Guests who visit Disneyland (or any Magic Kingdom-style park created since) are greeted by two great symbols of the life and career of Walt Disney. The first thing they see is the large floral Mickey Mouse, which has warmly welcomed Disneyland guests since opening day...
In 1976, America celebrated its Bicentennial and in observation of this moment, an enclosed railway passenger car that was part of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad was redesigned and recreated into a new, elegant, private coach to be ridden by VIPs, dignitaries, Cast Members, and other special guests...
When Walt Disney made the trip from Kansas City, Missouri to Los Angles, California in July of 1923, he boarded the famed Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe passenger train, the California Limited. Inaugurated in 1892 and surviving until 1954, the California Limited was a true “workhorse” of the famed railroad.
It’s not often that one sees Michael Labrie, Director of Collections for The Walt Disney Family Museum, visibly distressed, and I must admit, I never have. But while researching one of the Museum’s most treasured artifacts, the Carolwood-Pacific Railroad and the Lilly Belle, I learned that there was, in fact, a time when Michael was not his usual calm, cheery self...
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and join us in a variety of frightfully fun events! Toss a ghost into a jack-o-lantern for a prize, create your very own flapping ghost and, only if you dare, walk through our “spooky walk” and see what our ghostly friends have in store for you!
The earliest mention of Silly Symphonies is contained in two letters that Disney wrote his brother Roy and Ub Iwerks. The first, on 20 September 1928, indicates simply and idea for a “musical novelty,” some combination of music and animation. The second, written three days later, grows more precise...
Disneyland’s Viewliner was a narrow gauge miniature train that once rode parallel rails alongside sections of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad main line...
The inspiration of and appreciation for Walt Disney knows no boundaries. The Membership at The Walt Disney Family Museum certainly reflects this diversity. Each month, we’ll introduce you to one of our Members, so you can see the varied and frequently fascinating people, who have come together to learn and experience more about the life, work, philosophies, and ideals of Walt Disney. This month, we’d like you to meet Brandon Kleyla.
Remember the triangular logo? It was emblazoned with the words “Triple-R Ranch” and Spin and Marty, the tween heartthrobs of the 1950s serial of the same name, wore the brand on their t-shirts every day in the show that could be called television’s first mini-series...
As Disney enthusiasts and historians, we attach ourselves to the obvious and too often overlook the equally notable and precious. This can be especially true in The Walt Disney Company’s long and significant musical history...
On Veterans’ Day, November 11 (11/11/11), we'll be presenting nine animated cartoons created by Walt Disney to support the war effort during World War II. These classic films, created from 1940-45, feature beloved Disney characters Goofy, Donald, and Pluto as they entertain and educate about managing shortages, and encourage Americans to create ‘Victory Gardens’ and pay their taxes.
Fifteen-year-old Tim Considine, who would become the consummate in “country cool” as Spin Evans, actually first auditioned for the role of spoiled Marty Markham!
From his own service in the Red Cross in France just after World War I, to the manifold works of his Studio during World War II, to ongoing support of such programs as the United States Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots Campaign, Walt Disney showed his respect for those who serve our country throughout his life and career...
Our condolences and thoughts go out to the family and many millions of friends of Bil Keane, creator of the comically endearing “Family Circus,” the world’s most popular single-panel daily cartoon. Bil died November 8 at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona at the age of 89.
"Disney Artists' Holiday Wishes," a special collection of personal Holiday Greeting Cards—created by Disney Studio animators, comic strip artists, story men, a "Mooseketeer," and even the creator of the voice of Donald Duck—opened this past week, and will run through December 31 this year...
On Saturday afternoon November 12, a crowd of buckaroos gathered together in our digital theater and were transported back to a simpler time at the Triple R Ranch. Tim Considine (aka Spin Evans) and David Stollery (aka Marty Markham), were on hand to guide us through a “discovery of fun” as Donna Tuggle, Director of Education and Visitor’s Experience described the afternoon...