D23 Presents: Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Extends Through August 3, 2014

April 28, 2014March 27, 2018

Due to popular demand, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is extending the run of Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Guests will be able to enjoy the exhibit through August 3, 2014.

Join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Saturday, September 6 for D23 Fanniversary Celebration ►

“This interactive exhibit has been so well-received by guests of all ages,” said Anne Rashford, director of temporary exhibits. “It tells the great story of the imagination and perseverance of Walt Disney and offers a rare peek into his life and the unforgettable entertainment he created. We are thrilled to be able to keep it at MSI for an additional three months.”

Disneyland ticket No. 1 purchased by Roy O. Disney.

From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features more than 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney’s rich history—including props; costumes; memorabilia; and artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, television shows and live-action films. Hands-on activities allow kids and adults alike to explore animation technology from all 53 Disney animated films and learn to draw one of their favorite characters in the Animation Academy.

The exhibit is not included in Museum Entry but can be added to an Explorer ticket package. D23 Gold and Silver Members will receive a special discount on exhibit entry. For more information and to buy tickets, visit msichicago.org. For more information about D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, visit D23.com. This exhibit is presented by Walgreens.

Walt at the Bat: Watch This Video About Disney’s Baseball Legacy

Certainly a believer in baseball’s inherent benefits, Walt Disney was a big fan of the sport as a spectator and even as a player. Walt often join his employees in friendly games at the old Hyperion Studios in Los Angeles. Over time Disney has celebrated baseball in its films, parks, and more.

The Top Nine Disney Sports Movies (That Aren’t Really About Sports) ►

Now with the MLB season in full swing, let’s sit back (or maybe join in a pick-up game of our own) and enjoy America’s pastime, for as Walt alluded to, it has quite a bit to offer.

Eleven Life Lessons You Can Learn From Disney Bears

April 17, 2014March 27, 2018

Disneynature’s new true-life adventure Bears showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. In the movie—which opens this weekend at a theater near you—Amber and Scout have to learn to survive in the bitter cold, to find food, and to stay safe from predators.These are undeniably important things for young, impressionable cubs to learn. But Disney has an eclectic collection of bears that have learned other life lessons in films and TV series. Let’s take a look at these important life lessons that Disneynature’s Bears—and even humans—might heed, as well.

Winnie the Pooh
Even “a bear of very little brain” can get by with a few true friends to see him through the tightest of jams. And a word to the wise: It often does come from liking honey too much.

Koda—Brother Bear
You can get all the rest you need when you’re hibernating. Make the most of your time when you’re awake.

Br’er Bear—Song of the South
Brawn can only take you so far. A rabbit with quick wits will defeat an overly trusting bear every time.

The Country Bears
Forget about the chit-chat, yick-yack, and film-flam. Just refrain from hibernating, pick up a jug, and make music with whatever—or whomever—is around and start your own jamboree.

Duffy
A true companion can come in any shape and size. And never underestimate the power of a mouse.

Patch, Scratch, and Rusty—The Bears and I
When you’re a bear, humans are generally to be feared. But if you find the right human, they just might let you raid their kitchen.

Lots-o-Huggin’ Bear
It’s easy to gain the upper hand over an adversary if you begin with a little charm and friendliness. It also doesn’t hurt if you smell like strawberries.

Fozzie Bear
No matter what adversity life throws in your path, whenever you find yourself in disagreement with friend or foe (or frog), never lose your sense of humor—even when critics claim you never really had one in the first place.

Rugged Bear—Rugged Bear
Never let people walk all over you—unless, of course, that’s part of your master plan for survival.

Bongo the Bear—Fun & Fancy Free
When life feels like a crazy circus you need to escape, it might be time to think about getting back to your roots and commune with nature.

Bear in the Big Blue House
Greet the sun every morning. Check in with the moon every evening. And be sure to savor every smell!

The Top Nine Disney Sports Movies (That Aren’t Really About Sports)

Sports can often be a metaphor for life . . .

. . . highlighting hard work, overcoming adversity, and celebrating achievement (as well as enduring the occasional “agony of defeat”). To that end, movies about sports aren’t usually “about sports”—they’re frequently about these much bigger ideas that tie us all together as humans. And sometimes, for instance, if it includes comedian Don Knotts and a mule… they’re just fun!

Read a D23-Exclusive Interview With Jon Hamm About Disney’s Million Dollar Arm ►

In honor of the upcoming release of the baseball-themed Million Dollar Arm, which stars Jon Hamm as a sports agent in an inspiring film that is definitely not entirely “about baseball,” we have selected our nine favorite Disney sports movies—many based on true stories—that aren’t really about sports.

9. Cool Runnings (1993)
Talk about overcoming obstacles. Three Jamaican sprinters are determined to form a bobsled team, despite the fact that there’s no snow in Jamaica. On their path to the Olympics, they earn the respect and adoration of their country, the world, and audiences everywhere.

8. The Rookie (2002)
After an injury sidelines a pitching career, Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) settles into life as a high school chemistry teacher and baseball coach. Then his last-place team makes a deal with him: If they win the district championship, he will give baseball another shot. Not only does his team shoot to first place but, despite being oldest guy at try-outs, Jim manages to throw multiple 98-mph fastballs and lands a minor-league contract. Fun fact: The film was directed by John Lee Hancock, who would go on to helm Saving Mr. Banks.

7. Angels in the Outfield (1994)
This remake of the 1951 film of the same name stars a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Roger, a boy from a broken home who prays that the last-place Angels can come out of their slump, unaware that his prayers would be answered by a team of real angels. Full of humor, the film also sneaked up on audiences with its heartfelt tale of dreams and courage.

6. Gus (1976)
What professional sports team doesn’t dream of having a kicker who can boot the ball 100 yards with flawless accuracy… and is a mule? OK, maybe sports teams don’t dream about the mule part, but the floundering California Atoms discover Gus, the surprisingly talented football-playing mule who gives their team a winning season. (Hint: This movie is not based on a true story.)

5. Secretariat (2010)
A bit different than Gus… The story of the horse that won the 1973 Triple Crown, this incredible film is more about the transformative experience the horse’s owner—a luminous Diane Lane—undergoes as she grows from housewife and mother to game-changing sporting legend.

4. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
So popular that it spawned two sequels, The Mighty Ducks stars Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay, a lawyer sentenced to community service, which turns out to be coaching a peewee hockey team. Like so many other teams on our list, they weren’t doing so well. But when Gordon finally finds his groove, so does the team. And just as much as Gordon changes the kids on the team from “losers” to “winners,” the kids help Gordon change as well.

3. Invincible (2006)
In 1976, the Philadelphia Eagles hosted an unprecedented open try out for their football team. Substitute teacher and part-time bartender Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), whose football experience has pretty much been limited to neighborhood games, is persuaded to try out. Much to his surprise—and the shock of the team—he makes it. Even more surprising, he helps the Eagles snap out of their 11-year losing streak. Like The Rookie, the film serves as a reminder that you are never too old to follow your dream.

2. Miracle (2004)
Based on the U.S. Olympic Hockey team’s heart-racing triumph over the Soviet Union in 1980, this film beautifully illustrates that, despite long odds and slim chances, a miracle can sometimes happen. Featuring former Disney child star Kurt Russell as the team’s coach, Miracle shows how 20 players from different teams, schools, and backgrounds can all come together to represent a nation.

1. Remember the Titans (2000)
Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington (and former Mouseketeer Ryan Gosling) starred in this spectacular film about the integration of a high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. When a young black coach (Washington) is hired to lead the team over a (white) coach with seniority, intense feelings and issues rise to the surface. But when they are finally able to look past their differences, the men are able to work together and lead their divided and unfocused team to victory.

How Disney’s Iconic Look Has Changed From 1923 to the Present Day

Lillian, Walt, Ruth, Roy, and Edna Disney pictured above outside the Disney Bros. Studio in Los Angeles, California.

With the signing of the Alice Comedies contract in 1923, Walt Disney and his brother, Roy, established the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. And ever since “Disney Bros. Studio” was first painted on Walt and Roy’s first production facility in Los Angeles, Disney’s trademark logo has evolved over the years to become one of the most internationally recognized brands.

Join us for a look back at how the Disney logo has changed since two brothers founded an animation studio and started what would become a household name in many languages.

Though we may not know the exact dates of when some of these logo designs were created, the eras they speak to are easily identifiable. As an example, “Disney Bros. Studio” was founded in 1923, but it is possible that this letterhead was actually introduced later, possibly in 1924. The simple lettering helps highlight the humble beginnings of one of Hollywood’s greatest success stories.

As Disney Bros. Studio grew and moved to the Hyperion Studios, a certain trademark character arrived and was added to the company’s insignia. Mickey Mouse has stayed connected with the company logo ever since.

In the years that followed, Walt’s success led him to incorporate the company, which he did on December 16, 1929, giving it the new name Walt Disney Productions. Four companies were incorporated, replacing the Disney brothers’ partnership: Walt Disney Productions, Ltd.; Walt Disney Enterprises; Liled Realty & Investment Company, Ltd.; and Disney Film Recording Company, Ltd.

The name Walt Disney Productions saw several logo and stationery letterhead treatments over the years, one of which (pictured above) showcased a variation of what would eventually become the iconic Disney typeface and graphic treatment of Walt’s scrawl. The popular company name remained a mainstay for more than 50 years. Then, in 1986, the Disney enterprise was once again renamed, this time branding itself as The Walt Disney Company.

Referred to internally at Disney as the “tah dah” Mickey, the character was updated to match the more modernized company logo of that time.

More recently in 2009, The Walt Disney Company logo was changed again, but still includes Mickey Mouse. An initial release of the new look showed Mickey Mouse walking, as above, but with his tail a bit higher so that it was covered by his hand. Realizing that this looked like Mickey was holding his tail, the logo was quickly switched out.

As Disney continues to evolve and change, we’re pleased to say that “Mickey” and “Walt Disney” continue to be the most recognized elements of what makes Disney… Disney.

D23 Exclusive: Jon Hamm’s Million Dollar Disney Magic

Jon Hamm steps out from behind his swanky Mad Men desk and steps up to the plate in his new Disney film, Million Dollar Arm. In this inspiring film that’s based on a true story, Hamm takes on the role of sports agent JB Bernstein.

Walt at the Bat: Watch This Video About Disney’s Baseball Legacy ►

In a last-ditch effort to save his career, JB stakes everything on a reality show in India designed to find the next great baseball star. He finds two hopefuls and as the boys learn the finer points of baseball, JB learns about teamwork, commitment, and what it means to be a family.

D23 grabbed a few moments to chat with the dashing actor to chat about the film—and a few of his favorite Disney moments.

D23: Why do you feel fans of Disney will enjoy Million Dollar Arm?
“The ‘Disney’ aspect of the movie is that it’s a story the entire family can enjoy. That is part of what attracted me to the project.”

Now that you’re starring in a Disney film, what’s your favorite Disney movie?
“I’m a big fan of all of the Disney animated films—going back to the early ‘Golden Age’ animation. My favorite is, oddly, Fantasia. Such an outlier of a film, yet tremendously creative.”

Do you remember your first Disney memory?
“I don’t specifically, but I also don’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t aware of Disney.”

Who’s your favorite Disney character and why?
“Impossible to say—[there are] just too many fantastic, fascinating characters.”

Do you have favorite Disney theme park attractions?
“I came to Disneyland for the first time at the age of 9. I rode every ride in the park. Space Mountain was by far my favorite.”

Lots of famous faces go behind the mic to voice Disney characters. Is there a character —or a type of character—you’d like to voice for a Disney movie?
“If I could sing better I’d love to do an animated Disney movie. I think I’ll have to settle for being in a Pixar movie of some sort. I don’t think anyone wants to hear me sing for any extended period of time. There are people who do that kind of thing way better than I.”

Million Dollar Arm opens nationwide May 16, 2014. Check out the trailer below!

The First Disneyland Pirates Voyage

This silent footage—the first ride-through of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, as captured on film on December 2, 1966—was never seen by the public until our D23 Fanniversary events across the country in 2012. The film footage was discovered when film archivists at the Disney Studio were looking for unseen footage in preparation for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. Pirates of the Caribbean eventually opened at Disneyland on March 18, 1967, and has since become one of the most popular Disney attractions ever created.

See Concept Art From Shanghai Disneyland’s Treasure Cove

On this day in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim. Nearly 50 years later, as part of The Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger unveiled creative details including the first-ever Pirates-themed land and a new Pirates of the Caribbean attraction designed for the Shanghai Disney Resort.

“Pirates of the Caribbean” is one of the most iconic attractions in our parks, and we really couldn’t imagine Shanghai Disneyland without Pirates,” said Bob Iger, Disney chairman and CEO. “We wanted to create a one-of-a-kind experience that would appeal to our Chinese guests while remaining true to its Disney heritage.”

For the first time ever, a Disney Park will be home to a Pirates-themed land—Treasure Cove—and an e-ticket attraction called Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle of the Sunken Treasure. The attraction will feature a combination of new technology and innovation to bring guests along a pirate adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Davy Jones, providing our guests who visit the Shanghai Disneyland Park an experience unlike anything else in the world.

“We are extremely proud of all the work underway to bring the Shanghai Disney Resort to life,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “And we’re excited to re-imagine the iconic world and characters of Pirates for the first time as an entire land that celebrates the creativity, imagination and adventure of both the fan favorite attraction and the popular film franchise.”

The announcement coincides with the completion of key structural work on the Pirates attraction, and marks another exciting milestone in the resort development. Progress continues with construction and Shanghai Disney Resort remains on target to open by the end of 2015.

Hidden Fan Tributes Inside Epcot’s Test Track

March 17, 2014March 27, 2018

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club talks with Imagineers Melissa Jeselnick (assistant project manager) and Daniel Joseph (special effects designer) about the innovative design, Illusioneering, and hidden tributes to the past in Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.

The Design Experience
Responsiveness. Efficiency. Capability. Power. These are the four key design concepts of the re-imagined Test Track, Disney’s most immersive interactive Epcot attraction to date. Test Track explores Chevrolet’s design story through a behind-the-scenes look at the automotive design process, allowing guests to design their own virtual concept and then embark on a thrilling journey into a dazzling multi-sensory experience. “The attraction is inspires a new generation of designers—whether they want to go into automotive design or theme park design—introducing our guests, and especially kids, to those principles of design and making design choices,” Melissa explains.

In the pre-show area, guests learn about the design process and are invited to virtual-draw their own concept, which performs against four key performance attributes. Melissa reveals that there are “trillions of different possibilities” for each designer, who can customize their concept to reflect their personalities and interests. Since design customization is such a vital component to the attraction, even single-rider guests have an opportunity to participate in an abbreviated design experience.

Guests test out their designs in the thrilling experience to follow, as the six-person SimCar ride vehicle transports them through an optically charged world comprised of four different testing zones, culminating in the high-speed loop around the Epcot pavilion. The Chevrolet design experience continues in an interactive post-show area that allows guests to discover just how well their designs withstood the performance tests, see how they performed against fellow designers, and take part in a series of all-new interactive experiences.

Keep Moving Forward
Matching the spirit of the original Epcot Center, Test Track reflects the forward-thinking attitude that inspired Imagineers to create a showcase to the world of new technologies and systems. Featured in the pre-show to the attraction is the latest visual technology pioneered by Imagineers: a series of multiplane LCD screens. Daniel, who showcased the history of “Epcot Illusioneering” at D23’s Epcot 30th Anniversary Celebration, explains that the innovation works as a reverse effect of the Disney Studio’s original multiplane camera developed in 1937. “Instead of a camera looking through layers of animation cels, we have two layers of video screen and a transparent video screen layered on top of each other playing two planes of video,” Daniel describes. The result is a remarkable dimensional effect without even needing 3D glasses.

Inspired by the rich history of innovative special effects and illusions created by the Disney Studio and at Walt Disney Imagineering, Daniel affirms that the Illusioneering team strove to follow in the footsteps of Disney Legend and master illusioneer Yale Gracey, creating all-new effects for the attraction that are “simple, elegant, and repeatable.” Along their journey, guests will encounter lightning, fog, lasers, and an entire futuristic cityscape that support the multi-sensory ride experience.

Looking Back at Tomorrow
This futuristic city scene that guests will see is actually a serendipitous, but accidental, tribute to Epcot’s original World of Motion attraction, Daniel reveals. Designed by Mike Overman, art director, who had not experienced the original incarnation of the transportation pavilion, the cityscape bears a remarkable resemblance to World of Motion’s futuristic CenterCore finale, which featured an inspiring vista of a bustling futuristic metropolis “on the move.”

“As the team built off of the city concept art, it arrived in a totally organic way, looking almost identical to the original city but in a new and forward-thinking technological manner to that original notion of this cool, moving, bustling city of tomorrow,” Daniel shares. “It was almost like the ride guided us there.”

Keen eyes can spot references to both World of Motion and the original Test Track attractions throughout the updated experience. A sign found in the performance track identifies “Motion Drive,” “General Motor Way,” and “Chevy Lane,” a tribute to the three experiences that have resided in the building. “There are also a few nice World of Motion pavilion logos throughout the show as hidden homages,” adds Daniel, who was inspired by the original attraction growing up.

Guests who remember World of Motion may also recognize the reference to its musical theme, “It’s Fun to be Free,” on a sign found in the Test Track pavilion. While the theme song by Buddy Baker and X. Atencio is a treasured part of guests’ memories, they can hear an all-new futuristic score written by Paul Leonard-Morgan (Limitless, Dredd 3D) that drives the updated experience.

A team of new and veteran Imagineers collaborated on the most recent incarnation of Test Track. Trevor Bryant (project producer) and Kevin Van Schaick (project manager), who worked on the original Future World pavilions that premiered in the early 1980s, lent their expertise and forward-thinking mindsets to this newest endeavor. “To have them back literally 30 years later—working on the living dream and moving forward—I think is pretty cool for us and for them,” Daniel says. “It was hard for Trevor and Kevin to believe that Epcot had already celebrated 30 years!”

Tomorrow’s World Will Continue to be a World of Motion
Walt’s vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow that would address the challenges facing our world lives on in Test Track Presented by Chevrolet. Our invitation to take part in the future of automobile design is an exciting reminder to keep moving forward, sharing in the challenge to shape tomorrow’s mobility.

“This project ties back to the core Epcot Future World idea, back to Walt’s vision of having companies join in and be partners,” Melissa concludes. “It’s felt very authentic to the team. We’re really excited to be looking back at that vision and look forward in the story that we’re telling.”

Mickey Mouse’s Lost Pirate Adventure

March 13, 2014March 27, 2018

We all recall Mickey’s deeds of giant-clobbering glory as the Brave Little Tailor. Not to mention Donald Duck’s trip to Bahia—and Goofy’s super-goofy horseback riding lessons! But how many of us remember Mickey’s pirate adventure?

Morgan’s Ghost was a cool cartoon concept that was developed alongside the classics we love, but never completed or released.

Today it is a footnote in Disney history—a fascinating one that we want to know more about!

These storyboards from Morgan’s Ghost, drawn by Harry Reeves, Homer Brightman, and Roy Williams, help us visualize what this short may have looked like if it was animated. Arrr, matey!

In Development: 1939-41

The Plot
Heave-ho, me lads! Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are managing the Jolly Roger Inn when a late night brings a strange visitor—Yellow Beak, an ex-pirate parrot! This crusty old bird has a crusty treasure map… and an even crustier pursuer: Peg Leg Pete, who will stop at nothing to find the treasure!

Unless, of course, Yellow Beak, Mickey, and the gang find it first. Too bad they unwittingly bring Pete with them—disguised as an old lady whose boat they have rented! After a shipboard battle, our heroes escape, land on Morgan’s Island, and meet the ghosts of Morgan and his pirate crew, who have a big surprise in store for Pete.

But there’s still the treasure to be found. It’s hidden in Hangman’s Garden, the scariest part of the island—and home to the geysers, torrential rain, and enchanted giant garden shears (!) that turned Morgan into a ghost!

Why not?
Morgan’s Ghost started life as Pieces of Eight (or Three Buccaneers), a feature-length Mickey Mouse story scripted by Dick Creedon and Al Perkins in 1939. The swashbuckling saga went though several drafts; in early versions of the plot, Yellow Beak was a pet, not a peer, and Morgan’s Island was also home to Robinson Crusoe and Friday!

Even in its final, storyboard form, Morgan’s Ghost went unmade—as a film, that is. In 1941, Oskar Lebeck, managing director at Western Publishing, asked Disney to adapt the shelved Ghost storyboards into a comic book.

With Donald’s nephews replacing Mickey and Goofy, the result was Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold (Four Color 9, 1942). The script was handled by Disney comic strip writer Bob Karp; art was provided by Jack Hannah—and Carl Barks, whose famous Duck comics career started here!