Last article in our 5 week series on Disney!
Everyone has a dream. One man’s dream would one day be the source of countless hours of fun, excitement and togetherness for many families and people of all ages. Walt Disney would take his daughters to Griffith Park in Los Feliz to ride the merry-go-round he would sit on the bench watching them ride, he dreamed of a place where parents and children could play together.(1)(2)
Walt Disney couldn’t convince the financiers to give him money because “they wouldn’t buy a dream” so he turned to television for financial support and shared his plans with the public. The series was called Walt Disney’s Disneyland and helped bring the reality of Disneyland to fruition.
On July 21, 1954, construction on Disneyland began. The park was scheduled to open a year later. Disneyland consists of themed lands: Main Street, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Adventureland. Walt had his movie studio designers come up with the ideas for the park and if he didn’t like something in the plans he would change them himself. For example, he thought his designers had misunderstood the idea for Tom Sawyer’s Island. Walt took the plans home and worked on them. The next day he returned with what is now Tom Sawyer’s Island.
Walt Disney was 53 when he dedicated the park on Opening Day. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened. During that time a 15 day heat wave was going through the area, the plumbers were on strike so not all of the drinking fountains were operational and the cement had been poured the night before which “trapped” high-heeled shoes. 6,000 invitations were mailed out and by mid afternoon 28,000 ticket holders were at the Magic Kingdom although most of the tickets were counterfeit.(3)
Disney California Adventure(DCA)construction began in 1997 and officially opened on February 8, 2001. Before the park opened there were many problems with critics asking why build a park about California in California? The park attendance was extremely low and there were rumors going around that the Imagineers were buying “off the shelf attractions” and then “Disneyfying” them.
The park was panned by the general public and critics for not having rides for young children, having to much of a California theme, not having enough “E” ticket rides and lacking “Disney” ambiance. Guests were also complaining about the price of admission (it was the same as Disneyland) but they felt they shouldn’t have to pay as much as this park was not as great as Disneyland.
The first fix for DCA was “A Bug’s Land” an area aimed at very young children. Again, Disney purchased “off the shelf attractions” and “Disneyfied” them. However, guests were still not impressed. Imagineers also added the “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” attraction and in 2004 they finally added “The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror”.
In 2005, Michael Eisner was replaced by Bob Iger as CEO. In 2007, a 1.1 billion dollar expansion was announced for DCA that included many modifications to the park. DCA was rededicated on June 15, 2012.(4)
To view the changes made to DCA please read all six articles Click here.
In the early 1960’s, Walt had envisioned a place that would give people on the East Coast an opportunity to experience Disneyland. Florida was chosen because of the weather and the fact that Florida was already a number one tourist state. Orlando speficially was chosen because of the availability for growth, easy access to major highways and because of the available land.
Nearly 5.5 million dollars was used to purchase the land from almost 100 property owners. At that time a total of 28,000 acres was acquired to begin construction. Since then another 2,000 acres has been acquired.5
The Walt Disney World Resort includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. The resort is also home to many hotels and a night-time entertainment district.
Disneyland Paris (DLRP) opened on April 12, 1992. It encompasses a total of 4,800 acres and is located 20 miles east of Paris. It has two theme parks, six hotels, a shopping district, a campground and a golf course. It is the second largest of the Disney Resorts after Walt Disney World.
The resort opened during a European recession and as a result lost money during its first years in operation. The name of the resort was changed from Euro Disneyland to Disneyland Paris in October of 1994. The were several reasons for the change. The name “Euro” to Americans, means beauty and elegance but to the French it means business and commerce. The name of Disneyland Paris was to soothe the French because there was some hostility from the French when Disney announced plans to build there.6
DLRP consists of the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park includes Main Street, Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Adventureland and Frontierland. The Walt Disney Studios Park includes Toon Studio, the Backlot, the Frontlot, and the Production Courtyard.78
On September 12, 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland opened to the public and is located on Lantau Island. It is Disney’s fifth resort and eleventh park. Like its predecessor, Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland has also had its share of problems. The main problem being its size and the fact that on opening day the size of the crowds was underestimated. This led to long waits for the attractions.9
Hong Kong Disneyland consists of Main Street, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch. It also has two hotels, The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.10
Tokyo Disneyland opened on April 15, 1983 and is located in Chiba outside of Tokyo.11 The park includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.(12) The themed lands within Tokyo Disneyland are World Bazaar, Adventureland,Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland.(13)
The themed lands within Tokyo DisneySea are Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon and Mysterious Island.(14)
The hotels offered with the Tokyo Disneyland Resort are the Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel Miracosta and Tokyo Disneyland Hotel.(15)
The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a Disney version of a timeshare. It was created in 1991 by Disney Vacation Club Development, Inc. DVC members purchase points instead of weeks. With these points they can go to any Disney Vacation Club resort, as well as other destinations. (16)
The Disney Vacation Club Resorts are Disney’s Old Key West, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Disney’s Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Aulani at Disney Vacation Club Villas.(17)
From one man’s dream came an empire of happiness, laughter, love and lasting legacy. As the Walt Disney World cast members say I hope you “Have A Magical Day!”
Also see: Traditional Animation vs. Pixar: A Tale of Competing Priorities
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Love this Paris!!! Great information! I learned a lot and have lots of questions. 🙂
AWESOME! Great, great job Paris. ITA very informative and perfect as I look forward to the warm weather.
Paris-Of all the Disney theme parks and resorts which do u like best and why?
Thanks Ladies!
OB,
Walt Disney World is my favorite. My two favorite hotels there are Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Although I would love to visit Disneyland Resort Paris as well as Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
I like the spa. When would u say is the best time to go when its not so humid?
Paris- What’s your favorite ride at WWW?
OB,
What’s your take on the content development of the Disney rides. According to your video:
Some seem to be based on movies Disney made:
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Haunted Mansion
• Pirates of the Carribean
Some seem to be based on movies Disney DID NOT make:
• Mission Space
• Test track
• Dinosaur
How well do you think Disney has adapted content to these theme parks and resort experiences.
I think Disney does an excellent job in adapting content for rides considering that their main bread and butter is families. Nothing is to scary but puts one right in the middle of a lot of action.
ITA They are great when it comes to content development. What I’ve always admired about Disneyland is the variety of content. That’s why its not an amusement park that is operating off of one theme like for example “Knotts Berry Farm” which to me is so redundant by comparison. No the rides aren’t scary at Disneyland but it offers the right amount of imaginative visual stimuli that’s appealing to kids and adults.
Thanks, both of you.
OB,
Here are some videos of the Yacht and Beach Club Resort as well as Grand Flo.
Wow! U can get lost in the Grand Floridian. I like the ride around the bay. What do u like most about each one?
For the Yacht and Beach Club I like the Cape Cod ambiance and the ice cream shop Beaches and Cream. I also like the pool, Stormalong Bay, it wraps around the entire back of the hotel and has a sand bottom. You have to stay at the hotel in order to use the pool, that’s how popular it is.
The resort is also within walking distance of Epcot so you can have dinner in a different country every night if you wanted to. There’s also a boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
At the Grand Floridian I like the Victorian ambiance and the close proximity to the Magic Kingdom which works well if you have little ones or are travelling with older folks who don’t want to do a whole day in the park, they can hop on the monorail and go back to the hotel. They also have a nice water parade at night on Bay Lake.
Yes, I guess that’s why I like the Grand Floridian because of its Victorian ambiance. But the Stormalong Bay u mention sounds great too. I’ve been to Florida many times and have never been to any of these places. I know. Don’t say anything. Hahaha! Anyway, now I’ve gotten a nice tour from u now I want go this summer.
Being a CA native where all the architecture is new. I like architecture with character. In other words, really old, old stuff. Hahaha!
Don’t go in the summer go more like in September. Right before the food and wine festival starts. That way you can see and do many things without huge crowds. Especially if its your first time.
Thanks for the tip. Nice to know. I hate Florida in July its way to humid for me anyway.
Not. Going. To. Cry. Not. Going. To. Cry…… Dammit! I miss this place! *cries* I want to be a duck and live on the lake between Epcot and Hollywood Studios! Get fed by tourists and paddle in the lake when it gets hot. Those ducks have it good!
LOL! This is hilarious Oz! OMGosh!!!! I can’t stop laughing. I really miss the ocean myself and can relate. U can be a duck anytime Oz but I will miss u.
I’m looking to buy into DVC. I should have done it earlier but hey I lived and learned.
That’s awesome!
Yay, I can be a duck! I can see it now. Duck by day, human by night. Forget Swan Lake, it’s Duck Lake now! 🙂
Seriously though, ducks do rule WDW! I’ve got a few stories about them! There are other wild animals there but the ducks are like the sea gulls in Finding Nemo… “Mine!”
Or they could of been stalkers! The same group that spots animal loving suckers and follow them around all day!
The DVC club sounds interesting too!
Hahaha! DUCKS RULE!!! Hey wait! I’m an animal loving sucker.
I want to hear your duck stories Oz! Come on! PLEASE! Do it for the animal loving sucker! LOL!!
I’ll try and remember to email them to you as I’ll probably end up rambling on and on! I’ll see what photos I have too and add them in ! 🙂
Originally, I wanted to put YT videos to accompany what park I was discussing in the article itself but it would have been way to long so I’ll post them as I go along.
Here is the first episode of Walt Disney’s Disneyland. It premiered on Oct. 27, 1954
Paris,
Clearly one of the biggest innovations over the world’s fairs that occurred prior to Disney land, was Disney land was permanent.
After doing all of this research, other than the themes, are there any world’s fair influences that strike you as significant?
The only thing I can think of that would be significant to the World’s fair and Disney would be the 1964-65 world’s fair. Some attractions came from there.
Paticularly, Its A Small World and Carousel of Progress.
http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/worldsfair.html
I appreciate the link, I was sure there was some connection.
Here is the Opening Day Ceremony
Video explaining some of the issues of Opening Day
The Opening Day of Walt Disney World
I love watching these old videos. I like the WDW opening the best.
Great, great research Paris!
Paris,
Great article, and it’s so wide ranging. Clearly you’ve been waiting to do this article for some time. It’s hard to know where to start yet I have admit I’ve always been the most perplexed by “the imagineers.” So many of engineers make their professional lives by being slaves to the sciences and the natural laws of governed by physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Yeah, in the past I assumed the term imagineers was a kind of oxymoron yet Wikipedia seemingly let’s the cat out of the bag. Walt was an integral or central part of the imagineers every move.
“Founded by Walt Disney in 1952 to oversee the production of Disneyland Park, it was originally known as WED Enterprises, from the initials meaning “Walter Elias Disney”, the company founder’s full name.”
The perfect blend of imaginative entertainment and flawless technical mastery that appears seamless in all the theme parks many rides, show and entertainment experiences. How do you believe that Walt created this perfect blend of imaginative effort and engineered execution?
This was your original contribution to an answer to my question…:
“Walt had his movie studio designers come up with the ideas for the park and if he didn’t like something in the plans he would change them himself.”
Paris,
You have done an impressive job of outlining all of the ways Disney continues to put entertainment as Disney’s central contribution to western (and otherwise) culture. Does Disney fulfill all of the highest goals of the hospitality industry also?
CR,
Disney does hold its own in the hospitality industry. They also have their own hospitality course.
Click to access adv_hospitality.pdf
Wow, you just can’t quit can you Paris?
I could act like it’s a surprise that you know this information but I think everyone would see through it. I did not realize this topic meant so much (to you) as it so clearly does.
CR,
I’ve been going to WDW since I was 9 years old. Its a tradition.
Ahh! We have so much in common.
As I always say you are my twin. lol
Of course we are. We are obviously fraternal twins with a little different physical characteristics. Hahaha!
yep!
Paris,
I guess we understand that Disney will attempt to supply an overall family friendly environment. Yet isn’t it true the cruise ships and resorts will likely have bars. How does Disney entertainment stack up against other adult entertainment leisure options?
CR,
All theme parks in WDW as well as hotels now have alcohol in them. Magic Kingdom did not until last year given that it is meant to be geared more toward children and not adults. When the New Fantasyland expansion happened alcohol was finally served in the MK due to the restaurant that is now there.
ALCOHOL! Well now your talking. JK! Hahaha! Not really.
The truth is I like making cocktails more than drinking them…..:)
I don’t drink at all so its of no concern to me. lol I feel bad for the kids though that come to have a good time and mom/dad are getting wasted.
Hahaha! I can’t even imagine getting wasted and going on rides. I would be vomiting all over the place. Not good!
The last thing I wanted there was alcohol, lol! With all the exploring to do, water is the only option (for me anyway)!
I know right? What the hell? Unless the kids are driving them to drink then they have bigger problems and shouldn’t be at Disneyland.
LOL! Very true though!
Paris,
I was surprised to see how quickly Disney has already injected Pixar’s movies into it’s theme parks and resorts. Do you know of any plans to include both Marvel entertainment and Star Wars themes into their parks as well?
CR,
Star Wars has always been a huge staple for Disney.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend/?CMP=KNC-WDW13_SWW_DOM|G|4131520.ST.AM.01.06F4P
They also have their own ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which has been there since the 80’s/90’s and was recently revamped.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/star-tours/
Disney also laid off many people from Lucas Arts recently.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolpinchefsky/2013/04/04/the-mouse-cleans-house-disney-shuts-down-lucasarts/
Disney bought Marvel Comics back in 2009 for 4 billion dollars.
http://www.comicsalliance.com/2009/08/31/what-the-marvel-disney-merger-really-means-for-you/
If I was embarassed about not being trendy, i would be embarassed about the Stars Wars/Lucas issue.
I knew Marvel had a pressence at Universal, yet (for no good reason)I’m glad you did not find a current ride, show or experience yet.
It’s amazing how frequently Disney has public relationships with companies before the lessser-known company is bought. Pixar enjoyed a relationship with Disney as well, before they joined.
They pretty much sneak up on companies, IMO.
Here’s a video on Disneyland Resort Paris
Ozzie-Have u ever been to Disneyland in Paris?
LB- Have u ever been to Disney California? I’ve not and whenever I’m in town my entire family always goes to Disneyland its a family tradition.
Pffft, no! I’m a snob, only WDW for me, lol! Just joking! I’ve never had the inclination to go to the Paris one. Probably because my Mum had been to WDW in the 70’s and often told me stories of it. So it was even more magical in my mind and that’s the one I wanted to experiance! But I know several people who have visited the Paris one and they said it was good.
OMGosh! Ozzie. Hahahaha! I’m shocked to hear u say these things. Hahaha! Not! I feel the same way about Disneyland. It’s the one and only IMO so I’m sorta of snotty too. Ahh! I love u Oz! Now I don’t feel so alone. LOL!
Actually, the only reason I would like to visit the DLP to see the costume department.
Woo hoo! High five!
I would like to go just to see the differences and experience it. Reading the costume link has me very curious now!
Oz! We must have some standards. It sounds like u and I have an aversion to knock-offs. Hahaha! SNOBS RULE!!!
Tell me what the costume shop is like when u go. I have a feeling u will go sooner than I will.
LOL, will do!
Paris- What about the costume department? What is the costume upkeep for these shows?
Here’s some info about the costuming department.
http://www.designingdisney.com/content/creating-disney-magic-%E2%80%93-costume-department
Hahaha! U were ready for this question from me weren’t u? Let me read it now.
Wow! Paris has a much more elaborate set up than Disneyland in OC/CA.I heard it was but its nice to hear it. I’m impressed. Really great interview.
A video about Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo DisneySea
I’ve been watching this video. I want to go here. They said the sea is only waist deep and all man made. That’s a ton of water. I will have to come back and watch this video.
Hello Everyone!
Hi!
Hi OB and Paris 🙂
Hi CR! 🙂
Hi CR!
Nice to have u back!
Paris,
How would you explain these phenomena in a way that might make sense to someone who hasn’t digested this in the way you have.
• I don’t believe there was a similar phenomenon in the 1800’s.
• Remember not everyone believes this kind of thing can spring from a few handfuls theatrical characters.
• Unless you can tell me any differently I don’t think Disney entertainment has any competitors doing the same things with the same success.
I don’t think any competitors can do it as well either. They can emulate Disney all they what but that’s all it will ever be. The reason I feel that Disney has been so successful is that all this came from Walt’s heart and soul.
Maybe I should ask another way…
Because they have recently earned great wealth, in the media we see powerful countries like India and China, producing many things we have already seen in the west. Sometimes they do them far better than the originators they resemble.
I can agree with you that walt and company have no competition in the west. Yet since many consider this the Asian century, can you imagine these countries ever surpassing the invention of the Disney Corporation?
Sorry this a huge question, yet the scope of your article suggests you can handle it. This is a long video yet the first one fourth clarifies asia might have some potential for becoming a player in the global entertainment culture game.
You want to know if I think Asia will give Disney a run for their money in the theme park/entertainment industry? Nope.
Disney’s already beat them to the punch.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/03/first-look-shanghai-disneyland-model-unveiled/
O.K. Paris, I am about to give up.
Yet i will try one more time lower on the page.
Hi Everyone!
Wow Paris, great article! I never knew about three of the parks! I only thought there was one in Asia and one in California. I’m going to have to look up the Disney Sea one as it sounds interesting! 🙂
Hi Ozzie!
Hi Ozzie!
Hi Ozzie!
How are u? Big hugs.
Hello Paris, CR and OB! *big hugs to everyone*
I’m good! How is everyone else?
I’m good. It was nice, sunny and warm here today.
That’s good to hear! I’m jealous of your weather, lol! 🙂
I will share our nice weather. Hows that?
That would be lovely!
CR,
Just give up. I don’t think my brain is working on all speeds today.
Paris,
Obviously Disney has no trouble collecting extremely powerful creative visions. I doubt anyone thought Disney would own Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars before the end of this decade.
Obviously very familiar with Disney’s most significant creative decisions, can you imagine how what Disney will do next to assure they stay in the number one position?
Actually I don’t know what they might do to stay there.
Paris,
Disney’s power may continue to direct western creativity for some time. Yet “Disneyfication” (which I read quite a bit about lately) has resulted in bringing a great many foreign products under the Disney spell.
• Mulan
• Aladin
• Hercules
Do you think this outcome is a healthy one, an inevitable one, or can you imagine it as even being negative?
Paris,
You may have already answered this question, can you imagine ANYONE (I mean a discernible name) who could after some excellent moves overtake Disney?
Part of my drive to have this question answered is my extreme doubt that we will get any answers except the obvious ones.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904194604576582931853726532.html
not unless disney makes major mistakes that the public loses interest.
Everyone,
I’m going to go. Thanks for stopping by to chat with me and I hope you enjoyed the article.
Thanks paris for a great article! unbelieably informative.
Goodnight Paris! Great article, research and discussion. I just may go to WDW due to u.
Night Paris! It’s been a fun discussion!
Paris & Ozzie- What’s your favorite Live performance at WDW?
Would the firework display at Epcot be part of a live performance? If so, that one! I cry every single time. It’s so beautiful!
This counts. I’ve not seen this one. I love the fireworks displays. Have u seen Fantasia? I like that one a lot.
Yes, I’ve seen Fantasia and it is very good too. That one really does bring out your inner child!
Good night every one.
I’m going to say goodnight as well. I enjoyed our fun discussion. What an AWESOME way to end this series.
Night CR and OB! And a good night from me too!