Saturday, May 20, 2017

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

By Brittany Bell




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...

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Rod Miller: The Master of Disneyland Ragtime Music

By Keith Mahne




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...

Saturday, May 13, 2017

A True "Disneyland Dream" (1956 Video)

By Keith Mahne




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"...

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Review

By Rebekah Coley




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...

Monday, May 8, 2017

The Story of Walt Disney World's First Family

By Keith Mahne




On October 1, 1971, Bill and Marty Windsor crawled sleepily at dawn from their Volkswagen parked behind a Texaco station off I-4. They'd been slapping mosquitoes all night, and there was no time for breakfast if they wanted to make their destination. The goal for the Windsor Family that morning was to be among the first guests to enter Walt Disney World for the very first time. Learn the story of how the Windsors actually became Walt Disney World's first family in today's new article...