If you love classic cars, Disney movies, music and a chance to go back to the fabulous ’50s, then downtown Disney was the place to be on Father’s Day weekend. This popular event, now in its third year showcases amazing classic, modern and tricked out trucks by the Muscle Car Network of Central Florida. The cars are in and around Downtown Disney’s Westside, AMC24 Theaters and the New Splitsville area. In addition to “everything” cars, there was an award for Best in Show with over 150 beautiful restored and stock vehicles.  There were meet ‘n greets with Characters from Cars and Cars 2, with Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile.

New for this year, at “Splitsville” the new Luxury bowling Lanes was the first Car Masters “Sock Hop” This ticked event included special appearances by Automotive designer Chip Foose and Filmmaker Jay Ward (Disney-Pixar “Cars” movies”) a buffet, bar, a bowling competition, raffle prizes and live entertainment. Throughout the weekend, Chip Foose and Jay Ward hosted chat shows. Chip was also be available for autograph sessions, and at one session he was drawing custom cars on the back of fans shirts and signing them, the crowd just loved it. In addition to Chip’s merchandise, there was a ton of “Cars” themed merchandise for purchase, food vendor trucks and of course, all the great eateries that Downtown Disney is famous for, and there are select discounts for food and merchandise.

On top of the above entertainment, families had a chance to enjoy a double-feature all day marathon of “Cars” and “Cars Two” at the AMC 24 Theater. Take pictures of your family with their favorite Cars Stars, Mater, Lighting McQueen and Finn McMissile. Herbie the Love Bug is also on the promenade. Over at the Chevrolet Showcase, you could get your picture with some of the newest models and see firsthand all the new and exciting technological breakthroughs on the automotive scene.

Making their first Car Masters debut this year were artists from La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil, and with a DJ spinning those oldies and classic tunes, the Car Masters singers, it was a great way to spend Father’s Day weekend at Disney. Saturday’s first day was a huge hit, the only downer was a bit of Florida rain, but that did not dampen anyone’s fun time. Enjoy the pics of some of these amazing cars.

Rebel forces and Imperial Storm troopers again roam Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Star Wars Weekends. This weekend – June 7-9 – is the last weekend for 2013′s event.  Held here annually at the Studios since 2003, George Lucas’ universe is now firmly in Disney hands, since Disney acquired the franchise from 68 year old creator, George Lucas in 2012 for the princely sum of 4 billion dollars in monies and stock options. This includes Industrial Light and Magic, Skywalker Sound and Lucas Arts. And that just makes this year’s Star Wars Weekend better than ever for legions of fans, knowing that Disney will keep the “Force” going for future generations to enjoy.

Along with a gaggle of Jawas’, Ewoks’ Wookies, you will encounter Darth Vader, C-3P0, R2-D2 and get a chance to purchase Star Wars Memorabilia at “Darth’s Mall” Darth’s Mall is located behind Rock ‘N Rollercoaster in a huge tent, which houses a wonderful collection of everything Star Wars. A huge mock-up of the Rancor is on display along with a chance to get your face on a “Star Wars” action figure. Fans can get personalized nametags, their pictures on official Star Wars posters and much more. There is an amazing “Return of the Jedi” 30^th anniversary posters made of Legos; a “Darth Maul” Donald Duck, even “Peg Leg Pete” is on display. For the kids, there is an “Angry Birds” Star Wars experience game At the concession stand, you can even choose between the “Force” or “Dark Side” themed drinks.

 There is a Star Wars art gallery with some of the most stunning art pieces of all your favorite Star Wars characters for purchase. This in addition to the Vinylmations, clothing, figurines and everything else, it is a Star Wars fans’ mecca. As in the past, visit the Imperial Sector of the park, the Premiere Theater where you can listen as Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano talks about the art of “Voice Acting” Also at the Theater, the Star Wars Weekend host James Arnold Taylor hosts a 30 minute Star Wars talk show. You can catch an “Ewoks Tale” a fascinating and humorous presentation by Warwick Davis as he recants his acting career.  James Arnold Taylor also hosts a show delving into the art of Voice Acting. Check you times guide for show times.  

Over at the “Rebel Base” (Sorcerer’s Hat Stage) enjoy the “Padawan Mind Challenge” interactive trivia game. At the end of the day, “Hyperspace Hoopla” another fan favorite where you’re favorite Star Wars characters performs in a number of musical numbers. All around Echo Lake at select times meet and greet more of your favorite celebrity’s and get an autograph. The Jedi Training academy is in full swing next to the Star Tours Attractions, where the Jedi Council welcomes “Younglings” to train as a Jedi Knight. And do not forget about the “Legends of the Force” Motorcade with more Star Wars celebrities, characters and the famous 501^st Legion, Florida Garrison parading by in full regalia. In and around the Studios Backlot Tour area, you can interact with many members of the Dark Side, Around Star Tours, meet and mingle with members of the Rebel alliance.

Celebrity appearances around Echo Lake include…Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok), Sam Witwer (Voice of Darth Maul) and Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar). Please note that Fastpass tickets are required in order to obtain autographs. They are limited and are distributed on a first come, first served basis. This years’ event as in the past is a wonderful way to share your love of Star Wars with fellow fans. Many fans come in costume as their favorite character and these costumes are just amazing. Some of these costumes look like they came right off the movie screen.  Only one more weekend to go, until next year’s Star Wars Weekends. 

Princess Merida! What a great addition to the Disney Princesses. Brave is a wonderful movie and does a nice job of showcasing Merida’s strengths and vulnerabilities all at once. With her beautiful and wild red hair and feisty personality, she has become a favorite of many Disney fans.  Merida’s handsome black and white Clydesdale horse is also her best friend and loyal companion. For the riddle this month, can you tell me his name? The prize this month is a reusable Disney tote.

Submit your answer to ddlriddle@thedisneydrivenlife.com by midnight, June 30th for a chance to win. Please do not post the answer on the disneydrivenlife site! Best of luck and may the Will ‘O The Wisps lead you to the treasure.

The Crystal Palace is a Winnie the Pooh and friends character buffet located just past Main Street U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom.  The restaurant is inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s and brims with light, topiaries and tropical palms.  I was very surprised by how beautiful it was!  Despite being very busy, we were seated right away. Our server was very friendly and helpful.  In my opinion, he was one of our best servers from our trip.

            The characters of The Crystal Palace were my favorite.  They were the most interactive and acted just as you expected their characters to be.  Tigger was bouncy and energetic.  Winnie the Pooh was sweet.  He gave lots of hugs and kisses.  Piglet was shy and seemed nervous to meet everyone.  Eeyore was very depressed and moped around.  Although I have heard that Rabbit sometimes makes appearances as well, we did not see him.  Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for this meal.  These characters take breaks very often so it does take them a while to make it to each and every table.

            The food at The Crystal Palace was my least favorite.  It was typical buffet food.  Nothing really stood out.  Selections included sirloin, rotisserie chicken, Atlantic salmon, peel-and-eat shrimp, turkey, mashed potatoes, chicken nuggets, and pizza.  I expected a lot better food considering how beautiful the restaurant was and how wonderful the character interaction was.

            After we left The Crystal Palace, people were beginning to line up on Main Street U.S.A. for the Main Street Electrical Parade.  We were able to get great spots to view the parade!  It was the perfect restaurant to be at in the evening!

Alexia is a fan of all things Disney, especially the food, and an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida.  When Alexia isn’t helping plan magical vacations you can find her on Facebook or Twitter.  You can also contact her at alexia@destinationsinflorida.com.

ANAHEIM, Calif. and LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 25, 2013) – Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will kick off a Monstrous Summer by keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours nonstop on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season.

The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in California will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time* marking the beginning of a summer of fun inspired by the upcoming Disney•Pixar comedy adventure Monsters University.

The oversized fun of a 24-hour Disney park “All-Nighter” called for an equally epic announcement, and the huge sphere of Spaceship Earth was transformed from Disney Parks icon to Disney^●Pixar “Eye-con,” becoming a 180-foot-tall, fully animated Mike Wazowski, the loveable green-bodied, one-eyed monster who joins best pal James P. Sullivan (“Sulley”) in the prequel toMonsters, Inc., this summer as college students with hopes of becoming Scarers.

Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis joined Mike to share the news of the first-ever, three-park All-Nighter.

“This summer, Disney Parks are bursting with a monstrous lineup of new thrills, shows and happenings,” said Kalogridis. “Guests can start Memorial Day Weekend with a 24-hour-marathon of memory-making as three Parks stay open all day and all night to celebrate the bi-coastal kick-off of a Monstrous Summer at Disney Parks.”

Mike and Sulley will take a break from collegiate life and their Scare studies at Monsters University to host the All-Nighter, dropping in to scare up some school spirit. Guests will scream and giggle with delight at the lineup of thrills and entertainment that promises to make this a day and night to be remembered for a lifetime.

In Florida, the Magic Kingdom will feature a Monsters University theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade – complete with pomp and circumstance – and make appearances in Tomorrowland. Guests also will find extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.

In California, guests can party the night away at both parks with special entertainment, including a Monsters University“TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland, and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland. The new Fantasy

Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing, and guests of Disney California Adventure will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new Monsters University “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new Monsters University float leading the Pixar Play Parade.

All three parks will feature limited-edition specialty merchandise and food and beverage offerings plus other surprises throughout the entire day.

The All-Nighter is just the beginning of the fun. In California, vacationers at “The Happiest Place on Earth” will see how Disneyland Resort “Just Got Happier” with great new attractions such as the “Mickey and the Magical Map” stage show. It is also the first summer for guests to experience the new Fantasy Faire with Disney Princesses at Disneyland, and they continue to enjoy the exciting new offerings of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.

Walt Disney World Monstrous Summer includes new offerings and popular favorites in all four parks. This is the first summer for New Fantasyland, which has received rave reviews from guests since its December grand opening as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Guests also will find new, engaging offerings for the entire family throughout the Walt Disney World Resort this summer such as an interactive “Pirates Adventure” game at Magic Kingdom, the newly re-imagined Test Track at Epcot, the new Disney Junior show, featuring Sofia The First and Doc McStuffins, as new additions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that will bring families together in exciting new ways.

ABOUT “MONSTERS UNIVERSITY”

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer.  The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3″). For more information, like us at facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity, and follow us on twitter.com/disneypixar. The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters. For more information, check out disney.com/MonstersU.

For more information on Monstrous Summer, check out http://www.disneyparks.com/MonstrousSummer

• News in the Queue
• SeaWorld’s Viva la Musica
• Travel Tip
• Ridley Pearson Interview, part 2
•  Hidden Mickey
• Contest Giveaway
• Fan Shout-Outs

Have fun!

Four Parks – One World

If you could only get one CD to remind you of the Disney Parks magic, Four Parks – One World is that CD.  It’s actually a double disc containing music from all four of the Disney parks in Florida and it includes music music from current attractions as well as some favorites which no longer exist.  It is definitely worth checking out.

The Official Album – Disneyland & Walt Disney World

The Official Album – Disneyland and Walt Disney World is one of a handful of Disney Parks CDs that is out-of-print.  What makes this collection of music very special is that almost all of the songs are from attractions that no longer exist, or have received updated soundtracks.  Among the great songs on this CD are “One Little Spark” from the original version of Journey Into Imagination, as well as the original version of the title song from the Canada film.  While this, and other similar collections are out of print, you can still find them on Ebay and Amazon… and sometimes even for a reasonable price!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Perhaps Disney’s Animal Kingdom is your favorite park, or perhaps you want park music that is mostly instrumental, then this collection of music is worth checking out.  This CD contains a relatively new collection of music from throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and only one song on the CD has lyrics (but that one song is a bit of a doozy).

Wishes – A Magical Gathering Of Disney Dreams

Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams contains the soundtrack to the very popular evening fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  The soundtrack is a mix of music as well as sound clips from classic Disney movies.  If you wish to relive the feeling of watching fireworks in the Magic Kingdom, this is the CD for you!

Magic Kingdom – Event Party Music

I am a big fan of Wishes.  But, there are other shows at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World that have soundtracks with an extra dose of magic.  Magic Kingdom – Event Party Music contains the soundtracks to HalloWishes; Dream Along With Mickey; Magic, Music, and Mayhem (my personal favorite) and many more!

Classic Disney

Of course, many Disney films have outstanding soundtracks and can give you a Disney fix, even if the music is directly tied to the parks.  The Classic Disney  collections are five CDs of music primarily from Disney films (though a few songs from the parks do make it on to the CDs).  Admittedly, the earlier CDs in the collection seem to have the best mix of music.

Everybody Wants To Be A Cat: Disney Jazz Volume 1

Everybody Wants To Be A Cat: Disney Jazz is something entirely different.  This is neither music from the parks, nor straight from the films, but instead is a collection of thirteen songs from Disney films in impressive jazz arrangements.  The songs are especially great when you could use a slightly different take of Disney music.  This CD is labeled “Volume 1″, but as of now there is not yet a “Volume 2″.  At the very least, give this CD a sample listening.

MouseWorld Radio

So maybe you’ve played the above CDs to exhaustion. Or, maybe you want some more music from the parks that can’t be found on the CDs, well, then MouseWorld Radio may be your solution! MouseWorld Radio has multiple streaming stations of music from past and present Walt Disney World attractions. AND there are even mobile apps so that you can listen while you’re on the move. It’s an outstanding site that I often visit.

Do you have favorite Disney music that reminds you of the magic? Share your favorite music, and any favorite Disney CDs or film soundtracks below. Happy listening!

• News in the Queue
• Sally Corporation and Bob’s Space Racers Tour
• Travel Tip
• Ridley Pearson Interview, part 1
•  Hidden Mickey
• Contest Giveaway
• Fan Shout-Outs

Have fun!

There is so much to love about Disney! The shows, attractions, the parks, and for many, the simple pleasures of just walking down Main St. USA. For myself, I have a personal love and fascination with Disney History. I am very partial to the history of the company and Walt and his family. Since covering Disney press events and writing all about Disney for the past seven years, I have come to make many Disney friends. In fact, so many I cannot sometimes keep track!

There is one man with whom I have become close friends, and I am honored that he in turn, feels the same. Not only is he a great friend, he has enriched my love of Disney ten-fold; for we both have that same fascination with Disney History. This man is none other than internationally known Disney Historian and Author Jim Korkis. There are not enough words to say how much I have learned because of him! We meet regularly at the parks and spend hours discussing, what else? Disney history.

Recently we had discussed how much of Disney History is being lost to the ages; so many stories and tales that will never be told. Too many Disney legends and animators have passed, and many more who knew and worked with Walt himself are gone. This information is not available on the net, nor is it in libraries, but gleans from personal encounters and stories handed down through the years. Jim is doing his part in preserving this rich legacy and no one can tell a story quite like Jim.                                                                                                

We decided to do a first video interview and discuss a bit about Disney History and what’s going on to preserve it for future generations. To see this interesting foray into Disney history, click on the link below…

                         http://youtu.be/t_EOIBowAxA  

This is the moment we all have been waiting for. That little fish that taught us all to “just keep swimming” is back. On April 2nd it was announced that Disney’s Pixar will be releasing the  sequel to Finding Nemo. The sequel will be titled Finding Dory. The movie, which will be directed by original Nemo co-director Andrew Stanton, is set for release on November 25, 2015 in the U.S. I cant wait that long!

From what we know, the story takes place about one year later from when Nemo was found. Part of the film is to be set off the coast of California. Dory is now the star. We all love this cute little, slightly absent-minded fish. Ellen DeGeneres will happily reprise the role of Dory.

“I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” DeGeneres said. “I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating `Toy Story 16.’ But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is – it’s got a lot more Dory.”

In Finding Nemo, Dory is swimming in the ocean all alone when she meets Marlin. Maybe this movie will explain what she was doing all by herself. The description states that Dory will be reunited with her loved ones and learn about the meaning of family along the way. Fortunately for Marlin, during his search, Dory had helped him learn a lot about being a father. Maybe, on Dory’s journey, if Marlin is there, he can return the favor.

Many of the characters will be returning such as Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang. Bubbles! Pixar also said we will meet some new friend too! Albert Brooks provided the voice to the role of Marlin. There has been no word on whether Brooks will reprise the roll or not.

This will be an adventure that I know you all are excited for. Finding Nemo was a wonderful movie and brought me to tears on occasion. I do admit, that Dory was the little fish that stole the show. Finding Nemo was released in 2003. This was the first Pixar film to win an academy award for Best Animated Feature.

We still have a couple of years until we get to be submersed in the world of Dory. Until that day comes, practice your  whale impressions and just keep swimming!

The exhibit is brought to the library by D23 : The Official Disney Fan Club. It spans 12,000 feet and is the largest exhibition ever curated by the Walt Disney Archives. It will remain at the Reagan Library until April 30th, 2013.  The exhibit features over 500 artifacts – 50% which have never been seen by the public. We couldn’t wait. Fortunately we have been the Reagan Library before so we didn’t need to see the entire museum. We cut straight to the Disney section.

Heres a poster from the Alice Comedies

First we saw some of Walt’s original projects such as the Alice Comedies. That was so fun to see considering we know what comes from this first spark of creativity! If only Walt knew what was in store for him and his imagination! Then we saw some of the original merchandising for our favorite mouse, Mickey!

As we continued through the different rooms we came into the section that displayed the items he used to make his films. We saw the Multiplane camera and an animation table.

Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella each featured a live action prologue sequence showing the opening of a grand story book. The exhibit had the actual books on display. I used to love seeing these books in the beginning of the films. Yes, they really are real!

As we wandered our way through the artifacts we came upon many great things. Above all his office was my favorite. They had taken Walts exact office and transported it and set it up just the way Walt had it. This is exactly the way his office looked when he passed. The attention to detail is amazing. Everything in this office is exact, down to the books in the shelf. I so wished I could have gone in and sat at the desk for just a moment. To sit in the place this amazing man sat, would have been inspiring.

We saw so much more. There were many items from Disneys live action films such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mary Poppins, The Absent-minded Professor, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Eventually we came to some stairs that took us down into a tent that was set up. The tent was very cold. I assume this was to help preserve some of the artifacts. It was especially windy outside which didn’t help warm the room up much either. This room was filled with many costumes and movie props.

Alice in Wonderland

The Dress Giselle wore in Enchanted

The dragon from Fantasmic!

Kevin Flynn’s Grid Hideout

Bride from Haunted Mansion

Tinkerbell costume from the Disney Dream Portrait Series

Queen Clarisse Renaldi costume worn by Julie Andrews from The Princess Diaries

Mad Hatter costume worn by Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland

Haunted Mansion memorabilia

Car from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Captain Rex from Star Tours

The sign from Flynns Arcade in Tron

Seeing everything that this museum had to offer was magical. We have all grown up to love everything Disney. Once you are able to see all the Treasures that the exhibit has to offer, it helps deepen that love and appreciation. You truly see tangible evidence of all that Walt did to bring us that happiness. Yes, it is magic, but it is also clearly due to the hard work, dedication and dreams from one man. Thank you Mr. Disney!

All photos by Steve Z.

With Disney’s new movie, “Oz, The Great and Powerful” showing on the silver screen, I cannot think of a better subject to talk about than the author of these iconic tales of the “Magical land of Oz.” For many people who were weaned on the 1939  MGM classic “The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland, few realize that Baum had also written an additional thirteen books on the Land of Oz. He also penned nine other fantasy novels, 83 short stories, over 200 poems, an unknown number of scripts (A total of 55 novels in all) plus four “Lost Novels.”

The 1939 movie, which received much kudos on its opening release, failed to recoup MGM’s original investment. It was not until the film was re-released in the movies and on television that “The Wizard of Oz” became an American tradition and is cited as the most watched motion picture in syndication history.

Frank L. Baum was born (May 15, 1856 –died- May 6, 1919) in the small town of Chittenango, New York.  His father, Benjamin became a wealthy businessman; originally a barrel maker, he made his wealth from oil. Young Baum, whose first name was Lyman, but he detested it and used his middle name Frank instead. He grew up on the family estate in Rose Lawn, just outside of Syracuse N.Y. He was a brought up a protected child and was very ill, diagnosed with a weak heart. Being sheltered as he was, he did much daydreaming and had many imaginary friends. He was schooled at home with his siblings and was a prolific reader. He later remembered his youth spent at Rose Lawn as a “Paradise”

Frank loved writing and began at an early age. He was also captivated with printing. He early forays into the literary word were helped by a printing press his father purchased for him, and he and his brother Henry began “The Rose Lawn Home Journal” and subsequently published several issues. At the age of 20, he began a hobby raising expensive poultry. He bred a chicken called the “Hamburg” With that; he created a trade journal called “The Poultry Record”, this was followed in 1886 with Baum’s first published book, “The Book of the Hamburgs”

In addition to writing, Frank Baum was devoted to the theater. He dreamed of writing plays and performing on stage. His obsession with this media followed with many failures and near bankruptcy’s’. He did have a bit of success after his father bought him a theater in Richburg NY. Here he wrote several plays and composed songs, fulfilling his ambitions. On November 9, 1882, Baum married Maud Gage, a daughter of Matilda Joslyn Gage, a famous women’s suffrage and radical feminist activist. But while Baum was on a tour, his theater in Richburg caught fire and burned to the ground.

It was in July of 1888 that Frank and his wife Maud moved to the town of Aberdeen in the Dakota Territory. It was this short stay in this wilderness town that forged his ideas for the Wizard of Oz. At the time, in 1890 there was a severe drought and the tales of the plentiful West was just a wasteland because of the draught and a depression. It was this stark landscape that Baum used in his bland portrayal of the Kansas farm that Dorothy Gale lived on. The Munchkins Dorothy encounters at the beginning of the novel represent the poor hardscrabble farmers working the land. Other life experiences also induced Baum to include them in some manner in the book. Baum as a child had dreams of a scarecrow chasing him, and just before it reached him, it would fall apart.  The Tin Woodsman was born from Baum’s attraction to window displays. Because he wished to make something captivating for the window displays, he used a diverse assortment of scraps to create a one of a kind figure. Using an old wash boiler and stovepipes he created a “Tin Man” There is a theory that John D. Rockefeller was the inspiration for one of the Wizard’s faces.

It was on May 17, 1900 that Frank Baum had his children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” published by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago. Baum and illustrator W. W. Denslow, who shared the copyright with Baum, did all the illustrations. Baum first teamed up with Denslow when he published a book of nonsense poetry called “Father Goose” in 1899. The book was a success, becoming the best-selling children’s book of the year. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has gone through many reprints and is often referred to as “The Wizard of Oz” was the best-selling children’s book for two years after its initial publication. The story most of us know (Because of the 1939 Movie with Judy Garland is a bit different the book). Dorothy is a young orphaned girl raised by her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. Her black dog Toto and she are caught in a tornado inside their house in Kansas and are swept in a field in Munchkin Country, the eastern quadrant of the Land of Oz. The house lands on and kills the evil ruler of the Munchkins, the Wicked Witch of the East. The Good Witch of the North comes with the Munchkins and gives Dorothy a pair of silver shoes (Not ruby as in the film!) that the Wicked Witch had been wearing when she was killed.

She tells Dorothy she must see the Wizard in the Emerald city and ask for help. (The Emerald City was inspired by a castle-like building in the community of Castle Park near Holland Michigan where Baum vacationed. The yellow brick road stemmed from a road at that time paved by yellow bricks. These bricks were found in Peekskill, New York where Baum attended the Peekskill Military Academy) On the way to Oz, traveling on the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy meets with the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. When they arrive at the Emerald City, they are asked to wear green eyeglasses by the Guardian of the Gates as long as they remain in the city. When they meet the Wizard, he appears as a different being to each. . To Dorothy, the Wizard is a giant head; the Scarecrow sees a beautiful woman; the Tin Woodman sees a terrible beast; the Cowardly Lion sees a ball of fire. The Wizard agrees to give them their wishes if they kill the Wicked Witch of the West.

 At the end of the book, the characters after meeting their objectives are fulfilled.  Two years after the book was published, Baum and Denslow collaborated with composer Paul Tietjens and director Julian Mitchell to produce a musical stage version of the book. This stage version use the shortened title “The Wizard of Oz”, opened in Chicago in 1902, then ran on Broadway for 293 stage nights from January to October 1903. It returned to Broadway in 1904, where it played from March to May and again from November to December. It successfully toured the United States with much of the same cast. Baum even went as far as planning an “Oz” amusement park on an island off the coast of California. But Baum abandoned his Oz park project after a play based off his new book, The Woggle-Bug, was a failure.

The Wizard of Oz has been stimulation for many fantasy tales and movies. The book has been translated into more than 50 languages. Baum never planned on a sequel to The Wizard of Oz. But after reading the novel, thousands of children wrote letters to him, requesting that he write another story about Oz. In 1904, he wrote and published the first sequel, The Marvelous Land of Oz. By 1938 over a million copies have been printed and by 1956 that total rose to three million.

This timeless tale was recanted many times in many different adaptations. There were early film adaptations in 1910 and again in 1925.  Baum created his own independent film studio, The Oz Film Manufacturing Company, which produced The Patchwork Girl of Oz, The Magic Cloak of Oz and His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz. The Classic 1939 Wizard of Oz, which unlike Baum’s story, Dorothy’s adventure in Oz was a dream sequence. In 1970, the actor Conlan Carter, of ABC’s Combat! And The Law and Mr. Jones played the role of Baum in the episode “The Wizard of Aberdeen” in the syndicated television series Death Valley Days. In 1975 a Broadway musical “The Wiz” bowed with African-American music starring Stephanie Mills as Dorothy. This led to the 1978 film by the same name with Diana Ross as an adult Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.  In 1985 Disney produced “The Return to Oz” The Muppets had the “Wizard of Oz” in 2005. Even the Sci-Fi channel had “The Tin Man” in 2007, plus numerous animations. Another successful   Broadway show, “Wicked” provides a backstory to the two Oz witches used in the classic MGM film. Even in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Baum once lived has a theme park featuring characters and attractions from the books.

 It’s hard to believe that one man’s imagination could span so many years and spawn so many adaptations. In what was a child’s tale of fantasy and adventure morphed into one of the world’s most cherished stories, a timeless story. Disney’s Oz, the Great and Powerful should keep the torch burning.

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Has anyone ever heard of the Disney Design Center? Well if you enjoy all the amazing events and displays at Walt Disney World, you can thank this branch of the Disney Company.  They are responsible for setting up and maintaining all the amazing props that make up almost all events, including EPCOT’s Food and Wine festival, Flower and Garden Show, and special event functions throughout property.  Anytime you see displays made up from a special piece of Disneyana, they more than likely came from the enormous warehouse where these treasures are stored.

The history of this department started in 2000 when it was called “EPCOT Events”. In 2010 the Parks Events Operations went Global.  Event Development then became the “Design and Display”.  In addition to the installation of the above mentioned sets and props, they also fabricate props they might need and are responsible for locations and handle digital media.  In a short time, they have become a major factor in creativity.

Another forte of the group is Food and Beverage set-ups. Any catered affair at the parks, corporate and Convention events receive their personal touch. If you have ever attended a Disney Press Event, and got a chance to see the amazing food displays, complete with perfectly matched props, or attended a Corporate function, thank the Design and Display.

What makes the Design and Display even more amazing is that it is staffed by just five Cast Members, all who must in addition to being masters of creativity, are graphic designers, sculptors, carpenters, painters, electricians, prop makers and interior designers. It is this talented group that is responsible for all the magic.

When we arrived at the Center, just a few miles north of Property, we were told that pictures were verboten in the warehouse, but we could take all the pics we wanted in the outer offices. The props and themed offices were breathtaking, giving the group a taste of things to come. I took a gaggle of pics and have some nice shots of the only area in the warehouse we were allowed to shoot. One eye-catching prop was a black and white rendition of Mickey’s “Plane Crazy” plane in a farm setting, complete with spinning prop, and extra barnyard black and white props.  The tour began in the foyer where the colors used were to be only in the shades of black, white or a shade of grey. The offices of the Cast Member team were also themed to each ones particular interest. One team member is a big home improvement fan, and his office has an outdoor grill as a desk, sitting on a deck with outdoor paraphernalia all around. Another’s office is themed after Pirates of the Caribbean and our tour guide’s office is themed after the Nightmare before Christmas. In the rear of the office in a glass display is a city built by Tim Burton, which he used to sell the movie to the studio heads. Even the name signs on the offices have numbers on them after each name, each with a specific meaning. One office, themed after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, has of course the number seven. One member’s number is nine, his baseball number, and still another has number 99, the year he started. Really neat! *

The tour of the warehouse began. Stepping in this warehouse is like going down the rabbit hole. Every classic and imagined Disney props and ride pieces could be found here. In addition to being a storehouse, there are shops where fabrication takes place, and where the designs are made. It would be impossible to mention all of the props and ride vehicle pieces that we were privileged to see, but I will mention some of the more outstanding  examples…There is a nose of a Monorail car, decommissioned 7 years ago. There is one of the last remaining ride vehicles from 20,000 leagues under the sea. It was just awesome to see the sub again! The last time it was used was for the Pin Celebration, one of the Design and Display’s biggest events.

Props from the Haunted Mansion and a Jungle Cruise boat were also exhibited. There is also several ride vehicles from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, figures of Mickey and Minnie, the rest of the fab five, Dumbo and more. In addition to these, there are numerous food and beverage set-up carts, all with different themes. Some props we saw was a table themed after the Haunted Mansion, which when activated, moves back and forth, giving diners at that event that the spirits are moving the table; nicely done! In fact, it would take a small novel to mention all the props here.

The group also toured the fabrication shops, were the props are made, repainted or re-purposed. One of the major goals that Disney has is that all of the props are re-purposed or used for a different theme, nothing is thrown away.  It was explained that all of the props and displays are on wheels or special dollies, so that they can be moved efficiently and quickly to whatever functions or event needed.  The one area we were allowed to take pics was in the corner of the warehouse, where a nostalgic display of Mr. Toads Wild Ride, complete with several original ride cars and background of the attraction awaited us. It was like stepping back in time.

Back at the fabrication shop, the group was shown several statues carved out of resin in various stages and how they are painted and made ready.  Almost anything can be produced here for any themed event.  Many of the props in the warehouse were made out of ordinary objects anyone can buy in a home center or craft store, all you need to add is creativity!

At the end of the tour, we learned some the logistics of running the world’s most prolific theme parks.  There is just so much going on behind the scenes, and so many talented Cast Members who bring the magic to the guests.  And this amazing tour of the Disney Design and Display Center certainly proved that. I wonder just how many other “unheralded” creative departments Disney has hidden away! Enjoy the pictures of this hidden gem!

*Due to certain restrictions, Cast Member names were not allowed to be used…

Note: The Disneyana Fan is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of Walt Disney. Their common goal is to provide Disneyana enthusiasts of all ages from around the world with news, information, and events that enhance their experience with, and love of, all things Disney. The local chapter of this international organization here in Florida is the “World Chapter”. Our chapter here hosts many such amazing tours and trips throughout Walt Disney World, and our Event Staff has even more surprises to come. Every Disney fan should be a member of this remarkable organization. For information, go to DISNEYANAFANCLUB.ORG.

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