Have you ever wondered what I actually sound like? Well here’s your chance! Dave over at Dave’s Disney View has a podcast about the Mouse-in-Law. He decided to expnd a little and include an episode about Disneyland, so he asked ME to contribute! Click below for a link to the mp3 and be sure to visit DisneyPodcast.net for more of Dave’s great perspective.
Ladies and Gentlemice, I’ve recently become acquainted with a pair of advocates who deserve nothing less than full MYWTM support: the Anaheim Animatronic Hippo Conservation Society. Caitlin and Jeremy are working tirelessly to save the animatronic hippos found in the Rivers of the World (Jungle Cruise) and introduce them to a better life elsewhere in the park.
If you’ve ever ridden the Jungle Cruise you no doubt remember the part where hippos emerge from the water with their ears wiggling. Despite the lack of ANY scientific evidence that such ear wiggling is an indicator of aggression, these animals are shot at with cap guns. What a tragedy.
Now let’s be clear: the animatronic hippos of Disneyland are more than mere “robots.” They are gentle giants of the river, minding their own business wiggling their ears when set upon by careless Jungle Cruise Skippers who shoot at them while cracking jokes. JOKES!!
Ladies and Gentlemice, the slaughter of animatronic hippos is no laughing matter*. Please watch the Public Service Announcement here and consider opening your hearts to the hippos of Disneyland. They desperately need your support. Visit the Anaheim Animatronic Hippo Conservation Society website now to learn more about this worthy endeavor.
Today I went to see the flag retreat ceremony. There was a park-wide moment of silence, the 1st Division Marine Band played, veterans were honored, and people lined up on Main Street from the flagpole to the castle. Here’s the ceremony:
Adding some thoughts:
Sepember 11, 2001, was one of only three days in Disneyland’s history that the park was closed (the other two were the Kennedy assassination and the day before the opening of the 50th birthday). On the West coast, we got the news very early in the morning, before the park had even opened, so Disneyland remained closed. I know also that stranded travelers (due to cancelled flights) were accommodated at area hotels at no extra charge, and food service was also offered.
It was an awful, history-changing day for our country, and Disneyland also changed because of it, adding things like security and bag checking. But still, Disneyland has remained a happy, safe place for all those who come to visit and leave the cares of the outside world behind. I’m very glad Disneyland is here for us and that I got to spend my 9/11/2011 remembrance at this magical place.
So I’ll admit it–I wasn’t taking notes during my Lilly Belle trip, but fortunately I emailed our conductor, Vern, and he very nicely pointed out that I got some of my facts wrong.
Vern sets the record straight
From the horse’s mouth:
Although, Walt had always wanted a private car for his railroad, it wasn’t realized until almost 10 years after his death. Then a man named Ken Kohler, the Roundhouse Superintendent, from 1961-1990, suggested that the observation car be revived as a Bicentennial Car. The Grand Canyon, car #106 didn’t see much light in storage, but was a great candidate for change. Eventually an idea was spawned that resulted into the building of this elegant private railcar as it is today. In July 1974, Ken was successful in convincing the powers-that-be into returning the car to the rails as a swank Presidential car as part of the park’s bicentennial celebrations. In 1975, the observation car, known as Grand Canyon, was refurbished and converted. Under the guidance of Retlaw Enterprises (Walt’s personal company, which still owned and operated the railroad at that time) Bill Cottrell and Lillian Bounds Disney, Walt’s widow and the car’s namesake, the canary yellow-and-green “Grand Canyon” received a meticulous, two-year-long makeover into the beautiful, burgundy “Lilly Belle” began. The car [was] to be used by Disneyland for Club 33 guests when visiting the park or hosting important guests.
And as such, the kimono in the car was not a gift to Walt, who was already gone. Man, I just love learning all of these little facts and fun stuff, don’t you? Thanks Vern!
My Year With The Mouse 