My Disney Blog

Retro Disney Channel - What do You Think?

About a week ago, my friend Diana (@Mulan_1998 on twitter and a COOL person) mentioned how much she would love to see a Retro Disney Channel, or something like it. We got to talking, and then I mentioned it on twitter. It seems that there is potentially HUGE support for a Retro Disney Channel. A lot of us grew up watching the classic Disney shows and movies, and have a strong affinity to the older Disney material. A lot of TV networks have a classic channel now, tailored to the powerful baby boomer generation. I remember watching the "Wonderful World of Disney" as a child, and I had NO clue that Walt Disney was no longer alive (in the 70s). All I knew was that he seemed just plain AWESOME and I looked forward to every Sunday evening when the show was on. I remember getting excited to hear what would be on that week, and watching it from start to finish and being upset when it was over.

So, I got to thinking (this is typically DANGEROUS!) - what would happen if we had a show of support for such a network? I think the support is there for a viable network, but if not, I would love an online network. It could be the Retro or Classic Disney Channel, available via online subscription, and able to be viewed on iPhones, iPods, iPads, android devices, other smart phones, or via computer. I would TOTALLY subscribe to this online network, and I had a LOT of people tell me on twitter that they were whipping their credit cards out right NOW! :-)

So, here is what I would like to know! Do you support a Retro or Classic Disney Channel - either network or via online subscription? I would love to get your thoughts on this in the comments section. If there is sufficient support, I will launch a campaign to see if we can make it happen! How fun! Many of the greatest things come from an interested public showing support for something. This is part of the reason D23 is so successful, and I believe we can make it happen with this as well. We could see the old Mickey Mouse Club shows, Annette, the Hardy Boys, Spin and Marty, nature shows and movies, classic Disney movies, and more!

Thanks so much for taking your time to read this, and for showing your support!

--- DisneyDean (@DisneyDean on twitter)

It's a Small World Vintage Audio Book

OK, so it is possible that I have been living under a rock for quite some time here. I'm sure there are many in the Disney community that have run into the Golden Gems blog, but I just ran across it for the first time today. I was so excited about this site, run by Barbie Miller, and I spent about 2 hours looking through the various books that she has scanned into her site. Barbie finds many of her books at garage/rummage sales, flea markets, etc, with eBay as a last resort. She says she has been collecting for a very long time, and it definitely shows!

Anyway, I saw that her latest post was an audio book of "It's a Small World" from 1968, and it is just fantastic! If you haven't seen this book, I'm sure you will be as delighted as I was!

Here is a copy of the cover (with permission from Barbie):

 

For the REST of the book, you'll have to go to Golden Gems. Be prepared - you may be up very late tonight if you haven't been to this blog before ;)

--- Disney Dean

Disney Vintage Christmas Cards

I did a post about this last year, but there have been some wonderful additions to the blog post since the last time I wrote of it. The ASIFA - Hollywood Animation Archive has a post with many Disney Christmas Cards from 1938 into the 1950's. The Claire Weeks collection is extraordinary, and the cards are a lot of fun to enjoy! I have spent so much time looking at the art in each of the cards, with my favorite one being the Disneyland calendar from 1956. It is just fantastic, although I enjoyed each one of the cards just about the same!

Anyway, head on over to the wonderful Hollywood Animation Archive to see the digitized Christmas Cards! And...by the way - if you're a fan of vintage animation, or animation in general - it is a great site, and one that I will be contributing to.

Walt Disney World, Summer 1978 Pt. 3

When last you saw me circa 1978, I was at the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue, having a great time. This particular photo shows (once again) the expression on a teen who is annoyed with a parent for taking too many photos.



Let’s move on to a happier time from this trip, shall we? Join me as we go to the Top of the World Club in the Contemporary Resort. This photo shows my stepbrother on the left and my dad on the right. In the middle is a WDW employee, Joe Petrovich. I have no idea why his name stuck in my head all these years, but he was the guy who gave the family the VIP treatment while at the resort. I am guessing he must have been in the publicity or marketing department. Joe, 30 years later, here’s a big shout-out to you!



The entertainment for the evening was none other than Trini Lopez! Most likely this appearance was BEFORE he released his disastrous Disco Album later in the year.





Here’s Trini stopping by our table to say “hello.”



Afterwards, we stopped by Trini’s hotel room (dig the mod wallpaper!). Somewhere I believe I still have his autographed photo and souvenir menu from the restaurant. I think that cap of mine must have been glued on.





Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be more, stay tuned for the grand finale: The Luau! You can view more WDW photos on my regular website. Feel free to let me know any requests you have for articles about Disneyland!

Disney history for this week

Below is an excerpt from the Disney Insider Newsletter:

THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORY
April 9, 1954 - Actor Dennis Quaid, the star of Disney's 2002 live-action release "The Rookie' and the 1998 remake of Disney's "The Parent Trap," is born in Houston, Texas.

April 10, 1988 - Disneyland's America Sings closes in Tomorrowland. The 24-minute production included more than 100 characters and had been in operation since June 1974.

April 12, 1992 - The Euro Disney Resort, featuring the Euro Disneyland Park, opens in France. It will later be renamed Disneyland Paris.

If you haven't signed up for the Disney Insider, you can do that here! I highly recommend it!

--- Disney Dean

This Week in Disney History

THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORY
February 23, 1927 - A young artist named Leslie James Clark reports to work at the Disney Studios. Walt warns him "it might be just a temporary job." Les will become the first of Walt's "Nine Old Men" and stay with the Disney Studio until his retirement in 1975.

February 23, 1939 - Walt Disney receives a special Academy Award® for his classic 83-minute animated film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," at the 1938 Academy Awards. Shirley Temple presents Walt with one statuette and seven miniature statuettes.

February 25, 1927 - Actor and Disney Legend Dickie Jones is born in Snyder, Texas. He will go on to supply the voice of Pinocchio for Disney's 1940 classic animated film.

From the Disney Insider Newsletter

Disney History For This Week

THIS WEEK IN DISNEY HISTORY
January 29, 1959 - Disney's 16th feature film, "Sleeping Beauty," premieres at the Fox Wilshire Theater in Los Angeles.

February 4, 1966 - Disney's animated short "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree" is released along with the live-action feature "The Ugly Dachshund."

From the wonderful DisneyInsider Newsletter

Disney History For This Week

January 20, 1936 - Eighteen-year-old Adriana Caselotti records her first tracks as the voice of Snow White.

January 21, 1933 - Disney's Mickey Mouse cartoon "The Mad Doctor" is released.

January 21, 1935 - Animator Ollie Johnston is hired at $17 a week by the Disney Studio. He will go on to become one of Walt's "Nine Old Men."

From the wonderful DisneyInsider Newsletter

Disney History for This Week

January 9, 1937 - "Don Donald," featuring Donald Duck in his first starring role, is released. A character named Donna (who will later be called Daisy) makes her debut.

January 10, 1930 - Roy Edward Disney, a vice chairman of Disney and the nephew of Walt Disney, is born to Roy Oliver and Edna Disney in Los Angeles, California. He will begin working for his Uncle Walt after graduating from college in 1951.

From the wonderful DisneyInsider Newsletter