Disneyland 1956 Home Movies With Walt!

Jeff found these amazing videos amongst his grandfather's home movies, they're truly incredible.
Please take a moment to enjoy them, I truly think you'll simply overwhelmed as how much the park has changed. His grandfather was quite a brilliant cinematographer!
Honestly, the videos brought brought a tear to my eye, they're really touching and truly bring value to the phrase 'Carpe Diem!'. Seize the day.

Home Movies At DisneyLand - 1956 **Part Two** from Jeff Altman on Vimeo.

1 Year and 1 Day!

Did you know that Disneyland was actually constructed in one year and one day? Wow!
That's incredibly fast for so much highly detailed work!
When the gates flew open there were five themed lands and 20 attractions! I'd have to say it's grown quite a bit since then.
Walt also said that as Disneyland grew older, it would also grow more beautiful as the foliage grew and matured.
Gosh, even after working here 28 years, I'm still here whenever I'm in the OC and I've never grown tired of the ol' place.

55 years of milestones:

July 17, 1955, Disneyland opens!

1960
Just five years after opening its gates, Disneyland continued to add new experiences to bring back Guests. Nature's Wonderland, based on Walt Disney's True-Life Adventures, opened in Frontierland allowing passengers to travel by mine train or pack mule through Beaver Valley and the Living Dessert. And a new production in Circarama debuted called America the Beautiful.

1965
Disneyland marked its first decade with a yearlong "Tencennial." Celebration elements included parkwide decorations, a grand parade and numerous special events throughout the year. To help represent the park during the busy year, the role of Disneyland Ambassador to the World was created.

1970
The Wrather Company introduced the 319-room Marina Tower, the Water Wonderland Marina, the "Dancing Waters Shows," and a new registration lobby at the Disneyland Hotel. Disneyland Park celebrated its 15th anniversary and more than 130 original members of the 1955 Disneyland Cast joined in a special ceremony on July 17 of that year.

1975
Disneyland celebrated its 20th anniversary and began a 15-month salute to the U.S.A. Bicentennial with the most elaborate parade in the park's history-"America on Parade" which featured 50 floats and 150 giant performers at least eight feet tall, in addition to an all-new red,white and blue Fireworks Spectacular "Fantasy in the Sky."

1980
Disneyland kicked off a year-long Silver Anniversary celebration with a pre-parade show at the Tournament of Roses on New Years's Day in Pasadena. Several special parades and shows followed for the rest of the year, but it was a special event in March,featuring Michael Jackson and Danny Kaye, that brought national attention to the celebration.

SIDE NOTE????
December 12,1981, Dr Lee "future" Bartnder of Club 33,works his first day as an attraction host on the Mark Twain.

1985
Disneyland's 30th anniversary was celebrated in spectacular style: A gigantic machine called the Gift Giver Extraordinaire doled out thousands of prizes to Guests as they entered the gates, including brand new GM cars to every thirty-thousandth Guest; Disneyland stayed open for a full 24-hours to mark the actual date(July 17); and the City of Anahiem marked the occasion with Skyfest on December 5(Walt's birthday), which released more than a million balloons into the air.

1990
For the 35th anniversary of Disneyland, Party Gras, the 35th anniversary parade, made its way down Main Street,U.S.A. a parade float that measured 37 feet. The Dream Machine, located in Central Plaza, gave some fortunate Guests an opportunity to try their luck to win one of many prizes that included Disney videos, a Mickey Mouse plush or even a new car.

1995
The 40th anniversary of Disneyland Park was highlighted by the opening of the Indiana Jones Adventure, a thrilling off-road journey through an ancient temple from the creative forces of Disney and George Lucas. The dance club Videopolis, was transformed onto the Fantasyland Theatre,featuring the all- new stage show "The Spirit of Pocahontas." Disney also acquired the Disneyland Hotel's next-door neighbor, the Pan Pacific Hotel, which was transformed into the Disneyland Pacific Hotel (and later the Paradise Pier Hotel.)

2000
Disneyland Park celebrated its anniversary by day with the classically inspired "45 Years of Magic" parade and by night with dazzling new Fireworks Spectacular "Believe...There's Magic in the Stars." In consideration of Guests young and old, a new park-wide smoking policy was introduced, and the only original Tomorrowland attraction left from opening day, Autopia, is remodeled.

2005
Memorable moments of the 50th anniversary included United States Astronaut Neil Armstrong re-dedicating Space Mountain and Disneyland becoming the first theme park to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame;the 50th anniversary anthem "Remember When" being recorded and performed by LeAnn Rimes; hidden "50" icons throughout Disneyland Park; and a $1 million donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Anahiem.

Another Side Note???
June 20,2007 on my 55th birthday, Dr Lee retires and moves to Pleasant Hill,(San Francisco area)Ca.

2010
It was a second act like no other-Captain EO returned as the Michael Jackson/Francis Ford Coppola/George Lucas film returned to Disneyland Park almost two decades after it first debuted. And the Disneyland Resort saw a major expansion plan unfurl with the addition of nighttime spectacular World of Color along with Silly Symphony Swings.


Enjoy......Dr Lee A.K.A. The Good Doctor

The Flags of the Disneyland Resort:

When the nation mourns or a tragedy strikes, the Disneyland Resort recognizes those historical days with ceremonies of honor and remembrance. The American flag located in Town Square, Main Street,U.S.A. has flown half-mass for these occasions. Additionally, a Flag Retreat Ceremony is observed daily and on Veteran's Day,a special ceremony is held honoring Cast who are current, reserve or prior service men and women to march down Main Street in their military uniforms.


Hidden Treasures in the Magic Kingdom:

The excitement of entering the Disneyland Resort can be overwhelming, it's easy to overlook small details. But if Guests look closely, they would discover hidden treasures in plain sight. Did you know Disneyland Park has it's very own flags?
The first flag flies high above the railroad tracks of the Main Street Train Station. The orange-hued flag proudly displays a Mickey Mouse face, welcoming all who leave today and enter the world of yesterday,tomorrow and fantasy.
A more elaborate flag with the silhouette of Sleeping Beauty Castle flies above the patio of Walt Disney's apartment next to City Hall. Both flags are still flown in the park.

DR LEE

Strike up the band:

On July 17, 2010, current and former Disneyland Resort All-American College Band members will march down Main Street, U.S.A. to celebrate their 40th anniversary. What began at Disneyland Park in 1971 has become a beloved summer tradition.
Each year, the band consists of 21 of the top performing college musicians playing everything from a trombone to a mellophone to a piccdolo. Once students are accepted onto the program they are given 15 pieces of music to memorize before their first day. Throughout their time in Anaheim, students will attend workshops, perform and even "cut a record" at Capital Records in Hollywood.
This year's musical director, Dr. Ron McCurdy, a USC professor, was a student in the 1974 program at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Each year, one lucky band member is given the opportunity to return for a second summer to help the new students acclimate to their new roles. Scott Sidway has the honor of being the 2010 teaching assistant.
For Sidway the most important lesson he learned about success in the music industry wasn't about choreography or musical talent, it was that "no matter what aspect of life you are dealing with, you will truly be the successful and happiest if you treat everyone with respect. After working for Disney for 11 weeks, it became clear to me-and everyone in the band for that matter-that treating all people with respect is a key to success."



DR LEE

Disneyland History:

Disney enthusiasts know that Walt Disney pioneered the use of animation in motion pictures. However, Walt also utilized television programming to promote Disneyland Park before it opened in conjunction with his feature animation and live action projects when many producers thought television would cut into their profits. "Disneyland" the weekly television series ran from Oct.27, 1954 through Sept.3, 1958 continued for 25 more years with different titles.
The first episode was entitled "The Disneyland Story" and Walt gave viewers a tour of the Walt Disney Studios and a model of the under-construction Disneyland Park. The series was tied into the same realms that could be found at Disneyland that included Fantasyland episodes featuring Dumbo and Alice in Wonderland and in Frontierland, Walt show-cased live-action episodes of Davy Crockett.
Additionally, there were previews of Disneyland. Viewers were brimming with anticipation by the time Disneyland opened in July 1955 due to the TV program. The public was eager to enter a magical land where they could meet their childhood heroes, favorite characters and experience adventures they had only seen on television and on the silver screen.
Much like today, many people across the globe get excited to hear about what new and exciting experiences will be available when they visit the Disneyland Resort. If there is one constant in Disneyland history, it's that we will continue to grow and change as time goes on.


DR LEE

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3, chock full of hidden facts and movie references:

Toy Story 3 has entertained childern and parents alike, to the tune of $110 million dollars in its opening weekend.
Chances are, considering the amount of money the film made over the weekend, that if you're reading this, there's a better than average chance you've seen the film. If you have, there are a few hidden "Easter Eggs"(the cinematic term for meaningful images or references buried in a movie) worthy of a second look. Even if you haven't seen "Toy Story 3," it's worth reading on for some fun facts you can impress your friends with.

Easter Eggs hiding in Toy Story 3:

"A113," the number of a classroom at CalTech where many Pixar animators studied, shows up as an Easter Egg in every Pixar Film. In the "Toy Story" series, it's the license plate on Andy's mother car.

Sid, the bully from the first movie who wears a skull T-shirt, appears as a garbage man in the new film wearing the same skull T-shirt.

There's a postcard on Andy's dresser addressed from the featured characters from last year's "Up," Carl and Ellie Fredrickson.

Lightning McQueen from "Cars" is referenced a few times throughout the film: A miniature toy car at the daycare center, on a child's shirt at the center and on a fictional train that shares McQueen's number, 95.

A calendar from Pizza Planet is clearly seen. Pizza Planet has appeared in every Pixar film except "The Incredibles."

Pixar has a history of hiding a character to be featured in a later movie somewhere in a current film. Nemo first appeared in "Monsters, Inc." and Toy Story 3 newcomer, Lots-o-Huggins Bear(who, ironically, is not very huggable), first appeared alongside a bed in "Up." A poster on Andy's wall shows a character from next year's "Cars 2." It shows Finn McMissile, a British sports car/secret agent who plays a major role in the sequel.

Buzz Lightyear's batteries are from "Buy 'N' Large," the giant corporation responsible for ruining the planet in "Wall-E."

Totoro, the furry, friendly creature from Hayao Miyazaki"s Japanese animated classic "My Neighbor Totoro," shows up as a toy that Woody meets. Pixar founder John Lasseter has called Miyazaki an inspiration for his work, and Lasseter produced his most recent film, "Ponyo."

A significant amount of the film takes place at a daycare center. At the daycare center, Mr. Ray the Scientific Stingray from "Finding Nemo' makes a cameo. Nemo himself appears as a sticker on Andy's toybox.

Toy Story 3 director Lee Unkrich performs one line in the movie, as the voice of the Jack in the Box character.

The Toy Story 3 screenplay took 2 1/2 years to write and storyboard.

John Ratzenberger keeps his streak alive of appearing in every single Pixar film made to this point. For Toy Story 3,he reprises his role as Hamm.

Ken, voiced by Michael Keaton, was based on a 1988 version of him called "Animal Lovin' Ken" which included his "own chimpanzee to care for and love." Um,okay. The Barbie featured in the film is based on a 1983 verion titled "Great Shape Barbie."

Ken wears 21 different outfits in the movie.

Woody has 229 animation points of movement in his face. Buzz has 215 animation avatars in his face.

There are 302 characters in the film.

"Toy Story 3" marks the "best opening weekend in the history of Pixar," which is quite a feat, considering all eleven Pixar films have opened as the number "one" in their respective weekend. "Toy Story 3" is the first film in the "Toy Story" series to be released in the very lucrative 3D format. Considering the added cost per ticket, plus the demand to see the film, it's little surprised that "Toy Story 3" is on pace to pass the $400 million mark in domestic box office.

DR LEE

P.S.I have seen Toy Story 3 in 3D,amazing and thrilling. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for, enjoy......Dr Lee

A look back at Disneyland history:

In the book, Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas, is a reprint of Walt and Lillian's 30th anniversary party invitations. The celebration for 300 lucky individuals was called "Tempus Fugit Celebration," a Latin expression which translates as "time flies."


Where... Disneyland, where there is plenty of room!!!!


When... Wednesday, July 13,1955 at six o'clock in the afternoon!!!


Why...because we have been married 30 years!!!


How...by cruising down the Mississippi on the Mark Twain's maiden voyage, followed by dinner at Slue-Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe!!!


Hope you can make it...by the way.no gifts,please-we have everything,including a grandson!!!


DR LEE

A look back at Disneyland history:

Just an orange field in Anaheim...that is all anyone else would have seen driving on Interstate 5 in the early 1950s, but Walt Disney envisioned "The Happiest Place on Earth."
Who could Walt entrust to construct his grand dream? None other than retired U.S. Naval Admiral Joe Fowler, referred to as the "can do" man for his optimistic spirit for accomplishing the impossible. Admiral Fowler, a veteran of both world wars, would, as Walt put it,"make his creative ideas engineering realities."
Less than a year of construction under Admiral Fowler's direction is all it took to bring Walt's dream to life. On the 10th anniversary of Disneyland Park, Walt recalled meeting the admiral.
"...So we were told about this retired admiral," said Walt in his speech. "He had run the San Francisco Navy Yard, had built ships in China and all that. He was starting a subdivision in San Jose. So I remember, I went to see him. We met Joe at his home with his lovely wife, and we had dinner together. We had steaks that were wonderful, so we sort of prevailed upon him to come down and be a consultant for us. Little by little, we got him trapped that he said, 'To hell with the subdivision."
Admiral Fowler would go on to work in management and brought one of Walt's final dreams to life when he helped design and build the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
In Disneyland Park, when cruising down the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain look along the banks behind Harbour Gallery and you will see Fowler's Inn, a tribute to this Disney Legend.

DR LEE

Homage to "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color":

With the World of Color nighttime water spectacular just around the corner, some Guests and Cast Members may wonder about the origin of the production's name.
Walt Disney had a long presence on television when his black-and-white television series, "Walt Disney Presents" was re-named and debuted on NBC as "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" in 1961. The ability to present every color of the rainbow brought a new vibrancy to Walt's classic storytelling.
A striking kaleidoscope of brilliant and beautiful colors highlighted the opening sequence featuring the song "The Wonderful World of Color", penned by Richard M. Sherman, who received a window on Main Street, U.S.A. this past March. A special character was on hand to explain the principles of color to the audience-Ludwig Von Drake- who also happened to be Donald Duck's uncle.
Color television empowered Walt to take entertainment to a new level for his audiences, just as World of Color will for Guests this summer in Disney's California Adventure.

DR LEE

Seeing the night in a whole new Light:

Summer nights at the Disneyland Resort will be brighter and more exciting than ever as Summer Nightastic! returns June 11 through Augest 29 with the addition of the all-new World of Color nighttime water spectacular and new characters in the Toy Story Midway Mania! attraction.
With the June 18 release of the Disney/Pixar animated motion picture Toy Story 3, a new game and some new characters from the film will take their places in the "virtual midway" of the Toy Story Midway Mania! attraction along Paradise Pier in Disney's California Adventure. Guests who experience the interactive ride-game attraction will encounter newly added challenges presented by fun, fresh faces this summer. In addition, there will be opportunities for up-close interaction with an added character,Lots-o'-Huggin'Bear from the latest film.
Returning this summer, by popular demand from its debut last year is "Magical," a breathtaking fireworks celebration that will light up the night sky along with Tinker Bell and Dumbo,the flying elephant. Tink will wave her wand to awaken an array of magical Disney characters: Pinocchio,Mary Poppins, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother,and the three good fairies from Sleeping Beauty.
Adding to the excitement of Summer Nightastic is Fantasmic!, a long standing Guest favorite, featuring a 40-foot-tall, fire-breathing dragon;TLT Dance Club,where live DJs and bands perform nightly at Tomorrowland Terrace; and Pixie Hollow Enchantment,the home of Tinker bell and her fairy friends.
For complete information and details, visit disneyland.com/summer.

DR LEE

So you want dinner at the bar,well, here is the "Dinner" Menu,prepared by Dr Lee:

1... COCKTAIL MUSHROOM

2... COCKTAIL ONION

3... COCKTAIL OLIVE

4... LIME WEDGE

5... LEMON SLICE

6... RED CHERRY

7... ORANGE SLICE

Bar is open!!!

DR LEE

Minnie's Yoo Hoo Theater Sing Along

Courtesy of CartoonShortsClub via You Tube, you'll enjoy this wonderful cartoon of Minnie's Yoo Hoo! Most of you younger Disney fans probably haven't seen this, but in the late 20's and through the early 30's massive groups of kids would fill the local theaters as part of the Mickey Mouse Club. They would play this and all of the kids (and adults) would sing along and participate. Imagine what that must have been like with Model A and Model Fords buzzing up and down the street while Walt and Roy struggled to keep their tiny Los Angeles cartoon companies door open!
Ub Iwerks was one of the key animators on this film.
Did you know that Walt and Ub were, at one time, going to call their studio
Disney-Iwerks, but Walt felt people might think it was an optometry shop!
Walt never gave up and he never lost hope, even after Iwerks left him to work for the competition. Iwerks returned to Disney years later and went on to invent the multi-plane camera which is now on display at the Disney Studio in Burbank.

Walt Disney's Time lapse video of Disneyland's Construction

Have a few moments? Check out these wonderful time lapse videos of Disneyland's construction courtesy of theeditor84 via You Tube! These are simply amazing videos and you'll love them!
One thing which is typical of Walt, was that he new the park was going to be a success and he didn't tell many people about these cameras.

Did you know ???

Disneyland construction Fun Facts....


1...2,000,000 board feet of lumber were used.

2...1,000,000 square feet of asphalt had paved the streets.

3...5,000 cubic yards of concrete had been poured,and 70 times that volume of earth was stacked and compressed into the berm around the park.

4...12,000 walnut and orange trees had to be removed.


DR LEE