Brush With Disney History

[DISlikelakes]

Just wondering if anyone ever had an encounter with Disney history such as visiting Disneyland in 1955, opening day of Disney World, meeting an original animator or Imagineer, etc.

My encounter happened in the mid 90's when I was an assistant film editor in Los Angeles. I worked on a movie co-produced by Disney and the editing was done on the Disney lot in Burbank. It was quite a thrill working in Walt's studio. It was much different than the other major studios in that it was smaller, more intimate and had the feel of college campus. It was amazing to utilize the same voice recording studio that was used for such classics as Pinocchio, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty; to screen footage in the same projection room Walt used 65 years ago. When I had the chance I would do a bit of exploring. The most interesting place was the old Animator's Building. I would occasionally visit the spot where Walt had his office for so many years. (It's still used as an office). But what I remember most is how you could feel the presence of the long-gone animators, craftsmen, actors and, most of all, Walt Disney himself. They were definitely there in spirit. Even though the film I worked on at the studio wasn't very good, having the privilege to work on the Disney lot for a few months was the highlight of my 15 year assistant editing career.

(By the way, the person in charge of our payroll was Heather Locklear's mother. A VERY kind and down-to-earth lady. Highly unusual for the film biz.)

 

[DawnCt1]

Just wondering if anyone ever had an encounter with Disney history such as visiting Disneyland in 1955, opening day of Disney World, meeting an original animator or Imagineer, etc.

My encounter happened in the mid 90's when I was an assistant film editor in Los Angeles. I worked on a movie co-produced by Disney and the editing was done on the Disney lot in Burbank. It was quite a thrill working in Walt's studio. It was much different than the other major studios in that it was smaller, more intimate and had the feel of college campus. It was amazing to utilize the same voice recording studio that was used for such classics as Pinocchio, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty; to screen footage in the same projection room Walt used 65 years ago. When I had the chance I would do a bit of exploring. The most interesting place was the old Animator's Building. I would occasionally visit the spot where Walt had his office for so many years. (It's still used as an office). But what I remember most is how you could feel the presence of the long-gone animators, craftsmen, actors and, most of all, Walt Disney himself. They were definitely there in spirit. Even though the film I worked on at the studio wasn't very good, having the privilege to work on the Disney lot for a few months was the highlight of my 15 year assistant editing career.

(By the way, the person in charge of our payroll was Heather Locklear's mother. A VERY kind and down-to-earth lady. Highly unusual for the film biz.)

That is pretty cool!

 

[SandrA9810]

I did meet the Imagineer that works on DAK. He was there prior to the opening of Yak and Yeti, and came over to where I was taking pictures of Everest.

Pretty cool guy, but TOTALLY NOT Disney look. If you watch the feature on Discovery or Travel Channel about the building of Everest, he's the one with the huge expanded earlobe. They have him sit at an angle, but occasionally he turns his head enough to see it on camera.

I also worked with a lady who was friends with Haley Mills. Her father worked at the Studios. I don't remember if she personally met Walt, but I believe her father did. It was fun the hear stories from her.

 

[ChrisFL]

I did meet the Imagineer that works on DAK. He was there prior to the opening of Yak and Yeti, and came over to where I was taking pictures of Everest.

Pretty cool guy, but TOTALLY NOT Disney look. If you watch the feature on Discovery or Travel Channel about the building of Everest, he's the one with the huge expanded earlobe. They have him sit at an angle, but occasionally he turns his head enough to see it on camera.

I also worked with a lady who was friends with Haley Mills. Her father worked at the Studios. I don't remember if she personally met Walt, but I believe her father did. It was fun the hear stories from her.

That was Joe Rhode...a Disney Imagineering Legend. He is a unique individual but very smart and creative.

Yes, Imagineers don't need to match the Cast Member look since 95% of the time they're not in public.

 

[Dancemom03]

Does Carl Skenes aka Andy Mation count? The pieces of disney history I miss the most are the people who grow to become synonomus with their careers.

For us that'd be Andy at MGM, Art at the BC, and sadly, probably eventually Miyuki in WS/Japan...

 

[Handbag Lady]

Yes, just last night actually.

I saw Bob Gurr and Leonard Maltin and Tony Baxter. I was leaving my office and they were having some sort of a social event in the atrium of my building.

 

[Art 1]

I never have but know a brother and sister who worked opening day at the MK and are in a pic that has all of the workers taken out in the parking lot, I think. You see the pic for sale from time to time.

 

[SunnyP4Disney]

When I was 5 years old, I got to go into Epcot before it was finished and open. My brother was a lead there and we were chosen as guests to ride World of Motion to film the training video for cast members. All the animatronics were half done, but still moved and went through their rountines. I remember the one animatronic was just wires and circuitry but had big bulging eyes, it was so creepy! Spaceship Earth had only half its tiles on, the place was empty except for construction workers and a few behind the scenes cast members. It was the neatest thing!

 

[SandrA9810]

That is totally awesome Sunny.

 

[mtdevine615]

well I went to opening day at the Magic Kingdom with my Aunt & Uncle. And my DW and I were at the opening of Disney/MGM studios. I remember when I was a kid at MK thinking how great everything was. At the opening of DS all I remember is the people. We laugh about it now waiting in line for everything and there were only a few rides open, but they had to beat Universal.

 

[linda0706]

I got to go to MK the night before the official opening in 1971. My dad worked in construction and all the workers got to bring their families that night. I assume now it was a trial run for opening day. I was 6 years old.

I don't remember much of it but I do have a vivid memory of riding up on my dad's shoulders walking back to the car & him telling me that when I grew up I could tell people that I went to Disney on the night before it opened.

 

[agnes!]

Yes, just last night actually.

I saw Bob Gurr and Leonard Maltin and Tony Baxter. I was leaving my office and they were having some sort of a social event in the atrium of my building.

Oh MAN, that sounds too cool.

agnes!

 

[Dax]

I have met Don "Ducky" Williams...and have been in his personal office no less..and have gotten to see some of his art BEFORE he debuted on the upcoming cruises..

He is a great down to earth guy, who is a HUGE LOST fan..LOL..

It was an HONOR to meet him, and he proofed a few things for me as well!

 

[Abbie]

I guess this isn't really mine, but years ago my parents took part in an Elderhostel program in some southern state that included a Mississippi River boat cruise. While on the boat, they met Lee Adams, who was a close friend of Walt's and one of the early imagineers. They since developed a long-lasting friendship with him and visited him several times at his current home in San Diego and he came to our house to stay a couple of times too. Haven't heard from him in a year or so and don't know if he's still alive, but he was such a lovely gentlemen and had some wonderful stories of his times with Walt Disney and his family. It really was a different era.

ETA: Oooh, just googled Adams and found he was one of the original imagineers and was actually the creator of audio-animatronics! Cool.

 

[WDWBarb]

When I was a cast member in the College Program in the late 80's, I was working at a shop in the Magic Kingdom. It was 3 o'clock and the parade was starting so I came from behind the register to tidy up the displays (it was a small shop). I was singing and smiling (I loved the parade!) and just generally enjoying myself when I suddenly noticed a man standing in the doorway of my shop. He asked me if I liked working there and where I was from, etc. We had a little small talk and then he said goodbye and then walked straight through the "Cast Members Only" door. I was shocked and taken aback since I didn't know what to do (I'd never had a guest do that before). Then one of the Main Street cast members who did crowd control came up to me and told me that I'd just had a brush with Roy Disney, Jr.

 

[Lintasare]

When I was a CP I met Roy E Disney. He was dining at the Brown Derby with members of his family and I think some upper execs. You better believe we were all on our best behavior that day.

A cousin of mine did a lot of landscape architecture for Animal Kingdom before it opened including parts of the Safari...he got mad when the elephants discovered the trees and stripped all the leaves and bark. And I think he did parts of the Oasis.