Review: Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives

Museum of Science and IndustryRecently, through an unexpected twist of fate, I found myself in Chicago.  While I did immediately think deep-dish pizza, quickly on the heels of that thought was a more serious one.  There’s a temporary exhibit I’d heard about (October 16, 2013-January 4, 2015) at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry called Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives.  I had no idea if it would be possible to fit a visit to the museum into my schedule, but I vowed to try my best and, as luck would have it, I had an extra long lunch break that allowed me to make the trip.

My Chicago-visiting coworker was kind enough to go on the adventure with me, so we dashed out of our business meetings and into a cab.  We figured we could spend almost an hour in the exhibit before we had to make it back to our next meeting.  Luckily, an hour was just enough to see everything (but not linger over any one display, sadly).  The Disney Christmas Displaynumber and variety of items in the exhibit was amazing and for a Disney geek like me, it was indescribably fun!

Much like Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, the exhibit uses multimedia to describe 90 years of Walt Disney – from the man and his early beginnings in animation to the company he built and its recent accomplishments in entertainment.  Presented by D23 (The Official Disney Fan Club), nearly 300 artifacts, awards, props, costumes, papers, film clips, and more – all presented in well-organized, easily navigated exhibits that offered delightful surprises around every turn.

The exhibits touch on nearly everything having to do with Disney entertainment – and Walt, Mickey, and Mesince I’m what I’d call a well-rounded Disney fan, that suited me to a tee!  Disney history, animation techniques and processes, and television and movies were the most-emphasized aspects.  So much to see, so little time!  I wanted to dash from display to display, but I made myself slow down and move through the rooms with some semblance of order.  It was SO difficult, but my best chance of not missing a thing.  Everywhere I looked was something amazing.

Here are a few of my favorite displays:

 

Early Disney Cartoon

The Disney Brothers

 

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

Disney’s early animation was thoroughly explained.  This included a wonderful video of Walt Disney discussing how they added music and sound to movies for the first time and what the challenges were to getting it right.  Oswald’s heartbreaking story was told.Walt and Mickey MerchandiseDisney Toys and BooksThere was a great section devoted to early Disney collectibles.  Some of the toys were absolutely incredible and some were a little bit scary.  It’s funny how different Mickey looked back in the day.Key Steps in AnimationLive Kitten ModelsMuch of the exhibit was devoted to detailing all the various steps in animating a movie.  I could do an entire post on just that part of the exhibit – it was fascinating and very thorough.  Visitors can get an excellent idea about all the components that have to work together to make an animated film “work”.Walt Disney's Christmas List Reproduction of Walt Disney's OfficeThere were also displays that brought Walt Disney, the man, to life.  Like his Christmas lists and a re-creation of his office.  One of the items included in this area was a small-ish brass birdcage.  Purchased in New Orleans, this little automated bird provided some pretty big inspiration!  There was an entire section of the exhibit devoted to the history of Disney animatronics.Mechanical Bird in Cage New Orleans Bird Cage InspirationAnimatronics DisplaySprinkled throughout the exhibit, in chronological order, were maquettes used for the animation of our favorite Disney films.  Maquettes are small ceramic figurines that help animators draw characters from various angles.  The early figures were a little rough around the edges, but all were adorable and captured each character’s true personality.Jiminy MaquetteMaquette DisplayMrs. Potts Maquette Disney television history was well represented.  Great programs like the Mickey Mouse Club and Fess Parker playing Davy Crockett had great displays!  Earhat and Coonskin cap included!!!Mickey Mouse Club Annette's Mouseketeer Costume Davy Crockett Fess Parker DisplayAs visitors moved along from decade to decade, display to display, they’re always reminded that first and foremost, Walt Disney was a man with incredible vision.Working Walt Portrait Walt Disney Legacy of Walt DisneyWhile relatively little space was devoted to Disney theme parks, the artifacts and information included on certain rides and attractions was super cool!  There was a video near the Small World doll showing how the figures were made.  Haunted Mansion is one of my most favorite attractions and there were some pretty awesome Mansion artifacts!Small World Doll Phineas the Ghost Haunted Mansion Tomb Stone Haunted Mansion Ghost Bride Ghost Bride DescriptionI’m not doing justice to the movie memorabilia, information and displays – again, that would take another post to cover.  Mary Poppins was very well represented as were some of Walt Disney’s other live action movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  This was the part of the exhibit where I really wished I’d had more time to linger.Mousketeer Annette's CostumeToward the very end, there were costume displays from several movies including Enchanted, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Maleficent, and many more.  Alice's Dress Mad Hatter Costume Maleficent CostumeAs one would expect, there was quite a hefty Frozen section as well.  Yes, this movie was overly represented compared to most other movies.  I’ll say no more.Art of FrozenElsaOlafKristoffSvenFinally, there was an Animation Academy where guests could learn to draw a Disney character.  If I hadn’t been so pressed for time, I would have jumped right on in! Animation Academy As it was, our hour was up by the time we reached the movie costumes and we made our way back out of the museum and resumed our day.  Even though it was a mad dash to and from the museum with barely enough time to see what wonders the exhibit held, my visit to see the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives was completely worth the effort.

 

 

 

That Time I Almost Rode Dumbo

RM-Dumbo-CenterOn our last visit to Walt Disney World, we were in the Magic Kingdom and on a roll!  We’d started the day on Splash Mountain, dried off by cruising around Tomorrowland on the PeopleMover, we’d seen the Country Bears, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents – We were unstoppable!  Then, I thought, HEY!  We could try out the updated Dumbo over in Fantasyland.  Raymond was okay with that and we jumped in the standby line which had a posted wait of 30 minutes.  I’m having a great day, getting so much accomplished, living the dream, baby – what’s one 30 minute wait going to hurt, right?

We were outside, enjoying the beautiful fall weather, taking in the sights and sounds of the Storybook Circus area.  The first part of the standby line is covered and moved right along.  Next, we went inside to wait.  At this point I noticed the familyRM-Dumbo-Cast-Member behind me (Mom & Dad, little boy and girl) because the little boy, who was probably 8 or so, kept getting really close to the back of me and occasionally bumped into me.  Into my posterior specifically.  I’d move to the other side of the aisle, but he kept ending up directly behind me, continuing to bump into me.  It’s no secret that I don’t think all children are precious and adorable; I’m also somewhat of a germaphobe and kind of weird about being touched by strangers.   Raymond, once aware of my situation, put himself between the personal-space-invader and me, so I could go back to taking in my surroundings.

This was the point where we reached a sort of check-in desk for the Dumbo waiting play area.  The fact that not a single Cast Member looked happy or even pleasant should have been a clue to what we RM-Dumbo-Check-in-Counterwere about to experience, but it was my first visit there and I’d read practically nothing but the most general information about the new Dumbo.  The dad behind me exclaimed that Disney Imagineers are pure genius to have thought of something so wonderful!  We were handed an electronic “ticket” that would vibrate/flash or something when it was time to get on the ride.  We stepped through the opening to that waiting area…and into hell.

Children were running, screaming, jumping, chasing, climbing, and creating serious mayhem.  I was still okay, though, because I notice to the far left in a dark corner of the room was a bench where a handful of other grownups had gathered to wait.  I grabbed Raymond’s hand and bee-lined for the relative peace of the seating area.  We sat.  I looked around at all RM-Dumbo-Play-Areathose kids.  There was a pretend barrel of rockets in front of us and a couple of girls found that they could push some buttons to make lights flash and pretend fireworks sounds happen.  I casually mentioned to Raymond (I did have to talk pretty loud so he could hear me) that maybe if you had children burning off steam in the play area, it was much more tolerable and less hell-like.  The instant the words left my mouth, the lady sitting next to me, with all seriousness said, “No!  No, it’s not.”

We sat for what seemed like an hour, but was in reality probably 2 more minutes during which those two little girls at the rocket-barrel pushed the same buttons to make lights and sounds about 5,627 times.  I turned to Raymond and said, “I’m really sorry about this.” – He’s sweet, so he told me not to worry about it.  He knew what I was going to say next….”I’m pretty RM-Dumbo-Ticket-to-Waitsure I can’t make it and I have to leave now.”  Of course, he said, “Let’s go.”

I took my ticket back to the Cast Member at the check in counter and held it out as I told her, “I tried, I really tried, but I can’t take it.  How can I get out of here?”  She, with just the slightest, barely discernable look of sympathy, silently pointed to an exit back through the play area on the far wall and, again, grabbing Raymond’s hand we walked as quickly as we could, pushed through the door, and found ourselves in an amazingly empty, and blessedly quiet alleyway.  I apologized all the way to the Little Mermaid ride where the line was short and I could recover my composure in the relative isolation of a clam-mobile.

Have you made it onto the new Dumbo ride?  If so, I admire your fortitude!!!

RM-Dumbo-Rockets

Walt Disney World – Vacation Day Checklist

Wristlet for WDWWhen I’m packing for a Disney vacation, I never worry about forgetting clothes, shoes, or shampoo and the like.  If I forget hairspray or sunscreen – I’m okay with just buying a replacement at Disney World (I’m going to do the resort loop shop tour anyway, right?).  I’m a big picture kind of person and for me, the devil really IS in the details.  It’s the little, but super important things I’m most likely to forget.  Now that a Disney vacation has become a little bit more complex than it used to be, I rely heavily on what I call a Vacation Day Checklist.  This is the list I use at the very last minute before I leave home to make sure that when the plane lands and my sandals hit the ground, I am completely ready to get right down to vacationing.

Since I’m going to use this list tomorrow (woohoo!!!), I’ve been tweaking it here and there.  I thought maybe if I shared it with you, you might find it useful for your own future Disney vacation or (let’s make this all about me for a sec, okay?) YOU might offer me some suggestions on how you organize all the listed items.  If you think I’ve forgotten anything, shout it out immediately!  Time is of the essence!

THE Vacation Day Checklist:Printed Reservations

1. Printed proof of all resort reservation numbers, Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs), and FastPass+ selections.  I’ve heard horror stories about relying solely on the MyDisneyExperience app for this.  I’m not willing to chance it….are you?

2. Airline boarding passes (if flying) – Raymond is really great about remembering to do online check-in at the earliest available moment.  And he keeps up with the boarding passes.  I’m in charge of worrying about it.

3. Magical Express Luggage Tags in PLACE – I wait until I’m completely packed (in theory) before placing the Magical Express tag on my suitcase…I also then weigh my bag to make sure I’m not over the weight limit.  I don’t mean to brag, but on more than one occasion I’ve been complimented by the airline’s skycaps at curbside check-in for my packing skills when my bag weighed in with a full one-half-pound to spare.

4. Magic Bands in carryon.  At least one band will need to be scanned for boarding the Magical Express motor coach.  ALL Magic Bands will need to be available for resort check-in if adding charging privileges to each band (and selecting a PIN for charging).

Walt Disney World Annual Pass5. CARDS!  This may include any/all of the following:  Drivers’ License, Credit card for resort charges, Annual Pass (or voucher) to be linked to Magic Bands at the first park after arrival, Tables in Wonderland (dining discount card), DVC membership.  NOTE:  If you purchased a special event ticket you will be picking up at the will-call window, you will need to have the credit card with you that was used to purchase the tickets.

6. Chargers, cords, batteries.  I take three digital cameras, a GoPro video camera, my cell phone, and my laptop with me.  I’d be pretty sad if I forgot their associated charging cords and extra batteries.

7. Rain Prep – I check that 10 day forecast up until the last minute.  If there’s a significant chanceDisney Parks Poncho of rain on arrival day, I’m wearing my rain-friendly shoes and carrying my rain ponchos with me.  Rain will not keep me from enjoying my arrival day!

8. Park Bag – We always head straight to a park!  It may not always be the same park every time, but once we’ve checked in at the resort, we are off!  I make sure I have my cameras, charger, small medical kit, rain gear, pins to trade…whatever we’ll need.  In a bag, ready to go.  Need suggestions for bags?  Check here.

9. Empty Zip Lock Bags – Part rain gear, part miscellaneous supplies.  If it rains, I can quickly stow electronics in a bag for protection.  Gallon-sized bags are always good for separating dirty socks and underwear from everything else in the suitcases.  Toiletries that might potentially leak can be sealed up tight inside their own bags.  Wet rain ponchos can be stored in a zip lock, inside a park bag without shedding water on everything.

10.  Snacks.  I tend to think of food only when I’m hungry.  Traveling is dicey – might not get to eat at regular times.  After one horrible food-poisoning incident on our way to Walt Disney World in 2012, I’m not inclined to trust airport food all that much anymore.  Trouble is, when I’m TOO hungry, I tend to get pretty cranky.  I actually have to remind myself on this list to bring along some nibbles – just in case.

Okay – My Earhat-wearing friends – what did I miss????  This is my last minute checklist….what’s on yours?

 

Disney World Attractions I Could Live Without

Inside MaelstromI’m about to say some painful things.  I’m going to make statements you won’t agree with – that’s okay!  We can agree to disagree and still be friends.  In fact, I would LOVE for you to weigh in on this particular issue either with a comment here or on Facebook or Twitter.  This is what’s so great about Walt Disney World (and the Disney fan community) – everyone enjoys the Disney parks in their own way and for different reasons!

I started thinking about Maelstrom, The Studio Backlot Tour, The American Idol Experience and the swirling rumors about what attractions may be next on the chopping block.  I thought – HEY!  There are plenty of rides I could happily live without – sacrifices I’d be gladly willing to make to the gods of change.  In return, I’d want my most beloved attractions to remain untouched, but I’ll save that list for another day.  If the Disney Company needs to free up some real estate for new and exciting innovations, I’d be happy to help with…

Disney World Attractions I Could Live Without!Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland

1.  Stitch’s Great Escape (Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom) – Sure, I put the most obvious choice first.  I figure most of you will agree with this one and I can ease you into the rest of the list.  I’m a pretty hearty girl and I actually almost threw up once in this “experience” when I was hit with the chilidog belch.  It was touch and go there for a few minutes.  Guests are exceptionally well-restrained for the duration and I’m pretty sure that ‘s what saved me – I liked my outfit a lot that day and jerked myself back from the edge by concentrating on what the loss of my lunch would to do my cute ensemble.  I hear that Disney’s since removed that part of the attraction, but I still don’t care.  I was traumatized and have been unable to bring myself to ever visit Stitch again.  12 minutes of my life I can never get back!  I don’t even have a picture of this attraction to show you which speaks volumes about my feelings – I pretty much have a picture of everything.

2.  Magic Carpets of Aladdin – What the heck is this thing doing smack in the middle of Adventureland?  We’ve got double Dumbo’s now in Magic Kingdom and we don’t need the rugs, spitting camels, or garish color scheme tacky-ing up the beloved home of the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean.  Fly away Carpets, fly away!

Mission: SPACE3. Mission: SPACE (Future World, Epcot) – I know!  The queue is cool, but if you don’t have the right stuff, why bother.  If you’ve got to ride the Green, don’t waste your time.  If you’re going for the Orange Team, you’d better have some strong constitution.  I rode the Orange (before the Green version was invented) and lived to tell about it.  Now I can look back fondly – which actually, if they’d go on and close this thing, I could blow up into an even bigger deal.  A fish story for the future grandkids.  This one begs to be a nostalgic story full of bragging and exaggeration!  No matter what happens to it, a memory will remain all it is for me since I’m not planning to ever ride it again.

4. Dinosaur – I ride it, I like it, I can live without it.  It’s just meh.  I’m not thrilled by it.  I don’t Dinosaur Ride Photothink the dinosaurs are a great representation of Disney Imagineering’s best work.  It is ever so much better since they turned down the volume and toned down the jerkiness of the ride.  I would not shed a single tear if this attraction moved on to make room for something (anything!) more spectacular.

5.  Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – I didn’t just dislike this experience.  I loathed it.  I thought it was boring.  I think I wanted to see more people and fewer vehicles.  Some of the stunts were…interesting, but the attraction takes up valuable property in the Studios that could be put to much better use.  I haven’t seen the show since Mater and the Cars’ stars joined the fun…not sure even they could make me like it.

Here’s what you should do…for every one on my list you don’t agree with, offer up an attraction to take its place on the pretend chopping block.  I’d love to hear your thoughts!