Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: Ducky and ‘Lady and the Tramp’
posted on February 17th, 2012 by Greg Ehrbar, Writer/Author, Disney's Yellow Shoes Creative Group
The story of Don Williams might as well be a Disney movie.
“Once upon a time, in a place called Springfield, Massachusetts, there was a young lad named Don Williams, who loved Disney Characters and animated films. His grandmother, who also loved cartoons, bestowed upon him the nickname ‘Ducky,’ for she loved cartoons.
Ducky wished upon many stars, in hopes that someday, somehow, he might actually work for The Walt Disney Company. Well, years went by and soon Ducky was a fine young man. But he fell under the enchantment of banking, becoming a Springfield bank vice-president rather than a Disney artist—though he delighted bank patrons with his annual gallery of superbly rendered Disney Characters and scenes.
One day, Ducky decided to break the enchantment and left the bank for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. But many more years passed as Ducky took jobs in and around the theme parks while pursuing a career in the marketing art department. When his opportunity finally arrived, Ducky was given 90 days to prove himself.
Over thirty years later, Don “Ducky” Williams is the one and only senior character artist at what is now known as Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group. In his remarkable career, he has created thousands of artworks for advertising campaigns, best selling books, online messaging and television programs. And as one of the most beloved Disney Cruise Line onboard presenters, Ducky is sharing his lifelong love of Disney with thousands of fan…all of whom are surely living happily (and Duckily) ever after.”
Every day, as guests pass through any one of the Walt Disney World Resort road entrance arches, they see Character art created by Don “Ducky” Williams. And at Magic Kingdom Park, Ducky’s artwork adorns the walls (and some windows) of Tony’s Town Square Café. Ducky tells us he had fun creating all the art, but he probably had the most fun doing the painting of that “sssssilly” Beaver with Lady and Tramp.
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So, now when you’re enjoying the new Diamond Edition of Walt Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” on Blu-ray and DVD, you’ll also be watching the same film upon which Ducky himself was inspired—as a youth in 1955, then again decades later, studying scenes to create the Tony’s Town Square Café artwork—and today, finding it as fresh and delightful as ever, in breathtaking high definition on Blu-ray.
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Vintage Walt Disney World: Hitting the Slopes at Blizzard Beach Water Park
posted on February 16th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
With winter upon us, it’s a great time to hit the slopes for a little downhill action even if you’re here in Florida visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Only our slopes are beginning to melt away and require a bathing suit for enjoyment, and they were created with a little more help than just Mother Nature.
Spanning over 60 acres, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is home to the one of the nation’s tallest, fastest speed slides, Summit Plummet. But Back in December of 1994, Summit Plummet and the rest of Mt. Gushmore at Disney’s Blizzard Beach was still taking shape.
And while many enjoy taking a trip down the ski slopes up North in January, I like the option of hitting the Downhill Double Dipper at the water park which doesn’t require a hat, scarf and mittens.
Caption This: Flying Saucers at Disneyland Park
posted on February 15th, 2012 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
As we look down the road to one of the new attractions coming to Cars Land, Luigi’s Flying Tires, let’s take a peek in the rear-view-mirror at one of the most talked-about attractions in Disneyland park history: The Flying Saucers.
Now, hold on to your hats and “Caption This!”
Vintage Walt Disney World: Which Attraction Celebrates Valentine’s Day 365 Days Each Year?
posted on February 9th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
There is an attraction at Walt Disney World Resort that celebrates Valentine’s Day every day of the year. Can you think of it? Of course you can. It’s Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom Park.
My first trip to the Carousel of Progress must have been on my second Walt Disney World vacation in 1996, which means, I was unaware that Valentine’s Day wasn’t in the original storyline. I realized this when looking at pictures in our archives a few weeks ago. Notice the flowers, present and card missing in the picture below from 1978.
Valentine’s Day was added (along with Fourth of July and Halloween) to the storyline during the 1993 refresh of the attraction weaving in holidays throughout the entire show.
I often wonder if “Patricia” ever made it to the Valentine’s Day dance in time.
Take a Peek Inside Walt’s Apartment with Diane Disney Miller in the ‘Lady and the Tramp’ Diamond Edition Blu-ray and DVD Combo Packs
posted on February 7th, 2012 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
It’s a place of history and lore here at Disneyland park – a place many people have heard about but few have seen. But your chance is here to take a peek inside Walt Disney’s famous apartment – above the Fire Dept. on Main Street, U.S.A. – with his daughter, Diane Disney Miller!
A special bonus feature on the new Diamond Edition release of “Lady and the Tramp” – available today on Blu-ray and DVD – takes you inside Walt’s apartment as Miller explains the story behind its development and history. Walt Disney was working on the film at the same time he was opening Disneyland park, so “Lady and the Tramp” has its own special place in Disneyland Resort history.
Plus, the “Lady and the Tramp” Diamond Edition includes another special feature: Disney Second Screen, which brings you exclusive digital content through your computer or iPad – including a tour of Walt’s apartment with an interactive VIP tour guide!
Here’s a special sneak peek of Diane Disney Miller’s interview. See the whole thing in the “Lady and the Tramp” Diamond Edition – now available on Blu-ray and DVD!
Vintage Walt Disney World: Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort Marks 20 Years
posted on February 2nd, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the grand opening of Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort. Nestled along the Sassagoula River, this Disney Resort hotel was inspired by picturesque Louisiana and has 2,048 guest rooms, which are split up into two separate areas within the resort – Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend.
The resort’s main building, the Sassagoula Steamboat Company, where you will find guest check-in, Boatwright’s Dining Hall and River Mill Food Court was still under construction back in August 1991.
Later this year, guests will be able to stay like a Disney princess when the Royal Guest Rooms open, adding even more magic to a resort already known for its Southern hospitality.
A Goofy Milestone for Disney Legend Bill Farmer
posted on January 27th, 2012 by Ryan March, Editor, Disney Vacation Club’s Disney Files Magazine
Some kids take offense at being called goofy. Bill Farmer took it as professional advice.
Born with the gift of comedic gab, Bill has turned his ability to channel stars both real and imagined into an illustrious show-business career involving a colorful array of animated characters. None are nearer or dearer to his heart than Goofy, the iconic character to whom Bill has lent his voice for decades.
As this week marks the milestone 25th anniversary of Bill’s career going Goofy, I sat down with the Disney Legend for an interview that’ll appear in a special Goofy-tribute issue of Disney Files Magazine scheduled to begin mailing to Disney Vacation Club members next month.
Here are three of my favorite Bill quotes from our visit:
On his skeptical father-in-law finally respecting Bill’s decision to quit his “real job” to focus on a career in comedy: “Well, fast forward a few years [after landing the Goofy gig], as I’m getting him backstage access to Walt Disney World Resort attractions and inviting him to private parties with celebrities, and the tide definitely turned. I’ll never forget going with him to an event at his church in Melbourne, Fla., and having him introduce me to his friends. Here’s exactly what he said: ‘I’d like you to meet my son-in-law, Bill…and his wife, Jennifer.’ I had arrived!”
On being Goofy at home: “One story that’s quintessentially Goofy unfolded when I was outside our house hanging Christmas lights. To set the scene, you had me, a bunch of tangled lights, a ladder and a pair of thorny rose bushes. Perfect setup for a Goofy moment, and you can probably see where this is going. But I didn’t just slip and fall into a rose bush. That would be too easy. I managed to snag my sweatpants on the first rose bush and fall bare-butted into the second. That, my friend, is taking your work home with you.”
On his favorite film project: “Of all the great projects I’ve been fortunate enough to take on in my career, “A Goofy Movie” has been my absolute favorite… The movie wasn’t just about Goofy’s goofiness. It was about a father struggling to connect with a son who wasn’t so little anymore. I remember taking my son, Austin, to an advance screening of the film for Disney executives in Walt’s old screening room on the lot in Burbank. Austin was pretty little at the time, and he seemed to be a bit shaken as we left the theater. I said, ‘What’s wrong, buddy?’ And he answered, ‘When you and Max were about to go over the waterfall, I thought you were going to die.’ So either we’d created a film of such emotional depth that even my own son had suspended disbelief, or my kid just couldn’t tell the difference between Dad and Goofy.”
On behalf of all Disney fans, Disney Vacation Club congratulates Bill on 25 years of the goofiest career in Hollywood.
Vintage Walt Disney World: IllumiNations Blasts Off at Epcot
posted on January 26th, 2012 by Nate Rasmussen, Archivist, Marketing Resource Center
While nighttime at Epcot has become synonymous with watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth around World Showcase Lagoon, it wasn’t until Jan. 30, 1988, that the original IllumiNations made its debut.
When IllumiNations was first performed, it was described as a nighttime spectacle that captured the glitter of Times Square, the fantasy of Paris at night and the splendor of Piccadilly in an international music and light show.
This first version of IllumiNations used 13 special-effects projectors (as seen above in the Germany Pavilion), 11 searchlights, 12 wire/mesh grids (as seen below in the France Pavilion), 180 nozzles which created the fountains, 783 fireworks pieces, and 550 theatrical lights – that’s enough to stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge more than six times.
Over the last 24 years there have been three different versions of IllumiNations performed, and even today, an Epcot evening isn’t complete without the spectacular ending of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth to close out the night.
Exclusive Interview: Lesley Ann Warren Celebrates Her Disney Roots at Disneyland Park
posted on January 23rd, 2012 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Lesley Ann Warren recently visited Disneyland park with her family and there was something special I thought she would like to see in New Orleans Square. Costume sketches from the 1967 Disney film, “The Happiest Millionaire,” in which she made her motion picture debut, have been added to the art collection on display inside Club 33 and we arranged for her to come take a look and share some of her own special Disney memories.
Lesley Ann and her family were greeted warmly by Mickey Mouse when they arrived. Then, in the middle of all the hugs and laughter, she caught a glimpse of the costume sketches hanging on the wall behind her and instantly recognized her character, Cordy, in the upper left corner, excitedly telling her family, “That’s me! This was my very first movie!”
Sketches of Bill Thomas’ Academy Award-nominated Costume Design aren’t the only nod to “The Happiest Millionaire” inside Club 33. Emil Kuri, who personally helped Walt Disney select antiques and decorative items for the Club, was also the Set Decorator on the film, so it should come as no surprise that the telephone booth in the Club was adapted directly from the one in the Biddle’s foyer from the movie. While the phone booth in the movie appears larger than the one in Club 33, certain pieces such as the beveled glass windows and parts of the carved wood molding are identical, and were most likely taken from the original film prop.
Lesley Ann graciously agreed to sit down with me for a brief chat about her memories of making “The Happiest Millionaire,” working with Walt Disney, and of her (almost) first visit to Disneyland park.
George Savvas: What was it like to be cast by Walt Disney in your first film?
Lesley Ann Warren: When I did “The Happiest Millionaire,” I had a two-week Hollywood screen test with costumes and make-up and hair and learning the choreography and the music and the songs and then he (Walt Disney) picked me to do this which was an incredible honor.
George Savvas: What were your impressions of Walt Disney?
Lesley Ann Warren: He was the ultimate. He was very quiet on the set when he would visit, but you always knew when he was there. He knew everything – he knew what color hair ribbon I had on, as well as what they were serving in the commissary, as well as what the animators were doing with their projects, I mean his influence and inspiration and taste, was everywhere. I was invited to his home for dinner one night with his wife and some of the cast. I was so awe struck I don’t think I said three words during the whole evening!
George Savvas: After “The Happiest Millionaire” you had another project with Disney, and that was during a difficult time at the Studio. What can you tell me about that period?
Lesley Ann Warren: I was under contract to Walt Disney and the Studio, and I was supposed to do my second film which was, “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band,” and he passed away just before we began. It was an enormous tragedy, obviously for the world, but for those of us who were so involved with him, the loss of him put a pall over everything. There was such a sadness, you know, it was pervasive, but because we were all so dedicated to fulfilling his vision we threw ourselves into the making of that second film and had a glorious time in the making of it because we were carrying on his tradition.
George Savvas: What was your first Disney film premiere like?
Lesley Ann Warren: I mean it was a crazy time for me. They did this monumental opening for “The Happiest Millionaire” with a red carpet down the entire Hollywood Boulevard starting from Highland to the Pantages. We arrived in carriages you know the same kind of carriages that were in the film. It was so much for such a young girl.
George Savvas: Do you remember the first time you visited one of our parks?
Lesley Ann Warren: I remember my first experience coming here to Disneyland. I was married to Jon Peters at the time. I was making “The Happiest Millionaire,” and we got invited to come to Disneyland, and they wouldn’t let him in because his hair was too long! (Laughs)
They wouldn’t let him in and he was, you know, very stubborn. He wouldn’t pull his hair back. He wouldn’t cut his hair, so it was an interesting conversation that ensued, but, yeah, that was my very first time! (Laughs)
About 10 years ago, you did a musical celebration here honoring Walt Disney’s birthday and I was here for that. Of course I’ve been back many, many times, but that was also a wonderful memory for me because I brought my whole family and we stayed at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
George Savvas: What memories are you looking forward to making during this visit?
Lesley Ann Warren: Well, I’m here with my husband and his daughter and her fiancé and his two young children, so… we want to do everything! This is the little ones’ first time at Disneyland, so we’re seeing it through their eyes. It’s really exciting.
Reimagined Disneyland Hotel Evokes History, Nostalgia
posted on January 20th, 2012 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
A landmark since 1955, the Disneyland Hotel has been a place where celebrities and dignitaries have flocked, and today we celebrate the completion of its largest renovation.
This morning, cast members gathered to celebrate yet another milestone in this exciting time of expansion and growth for Disneyland Resort.
For more than two years, Imagineers and cast members have worked to reinvigorate the hotel with Disneyland history and heritage. From the pool to the restaurant and bar, the rooms and the exterior, and the re-theming of each tower, the reimagined hotel makes for a unique family experience.
The Fantasy Tower lobby now showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to “it’s a small world.” In addition to the scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad adorning the lobby, the Frontier Tower comes alive with a geyser and waterfall that pay tribute to the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland, a 1960s Disneyland park attraction. At the Adventure Tower, guests can now see the Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design, and the exterior of all three towers features an energy efficient, sky blue reflective glass.
Check out my post about Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar and Tangaroa Terrace, two delicious eateries you’ll want try and Erin’s post about the new pool, a fun tropical hideaway right here in Anaheim.
Hope to see you at the Disneyland Hotel soon!
