Disney History: A Snow White Rejection

Guest Writer Wednesday

By: Robert 

It was early 1938 and Disney's Snow White was breaking ticket sale records around the world. Interest in animated films was piqued. Even stalled projects such as Gulliver's Travels at the Fleischer Studios were now being green lighted. So it was in this atmosphere of great excitement and hope that a young woman named Mary Ford wrote the Disney Studio to apply for a job as an animator.

She would receive a letter back, dated June 7, 1938, but the rest of the world wouldn't find out about it until after Mary had passed away, nearly 70 years later. Kevin Burg, Miss Ford's grandson posted it online and mentioned that the letter wasn't discovered until after her death.

Written on Disney Company stationery with a Snow White letterhead, Mary received a rejection letter, and by today's standards, a very difficult one to take. Mary Cleane of Disney's Human Resource Department signed the letter which outright rejects Mary Ford's request to be an animator. Why? Because she was female. Ouch!

"Women do not do any of the creative work in connection with preparing the cartoons for the screen..."

"The only work open to woman consists of tracing characters on clear celluloid sheets with Indian ink and filling in the tracings on the reverse side with paint according to directions."

Via Kevin Burg

Interestingly, it appears that this rejection was not unique but rather a form letter. The same one was sent out to a Miss Frances Brewer in 1939. And it too was signed by Mary Cleane.

From The Animation Guild blog

While the world we live in today is far from perfect, it's hard to imagine such an openly discriminatory rejection letter being issued now by Disney or any major corporation. This is not to say that people are free from being discriminated against. Hardly. Yet, we have made some progress from those early days of animation in 1938.

Robert writes the excellent Filmic Light-Snow White Archive.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse "1928" Ornament Set

By: Nick

I resisted this Mickey and Minnie "1928" ornament set when I first saw it at my local Disney Store.

I finally gave in when they had a "Friends and Family" Sale during Veterans Day Weekend last month.
Originally $29.95, I saved 25%. I'm glad I got it too, as it was the last one, and it is sold out on the DisneyStore.com!

They are made of resin, and measure 4.5 inches high.

They were released to honor Mickey and Minnie's 85th Anniversary.

They are a welcome addition to our Disney tree!

Crystal Palace for Lunch with Character(s)!

Crystal Palace for lunch with character(s)!

By: Gaylin

I have been on two solo trips to WDW in recent years. The first one I made a table service reservation for each day and the second one I only made one table service reservation. I will be going a solo trip again in May 2014 and will be doing a few table service meals but not one every day. While it sounds great to have a reservation every day, I found it too much like having an appointment time I had to meet every day.

Some people might find it odd to make a reservation for one and a few cast members gave me funny looks as well but it is nice to sit down and relax during a vacation and have a nice meal. I don't bring a book to read or have any distractions, I people watch and enjoy my food.

One restaurant I love is the Crystal Palace. The food is pretty good for a buffet, plenty of veggies and good choices in meat as well. Enough options that it is easy for me to fill up, even having to skip a bunch of items because of food allergies. And the bonus . . . Pooh and friends!

Being the goof that I am, every time I eat at Crystal Palace, I wear my Pooh and friends shirt as well! One of the characters always points at it and claps their 'paws'! When you eat there by yourself you can always count on the character attendant or another diner to take your photo. About the only problem is, there will always be other people in the background of your photo. Have your camera ready and be prepared to let your food get cold when the characters come around because it is photo time!

And here they are, my friends from Pooh Corner . . .

Jim Korkis Discusses Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean

By: Nick
Photos By: Matthew Bassett

Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite ride at that park. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World version, which is also wonderful, and a must do each trip, but the Disneyalnd version is superior in several ways.

It has a much wonderful opening, taking your boat past the Blue Bayou Restaurant, then through an entire opening sequence featuring several skeletal Pirate scenes the Walt Disney World version doesn't have.

If that wasn't enough, there is a dramatically explosive ending sequence also missing at Disney World.

When I asked Disney historian Jim Korkis what his favorite ride was, I was very happy to have him discuss some wonderful insight regarding this beloved attraction.

For more from this interview with Jim, please check out part's 1, 2 and 3.

We'd like to thank Matthew Bassett for providing the wonderful photos.

Disney's Prep and Landing Hallmark Ornaments

By: Nick

Back in 2009, when I first heard of the new Walt Disney Animation Studios computer animated special, Prep and Landing, and saw the images of the 2 elves, I assumed that their names were Prep and Landing.
I, of course, was wrong. Prep and Landing is the name of the elf department in charge of getting homes ready for Santa. The elves are named Lanny and Wayne.
This special is terrific. Fast paced, well written, well animated, sweet, funny, and filled with so much eye candy, it is tremendously re-watchable. An instant classic.

The "Prep and Landing" DVD was released in 2011, and includes a short sequel, "Prep and Landing: Operation: Secret Santa", which aired in 2010, which manages to cram all the excitement and humor of the special into a few minutes.

Another special "Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice" aired in 2011. While entertaining, it doesn't hold up compared to the original and short.

The first ornament released by Hallmark came out in 2010, featuring Lanny (right) and Wayne with a couple of tools of their trade.




This next ornament is from 2011. Lanny and Wayne have their light wands ready to help Santa land on a rooftop.






 
Disney Prep and Landing and it's sequel, Prep and Landing: Naughty Vs. Nice airs on ABC Monday night starting at 8pm EST.

Mulch, Sweat n Shears at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Street Entertainment or Streetmosphere (that is Disney speak for you!)
 
By: Gaylin

I love going to Hollywood Studios, there is so much street entertainment to enjoy but my favourite all time group is Mulch, Sweat and Shears! First off, having landscapers turn into rockers, how cool is that. Secondly - they are darn good musicians and entertainers.

It is worth it to take a good look at the truck and all the signs and stickers on it, quite funny how one letter can change Landscaping into Bandscaping!

The act starts with the yellow truck pulling the trailer out to the designated 'stage' on the road way. The last time I saw this group they were set up in front of the Sorcerer's Hat, these photos were taken at Christmas time a few years ago when they were set up on the Streets of America and were doing rockin' Christmas songs.

Once the truck stops, the guys all jump out and fold down the trailer and it becomes the stage for the drummer. All the guys grab their instruments and the MC starts drawing in the crowd.

The throw a piece of garden hose on the ground to mark off the front of the stage and the MC draws people in quite quickly. Then the rock begins!

During one of the songs they always bring a person or two in from the audience to help them play. They get handed a tambourine or a cowbell and are invited to join in.

And . . . once upon a time, it was me that got to perform. Sadly, it was not the start of a new career.

I did ask the driver once where the engine of the truck was. When you look under the hood you will see the soundboard for the instruments and mikes. Turns out there is an electric golf cart motor under where the keyboardist is standing! How inventive.

Have you seen Mulch, Sweat & Shears? Do you like them as much as I do?

Mickey's Traffic Trouble : Disney Hallmark Ornament

By: Nick

Back in July, Hallmark had their Ornament Premiere Weekend, and I picked up the "Limited Quantity" ornament featuring Gus and Jaq, titled "Sewing For Cinderelly."

Last year, there was also a limited quantity ornament featuring Mickey Mouse, titled "Traffic Trouble."

"Traffic Troubles" is a 1931 animated cartoon, Mickey's 26th short, and can be easily found by doing a YouTube search. The ornament is in black in white, just like the original.

 

This is a heavy ornament, like a matchbox car. In fact, the wheels turn!

The cabs tires have seen better days.

From the box:

Traffic Troubles 

Mickey Mouse 

Special Edition

 

Mickey has had a lot of jobs through the years, but one of the earliest was as a cabbie in the 1931 animated short Traffic Troubles. And trouble he has aplenty as he tries to maneuver through the crowded city streets with his trusty taxi. Things become smoother and a lot more fun when he picks up Minne-she is after all the fairest fare he's had all day!

This special edition ornament was issued in limited quantities and first available at the 2012 Keepsake Ornament Premiere event. 

Don Palmiter 

Hallmark Keepsake Artist

 

 

I love the license plate: "O-heck"!  

 

I hope you don't encounter any traffic trouble today, unless it's this ornament!

A Pirates Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas

Guest Writer Wednesdays

A Pirates Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas

By: Dan Haley

Ahoy! And welcome to A Pirates Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas. This interactive adventure takes you on an adventure for pirate treasure, and you are sure to interact (figuratively) with Captain Jack and some of his enemies along the way. You can locate this interactive adventure within the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. The adventure is included with park admission and is appropriate and fun for all pirates, big and small. Although, if you have a little pirate that is frightened by scary voices or the sight of items like skeletons you may want to skip this adventure.

The process starts when you report to the Enlistment Quarters. The Enlistment Quarters is a small, nicely themed building, located just inside the Frontierland side of the walkway between Adventureland and Frontierland, near Tortuga Tavern.

In the Enlistment Quarters you will need to check in for the adventure. There is always a Cast Member dressed in appropriately themed costume to help you register using touch screen monitors.

After the check in is complete you will need to collect two items.  The first item needed to head out on an adventure is one of the five maps available at this time. You can request a certain map, or collect the map displayed on the screen at the completion of check in. The maps are very nicely themed and detailed enough to follow making it easy for just about anyone to join in the fun. You may have to help little ones that cannot read yet, but that is half the fun!!

The second item you will need is a paper talisman. This is a very important part of the adventure because it activates the interactive components at the various stations. The talisman is the magic behind the game

Because the game is to be completed in sequence you will receive instructions at the Enlistment Quarters on what symbol on the map to find first.  If you get off course, or out of sequence, the game will warn you to get back on course. The adventures are in a very small area of the Magic Kingdom with all interactive stations being located in Adventureland.  The maps provide fairly detailed sketches of the various stations with some clever text instructions making them very easy to follow.  Inside of each map there is also a letter from various characters addressed to Captain Jack. The messages really add to immersing you in the adventure.

Now that you have all the required items it is time to head out on your adventure. It is very easy to do.
Find the first station on the map

Locate the area in Adventureland and find the symbol on the map at the station, place the talisman on the symbol found at the station...

...and wait for the effects, and there are some good ones!!!!

Then wait for your next instructions. Each station instructs you where to head to next.

A Pirate Adventure is well worth exploring. It is a fun, interactive, and immersive experience for any age. If you are really a ride attraction junky and just can’t stand to pull yourself from Splash Mountain, fear not, the adventures only takes about 15 minutes or so to complete a map. Once you complete a map you can either quit, or return to the Enlistment Quarters and get another map to head out on another adventure. We have accomplished all five adventures and my 5-year-old son has his favorites that he likes to revisit from time to time.  When you complete each adventure the maps and talisman are great souvenirs.

So, the next time you’re in the Magic Kingdom report to the Enlistment Quarters, grab a map, talisman, and transform yourself to the high seas and go on a search for pirate treasures! I will warn you that along the way you’ll need to watch out for firing cannons, skulls, blow darts and battle ships along the way!!!!! After all, “it’s a pirates life for me, savvy.”

Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary Ornaments

By: Nick

On October 1st, 2011, Walt Disney World celebrated its 40th anniversary, and really terrific merchandise was released to commemorate that momentous occasion, including ornaments.

While we did visit on October 1st of that year, I spotted these earlier in the year at The Emporium in the Magic Kingdom, and bought them then and there.

Both collages, especially the one on the ball ornament, appeared on a wide range of merchandise, from t-shirts, hats and bags to address books and photo albums.

I think this Cinderella Castle collage is actually my favorite of the two. This ornament is porcelain and measures about 3.5 inches.

.


This light weight ornament seems to be made of heavy cardboard, and has a red bow and a 40th anniversary medallion on it's hanger.





Here is to another 40 years of Walt Disney World magic!

Lunch at Disney's Be Our Guest Restaurant

By: Nick

In January we had dinner at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and had a fairly mediocre experience.

I wanted to give it another shot. We hadn't heard one bad review about lunch, so we decided we would try to get in to this extremely popular dining spot on our trip in October.

We were very pleasantly surprised to receive an opportunity to use one of our FastPass+ selections to have lunch there, as the lines can be very long indeed!

For those who don't know, Be Our Guest is sort if a quick service restaurant at lunchtime.

You enter the castle, and are directed to a podium where a Cast Member directs you to a kiosk.
If you have made an ADR with your FastPass+, and have chosen your meal already, you can proceed directly to your table. A Magic Band scanner is located on the podium to check in.

We had already chosen our meals, but Barbie had decided she'd like a different entree, so instead of going directly to our table, we were directed to a kiosk, where she was able to make her change. At these kiosks you have photos of each item, which makes the choice even easier!

We were given a GPS "rose", which resembles a hockey puck, and went to pick a table.

On our trip in January, the Rose Gallery was closed, so we decided to eat there.
The room contains a large rotating "music box" featuring Belle and Beast.

Tapestries all around the room retell a tale as old as time.

Little touches such as this rose engraving are lovely touches that help convey the theme.

The West Wing is another option, but we decided that would be where we would try that on a future dinner visit.

Within minutes of sitting, a Cast Member came over with a cart, and served our meals.

Drinks were self serve at a large beverage counter.

Even though this is quick service, meals are served on real china and you can enjoy your meal with flatware.

My wife ordered the  Tuna Niçoise Salad - Warm Seared Tuna Steak, chilled Green Beans, Potatoes, Olives, Roasted Bell Peppers, Tomatoes and a Hard Poached Egg, which was $13.49.

It was delicious, but a bit on the fishy side for Barbie, so I wound up splitting half of my meal with her. 
I had the Braised Pork - Eight Hour Slow-cooked Pork with Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots and Bacon served with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans Jardiniere, for $11.99.
I'm going to just say it, at the risk of over hype.
This was one of the best meals I've ever had at Walt Disney World.
It was absolutely amazing, and I'm wishing I had it right now.

For desert I had Chocolate Cream Puff-  Chocolate Cream Puff filled with Chocolate Mousse topped with Whipped Cream for $3.19.

Barbie had the Lemon - Raspberry Cream Puff which is a Gluten Free, No Sugar Added, Lemon-Raspberry Cream Puff filled with Lemon Custard, also $3.19
 

These are much better than the cupcakes in our opinion, my chocolate cream puff being the better of these choices.

This was easily the best quick service meal we've had at Walt Disney World. If you can't get an ADR for dinner, this is a terrific, and in our opinion, better, option.

Don't forget our Giveaway ends at 6pm EST tonight, so please click HERE or stop by our Facebook page for more details!