Q : Several years ago I bought two VHS videos during the holiday season at my local Walmart store. These videos are Walt Disney World at Home — At home for the Holidays and Walt Disney World at Home for Kids — Holiday Crafts & Treats. Were these ever released on DVD and, if not, will they be released on DVD? They are both very entertaining and show some inside looks at how Disney gets ready for the Holiday season.
Serena, Pahoa, Hawaii
A: Those two videos were produced by Walt Disney Attractions as an exclusive for sale at Walmart in 1996; they have not been released on DVD.
Q : What was the first question you got? When did you get your first question? Have you got a question you could not answer, if so what was it? How long have you worked for Disney? When you were hired, was Walt Disney around? What is your favorite Disney ride?
Kobe, Delaware, Ohio
A: When I first started my column, in the Disney Channel Magazine in 1983, nobody knew about it yet, so I had to make up the first questions myself. Once the columns began being published, then the questions started coming in. There are many questions we receive that cannot be answered; often one would have to ask a person who worked on a particular film or project, and they are no longer around. I worked for Disney for more than 40 years, but did not start until a couple years after Walt Disney died. My favorite Disney attraction is Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland.
Q : I just purchased a copy of Disney: The First 100 Years on eBay. It says, “To Toby—A Century of Disney history for you!” It is signed “Dave Smith” and dated “12/20/99.” The seller said you signed it for Toby Bluth. I have been waiting patiently to find a nice copy for a decent price. With your signature—and if this was for Don’s brother—this would be a great addition to my autographed Disney book collection.
Thomas, Lodi, California
A: I counted Toby Bluth as a friend when we both worked at the Disney Studio, and, in fact, I have made a collection of autographed copies of his many books. I am even pleased to have some original Toby Bluth artwork. So, it is very possible that I signed the book for Toby in 1999.
CD cover art for Pardners 14 Great Cowboy Songs featuring MIckey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck
Q : As a child in the ’80s, I had a large collection of Disney records, including “Splashdance,” “Totally Minnie,” “Rock Around the Mouse,” and one that I believe was called “Cowboy Mickey (or something to that effect).” While the other titles are easily available on CD, I cannot find any evidence that this “Cowboy Mickey” album existed! What was the name of that album and is there any availability today?
Adam, Providence, Rhode Island
A: The album you are thinking of is “Pardners: 14 Great Cowboy Songs,” released in 1980. It featured Larry Groce and the Disneyland Children’s Sing Along Chorus. The same album was released on both the Disneyland and Buena Vista labels.