More 1960s Walt Disney World construction pics

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!

Walt Disney World Preview Center was established so the public could get a glimpse of the resort to come.
Walt Disney World Preview Center was established so the public could get a glimpse of the resort to come.
Construction on the "basement" which Fantasyland sits atop
Construction on the “basement” which Fantasyland sits atop
The Haunted Mansion under construction
The Haunted Mansion under construction
Looking at the Walt Disney World Railroad station from Town Square
Looking at the Walt Disney World Railroad station from Town Square
The Contemporary Resort, not yet completed
The Contemporary Resort, not yet completed

Disney Legend Marty Sklar has passed away

Here's a photo I took of Marty Sklar back in 2010
Here’s a photo I took of Marty Sklar back in 2010

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.

My Presentation in the Golden Horseshoe

Scott does a presentation inside the Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland
Scott does a presentation inside the Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland

Big thanks to the Disneyland Golden Ears group for having me back to do another presentation in one of my favorite places in the world, the Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland!

In this talk I was able to share stories that have been personally told to me by people who were greatly involved in the creation of Disneyland, and who worked closely with Walt Disney.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to share these stories that I’ve had the honor of recording over the years, and I’m very grateful to the warm reception I received from the Golden Ears!

Tony Solaroni, a Tokyo Disneyland character

Tony Solaroni in Tokyo Disneyland
Tony Solaroni in Tokyo Disneyland

This Disney character is Tony Solaroni, an Audio-Animatronics alien in Tokyo Disneyland at the Pan Galactic Pizza Port. Although he speaks Japanese, thanks to the clever subtitles above his head, I learned his unique alien-style pizza-making process including using the cheese-o-matic and the  glib-globulator.  (I love that he’s wearing a Disney nametag.) See ya soon, Tony!

Disney World Main Street construction photo

Construction of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, photo taken by Disney Imagineer Don Gardner
Construction of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, photo taken by Disney Imagineer Don Gardner

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.

Star Wars Days at Legoland photos

This couple in detailed Star Wars costumes told me they volunteer to attend Star Wars Days.

Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND California (June 3 & June 4, 2017) includes new Star Wars LEGO displays,  activities such as the LEGO Star Wars™ Family Build Challenge, LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Scavenger Hunt, Jedi™ Trivia, costume contests more.

Many of the Star Wars-themed costumes were quite elaborate.
I even found R2D2 wandering around the festivities.
Any time is a good time for Star Wars fans to visit LEGOLAND. This display in Miniland is present year-round as are a number of other  displays and six larger six scenes that represent the first 30 minutes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Another meticulously designed LEGO scene in miniature.
Come to the "brick" side - A LEGO version of Darth Vader
Come to the “brick” side – A LEGO version of Darth Vader

Special thanks to LEGOLAND California for inviting me to your annual Star Wars Days!

Interview: John “Doc” Anello (Disneyland band leader and educator)

John "Doc" Anello leads his band at Carnation Plaza Gardens in Disneyland
John “Doc” Anello leads his band at Carnation Plaza Gardens in Disneyland

I just posted my interview with John “Doc” Anello, who started in 1975 as production manager for Disneyland, became the head of education for the entertainment department and  in the 1990s and 200s led his own band  in Disneyland, “Doc Anello and the Swing Machine.”  CLICK HERE for  the interview and more photos