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, …
See more
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 …
See more
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 …
See more
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 …
See more
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 …
See more
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 …
See more
By Nicole Carroll, Walt Disney Archives Disney Legend Joyce Carlson began her impressive career with The Walt Disney Company in 1944, in the studio traffic department, where she was responsible for delivering mail and other items like pencils, brushes, or coffee to animators and artists. “Traffic was where you could get the lay of the …
See more
By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives When I was a little girl, one of the things I really loved was poring over my Disney storybooks. One of my favorites was a Little Golden Book entitled The Little Man of Disneyland, published in 1955. I was absolutely enchanted by the story of Patrick Begorra, a leprechaun …
See more
By Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives “Walt realized that a visit to an amusement park could be like a theatrical experience—in a word, a show.” — Disney Legend John Hench No part of the Disneyland “show” was overlooked while preparing to open in the months leading up to July 17, 1955. When Walt and his …
See more
By Jocelyn Buhlman The stories of the Walt Disney Archives and Disney Legend Dave Smith will be forever tied together—Smith’s Disney career began on June 22, 1970, when he founded the Walt Disney Archives. Hired by Walt’s brother—and co-founder of The Walt Disney Company —Roy O. Disney, Smith was responsible for growing the Archives from …
See more
