Eyes on Walt Disney's Plane

[*NikkiBell*]

I can speak for him (since he's frozen), but I don't think Walt would have a problem promoting a Disney film inside the Parks.

Remember, this is the same man that put a castle at the center of his flagship Park to promote a movie that wouldn't be in theaters for another 4 years.

For me, the question isn't whether or not Walt would like it, but should something of historic significance be touched?

 

[HubbDave]

For me, the question isn't whether or not Walt would like it, but should something of historic significance be touched?

I understand the semi-historic side to it, but it has been placed in a theme park, not a museum

Should it even be there?

 

[FloridaDreaming]

This is an interesting discussion and I've been following along trying to decide how I really feel about this. I think it's cute. I don't think Walt would care. In fact, it sounds like something he'd love based on some other projects he had. That being said, Walt is gone. This plane is a piece of him that true Walt Disney lovers appreciate. It connects us in a special way when we picture him flying over Orlando checking out the Florida Project. I also get more emotionally attached to some Disney things than some people may, i suppose. So, my conclusion is... I don't like it.

 

[HubbDave]

What other artifacts are on display at WDW?

 

[disneysteve]

What other artifacts are on display at WDW?

Plenty. Go into Walt Disney: One Man's Dream at DHS. Over the years, plenty of other artifacts have been displayed too.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I don't get why this is a big deal one way or another to me it's the same as them putting an ad wrap on the monorails or buses to promote something. Someone probably thought hey we're doing a movie with planes and they have eyes on them lets put them on walt's plane for a little bit just for fun.

 

[HubbDave]

Not really a big deal. Few will notice. They will remove them

And then Backlot Tour will become Cars/Star Wars Land

 

[disneym2m]

If there is such great historical significance in this plane, then why isn't it in the Walt Disney Family Museum instead of sitting in a theme park under the hot sun and in harmful weather???

Knowing the Imagineers, this isn't permanent and adds a great touch promote the Planes movie. It gives the plane a little character and it is just for fun.

I understand both sides. But in the big scheme of things, it is not a big deal.

I am still waiting for the Great Movie Ride to be rehabbed and just show Disney movie scenes.

 

[CaffeinatedMama]

It's a static cling sticker on a plane, not a tramp stamp on the back of the Lincoln Memorial. It's removable and I'm pretty sure there were multiple levels of Disney approvals across multiple divisions within Disney before it was done. People that work at those decision levels within Disney probably do stop and ask WWWD? (What Would Walt Do?) Being the creative and business genius that he was I'm pretty sure he would have done the same. He was about magic, whimsy and fantasy and bringing that to life right in front of you. That's what this does. In my opinion it doesn't disrespect who or what he was, it honors and celebrates it in a charming, and quite frankly clever, way. If he were alive he would have slapped those eyes on there himself AND flown around like that.

 

[CinderellasSister]

For me, the question isn't whether or not Walt would like it, but should something of historic significance be touched?

I agree with Nikki on this. There's a difference between a monorail and the plane owned and used by Walt. I don't think the plane should have been touched in order to promote a movie. There are plenty of other ways they could have come up with for promotions, but Walt's plane should have been be left alone.

 

[SkyMedik]

I agree with everything Nikki said. It should not have been touched.

That being said, the plane was one Walt flew on but not the first 'Disney plane'. The original was painted orange.

Still..... It's kind of sacred in my eyes and I don't appreciate them plastering it with this nonsense.

 

[Mike2023]

I agree with Nikki on this. There's a difference between a monorail and the plane owned and used by Walt. I don't think the plane should have been touched in order to promote a movie. There are plenty of other ways they could have come up with for promotions, but Walt's plane should have been be left alone.

I don't think Walt owned the plane anymore then he owned the monorails. It was a corporate plane owned by the walt disney company and still is. If they decide to let it sit out in the elements then I assume they don't consider it to be a "museum" quality item.

The rumours are going around that the Back Lot Tour will be pulled out of the studios. I would not be surprised if the plane disappears all together.

 

[Mike2023]

Here is a good read for anyone who might be interested.

Here

Looks like walt had very little time on that plane comparatively speaking. The plane also did not look anything like that when he was using it.

 

[safetymom]

I have heard from a good friend that the eyes have been removed from the plane.

 

[HubbDave]

Here is a good read for anyone who might be interested.

Here

Looks like walt had very little time on that plane comparatively speaking. The plane also did not look anything like that when he was using it.

I had read that before. The attached link about the Casablanca scene is interesting as well

 

[JACKNAG]

I call this the star wars fan syndrome Fans now more about about how the last three star wars should have been written then George Lucas. George wrote the last three star wars the way he wanted them and fans are still not happy because they know better. In this case everyone one knows what would WAlt do. No one knows this. I do know Walt changed some things with out sentiment and kept others

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I have heard from a good friend that the eyes have been removed from the plane.

 

[old lady]

I remember seeing this plane as a child. I wonder if the his family uses it or the Disney executives do.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I remember seeing this plane as a child. I wonder if the his family uses it or the Disney executives do.

It last flew about 10 years ago before being made a permanent part of the back lot tour. Apparently when the brought it to WDW property they landed it on World Drive at 3 am.

 

[JimmyV]

Here is a good read for anyone who might be interested.

Here

Looks like walt had very little time on that plane comparatively speaking. The plane also did not look anything like that when he was using it.

You beat me to it. The plane, in its current form, looks nothing like what Walt rode on. So why would one more cosmetic change make a difference. Do you really think that the plane had the words "Walt Disney World" on it during Walt's lifetime? The resort itself was not given that name until after Walt died. So if they painted extra words on the plane, what is the big deal about a temporary decal of a smile and some eyes to promote a movie. Walt was a promoter. Odds are he would endorse the promotion. (But maybe not the lame movie which should have been a "straight-to-DVD" release.)