In 1787, the Columbia Rediviva set sail from Boston, Mass., and when returned three years later, it became the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe. When Walt Disney asked Joe Fowler, the construction supervisor of Disneyland and a former Naval admiral, to suggest a second ship that could accompany the Mark Twain Steamboat on the Rivers of America, it was the Columbia Rediviva he recommended.
Working with architect Ray Wallace, Fowler consulted maritime museums and the Libaray of Congress to design a historically accurate replica of the ship, which was a typical 18th century merchant vessel. Portions of the 110-foot ship were pre-built in San Perdo, Ca. then delivered to the dry dock harbor on the Rivers of America for assembly. Armed with 10 cannons and two deck-mounted swivel guns, the ship is suitably armed to ward off any pirates it might encounter during its 15-minute voyage.
The Sailing Ship Columbia set sail for the first time on June 14, 1958. In 1964, the crew quarters were added below decks, giving Guests a chance to see how sailors of the 1790s lived while on the open sea. The dry dock, where refurbishments on the "big boats" is completed and the Columbia makes port when not in use, became known as Fowler's Harbor.
On my first day as a Cast Member, 12-12-81, the Mark Twain was my attraction as skipper...Dr Lee
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Meet the Disney Team: Calvin the Cop:
Have you had a chance to meet the Citizens of Buena Vista Street? As we mark the one year anniversary of the transformation of Disney California Adventure Park, I was able to to speak to one of the colorful characters who -along with Donna the Dog Lady, Molly the Messenger and PhiPhi the Photographer- rollout the welcome wagon each day to delighted Guests.
Dr Lee:
Tell us where you're from and a little about your family.
Calvin The Cop: I'm from Buena Vista Street, born and raised. My whole family works on the police force and, oh boy, I just love it! I was assigned to the special officers force, which means that I reinforce good behavior.
Dr Lee:
I see, because there's not much crime on Buena Vista Street,right!
Calvin the Cop: Not much crime at all! You're welcome!
Dr Lee:
Tell us what you do to reinforce good behavior.
Calvin the Cop: I try my best to show infectious municipal optimism, which is, if fact, one of the laws on Buena Vista Street. I also try to smile and try to wave-and there is a technique. It's a very difficult job, but someone's got to do it.
Dr Lee:
What happens if you see someone not modeling the best behavior?
Calvin the Cop: I give them a fix-it ticket. I have a little box that i check and I say 'do you promise to behave?' They tend to agree because they can't let old Officer Blue down.
Dr Lee:
Are you friends with the other local Citizens of Buena Vista Street?
Calvin the Cop: Sure!! There is Donna, the unofficial mayor of Buena Vista Street, and her lovely dog, Lady. There's PhiPhi, the world-famous photographer who is somewhat of a bohemian on our street. Then there is Molly, the cutest messenger gal on Buena Vista Street.( you'll cut this part out, right?)
Dr Lee:
Sounds like there's something between you and Molly?
Calvin the Cop: Just the street-she is on one side,and I'm on the other. And sometimes the fountain is bewteen us. But not much else.
Dr Lee:
Any memorable moments you have had with a Guest?
Calvin the Cop: There was Megan, who is four. She was sharing a moment with her grandmother and she actually gave me some love advice. She helped me write a poem for a special gal that I got my four eyes on. (You are going to cut this part out, right?)
Dr Lee:
Any wisdom you would like to share with everyone?
Calvin the Cop: Always remember to be safe. Look both ways. Don't take any wooden nickels from no one. And stay on the sunny side of the street.
That was fun....Dr Lee
Dr Lee:
Tell us where you're from and a little about your family.
Calvin The Cop: I'm from Buena Vista Street, born and raised. My whole family works on the police force and, oh boy, I just love it! I was assigned to the special officers force, which means that I reinforce good behavior.
Dr Lee:
I see, because there's not much crime on Buena Vista Street,right!
Calvin the Cop: Not much crime at all! You're welcome!
Dr Lee:
Tell us what you do to reinforce good behavior.
Calvin the Cop: I try my best to show infectious municipal optimism, which is, if fact, one of the laws on Buena Vista Street. I also try to smile and try to wave-and there is a technique. It's a very difficult job, but someone's got to do it.
Dr Lee:
What happens if you see someone not modeling the best behavior?
Calvin the Cop: I give them a fix-it ticket. I have a little box that i check and I say 'do you promise to behave?' They tend to agree because they can't let old Officer Blue down.
Dr Lee:
Are you friends with the other local Citizens of Buena Vista Street?
Calvin the Cop: Sure!! There is Donna, the unofficial mayor of Buena Vista Street, and her lovely dog, Lady. There's PhiPhi, the world-famous photographer who is somewhat of a bohemian on our street. Then there is Molly, the cutest messenger gal on Buena Vista Street.( you'll cut this part out, right?)
Dr Lee:
Sounds like there's something between you and Molly?
Calvin the Cop: Just the street-she is on one side,and I'm on the other. And sometimes the fountain is bewteen us. But not much else.
Dr Lee:
Any memorable moments you have had with a Guest?
Calvin the Cop: There was Megan, who is four. She was sharing a moment with her grandmother and she actually gave me some love advice. She helped me write a poem for a special gal that I got my four eyes on. (You are going to cut this part out, right?)
Dr Lee:
Any wisdom you would like to share with everyone?
Calvin the Cop: Always remember to be safe. Look both ways. Don't take any wooden nickels from no one. And stay on the sunny side of the street.
That was fun....Dr Lee
Thursday, June 20, 2013
61 years old today:
Yes, that's right, Yours truly is another year smarter and wiser, HaHa!!!
Born this day 61 years ago at Travis Air Force Base, California, coming into this world at about 9 pounds.
I have two daughters, 29 and 27, and one granddaughter, 3 years old.
So here is to everyone that reads this, life is good after 60, not bad.....Dr Lee
Born this day 61 years ago at Travis Air Force Base, California, coming into this world at about 9 pounds.
I have two daughters, 29 and 27, and one granddaughter, 3 years old.
So here is to everyone that reads this, life is good after 60, not bad.....Dr Lee
Safety education draws on the power of animation:
The culture of safety at The Walt Disney Company can be traced back to the 1940s, when the Walt Disney Studios began producing public service announcements and training films for the government. Films such as "Four Methods of Flush Riveting" were used in the production of aircraft during World War II, and "Environmental Sanitation" and "Water, Friend or Emeny" helped our troops stay healthy.
Walt Disney realized that animation was an effective medium to convey complex topics in a way that was easily understandable. After the war ended, the studios made training films for General Motors (ABC of Hand Tools") and Firestone ("Building A Tire"), among others. In the 1950s, Disney created safety films starring Jimmy Cricket, covering such topics as fire, water and electrical safety. The studios continued to produce films from the 1960s through the 1990s, with such titles as "Freewayphobia," "Donald's Fire Survival Plan," "Understanding Alcohol Use and Abuse" and "Fitness and Me: How to Exercise."
The tradition continues today with the award-winning series "Wild About Safety: Timon & ;Pumbaa Safety Smart." The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide Standards and Auditing group started the program 10 years ago with a variety of Guest communications, including a set of safety tips cards. Under the guidance of Disney Chief Safety Officer Greg Hale, and in association with Disney Educational Productions and the Underwriters Laboratories, the program has blossomed into a series of safety films. It has been dubbed into about 20 languages and seen by more than 120 million Cast Members and Guests worldwide.
Safety is a good thing...Dr Lee
Walt Disney realized that animation was an effective medium to convey complex topics in a way that was easily understandable. After the war ended, the studios made training films for General Motors (ABC of Hand Tools") and Firestone ("Building A Tire"), among others. In the 1950s, Disney created safety films starring Jimmy Cricket, covering such topics as fire, water and electrical safety. The studios continued to produce films from the 1960s through the 1990s, with such titles as "Freewayphobia," "Donald's Fire Survival Plan," "Understanding Alcohol Use and Abuse" and "Fitness and Me: How to Exercise."
The tradition continues today with the award-winning series "Wild About Safety: Timon & ;Pumbaa Safety Smart." The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide Standards and Auditing group started the program 10 years ago with a variety of Guest communications, including a set of safety tips cards. Under the guidance of Disney Chief Safety Officer Greg Hale, and in association with Disney Educational Productions and the Underwriters Laboratories, the program has blossomed into a series of safety films. It has been dubbed into about 20 languages and seen by more than 120 million Cast Members and Guests worldwide.
Safety is a good thing...Dr Lee
Monday, June 3, 2013
Interesting Web Page:
A few days ago, on my AOL account, there was this article about Nara,Dreamland Japan. Disneyland opened in July 1955 and this was pretty much a carbon copy that opened in 1961. Dreamland is now closed, however, if you Google "Nara,Dreamland" there are about 65 photos of this place. Very interesting read.
Just thought you would like to now...Dr Lee
Just thought you would like to now...Dr Lee
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