Walker, Vesey

Walker, Vesey (1893-1977) Original director of the Disneyland Band from 1955. He led the band in thousands of parades and concerts during his years at the park. He was named “founding director” and retired in 1967, but he remained available as a guest conductor and for special appearances. He was named a Disney Legend in …

Walker, Tommy

Walker, Tommy (1922-1986) Showman; served as director of entertainment at Disneyland from 1955 to 1967. Besides the park’s parades and fireworks spectaculars, he was in charge of many special events, including the grand opening ceremonies for Disneyland, and later the pageantry for the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. He was the son of Vesey …

Walk Around the World

Walk Around the World Pathway that will encircle the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World. In 1994 it was announced that individuals could sponsor a 10-inch hexagonal brick in the pathway, which would be inscribed with the sponsor’s name, for a fee of $96. The project was completed in July 2000.

Walker, E. Cardon (“Card”)

Walker, E. Cardon (“Card”) He served as president of Walt Disney Productions from 1971 to 1980 and chairman of the board from 1980 to 1983. He originally began with the company in 1938 delivering the mail, and worked his way up in the company in the camera and story departments, finally moving into advertising. In …

Wales (film)

Wales (film) People and Places featurette; released on June 10, 1958. Directed by Geoffrey Foot. Wales prides herself in her wealth of natural resources, foundries, mills, and factories. Beyond this modern facade lies another treasure—a rich historical background and ancient lore. The great granite fortresses still remain as reminders that from the struggle and strife …

Waking Sleeping Beauty (film)

Waking Sleeping Beauty (film) Documentary about Disney animation history for a decade beginning in 1984. After the poorly received The Black Cauldron, Roy E. Disney, Peter Schneider, and Jeffrey Katzenberg engineered a renaissance in Disney animation from The Little Mermaid to The Lion King. Directed by Don Hahn. 86 min. Premiered on September 5, 2009, …

Wagner, Jack

Wagner, Jack (1925-1995) Actor; for two decades, beginning in 1970, he was the “voice of Disneyland.” Wagner’s familiar voice was heard in most recorded announcements at the park, as well as narrating several of the attractions. He also did work for Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, and his voice is featured on …

Wages and Production (film)

Wages and Production (film) Educational film, from The People on Market Street series, produced by Terry Kahn; released in September 1977. A visit to a furniture company helps students understand the concept of labor as a salable service.

Wahlberg, Mark

Wahlberg, Mark Actor; appeared in Renaissance Man (Tommy Lee Haywood). Wahlberg, as Marky Mark, had made a sensation on the musical scene, becoming an advertising model for Calvin Klein underwear after his trademark lowering of his pants on stage.

Waging Peace (film)

Waging Peace (film) Educational film; premiered on The Disney Channel on November 6, 1996. Produced by Disney Educational Productions in association with Jazbo Productions. Based on the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity’s “Tomorrow’s Leaders” conference held in Venice, Italy, the film documents the meeting of world leaders, conflict resolution facilitators, and 30 teenagers, representing divergent …