Looking Back

News

Disney Legend Marty Sklar Dies at 83

The death of Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. "Marty" Sklar at age 83 has left the Disney community heartbroken. We here at Walt Disney World for Grown-ups mourn with out friends and colleagues as we honor one of the most beloved Imagineers. If you love the Disney Parks, you have been touched in some way by the indomitable spirit and Imagineering of Marty Sklar. He was a mentor to generations of Cast Members and Imagineers, and a icon to Disney fans around the globe.

While the kids don't care too much yet about Walt, Roy, and their hope and dreams, those of us who grew up watching their rise to fame and playing in their theme parks always want to know more about how it happened and how we got from the "Florida Project" to what we have today. The column will be dedicated to history, Disney-style.

Articles

Disney Celebrates “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” at the 124th Rose Parade

The 124th Rose Parade on January 1, 2013, marks 75 years of the Walt Disney Company's involvement with the Pasadena, California New Year's Day institution.

Looking Back: Walt Disney and the Alice Comedies

October 16th, 1923 is an important date for Walt Disney fans; it's that day that Walt signed a contract with M. J. Winkler to produce a series of Alice Comedies. Looking back through history it is widely considered to be the start of Walt Disney's success in its first incarnation as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. 89 years ago today, the Walt Disney Company was born.

The Original Space Mountain

This space-themed roller coaster, and fan favorite, can be found in all five of Disney's Magic Kingdom-style Parks. All five versions of the attraction have different queues and tracks, but all of them share that famous domed exterior, a space age exterior facade reaching into the sky. After seeing the popularity of the Matterhorn in Disneyland, Walt Disney was convinced that thrill rides had a place in his park and had plans drawn plans drawn up for the Space Mountain attraction.

Profile of an Imagineer: Marc Davis

The creative of genius of Marc Davis created some of the most memorable Disney animated characters. Working as an animator, an artist, and an Imagineer Davis helped Walt Disney bring countless Disney characters to life on screen and was one of the creative forces behind Disneyland.

John Carter Disappoints at Box Office

For the time being, Disney may just have to stay away from any movies mentioning the word Mars. After a disappointing opening weekend of only $30.2 million, Disney's John Carter stands to lose Disney $200 million.

A Look at the Past and Present Incarnations of Journey into Imagination

Over the years there have been three incarnations of the much beloved Journey into Imagination attraction at the Imagination Pavilion in EPCOT's Future World.

Profile of an Imagineer: Bill Martin

Can you imagine getting a phone call asking you to help out with Walt Disney's newest venture, building a new theme park? That is exactly what happened to Bill Martin.

Profile of an Imagineer: Rolly Crump

Considered a "true original" even among Disney Imagineers, Rolly Crump has had a hand in some of the most popular Disney animated features as well as attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Disney Cards for the Holiday Season

Creating custom Holiday Cards is a fantastic way to share your love for Disney with the people who are important to you. Though most people assume that pictures on Christmas Cards have to be of your kids, I'm here to say that Disney themes offer fantastic alternatives and spread the magic during this wonderful time of year.

Profile of an Imagineer: Mary Blair

Mary Blair was a talented artist who is best remembered for her work done for The Walt Disney Company. She was largely responsible for introducing modern art to Walt Disney and his studio, and her impact on his vision is seen in many Disney films and throughout the Disney parks.