By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives Fact or fiction? Television shows and movies often blur the lines between what is real and what has been created through the imaginative mind of a writer. Taking a story with very identifiable locations and very definitive historical facts and adding a touch of creative intrigue can make an …
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By Nicole Carroll, Walt Disney Archives Anyone familiar with Walt Disney has probably heard that one of his favorite foods was chili. Simply put, Walt was a Midwestern boy and had a Midwestern appetite; he stuck to familiar “meat and potatoes” dishes. So, of course, Walt liked his chili. As his wife Lillian recalled, “He …
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By Jennifer Vanoni, Walt Disney Archives The 2018 film Isle of Dogs was the second stop-motion animated feature from director Wes Anderson and his right-hand man, master puppet maker Andy Gent. The two forged a dynamic bond while working on Anderson’s first stop motion foray, The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). Their creative synergy was crucial …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 black- and- white pictures to vibrant …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 seating …
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