Disney On Parole

Mickey's 60th Birthday Parade

2012-01-23T22:53:00.000-08:00

The year 1988
Disneyland celebrated Mickey's 60th with a
"Special " Birthday Parade...
The Premise of the parade was that Mice from all over
the world were coming to help
Mickey Celebrate his Birthday...

We called this the "Rat" Parade...
the "Mice " just look cheap...

They came by "Land"

By "Air"

By "Sea"

I'm sure the idea looked good on paper...
but it came off as just "Cheesy"

We called it the "Rat" Parade...

Remember when Disneyland
could do a balloon release?

1984 Donald Ducks Birthday

2012-01-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

1984
The Year of the Los Angeles Olympic Games,
The first Apple Macintosh goes on sale and
It's Donald Duck's 50th Birthday!

All year Disneyland Celebrated with a Parade!

Mickey and Minnie "Rockin Out"
with Hewy, Dewy and Louie
and yes that's Tim O'Day in the brown slacks!

Here we have Donald, Daisy, Uncle Scrooge, Grandma Duck
and Ludwig Von Drake in the back...

Ducktales was still years away,so there was
No - Launchpad McQuack,
No - Darkwing Duck...

Just a bunch of Characters that hung out in the park...
doing a parade for the Duck!

Now here's a mixed group of characters-
Baloo and Louie, Pooh, Tigger, Practical and Fifer Pig
and Clara Cluck!

But why stop at Clara Cluck,
Let's throw in Little John, Orville, Bernard and Bianca
and if you look behind the sign
*Eeyore*

A sign of the times:
you'll note that all the characters "Dancing" on the floats
had a handle to hold onto if they needed...
there were NO Safety Belts, hooks, wires and chains
bolting them down, restricting their performance...
we just got up there and did the routine

and nobody got hurt...

Now when I see the character tethered to the float I think... how sad...
but "Safety" comes first...
Just sad...

I want to thank my friend Mark for these
great photo memories!

and now 28 years later...
I still have that damn DD Birthday song in my head!
*Chorus*
Happy Birthday,
It's Donald's Birthday.
Happy, Happy, Birthday to you.
Hey Donald

Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy, Happy Birthday to you.
Hey Donald

There's a party,Party,
a party today
A once a year occasion
A party, party!
is comin' our way
Donald's Birthday celebration!
Now repeat for the next 30 min...

It was worse that the "Small World" Parade loop in your head!

More Muppets Props

2012-01-17T23:23:00.000-08:00

It seemed like I was always making something
for Rizzo and his Rat Pals

Here was a cheese dinner

Here a Cool Drum Set...
The bass drum had blinking lights in it...

Your standard drum set ...

And even one set for the Rastafarian Rat!

Little weapons!
these were fun to carve!
and they shot smoke.

Things falling on someones head was always funny!
These are plastic frying pans !

Always funny to drop Bowling balls on someone!!!
Foam rubber of course !

Big Weight... Big Laugh!

But my Favorites was for Rowlf the Dog!
I had make a Baby Grand out of foam...
just like Rowlf's piano, to drop on someones head!

Here they are... Mines on top!

My last week, I gathered up my Favorite Muppets and got a picture with them!
Somethings you just look back on and are glad you took the time to do...
This photo is the best thing I did!

Working for the Muppets, was like
working at the park in the late 70's and early 80's....
Pure FUN!
You just knew that the job you were doing
was making a lot of people HAPPY!

More Muppets

2012-01-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

I was asked to make 2 sets of golf clubs for
2 of my favorites, Statler and Waldorf!

These were a ball to make because of the scale!
It even had a working umbrella...

The zipper pocket opened and it had plastic golf balls inside

Here's Statler and Gonzo in Palm Springs on the golf course!

next up a fan for Miss Piggy
the lase and trim is the same that is used in her dress...

this is a corn cob pipe I had to make for a fish...
I had about 10 min. to make it...

here's a screen grab ...

Muppets!

2012-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

After 20 years at the park,
I let my hair grow long, didn't shave and
I got a job with the Muppets!
working on the new Muppet show "Muppets Tonight"
as a prop builder...

With the new Muppet movie that just came out,
I thought I'd share a few photos from my Muppet Days!
Here I am with Fozzie and my friend Paul
who was a costumer on the show...

We had lots of really great guest stars on the show
one of my favorite was Don Rickles...
for being an insult comic, I have to say
he's one of the nicest people in show business

I couldn't resist putting on Kermit for a photo!

Because of the scale of the Muppets
everything had to be specially made...
very little could be just store bought...
In the next few days
I'll post more of the props I made
but here's a few...
Kermits bamboo cane.
made out of a Aluminum rod...

2 canes were made...
One for close up shots and one for distance.

when the Muppets had a press conference,
I had to make Rizzo a directors chair...

One of my favorites
GONZO!

Practically Purfect Penguins!

2012-01-13T22:38:00.000-08:00

As I walked down Main Street the other day...
I noticed that Carnation was down for rehab!
It reminded me of these pics...

[Miss the old Tomorrowland Entrance...]

Carnation Main Street
Setting the table as it were...

The "Poppins" Picture window
that used to be in the back was so cool!!!
I would love to see them bring it back
when they get done with the remodel

Here's another shot of the window display from another time...
Notice the flowers on the table are white now
and their eating Chocolate Sundaes...

Some of the window displays are now
in what was the old record shop...
a little to high up to really see how wonderful they are
and sort of put up a little haphazardly...
At least when they were in the window
the scale of the table and chairs was right.

Nice to see that the good ol Penguins are still represented in the park!

We're Back!

2012-01-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!

the last 4 months I've been REALLY BUSY!
and on top of it my computer was stolen!
We always think something like that
will never happen to me...
UUUgghhhhh!!!
luckily I had a lot backed up,
but there are still things I go to look for and there Gone!

I found these 3 pics from my trip to Disneyland 1964
That me in the middle with my brother and sister...
The fun we had on Tom Sawyers Island...
Not a pirate to be found!
[Damn I loved that Donald Duck Hat!]

O my god That Cabin's on FIRE!
This was taken from the skyway!
Love the Colors!!!

I hope my next post doesn't take 4 months to post! lol

More Dumbo Fire House!

2011-10-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

My friend over at "Mouse Club House"
sent me these great photos of the "Fire House"
as it was used in the Celebration USA Parade" 1991

Here's a shot with some of the "Stars"
of Celebration USA!

Check out his web site @
www.mouseclubhouse.com
He has really great interviews with the people
who made Disneyland such a Great Place!

Thanks Mouse Club House
for the Fire House Memories...
Anyone know if it was used after 91?

Dumbo Circus Parade FLOATS

2011-10-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

Back to the Dumbo Circus Parade 1979

Here's a look at some of the floats being built...

A shot of the Penguin Float...
before it left the warehouse...
Being loaded on the truck, to be taken to Anaheim
All that work to get it on Main Street for all the Guest to see...

Here we are with our "Penguin Trainer"
Sue Gothold!

Adrea Gibbs was our other "Penguin Trainer"
she wore a Blue/Green outfit...
We had a Ball with them!!!

Next to load on the truck,
the float the "Monkeys" will ride on...

Used again in a Christmas Parade
with the Wolf and Pigs...

Then the next year, for the 25th Anniversary Parade
one of the floats got a "Make Over"
for the finally unit...

It was a Fun time...
if you look close at these photos,
you won't see the Characters chained down
to the floats, or holding on to hand rails...
We Danced on and off the floats and did routines!
and we never fell off!
sad to see the Characters now tethered and Chained...

Thanks to my friend Mark for the great pics...

Scary Clowns!

2011-10-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Rubber Heads...
White painted faces with expressions that never change...
big yarn for hair...
with Bigger floppy shoes
all running around acting silly...

Scary? Yes!
but somehow it worked...

In the Dumbo Circus Parade 1997!
Leading off the Parade was Bongo and Lulu belle!
Then Clowns, Clowns
and
MORE CLOWNS!!!

and below Dumbo's Fire House...
Fireman Clowns!!!

and while they're at it...
let's use the Clowns in print ads!!!

Thanks to Beth for sharing her clown pics!

Dumbo's Fire House!

2011-09-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Dumbo's Fire House, was a float used

in the Dumbo Circus Parade 1979
also used in many Christmas parades
at Disneyland...

[This Great shot was posted by Mellonballer on Mice Chat]

Here's the Fire House Float as it was being built!
*Bottom Half*

In it's "Raw" state, Before painting...

[here's another Excellent shot of the parade...
from Mellonballer]

How'd that clown get up there?

Dumbo would run around the top of the float
and stick his head out the 4 windows...
[Beth Bond took this next photo]

Recycle *Reuse!
For the State Fair Parade, Disneyland
Changed the Fire House to a Barn for
Clara Cluck!
[This shot is by Kimmity]

[another shot by Kimmity]
Hope you enjoyed looking back at the
Dumbo's Fire House and
Clara's Barn!

Thanks again to Mellonballer and Kimmity for the great shots!!!
check out Kimmity's cool pic's on flicker

Stolen Pictures from Guest!?

2011-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Back in the late 70s and 80s
*Polaroid*

was the Camera/Film sponsor of the park...You could walk into the camera shop on Main St.

plop down your ID or Drivers Lic.
and use one of their cameras for FREE!

OK ... so you had to buy the pack of Polaroid film
at $10 a pack...
[and when you looked at it, that was $1 a picture!]
[Now with digital we just shoot and delete!
But how many guest back then did I see
waving the picture back and forth to make it develop faster...lol]
The following are pictures given us from very kind guest!

Geppito

Now this may look like the Tweedle
is chopping off this kids head with a tomahawk...
ok he is... but it was all in fun...
The kid was a twin also...
the tomahawk belonged to his brother!
Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny
Wish Merlin was back in the park today...
the Sword and the Stone show was a great touch in Fantasyland
The Dwarfs... not looking so small...

Eeyore...

When I first saw this next one,
I thought the kid had a really hairy chest!

Rescuers!!!!

Before Annual passes... guests had to Pay EVERYDAY to get in the park...
[but then again it wasn't $80 a day!]
even back then we had our park regulars!
why were they there every day?!
[my guess is some really nice employees signed them in EVERYDAY!]
One of our favorite was ELLEN!
Some days she would wear her cat eye glasses, a mousekteer shirt with her name and ears!

We all know now
we should have taken more pictures back then...
I'm very grateful to the guest who gave me these memories!
Thank you!

Betty Taylor and Wally Boag

2011-06-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted...
I've been busy traveling for work...
But I just have to do a post this evening,
Sad to say that Wally Boag
passed away yesterday 6/3/11
and just tonight at dinner I heard that
Betty Taylor Passed away, today 6/4/11.
I have fond memories of Both of them from my days at the park...

My good friend Scott over at Mouse Club House
Has posted a really nice tribute to them
with some great photos...
Check it out at www.mouseclubhouse.com

Here are some of my favorite photos of Betty shared by Scott...

Here's a great article from 1980

Classic Betty in the audience

Betty and the Girls

Through all the years and all those shows,
she was one Classy Lady!!

Wally!
I worked and traveled with him on the Aristocat Tour
back in 81'
we had so much fun!!!
he and Fulton taught me how to play Poker
while flying on "Mickey 1"- Walt's Jet

I remember doing TV shows across the country and
we would watch the playback and Wally would
look at his performance and say" Now that's Funny"
It always mad me laugh!!!
The Two of them really started the Magic in the Kingdom...
Good Bye my Friends...

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Well here's hoping you all find that Easter Surprise!
I know I found mine...

A friend gave me this picture
of 1978 Disneyland Ambassador
Raellen Lescault

When I looked at it,
I realized it was taken at parade step off
before the Easter Parade 1978

I danced in the opening unit that year!
There I am, In the background!!!
33 years ago!
Happy Easter!

Belt Buckles

2011-04-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Back in the 70's I wore belt buckles all the time!
these are some of my favorites from the 70's:

First up:
I bought this in San Francisco around 1974
It's a replica... but still way cool
"Award of Merit Mickey Mouse"
1933
"Academy of Motion picture Arts and Science"

The Back reads:
"Tiffany Studio New York
United Artists Corp. Hollywood California
5 years old today 1928-1933"

This one more simple and Solid Brass

This one I bought at the park in 1977 and never wore it...
It was still in the box...

If I still had a pair of those powder blue corduroy
bell bottom pants, I'd wear those belts again!

O the 70's!

Jungle Book Collector Glasses

2011-04-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

More from the bottomless box in the garage:

This is the complete set of
Jungle book Pepsi Glasses
I got them in the late 70's and
put them in a box and there they stayed
until last week.

Because they were in a box for the last 30 some odd years
They were in MINT condition!
never put in a dish washer...Never Used!
[Here's the front]

[Back]

[Front]

[Back]

I hadn't used them in all these years,
so I posted them on craigslist...
and shipped them off today...
Better they go to a good home than sit in a box...
I did find out that these
were only sold on the west coast...
back around 76-77

Blow this puppy up!

2011-04-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Mickey and Minnie Inflatable Pillow!

This pillow I bought at the park in 1976
yet another thing I found in a box in the garage!!!
It still inflates!!!!
Great Color!
NO HOLES!!
Who knew it would last 35 years???

Bigger not always Better!

2011-04-18T22:44:00.001-07:00

While going through a few boxes I came across these pics:

Early in the parks history costuming thought it
be a good Idea to go BIG!!!

They sort of look like pinatas to me...

This one I love,
Minnie taking over as the park operator!
[Love the switch board!]

1975 - The Disneyland Line

2011-04-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Last month I posted the first half on a
Disneyland Line from 1975...

Here's the second half:

First up is complaints and comments,
Arts and Crafts,Space Mt. update and
The Holiday Shopping Pass!!!

Next Up:
A Disneyland CLUB for Everyone!!!
and
A trip to Universal Studio's Hollywood!
All for $4.50 !
that's right Four Dollars and fifty cents!!!

T.V. taping , a trip to the Laserium,
screen The Apple Dumpling Gang,
or be "CREW" on the drama clubs
production of "1776",
My favorite is the CB club!!!

One of the best things at the park for employees
was the EMPLOYEE SALE!!!
You could pick up all kinds of great stuff for your home!
after you read this page you'll really wish
you had that Time Machine!!!

I remember I bought 2 heavy wrought iron chairs
that were from New Orleans Sq.
My mother still has them on her porch at home.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 2011

2011-03-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

I went to the park recently and saw this
St Patrick merchandise...
I just had to laugh...
You to can hold your stuffed
"Leprechaun Mickey",
get drunk out of your Mickey Beer glass...
all while wearing your 2011
St. Patty Day Ears!!!

and when you get so drunk on St Patrick's day
and you loose your pants...
Don't worry, You're wearing your
LUCKY MICKEY BOXERS!!!

So here's wishing you all the Luck of the Irish Tonight!

I hope you're wearing your boxers!

1975 - Where DL paychecks come from

2011-03-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

For years we punched our time cards, watched the leads put in all those little numbers
and waited for our checks to arrive...well I just found this GREAT article from a 1975 Disneyland Line [and yes it was printed on pink paper], all about the Keypunch Operators and the Data Processing Dept.,the women who took those little cards with all the punches,most the time with more eraser marks and scraches, and turned them into TIMECARDS! ENJOY!

I love that in 1975 the
"Studio in Burbank houses FOUR computers!"
AND THEY WERE LEASED!

Wow how times have changed!!!
it makes me wonder how many of these women
are still with the company!

Kids of the Kingdom

2011-03-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some rare shots
of the "Kids of the Kingdom"

This first group of pics are from
Mickey Mouse's 50th Birthday tour.
Here are the "Kid's" performing
The show "The Disney Medley"
in Balboa park San Diego, Spring of 1978

He's a Tramp...

and Donald and Goofy bringing in
Mickey's Birthday Cake

These pics are shot over at the temporary stage
that was put up in the Small World area
during the construction of Space Mountain.
[taken Fall of '76 or Spring of '77]

Now we're over at the NEW Space Mountain Stage!

A friend gave me these pictures
and even though there a little blurry
It's still fun to look back at the LIVE shows
and performers that once entertained
millions...

DISNEYLAND Fan Cards

2011-02-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here's some "Disneyland " Fan Cards
that either I or my friends have saved over the years...
before there was WDW, TDL, Euro DL, HCDL
It was JUST DISNEYLAND!!!
and to get the word out about the park,
there were TOURS!!!
These tours would promote the park,
New or re releases or the company as a whole.

Bringing "Disney" to the world was a lot of fun...

The first couple are the Ambassador Fan Cards.
When they would travel with the characters, they would
have these to hand out

Front

Back

These are just character cards

These next few cards
were for Special Weekends we had at the park...
*Winnie the Pooh Days*

Back

*Mary Poppins Days*
front

Back

*Mousekedays*
and last
we had the Buena Vista Tours...
For years Fulton Burley would be the host of these show/tours
we would do Hospital Visits, T.V. interviews
and Meet and Greets...
I miss Fulton!
A great guy to be around
and the most professional person I ever worked with!

Studio Fan Cards!

2011-02-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

For many years,the Walt Disney Studio answered the many letters and questions they received with an illustrated postcard, or "fan card." Whenever fans wrote to Disney stars like Hayley Mills, Julie Andrews, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or even Walt, an appropriately illustrated card, with a scene of their favorite's most recent project, was dispatched, with a "thank you" note typed on the back side.

The same would go for the Release or

Re Release of a movie...
We also took these cards with us on tour, to hand out...
on the back was usually printed
the theater the movie was playing in...

What does it take?

2011-02-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

What does it take to be a Mousekteer?

Here's an artical on Allison Fonte
and what she went through...After all that you have to learn a peppy NEW opening song!

Welcome Welcome! One and all
Get yourself ready to have a ball
We're gonna dance, We're gonna sing
We're getting ready to do our thing.

It's showtime
get up and go time
It's showtime
No feelin' low time
It's showtime
with the Mouseketeers

Hurry!Hurry! Grab a seat
Listen to the rhythm of the Mousekebeat.
We're gonna laugh, We're gonna shout
We're gonna show you,what it's all about
[Chorus]
*roll call*

It's showtime!
Showtime! Showtime!
with the Mouseketeers
Singin' and dancin' and havin' fun.
Miles of smiles for everyone
We're feelin' good, we're feelin' fine,
We're gettin' ready to make it shine.
[chorus]
words by: Marc Ray music by: Peter Martin

The NEW Mickey Mouse Club (1970s Edition)

2011-02-20T21:53:00.001-08:00

Sometimes referred to as the Disco Mouse Club,

The 70s series is fondly remembered
by the kids that grew up with it...
other than when it originally aired
and a small syndicated run
this NEW Mickey Mouse Club is almost forgotten...
In the late 70s this group of "Mouseketeers"
performed a lot at Disneyland
doing Shows and Parades...
A friend recently gave me some photos
that he had taken of them Backstage and On stage...
Enjoy...

And the one who went on to star in "The Facts of Life"
Lisa Whelchel

Long Live Disco Mickey Mouse Club!

Disney's California Adventure 10 years!

2011-02-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I went to the Parks tonight...
I didn't realize it was DCA's 10th anniversary...
I just wanted to have dinner and see the "World of Color" show...
what a nice night!!!

We got there around 4pm and went to the Toy Story ride!
one of my fav's in DCA!
and then went over and took a stroll down
Disneyland's Main Street... then back over to DCA for Dinner at the Winery!
GREAT MEAL!!! and Great Staff!!!
When I realized it was DCA's Birthday...
I started to remember the first time I went to the park...
Jan. 4th 2001
I went down to see the new show
that was opening the Hyperion Theater
"Disney's Steps in Time!"

I remember thinking what a GREAT SHOW!
Fresh, New and Really well done!!!
but the next time I went back... what a shock!
they changed the show... and not for the better...
now there was a story teller and a little kid...
Gone were the fresh new ideas...
Sad...

This shot I took last year... now this is gone too...

I did see these great pictures on the construction walls!!!
great to see the "Classic" Characters!!!
Sorry it's almost been 2 months since I've posted...
but as the sign says as you leave DCA...

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T17:24:00.000-08:00

As we head into the New Year
let's look ahead with Hope and back with
Fond Memories!

The Disneyland Line 1977

My first New Years at the park...
The Party!
The Main Gate Flier

I loved Minnie Riperton at the "Star Wars Disco"
Love the 70's
1978

Los Angeles Times Ad

The Party 78

After 6pm tickets went up...
$2.00

This next shot was from 1980 or 1981
[I can't remember which one,
I just remember it was FUN!]

For the New Years Eve party
there was an orchestra in front of the Castle...
"Father Time Goofy" made an appearance
and then at midnight,
Goofy rang in the New Year from
the top of the Castle...
See you all tomorrow...
1-1-11

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Now back to my Holiday Photo Album

and a Very MARY Christmas!

Now these were taken about 1983 or 84
Herbie the Love Bug was in the Parade
and I was the Comic Cop [last year I posted
other pics of Herbie and I, but I just found a few more]

Here we are leaving the town sq. gate
The Trees were from the Flights of Fantasy Parade...
and then put in the Christmas Parade for the Snow White Unit.

Being the Cop was a lot of Stunt work
and Herbie beat the crap out of me!
but it sure was FUN!

These shots were taken backstage
with some of my friends...
Nice to know I could make Snow White laugh!

This taken in 1987

I saw this sign in the float warehouse and asked
the girls to take a picture with me!
What great sports they were...

The sign was used in another parade...
I can't remember which one...

as we close the Holiday photo Album...
that ends this years Christmas memories...

As a little Present to all of you...
Here's my favorite picture of Walt at Christmas time...
Reading a story in front of the castle.

Happy Holidays Everyone...
from
Disney On Parole

Merry Christmas Disneyland!

2010-12-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

This sticker was made up by the
Costume Division
30 years ago...

Don't know where this article is from...
but fum to read about the New
Bear Country Christmas Show...

Now back to my Holiday Photos from the past

Santa Goofy and Pluto just hanging out on Main Street
before the park opens...

This one's for Anne over at Best Possible Job,
Merry Christmas...
back then the magic just poured out of the doors of the toy shoppe

This was taken inside the Christmas store
that used to be in the castle courtyard...
That was a great shop!

"And to all a Good Night"

Christmas Parades at Disneyland!

2010-12-23T00:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Disneyland
1974-75

This Article is from the
Disneyland Line
12-1-1977
All on the Brand New
"Very Merry Christmas Parade"
[which was My first parade]

This from the
Disneyland Line
12-29-77

Now these were the Cookies that year!
I love their look!!!

The only problem was they were made out of "Scott Foam"
The look great! but don't hold up so well...
and when it rained on the parade one day that year...
They became walking sponges!!!!
soaking up water like there was no tomorrow!!
making them very heavy!
they all came sloshing in the gate at
town square just drenched!!!

They weren't the only one that failed to be weather proof...

The Ostriches came in the gate drenched!!!

Their ostrich feathers plastered to their costumes!!!
it was real funny to see the wardrobe people between parades,
blow drying the Ostriches for the next parade!

Now back to Holiday photos from the past!This time the year is 1991
the same year yesterday's Mickey skating...

Here is the Alice unit...
Love the flowers!

Next up...
The Bakers unit!
A finale Dancer...

and last the Star of the Parade
SANTA!
[My sleigh was Gold that year
and I still had my "Glock Girls"!!!]

Christmas Parade 1987

2010-12-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Just a few Holiday Photos
Disneyland Christmas Parade
1987

The Toy Unit

The Stick Horse in this pile of toys
was used in The Mouseketeer show that was on
the Space Stage, a couple years before

Here you see Dale riding tha horse in that show

The Peter Pan Unit

with the Lost Boys

*Wendy*
the Lost Boys Home and Skull rock
with Hook and Smee in the row boat,
bringing up the rear...

Burt, Penguins and The Pearlie Band

Mickey Ice Skating
[Notice no fence]
Here's a shot from 1991 of the same float with fence

Back to 1987
Here comes Santa Claus...
and the Silly Reindeer with the Finally Dancers!

We'll end today with a Mickey Street Lamp Wreath
1987

More Holiday Photos Tomorrow...

Disneyland's Candlelight 1981

2010-12-20T02:04:00.000-08:00

29 years ago today...
Disneyland had their Candlelight Procession
1981
with Guest Narrator: Jason Robarts

Here's the Program from that night

[Tim - This is the Living Christmas Tree]

Middle Page

Back Page

This is the Back Page to the Disney Way Nov. 1966
I love that it has the Cigar Roaster, Hufalumps,
Butterflies and Catterpiller, Mickey on the Drum
and The Silly Reindeer

Disneyland Christmas Photo Locations 1989

2010-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Here's some shots from Christmas 1989
I think this was the Employee Christmas Party

You don't see this guy to often:
Brer Rabbit

Roger Rabbit must have been on a break

Rescue Rangers premiered on the Disney Channel that year
here's Chip

The Little Mermaid was also released that year

Get a picture with Flounder
[who put the hat on his head?]
and the old stand by:
Goofy

Minnie

Right inside the Castle courtyard,
a little chamber music:
and yes that's Sylvia from the Silhouette Shop on Harp!

Over at the French Market:
a few Carolers singing carols while you dine

Disneylands LIVE Christmas trees

2010-12-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or does anyone else miss the
LIVE Disneyland Christmas trees?

Here's and article from an old Disney News,
on where the trees come from...
and how they get here.

An old Post Card of the town sq. tree

These trees looked REAL!
[because they were]
they had character and charm!
not a perfect cone shape...with LED lights...

and one of my favorite pictures of us
decorating the Town Sq. tree
for a photo shoot.Now don't get me wrong,
I love all the lights on the Castle and the show!
but I miss the white flocked trees,
with the blue and white lights,
that used to be in the moat.
These next few shots are Pictures I had taken
so I could use them for my Christmas cards. I MISS THE TREES!

The Orginal TRON Premiere

2010-12-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

I worked the TRON Premiere

back in 1982!
Here's the Program they gave out that night!
Cast and Crew
I love that Michael Eisner and Dianne Disney
we're both on benefit premiere committee.
The Character department from Disneyland
was brought in to provide entertainment for the evening.
We wore the costumes from the movie
and did meet and greets with the guests all night.
I know there are pictures out there from that night...
but I don't have any...
if I find any I'll share them with you!

Then in 1985 for the 30th anniversary T.V. special
The films costumes were used again!
this time with the Pointer Sisters doing the New"TRON" dance. I'd posted these Pics before but thought it's fun to see them again...

Disneyland Christmas 1974

2010-12-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

I'm Back!
Sorry I took a month off to put together
My annual Christmas Show here in Hollywood.

Here's an article from "Backstage"
Winter 1974

Love Louie on the cover!

The 12 months of Christmas at Disneyland
[what the heck is the pickle?]

Here's an article on taking pride while working at Disneyland!
It could and should almost be reprinted word for word today!

I love these Pictures:
The Century 21 theater [which WAS located
behind where the McDonald's is now]
and "The Motel Row" on Harbor Blvd.

Just a "Little Shopping"

2010-11-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm off to do a Little shopping today...

So I thought I'd take my Little shopping bag with me!

Wish me luck!

Just a little Funny

2010-11-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Big Thunder Photo Location

2010-11-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

When you enter Big Thunder Tail
from Fantasyland, look over to your left.
the abandoned railroad car
was once used as a photo location!
Here's the souvenir photo they had.

Funny how the holder just says
"Big Thunder Mine"
and not Big Thunder Railroad

As the pigs were doing their "set"
in Fantasyland,
the 3 of us went over and got our pictures taken.

of course this was 1980,
when you could just see the characters
walking through the park...
Taking a march over to Big Thunder Tail was the norm.

Practical looks very comfortable in these surroundings

Walt Disney Studio Visitor's Pass

2010-11-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Back in the late 70s and early 80s
This was the pass that you would be given when you visited

The Walt Disney Studios.

I love the little map on the back

Get Out There and VOTE!

2010-11-01T23:34:00.001-07:00

Democrats Vote on Tuesday
Republicans Vote on Wednesday

Just Kidding...
EVERYONE has a say on Tuesday!
Wither your a Democrat or Republican...
Get out there and have your voice heard!

Boxed Disney Halloween Costumes!

2010-10-29T11:18:00.001-07:00

Still looking for something to wear on Sunday night?

Some of these are all Boxed up and ready to go...
It looks as though Ben Cooper Inc.
made a lot of the old Halloween Costumes we remember.
Here is how the packaging changed over the years...This one made in Argentina
in the early 1970s...
"Minnie the Drag Queen!"
If you want to really be wearing a costume that NO ONE else
will have... Try one of these!
from the early 1950s
Lucifer!
Feeling more like a Dog???
"Tramp"
and in 1959
you could be Tommy Kirk
as "The Shaggy Dog"
And Last,
but not least...
from that Hit?
1981 Michael Crawford Disney Movie...
you too can be
"Condorman!"
Or...
Just fall back on the "Roadkill Series"
with "Roadkill Pinocchio"
I just love Ebay!
SWSanctum: thanks for the comments...

The Chilling Sounds Of The Haunted House

2010-10-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid this was the COOLEST record!
the month of Oct. I would play it over and over and over!
or until My mom would hide it from me while I was at school.

I know it's Halloween when I see the Orange on this LP cover

Mousercise at the Plaza Gardens Stage

2010-10-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

Here's some shots from the rehearsal

of Mousercise show at the Carnation Stage.
This show ran a little longer than the other Show with Kellyn
[Those were more a Special Event.]
This Mousercise Hostess name was Robyn.

This show was written and Directed by the wonderful
and talented Amy Sheridan
[seen here]

and here is my good friend Robert Ponce
who went on to be the Sr. Show Director at Disneyland
He Created the Goofy Parade, The Lion King Parade
and Many other shows for the park.
Those of us who got to work and know Amy and Robert
were the lucky ones!
I miss them both.

Halloween Suggestions

2010-10-24T10:20:00.001-07:00

With the holiday just a week away...

Here's some costumes I found on EbayAnyone want to be a Mouseketeer?
Love this oneEven has a Tail!
Hoe about this mask from Dick Tracy
and my Favorite...
"Road Kill Dumbo"

More Mousercise

2010-10-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I found a few more things

on the good ol' Mousercise...
Here's a certificate they gave the kids...
This one signed by Kellyn
If you sweat in front of your TV
and never got one...
Print this one out and add your name!
Now don't you feel better already?

another shot from the Small world show
during Mickey's Month

Terrance T...
I don't remember there being a parade,
but there was also a Mousercise Show
over at the Carnation Stage.
I'll post some pictures from that show also...

Come On Everybody and MOUSERCISE!

2010-10-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Year was 1982

and the Mousercise Album hit the stores!
And 1 year later the Disney Channel
hit the Air Waves!

One of the the Premiere Show's was:

1 Host in Head band and Leg warmers,
Characters in sweats and a bunch of kids jumping around
What a Show!!!But you could also buy a VHS and let the kids wear them self's out!

Remember these?

For "Mickey's Month", at Disneyland, in 1983
Kellyn Plasschaert
[The Host of the Show]
Made an appearance at the Park...
on a float next to Small World...
[Behind the float in now the entrance to Toon Town]
[In the last photo it looks like the kid in the center,
in pink, was so happy to see her
Disney Channel Stars LIVE
she S**t her pants!]

This is Kellyn's Head Shot ...
She was a Great gal!
Super sweet and really fun!
I was sorry to hear Kellyn passed away in April 2009

Kellyns Father, Alex Plasschaert

a native Californian had been a dancer,
choreographer, and stuntman.
He was one of the dancing chimney sweeps in "Mary Poppins,"
a Dancer in "The Happiest Millionaire"
and he danced with Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire,
Ginger Rogers, and Debbie Reynolds,
and with Barbra Streisand in "Hello Dolly" as well!
He was also a stuntman in many movies
and is responsible for coordinating several
live stunt shows at Universal Studios.
and choreographed for shows at Disneyland...

There's a whole generation that grew up with
Kellyn and the Mousercise Gang...

Come on Everybody and Mousercise,
Mickey Mousericse!!!!

O' the 80's

2010-10-03T07:06:00.001-07:00

In the 80's we had Mickey and Donald's Birthday's,

and then the country went Aerobics Crazy and
Disney jumped in with "Mousersize"and we've almost forgotten
when Minnie was influenced by Madonna/Cindy Lauper
and became "Totally Minnie"
Which brings us to Goofy!
Sport Goofy!
1984 the year of the Olympic Games were here in LA...
Sport Goofy made a lot of appearances that year...Here's a program from 1984
with an article on Sport Goofy and how he came to be...

I love this little snippet on the DL hotel Tennisland!
o' the 80's - when shorts were
"Tight and SHORT!"

Some of the most memorable and rewarding things
about my time at the park were the hospital visits

In the 80's The Disney Channel sent the characters
to a lot of events at affiliate cable stations...
That year I got to travel to Medford Oregon
where Sport Goofy was the Grand Marshall
of the "Pear Blossom Parade".

I just love this ladies hat!
she could care less about Goofy,
she was just along for the ride!

Disneyland Family Film Festival!

2010-10-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Our pal over at Vintage Disneyland Tickets

posted a movie ticket from
one of the screenings we used to have at the park,
Cast Activity's would show screenings to the Employees,
either A Disney Classic, A not so Classics...
or a Special Cast Premiers.

these were a lot of fun!

Employees would go over to the "Center" [Cast Activities]
and pick up a couple of tickets...

The Cat from Outer Space
was screened in the now

gone Fantasyland Theater!

Thanks Tim for making me dig these up!

Is it Christmas?

2010-09-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here it is, late September...
Home Depot, Target and half the other stores in town
have the Christmas decorations on the shelves...
and it's 113 degrees out side!!
Everything's melting...

What we need is a little Christmas!!!

Here's a couple of pictures I took
for my Christmas cards in the past...

I'm now thinking of the Cool California morning
when we walked around the park to take this picture...Aaaahhhhhh...
Feeling cooler already...

and the crisp night around 4 am
when I walked over to the front of the castle to get this shot...

Stay Cool till the Holiday's

Cast Activities Summer Calendar 1978

2010-09-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

As we wind down the summer
Lets look back at what was offered
by Cast Activities in 1978

Concert Anyone?
Look at all the Clubs you could join?!!!

"Disneyland Employees" FCU

2010-09-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Way back when...
"Disneyland Employees"
had their own Credit Union
Not a CU for the Disney Co.
But this was just for DISNEYLAND EMPLOYEES!

It became
"Partners Federal Credit Union"
and you really were treated like a "Partner"
You knew everyone,
[Sue, Joyce, Donna, Penny, and Ginger! Friends for life]
and as "Partners" grew so did it's reputation...
It was great!
About 3 years ago
"Partners" Merged with "Vista FCU"
[The Disney Studio and Florida's]
even though Vista had more members,
Partners had the better reputation...
so the name "PARTNERS!" stayed.
Sad to say,
instead of "Vista" coming up to "Partners" standards
"Partners" sank down to Vista's.
Gone is the "Partner" feeling,
and within 3 years...
All the employees that built the Credit union...Gone.

I joined the credit union when I first got my job with the park in the 70's
I even got my first Brand New Car with their help
and miss my financial friends.
but it's just a sign of the times.

OK... off my soap box...
The other day I came across this key chain that the
Credit Union sent out.
This is just one of the incredible things that they would do.

For all of you employees that built
"Disneyland/Partners" Credit Union
[Penny, Joyce, Donna, Sue, Ginger...]
THANK YOU!!!
and you are all Missed!

Silhouette Studio and Harry Brice

2010-09-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

On the east side of the street,

tucked between the China Closet and the
Arribas Brothers Chrystal Shop,
is a little shop that's been there forever...
It's the Silhouette Studio!

Here's an article from the Vacationland
Winter 82/83

Bonnie and Sylvia are still at the park...
I remember when we opened
Big Thunder Ranch,
Sylvia would sit on the porch of the log cabin
and spin yarn all day and chat people up about
the art of yarn...
she's a sweet lady and a true talent.

Here's an article from the Disneyland Line

Now...
Let's talk Harry Brice.Harry was the Senior Artist at the Silhouette Studio/Shop
for at least 20 years that I knew of...
Not many know that it was Harry who
came up with the idea of "Disney Dollars"!
Sadly I just found out he passed away a year ago, Sept. 5th 2009...
Here's a great tribute to Harry I found on line:

http://new.disneyecho.emuck.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=be17b02b189bfe9aaaf7ff1e3f5e3 fa1;act=ST;f=73;t=16615

[The photo above is from that article]

Throughout the 80's,
whenever I'd go in the park.
I'd go through the Silhouette Shop
and say hi to Harry,
over the years I got to know him really well.

At Christmas he would be sitting in his shop,
with his briefcase on his lap,
at the end of the Parade
and I would be riding in the sleigh down Main St...
I'd look down and always say hi to my friend and ask
"How's your Holiday Harry?"
He'd give Santa a big smile and just laugh...

During "Blast to the Past"
I was atmosphere talent on Main Street,
All day I would Roller Skate, Hula Hoop
and Paddle ball up and down the street.
One day Harry called me over to the shop
and gave me a caricature he had drawn...
of ME!
What a great guy, a great talent and a great friend.

Disneyland was a fun place to work
because of Friends like Harry...

Goodbye My Friend!

Cinderella Audition Script

2010-09-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I was looking through
an old binder and found
this Audition Script for the post the other day...
why do I still have this stuff!

I really need to clean more...

CINDERELLA - Live in Las Vegas

2010-08-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

Before DVD there was Video and Laser Disc...

and in 1981 the
"Video Software Dealers Association"
was established, better known as "VSDA"
[These are the owners of the Video Retail stores]
and each year they have a huge convention and the studios
are there to show them the
New and Exciting products they have coming out...MOVIES!

The year is 1988
and The Classic
"CINDERELLA"
had been re-released theatrically
in 1957,1965,1973,1981 and 1987
NOW...
it's going to be released
on Home Video and Laser Disc
for the First time ever!

This was the First Video
in the Walt Disney Classic Collection
to feature the "Sorcerer Mickey" Classic logo
before the Film

Now back to VSDA and Las Vegas...
Disney put together a Live Broadway style show
to present to the Dealers to get them to buy the movie...

Just to make it funnier, they cast guys in the roles
of the Step Mother and Stepsisters...

Here is the number "Sing Sweet Nightingale"
this was a lot of fun...
Just like the film, Anastasia is singing and
Drizella's playing the flute...

A fight breaks out and the place is in shambles

Cinderella is called in to clean up the mess...
a new song was written for the step sisters to sing to Cinderella...
I can't remember the title, but it was all about cleaning up the mess!
"There's a large carpet in the main hall... CLEAN IT!"...

Also if you per ordered your Video,
you got a FREE Lithograph!
Cool huh?

The Black Hole

2010-08-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

Last night the Arclight theaters in Hollywood
[Next to the wonderful Cinerama Dome]
was screening a 35mm print of the Black hole.

now I hadn't seen the film since
the premiere in 1979!
and I was really looking forward
to seeing it again on the big screen!

Well...
It was hard to not laugh out load...
Corny only begins to describe the movie...
The acting is bad and the script is worse!!!
and the sound was really bad on this print.
but all in all it was fun!
Here's an Ad from the Disney News 79'

Here's a shot, from the Disney Times newspaper,
of one of the Robot Guards in the film.
There's a silly scene where the Robots are having a
contest at a shooting range on the ship...
complete with twirling of the Guns back in their holsters...
The Roddy McDowall robot beats the Bad Robot...
and the Bad Robot
overheats/short circuits and faints!
how could you not laugh?

These next photos are from the
Premiere Party at the Century Plaza Hotel
Here one of the Robots Guard the doors to the Ballroom.

a little Meet and Greet with the
Robots and Humanoids

Annoying guest at the bottom of an escalator...
What Fun!

All the Robots and Humanoids actors
were Entertainers from Disneyland
wearing the the Movie Costumes

Last week the Arclight showed
20,000 Leagues under the sea...
Now that was a GREAT movie to see in the Big Screen!
and that was 1954!!!
Next week Mary Poppins at the
Pasadena Arclight...

Disney On Parole

Mickey's 60th Birthday Parade

1984 Donald Ducks Birthday

More Muppets Props

More Muppets

Muppets!

Practically Purfect Penguins!

We're Back!

More Dumbo Fire House!

Dumbo Circus Parade *FLOATS*

Scary Clowns!

Dumbo's Fire House!

Stolen Pictures from Guest!?

Betty Taylor and Wally Boag

Happy Easter Everyone!

Belt Buckles

Jungle Book Collector Glasses

Blow this puppy up!

Bigger not always Better!

1975 - The Disneyland Line

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 2011

1975 - Where DL paychecks come from

Kids of the Kingdom

DISNEYLAND Fan Cards

Studio Fan Cards!

What does it take?

The NEW Mickey Mouse Club (1970s Edition)

Disney's California Adventure 10 years!

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas Disneyland!

Christmas Parades at Disneyland!

Christmas Parade 1987

Disneyland's Candlelight 1981

Disneyland Christmas Photo Locations 1989

Disneylands LIVE Christmas trees

The Orginal TRON Premiere

Disneyland Christmas 1974

Just a "Little Shopping"

Just a little Funny

Big Thunder Photo Location

Walt Disney Studio Visitor's Pass

Get Out There and VOTE!

Boxed Disney Halloween Costumes!

The Chilling Sounds Of The Haunted House

Mousercise at the Plaza Gardens Stage

Halloween Suggestions

More Mousercise

Come On Everybody and MOUSERCISE!

O' the 80's

Disneyland Family Film Festival!

Is it Christmas?

Cast Activities Summer Calendar 1978

"Disneyland Employees" FCU

Silhouette Studio and Harry Brice

Cinderella Audition Script

CINDERELLA - Live in Las Vegas

The Black Hole

Dumbo Circus Parade FLOATS