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Walt Disney’s “Carousel of Progress”
A few weeks ago in my last article, I was in my usual nostalgic mood right after the Christmas holidays. I talked about the exciting new offerings awaiting guests at Walt Disney World in the coming months. The new technology and storylines are “magical” to say the least, but as Walt once quipped…” I hope we don’t lose sight of one thing, it was all started by a mouse” Walt hated sequels, never one to rest on his laurels, he demanded new and fresh entertainment for his quests. But sometimes, in order to understand how…
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Mickey Mouse-A Cure for the Depression…
It’s hard to believe, but another Christmas season is almost upon us. This mostly Christian annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus is also celebrated by countless millions of non-Christians world-wide. It represents hope and family, giving and of course parties, family gatherings and for children, opening gifts from Santa Claus. Next to the uniquely American Holiday of Thanksgiving, it is truly the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” But, for many millions, it is also a sad time, a melancholy day. No one wants to be alone, especially on Christmas. And for many, no jobs, family strife and other worldly problems are in evident. Last week as my wife…
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Walt’s Latin American “Good Will” Tour…
Walt Disney was many things, but most fans perchance do not realize that he was one of America’s biggest patriots and stalwart defenders. This love of country was reveled most evidently just before the United States entered World War II, during what became Walt Disney’s “Good Will” tour of Latin American Countries. It was during the time of the iniquitous “Animators Strike”; in addition, the Disney studios owed more than 3 million dollars in loans to Bank of America. Because of the War raging in Europe, that market for his animated features were closed, cutting his profit margins substantially. Walt did not know it at the time, but when the…
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“So Dear to my Heart-Retrospect…
Walt Disney had an amazing quiver of talents. Most important of them all was that of a storyteller. From the ground-breaking animated film “Alice’s Wonderland” which started Disney on his animated career, Walt always believed that in order to captivate people, they must be a part of the story. They have to believe they are participants in the drama. This conviction survives today in Walt’s Company. No matter what venue in the parks that guests participate, the story is the common thread that continues to enthrall! Walt made many live action, animated and combined films. These family-friendly films have mesmerized audiences for years. Most are fondly remembered, and to be…