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POSTED Fri, 07/28/2017 - 17:47 | POSTED BY Kristen Kirk
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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

POSTED Fri, 09/16/2011 - 05:05 | POSTED BY Kasey O'Connor
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Looking Back: Legend of the Lion King

We are traveling back to the 90's (and early 2000's) today to reminisce about The Legend of the Lion King. This attraction was the predecessor to the successful Lion King show on Broadway.

Background
Legend of the Lion King opened in 1994 in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland Theater and replaced the Magic Journeys 3D movie, which had been the main attraction at the Fantasyland Theater since 1987. Interestingly enough the Lion King show and the Lion King movie were being developed at the same time.

The Show

POSTED Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kasey O'Connor
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Profile of an Imagineer: Claude Coats

A background painter, color stylist, and concept designer, Claude Coats worked with The Walt Disney Company for over 50 years. Known as the "gentle giant" because of his towering stature -- he was 6 feet, 6 1/8 inches-tall -- Coats worked on some of Disney Studio's most iconic animated features and helped bring Disneyland, Disney World, and other parks to life.

Coats was born on January 17, 1913 in San Francisco, California and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1934. After studying at the Chouinard Art Institute Coats joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1935.

POSTED Tue, 08/30/2011 - 18:00 | POSTED BY Kasey O'Connor
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Looking Back: The Mickey Mouse Revue

One of the three attractions at Magic Kingdom on opening day in 1971, the Mickey Mouse Revue was a dream of Walt Disney's and delighted fans for years before it was sent to Tokyo Disneyland in 1980.

Mickey Mouse Musical Revue PosterMickey Mouse Musical Revue Poster

POSTED Thu, 08/25/2011 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kasey O'Connor
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Looking Back (and to the Future): Dumbo The Flying Elephant

The Dumbo Ride is one of the most iconic attractions at Disney World. Chances are you may not wait in the long lines anymore (unless you have kids) but you still have a soft spot for the flying elephant ride.

History

POSTED Wed, 07/27/2011 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kasey O'Connor
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Looking Back: It's a Small World

Some people love it and for others it is the bane of their Disney existence. We are talking It's a Small World today, exploring the origins and history of this Disney hallmark.

For those of you who have never ridden It's a Small World, the attraction is an interior boat cruise that features over 300 brightly costumed audio-animatronic dolls in the style of children of the world. There is an It's a Small World attraction at each of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide, and Walt ever only referred to it as "the happiest cruise that ever sailed."

POSTED Fri, 07/15/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Heptinstall
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Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover [Looking Back]

Who doesn't love the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover? It's become a must-do for me during every trip to the Magic Kingdom.

POSTED Thu, 07/14/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Heptinstall
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Country Bear Jamboree [Looking Back]

"Howdy folks! Welcome to the one and only, original Country Bear Jamboree, featuring a bit of Americana"our musical heritage of the past."

POSTED Wed, 07/13/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Heptinstall
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'Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue' history [Looking Back]

Considered to be one of the longest, continuously running musicals in American theatre history, with more than 35,000 performances and 10 million happy audience members -- my, that's a lot of fried chicken! -- the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue has been going strong since June 1974 at Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness.

POSTED Wed, 07/06/2011 - 11:00 | POSTED BY Kasey O'Connor
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Extinct Disney World Attractions [Facebook Fans]

We recently asked out Facebook fans, "What's your favorite extinct Disney World attraction?" And we got some great responses!

POSTED Tue, 06/21/2011 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Kristen Heptinstall
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea [Looking Back]

What historic Disney World attraction required 11.5 million gallons of water and almost a quarter of the space in the largest land in the Magic Kingdom? 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, of course.