Walt Disney on the It's A Small World Construction Site

Walt Disney was certainly a visionary, but he was also very hands-on! When it came to building the Disneyland version of It's a Small World,  he relied on two of his most distinctive Imagineers to bring it all together: Mary Blair and Rolly Crump. Mary was chiefly responsible for the style and color palette of the interior, while Rolly contributed to the attractions iconic exterior. 

Walt directed the ship- and the park was better for it- but he also knew what it took to "sell" his projects. Not only did he get Pepsi to invest in the attractions creation when it came to the New York World's Fair, he got the rights to bring it home to Anaheim's Fantasyland, and his team brought in yet another sponsor there. Smart guy! In the photo above, he's shown with sponsor Bank of America's head honcho as the attraction's exterior was being completed. 

Walt was savvy! He wanted to best for his guests, and he creatively found ways to enhance the park. The focus on excellence resulted in happy investors in the company. It's certainly a strategy that paid off. Something that future CEO's did at times understand and sometimes not at all. Where would you rank the three most recent: Michael Eisner, Robert Iger, and Bob Chapek? I'd say it was most definitely a mixed bag. Truth is, there is still no one like Walt!

It's A Small World Attraction Poster for the 1964 New York World's Fair

The title above says it all. Here is a very pretty attraction poster for the classic It's a Small World from the 1964 New York World's Fair. Artist Joseph Marsh created this tribute poster featuring Imagineer Rolly Crump's great Tower of the Four Winds standing atop of very retro looking building with the Pepsi Cola logo above it all. Just love these type of posters! And I can't wait for Disney's volume two coming this Fall.

There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Carousel of Progress Comes Home

Walt Disney and the New York World's Fair. What a combination! The success of the four Disney shows impacted the future of the Company in big ways. It's success paved the way for Walt Disney World, proving that regardless of the naysayers, East Coast audiences were not immune to the charms of Disney attractions. 

The World's Fair was also a boon to Disneyland as Walt and company had procured agreement with attraction sponsors that these experiences would find their way back to California once the fair was over. 

Imagineer Colin Campbell's beautiful concept art for this theater in the round Audio-Animatronic show represents the grand finale: a modern family living with all the latest technologies created by General Electric. (I've included this art in the biggest form possible- just click on it.) The attraction was so popular that it became the centerpiece of a brand new Tomorrowland. The beloved 1967 version that remains the best ever created for California. Along with the Peoplemover and Adventure Thru Inner Space, Disneyland's home of the future became a fresh and inspiring look at what life could be- something far beyond the disjointed, character-filled mess it is today.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Vintage Disneyland: A World on the Move

We take it for granted now, but only several decades ago, Disneyland was a marvelous new idea, an amazing place that filled the dreams of kids and adults. Walt Disney gambled all he had to pull it off. It was his baby, and the desire to keep adding to it was always on his mind. Tomorrowland may be the best example of constant change. Here's a great old school shot of the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Skyway, and the Submarine Voyage. The Monorail is not in the shot, and we can just make out the Peoplemover, but the place was a world on the move! Off inn the distant are the spires of It's A Small World. 

As decades come and go, each Disneyland Resort president and Disney corporate CEO will make their mark, but masses of guests will continue to come and experience "Walt's park"... which can still be found if you know where to look.

(Photograph copyright Getty Images.)

Joy and Friendship from It's A Small World

When WED (now Walt Disney Imagineering) was preparing for the 1964 World's Fair in New York, It's A Small World was the very last one to be added to the roster of Disney attractions, bringing the total to four. Although it was a lot of work to pull off in about a year's time, what a wise decision to say yes to this! 

This lovely boat cruise celebrating friendship is undoubtedly one of the most beloved of theme park attractions. It's charm, warmth, and childlike innocence embraces a message of brotherly love our world so needs. 

Imagineer Colin Campbell's concept art for the proposed finale captures the spirit perfectly! Joy, peace, and friendship among nations. Exactly what was intended from the beginning of time.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The First Attraction Poster for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Direct from the New York World's Fair to Disneyland. The stunning attraction for the State of Illinois came to the Opera House on Main Street U.S.A. 

This attraction poster is a rare one, that's for sure. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln continues to be a crowd favorite. Long before thrills became more and more common, guests that were enamored  with Disneyland's warm sense of patriotism really appreciated Walt's desire to honor one of the greatest American presidents. 

When land became more available in the form of Walt Disney World, the Lincoln show was expanded to include all in the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square. The show itself changed over the years and more men spoke but none so passionately, eloquently, and full of sincerity as the God-fearing Honest Abe. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

More Marvels from Vintage Disneyland Tickets

There are many super websites and blogs in this Disney World. I like them all for different reasons, but I just have to say I am always surprised by the excellent Vintage Disneyland Tickets site. Blogmaster Tim never ceases to amaze me with the stuff he digs up! And he's just a great guy on top of it all. Today's post on the New York World's Fair and the Disney attractions is just stuffed with concept art and other goodies. Go here now and just marvel!