Walt Disney World at 54! How Imagineers Remember its Heritage

This week we celebrate the 54th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. While the “hoopla” for non-milestone anniversaries is minor at best, There has been a great deal of efforts to recognize the heritage of Walt Disney World while still stepping forward into the future. Yes, there are lots of new projects and with that the farewell of many things that we hold dearly There are many facets of Walt Disney World that are no longer around, but there are many places where efforts are really made to cherish and remember its past. We look at new ways Disney has in recent years acknowledged its heritage. These references play homage to the resort’s roots. Since this week is the opportunity to celebrate Walt Disney World’s anniversary, join us as we remember its story and heritage.

This podcast is produced by myself and Performance Journeys, which offers training, development and consultant support to organizations big and small and entrepreneurs new and established. With a wide variety of resources and long-time in-the-trench experience, we offer workshops, online learning, coaching and more to organizations that want to build their teams, raise organizational excellence, improve leadership and create customer loyalty. Check us out at PerformanceJourneys.com.

Please support us by not only subscribing to this podcast but offering up a rating, review, or referral to others. Be sure to check out Disney Insights where we offer key points, photos, videos, links and more. Note that YouTube carries now carries our podcasts. So please subscribe to our Disney Insights YouTube page as it will be more a part of our social media strategy moving forward. We welcome any positive thoughts and comments on YouTube as well.

And for those on this blog, know that the substance of this topic and what is shared below can be found on our podcast. You can find this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, iHeart, Podchaser, PlayerFM, Boomplay, Podbean, and ListenNotes.

1. Returning Cinderella Castle to More Original Colors

Let’s start with Walt Disney World’s icon itself. Most of you have come to know that Cinderella Castle is returning more to its original colors according to a recent D-23 Destination event here at WDW. I say more to its original colors because the “updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture. the castle’s iconic look is built on a timeless color combination: deep, handsome blues paired with radiant golds. These colors were chosen to reflect the Florida sunshine in a way that makes the castle shimmer from every angle.  

But in truth, the castle has always struggled with its original color tones–as they were doing just that–reflecting the Florida sunshine in such a way that it wasn’t just a shimmer, but sometimes a somewhat blinding effect in the heat of a summer day. I trust they’ll make the most of this, and they talk about doing an incredible amount of research and care that goes into this project. They struggle with this in Tokyo as well, where the same castle deals with its own color palette challenges.

2. A Return to the Magic of Disney Animation

We’ll have more podcasts in the weeks to come about the history of the Magic of Disney Animation, originally at Disney-MGM Studios and now returning to what we refer to as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not only are there deep cuts into the world of animation, but there are deep cuts into the original attraction itself. Soaring through all of this is a reference to Robin Williams, who played a Lost Boy in the original version of this attraction, as he was being escorted by Walter Cronkite through the process of animation. Oh, and that sorcerer hat that will be at the entrance. Its reference is more literally a reflection of the current animation building in Burbank, but again, you’ll recall that Disney-MGM once upon a time had a sorcerer hat of its own. Again, more to come, but this really is a great opportunity to celebrate both Disney animation and Disney Hollywood Studios heritage in a major way.

3. A Re-focus on Mid-Century Futuristic Architecture in Tomorrowland

I hesitate to reference the over debate that has emerged with the addition of the new Coca-Cola refreshment kiosk in Tomorrowland, which replaces Cool Ship. I liked Cool Ship. But it’s no longer a fit. The new style is very much akin to the mid-century look and feel that was part of not only Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland but Disneyland’s 1967 version as well. Many other efforts in recent years has drawn away from the Buck Rogers style brought into Tomorrowland in the 1990s as well. You see it nearby at the nearby Joffrey’s kiosk which plays homage to Rolls Crump’s design back at Disneyland. Little by little, this remodel–though again white as Cinderella Castle–is coming together in a more cohesive way.

I would welcome the return of the original water towers–They’re still in Tokyo Disneyland and they look great!

4. A New Meets Old Communicore

While we’re talking about the future, let’s head over to World Celebration at Epcot. Did you know that the design of Communicore has been attributed to the architectural firm of Pereira and Luckman. William Pereira was the same architect who created the arches you see at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Some have been cynical about the redesign of the eastern wing of this building with the restaurant looking perhaps more like a college food hall. But the remodel has taken advantage of adding great light through the implementation of large windows. This allows some great views looking outward, to include the monorail passing by.

But after you look out the windows, take a look at the floors. Because through out Connections Cafe you see these random lines and circles stretching in different directions. Those are original designs of EPCOT when it was being considered as an entire prototype community of tomorrow. Again, most don’t make anything of it, but it’s part of what makes these spaces memorable.

By the way Pereira also did the Howard Johnson hotel across from Disneyland and for those who know, The Harris Fine Arts Center. Again, those who know, knows.

5. References to World of Motion in Epcot on the new Test Track

From references to World of Motion “It’s Fun to Be Free” to Innoventions “The road to tomorrow” to imagery of TestTrack’s first vehicle and to the original skyscraper in Walt Disney’s original Epcot proposal, we see subtle but historic references to Epcot over the years.

6. Steakhouse 71

I’ve expressed disappointment about food in and around Walt Disney World, but by and large I’ve found the meals–whether breakfast, lunch and dinner–to be pretty solid at Steakhouse 71. Maybe it’s the company. But seriously, as good as the food is, I really geek out for the decor. Named for the year Disney’s Contemporary Resort first opened, Steakhouse 71 harkens back to the design style of the 1970s, reimagined in a contemporary, comfortable and sleek way. You’ll even notice some Florida flair—such as Orange Bird and citrus groves—mixed in with the décor.

7. Remembrance of the Swan Boats and 20,000 Leagues Submarine in Club 33

If you miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, you should know that Club 33 at Magic Kingdom plays homage with a submarine-inspired interior, lots of nautical decor, and a porthole to view the ocean beyond. It also offers a tribute to the Swan boats that used to sail right pass that location, and was the first Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge.  And speaking of Pirates, we should mention the Rummy, the parrot, who is something of a descendent of the Barker Bird which originally showed up at the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean, beckoning visitors to enter.

Can’t show photos of Club 33, but I can show Rummy!

8. McKim’s Mile House

Of course many don’t have a chance to visit Club 33, and they might not visit this next one, available to DVC owners. And though some of you may miss the Frontierland Shootin’ Gallery, it is a Disney heritage deep cut that it references Sam McKim, whose role in Walt Disney Imagineering canvases the entire Magic Kingdom experience and beyond. A Disney Legend, For Walt Disney World, he worked on The Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, “it’s a small world”, The Diamond Horseshoe, Pirates of the Caribbean, Universe of Energy, and Disney-MGM Studios. His presence in Frontierland plays off of the fact that as a young boy, he was featured in a number of Westerns with Hollywood legends such as John Wayne and Gene Autry. One of his first assignments was the design of the Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland, which is what is largely replicated here next door at the Diamond Horseshoe. Included in the room is original artwork by Sam himself.

9. Bringing Forth the Country Bear Musical Jamboree

While we’re in the area, let’s enjoy something we can all visit–The Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This is truly a Walt Disney World gem, and though its design by Marc Davis was initially intended for the Mineral King ski resort, it first premiered here at Walt Disney World before going on to Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland. Yes, the original show is no longer played, but the new show does a wonderful job of playing favorites from the Disney song book. And throughout the show there are truly memorable references such as:

• Ernest the Dude playing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious while wearing a Jolly Holiday style coat referencing Bert

• Joining in on the Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book, a film Walt Disney personally worked on in the 1960s before his passing.
• The cast reaches out at the beginning of the show to Rufus, a person we never see, but one who has been in charge of the lights since the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown. But his original presence was heard when Guests first entered into Bear Country at Disneyland in 1972 where they could hear him snoring in a nearby cave.
• Here’s my favorite–Terrence the Shaker is dressed like Wally Boag of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue.

10. New Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade

I’ve spoken about this. There are a lot of new shows represented, but there are so many references to both the Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic. This is referenced by such things as

• Musical chords brought into the parade from the original Baroque Hoedown
• Electronic Synchro-Synthetic sounds from EP and full orchestral sounds brought in from SM
• The presence at the start of the parade of the Blue Fairy plus Pinocchio and Gepetto
• The presence of a princess cavalcade from EP
• The finale with a “Casey Jr.” like train and lights that go from all white to full color

11. The Announcement of a new Carousel of Progress featuring Walt Disney

Also announced was something I’m really excited about–The Carousel of Progress will finally be updated. We are promised that we will see what John, Sarah, the rest of the family and even Rover are up to. Moreover we are promised that Disney Imagineers love this attraction and the heart of it will still stay the same with the exception of the first act–the one where you are being seated in the theater–utilizing Walt Disney himself introducing you to the attraction. He is in his blue Cardigan sweater, reminiscent of how he introduced the attraction originally on his Sunday night show.

The Walt Disney Family Museum has shared that “We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum. The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future. We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive.”

I love all of this and think that it would even be better at the end of the four generation show to have the curtain open up showing Walt at the piano with Richard & Robert M. Sherman playing the piano and singing “It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” as you exit. I was so excited about this I shared 3 leadership insights from the drawing of this new Walt Disney animatronic that was shared when the announcement was being made.

12. “it’s a small world” Finale

Last but not least, there is tender loving care, TLC, that has gone into adding a third verse Richard Sherman authored for “It’s a small world” here in Walt Disney World but also in Disneyland brings us back to one of the original MK attractions, made possible by its creation for the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

Want to visit Disney?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Zanolla Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com
Owner/Agents

Books From Your Host at Disney Insights

Another way you can support the podcast is through our books!

My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! 

Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. 

Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.

Find Excellence in Your Organization!

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership development and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help.

Thanks for joining us for this podcast, Know that as in the title of Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!