Disney Legend Xavier “X” Atencio, a former Imagineer and Disney animator, passed away on September 10 at the age of 98. X was responsible for helping bring to life a number of beloved Disney parks attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, as well as such animated classics as Pinocchio and Fantasia.
Born on September 4, 1919, in…
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By Greg Ehrbar
Certain past Disneyland attractions stir instant memories for guests fortunate enough to have experienced them—and also inspire the imaginations of those who wish they could have enjoyed them.
Topping many a list is Adventure Thru Inner Space, which opened August 5, 1967. This ingenious attraction took guests through a Mighty Microscope to become…
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By Jim Fanning
Saddle up, pardners! Time to round up a few factoids as we go ridin’, ridin’ along with Walt Disney’s A Cowboy Needs a Horse. Celebrating 60 years of rocking horses and western song, this stylishly animated “special” is special indeed. With the gentle clip-clop-like cadence of the title tune, Disney animation tells the tale of a little boy…
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Now in the ninth decade of a life fully lived, Francis Xavier “X” Atencio still retains a gimlet sparkle in his eyes, and the mischievous spirit that no doubt helped lead him to creative triumphs throughout his career still animates his spry frame. His comic timing is impeccable, as we pleasantly discover during a visit to his comfortable home on a scenic hilltop…
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RCA’s song, “Here’s to the Future and You,” from 1974, had words by X. Atencio and music by Buddy Baker. Atencio and Baker also partnered on songs for other memorable attractions, including Haunted Mansion and World of Motion.
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We’ve compiled 13 sounds from Disney parks that will have you going . . .
eek!!!, yeow!!!, and aghhhhhhh!!!
1. We think you’ll agree that the Haunted Mansion‘s bride, voiced by Disney Legend Leota Toombs, is the creepiest thing you’ll hear at a Disney park.
2. Haunted Mansion is chock full of eerie sounds… like this raven.
3. An eerie pirate,…
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Because it’s one of Disney’s most beloved attractions, it’s only (super) natural that
everyone has their favorite story about The Haunted Mansion.
Here are 13 fun facts:
1. The Haunted Mansion is the only attraction located in four different lands in four different Disney Parks: New Orleans Square at Disneyland; Liberty Square at Walt Disney World; Fantasyland…
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This early script, written by Francis Xavier Atencio, also known as X Atencio, for the Haunted Mansion might sound familiar, but its Ghost Host had a slightly different spiel. In its 18 years of on-and-off development, Disneyland’s classic Haunted Mansion featured a slew of different concepts and plotlines.
From murderous sea captains to happy haunts celebrating…