Part 2....  My day with Walt

"Let's get lunch" Walt said.   END PART 1

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1:12: PM- May 24, 2014

I walked up to the Cast Member Jen, who was standing at the entrance to "Be Our Guest, Restaurant"  and asked if I could get a table for Walt and I. She politely explained ADR and said I could wait in the queue, and the wait time would be about 65 minutes.  Walt walked up to Jen and whispered in her ear, " Marc Davis " (one of the seven secret words again). Jen did a triple take, when she realized who was with me and said, "This way to Club 71, Mr. Disney"

Walt said, "I would rather dine in the "West Wing", with the other guest, if you don't mind."  I wondered why he preferred the large dining room, instead of the private club, and I was soon to discover why.

The restaurant is located underneath the mysterious castle (home to Beast from “Beauty and the Beast”) in the new Fantasyland.  You pass through an old gateway to a stone bridge and through wrought-iron gates with six beastly figures that remind you of the story of the Beast’s transformation.

There are 3 locations to dine in. including elaborately themed rooms straight out of the favorite Disney film. As a Guest you are invited to relax and pull up a chair in the mysterious West Wing, the Rose Gallery or the grand 2-story Ballroom.=

Walt and I talked about the "Beauty and the Beast" film and now sitting in the restaurant, Walt said, "When we consider a project, we really study it--not just the surface idea, but everything about it. and when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job."

As Walt was talking with Cast Member April, my mind flashed back to a conversation that Jeff Dixon (Author of  Key to the Kingdom and Unlocking the Kingdom) and I had a few months back.  Jeff and I were talking about "Walt Disney and the Art of Storytelling."

"Walt Disney knew and understood how to tell a good story. He told stories that people would remember, talk about, and many of them became classics. Walt wanted to do whatever it took to tell the story the best he possibly could," Jeff said.

As I looked around the room, the story started to unfold before me.

Just then, Belle and the Beast passed by our table and  7 year old princess Christian said, "Mom, this is like being in the movie.” Walt overheard the mom say, "I can say this was my most magical experience in the Magic Kingdom. What magic! "

Walt listened to the Guests at the next table as "Uncle Jack," said "Wow! What an amazing feeling to walk into the Beauty and Beast Castle!  Beautifully done. Amazing,  food, spectacular atmosphere, great service!”

I noticed a Cast Member and a chef at the table behind us. As they finished their conversation, Walt turned around and asked the family what they thought of the "Be Our Guest, Restaurant."

Mimi introduced herself and her family to Walt, and I and she shared her story with us.

 Photo credit to:  www.allergyfreemouse.com

"First off, our server Allen and Chef Paul are gems in Disney's crown. Our daughter has many food allergies, which generally means she is stuck with a healthy, but bland meal when we go out. It is always about what she CAN'T have. Allen said "Not tonight!" and told us of the possibilities; then he went to find Chef Paul  laid out the options to our daughter, Ava. Here was her one-of-a-kind, allergen-free meal: A sparkling lemonade with Wild berry foam, fresh, hot dinner rolls, garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette, pasta with butter sauce and lemon sorbet for dessert! Ava said that for the first time, she felt like she didn't have allergies.   As she told the story, her husband Brandon was in tears to hear her daughter say that.  Brandon continued, "The fact that both my wife's meal and mine were delicious, the atmosphere was fantastic & service was superb paled in comparison. Thank you Allen, Chef Richard & Walt Disney World for that magical experience for my daughter!"

Walt turned to me and said, "We want our Cast Members to focus on providing our Guests with the best experience possible.  Disney service is the gold standard for every business.  Our Cast Members are taught to anticipate the needs of the park's guests, just like Mimi, Brandon and Ava."

2:29 PM- May 24, 2014

As we finished lunch, Walt stood up and walked around the West Wing, the Rose Gallery and then the Grand 2-story Ballroom.  He looked at me and said, "Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends."  As we walk out of the ballroom, I am in awe of the real life stories that just played out before me with the Guests, Cast Members and Walt.

After our lunch, we walked towards Cinderella's Golden Carrousel in the Magic Kingdom (now renamed to  Prince Charming Regal Carrousel). I asked Walt to reflect back on the dream of Disneyland and his two daughters.  I wanted to know how he created the old classic attraction 50 years ago and why they still grab the attention of a young child and mesmerize them today.

3:17 PM - May 24, 2014

Walt stopped at the "Carrousel" and sat down on a bench. He paused for a moment as he watched the children and their families laugh, smile and play together.

 "You know," he said, " think about the classic attractions like, Dumbo the Flying Elephant (1955; Peter Pan's Flight (1955; Disneyland Railroad (1955; It's a small world (1966; The Haunted Mansion (1969; Pirates of the Caribbean (1967; and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979.   “Part of the Disney success is our ability to create a believable world of dreams that appeals to all age groups. The kind of entertainment we create is meant to appeal to every member of the family.”

He stood up and pointed to the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train."  "I really believe that whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”

Walt continued, "When I was dreaming and designing Disneyland, I believed that I would need to give the people everything you can give them. Keep the place as clean as you can.  Keep it friendly, you know. Make it a real fun place to be. I think they will be convinced and I think it will hang on."

My mind and emotions got the best of me.  What do I say?  I am sitting here with Walt Disney. As I watch the families all having fun and creating memories together, I looked at him, turned my palms upward, spread my arms and said,  “Walt, this is it, your dream came true.”

I turned around to ask Walt where he wanted to go next...He was gone! I heard a Guest say, "That looked like Walt Disney...Nah couldn't be.." Or could it?  Was I dreaming?  Did all of this happen?   

Hmm mm, I used my "Smart Phone", and typed "Time Travel-fact or fiction?"

 Note: All photos property of Howie DiBlasi unless otherwise noted.

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My Day With Walt Disney

(Part 1 of 2)

 December 9, 2012
Jeff Dixon is a "Disney Author", a GREAT storyteller and my friend. He has written two books; "The Key To The Kingdom". and "Unlocking The Kingdom".
 It must be true. There it was, right on page 258 in Jeff Dixon's Book "The Key To The Kingdom". "Grayson Hawkes stood in front of the "Cryonic Suspension Cylinder". Dr. James Bedford was the first to be "Suspended" in 1965, and so the urban legend goes that Walt Disney desired to have his body frozen. "

"Yes Hawk, you have the key to the lock on the chamber and the "Kingdom". This is the key that unlocks the rest of the "Kingdom". Would Hawk place the key into to lock and bring Walt back to life? You will have to read the book to find out.
 As I finished Jeff's first book, I asked myself the question: "If Walt Disney came back today, where would I take him in Walt Disney World", to show him how his dream has continued for the past 48 years.

 June, 1959
Nice start to a summer job. Chuck Corson, told us, “Boys, if you can climb it, the job is yours.”   Dick Erb and Chuck Wilks were on their break in the hidden room at the top of the structure.
(Photo credit : by Paul F. Anderson : Disney History Institute

They were talking about their next climb when the door opened and in walked "Yensid". "Mornin boys" he said. He seemed very focused on heading down the hall and then quickly disappeared into the elevator. Under his arm was a box labeled "2021-VR" (Virtual Reality)

"That was strange", said Dick. "There are only 9 of us that know about this break room and the elevator."
What Dick and Chuck did not know, was that the contents of the box included secret development tools and future technologies the "Imagineers" were developing for 2021, the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.

6:32: May 22, 2014
Walt Disney placed his "Magic Glass Headset" on his head and said "Glass on." A map of the Walt Disney World Property displayed on his screen. The time travel was quick but always takes his breath away each time he does it. Under his arm was a box labeled "2014-VR".

This was his first trip to Walt Disney World and he needed to store the contents of the box in "Walt's Vault". He disembarked the monorail and headed to the MagicKingdomPark. As he entered the park he placed his "D23 Headband" on and passed through the secure "Optical Turnstiles" He turned right at the hub and headed to "TomorrowLand". The park would not open for another 30 minutes so he had time to store the contents of the "2014-VR" box inside SpaceMountain, sphere #1975-11. He removed 4 items from the box and placed them in his coat pocket.

A Model B-201 Audioannimatronics was at the door marked AB-1975. Walt presented his "Century Magic Pass" as the B-201 did a retina scan and then the door opened. Walt said, “As Built-1975” and the blueprints displayed on his virtual display. He turned right and then up the stairs heading to sphere #1975-11.

(Photo courtesy of Howie DiBlasi – Inside Space Mountain-Lights ON)

He placed the contents of the box in the cylinder, secured the time lock and cod, thne headed out of the park and back to the Monorail station. Next stop : Disney's Contemporary Resort.

7:00 AM: May 22, 2014
I meet Walt Disney at Disney's Contemporary Resort. My goal today is to share with Walt, places at Walt Disney World that would emphasize:
Family Fun; Children being happy; Storytelling; Characters; Evolving Technology; Community; Cast Members; True Life Adventures; Park Benches; Dining and Imagineers.
As we board the Monorail, I notice a twinkle in his eye, while he observes excited families that are heading to the "MagicKingdom". The monorail passes the Polynesian Resort and he smiles. As we round the next bend, he grabs his "Smart Phone" and takes a photo of Disney's "Grand Floridian Resort" and winks at me.

We exit the Monorail at the MagicKingdom and head to the entrance. He displays his "CenturyMagicPass" and we walk down "Main Street". As we walk towards the "CrystalPalace" for breakfast, he stops and sits down on a bench. "When I was growing up some of my favorite memories as a boy were in "Marceline Missouri." Thirty minuets later..."Let's get some breakfast."

Walt had a "ADR" (Advanced Dining Reservation) for 8:05 and the cast member guided us towards our table. The characters had just started the “friendship parade” around the tables and then I noticed the line with kids and characters changed direction towards our table. As Walt stood and watched, every character and child gave Walt a "High FIVE' as they passed. At this point I lost it. I mean, what kid wouldn’t want to march around and be friends with Winnie The Pooh, Tiger and Walt Disney?! As a tear rolled down my face, I realized the day had just started.

 8:07 AM: May 22, 2014
As we walked towards the "Walt Disney World Railroad, Train Station", Walt located a park bench and sat down. Forty-five minutes later, I had a history lesson from Walt on his love for trains.

 We headed towards the "Lilly Belle" train and Walt stops to visit with the Disney engineer. As if by magic, Walt Called out "All aboard". As the train headed toward the "New Fantasyland ", I notice Walt's ear to ear grin.

Stepping off the train, Walt picked up a scrap piece of paper on the ground and placed it in a trash can. (Old habits never pass).

Walt reached into one of his pockets and then handed me a new device that the "Imagineers" had just developed called "Magic Glass" and taught me how to wear them and adjust them. He then placed his headset on and said "Display New Fantasyland". A map appeared in front of me as a "Hologram". It was so real, I reached out to touch it and did not realize it was interactive. I had touched the "Icon" of the New "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" attraction". Walt said, "Concept art" and in front of us was the concept art for the attraction. As Walt called out, "Imagineers, Interactive Queue, Storyboard, Pitch, Costs, Engineering, Audio-Animatronics, they appeared as 3-D Holograms. I did not realize I had stopped dead in my tracks. There were 14 people all staring at me.

Walt said "Wait time- "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train"?". We started walking and in the next 4 minutes we were at the entrance. Walt whispered something to the "Lead Cast Member" Denise. We were directed to the front of the queue and loaded into a Mine-Train car. As we waited, I asked Walt what he whispered to the cast member. He said, "Arrow Development". Most guests do not know that Arrow is the company that Walt used to design the first tubular coaster at Disneyland called the "Matterhorn". There are 7 secret code words that cast members must remember for special guests. They learn them in the "Traditions Class" whereas new cast members they are taught the heritage that they are stepping into.

10:32 AM
As we exited the Mine Train attraction, I had planned to show Walt "Liberty Square" but changed my mind and started walking to “Frontierland”, to visit "SplashMountain", that was opened in 1992 at the “MagicKingdom.’SplashMountain is a composite of Uncle Remus stories and presents animated scenes from “Song of the South, telling the story of “Br’er Rabbit”. I asked Walt if he wanted to use his “MagicCenturyPass” and he said no he wanted to experience the stand-by queue. He look me in the eye and said, “There is a “Laughing Place” right?”

As we walked through the queue, I noticed that he was intently listening to the conversation of families, children, Grandparents and Grandchildren. Then he said to me, "We believed in our ideas - a family park where parents and children could have fun- together...and then whenever I go on a ride, I'm always thinking of what's wrong with the thing and how it can be improved."

11:16: Out of the corner of my eye I notice some benches in "Adventureland". As we are walking towards the benches, Walt said, "When we consider a project, we really study it--not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job. I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the Park (Disneyland). I want them to feel they're in another world."

Walt stood up and said, "Let's look at this "Liberty Square" you were telling me about."
Liberty Square opened with the MagicKingdom on October 1, 1971 with The Haunted Mansion, Liberty Bell Riverboat, and The Hall of Presidents.

As you enter Liberty Square, you're stepping into the colonial era of America. The brick covered buildings are reminiscent of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Walt Disney loved America so much, that much of his work paid tribute to the American Spirit. Many of Walt’s live action movies took place during the early years of our country, as did many of his theme park attractions which followed.

Everything in Liberty Square has a patriotic theme, from the attractions to the restaurants. Representing the colonial times of the United States, this land is one of the most detailed in Walt Disney World. Walk around and look DOWN...look at the different ground textures (the path down the middle of the street represents the sewage that would be present in streets back in the 1700's).
You’ll be immersed in history! The flags of the original thirteen colonies as well as the American flag fly proudly in the center of the square. The Liberty Bell replica was cast from a mold of the original bell.

In the evening scan the upstairs windows to find Paul Revere’s lanterns signifying “two if by sea”. These lanterns represent Paul Revere's midnight ride where he was signaled one lantern if the British were coming by land, and two if by sea. The Imagineers are making sure you remember your United States history!

From the "Liberty Square Mystery at Magic Kingdom" Web article:
"This early rendering below by Herb Ryman shows a fairly busy Liberty Square. We can see the Liberty Tree near the shops and the Hall of Presidents in the very back. The building in the middle with the cupola was discovered to be the Market House. The point-of-view for this piece is from the bridge. Franklin’s shop on the right is the current Sleepy Hollow refreshments. The green and blue building on the left is the Liberty Square Christmas Shop."

(Thank you to George Taylor for the item above).

11:34, May 22, 2014
Walt and I walk to The "Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe". We both enjoy the Colonial era feel of Liberty Square. To me this quaint little shop feel like something right out of “A Christmas Carol”.  I share with Walt that there are three connected buildings: " Icabod Crane’s Music Shop",  "The Woodwright Shop", and the "Kepple Quilt Shop". "What did you say?"...Kepple quilt? The name Krepple has been around for a few generations. If I remember correctly there was:

• Kepple Disney I (1775) ( Walt's Great Great Grandfather
• Kepple Disney II (1806) Walt's Great Grandfather
• Kepple Disney, Jr. (1874) Walt's Grandfather"

"That is exactly the way I envisioned Liberty Square would be done", said Walt...."Herb and I talked about the concept and how we should do it. Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards - the things we live by and teach our children - are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings. Nice...VERY NICE"

I wanted Walt to reflect back on the dream of Disneyland and his two daughters, and how that carried over the Walt Disney World.  We walked towards Cinderella's Golden Carrousel in the MagicKingdom (now renamed to Prince Charming Regal Carrousel).
I asked Walt to tell me how he created the old classic attraction 50 years ago and why they still grab the attention of a young child and mesmerize them today. Walt stopped at the "Carrousel" and sat down on a bench. He paused for a moment as he watched the children and their families laugh, smile and play together.

"You know", he said , " think about the classic attractions like, Dumbo the Flying Elephant (1955; Peter Pan's Flight (1955; Disneyland Railroad (1955; It's a small world (1966; The Haunted Mansion (1969; Pirates of the Caribbean (1967; and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979.   “Part of the Disney success is our ability to create a believable world of dreams that appeals to all age groups. The kind of entertainment we create is meant to appeal to every member of the family.”

He stood up and pointed to the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train“. "I really believe that whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”
Walt continued, "When I was dreaming and designing Disneyland, I believed that I would need to give the people everything you can give them. Keep the place as clean as you can. Keep it friendly, you know. Make it a real fun place to be. I think they will be convinced and I think it will hang on."

12:13, May 22, 2014

"Let's get some lunch", Walt said.  " Where to", I said..How about......
.
Part 2- My Day With Walt Disney: 12:13 AM- 9:35 PM -Next post

By the "Imagineering Ambassador" Howie DiBlasi

Stop: Look: Listen: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Hello I am Dr. Howie and welcome to my world. Many of you may know me as the "Imaginering Ambassador" for my travels around the US and working with educators and school districts on "How To Implement Disney In The Classroom"

After a great career in teaching , as a business owner and CIO (Chief Information Officer) I get to do what I love best.  Share my passion for all things "Disney".

Each month I will be sharing "Disney In The Details " that hopefully will cause you to Stop: Look: Listen,  when you visit the WDW next time.

This post and the next two, will tell you the story on how to experience the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Anandapur Royal Forest. We will explore "Hidden Mickeys'" that can be found on the trail and many details that you probably did not know about.

 As we enter Disney's Animal Kingdom park, we pass through the Oasis and head to Asia via Discovery Island, and then to Maharajah Jungle Trek.

We are heading to the hunting lodge and palace ruins that serve as homes to the majestic tigers that have become the royal family of this habitat now.

This walk is one of the reasons to spend more time in the Animal Kingdom Park. While many guests rush to Expedition Everest, Dinosaur or Kilimanjaro Safari, my suggestion is to slow down.  Then, STOP: LOOK: LISTEN   and spend  part of your day exploring all the walking paths.

The most beautiful section of the Maharajah Jungle Trek is next, which will bring you into the heart of India.  It is called the Tiger Forest.  There are three separate viewing area to see the Magnificent Asian Tigers as we begin our walk.

So the Back story goes.... Anandapur was founded centuries ago by Ananta. This wise leader learned the importance of living in harmony with the animals and taught this lesson to his subjects. 

As we walk along the forest trail and follow the portraits of the kings and rajahs, you will see the transition story of controlling nature, the forest, animals, kings and rajahs and how everyone learned to exist together.

As you walk along the trail, among the ruins notice the intricate carvings that the Imagineers have created.

The man depicted in these carvings is Ananta, the founder of the Kingdom of Anandapur. When he died, his remains were placed in a sarcophagus and rest inside a nearby temple.  As a twist of fate, the king was killed in a hunting accident, and his successors eventually turned the enclosed forest into a nature preserve.

 

The history of the Kingdom of Anandapur is evident on the walls of the Maharajah's Hunting Palace. 

According to the “Disney history” of Anadapur, in 1544 ,King Bhima Disampati decreed that the forest would become a Royal Preserve where he and his guests could hunt.  A village evolved from this base and thrived, while the reserve found itself in a state of ruin and decay.  The “current” royal family converted the crumbling reserve into its current state as a conservation area.

 

As we visit the Royal Preserve, there are three arches we will walk under separating the royal family's rule. Approaching the first arch, notice the tiger mural on your right.

This mural is in contrast to the importance of living in harmony with the animals and how the first rajah taught this lesson to his subjects....it is designed to lure the tigers to the fountains to drink and become targets for the rajahs’ arrows.

In the water below the tiger, what is that...is it a ..no..maybe....the ripples form a ???  Over the years there has been considerable growth at the base you may need to get close to see into the weeds and growth to see the secret.

King Bhima Disampati  So the back story goes.....  As a Royal Preserve where he and his guests could hunt, he closed the forest as a private hunting ground, created drawings and then constructed the "Hunting Palace." His desire was to make the hunting easier, so he had the forest enclosed, that trapped  the animals inside.

Take a look at the "Hunter" mural that the Imagineers have created.

In the mural notice the details including:

·        blackbuck antelope in the bushes

·        birds flying

·        two cheetahs

·        nobility often used cheetahs for use in hunting.

·        rajah appears to be hunting with a bow and arrow.

What?   Wait... what is that in the clouds in the mural...? could it be.....?

I thought I saw a...

Oh wrong King..I guess I did not have the EAR to hear the hint correctly.

(Get it?)

 

King Bhima Disampati, was succeeded by his brother Kindama who appreciated nature. Kindama built the palace ballroom and created the "Pleasure Gardens" on the grounds.

Notice that his mural depicts him standing alongside one of his gardens.

He is holding a plucked flower and a string of pearls.

Notice his headdress adorned with exotic bird feathers.

 In 1641  Anandapur's new dynasty of rulers came along.

This rajah built the Red Temple, which he holds a model of in his hands.

The history records tell us that he had a certain reverence for nature, but as he expanded and developed theRoyal Preserve, it often put him at odds with that.

Note that he's standing on a bed of fallen palm fronds, indicating that portion of the jungle cut down to build the temple and expand the village.

This was a period of peace (indicated by the pair of doves in the air above the ruler.)

As the clouds drift by on a quiet day in the forest, the wind kisses the clouds and . HEY..that sure is a funny looking cloud above the rajahs head !! ( Looks like a ... really maybe it is a ....)

 

As time progressed a new dynasty of rulers came to power, bringing with it a period of peace.  The final mural is a portrait of Pandava, who resigned from his post.

 

He loved nature, but in his drive for development it created problems.

He had reasoned that he should live the remainder of his life among the forest creatures.

The mural tells the story of , love, peace (doves) tranquility, serenity, meditation and solitude.

Ah.. so wonderful so... WAIT...STOP the train..what is that in the rocks (mountains) above the lantern?  Is it a..? could it be a ???  (look NorthEast of the lantern on the left side of the mural)

Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Tiger Forest

When we started our walking tour, I mentioned the three viewing areas to view the Magnificent Asian Tigers. As you wander along the Maharajah's Hunting Palace, you will find the tigers.

This section of the walking tour, is symbolized in the Indian custom of turning palaces and temples back over to nature for the good of Earth’s creatures.

There are 6 Female Tigers in the Maharajah collection.  

I have found the best time to visit the Tigers is in the early morning hours.

 

The rainforest-like surroundings are reminiscent of those found in Nepal, India, Thailand and Indonesia, and are home to other fascinating creatures.

You will see the hunting lodge and palace ruins serve as homes to the majestic tigers that have become the royal family of this habitat now.

(Thank you to the Disney Parks Blog for the photo and information below:
"Animal care professionals have long used unique aromas such as perfumes and spices as enrichment tools to help maintain an animal’s physical and mental health. Special treats such as toys, foods or fragrance prompt animals to explore, make choices and maintain a level of activity in their habitat similar to their natural behavior in the wild. With a very keen sense of smell, large cats such as tigers, cheetahs and lions like to scratch, roll and mark their own scents on logs sprayed with cologne."

Looking for a few more Hidden Mickey's ?

There are over 10 on the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Tiger Forest.

A few more hints:  First arch-left mural-leaf   -   First arch-right mural-on a man

After ruins-leaves to your left   -