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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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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By Kimi Thompson, Walt Disney Archives When the Haunted Mansion was being developed for Disneyland, Walt Disney asked Imagineer X Atencio to help develop the storyline for the attraction. He even wrote the now-famous lyrics to the iconic theme song, “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” As a fun homage to the Imagineers who helped create the Haunted …
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By Rick Lorentz, Walt Disney Archives In its production heyday, The Walt Disney Studios had five sound stages and several backlot locations. Also located on the studio grounds were a costume department and prop warehouse. The proximity of wardrobe and set decoration made it convenient for production staff to prepare for filming. Another advantage to having such facilities …
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Where What When Hollywood, CA $10 Tickets April 22, 2020 Available Exclusively to Gold Members. Celebrate the year-long Walt Disney Archives 50th anniversary each month with a special “throwback” screening! See Disneynature’s Earth at the El Capitan Theatre on April 22, 2020 for one showing only at 10:00AM*. Featuring a special introduction by the Walt Disney …
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By Savannah Salazar A gorgeous film six years in the making, Cinderella opened in theaters on February 15, 1950. Since then, many iterations of the classic tale have been told, delighting audiences around the world. Along with Ilene Woods, who voiced Cinderella in the 1950 feature, Lily James, Brandy, Anna Kendrick and Jessy Schram have …
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By The Walt Disney Archives To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives, pixie dust has transformed the department’s Reading Room into “50 Years of Preserving the Magic,” an exhibit showcasing rarely-before-seen historical objects that trace the beginnings of The Walt Disney Company to today. Upon entry, Guests are transported back to 1937 …
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