By Holly Brobst, Walt Disney Archives
The world-famous Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s acclaimed True-Life Adventures film series, as well as numerous far-off locales from around the world that are meant to inspire the intrepid. The original Jungle Cruise poster, seen below, was designed by artist Bjorn Aronson in 1955…
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By Matt Moryc, Walt Disney Archives
If you grew up watching television in the 1980s and 1990s, then you might agree that there is an objective argument to be made that some of the greatest family sitcoms of all-time were produced during this era. The American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was at the forefront of this golden age of television with their Friday night…
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By Natalie Auxier, Walt Disney Archives
“Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in this history of mankind.
Mankind—that word should have new meaning for all of us today.
We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our…
Kenny Ortega first began designing dances on the small screen, choreographing music videos for Olivia Newton-John and Madonna and quickly moved on to bigger productions. In 1980, he choreographed the dance sequences for the musical film Xanadu, working with legendary dancer and director Gene Kelly. He continued choreographing such hits as St. Elmo’s…
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By Kimi Thompson and Ed Ovalle, Walt Disney Archives
Last week we shared A Historical Legacy: The Beginning of the Walt Disney Archives, and today we’re continuing our look back at the history of our department and how we preserve the magic of The Walt Disney Company.
After Disney Legend Dave Smith established the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, he continued with…
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DATE
WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES EVENT AND EXHIBITION CALENDAR:
LOCATION
June 5
Heroes & Villains – The Art of the Disney Costume – The Museum of Pop Culture
Seattle, WA
Exhibition Opens
July 22
Inside the Walt Disney Archives – Graceland Exhibition Center
Memphis, TN
D23 Gold Member Preview Event
July 23
Inside…
Imagineer Bob Gurr has always been a man on the move. And, for almost 40 years, he helped move many a happy Disney theme park guest aboard vehicles and ride conveyances of his own design. As he’s often quipped, “If it moves on wheels at Disneyland, I probably designed it.”
And he certainly has. Bob has developed more than 100 designs for attractions ranging…
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By Kimi Thompson and Ed Ovalle, Walt Disney Archives
Our story begins with none other than our founder, Disney Legend Dave Smith. A Southern California native and UCLA reference librarian, Dave began his research on Walt Disney Productions (known today as The Walt Disney Company) after expressing an interest in compiling an extensive bibliography on Walt Disney…
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By Christina Pappous, Walt Disney Archives
Did you know that today is the 25th anniversary of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame? Released in 1996, the animated feature vividly brought the timeless characters and story from Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel to a new generation of filmgoers. Prior adaptations of Hugo’s novel included the 1923 silent version starring…
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Producer, lyricist, and Disney Legend Howard Ashman made a huge “splash” in the world of popular culture in 1989 with The Little Mermaid, which he also co-produced. His song “Under the Sea,” co-written with composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken, won an Oscar® that year for Best Song.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 17, 1950, the successful lyricist,…
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