Disney Avenue: 2017

As Christmas soon approaches, you're invited to the jolliest, holliest celebration of them all. Come share in the fun and festivities with all your favorite Disney friends as they prepare Disneyland for the Holidays circa 1992. We'll join Mickey, Minnie and the gang in a holiday wonderland of parades, carolers, and good-old fashioned cheer, while they celebrate the Holiday Season as only Disney can. Join us today for the 1992 direct-to-video special called The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland...

The History of Disney’s Candlelight Processional

Disney's Candlelight Processional is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in the over 62-year history of the Disney Parks. Join us today as we take a look back at the history of Disney's Candlelight Processional...

Jolly Winter Holiday at 1900 Park Fare

By Ron Baxley

Come have a jolly winter holiday at 1900 Park Fare inside of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Hotel and explore the lobby of this beautiful resort destination during the Christmas season with Disney Avenue’s very own “Bert” of all trades, contributing writer Ron Baxley in today's new article…

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration - The Merriest Celebration of All

Even before the Halloween candy has been eaten, many are ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! On that note, why not celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful place? In today’s article, Rebekah Coley discusses one of her favorite holiday celebrations in Walt Disney World – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Specifically, she discusses the magic and wonder of the newest castle show called "Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration." Enjoy this glowing review as we continue to celebrate Christmas time the Disney way...

A Musical History of Christmas Parades in Disneyland

Disneyland has had a long tradition of presenting Christmas parades and this magical tradition goes back to the park's very beginnings. Join us today as we take a look back at the musical history of Christmas Parades in Disneyland...

A Rare Look at Disneyland's Christmases of Yesteryear

Ever since Disneyland's inaugural year, it seemed natural to celebrate the festivities of the holidays at the happiest place on earth, and so on November 24, 1955—Thanksgiving—Disneyland showcased its first holiday parade. Let's travel back to Disneyland's past and take a rare look at some of its Christmases of yesteryear...

Inside Walt Disney's Secret Christmas List Files

Walt Disney once called Christmas "that Disney time of year." It was no marketing ploy, either. Walt loved the Yuletide season. It's reflected in the entertainment he created over the decades, including charming holiday scenes shown in such movies as Fantasia, Lady and the Tramp, Swiss Family Robinson, and The Happiest Millionaire—which contains a heartwarming scene of Disney Legend Fred MacMurray and Greer Garson singing "It Won't Be Long 'Til Christmas." In the spirit of that great song and the holiday season that is now upon us, let's take a look inside Walt Disney's secret Christmas list files...

11 Disney Park Christmas Music Loops We Love

It's Christmas time once again here on Disney Avenue and that can only mean one thing — Disney Park Christmas music loops are playing! Join us today as we fill you in on 11 of our favorite Christmas music loops from the Disney Parks you can now listen to all season long that will really get you into the holiday spirit...

Remembering Diane Disney Miller

In the years leading up to her death, Diane Disney Miller was best known as the co-founder (along with her son, Walter E. D. Miller) of The Walt Disney Family Museum. Aside from being well known for her extensive philanthropic work, Diane was the ultimate torchbearer of her father's legacy. In today's new article, let's examine the wonderful life of Walt's eldest daughter, learn some heartwarming stories of her memories of her father, and watch a video of Diane as she recalls spending time with Walt in the most magical place on earth, Disneyland...

Vintage Disneyland Scenes: A Trip to Yesteryear

Walt Disney didn't invent the theme park industry, but it's safe to say that he sure did perfect it. Although Disneyland is the smallest of all the Disney Parks found around the world, it has the most attractions. When it opened to massive fanfare back in 1955, it soon blossomed into a one of the most beloved world-class destinations on the face of the earth, and remains that way to this day. Join us today as we take a trip back to Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom of the 50s and 60s with these delightfully vintage Disneyland scenes of yesteryear...

Disneyland Magical Audio Tour - Chapter 5: Disneyland On Parade

It's time to continue our series of articles here on Disney Avenue celebrating the sounds of Disneyland. Join us today for our fifth stop on this nostalgic audio tour of Disneyland's yesteryear as we line up along the curb of Main Street USA for the splendiferous spectacle of Disneyland on Parade...

Exploring Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

By Ron Baxley

Join Disney Avenue contributing writer Ron Baxley, Jr. for a Halloween tale of monsters of a not so scary sort as he explores the Magic Kingdom's Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. It's the perfect way to get in the spirit of the Halloween season...

Disney's D-TV Monster Hits (1987 Halloween Special)

With Halloween right around the corner, let's get into the spirit of the season with this classic Disney Special called D-TV Monster Hits from 1987. D-TV was a series of music videos created by Walt Disney Productions in 1984. Disney combined hit songs from the past with footage of vintage Disney animation, created in the style of MTV music videos, which inspired the name of the series. The videos were shown as filler material on the Disney Channel (as the network did not air commercials at this time), as well as being the focus of television specials like this one. Join us in today's new article as we watch Disney's D-TV Monster Hits Halloween Special that originally aired on October 30, 1987 on NBC...

A Disney College Program Story: Ch 1 - Application, Waiting and Acceptance

Since she can remember, it has been contributing writer Brittany Bell's dream to work at Walt Disney World. She recalls being just eight or nine years old telling Cast Members that she wanted to do the Disney College Program and become an Imagineer. Well, in January 2018, her dream will finally come true, as she will be participating in the 2018 Spring Advantage Disney College Program. Brittany will be documenting her journey with the Walt Disney Company through a series of articles here on Disney Avenue by sharing her adventures, challenges, and successes as she navigate through this unique program. Brittany wants these articles to be a fun read, while also being informative for those who, like her, want to participate in the Disney College Program one day. Join us as we begin her journey with the exciting application process…

This "How To" video is on the Olszewski Walt Disney World Main Street Collection models. I'll show you how to bypass the timers and how to change out the lamppost lights along Main Street. If you're a collector or just enjoy looking at these miniatures with all their beautiful details of the Disney Parks, then you are going to love this...

10 New Tracks Just Added to the Disney Avenue Music Player

Today we wanted to update you on some incredible new tunes that were just added to the Disney Avenue Music Player that you are going to love! Join us in today's new article and prepare yourself for a Disney musical escape to soothe your soul...

35 Songs to Celebrate 35 Years of Epcot

To celebrate 35 years of Epcot, we’ve put together 35 of our favorite songs from throughout the park’s musical history. Join us in today's new article as we celebrate Epcot's 35th birthday and decide which one is your favorite...

The Spectacular Hocus Pocus Villain 'Spelltacular'

The Halloween season appears to come earlier and earlier every year. Thanks to lower crowds, moderate weather, and the scrumptious Food & Wine Festival, there are many reasons to visit WDW in the autumn. In addition to the unusually spooky ambience, special treats, and costumes, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party features exceptional entertainment. These special entertainment offerings include a Halloween-themed parade, fireworks display, and castle show. Until last year, the Boo-To-You Parade had been the crown jewel of this event, but now the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular has proven to be a worthy contender. Join us in today’s new article and find out why this production still has audiences spellbound...

Disneyland Magical Audio Tour - Chapter 4: Central Plaza

It's time to continue our series of articles here on Disney Avenue celebrating the sounds of Disneyland. At contributing writer Chris Lyndon's website called DisneyChris.com you will find a collection of over 1400 audio tracks taking you on a magical musical visit through the Happiest Place on Earth. We will be highlighting each of the 26 chapters included in this "Magical Audio Tour" in the weeks and months ahead. Join us today for our fourth stop on this nostalgic audio tour of Disneyland's yesteryear as we reach the center of the park, Central Plaza, gateway to the many themed realms of Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom...

Watch Disneyland After Dark in HD (1962)

When this show first aired on April 15, 1962, it had been awhile since Walt Disney had taken his viewers to Disneyland. Even so, he knew there had to be something special to warrant an entire hour in the Park. Walt and his television team came up with a double barreled idea — show off Disneyland at night and invite celebrity guest stars to entertain. Thus, Disneyland After Dark was born and the result was absolutely magical. Let's travel back to 1962 and meet up with Walt as we watch Disneyland After Dark in spectacular High Definition quality...

20 Iconic Images Taken By A Former Disneyland Photographer

How would you like to be known as the person who shot more pictures of Disneyland than anyone? That's the title held by former Disneyland photographer Renie Bardeau. As someone who started at Disneyland back in the summer of 1959, there is no doubt about it that Renie has seen and, thankfully, captured some pretty iconic images of Walt's Magic Kingdom over the years. In fact, Renie is responsible for taking perhaps the most famous image of Walt Disney ever captured on film — the iconic photo called “Footsteps” which features Walt strolling in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Learn the story behind this historic image of Walt as we take a look at 20 iconic photos taken by a former Disneyland photographer in today's new article...

Watch Disneyland's 10th Anniversary Show in HD (1965)

1965 marked the 10th anniversary of Disneyland, and to celebrate the occasion, Walt gave TV viewers a sneak peek into the upcoming Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean attractions and other new plans for his park on this beloved 10th anniversary show as part of Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. Join us in today's new article as we travel back to 1965 and join Walt, Disneyland Ambassador Julie Reihm, and his Imagineers as we watch Disneyland's 10th Anniversary Show in spectacular HD quality...

One of the most valuable artifacts of Walt Disney that remains today is his voice. At the Walt Disney Family Museum, Walt himself is the narrator, taking you through his life in his own words. In this spirit, let's take a listen to the insights Walt had on his knowledge of art and his feelings about art galleries, as relayed to journalist Pete Martin in an interview from 1956 in today's new article...

Walt's Mountains: Part I - The Matterhorn

By Jim Denney

Walt Disney fell in love with the real Matterhorn in Switzerland while filming the 1959 live-action film Third Man on the Mountain. Back at Disneyland Park, Walt decided to cover a forested 20-foot-high mound named Holiday Hill with artificial snow, add a toboggan run and rename it Snow Hill. However, Walt always dreamed big, and his "hill" grew into a 147-foot-tall "mountain." Join us today as we embark on the first in a series of articles on Walt's Mountains by Jim Denney, author of Walt’s Disneyland, and learn the incredible history of how the Matterhorn came to call Disneyland home...

The Great Movie Ride Cast Member Parodies

The Great Movie Ride is closing its doors forever to make way for a new attraction today. There is no doubt that you have seen countless tributes across the Disney fan community the last few days but we have something that is pretty special to send off this beloved attraction that you probably never seen before. It involves something that made The Great Movie Ride so special all these years, the cast members. Join us today as we pay tribute to the closing of this iconic Disney attraction with these hilarious cast member parodies filmed behind the scenes of The Great Movie Ride over the years in today's new article...

Review of Magic Kingdom's 'Happily Ever After' Firework Show

Before the new Magic Kingdom fireworks show, Happily Ever After, made its debut this May, many wondered if it would live up to its predecessor. Check out today’s new article by contributing writer Rebekah Coley to hear her thoughts on this new nighttime extravaganza...

Watch How Imagineers Create the Sounds of the Disney Parks (Video)

By Keith Mahne

The vision and showmanship of Walt Disney has touched more corners of the world and hearts through his many films and theme parks. Since opening Disneyland on July 17, 1955, Walt and his team of dream makers, better known as Imagineers, have created magical destinations around the world. Today we'll have a chance to peak behind the curtain and see how the incredibly talented Imagineers create the sounds and music of the Disney Parks...

Walt Disney’s Dreams Grow and Change But to What End?

By Ron Baxley

Come explore some of the changes coming to the Disney Parks that were recently announced at the D23 Expo and find out how these changes may affect areas that nostalgic fans of the parks may or may not like. We will also discuss how this relates to Walt Disney’s vision for the parks and the company he and his brother Roy founded in today's new article by contributing writer Ron Baxley…

Remembering The Disney Afternoon

If you were a child of the 90s then consider yourself lucky. This was the prime age for watching children’s television when Disney cartoon shows reached what many believe to be their peak. The Disney Afternoon began as a television programming block and brought some of the most iconic and popular Disney cartoons to date. Though all of the shows that aired during The Disney Afternoon had wrapped at the turn of the century, the shows that aired pack a Disney nostalgia punch reminiscent of the Renaissance-era films of the same era. Join us today as we remember The Disney Afternoon…

A Musical Tribute To Disneyland's 62nd Anniversary

We all know the story of Walt one day sitting on a park bench watching his daughters delight in riding a merry-go-round. Legend says this was the first time he imagined a place where kids and their parents could have fun together. It's no secret that 62 years ago—as a result of his musings that fateful day—Walt opened the gates to a whole new world of entertainment, a place where the cares of the world melt away in lands of adventure, fantasy, and tomorrow. In celebration of Disneyland's 62nd anniversary, we are pleased to present a collection of songs in tribute to the most beloved theme park in the world. Join us today on this musical tribute tour as we celebrate the opening of Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom...

How Walt Disney World Found Its Home in Florida

http://www.disneyavenue.com/2017/07/how-walt-disney-world-found-its-home-in.html

The most exciting and challenging project ever tackled by Walt Disney Productions, now The Walt Disney Company, started out quietly and under a shroud of secrecy. Join us today as we take a detailed look back in time at those crucial and exciting days when Walt Disney was acquiring the land that would become home to the most popular vacation destination on earth, Walt Disney World...

Remembering the Empress Lilly

Beginning in the late 1970s, if you happened to be in Central Florida and wanted a truly special meal, there was one place to go: the Empress Lilly. For 18 years, the regally appointed ship beckoned diners with one of the finest menus at Walt Disney World. Gourmets, park lovers, romantics agreed: The Lilly – named in honor of Walt's first lady, Lillian Bounds Disney – was always a delicious experience. Join us as we remember the Empress Lilly riverboat in today's new article...

40 Things You Might Not Know About Walt Disney World

Where can you come face to face with some of Disney's most famous film scientists? Who built those authentic thatched roofs on the buildings in Harambe? And what's the recipe for the World's biggest ice cream sundae? Let's dig in and explore some of Walt Disney World's lesser-known gems with these 40 things about Walt Disney World that you just might not know...

MUST SEE Footage of Disney On Parade Circa 1970

Before there was Disney On Ice there was Disney On Parade. This traveling show, which ran from 1969 to 1973, took scores of the characters Walt Disney created and literally made them "come to life" right in your home town. As Walt Disney once said, "We're interested in doing things that are fun...in bringing pleasure and especially laughter to people." It was in this spirit – in this great tradition – that Disney On Parade was created. Join us today as we travel back to the early 1970s and revisit the cast of Disney On Parade with this rare, high-definition footage you are going to love...

Inside WED and the Making of Hall of Presidents (1971)

Literally hundreds of Disney artisans, designers, craftsmen, and technicians collaborated on Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents attraction to get it up and running by opening day. Painstaking research, exacting execution, and technical innovations were required in order to achieve the degree of perfection once demanded by Walt Disney. It's one thing to talk about the hard work that went into the creation of this classic attraction and another to actually see it for ourselves. That's just what we'll do in today's new article with some rarely seen footage inside WED Enterprises at the making of Hall of Presidents shot in February 1971; only a few short months away from Walt Disney World's opening day...

RARE Video Footage of the Walt Disney World Preview Center

In mid-January of 1970, the Walt Disney World Preview Center became the first building on WDW property to be opened to the public. The preview center contained many artist renderings along with updated aerial pictures of the construction. The main attraction in the building was a theater that housed a film and a 625 square foot model of the property that would be illuminated as the film discussed different areas of the park. Wouldn't you love to have seen this place? Today we will do just that with this rarely seen video footage of the Walt Disney World Preview Center from 1970 that you have got to see...

Paradiso 37 at Disney Springs Review

What do you get when you mix a restaurant with a really fun atmosphere that features North, Central and South American dishes, has a gorgeous bar with countless types of tequila, signature margaritas and a international wine selection and pack that into a colorful and lively setting next to a beautiful lake with stunning views? You get Paradiso 37 at Disney Springs! Find out why you and your family need to make this great location a must on your next visit to Disney Springs...

Newt: A Tale of the Only Cancelled PIXAR Film

Pixar is perhaps one of the greatest animation studios and storytellers of contemporary film. Their animated tales resonate with audiences and always ask “what if?” Which leads to the topic of today's article: what if Pixar cancelled a film? That question can be answered with the story of Newt, Pixar’s only cancelled film project to date. Learn the story behind why Pixar's Newt was cancelled and see what the film would have looked like if it had reached theaters in today's new article…

Designing Disney Castles

The castles of Disney's kingdoms don't strive for authenticity; they were born in a world of fairy tales and fantasy, and that is where they've stayed. These castles "belong" to Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella, not a long-forgotten king, queen or prince. These castles have become the enduring architectural symbols of Disney's theme parks. It is to the castle where guests turn when they want that last memorable photograph, and it is the image of the castle that the Disney Company has used more than anything else in advertisements and commercials. But how were they designed? Let's find out in today's new article as we discuss designing Disney castles...

Disneyland's Grad Nite 84'

Nothing says the 80s quite like shoulder padded jackets, the band Cheap Trick and neon font, all of which you would have found at Grad Nite 84'. What better way to celebrate the end of high school and the beginning of a new era in one's life than with a fun filled night at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland?! Let's travel back to Disneyland of the 80s and see what a Grad Nite at Disneyland was like with this "totally bangin'" 1984 pamphlet and program guide...

Disneyland Magical Audio Tour - Chapter 3: Main Street USA

It's time to continue our new series of articles here on Disney Avenue celebrating the sounds of Disneyland. At contributing writer Chris Lyndon's website called DisneyChris.com you will find a collection of over 1300 audio tracks taking you on a magical musical visit through the Happiest Place on Earth. We will be highlighting each of the 25 chapters included in this "Magical Audio Tour" in the weeks and months ahead. Join us today for our third stop on this nostalgic audio tour of Disneyland's yesteryear as we travel down the turn of the twentieth century Main Street USA...

Announcing the New Disney Avenue Mobile Music Player Page

The time has finally come to tell you all about our brand new Disney Avenue Mobile Music Player Page. After hours of work so that our famous Disney Avenue Music Player can be accessible to you on a mobile device, it brings us great joy to finally announce the completion of this new section of DisneyAvenue.com. Allow me to fill you in on all the details in today's new article...

This 1967 Pirates of the Caribbean Radio Commercial Is Delightful

This past March, Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction turned 50 years old – and what a ride it’s been. It's unique, unconventional, uncharacteristically dark and – without a doubt – one of the most iconic theme park rides of all time. Launched on March 18, 1967, the original "Pirates" ride featured a 1,838-foot flume with a 12-minute running time, making it one of the longest theme park rides in existence. The attraction quickly became a fan favorite and an icon for the park that had opened only twelve years earlier. The ride was one of the first to combine multiple elements for users to enjoy: audio animatronics, a double drop, theatrical effects and more. Join us today as we celebrate 50 years of plundering fun with this delightful 1967 Pirates of the Caribbean radio commercial that you have got to hear...

Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs Review

Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs is back in business after a year of renovations to totally rejuvenate the venue as a massive, and I mean massive, Observatory. The restaurant looks and feels brand new both inside and out. Recently, I was invited to check the place out for myself and I'd like to tell you all about it. Was my trip "out of this world" or "Houston we have a problem?" Find out in today's new article as I review Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs...

Disney That Never Was: Thunder Mesa and the Western River Expedition

When guests are taking a walk down the crowded streets of Frontierland, they are transported back to a simpler time of the American West when cowboys and outlaws ruled the streets. Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain reign as the kings of the land, towering over the frontier streets. However, this land was originally slated to be much different than it is now. Join us today as we look at what was planned for the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland and the never-realized but absolutely remarkable Thunder Mesa and the Western River Expedition...

Rod Miller: The Master of Disneyland Ragtime Music

Those toe-tapping ragtime tunes Disneyland guests heard on Main Street, U.S.A. since 1969 came from the patio of Coca Cola Refreshment Corner. On piano, the remarkable man responsible for that enthusiastic, honky-tonk music was the great Rod Miler. Rod has made that sound a cheerful part of the Disneyland experience for 30+ years. Join us today as we celebrate the master of Disneyland ragtime music, the legendary Rod Miler...

A True "Disneyland Dream" (1956 Video)

In July 1956, the five-member Barstow family of Wethersfield, Connecticut, won a free trip to the newly-opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in a nationwide contest. This 30-minute amateur documentary film tells the fabulous story of their fun-filled, dream-come-true vacation filmed on the scene at Walt Disney's brand new Disneyland. And, as if incredible early footage of Disneyland wasn't enough, this movie is also noteworthy as the uncredited first screen appearance of a young Disneyland employee named Steve Martin. Let's join the Barstow family back in 1956 for a truly magical family adventure to the "Happiest Place On Earth"...

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Review

Last spring, the curtain officially fell on the long-running Magic Kingdom castle show "Dream Along with Mickey". By early June, this slot had already been filled by the promising newcomer, "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire". In addition to featuring the updated "faces" for Mickey and Minnie, this new production also showcases brand new music, an impressive ensemble of dancers, and characters from recent, smash-hit films. Check out today's article to learn more about the newest castle show to grace the stage...

The Story of Walt Disney World's First Family