Tag: chuck schmidt

The Evolution of Pal Mickey

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
 I have to admit, technology leaves me in awe. When I was a kid, back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, the idea of walking around with a phone in your pocket was simply unthinkable. So, too, were things like home computers, microwave ovens and other futuristic gadgets that we simply can’t do without in this … Continue reading "The Evolution of Pal Mickey"
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Imagineering’s Kevin Rafferty turned love of cars, fear of bugs into hit attractions

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Long-time Imagineer Kevin Rafferty poses for a photo while in attendance at a Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. [AllEars.Net] As the saying goes, you have to start somewhere. In the case of Card Walker, who was the Walt Disney Company’s CEO from 1971-1983, that “somewhere” was the mail room at the Walt Disney Studios in 1938. … Continue reading "Imagineering’s Kevin Rafferty turned love of cars, fear of bugs into hit attractions"
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This blogger’s been busy: Two new books recently released

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The entrance to Disneyland Park in France goes under the Disneyland Hotel. [Ginny Osborne] When my first book was published, I had what can be best described as a George McFly moment. You remember the scene from Back to the Future: Surrounded by his family, George proudly opens a box containing copies of his newly … Continue reading "This blogger’s been busy: Two new books recently released"
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Disney Legend Marty Sklar learns that inspiration can be a two-way street

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Marty Sklar, center, poses for a photo after his presentation at the Festival of the Arts in Epcot in February. From the left are Julian Robinson, Chuck Schmidt, Marty, Janet Schmidt and Gail Robinson. [Courtesy of Gail and Julian Robinson] “One little spark, of inspiration, is at the heart, of all creation.” – Richard and … Continue reading "Disney Legend Marty Sklar learns that inspiration can be a two-way street"
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Monorail guru Bob Gurr talks about Monty … and his concept drawing of the famed transit vehicle

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Bob Gurr’s original drawing of the monorail, sketched in late 1958. The color was added by Disney Legend John Hench. Hey, Bob Gurr … now that you’ve completed a documentary showing the world just how you designed some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions, what are you going to do next? “My next … Continue reading "Monorail guru Bob Gurr talks about Monty … and his concept drawing of the famed transit vehicle"
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Art Smith’s Homecoming beefs up Disney Springs’ restaurant offerings

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
Guests at Art Smith’s Homecoming in The Landing neighborhood at Disney Springs prepare to dig in to some of the restaurant’s signature items. [Courtesy of Art Smith’s Homecoming] As celebrity chefs go, Art Smith is the antithesis of the flashy food mavens you often see on TV cooking channels. He’s thoughtful, articulate and genuinely down-to-earth. … Continue reading "Art Smith’s Homecoming beefs up Disney Springs’ restaurant offerings"
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Guide Maps: A Roadmap Through Disney Parks History

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
In a recent AllEars.Net blog, I alluded to my odd quirk of getting my hands on guide maps each and every time I enter a Disney theme park. I will usually grab three — one for actual use during the visit, another to save for posterity and a third one just in case something happens … Continue reading "Guide Maps: A Roadmap Through Disney Parks History"
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Disney Legend Marty Sklar on Shanghai Disneyland: ‘It’s the best Disney park’

Posted on by Chuck Schmidt
The first time Marty Sklar walked down the main thoroughfare of a Disney theme park -- Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A., on July 17, 1955 -- he was a 21-year-old intern working in the park's public relations department and was, for all intents and purposes, just another face in the overheated crowd on that momentous opening day. The most recent time Marty walked down the main thoroughfare of a Disney theme park -- Shanghai Disneyland's Mickey Avenue, on opening day, June 17, 2016 -- he was an 82-year-old retiree who was far from just another face in the crowd.
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