Looking for Mary Blair (Part One) ...

Me making my "Shucky darns" face at the closed "Small World".  Please note I am wearing my Mary Blair "Small World" concept art t-shirt and carrying my Mary Blair-inspired Le Sportsac.  I take The Blair seriously, yes I do.

So, as part of a trip my hubby and I recently took to Southern California, while Chicago was swallowed up in yet another polar vortex, we decided to visit Disneyland - as one does. And, after receiving my wonderful 23-month calendar from D23 and knowing I'd soon be receiving my next D23 issue that was all about "It's a Small World" at the 1964-65 World's Fair, I decided to hold our Disney Day under the lens of the art of the magnificent Mary Blair, the Disney artist who was Walt's favorite, the woman who was responsible for the concept art for "Cinderella", "Peter Pan", and "Alice in Wonderland", and the driving force behind the ride, "It's a Small World", celebrating its 50th anniversary this year,. Little did I know I'd embark on quite an interesting journey.  You see, the aforementioned ride was closed for refurbishment, as was the Alice ride. The two bastions of Blairness, the places where one can actually ride through Mary's Wonderful World, were closed to us. Let the pouting begin: It was quite interesting to be encountered by a variety of folks, middle-aged, teens, college-aged, all asking us (while I was taking photos of the IASW ride area), "Man! I love this ride! When will it be running?" "Is the ride closed for just an hour or so?" "I came all the way here today to visit the ride. Bummer." Perhaps it was the way I was outfitted with Blair, but lots of folks asked me if I knew what was up.  What I learned was that the ride was being refurbed to meet all OSHA standards, would be up again in early April, then down again to complete the facelift, re-opening in time for its 50th birthday celebration. 

 

 

Undaunted, what I did was to seek out the art of this great creator of whimsy wherever I could find it. And I was heartened by the fact that the spirit of Ms. Blair dots Disneyland in a delightful way.

 

There's lots of "Blairness" to be had in the area right near the ride:

 

One of the delightful Children of the World, inside the gift shop at the ride's exit

Some of the swag inside aforementioned gift shop.  Next time, I'll be purchasing the "I conquered" t-shirt!

More great IASW swag.  Loving the throws!

Little Hawaiian Mary Blair girl

Ride attraction poster inside the gift shop.  Oddly, I could NOT find a copy to purchase anywhere at the park or at Downtown Disney, unless I wanted to do the "purchase and Print" option, which I didn't.  Wanted one of the pre-matted ones.  A "must get" to celebrate the anniversary!

Even a "Small World" - inspired trash can ...

 

 

Check in soon for part two of my "Looking for Mary Blair" at Disneyland escapade! 

16 Things That Are Awesomely Hidden at Disneyland!! (a.k.a. I'm having a FREAK OUT!!)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/awesome-hidden-gems-you-must-experience-at-disneyland

Back in 2011, yours truly getting ready to leave for her Disneyland visit for the book,
holding the Mickey doll bought for her by her Mom back in 1972.

First of all, full thanks to Peggy Wang at Buzzfeed for assembling this magnificent collection of gems.  Click the link above to see the whole story.  Nicely done!

And now: the freak out ...

You can get a death certificate at the Haunted Mansion??

Take a ride in the Lilly Belle train car???

Get a free map of the Jungle Cruise?????

I pride myself in knowing all the details of what makes Disneyland THE most magical amusement park of them all (and remember: I visited a boatload for the book).  It's the original; there would be no Disney World, Disney Paris, Disney Tokyo or China or the other one I keep forgetting, if it wasn't for the first one built by Walt himself in 1955.  I worship at the altar of Madame Leota (and still get freaked out by Little Leota, but that's another story).  I genuflect at the light emanating from the second story of the firehouse, telling all that the magic and the story lives on.  Point being: I KNOW my Disneyland lore.  I KNOW "my" park.

But I did not know a BUNCH of these gems.  And it makes me mad.  Because I won't be back at Disneyland until March.

Yeah, I know, I know.  You're saying, "Oh, you have to wait a full three months plus, poor baby.  Here's my tiny violin playing 'My Heart Bleeds for You'".  But when a class A Disneyfanatic learns about things hidden at the park she owns tons of books about, has visited countless times, and owns a PIECE of (two chunks of one of the Mary Blair Tomorrowland murals, savagely ripped apart to make stuff that isn't half as charming or memorable), she needs to revisit and she needs to do so NOW.

I'll be in southern California for a class in March (nothing having to do with Disney whatsoever), but then, well, I'll just HAVE to swing on by the park.  And now, I've got an agenda.

I knew about most of these little-known gems at the park, but certainly not all (and I must thank my friend Melissa for posting this link on Facebook in the first place).  When I spent my birthday at the park in 2003, I was thrilled to be gifted with an honorary Disneyland citizen certificate (which you KNOW I have framed and in clear view, so I can remind myself of my elevated status on a daily basis).  During my birthday visit this February, I was knocked to my knees by the rare treat of visiting Walt's firehouse apartment (the post where he'd sit and watch all the happy folks enter his park).  And I knew that you can ride up in the front of the monorail if you ask nicely; the last time (truly last) we took my Dad there, he got to do this and was giddy like a three-year-old).

But to fancy a ride in the Lilly Belle train car, the one named after Walt's wife, the one decorated in fancy red velvet, the one you can sometimes take a meager glimpse of?  I'm blown away.

To come home with a map of the Jungle Cruise is to remind my Dad of that last trip he took there, when he chortled about the hippos' wiggling ears and got a kick out of the tour guide's snappy monologue.

And, the piece de resistance: to actually have a Haunted Mansion "death certificate".  For, as you know (or should), upon leaving your Doom Buggy, Little Leota will remind you to "hurry baaaack" and to be sure to "bring your death certificate" the next time you visit.  Boom!  You can actually DO this now, without the muss and fuss of actually having to die.  Bonus!

I tell you, I am jazzed.  And I'm saving up my pennies for Spring.  Because the Lilly Belle awaits ...

Disneyland's Court of Angels - why it shouldn't close.

"Hey, come this way.  I want to show you one of my favorite parts of Disneyland."

I led my group of fellow birthday revelers from the New Orleans Square train stop to the Court of Angels, a quiet, tucked-away stairwell.

I welcomed the explosion of "ooh"s and "aah"s, and the outpouring of excited comments, recalling they were quite similar to those I had years ago upon encountering the Court for the first time:

"It's beautiful!"

"See?  THIS is why I love Disney so much!  Because they work hard to respect their history!  BOOM!"

"It's spooky and magical and I love it!"

"NOW I feel like I'm back in NOLA."

The Court des Anges is a quiet, contemplative area that's tucked away in a pocket of New Orleans Square.  Legend says it was built to be an entrance to an exclusive jazz club that Walt had envisioned for the area, just before his death.  Since then, it's been a meeting place, the setting for many a family photo, the backdrop for hundreds of marriage proposals, and, for me, a spiritual center, a place where I can truly connect with the beautiful spirits that have traversed through over the decades - including Walt himself.

Now, there's word that this area will be closed off to the public, engulfed in a refurb for the members' only Club 33.  And I'm fitfully angry and near tears.  Club 33 already has their own exclusive area.  Why should this lovely space be off-limits to the general public, the park goers who come back again and again to Disneyland, many of whom look for spaces that truly typify the "real" Disneyland, the less-commercial, more magical and thoughtful places?




Here's a link to my blog post about our mystical visit to the Court: http://mid-centurymystic.blogspot.com/2013/02/disneylands-court-des-anges-our.html 

Please, Disneyland Powers That Be.  Please don't cordon off this truly special area to only an elite few.  Thank you.

Holy Mary Blair! Check out the "It's a Small World" Android app!!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.disney.na.itsasmallworld

This ardent Mary Blair fan just got a boost to her soul on this fine Thursday morning.  Never mind that she'll be recording a NEW interview for her book on a Pittsburgh-area radio station - THIS may have topped it!!!

At the left you'll find a screen shot for the new "It's a Small World" Android app! My fingers are actually ITCHY this very moment because I know I need to write at least this teaser blog post about it FIRST before I can actually download the app.  But I'm definitely going to review it in an upcoming blog post.

Imagine me, the ultimate Mary Blair fan, carrying around a part of one of my favorite rides from any Disney park along with me wherever I go?!

It's a Small Blair!!!! 

From the app's website: Enter this delightful world filled with vibrant settings, and meet fantastical friends along the way. Travel through the Snowy Alps, dusty plains, calm seas, and more as you tour different regions around the world. From beloved Disney characters to toy soldiers and mermaids, encounter new and familiar faces throughout your travels. With so much to see, start your joyful journey today!

My Etsy Treasury Tribute to Disneyland!

 

"Hey 'Cotton Candy Road Trip' Lady!  What will you be doing in about a week or so to celebrate your birthday?"

"I'll be going to Disneyland!  And to be the wheels of excitement in motion, how about this Treasury I created on Etsy to pay tribute to the awesomeness of vintage Disneyland?"

"Don't mind if I do!"

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE0NjU5NjN8MjcyMTI5NTM3OQ/disneyland-the-mid-century-retro

The Banjo Player in "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the Gemini New Moon

I love this time of year, just prior to the summer solstice, when the sun stays out so very long.  When the day just strums along like a banjo player, settin' on a front porch, pluckin' a slow, sweet tea-infused tune.  Kind of reminds me of this image from the beginning of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride at Disneyland, one of my favorite experiences at the park.  When night finally comes, it slowly pours in,  dappled with indigo-sapphire, glinting fireflies, a lunar reflection on the water.


The Gemini New Moon urges us to make up lyrics to that banjo tune, just for the heck of it.  And, while you're at it, stay up until it's dusk and look for the faerie folk in your backyard.  Because this time of year allows you to say what you feel, declare your exploration into the worlds of make-believe and craft your own colorwonderful possibilities.

If you've wanted to write some poetry, you should pour yourself right in - but be ready to read it aloud, with all the passion in your soul.  Walk in nature and talk with the trees.  Tell someone about your guardian angel.

Enjoy this magical, luxuriant time.  And whisper to the fireflies.

"Modern Family" goes to Disneyland!!!

http://www.etonline.com/tv/121603_Modern_Family_at_Disneyland_Clip/index.html

Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet, hands down my favorite "Modern Family" cast members

And to think: just a few weeks ago, Ben and I were at Disneyland, possibly traipsing in their very footsteps!  And, like Mitchell and Cam, donning our Mickey ears!  The mind boggles!

I haven't been this excited since the Partridge Family visited King's Island in Ohio!!  Remember that episode?  With the family riding the carousel and Keith totally dismal and bored, sitting like a grumpy duck in the carousel coach?  And then the next year, in 1973, even MORE "TV Families Scream Just Like WE Do When Riding a Rollercoaster!" when the Brady Bunch visited the same park!  Remember Mike's blueprint and the madcapness surrounding it?  Remember his perm?


A few years later, my parents took my friend Shannon and me to the Greater Cincinnati area to visit King's Island and I clearly remember trying to retrace Peter Brady's steps:

"Squeeeee!  Shannon - didn't they ride this roller coaster?"

"Yes!  Let's ride it and pretend we're Jan and Marcia, cuz I have braces and you don't and you're taller than me!"

At any rate, tonight's installment of "Modern Family" is set at The Happiest Place in Earth and I simply can't wait to see what hijinx will ensue!  Who will get sick on the Teacup ride?  Which Dunphy will get mistaken for the Cast Member playing Cruella DeVille? These and many questions will be answered in a scant few hours!

To whet your appetite, here's the Entertainment Tonight preview of the episode:



And, in case you're interested in reliving your favorite childhood TV memories:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jn9Lb-BS2Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsMR3dW5SxI

Disneyland, circa 1957

http://www.wimp.com/disneylandwas/

While scrolling through Facebook posts today, I noticed one of my favorite storybook parks, Children's Fairyland, posted this fabulous little film of Disneyland back in the very early days.  It's a treasure and it filled me with so much love for vintage parks at that very moment that I had to share.

The glorious Skyride!  Captain Hook's ship!  Monstro looking even MORE menacing!  And let's not forget the Monsanto House of the Future!

Happy Valentine's Day to one and all!

Another writing milestone

A biggie.  A real biggie.  Wherein I finally tackled the daunting task of writing the Southern California chapter which was a complete homage to the trip I took in 1971 with my Mom.  One of the most emotional, soul-bearing experiences I've had in a while.  What I wasn't expecting was how the process of writing helped to bring me closer with who my Mom really was, what she stood for, and what she valued.

While she didn't wear it on her sleeve, she valued creativity and play and adventure very strongly.  That's why she loved Disney and Disneyland so much.  But because we didn't have scads of money, we always found unique ways to have that manifest. Quite often it was just a day trip to a not-too-far-away amusement park.

I know she would be so proud of the person I've become, the person who puts exploring and being creative and simple things like play very high on her "stuff I WANNA do" shelf.  She'd have a blast on the Road Trip.

Thanks, Mom.

Madama Leota's Seance Circle!

http://www.hollowhill.com/fun/hm/hm-leota0.htm

Whenever a friend of mine goes to Disneyland, I always tell them, "Say 'hello' to Madame Leota for me."  It's a thing I do; it's my way.  Because the Haunted Mansion has been one of my long-time favorite attractions anywhere, for any reason, any time at all.  I've got the soundtrack memorized, and I've amassed a small collection of HM memorabilia which I proudly display, especially during this time of year.

Imagine my utter ghoulish delight when I happened upon this site, which breaks down Leota's incantations and gives background info on the whole Seance Circle portion of the ride!  What's more, it gives annotated background to just about every single phrase, with historical footnotes.  Kudos to the folks at Hollow Hill.com who have taken the time to assemble an amazing site for the true HM geek like me!

Artwork: Shag

The Haunted Mansion's Infamous Hatbox Ghost!

As a tot, I visited Disneyland in 1966; don't remember that trip, but saw some wonderful images in my Dad's old home movies.  Fast forward five years: my Mom and I take our "girls' only" trip to Disneyland, but we took no photos or movies.  Luckily, I was old enough to recall much of that trip and I'll be merging those memories with recent events when I write about my 2011 Disneyland trip in this forthcoming book.

But back to old home movies: what a treasure trove they can be!  For Haunted Mansion enthusiasts, a recently-found film has unearthed some of the only known images of the much-talked, mysterious Hatbox Ghost, who was only seen in the Mansion in August of 1969.

Follow the link and scroll down to the footage; you won't be disappointed!

For my 300th post: A 45th Anniversary Tribute

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/05/celebrating-45-years-of-laughter-and-hope-at-disneyland-park/?CMP=SOC-DLRUSENFY11DLR_SocMedBFB0031
They're hiding in the basement: grainy 8MM movies of my family's first visit to Disneyland back in 1966. I was all of three years old and there's footage of me wearing a bucket hat and kiddie sunglasses. There's also a long segment of Pam running in circles; but that's just par for the course and an ode to my temperament over the years.

The real treasure of the footage is approximately five glorious minutes taken while riding "It's a Small World". I clearly remember the images of the Parisian dancing girls and their flirtatious winks, the comical penguins, and Cleopatra, majestically reclining on her settee. My parents were so taken with the magic, color and spectacle of the experience; I kept hoping the ride would stop so I could hop out of our boat and join in with the dancing kids!

Happy 45th birthday to a true Disney classic. And thank you Mary Blair, for sharing your talent and sense of play with the world.

"There's so much that we share that it's time we're aware it's a small world afterall!"

The Disney paris version of the ride

http://www.mouseplanet.com/9575/The_45th_Anniversary_of_its_a_small_world_at_Disneyland

Please read this absolutely awesome, thoroughly-research article about "It's a Small World", the iconic Disney attraction.

The article wisely gives credit where it's due: to the amazing Mary Blair. Enjoy!

"Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out to Socialize"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IPFGGVZ1eg

The Haunted mansion at Walt Disney World has undergone a facelift, with a new, interactive cue area and now this. As I'm still going through my New Orleans notes and as this just popped up for me through a Facebook friend, I would be remiss if I didn't post it. This might be the very best Imagineering upgrade of any Disney ride ever. And right now it's only at Walt Disney World, so the original Haunted Mansion at Disneyland remains untouched (which I think is a good thing; I'll never forget how the original effect delighted my Mom those forty years ago)

Enjoy!!

Sunday on the Blog with Photos!

10 years ago, my Mom left us. I'm sure she's keeping pretty busy in heaven, taking care of small, sweet beagles, enjoying all the chocolate she wants, and teaching the angels how to make The Perfect Daiquiri.

Last month we visited Disneyland to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my trip there with my Mom. We had the honor/privilege of dining at the ultra-exclusive Club 33. I ordered a daiquiri there, in her honor, placing the order the way I remembered she would: "I'd like a daiquiri made with fresh limes - no lime juice."

And that's what I got. With a Disney twist. Which I know my Mom would've appreciated. Because, as you can see, they're FRESH limes.

Love you, Mom (who just showed up,by the way. As I'm writing this, "In My Life" started playing on the radio. Followed by "Golden Slumbers")

Vintage Disneyland Rides! On Video!!! Hurry!!!!!!!!

http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/03/16/lost-disneyland-rides-a-video-gallery/

In an effort to being you only the choicest morsels of vintage Disneyana, I give you this splendid collection of videos of rides that have sadly gone on to Yesterland. Enjoy!!!

Nordstrom features Mary Blair "It's a Small World" designs!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/disney-small-world



I can't believe I'm writing up a blog post about Nordstrom's. It's fairly expensive and I don't' always go there for necessities, let's just say. But once in a while I will drop in for something special. Now I want to adopt a kid so I can drop in and buy these!

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of "It's a Small World" Nordstrom's children's department is featuring Mary Blair designs on a line of clothing. From the website:

We've collaborated with Disney to celebrate the anniversary with a collection inspired by artist Mary Blair's original, delightful mid-century artwork and evoking Walt Disney's belief that we're united in our love for children and dreams of a better tomorrow. Japanese Spring, the first installment of this limited-edition collection, is now available online and at your local Nordstrom store.

Now to develop my magical stretching machine which will turn these into adult-sized items!

I love this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0hNDaY78lA&feature=fvwrel

I love it more than any video I've seen in eons. I love it more than cheese. I love it more than a good caberlot.

But I don't love it more than Disneyland. But darned near. Because it's about Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth. In fact, I'll go as far as calling it a love letter to the place. If you're a Walt fan, if you remember Disneyland from the 60s or 70s, you'll flip over the footage.

Enjoy.

The Girl and the Mouse.

From the beginning of my Southern California chapter: Red felt pants with yellow patch buttons, stiff with age but fragile and barely able to hold themselves up. They stay in place because they formed around the tiny body they cover over the four decades. A robin’s egg blue bowtie stays shakily in place by a stretched out black band of elastic. Mickey Mouse, a vinyl doll version, bought on Main Street USA some forty years ago – he begged to join us on this leg of the Roadtrip and I almost acquiesced. But the fact that our clothing was packed tightly (one bag checked, one carried on, in an effort to save money i.e. That Elusive Thing) made the decision an easy one. It’s better to leave Mouse behind than to have Mouse get mangled by the baggage retrieval system at Orange County Airport (although I rarely worry about this particular airport, but you never know when the proverbial gorilla will kick the case across the floor and rap it against his cage bars). I can picture M. Mouse at my computer, watching for updates on Facebook, sipping from a little mug of black tea with milk.

Happy Oscar Sunday!

Well, nothing really connected with vintage parks was nominated this year, but "Toy Story 3" is a lock to win Best Animated Feature! And as we just came back from Disneyland, I feel it's appropriate for me to post this picture from the only film I know that's made more guys cry than women (my "Toy Story"-related crying jag was taken care of with "Toy Story 2" and Jesse and you know exactly what scene I'm talking about).



You'll never have a truer friend than Woody.