walt Disney on one side and Mickey Mouse on the other. The presentation takes place in the State Dining Room at the White House. Among the guests are some 200 third and fourth grade Washington, D.C. area schoolchildren.
"Mrs. Disney, members of the Disney family, ladies and gentlemen, and all of our younger guests here today. Many ceremonies are held in this White House, but none that I think will have more meaning to all of us, young and old, than this one today, because it is my great privilege to present to Mrs. Walt Disney, on behalf of the Congress of the United States, by reason of a joint resolution, and on behalf of all the people of the United States and, I think, of the world, a gold medal; a gold medal honoring Walt Disney for his service through so many years not only to the people of the United Sates, but to the people of the world."
-President Nixon
"I am very grateful to be here, and to see all of you wonderful children who knew him and loved him, too. I think this is a wonderful time in our life. Thank you."
-Lillian Disney
17 years later, on March 25, 1986, Walt Disney World welcomes Don McGrath - the 500 millionth guest to enter a Disney park!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Iwerks Entertainment and the Film Projection Systems for Disney parks
Don Iwerks (the son of legendary Disney animator Ub Iwerks) is the co-founder of Iwerks Entertainment. He has been associated with many accomplishments, including the 360-degree CircleVision camera and projection systems that he worked on with his father. Don's department designed and manufactured hundreds of unique film projection systems for Disney theme parks such as Disney's Star Tours simulator.
Monday, March 21, 2011
"It's a Small World" Tune by the Sherman Brothers
Disney's It's a Small World attraction was originally supposed to feature a medley of national anthems from countries represented. But the result would've been a cacophony of noise. So it was decided that the Sherman Brother's catchy tune would be used throughout the attraction instead.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Pirates of the Caribbean
Opening on March 18, 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean represented Disneyland's largest Audio-Animatronic project to date.
ºoº The name on the coat of arms hanging over the Treasure Room finale scene reads Marco Daviso, an obvious reference to the artist and character designer who lent the attraction all of its great sight gags.
ºoº Pirates features the oldest continuously running example of the MAPO Flicker, a special-effects dimmer mimicking the look of a candle or torch. It was developed by Roger Broggie, head of MAPO, WDI's Manufacturing & Production Organization. MAPO also refers to Mary Poppins, the film that provided the original funding for the group.
ºoº The Auctioneer is voiced by Paul Frees - The Ghost Host at the Haunted Mansion and the original narrator for The Hall of Presidents.
ºoº The Auctioneer is voiced by Paul Frees - The Ghost Host at the Haunted Mansion and the original narrator for The Hall of Presidents.
ºoº Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean features two drops rather than WDW's one. While both are required to move Guests out below the Park's railroad tracks, the Florida version cannot go as deep because of the extremely high water table in the area.
ºoº
ºoº Marcio Disney Family Sites Network ºoº
Disney's Dream Makers
Disney Picture of the Day
Vinylmation of the Day
Disney Fun Fact of the Day
Today's Past in Disney History
This Day in Disney Parks History
Disney Tales [5 Weekly tales]
The Disney History
Marcio Disney Blog
Disney Pin of the Day
Marcio Disney Digital Media
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Japanese Downtown Disney
Tokyo Disney Resort's shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is called Ikspiari (the Japanese equivalent of the Downtown Disney complexes at the U.S. parks).
Take a look at how beautiful is The Disney Store at Ikspiari:
Here's the link to the official Ikspiari site: http://www.ikspiari.com/
Some other pictures fro Ikspiari
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