By Matt Moryc, The Walt Disney Archives
The grand opening of Disney’s first international theme park, Tokyo Disneyland, took place on April 15, 1983—the first day of official operation. The hosts for the morning’s events were Disney Legend and then-chairman of the board of Walt Disney Productions, Card Walker; and Disney Legend and then-president of Oriental…
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By Matt Moryc, The Walt Disney Archives
The first of seven photograph albums belonging to Mr. Jones that were donated to the the Walt Disney Archives.
Seven photo albums, seven years, 2,206 photographs and 500 park visits tell the story of Millard C. Jones, or as Walt Disney World Cast Members preferred to call him, “Mr. Jones.” Never without his trademark…
By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives
The Ink & Paint Department at the Disney studio was an epicenter of artistry and innovation.
In 1932, Grace Bailey came to Disney for a tryout when she found out they were looking for artists. She was put in charge of Paint during production of the Silly Symphony series when the studio was moving away from…
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By Michael Buckhoff, Walt Disney Archives
Most today would not immediately recognize the man standing with Walt Disney near the central hub of Disneyland in 1964, but if you have enjoyed a fireworks spectacular at the park you have Tommy Walker to thank. Son of Disneyland bandleader, Vesey Walker, Tommy served as band director at the University of Southern…
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By Becky Cline
Every Disney fan knows that Disneyland was built on orange groves in Anaheim, California, and that Walt Disney World Resort was constructed amidst the undeveloped everglades of central Florida. Many know that Tokyo Disneyland Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resorts were built on land reclaimed from the sea, and that Shanghai Disneyland was built on…
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By Lynne Drake and Heather Hoffman, Walt Disney Archives
We continue our look at costumer, Renié Conley, whose Disneyland costume designs were spotlighted last week as part of her earliest wardrobe concepts. If you happened to miss part one, check it out here.
Renié is also well known for designing the female costumes for the 20th Century Fox film, Cleopatra…
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By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives
When The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank opened in 1940, employees were struck by the admirable lawns and pedestrian thoroughfares which were ideal for walks, picnicking, or leading to the nearby studio restaurant, or “Commissary” as it is called, which featured relaxing outdoor patios or air-conditioned indoor…
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By Nicole Carroll, Walt Disney Archives
Disney Legend Joyce Carlson began her impressive career with The Walt Disney Company in 1944, in the studio traffic department, where she was responsible for delivering mail and other items like pencils, brushes, or coffee to animators and artists. “Traffic was where you could get the lay of the land. It wasn’t a place…
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By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives
When I was a little girl, one of the things I really loved was poring over my Disney storybooks. One of my favorites was a Little Golden Book entitled The Little Man of Disneyland, published in 1955. I was absolutely enchanted by the story of Patrick Begorra, a leprechaun who lived in a tiny house at the base of an…
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By Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives
“Walt realized that a visit to an amusement park could be like a theatrical experience—in a word, a show.” — Disney Legend John Hench
No part of the Disneyland “show” was overlooked while preparing to open in the months leading up to July 17, 1955. When Walt and his staff set out to create their new entertainment…
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