Tag: chuck schmidt

During its four-year run, Holidayland gave guests a Disneyland experience right outside the fabled berm

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
An aerial view shows Holidayland during its heyday, right outside the berm at Disneyland. Much has been written about the berm at Disneyland … those large mounds of dirt, cleverly placed foliage and other inconspicuous obstacles which keep Disney guests from seeing the outside world, effectively insulating them from reality. As Disney Legend John Hench … Continue reading "During its four-year run, Holidayland gave guests a Disneyland experience right outside the fabled berm"
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Disney Cruise Line sails into its 20th year with major expansion on the horizon

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
A rendering shows one of the three new ships that are scheduled to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2021, 2022 and 2023. [The Walt Disney Company] Disney Cruise Line turns 20 years old this year with the anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Disney Magic on July 30, 1998. The seeds for … Continue reading "Disney Cruise Line sails into its 20th year with major expansion on the horizon"
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Ben Rossi brought the Wild West to Walt Disney World’s Frontierland

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Performers flip and tumble on the rooftops in Frontierland during a live action show in the early 1980s. [Courtesy of Ben Rossi] Return with us to Walt Disney World, circa 1980. The Magic Kingdom has been up and running for nine-plus years and is living up to its “vacation kingdom of the world” nickname. Indeed, … Continue reading "Ben Rossi brought the Wild West to Walt Disney World’s Frontierland"
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Through the decades, the Magic Kingdom has remained true to Walt Disney’s vision

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The fabled photo of Walt Disney World’s cast members in front of Cinderella Castle, taken a few weeks before opening day in 1971. [Life Magazine/Yale Joel] Remember the first time you visited Walt Disney World? I certainly do. It was in November of 1972 during the Thanksgiving break, a little more than a year after … Continue reading "Through the decades, the Magic Kingdom has remained true to Walt Disney’s vision"
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The stories behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which turns 20 in April

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. [Walt Disney World] Around this time last year, I was searching for an idea for my next AllEars.net blog. With the opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom looming in the spring, I figured it might be a good idea to write something … Continue reading "The stories behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which turns 20 in April"
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Marty Sklar had ‘the write stuff’ on many different Disney projects

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Walt Disney is seen during the recording of The Epcot Film. The script for the film was written by Marty Sklar. [The Walt Disney Company] Disney Legend Marty Sklar will always be remembered for his contributions to the company as the creative leader of Walt Disney Imagineering. It was his skill as a writer, however, … Continue reading "Marty Sklar had ‘the write stuff’ on many different Disney projects"
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Soarin’ Around the World … and behind the scenes

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The entrance to Soarin’ Around the World at Disney’s California Adventure. Prior to a recent trip to California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort, my wife Janet signed us up to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Soarin’ Around the World attraction. The one-hour tour is offered to members of the Disney Vacation Club. Soarin’ Around … Continue reading "Soarin’ Around the World … and behind the scenes"
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Omnimover and PeopleMover: A look at two Disney-designed ride conveyances

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Bob Gurr sits behind the wheel of a car as he tests the ride system that would be used on the Ford Magic Skyway attraction during the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Note the individual drive wheels embedded in the track. [The Walt Disney Company] From the time when Disneyland was in the planning stages … Continue reading "Omnimover and PeopleMover: A look at two Disney-designed ride conveyances"
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Disney’s participation at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair was a pivotal moment for the company

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The endearing dolls in the it’s a small world attraction at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. [Chuck Schmidt collection] Before there was Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland or Shanghai Disneyland, there was just little, ol’ Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Although Walt Disney detested doing sequels to his movies, he … Continue reading "Disney’s participation at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair was a pivotal moment for the company"
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