By Ryan Reed

By Mark Landucci

To say that Disneyland is a case study in botany is a very accurate statement. Understand that about 90% of the plants at Disneyland are not indigenous to California. Let that sink in for a minute. Well over 800 unique species exist and thrive in the park. Today, however, I want to talk a little bit about trees.

….and this seems like a very boring topic. Trees. Honestly, who really cares about trees at Disneyland when there’s mountains in space, mountains full of big thunder or mountains that can (and will) splash you? I mean, with everything else to see and do (and eat), why would one even bother about the trees? I can go to any park in any city and get my kite stuck in a tree. I can walk down my street and see trees swaying in the wind. No big deal, right?? However, trees have always been an important part of the Disneyland story in terms of design and heritage. Continue after the page break for more...

By Keith Mahne



The Disney Avenue Podcast is back with a guest I think you may have heard of...Marty Sklar! Dusty Sage, founder and CEO of MiceChat.com, joins host Keith Michael Mahne for another fantastic interview with a man that needs no introduction. Marty talks about joining the company, working and writing for Walt Disney, his old pals John Hench and Herb Ryman, finding out Walt had passed away, whether he will attend the opening of Shanghai Disney and so much more. This is a show you definitely won't want to miss. Continue after the page break for more...

By Lindsey Allmon

There are some things that are inherently Disney: Mickey bars, cherubic Small World figurines, and a dedication to an atmosphere that transports you to another world. While these are treasured constants about the most Wonderful Place on Earth, there has been and always will be room for growth. Walt Disney was always a poster child for innovation and revolutionary ideas and in his absence the Disney Corporation has kept on with his legacy. Continue after the break for a recap of some of the newest technological updates to grace the Disney Parks...

By Mark Landucci

I have thought about the reasons why Disneyland appeals to families, to people of all ages from every walk of life… and to me, personally….And why it continues to do so. At first thought, it’s quite easy for people to come up with the obvious reasons: I go because I like the rides, I go because I like the food, I go because I like the fireworks, I go because I like the feelings I get when I’m there and I go because it brings back fond memories for me. Are all of these valid reasons? Yes! However, while Disneyland is an excellent vehicle for helping you to remember earlier visits with families and friends or what it was like to be a kid…Perhaps its strongest feature is helping you to forget. You see, I think it’s something more organic, more external and more subtle. And I think the real answer is right there in front of you. Continue after the page break for more...

Disney Avenue is very excited to welcome our newest contributing writer Mark Landucci! Mark has several interesting articles lined up for you and we are thrilled to have Mark be apart of the Disney Avenue family. Please continue after the page break and allow Mark to introduce himself...

By Keith Mahne

You know a place is special when celebrities are often seen wondering around. When several US Presidents decide to be seen, visit and be photographed at a location many times over the decades, you know that place is an American treasure. Well, the Disney Parks certainly are. Join us today as we take a look back at the US Presidents who have visited Disneyland and Walt Disney World over the years...

By Keith Mahne

It is with great joy and excitement to inform you that Marty Sklar will be our next guest on the Disney Avenue Podcast. Marty was formerly vice president of concepts and planning for the company, before being promoted to president, and then eventually taking the position of vice chairman and principal creative executive of the company before his final role. The company honored him with a window dedication ceremony on his date of retirement, July 17, 2009. Continue after the page break for more...

By Ryan Reed

By Keith Mahne

We hear about it all the time, Epcot being described as a permanent world’s fair. And although that description is dead on, it is often forgotten as we walk up to that beautiful centerpiece that is Spaceship Earth. These fairs and expos, constructed to show the public what the future will bring for large corporations and governments, have by and large become a thing of the past these days. People flocked to the fairs to see the wonders of progress and unique cultures from around the world via spectacular pavilions. Sadly, due to the internet and television, world’s fairs have become obsolete. But, if you've ever been to EPCOT, this sounds familiar to you as it was clearly designed and built around these very same ideas and to one World's Fair in particular. While most associate EPCOT to the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, it is in fact the wonderful 1939 World's Fair that EPCOT has the most in common with. Especially the EPCOT Center that existed from 1982 through the early 1990s. Continue after the page break and see what I mean...