Q : Not sure if this is something to be found in the Archives, but thought I would try. I recently bought an old phone in an antique store that has the Club 33 logo on it. I sent photos of it to a former cast member, and he told me it was the upstairs “lead’s” phone that the downstairs hostess would call when guests arrived. It is an old French-style phone, and the logo is where the dial would be. Do you know where I could find old pictures of the Club showing the phone? I would love to know the years it was in use or any information on its history.
Tom, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
A: I checked numerous photographs of the Club, but did not see any that pictured the telephone.
Q : I am lucky enough to own an MGM Studios park map signed by Jim Henson. It was signed when he visited MGM Studios a few months before his death. I know he was there discussing Disney’s future with the Muppets and to place his and Kermit’s handprints in cement. Although I have this great piece, I have no photos of the event. Does the Archives have photos of Jim Henson’s visit, and is it possible for me to get a copy to keep with my signed map?
Sara, Virginia Beach, Virginia
A: The Archives is unable to provide photographs, but there are some online (check Google Images).
Q : How often do the Imagineers visit the parks?
Melanie, Northfield, Ohio
A: The Imagineers try to visit the parks as often as they can, to see what is working, and what is not. When they start designing and building a new attraction, such as Cars Land, they may eventually spend every day at the park for months.
Q : Is it true there is a secret restaurant called Club 39 in Disneyland?
Andy, Miami Lakes, Florida
A: There is a private membership club called Club 33 above New Orleans Square, originally built in 1967 for use by the companies who sponsored attractions and shops in Disneyland.  Membership was later opened to the public, but there has always been a long waiting list.
Q : Is the Florida Orange Bird an official Disney character? Also, are there any plans to bring the bird back to the parks?
Samantha, Athens, Tennessee
A: The Orange Bird is an official Disney character that was designed under the supervision of Disney Legend Bob Moore. The character was conceived as a mascot of the Sunshine Pavilion at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Commission. After the Commission ceased its sponsorship in 1987, the Orange Bird left the Magic Kingdom. D23 Members were the first guests to see the Orange Bird’s return to Sunshine Tree Terrace on April 17, 2012; the character is now featured on the marquee to the location, and the original Orange Bird static figure that was once found above the terrace’s counter has been refurbished and reinstalled. A series of Orange Bird merchandise products—including a poster, pins, t-shirts, and even Orange Bird versions of the Mickey ear hats—have been available for sale this year. You can learn more about the Orange Bird’s return and see an Armchair Archivist episode celebrating the character here.
Q : You answered a gentleman about a miniature “ride” at Disneyland, saying there wasn’t one built. Now he said something about dollhouses but wasn’t there a miniature of Walt’s vision of Epcot after you left Carousel of Progress? I know it wasn’t a “ride,” and I was very little so I’m not sure.
Stephanie, Quartz Hill, California
A: You are thinking of Progress City, the model of a futuristic city that was displayed on the second floor of the Carousel of Progress building at Disneyland. When the Carousel moved to Walt Disney World, the model was cut up and a smaller version was placed where it could be viewed from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority in the Magic Kingdom.