Parks & Resorts Archives - Page 23 of 29

Q : Is there any evidence or record of Marilyn Monroe ever visiting Disneyland?

Rio, Pinole, California

A: Disneyland Guest Relations records do not indicate that Marilyn Monroe ever visited the park. If she did, she probably did so incognito without making Guest Relations aware of her presence.

Q : I have seen pictures and been told of an abandoned part of Walt Disney World. Where was that, and why was it shut down and abandoned?

Bayley, Sacramento, California

A: There are only a few areas of Walt Disney World that have been closed down, such as River Country and Discovery Island. Both closed after being superseded by larger and more elaborate attractions elsewhere at the Resort.

Q : Does the Archives contain any plans for Disney parks that never came about? If so, is there anything you can share with us about those plans?

Joe, Midland, Texas

A: The plans for unbuilt parks and attractions are maintained by Walt Disney Imagineering, not the Walt Disney Archives. As you are no doubt aware, preliminary design work is done on hundreds of parks and attractions that end up never being built.

Q : When the Swift Chicken Plantation House at Disneyland was closed in 1962, was the recipe for the $1.70 fried chicken ever retained? If so, what was it, and is the recipe still used anywhere in the park?

Jason, Anaheim, California

A: The Archives does not have recipes for the fried chicken.

Q : I am wondering what happened to the original or classic walk-around costumes used at Disneyland, especially those odd looking Mickey and Minnie used in opening-day footage? I think it would be a fascinating exhibit showing the classic “rubber heads” from the ’60s and ’70s.

Mark, Moorpark, California

A: The original character costumes from Opening Day were borrowed from the Ice Capades, since Disney had none of their own. The Ice Capades had a Disney segment in their shows in the 1950s. While the Archives has a couple of costumes from the 1970s, I doubt that any exist from earlier years.

Q : I love the songs created by X Atencio for Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. Is there a reason or story behind why his first name, Xavier, was shortened to X, or was it just his preference? Thanks very much!

Chad, North Las Vegas, Nevada

A: In an interview, X commented that he was given that nickname by friends in high school, and the nickname stuck when he went on to work at Disney in 1938. His full name is actually Francis Xavier Atencio.

Q : I recently went to Disney Legend Bill Martin’s estate sale, and picked up a bronze plaque. It features Mickey Mouse, with the initials B.G., which I assume is Blaine Gibson. It says, “Thank You Bill” along the top, and “WED MAPO” along the bottom. Can you tell me anything about this plaque, and why it was given? Anything you could tell me would be appreciated!

Stefan, Pasadena, California

A: Without seeing a picture, I would assume that this is a plaque given to Bill on his retirement. He retired from WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) in 1977.

Q : When Epcot’s original Test Track closed in 2012, did the Walt Disney Archives acquire any pieces from the attraction that we might recognize?

Robert, Kissimmee, Florida

A: The Archives saved a number of pieces, such as a crash dummy, the height measuring tool, a marquee, and a road hazard sign picturing a cow and “Moo.”

Q : I have few questions about the new Star Tours — The Adventures Continue at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the visit to Hoth, a rebel pilot appears on the TV monitor and (as a reference to the original attraction) says Star Tours, this is a restricted area. What are you doing here? I am sure that the actor is Bill Rogers, better known as the voice of Disneyland. Is this correct? If so, how did he happen to get cast in the role? Also, during the visit to Naboo, a female pilot appears on the TV monitor and says “Star Tours, follow us to the rebel hanger. You will be safe there.” Who is this actress? Is she an employee of Walt Disney Imagineering or Industrial Light & Magic?

Fred, Placentia, California

A: I checked with Walt Disney Imagineering to get your answer. The Rebel Pilot is not Bill Rogers, but Rob Howe, and the Naboo Squad Leader is April Royster; neither of them works for Imagineering or ILM. Also, I’m told that Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) provided some miscellaneous voices.

Q : Were there any other locations that Walt Disney was considering to construct Walt Disney World at?

Larry, Tampa, Florida

A: At times the Disney executives considered other possible sites in Florida, including Tampa, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Kissimmee, and the Miami area.