Way Back Main Street Electrical Parade!

Two more images from our 1985 Way Back series. Two more images from the Main Street Electrical Parade. These two floats are part of the To Honor America section, which ran from 1979 to 2001.

Click on the images to see a larger version.

Confessions of a Winning Shopaholic!

Congratulations to Michael from Ballwin, Mo. for winning the copy of Confessions of a Shopaholic on DVD. Michael sent the following Disney-related shopping experience:

My favorite Disney-related shopping experience is from Epcot, in December 2000. Epcot was sponsoring a Candlelight Processional dining package, which allowed you to have a very nice meal in one of the participating Epcot restaurants, be escorted to a prime seat for the Candlelight Processional program and also included 20% off your entire purchase from an Epcot store.

This being the Christmas shopping season, my wife wanted to pick out some presents for me, as well as for a few other friends and family members on our shopping list. This meant that I got to wander around and point out my wish list; that alone was lots of fun. Then I left the store and let my wife pick out her choices for who was going to give me what.

By the time she got out of the store, Epcot was closed and we headed out to the parking lot ... only to realize that we had parked at the Magic Kingdom and the Monorail was closed for the night. After looking around for options, we finally found a cast member who called for a bus that was willing to take us back to our car.

It was probably 2 am before getting back to our resort room, but it was worth it as I now had lots of exciting dreams going through my head as to what the final gifts would be under the tree in another couple of weeks! That was a fun Disney Shopping Experience!

Thanks, Michael! Your DVD is on the way.

Silent Bid Update

Don't forget to place your bids!

The winners will be notified Monday morning. Since there will not be another update on the bids until the winners are anounced, so make sure to send the highest amount you feel comfortable bidding.

WD Imagineering Legends $15.00

WD Imagineering $15.00

DL First Quarter Century $30.00

Disneyland Hotel - Early Years $60.00

WDW - 15th Anniversary $20.00

Disney Touch $5.00

Disney Villain $20.00

WDW - First Decade $20.00

Magic with me $13.00

Auction items, in no particular order:

Walt Disney World, The First Decade (review link)

• The First Decade is a wonderful look at the first ten years at WDW, when it was just the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary, Poly, Golf Resort, Disney Village, Fort Wilderness and River Country. You also get a look at some Reedy Creek Improvement District behind-the-scenes photos and info.

Disneyland, The First Quarter Century (Update link)

• The First Quarter Century is similar to Walt Disney World, The First Ten Years. It describes the history and construction of Disneyland--and the additions up to 1970. Lots of great photographs of Disneyland throughout the years.

The Disney Villain by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas (Review link)

• Johnston and Thomas take a detailed look at the Disney Villains throughout the years. It is beautifully illustrated (and written) with a lot of concept art.

Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends by Jeff Kurtti (Review link)

• Kurtti is one of the more prolific and talented Disney historians around. In this work, Kurtti investigates the development of the Disney Theme Park through some of the greatest Imagineers ever. Wonderful artwork. Every Theme Park student needs to own this one.

Disneyland Hotel, The Early Years by Donald Ballard (Review link)

• Ballard has created a one-of-a-kind resource on the Disneyland Hotel. Ballard looks at the construction, additions and history of the Hotel. It is almost out-of-print, so get a copy soon.

Walt Disney Imagineering

• This is the quintessential book on Imagineering and the art of designing theme parks. Released in 1996, it is one of the few resources to look at most every major aspect of Imagineering. It was one of the first Disney-related books that I owned and is a constant and reliable resource.

The Disney Touch by Ron Grover (no review)

• Covering the early part of the Eisner years (1984-1990), Grover looks at how Eisner and Wells re-invented Disney and saved the company.

Walt Disney World 15th Anniversary (no review)

• This book follows Walt Disney World, The First Decade by five years. It was published to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 1986. A large portion of the book is dedicated to covering EPCOT Center, which was only a few years old. It is a wonderful book for enthusiasts that are looking for a nostalgic look at Walt Disney World or for doing a little research on a Walt Disney World that is no more.

The Magic Begins With Me

• Produced as an employee keepsake for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, this book looks at and celebrates castmembers from all of the Disney Parks. Included are testimonials from guests and remembrances from current cast.

Geek-End Update, Saturday, July 4, 2009

• FoxxFur at Passport 2 Dreams finally lays another park mystery to rest and offers her thoughts on what may have happened.
• Daveland looks at the Jungle Cruise Dock (and the underside of a boat).
• Princess Fee at DF'82 looks at a few of the Disneyland Paris street signs.
• Ryan at the Disney Film Project shares a brief discussion of Ub Iwerks and Carl Stalling.
• Michael at Progress City, USA takes us back in time to EPCOT 1979.
• Jerry at Cartoon Brew posts info about a relatively new (and hard-t0-get) biography of Walt Disney.
• The Disney Food Blog takes us to the new Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party with lots of pictures!
• Ryan at the Main Street Gazette posts about a really cool vintage Walt Disney World book for kids!
• Chris at the OC History Roundup has some good shots of the old Disneyland Hotel.
• DisneyShawn shares how Trader Sam at the Jungle Cruise got his new name!

Awesome Video Section:

• Let's fly tandem with Shontell Crawford at DVC By Resale over Bay Lake! (Anybody want to buy this for me for my birthday?)
• Glenn Whelan has posted some fantastic videos of the Pretty Good Movie Ride.

Silent Auction Day 04

WD Imagineering Legends $15.00

WD Imagineering $15.00

DL First Quarter Century $30.00

Disneyland Hotel - Early Years $60.00

WDW - 15th Anniversary $20.00

Disney Touch $5.00

Disney Villain $20.00

WDW - First Decade $20.00

Magic with me $13.00

To answer another question, at the close of auction payment will be accepted in the form of PayPal (credit card, also) or personal check (personal check will need to clear prior to shipping).

Silent Auction Update Day 03

A few of the books are starting to heat up!

• WD Imagineering Legends $15.00
• First Quarter Century $30.00
• Disneyland Hotel - Early Years $60.00
• WDW - 15th Anniversary $20.00
• Disney Touch $5.00
• Disney Villain $20.00
• WDW - First Decade $20.00
• Magic with me $10.00

The aution will continue until midnight on Sunday, July 5.

Silent Auction Update Day 02

Here is the latest on the Imaginerding Silent Auction:

• Walt Disney Imagineering Legends - $15.00
• Walt Disney Imagineering - $11.00
• Disneyland - First Quarter Century - $25.00
• Disneyland Hotel - Early Years - $51.00
• WDW - 15th Anniversary - $15.00
• Disney Touch - $5.00
• Disney Villain - $20.00
• WDW - First Decade - $10.00
• Magic Begins With Me - $10.00

Several bidders have asked about shipping: we will offer shipping at the literal cost and Media Mail is the cheapest option with optional insurance...but it is up to the winner to advise how they would like it shipped, etc. They can calculate shipping online at usps.com using zip code 27370.

Day One Bids!

The First Day bids are in!

Here are the current high bids:

• Walt Disney Imagineering Legends $15.00
• Walt Disney Imagineering $10.00
• Disneyland: First Quarter Century $25.00
• Disneyland Hotel - Early Years $50.00

There is still time to bid on these and the other items.

The silent auction will end at midnight, on Sunday, July 5th. We will post daily updates here and on twitter. For this silent auction, e-mail drama_eliminated@yahoo.com the title of the book(s) and the amount you are bidding. You will have the opportunity to bid again after the daily update. Some of the items have multiple copies and the two highest bidders will win. If you have any questions about the condition of the book, let us know.

Auction items, in no particular order:

Walt Disney World, The First Decade (review link)

• The First Decade is a wonderful look at the first ten years at WDW, when it was just the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary, Poly, Golf Resort, Disney Village, Fort Wilderness and River Country. You also get a look at some Reedy Creek Improvement District behind-the-scenes photos and info.

Disneyland, The First Quarter Century (Update link)

• The First Quarter Century is similar to Walt Disney World, The First Ten Years. It describes the history and construction of Disneyland--and the additions up to 1970. Lots of great photographs of Disneyland throughout the years.

The Disney Villain by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas (Review link)

• Johnston and Thomas take a detailed look at the Disney Villains throughout the years. It is beautifully illustrated (and written) with a lot of concept art.

Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends by Jeff Kurtti (Review link)

• Kurtti is one of the more prolific and talented Disney historians around. In this work, Kurtti investigates the development of the Disney Theme Park through some of the greatest Imagineers ever. Wonderful artwork. Every Theme Park student needs to own this one.

Disneyland Hotel, The Early Years by Donald Ballard (Review link)

• Ballard has created a one-of-a-kind resource on the Disneyland Hotel. Ballard looks at the construction, additions and history of the Hotel. It is almost out-of-print, so get a copy soon.

Walt Disney Imagineering

• This is the quintessential book on Imagineering and the art of designing theme parks. Released in 1996, it is one of the few resources to look at most every major aspect of Imagineering. It was one of the first Disney-related books that I owned and is a constant and reliable resource.

The Disney Touch by Ron Grover (no review)

• Covering the early part of the Eisner years (1984-1990), Grover looks at how Eisner and Wells re-invented Disney and saved the company.

Walt Disney World 15th Anniversary (no review)

• This book follows Walt Disney World, The First Decade by five years. It was published to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 1986. A large portion of the book is dedicated to covering EPCOT Center, which was only a few years old. It is a wonderful book for enthusiasts that are looking for a nostalgic look at Walt Disney World or for doing a little research on a Walt Disney World that is no more.

The Magic Begins With Me

• Produced as an employee keepsake for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, this book looks at and celebrates castmembers from all of the Disney Parks. Included are testimonials from guests and remembrances from current cast.

Imaginerding Silent Auction!

I have duplicates of some great titles that I will be auctioning off this week (my wife is making me do this). Many of them have already been reviewed and will make an incredible addition to any Disney enthusiast's library.

The silent auction will end at midnight, on Sunday, July 5th. We will post daily updates here and on twitter. For this silent auction, e-mail drama_eliminated@yahoo.com the title of the book(s) and the amount you are bidding. You will have the opportunity to bid again after the daily update. Some of the items have multiple copies and the two highest bidders will win. If you have any questions about the condition of the book, let us know.

Auction items, in no particular order:

Walt Disney World, The First Decade (review link)

• The First Decade is a wonderful look at the first ten years at WDW, when it was just the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary, Poly, Golf Resort, Disney Village, Fort Wilderness and River Country. You also get a look at some Reedy Creek Improvement District behind-the-scenes photos and info.

Disneyland, The First Quarter Century (Update link)

• The First Quarter Century is similar to Walt Disney World, The First Ten Years. It describes the history and construction of Disneyland--and the additions up to 1970. Lots of great photographs of Disneyland throughout the years.

The Disney Villain by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas (Review link)

• Johnston and Thomas take a detailed look at the Disney Villains throughout the years. It is beautifully illustrated (and written) with a lot of concept art.

Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends by Jeff Kurtti (Review link)

• Kurtti is one of the more prolific and talented Disney historians around. In this work, Kurtti investigates the development of the Disney Theme Park through some of the greatest Imagineers ever. Wonderful artwork. Every Theme Park student needs to own this one.

Disneyland Hotel, The Early Years by Donald Ballard (Review link)

• Ballard has created a one-of-a-kind resource on the Disneyland Hotel. Ballard looks at the construction, additions and history of the Hotel. It is almost out-of-print, so get a copy soon.

Walt Disney Imagineering

• This is the quintessential book on Imagineering and the art of designing theme parks. Released in 1996, it is one of the few resources to look at most every major aspect of Imagineering. It was one of the first Disney-related books that I owned and is a constant and reliable resource.

The Disney Touch by Ron Grover (no review)

• Covering the early part of the Eisner years (1984-1990), Grover looks at how Eisner and Wells re-invented Disney and saved the company.

Walt Disney World 15th Anniversary (no review)

• This book follows Walt Disney World, The First Decade by five years. It was published to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 1986. A large portion of the book is dedicated to covering EPCOT Center, which was only a few years old. It is a wonderful book for enthusiasts that are looking for a nostalgic look at Walt Disney World or for doing a little research on a Walt Disney World that is no more.

The Magic Begins With Me

• Produced as an employee keepsake for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, this book looks at and celebrates castmembers from all of the Disney Parks. Included are testimonials from guests and remembrances from current cast.

Geek-End Update, Saturday, June 27, 2009

• Michael at Progress City, USA takes a look at the concept art for Neverworlds. Check out the vintage picture of the Swan Boat as Vacuum Boat!
• Daveland takes us sailing through Sundays on the Jungle Cruise.
• Michael Sporn holds Mickey Class 101.
• Ryan at the Main St. Gazette shares some vintage Walt Disney World photos from his earlier vacations.
• Wade Sampson at MousePlanet looks at the history of the Subs (and other watercraft) at Disneyland.
• Princess Fee at DF'82 points us to another fantastic Point Photo (or Picture Spot--I love those!).

Book, er, DVD Update and Mini-Review

I was thrilled to receive the Walt Disney Treasures - The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit for Father's Day.

Mini Review:

We watched the entire collection on Sunday and Monday. The boys loved the cartoons and my oldest even thought that Steamboat Willie (on the bonus disc) was a great cartoon. The documentary on Ub Iwerks, The Hand Behind the Mouse, was very enjoyable. I had seen it on Ovation, before, and I thought it really highlighted all of the artistic and technical advances that Ub brought to the Disney Studios.

Many of the Oswald cartoons are still missing and a few of the ones featured on the disc are 16-mm prints or borrowed negatives from collectors and cartoon museums.

Didier Ghez, at the impressive Disney History blog, recently posted about the lost silent Disney cartoons. Here is the list of missing Oswald titles:

• Poor Papa
• The Bauher's Daughter
• Harem Scarem
• Rickety Gin
• Neck ' N ' Neck
• Empty Socks
• The Ole' Swimmin' Ole
• Africa Before Dark
• Sage Brush Sadie
• Ride 'Em Ployboy!
• Hungry Hoboes
• Sky Scrappers
• Sleigh Bells
• Hot Dog

That is a lot of missing history!

Although they were all silent, Disney has added a score to each short that enhances the mood and adds to the story. If you are a fan of animation or want to get a look at Disney's first star, then you need to pick up this DVD.

The above image features a sampling of the only existing pencil drawings of Sagebrush Sadie, on of the missing Oswald cartoons.

Skyway Way Back

We have two shots from the Skyway from the 1985 set.

You don't get to see views of the Castle like this any longer.

You can see the other posts in our Way Back series.