James, Northridge, California

The Emperor Penguins (1955) was an 11-minute black-and-white documentary film for which Disney obtained the distribution rights. It was filmed during a French Antarctic expedition led by Paul Emile Victor.

Brad Yeomans, Toledo, Ohio

The character was animated by Chris Bailey. He had started working for Disney in the mid-1980s and remained for a decade. He returned later to direct episodes of Kim Possible.

Katie, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Fantasia was shot on motion picture film; it was not taped. The original negatives are still available for the Company’s use.

Jim, New Fairfield, CT

This was part of the Camera Center on Main Street, U.S.A. in the early 1980s when it was sponsored by Polaroid (they sponsored from 1979 to 1984). Guests would put on 19th century costumes and pose for photos in the back of a railroad car, themed to the Walt Disney World Railroad, for an “instant …

James Merchant, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

When Walt Disney came up with a duck character, he wanted to use alliteration, such as he did with Mickey Mouse. Donald was a popular name in the 1930s, so naming the character Donald was an obvious choice. It is a stretch to think that he might have been named for an Australian cricket player, …

Brantley, Eagle Mountain, Utah

Figaro made his debut in Pinocchio, but he was so popular that Walt Disney used him in seven short cartoons, including two with Figaro in the title: Figaro and Frankie and Figaro and Cleo. He has also appeared in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Minnie’s Bow-Toons.

“Winnie the Pooh: Be My Friend” exhibition

Winnie the Pooh and Friends Visit Hong Kong

By Courtney Potter He’s friendly, kind, and all stuffed with fluff—and he’s brought his pals to Hong Kong for a very special visit! The “best bear in all the world,” Winnie the Pooh, has spent the last few years traveling the globe… and now, he’s making lots of new friends during the “Winnie the Pooh: …

Joan, Palm Coast, Florida

The very realistic Rocket to the Moon attraction opened in Tomorrowland on July 22, 1955, just a few days after the park’s opening. It was originally sponsored by TWA and later by McDonnell-Douglas. Each sponsor, during their sponsorship, had their logo on the tall upright rocket ship displayed outside the attraction. It later became Flight …

cel from cartoon Lonesome Ghosts featuring Mickey Mouse traipsing through a dark house with a shotgun shadowed by a large blue smiling ghost

Deacon, Murphressboro/Columbia, Tennessee

Lonesome Ghosts was a popular 1937 cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as ghost exterminators. It was directed by Burt Gillett, who directed many Disney cartoons in that era, and is perhaps best remembered by animators at the Disney Studio because of the transparent paint that was created for the ghosts. Few cels …

David, Edmonton, Canada

There were many different pennants that were released at Disneyland in the mid to late 1950s; the first had a shield on the left picturing logos of the four realms of Disneyland. In 1958 you could buy one by mail order for 48¢. We have been unable to date the various versions.