Extra Secret Stories of Walt Disney World Read online

  EXTRA Secret Stories of Walt Disney World

  Extra Things You Never Knew You Never Knew

  Jim Korkis

  THEME PARK PRESS

  www.ThemeParkPress.com

  © 2018 Jim Korkis

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

  Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, no responsibility is assumed for any errors or omissions, and no liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of this information.

  Theme Park Press is not associated with the Walt Disney Company.

  The views expressed in this book are those of the author alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Theme Park Press.

  Theme Park Press publishes its books in a variety of print and electronic formats. Some content that appears in one format may not appear in another.

  Editor: Bob McLain

  Layout: Artisanal Text

  Theme Park Press | www.ThemeParkPress.com

  Address queries to [email protected]

  Dedicated to the men and women whose hard work, talent, creativity and sometimes just dumb luck helped to make Walt Disney World a magical experience and continue to do so every day.

  Contents

  Cover

  Front Matter

  Introduction

  PART ONEThe Walt Disney World Parks

  Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

  Magic Kingdom: Liberty Tree

  Magic Kingdom: Princess Fairytale Hall

  Magic Kingdom: Kugel Ball

  Magic Kingdom: Disney Coat of Arms

  Magic Kingdom: The Pirates’ Redhead

  Magic Kingdom: Parades

  Magic Kingdom: Skipper Canteen

  Magic Kingdom: Books in Skipper Canteen

  Magic Kingdom: Sunshine Tree Terrace

  Epcot: Leapfrog Fountain

  Epcot: The Land Mosaic

  Epcot: Turtle Talk

  Epcot: World Showcase Trees

  Epcot: The Royal Sommerhus

  Epcot: Mariachi Cobre

  Epcot: Italy

  Epcot: Revisiting Italy

  Epcot: Morocco

  Epcot: France

  Epcot: Canada’s Totem Poles

  Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Land

  Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Midway Mania!

  Hollywood Studios: Catalina Eddie’s

  Hollywood Studios: Voyage of the Little Mermaid

  Hollywood Studios: Sci-Fi Dine-In Films

  Hollywood Studios: Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost

  Hollywood Studios: ABC Studio Commissary

  Hollywood Studios: Birth of Fantasmic!

  Animal Kingdom: Pandora: World of Avatar

  Animal Kingdom: Pandora Field Guide

  Animal Kingdom: Na’vi Shaman of Songs

  Animal Kingdom: Classic Art Influences

  Animal Kingdom: The Bugs are Tough

  Animal Kingdom: Africa the Theme Park

  Animal Kingdom: Safari Village

  Animal Kingdom: Animal Births at DAK

  PART TWOThe Walt Disney World Resorts

  Polynesian Village: Polynesian Village Luau Show

  Polynesian Village: Auntie Kau’i

  Polynesian Village: Dole Whip

  Wilderness Lodge: Native American Culture

  Wilderness Lodge: Copper Creek Villas and Cabins

  Grand Floridian: Lane Graves Memorial

  Fort Wilderness: Alligator Attack

  Old Key West: Conch Flats

  Coronado Springs: The Legacy of Juan Francisco

  All-Star Movies: Icons

  PART THREEThe Rest of Walt Disney World

  Disney Springs: The Story of Disney Springs

  Disney Springs: D-Luxe Burger

  Disney Springs: Blaze Pizza

  Disney Springs: The Ganachery

  Disney Springs: Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire

  Typhoon Lagoon: Miss Adventure Falls

  Disney Roads: Entrance Gateways

  Golf Courses: Winter Summerland

  Golf Courses: Fantasia Gardens

  Golf Courses: Fantasia Gardens 18 Hole Verses

  PART FOURThe Rest of the Story

  Men Who Made WDW: Owen Pope

  Men Who Made WDW: Herb Ryman

  Men Who Made WDW: Tony Baxter

  Men Who Made WDW: Yale Gracey

  Women Who Made WDW: Joyce Carlson

  Things That Never Were: Beastly Kingdom

  Things That Never Were: Cypress Point Lodge

  Things That Never Were: Venezuela Pavilion

  Things That Never Were: Meet the World

  Things That Never Were: New Fantasyland 2009

  Things That Never Were: Lake Buena Vista Monorail

  Things That Never Were: Rolly Crump Epcot Projects

  WDW History: I’m Going to Walt Disney World!

  WDW History: The Ducks of Walt Disney World

  WDW History: The Love Bug

  WDW History: Florida’s Real Love Bugs

  WDW History: Society of Explorers and Adventurers

  WDW History: Garner Holt Productions

  WDW History: Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World

  WDW History: Smellitzer

  WDW History: Epcot Film

  Things That Disappeared: Walt Disney World Speedway

  Things That Disappeared: Flights of Wonder

  Things That Disappeared: Walt’s Bust

  Things That Disappeared: Film Production at Disney-MGM Studios>

  Things That Disappeared: Ear Force One

  Things That Disappeared: LiMOUSEine

  Things That Disappeared: Astuter Computer Revue

  Appendix:Roadside Florida Before WDW

  About the Author

  More Books from Theme Park Press

  Introduction

  When I began to write this series of books about stories of Walt Disney World, my intent was to share little-known information that wasn’t appearing anywhere else.

  It was my belief that these tales might help people better understand and appreciate the “Most Magical Place on Earth” as it was once advertised.

  It never occurred to me how quickly the book would transform from an entertaining guide book to an ancient history book. Things at Walt Disney World have changed so rapidly even within just the past few years that well-beloved things we all thought would be there forever are now gone and forgotten.

  In addition, things that we never previously imagined, from a land devoted to Star Wars to a gondola transportation system connecting locations on property, are now a significant part of the resort.

  As this book goes to press, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is being completely transformed not just physically but thematically from what it was when it first opened, and plans are in the works to completely transform Epcot within the next few years as well.

  Despite the fact that Walt Disney World contains four theme parks, two water parks, a downtown shopping area, and over two dozen resort hotels, among other things, very little has been documented about this vacation destination as it approaches its half-century anniversary.

  What makes any Disney theme park unique from other entertainment venues is that it is not only a physical experience but an emotional one. Shared memories with friends and family over the years truly do create magical moments that deeply touch both the mind and the heart. Some of those memories are the result of the elaborate story
telling that makes it all an immersive experience.

  For many people reading this book, Walt Disney World (not Disneyland) was their first visit to a Disney theme park and it was an overwhelming experience that forever defined their impressions of what a theme park was.

  A Disney theme park transports guests from the worries and cares of the everyday world into a realm of optimism and happiness. Disney’s famous attention to detail guarantees that guests will discover something new, even on the most familiar attractions, every time they visit.

  It is no secret that Disney theme parks are renowned for being safe, clean, and friendly, but there are also many things in plain sight that guests miss as they eagerly race through the park. Things are so seamless and authentic that they almost become invisible because they just seem “right” and would actually be more noticeable if they weren’t there. Imagineers made conscious decisions about not only the stories to tell but how they were to be told.

  This is the fourth in a series of books that will hopefully enhance a visit to Walt Disney World by revealing those stories of why things are the way they are. The intent is not to destroy the magic but to take a brief glimpse behind the curtain to help people be more appreciative and aware of how some of the magic is done.

  From fall 1995 to spring 2009, I worked at WDW in a variety of roles in Entertainment, Animation, Disney Institute, Disney University, Guest Relations, College and International Programs, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Design Group, Yellow Shoes Marketing, and elsewhere, gathering and recording these stories.

  In addition, I had the opportunity to interview some of the Imagineers connected with WDW. Many of those individuals have passed on and I felt an obligation to share their stories as well as all the other information with those who love Walt Disney World.

  Jim Korkis

  Disney Historian

  April 2017

  PART ONE

  The Walt Disney World Parks

  In March 2018, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of four major business segments of the Walt Disney Company, merged with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media to become Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products.

  Originally, the business segment was known as Walt Disney Outdoor Recreation Division when it was founded in 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World and had Dick Nunis as its president. In August 1989, it was later incorporated as Walt Disney Attractions, Inc. Finally, it became Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in August 2000 and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide in September 2008.

  When Walt Disney World opened, the October 18, 1971, issue of Time magazine stated:

  The 6,200 Disney World staffers, in general, are young: 5,500 are between 17 and 22, and every one of them is wholesome. Their uniforms are designed with all the come-hither appeal of cassocks; one monorail pilot was grounded briefly on opening day because her black bikini panties showed through her lime-green jumpsuit.

  Boys must be short-haired, and girls are required to keep makeup at a minimum. Good looks obviously counted when it came to hiring: largely because of that criterion, Disney rejected nine applicants for every one hired. Once on the payroll, the kids were “Disneyized” at Disney World University where rose-colored glasses are part of the curriculum.

  Two years ago, Walt’s brother Roy said, “The real strength of our company has been that Walt and the staff he built always seemed to be able to reach out and touch the heart of the public.” Billfolds, too. As Walt said about it before he died five years ago, “It will make money.”

  In 1971, millions of people wanted work and those millions of workers wanted recreation and Walt Disney World was able to satisfy those wants as it became the largest single employer in the state of Florida and constantly had to expand to accommodate all the eager visitors.

  Today, Walt Disney World continues to make more and more money each year even if there are slight drops in attendance thanks to higher-than-average prices for park admissions and hotel resort room rates as well as increased prices for food, beverage, and merchandise spending.

  In addition, Walt Disney World in recent years has concentrated on offering pricey and exclusive “add-ons” and extra charges to the overall experience to increase revenue significantly. Enough guests have not balked at paying more for these premiums that even more are being introduced.

  Shortly before his death in December 1966, Walt Disney personally drew a sketch labeled Seventh Preliminary Master Plot Plan on a scrap of paper that included items like an amusement park, hotels, campground, convention facilities, industrial park, an experimental community, and even an airport.

  Walt Disney might not recognize his Florida dream that arose like a miracle out of the swamps and unforgiving weather of the area. It certainly was not the community of tomorrow that he originally proposed, although many of the same concepts have been incorporated into the property, from environmental protections and the introduction of new technology to innovative urban planning and the establishment of better international understanding.

  As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2021, it is clear that there is nothing like it or that works so well anywhere else in the world. When guests think about WDW, the first image that comes to their minds are the theme parks that continue to evolve and expand.

  Magic Kingdom

  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

  The specific details of the backstory to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad vary from Disney park to Disney park, though the basic tale remains the same: a mountain where gold mining disturbed spirits who took control of the mine cars.

  The California and Paris versions claim the great disaster that happened to the nearby town was the result of an earthquake while the Florida and Tokyo attractions depict massive flooding.

  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was the first major attraction designed by Imagineer Tony Baxter in 1973, but despite approval, its construction was continually delayed.

  When the design for Big Thunder Mesa by Imagineer Marc Davis for Walt Disney World was scrapped because it was too costly and time-consuming to build, Baxter took elements from it and created a runaway mine train ride with his mentor Imagineer Claude Coats. It was the first ride to be built at Disneyland without direct input from Walt Disney.

  The attraction opened at Disneyland in September 1979 followed by versions at Magic Kingdom in Florida in 1980, Tokyo Disneyland Park in 1987, and Disneyland Paris in 1992.

  The Florida version is twenty-five percent larger than the Disneyland version and unlike Disneyland’s mountain, the Walt Disney World façade is inspired by Utah and Arizona’s Monument Valley.

  In 2012, as part of a refurbishment and as a tribute to Baxter who was retiring, the attraction was re-themed with the queue featuring a portrait of Society of Explorers and Adventurers member Barnabas T. Bullion, “the gold magnate who rules the Big Thunder Mining Company with a golden fist,” holding an elaborate wooden cane topped by a huge gold nugget.

  The portrait bears an unmistakable resemblance to the Imagineer and the middle initial “T,” according to Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), stands for “Tony.”

  From the updated WDI backstory:

  During the height of the gold rush, men in the town of Tumbleweed began looking for gold in the nearby mountain, Big Thunder, which was also an Indian Burial Ground. Though the mountain “thundered” when anyone inspected it, these men took ore trains deep down into the caverns. They removed the gold and celebrated with poker games and parlor girls.

  Acts of God struck back. Mysterious spirits took control of the trains and spun them out of control, a flash flood inundated the town, and an earthquake hit. Everything was lost…

  Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And that is why he is h
aving so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain.

  According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. And yet the Big Thunder Mining Company is still in operation.

  In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before. But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.

  A portrait of another SEA member, Harrison Hightower III, at Tokyo Disneysea’s Tower of Terror resembles Baxter’s fellow Imagineer, Joe Rohde.

  Magic Kingdom

  Liberty Tree

  The Liberty Tree was an iconic symbol of the American Revolution. Walt Disney included a version in his live-action feature film Johnny Tremain (1957) and intended to have a living representation in his proposed but never built Liberty Street in Disneyland.

  According to the sign at the side of the tree:

  The original Liberty Tree, a stately elm, was a rallying point for pre-revolutionary activities. The open space under its branches was called “Liberty Hall” and a flag pole was erected through its branches with a hoisted flag the symbol for action.

  Countless inflammatory cartoons and verses were nailed to its trunk and many Tories hung in effigy from its branches. Perhaps its proudest moment was the repeal of the Stamp Act when innumerable lanterns blazed among its branches for all to see.

  On the bronze plaque at the base of the tree are these words:

  Under the boughs of the original Liberty Tree in Boston in 1765, Patriots, calling themselves “The Sons Of Liberty,” gathered to protest the imposition of the Stamp Act. In the years that followed, almost every American town had a Liberty Tree—A Living Symbol of the American Freedom of Speech and Assembly.

  Our Liberty Tree is a Southern Live Oak, Quercus Virginiana, more than 100 years old.