Author Archives: Tracy Woods

Tigger’s Side of the Story

The previous blog about this newest Tigger incident outlined the basics of the incident, from the Boy’s side, but what about Tigger’s side of the story? Well, Tigger isn’t speaking publicly, and Disney isn’t saying much either, and they likely won’t until we see some resolution to this case. For now, all they are saying is that all reports like this are taken seriously, and that physical altercations between cast members and guests are never tolerated. Now I have seen the video….by now we have all seen the video. Amazing how quickly the press got to this one huh? Methinks … Continue reading →

Awards – Disney Sideswiped?

“Cars” won the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s inaugural “animated feature” award Monday evening. Pixar’s John Lasseter accepted the award. Lasseter is the new chief director of both Pixar and Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios. When Lasseter accepted this award, he thanked his family, voters, Pixar buddies, the voice actors Tony Shalhoub and Paul Newman, producer Darla Anderson, and creative partner Joe Ranft (recently deceased), as well as a few others, but he seemed to have forgotten to thank Disney! Hopefully, this was an inadvertent mistake made by a new chief creative director who was a bundle of joyous nerves that … Continue reading →

How Was Mickey Born?

Early in his career, Walt’s studio got the contract to produce Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons. This gave Walt and Roy a sense of security. As the popularity of the cartoon grew, Walt decided to renew the contract, for a better price, and he and Lilly headed to New York to discuss a new deal. There was so much that Walt did not know as he headed back east though. Charlie Mintz and Universal Pictures legally owned the legal rights to Oswald. Charlie Mintz had also offered Walt’s employees more money and freedom if they’d leave Walt and come to … Continue reading →

Walt Disney’s History – The Alice Series

When Walt arrived in Hollywood, his first job was as an extra, in a western film, but Walt was replaced by the studio when it rained the day the scene he was in was supposed to be filmed. Walt decided that the role he didn’t get to play was the first and last of his acting career. Walt decided to turn to his one skill, animation. Walt set up a small studio, in the garage of his Uncle Robert’s home. Walt wrote a letter to a film distributor (M.J. Winkler) and announced that he was starting a studio in Los … Continue reading →

Dreams DO Come True!

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the Magic Kingdom Park is about to become even more magical! One lucky family will be able to become fairy tale royalty and sleep in Cinderella’s enchanted castle for a night—every night throughout the Year of a Million Dreams. They are preparing a spectacular fairy tale suite inside Cinderella Castle. But what will these lucky winners discover inside? Well, everything has been designed as though the guests were an honored visitor spending the night as a guest of Cinderella. Everything is done in the flavor of late 17th century French palace life. … Continue reading →

Breaking Ground: Walt Disney Family Museum

Plans have now been announced for a Walt Disney Family Museum, in San Francisco. This museum will give new life to a historic building, as well as honor the achievements and life of Walt Disney – the man behind the mouse. The idea has been an enriching online presence for many years, found at http://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/index.html, but a physical location will let people visit and see the treasures first hand. Walt’s daughter Diane has answered some questions about the museum. Diane said that the idea started about ten years ago, and she was disturbed about some things being written about Walt, … Continue reading →

Walt – The Father

Diane Disney has said that at first, Lilly (Walt’s wife) didn’t want children, after seeing her mother and sisters work too hard (she was the youngest of ten children) but Walt had wanted ten or so kids. Lilly wanted to enjoy life, especially as Walt grew more successful, and life became exciting. Then, when Lilly was ready, starting a family was not easy for her. Lilly suffered two miscarriages, and family members worried that they may never be able to have a child of their own. Those losses hit Walt very hard. Walt continued to work constantly, and was very … Continue reading →

Alice in Wonderland – A Bit of Disney History

“Alice in Wonderland” was of course, based on Lewis Carroll’s story about Alice and adventures. Alice follows the white rabbit, falls down a rabbit hole, and meets all sorts of strange, unusual, and fun characters and creatures. During her travels, she meets a talking door knob, who helps her get through the keyhole, and into Wonderland, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, who tell her the story of the “Walrus and the Carpenter”, the Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, who she joins for an unbirthday party, and the Queen of Hearts and her army of cards. In the end, Alice … Continue reading →

It’s A Small World…

It really is! I was fortunate enough to meet one of the creators of “It’s a Small World,” Alice Davis when she was boarding a cruise at Port Canaveral. I still remember this ride, from my first visit in 1985, and it has always been one of my favorites. I know many people who feel the same. And many still that think it’s as annoying as a ride can get! It seems like it’s really a love-it or hate-it type of ride. Either way, it’s an old attraction, with an interesting history. The ride is a great place to just … Continue reading →

This Week in Disney History

On December 21, 1937, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premiered. This was the first animated feature film by Walt Disney Productions. Even though it was not the first animated feature to be produced, this was the first one to become successful in the English speaking world, and it was the first film made in Technicolor. “Snow White” was the most successful film in 1938, and was in fact the highest grossing film in American history until “Gone With The Wind” took that spot in 1940. “Snow White” still ranks in the top ten of all time in the US. … Continue reading →