By Nikki Nguyen, Walt Disney Archives World of Motion, an opening-day attraction at EPCOT, provided Guests with a fun-filled look at the history of transportation. Former Disney animator and train-enthusiast Ward Kimball came out of retirement to lend his characteristic sense of humor to the attraction’s action. As an art director, Ward helped shift the …
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By Becky Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives When doing research in the collections of the Walt Disney Archives, it’s always fun when you stumble across interesting tidbits from Disney History. One day, while looking in Walt Disney’s 1955 correspondence files (for something else entirely), I came across this very charming note to Walt—and his equally …
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By Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives Sometimes, the most memorable delights are those which are the simplest. Walt Disney’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction has withstood the tests of time to become not only a beloved tradition for families to seek out when visiting Disney Parks, but also as a sort of “rite of passage” …
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By Jennifer Vanoni, Walt Disney Archives Brokedown Palace, starring Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale, is on the cusp of turning 21 years old. Originally released on August 13, 1999, the 20th Century Fox / Fox 2000 Pictures drama is celebrating this milestone with a streaming debut on Hulu. Inspired by his own travels and the …
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By Nikki Nguyen, Walt Disney Archives In Alice Through the Looking Glass, Time presents this wind-up toy to Iracebeth as a gift “made entirely out of love… and also a little bit of metal and wood.” The complex machinery of this prop is functional and in working order. As the crank is turned, the executioner lowers the …
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By Francesca Scrimgeour, Walt Disney Archives The Great Movie Ride attraction was a film lover’s dream, an experience that visited some of the most important and classic films of all time. As soon as the attraction vehicle passed under the neon-flashing marquee with “Hooray for Hollywood” swelling in the background, Guests knew they were in …
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By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives The year 2020 finds many of our favorite television shows wrapping up storylines and coming to an end. Fresh Off the Boat, Modern Family, Homeland, How to Get Away with Murder and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. have either aired their final episode, or will be doing so in the …
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By Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives Do you remember the first time you passed through the turnstiles and into a Disney Park? That unmistakable feeling of excitement—the sense that magic is just a few feet away within the many realms of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy—is shared by all who come to these happy places. It’s …
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By Jocelyn Buhlman Mouse ear hats. Spirit Jerseys. Autograph books. Throughout Disneyland’s 65 years of magic, there’s always something special you can take home to serve as a memento of your day at the Happiest Place on Earth. No matter where you are, souvenirs act as a way to remind us that the magic of …
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By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives Warm weather and sunshine have always been a cause for celebration, especially at Disneyland. Over the years, numerous parades and events have been held at the Park during the spring and summer months for Guests to enjoy. One long–running tradition held at the Park was the “Old Fashioned Easter …
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