The Walt Disney Story Florida Style

The Walt Disney Story in Florida's Magic Kingdom was always a must-do attraction. There was something very fitting about it all. Although the man himself was long gone by the time the attraction opened, putting the Walt into Walt Disney World seemed at once honoring and genteel. Certainly, the multimedia attraction was a precursor to Hollywood Studios' great One Man's Dream. But there was more. Among all the awards on display and memorabilia, there was also a small side show exhibit on Disney's great unbuilt Western River Expedition. I believe the Audio-Animatronic owl was named Hoot. He shared a bit about what was coming to Frontierland in the near future, one that never materialized. Oh, how I miss the days that the Walt Disney Company was proud of our country!

Two Rare Adventureland Goodies

Since I ran out of time to put together my "The New Orleans Square You've Never Seen" article, I thought I would put out there a couple of pieces of rare concept art for Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. 

At top is Imagineering's Colin Campbell and a beautiful piece showing the outdoor preshow area to the Tropical Serenade at the Sunshine Pavilion. In Florida, there's no garden with the gods before entering the Enchanted Tiki Room, but there is a cute little show while guests wait for the main attraction. In this piece, I'm struck by how dressed up everyone is! What a nice change of pace compared to today, right?

Do you love eating at Skipper's Canteen? (I haven't gotten in yet. It's on my must-do next trip.) The Jungle Cruise inspired restaurant looks to have a great menu and an intriguing atmosphere. 

But actually, I have gotten into Skipper's Canteen, just under the name of the Adventureland Veranda- which goes back to opening in 1971. Same location, different interior, much less expensive but some similarities. Dorothea Redmond captured the charm of early Disney World perfectly here. The Veranda also had some space now used by the Magic Kingdom's more difficult to see Club 33. It was nice to sit and eat lunch and overlook the rest of the park while the Plaza Swan Boats sailed by. Ah, simple pleasures of years gone by...

Many Disney Parks fans like to play "Which Resort is the best?" I'd rather just enjoy the differences for what they are. They're both so different and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. But one thing is certain: Disney Imagineers are some of the best in the business! Even if Universal Creative is killing it lately, I want to believe Imagineering can still create world class attractions when given the proper encouragement, direction, and budget. Where's Walt when you need him?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tales of Disney Theme Park Ships, Those Lost, and Those Never Built

Having just spent a week away on the water, I started thinking about the love affair between the Disney Imagineers and attractions that best take advantage of man made rivers, lakes, and streams. The numerous waterways at Disney theme parks have always provided a nice respite from the heat and whether they are the routes of simple transportation or used to showcase numerous attractions, they remain some of my favorite attractions.

 

Our family loves being on the water any way we can. If it's traveling across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom to one of the resorts or leaving a resort to dock at Disney Springs, you can be sure there will be smiles on our faces as we travel. Honestly, waterways are something in rather short supply at Disneyland and especially the newer California Adventure, but they are in joyful abundance at the numerous bodies of H2O and how to travel on them in Walt Disney World. 

 

These attractions make for some stunning pieces of concept art by the Imagineers! Here are just a few pieces with a nautical focus. All are watercraft of various styles, but each piece is in a size you'll certainly want to click on, enlarge, and save. 

Up at the top: Above is a look at a long abandoned theme park idea, Disney's America. The patriotic but controversial theme park in Virginia was derailed by the locals only to have the land later replaced by strip malls and very commonplace buildings found everywhere in suburbia. Short-sightedness at best. (Imagine the uproar now!) The sole redeeming factor of the project's cancellation seems to be the elegant pieces of concept art. As you can see, this never built park looks to represent a more gritty and honest look at our history, one with troubles examined and solutions considered, but it's still a country very worthy of celebration. Wouldn't it have been great to watch a fireworks show with a replica Statue of Liberty in the background? What lost opportunities. 

 

Next- This is an absolutely beautiful piece of concept art celebrating the riverboat at the Magic Kingdom's beautiful but often overlooked Liberty Square. Just look at this detail! The Hall of Presidents sits in the distance as does Cinderella Castle. Did you notice the trio of folks on the riverbank just watching the vessel go by? It's these kind of details that make the Disney concept art of old so appealing, subtle and beautiful. Isn't this much better than many newer pieces where people are photoshopped in? So much better.

Not all of Disney's seaworthy vessels are outdoors. Yes, it's Splash Mountain (soon  to be Tiana's Bayou Adventure) shown here. In one of the largest set pieces ever built, the amazing adventure down the longest and steepest flume ride ever built culminates with a stunning view of the party going on aboard the Zip A Dee Doo Dah Lady.  It will be interesting to see what changes when Tiana and company from The Princess and The Frog move in. Will the vast number of Audio-Animatronics remain? That is something we're all wondering about.

 

Not far away at either Stateside castle park, is the much beloved Pirates of the Caribbean and its life size vessel, the Wicked Wench, home to all those lovable, lawless, and now politically correct revelers. The ship's been recently comandeered by Barbossa as he searches for Jack Sparrow, but it is still very impressive!

This is just the beginning of your seaworthy adventure. Back on the Rivers of America, there's the canoes, the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts and more.  More than just an Honorable mention goes to the opening day attraction, the Jungle Cruise boats.  

 

On the West Coast, you can add the Columbia Sailing Ship, and of course all of the submarines still thankfully found there. Those lovely vessels found only at "Walt's park" are also found on the canals of Storybookland. But we say R.I.P. to the park's Motor Boat Cruise in Fantasyland which used to take guests up close and personal as they could view guests on the Nautilus fleet. 

In Florida, sadly, we've lost the Plaza Swan Boats, the Mike Fink Keelboats, and those fantastic, oh so elegantly beautiful Nautilus submarines that used to travel the sparkling waters of the 20K Leagues Under the Sea Lagoon. 

 

In the secondary theme parks at Walt Disney World, there's no water based attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Such a missed opportunity! There's only the Na'vi River Journey or Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom. The long lost Discovery River Boats were short lived and ill-designed. In Epcot, your choices to cruise are only slightly better with only Frozen Ever After, the Gran Fiesta Tour, and Living With the Land. At least there are still the Friendship Launches to get from the communities of Future World to World Showcase.

 

We can only dream of the unbuilt Rhine River Cruise in Epcot's Germany and a planned but never finished boat ride along the Thames in the U.K. We'll never see the Western River Expedition in the Magic Kingdom... and probably a host of other unbuilt waterborne attractions.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disney World's Plaza Swan Boats

Expanding the Disney kingdom by building in Florida came as a surprise to many, but it was clear from the official announcement that a Disneyland style theme park would be the main attraction at Walt Disney World on opening day.

The "E Ticket" line up at opening.

Not a thrill ride in sight.

Anticipating a much older audience of visitors than what would be found at California's park, when the Imagineers planned the Magic Kingdom, the thrill attractions were limited to spinners. Back then, Florida was known as a state with a high number of retired folks and not the theme park mecca we know today. The new park was fleshed out with familiar beloved attractions (but not Pirates of the Caribbean), three new Audio-Animatronic shows, and gentle, leisurely experiences sure to appeal to senior aged guests. 

This trend of sublime entertainment continued into the next few years, with one of the most instantly recognizable attractions opening in 1973: The Plaza Swan Boats. 

The iconic Pirates ride in a largely abbreviated form did open in a Caribbean themed area of Adventureland the same year right before Christmas, due to guest complaints at City Hall. Little did guests realize then that  something even more spectacular was planned as its replacement, Western River Expedition and the Thunder Mesa slate of exciting attractions. By insisting on Pirates and getting it, the Frontierland mega complex was axed. Disney geeks long for it to this day. But that's another story. (Some art and articles are found here as a place to start. There's many others on this blog!)

I had my first visit to the World in 1974. My parents, sister, and grandmother joined me for one day in the park. I begged for a second day on my own while they went to Circus World. A good choice and fair trade off on my part!

Now you would think that a teenager visiting the Magic Kingdom after numerous trips to Disneyland would be disappointed by this attraction line-up. Not me. I barely missed the thrills as I was much more interested in what was new and the real thrill of exploring every nook and cranny of the park. There was too much to see that was new for me to spend time focusing on what wasn't there. 

Notice anything new?

Ticket courtesy Big Florida Country.

I spent that second day repeating every new attraction more than once. The Hall of Presidents, and Mickey Mouse Revue couldn't be seen too often! I didn't know if I'd ever see them again. My wanting to absorb every detail of the rides included the "D Ticket" Plaza Swan Boats. 

Walking to the central hub and turning right, it was easy to find the pathway in the gardens between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. A small covered pavilion in front of the dock announced my arrival. 

The 1973 map of Adventureland shows the route of the Swan Boats.

Moving in a clockwise direction, our boats took us first from Main Street U.S.A.  past the Crystal Palace restaurant into Adventureland and around the Swiss Family Treehouse island. In my recollection, the boats were the same size and capacity as those used on the Jungle Cruise. 

Being on any water in Florida is great- and Disney boat rides of all themes and types are among my favorite attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World and Mark Twain to Gran Fiesta Tour and Nav'i River Journey to the defunct Discovery River Boats, there's just something about being waterborne that I love. (And it is something missing from both California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios that would add so much charm to these parks!)

Sailing at a level lower than the pathways at the Magic Kingdom gave a whole new perspective to the place. With the Skyway above, the Main Street vehicles at ground level, and the Swan Boats sailing on the lowest level, there were unique views everywhere... and great people watching! (This was even better when the PeopleMover / Tomorrowland Transit Authority arrived.) Moving past the Crystal Palace and into Adventureland brought a sense of the unexpected as jungle noises could be heard and the sounds of tropical music. 

Heading toward Liberty Square, we passed under its entrance bridge as we approached the castle. As I remember, the pace was expectedly slow, the on board narrative was largely uninteresting, but the opportunity to take in the sights and get a taste of different lands made it worth my time. It's these smaller attractions that bring a sense of style to the Disney parks that is not found at Universal or Six Flags.  From there, a short cruise under the castle drawbridge led us back to our starting point.

When it was no longer an entrance to the boats.

First it was gardens, then it was removed completely.

From the All Ears blog.

By my next visit in 1976, I wasn't that interested in riding them again as I was with a friend, and doing so wouldn't have been "cool". Besides- Space Mountain! Oh, the pressures teenagers face! Soon enough, several years later, the beautiful little boats were gone.

To this day, I cannot understand the removal of attractions such as these! In a park that lacks the capacity it needs, every ride counts, every attraction has its purposes. The Plaza Swan Boats brought atmosphere and appeal to a uniquely lovely Main Street U.S.A. and a touch of elegance. It was also an element that differentiated the Florida kingdom from the California one. Each castle park needs these smaller rides to flesh out the roster and add variety and interest. Like the loss of many other classic Walt Disney World attractions, the Plaza Swan Boats is now a distant memory and a part of history. 

(Additional photos from Widen Your World and RetroWDW.)

Top Ten Things I Miss from Florida's Magic Kingdom

Confession time: Up until the last 15 months, I had not been to Walt Disney World for almost ten years. Imagine being a Disney park fan and not going to the Vacation Kingdom of the World for almost a decade! Now, after two visits in a short period, I find I am missing the World more than I am missing the Disneyland Resort. For a Southern California boy, that is quite the confession. What do I miss from the Magic Kingdom? Here's my top ten.

10- The view as you walk down Main Street U.S.A. Isn't there something truly incredible about this view? Sure, you don't have the knowledge that Walt built this park, but instead you walk in with the idea that the Company led by Roy Disney- who is often overlooked- and the Imagineers planned to take what they learned and make the East Coast park something spectacular on its own. Case in point: The lovely Crystal Palace. It's gets even better, beginning with the park's landmark. The stately Cinderella Castle shows they were into building a uniquely stunning park. It's not perfect, and it has its own flaws, but they clearly succeeded. 

The Crystal Palace. Just lovely.

9- Being in the Bubble. Once you've passed those iconic gates, you're in the resort. And once you've walked under the railroad station, the magic is all there with nothing to take you back to reality except the high prices, the hoards of people focused on their cel phones, and other obvious distractions like Starbucks. Gotta say, this is one area where staying on property and using the Disney Dining Plan may be worth it. Not always digging for your wallet is a plus!

8- Arriving at the Magic Kingdom via boat. The wide open vistas, the leisurely cruise that builds anticipation of a day in the day. Few things are more iconic to me that I am not in Anaheim than taking this sweet little journey. 

This can't be Disney, can it?

7- Tom Sawyer Island. Pirateless and untouched. There's no Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge around the bend, making a trip to the island or on the watercraft around it feel like you are headed hundreds of miles away into unexplored territory. The caves, the fort, the suspended bridge, all say classic Disney attraction. Go visit on your next trip and rediscover a simpler time and place. Let's pray the suits never follow through with that occasional thought of closing it off or revamping it for more cartoon characters!

Our Founding Fathers would be proud.

6- Liberty Square. Elegant, totally unique to all the parks, and full of historical references. For someone who is still proud to be an American, I just love that Walt and Company did this! Let me say this directly: It doesn't matter who or which party is in office, The Hall of Presidents is almost sacred and should be enjoyed without the nasty expressions of dislike and disrespect for certain individuals found inside. There's no other country where we are as free as we are in the U.S.A. God shed His grace on Thee! Show some class and let everyone enjoy this beautiful and inspiring Audio-Animatronics show. Lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern or at the Columbia Harbour House, browsing the shops, exploring the land, or just sitting on a park bench taking it all in. It's the New Orleans Square of Florida. Too bad it doesn't get the love and respect it deserves.

5- A More Cohesive Tomorrowland. I love Disneyland for many reasons, but California's version of the future has lost its way. In Florida however, the combination of retro goodness and one of my long lost favorite attractions, the Peoplemover, create an almost seamless look at what can be, character shows aside. the view of the Contemporary Resort adds to it all. And I cannot wait for Tron! (Although I wish it had better placement in the park.) Enough said.

You've seen the Tree, but have you seen the views?

4- Swiss Family Treehouse. Accessible only via the bridge over to the island. The surrounding river, where the Plaza Swan Boats once sailed, adds to the mystery, setting apart the Treehouse home from the rest of the area. Even the Jungle Cruise seems like a far off adventure although it's really just steps away. 

One thing Florida does better- 
the transportation system of the future!

3- Riding the WEDWAY Peoplemover. I just love taking an early evening ride on the system, going in and out of the buildings, into Space Mountain, and cruising overhead the drivers of the Raceway. Classic Magic Kingdom and one of my favorite attractions in the park!

Thank you, Imagineers, 
for an attraction that stands the test of time.

2- The Better Haunted Mansion. Taking the Portrait Gallery from the Disneyland original and making it part of the Doom Buggy journey is one of the reasons I prefer the Florida mansion over its California cousin. With a spook filled library and the menacing exterior, for my money, this is the clear winner- Hat Box Ghost or not.

Sorry, but I wasn't going to take photos 
during my nighttime ride!

Why waste one of my favorite Magic Kingdom experiences?

1- Riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Night. Under the stars and over the moonlit Rivers of America. It doesn't get any better!

What am I saying? Does all this mean that the Magic Kingdom is better than Disneyland? No, it means it is different and that on some levels it holds its own. Each kingdom has its own unique charms. Opinions may vary. (Yes, I'm still working on that Epcot review from my September trip.)

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Exploring Swiss Family Treehouse Coast to Coast

Perhaps it's coming back from vacation and seeing all the beautiful banyan trees in the islands. Perhaps it's just the love of the Swiss Family Treehouse at Disneyland, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and even the one at Disneyland Paris on Adventure Isle. There's something about this tropical home that intrigues me. (I haven't been to Tokyo's or Hong Kong's yet, but they are on my list!

The movie Swiss Family Robinson captured by attention as both a film and later from the book in which it originated. 

Let me explain a bit about the several pieces of concept art you are looking at. All are pretty large, so make sure to click and see the biggest size possible.

The two top pieces on this article are by Disney Imagineer Herb Ryman. One of my favorite all time artists that ever worked for the Company. Every time I think I've seen it all, something surprises me. Both the piece in brown and the next in full color were done for Florida's Magic Kingdom. Boy, am I glad that the suits did not demand a clone of the original in California! When I finally saw the park for the first time in 1975, I couldn't wait to travel up into the tree and explore. With the beautiful, graceful Plaza Swan Boats circling the tree, it was quite a view to behold!

The black and white piece above was created exclusively for the movie by Disney legend John Hench. It's quite beautiful as well!

In the early 1960's, Walt's Swiss Family Treehouse attraction was still being designed, it was a project in the making for Disneyland as an addition to Adventureland. The end result wasn't quite like the artwork but instead much, much, better. It was an instant park favorite, continuing on this day even since Tarzan took over. 

(As Imagineer Tony Baxter shared, during Disneyland's very dark days under Paul Pressler, it looked to be the next location of another shop, so turning it into Tarzan's home actually saved the tree from extinction!)

Lastly, I leave you with these stunning attraction posters. The colors are rich and bold- much like the adventure that awaits for all who climb and dare to dream! The one above, the official completed version. The one below, an alternative "screen and color" test or maybe a proposed final version without lettering. Both are incredible!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.

Friday in the Magic Kingdom, 1971

Friday in the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida. 1971. Just get a look at this opening day map. It's a pretty cool one. Even without Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and the classic If You Had Wings nearby, guests couldn't wait to get down to the Sunshine State to see what was Walt Disney's final foray into the fantasy world. 

At the end of magnificently grand Main Street, a brand new Liberty Square called out. And what a beautiful place it was! The Hall of Presidents was a must-see stop, but it was the imposing Haunted Mansion at the edge of town that caught everyone's eye. The gothic structure was especially eerie at night. 

The premier version of the Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland entertained us all, but this side of the frontier was a little empty for the time being. 

On the opposite side of the park, the beautiful Plaza Swan Boats would soon circle the park (and the Swiss Family Treehouse which sat on its very own island).  Tomorrowland was light on attractions, but a huge expansion was a year or so from making its presence known. In the meantime, the entrance to the area was elegant and futuristic without being instantly dated.

Fantasyland had its own surprises. Walking through the grand castle, the Mickey Mouse Musical Revue played to packed houses. A double tracked Mr. Toad's Wild Ride offered guest two different excursions with Toad and friends, and right across the way,  the elegant Nautilus submarines cruised a sparkling lagoon for a voyage 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. 

New attractions were on the drawing boards as well- The incredible and never built Western River Expedition and its replacement, Pirates of the Caribbean. The latter was quickly shoehorned into Adventureland after too many guests wondered why the pirates weren't also found in the Florida park. 

Also planned: a well deserved The Walt Disney Story, celebrating the accomplishments of the man that began it all. I saw it all in its early years, the beginning of many, many visits to come.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Elegant Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Poster for Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom's Crystal Palace is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch if you're looking for an elegant setting and wanting a nice beginning to or break in your day. Just head to the left when you reach the hub. The building is large but charming. It's hard to miss!

Stunning, isn't it?

The beautiful glass dome and indoor plants are meant to evoke an old British greenhouse- a conservatory- making the building a perfect transition between Main Street U.S.A. and the wild jungles of Adventureland. 

Click to see the details in a much larger version of the photo.

Once inside, the more you look around, the lovelier the details. The hand of the artisan certainly was put to good use! 

Plaza Swan Boats and Crystal Palace concept art

It's very, very nice now, but it was even better at the beginning. In the early days of the Vacation Kingdom of the World, back when a trip to Walt Disney World meant the entire resort had two monorail line hotels but just one theme park, the classic Magic Kingdom. At the end of Main Street U.S.A., a quiet tranquility permeated the hub in front of the castle, framing expanses of land and water effectively separating out each land. Ah, the Plaza Sawn Boats!

Now they cease to exist.

I remember these charming boats gliding by as we approached the Palace and thinking just how beautiful this park was! (More on the Swan Boats here.) As a Disneyland native, the "blessing of size" was just so evident. The Imagineers took great care in providing top notch attractions in the midst of a serene garden like landscape. Everywhere a visitor looked flowers and trees were perfectly chosen to enhance the experience. The Crystal Palace is a great choice for dining, a wonderful place to eat where the food was  very good and also reasonably priced.

For quite awhile now, breakfast at the Crystal Palace means the overpriced Pooh character breakfast. Noisy, full of happy kids, and a very fun experience for families. Still with its very tempting buffet. But I would trade it in an instant for the early days when the dining experience inside matched the elegance outside.

(Art and photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Plaza Swan Boats Concept Art

Once upon a time in a Magic Kingdom long ago, superior craftsmanship was important and objects of beauty were created for its own sake with commerce and profit being the byproduct of something extraordinary. The land was ruled by princes who followed King Walt's rule: Always give the guest more than they expect.

And such was the inclusion of the lovely Plaza Swan Boats. 

These beautiful craft used to ply the canal that surrounded the plaza, including a cruise past such kingdom landmarks as Main Street U.S.A.'s equally beautiful Crystal Palace Restaurant and the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Boarding these delicate craft was an adventure in Victorian pleasure as they provided seldom seen views of Tomorrowland and Adventureland.

This piece of Imagineering artwork has been floating around in various forms for years. The "cleanest" copy I've seen is from Imaginerding.com, yet even that piece seemed to lack the intricate detail I expected from art for this building and the Swan Boats. (Thanks to the folks over at that wonderful blog for this piece!) 

Perhaps it was the size of the image or so I thought that hid so much. Thanks to a little investigative work and some photoshop, the viewer can now see a bit more of what makes the building so lovely. The original muted colors graciously communicated the feel but did not reveal the architectural elements. All said, here's another piece to add to your files.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Herb Ryman's Liberty Square or Was It Liberty Street Disneyland?

 Yesterday, I shared a piece of concept art for Liberty Square in Florida's Magic Kingdom, a few thoughts on the attractions, shops, and dining options to be found. In 1975, it was the land I instantly wanted more of. Little did I know back then that the inspiration for the place came from ideas Walt Disney himself had for a similarly themed avenue at Disneyland in California. Or was it to be a full-fledged land in the Anaheim park? Keep reading...

Here's a piece of concept art I had never seen before... and I do not remember where this came from, so please forgive me for not giving credit where it is due. I'll take a guess that the Imagineer responsible for this art is none other than the legendary Herb Ryman (whose rather unseen work appears paragraphs below). The layout of the proposed addition is quite different than what was finally built years later in an entirely new theme park. I'm sure the attention to detail would be found, but keeping the design linear by necessity would create an entirely different experience. Contrast this piece seen above to the classic art of the Florida entrance below:

Of course, color aside, this piece creates an area a bit more expansive and inviting. Note George Washington never made an appearance at the bridge entrance, and sadly, the boats that once traveled under the bridges (Plaza Swan Boats), no longer do. The missing slice of kinetic energy creates an odd stillness to the area- something that a Magic Kingdom park should never have. In contrast, Imagineer Tony Baxter and team understood the impact and importance of movement in drawing crowds. At Disneyland Paris, most every land comes equipped with its own "weenie" to draw guests in.

Back to Herb Ryman. This piece above is labeled "Liberty Square Waterfront" and is dated 1964, the year Walt starting gobbling up land in the swamps of Florida. Could it be that artwork design on an East Coast kingdom really was in full swing by then? Or was Walt going to use a parcel of Disneyland shoreline to add a taste of Colonial America to his beloved park? 

It would have been a kick to find another elegantly executed, historically based, land at the bend from Frontierland. Certainly the Sailing Ship Columbia could have had its dock moved and then the Mark Twain could have found itself properly placed in New Orleans Square. Lest you think that to be a logistical nightmare, let me say- both ships are rarely run concurrently.

Perhaps both Liberty Square and New Orleans Square point to the reason I find Epcot's World Showcase so appealing. The detailed environments and attractions found within encourage exploration and the discovery of culture and history. It's something lost on many guests to the Magic Kingdom styled parks today as they rush from attraction to character meet and greets and back.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Happy 40th Walt Disney World

Happy 40th Anniversary Walt Disney World!

On this day many years ago, East Coast fans of Walt Disney finally had their own playground much closer than the original kingdom, Disneyland in California.

So many happy memories from my first visit in 1975 to my last visit in 2009-

• Dining at the California Grille and watching the fireworks explode over the Magic Kingdom


• Watching my then preschool aged kids at Fort Wilderness eating up their ice cream treats


• Those special dinners with my wife- all over the property


• Spending time with my beloved grandmother walking around the Magic Kingdom


• Loving every inch of Liberty Square


• Watching the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian Village

... and so much more. While I point out its flaws and share about what I see in the future, Walt Disney World will always hold a special place in my heart. So many great memories with my family from generations before and hopefully with ones to come. Thank you, Walt Disney Company, and especially Roy Disney, for making Walt's and many other peoples dreams come true.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)