For the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room today, I thought I’d post this photo of the first time I met Wally Boag. Besides starring in my favorite Disneyland show “The Golden Horseshoe Revue” for 27 years, Walt Disney had Wally write most of the Tiki Room show. He is still heard as the voice of the show’s emcee bird, Jose, in both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. 
I just posted my interview with Disney Legend Marc Davis. His work includes everything from designing characters such as Cruella De Ville and Tinker Bell to designing story and character concepts for such Disneyland attractions as it’s a small world, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise, Marc was a major part of Walt Disney’s success. CLICK HERE for the interview.
It’s Valentine’s Day, so go ahead and Kiss the Girl! I took this photo of The Little Mermaid attraction in Disney California Adventure, trying out a Sony A7R III camera.
I took this photo of the Christmas scene in the #CarouselOfProgress attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Although it’s in the show year-round, I thought it was appropriate to post for this time of year. I’ve loved the Carousel of Progress since I used to see it in Disneyland back in the 1970s! I vividly remember the sad day that I went to see it and was told the attraction was closed forever. While the show was moved to Florida and is quite a bit different than the one I used to see, I still can’t believe I am able to bring my own boys to see it, with the rotating theater and the classic Sherman Brothers song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” I posted this picture and lots more on my Instagram, come join me there https://www.instagram.com/mouse_clubhouse/
I’m saddened by the passing of X Atencio, a true Disney Legend in every sense of the word, and a warm, humble, and kind person. X was a key contributor to many facets of Disney, from animation, with a specialty in stop-motion animation, to Disney theme parks, where he was a writer, no only writing dialogue for attractions such as the submarines, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, but also penning lyrics for some of the classic songs like Grim Grinning Ghosts, Yo Ho (A Pirates Life for Me), The Bear Band Serenade for the Country Bear Jamboree, and several others.
I hope you enjoy my interview I did with X back in 2007. I’m so grateful that he shared his story with me, and that I may share with you.
Here are some more never-before-seen photos of Walt Disney World under construction. These were taken by Donald M. Gardner, who was the chief electrical engineer at MAPO, the manufacturing department at Walt Disney Imagineering. An electrical and mechanical engineer, Don worked not only on the opening of Walt Disney World, but also worked on Disneyland projects and attractions such as the Walt Disney World monorail. Enjoy!
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It really saddens me to report that Marty Sklar has passed away. A true Disney Legend, Marty was originally hired to write for the Disneyland News souvenir newspaper, and soon became Walt’s top writer. He wrote many of Walt’s speeches and other company communications and ultimately became the head of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Recently, Marty and I had been in touch, as I was going to interview him. Several Disney Legends that I know how contacted Marty to encourage him to interview me, and I just love what he emailed me! “Gee Scott – How come you didn’t get Bob Iger to say I should talk to you? Looks like you have most of the Legends …”
In preparation for the interview, I’ve been reading Marty’s wonderful book, “Dream It! Do It! My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.” While I never got that interview, I’m grateful to have his stories.
I’m excited to share with you the first of a number of photos I will be posting of Walt Disney World under construction! These NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN photos are by Donald M. Gardner, who was the chief electrical engineer at MAPO, the manufacturing department at Walt Disney Imagineering. An electrical and mechanical engineer, Don worked not only on the opening of Walt Disney World, but also worked on Disneyland projects and attractions such as the Walt Disney World monorail.
Mother Nature was so nice to me when I took this photo of Peter Pan’s Flight in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World! Look at how she placed those beautiful clouds perfectly to complement this marquee!