The Ferris Wheel Walt Disney Never Wanted At Disneyland

[@jwaire]

I actually think there's something kind of charming about Main Street USA hosting a fair. Autumn fairs are such a staple of middle/southern America.

[@David-in-SLO]

say what you will, but this provided guests with more entertainment, more to see and do - something the Disneyland Resort could learn from today

[@blazedlikeamf]

I was going to say the same thing. While it may miss the mark, it was bold, it was unapologetic and they went all out. Disney today has none of those traits.

[@jwaire]

The Eisner-level of effort put into this promo is actually kind of commendable. They don't even put this much effort into Christmas at Walt Disney World anymore. If they did, it would be locked behind a pay wall.

[@vanillac0keh3ad]

Its insane that disneys gotten so creatively bankrupt that people are romanticizing the eisner era lol like they really have gone so low

[@javiercortes5232]

​@@blazedlikeamf Umberto Eco's has a comment on your opinion

[@sonofthor3759]

Hey Brickey! Thank you for covering this! I was working at the Sunkist Juice House on Main Street during this time in 1987-88. Walt Disney had tried a circus theme decades prior that was not successful and like you said Michael Eisner was trying his best to appeal to his son. I remember there being conversation around how Walt tried this before and it failed, why are we doing it again? The 80s seemed to spawn multiple celebrations throughout the year. Donald’s Birthday, Mickey’s Splashdance, the Totally Minnie Celebration, etc. If I remember correctly, the first installment of the carnival idea was the Circus Fantasy Celebration where I particularly remember the Great Wallinda Duo… A high wire & trapeze performance that took place on Main Street. Which evolved into the State Fair Celebration, that then turned into the Disney Afternoon celebration… starring DuckTales, the Gummi Bears and others. Maybe an urban legend, but I seem to remember some upheaval around the demeanor and difficulty in working with the circus performers contracted from outside Disney and not working well with the Cast Member Entertainment performers internally. Thank you for this memory and for all the detailed content that you create.

[@HeyBrickey]

Wow. Thanks for sharing this ❤️

[@brianmunk5282]

Yeah, definitely upheaval from the circus performers. Disney Afternoon wasn't for a few years after State Fair, tho. Blast from the Past and Part Gras happened in between.

[@carljacobsen4481]

I loved the Sunkist Juice house. Mmm

[@rrsaga]

You guys were lucky. The only circus we did was at Epcot in the 80s

[@mickeylumbo8789]

Both Circus Fantasy and State Fair were temporary (never intended to be permanent) events, like the recent Pixar Fest event. Billy Hill and the Hillbillies got their start at the pig races. I loved State Fair and Circus Fantasy was ok. Family friendly and the kids loved it. I enjoyed both.

[@JBX302]

15:38 The intersection of Brickey the historian and Brickey the designer. Classic. Excellent video. Again. (Love the hat.)

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks bud!

[@brianmunk5282]

As someone who started working ar Disneyland in 1989, I remember this as part of the general gossip. My animosity was reserved for the Circus Fantasy event, which brought very umm... not Disney personalities into the park to interact and lowkey shock guests with a rough vibe. Blast from the Past reset the expectation and Party Gras exemplified what this sort of event could be with infectious, joyous music and energy.

[@jennytaber71]

Party Gras was a level of excellence that I don't think Disneyland has been able to reproduce.

[@TimNoel2]

I've lived in Southern California (Riverside county) my entire 43 years of life, I've been to Disneyland hundreds of times throughout my life, including in 1987-88, yet I have NEVER heard of this state fair concept before. Or maybe I knew of it as a child, but I've just blocked it from my memory, I don't know. But either way, this was quite a thorough, well put together video Brickey.

[@JaneMachado-nz3ob]

Wow, how do I remember NOTHING about this?! I am loving these deep dives into Disney marketing events, good and ... not so good. Keep 'em coming, please.

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks, Jane. I have many more of these marketing stunts on the list. I love diving into these wild events, and I am glad you do too.

[@rrsaga]

It was only in California so the hype didn’t generate in all so probably why not many know. We had story book circus after the fact in Florida so it was a bit understandable

[@FunAtDisney]

I did experience State Fairs Days at Disneyland, including riding the Ferris Wheel at the hub. It was…a unique experience for sure but I am glad I was there to see it. And I can CONFIRM there was indeed a Ferris Wheel back the Big Thunder Ranch because I rode that as well. That fit in much better because the whole area was set up like a small country fair with game booths and I believe one other small kid-ride. And I have to say riding that one at night with the Disneyland Railroad train going by was really a neat experience. I remember it felt very peaceful because it was quiet and not a lot of people. It really did feel like you were at some small town country fair.

[@Qenton]

That fall I was working around the clock to get the Rodger Rabbit video game out the door for the Christmas window. I had to laugh because I never heard about ANY of this until now. Nothing, even though I was doing work on a Disney project at the time.

[@alancranford3398]

I missed this because I was in the US Army and stationed in West Germany. I was kind of busy at the time. Thanks for bringing this bit of Disney history to light even if it wasn't a winner at the time.

[@shashona3084]

Such a wild concept. That's an epic hallmark hat you've got available in your store. Happy to add that to my collection.

[@Ladraoeminglescommiopia]

Just looking at the thumbnail makes you wonder: who thought this would be a good idea?!

[@edstrong597]

Another great video, I think this video can put things in perspective when we complain about what Disney does in the parks today. I think it also shows how Walt was head and shoulders above others. Keep up the good work.

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks

[@nzjonty]

What an incredible part of Disney history and an insight in to come of how we got to where we are today. Thanks Brickey

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks!!! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@markapuan]

OMGoodness!! I almost forgot about this!! When I saw this, I thought to myself, what in the world just happened!?! It's one of the weirdest oddities of a day at Disneyland. I almost forgot about it. If it wasn't for the ride fest blitz, my buddy and I usually embarked on our visits, we might have thought we were somewhere else.

[@markapuan]

Also, side note, RAD was and is still such a classic cult movie for those of us who loved to ride BMX bikes and wanted to try our own hand at HellTrack like Cru Jones!!

[@HeyBrickey]

I went to the RAD theatrical re-release last year and it was so great to see it on the big screen with a room full of fans!

[@markapuan]

@@HeyBrickey now that would've been epic!! I wore out my VHS tape of RAD

[@sunnybearify]

So glad you're back! Missed you a lot! You're my friend and hero!

[@jamesl1130]

I like how the Magic Kingdom skyway abruptly stops, as if it says: "how did I end up in this video?"

[@HeyBrickey]

That shot is in there to show Eisner's campy approach and perspective.

[@charliemacsart]

6:22 Liver Lips/Romeo in a kissing booth is hilarious! Honestly, this state fair seems pretty charming, especially just as a temporary thing.

[@sunnybearify]

I love these historical videos be! Thank you so very much!

[@keyman6689]

I was a cast member at the time. One thing I will never forget is hearing guests telling their children they couldn't play any more carnival games because State Fair was taking all their money. I didn't like the promotion for that reason. It was a black mark on the Disney magic you actually go to Disneyland for.

[@nolongerhuman7138]

I have video of this somewhere but when I was little I only remember one Ferris wheel. I remember the parade and the game booths but none of the rest, though I was only five. Thank you for going over this as it brought back a lot of memories with my family.

[@AmyDunham-q5s]

Another great video Brickey! WOW can you imagine if they placed a Ferris wheel in front of the train station and also in front of the castle today? City hall would have a line wrapping all the way around the park with guests saying what the hell? Have you all lost your minds? It actually gives me more hope that today Disneyland has enough guests with Walt’s vision and appreciation that have a watchful eye on our beloved park. ❤

[@patfixsen7884]

One of the best events at Disneyland was late 80’s or early 90’s Jazz Festival. They had Buddy Rich at the Carnation restaurant, Orleans band at Tomorrowland stage, Kinesis jazz group at the Tomorrowland Terrace, and headliner Spyro Gyra at night on Tom Sawyer Island. It was fantastic!

[@TheTrumpReaper]

I used to HEART Spyro Gyra. I dunno how I could have missed this.

[@richardmauerhan9743]

I recall seeing this “briefly” as a local. As a longtime stockholder, the Eisner era included two or three cow patties for every gold bar. The company grew tremendously, but I still wince at the misfires. Around 1998-99 Disneyland was in very very bad physical shape due to no repainting above the first floors. I was at the 50th celebration on July 17, 2005. There was a huge cheer when Bob Iger was introduced to crowds in the hub. When Eisner was introduced a band started playing to drown out the roar of boos.

[@kennypoppa1]

How in all that is Disney have I never known of this gloriousness? !

[@Michaeland]

Thanks once more Brickey friend - I’m sure you know all about them doing this schtick all over again with the 1950’s themed “Blast for the Past” promotion, looking forward to that episode. Cheers.

[@juanitajones6900]

I loved the "Blast to the Past" stuff.

[@Michaeland]

Welcome back, thank you. Just diving into this one and from the first frame, I have my own photos from here, that funky carousel on the plaza that year.

[@ckbarry]

Absolutely bonkers and amazeballs. 🤯🎉👏 That is some wild stuff. The pig races, the logging competition, just wild. Did the Wizards of Rad spin off into Wizards of Waverly Place? This was great. And a child’s ticket for $16.50? On the same ad there was a pretty sweet hotel deal, which now is about the price of parking at the DL hotel. 🤣 And thanks to “blurred lines” I now have an epic ear worm. Nice job!

[@HeyBrickey]

Great point on that hotel deal!!!! 😂

[@anthonypecorara]

Hey Brickey! Welcome back, I’ve missed you!

[@HeyBrickey]

I'm glad you're here! Thanks for watching.

[@jetsons101]

This would be great to do this for 5 or 6 weeks in late summer (minus ferris wheels) AND people do need to eat more vegetables. Disneyland today needs to get back to its PATRIOTIC roots planted by Walt himself. I hope the Lumberjacks didn't drink the water when they fell in the Rivers of America. Great watch of the one and only original Disneyland....

[@lmsarmiento]

87/88 was my senior year in H.S. (in nearby Long Beach). Being so busy, I managed to miss all of that, thank goodness. With that said, thank you for doing your documentarian magic with this, less this is lost to posterity.

[@jennytaber71]

Thanks Brickey, this video unlocked a memory that I'd completely forgotten about.

[@theleastofpilgrims3379]

I remember that fair fondly from my early childhood, especially the beautiful Ferris Wheel. For me, that was the apex of Disneyland, because you still had all the classic rides like the Peoplemover, Skyway, Missjon to Mars, etc, with the only exception of Adventures Thru Inner Space, but Star Tours was in its original form a truly great attraction, probably better than its precursor.

[@chrismurray6606]

More stories around the parks during the first 10 years of Eisner. Some highs and lows. Do a story on Pogs!!!! Great work! Amazing video finds and as always great storytelling.

[@powerpup97]

I was actually around during the State Fair but vaguely remember it. I only remember seeing the Ferris Wheel in the plaza and the parade, but none of the other stuff you mentioned here. Though after seeing this video, I guess I lucked out on all the stuff I missed. It sounds like the State Fair was basically the polar opposite of what Walt wanted Disneyland to be!

[@TheDesignRescueShow]

I still have the pin from that event. The year before was themed "Blast to the Past". They had a cool new theme at the park every year back in those days.

[@HeyBrickey]

Those pins are pretty cool. I saw a bunch on eBay while researching. Blast to the Past is on the list, that one... oh boy!!!

[@kenpace8089]

Brickey, got my sweatshirt and t-shirt today, they are great! Saw the hat, paused the video, and ordered it also. Very cool merch, keep up the great work!

[@HeyBrickey]

Hats are here sitting on the shelf, will be going out early next week so you can get maximum holiday vibes!!! Thanks Ken!

[@SamCarter-e5v]

Awesome video. Loved seeing my Cartarsauce Theatre footage. I always group State Fair with Blast to the past and Circus Fantasy, loved those "off season" attempts to bring in the locals.

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks for sharing it with the world. You had some really great shots that helped tremendously. I loved that shot of the guy "picking up" Roger Rabbit and moving him out of the way!!! LOL

[@cindywright4989]

@@HeyBrickey

[@aw76587]

Wow! My vague memories of visiting the park at that time with relatives who were from out of state makes sense now! I couldn’t remember where we went with pig races the same day as Country Bears and Autopia. I had no idea they did this State Fair theme. Probably why our relatives came to visit. Thanks for highlighting this. I will say I remember it being a very fun day!

[@HeyBrickey]

That's amazing this helped you piece together an old memory ❤️

[@eliasmertens9313]

Awe! I kinda love this! I think I would’ve contained this festival to the Main Street USA section but this is actually so cute! I would’ve loved to visit during the State Fair at Disneyland!

[@PupRiku]

As a Brit, I'd have LOVED this. Perhaps it could have covered less of the park, but I've not experienced a State Fair so it would be fun mixing it with Disney.

[@ktaxtell]

I totally remember this. Its one of my first Disneyland memories. I even have a button from it still

[@fuelishmedia]

Great video! Though I can account for seeing the diving show in person. I remember it clearly as I was on my dad’s shoulders and it was the first time I had seen high dives. What I remember most is the divers scaling the tower and making no splash in the pool.

[@tanyaradcliff9824]

Thanks for this. What a fun memory. Also, where have you been. We were a little worried.

[@juanitajones6900]

Will you do a video on Disneyland's "Blast to the Past" event? Now that was something I had fully enjoyed.

[@judithcampo8822]

Really enjoyed this video. I still have my souvenir State Fair pin.

[@derekwalls61]

Hey Brickey, I went to disneyland several times a year during this time. I loved the parts that were in frontierland, but hated the parts everywhere else. The year the wheel was at big thunder ranch, it actually worked. I loved the show/pig races there as well. The lumberjack show paved the way for fantastic, showing the entertainment division that a show there could work.

[@HeyBrickey]

If you have any photos, you should share them. It took me hours to dig up some of this stuff, and some I never found. Happy to take you back down memory lane!

[@derekwalls61]

@HeyBrickey somewhere in all my stuff, I have the maps and the entertainment schedule, I might have pictures, I will have to look.

[@MunstersGoHome]

-All 50 Miss America State title holders, as well as Miss America herself made appearances during State Fair. Each state got at least one day in the spotlight, and each title holder road the float with Mickey in the State Fair Parade. Also in attendance were state government officials - mayors, senators, etc. -Captain Zoom wasn’t there during either State Fair events, but he was there for Circus Fantasy ‘87. That’s why there isn’t a net over Main Street during the State Fair parade. -The divers were weekends only, if I recall correctly. They were there during the entirety of State Fair ‘88. -The airship rarely happened due to weather. It was an early morning event, and dewy, foggy weather usually halted the airship from flying. The accompanying float with Launchpad McQuack, Orville the Albatross (from The Rescuers) and State Fair Dancers would still go out.

[@HeyBrickey]

Interesting. Captain Zoom was 100% used in all the State Fair marketing, but don't worry-Circus Fantasy is on the list of future projects. Thanks for sharing your insight!

[@gmore620]

I have to admit. I kinda like this. Disneyland is modeled after a small town in nostalgia USA, and every small town USA eventually hosts a fair or carnival of some kind. So if done property this could work today for a couple weeks during summer in my opinion.

[@omarrios788]

Great video! I remember this gimmick very well but didn’t know it made an appearance twice. You should do one on the “Blast to the Past” promotion. I wonder if that one was just as lackluster

[@HeyBrickey]

All of those wild seasonal events are on the list!

[@ronanderson172]

It seems to me, that in the category of ideas never dying at Disney, many of the elements from the State Fair were incorporated into DCA 1.0.

[@toddclark699]

I visited Disneyland's State Fair celebration and rode the ferris wheel near the castle. I was 17 then and I thoroughly enjoyed the event and playing the games. Back then people were not so obsessed with the Disney cult of personality like they are today and we saw it as more to do.

[@mistyluvr]

I loved this event. I worked there during this time in entertainment. I liked the atmosphere. A lot of life. I had fun.

[@chicochrish]

Another great video!

[@feliciteacup]

in all my years of researching disney park history and extinct attractions i have NEVER heard of disneyland having a ferris wheel, i feel like i'm looking at footage from an alternate universe

[@HeyBrickey]

@@feliciteacup I felt the exact same way when I stumbled on to this. It feels insanely Un-Disneyland

[@juanitajones6900]

I must admit that I vaguely recall the State Fair '88 celebrations. I didn't bother to watch the Pigmania show, but I don't remember the ferris wheel. I wasn't unhappy to see it all go.

[@pizzaking7878]

I remember that Ferris wheel, and the Blast from the Past theme from the late 80's where everything was made to look like it was from the 50's.

[@hey_rosie]

I remember this! Later that year “Blast to the past” the 1950’s/80’s mayhem.

[@crazybird199]

Wow I've never heard of this one. Absolutely sounds like something Eisner would try indeed.

[@HeyBrickey]

He had a lot of crazy ideas.

[@CharleneCTX]

In addition to Ear Force One, there was a Donald Duck hot air balloon although I don't remember it's name. We used to fly hot air balloons and these were some of the earliest special shapes.

[@briandavis6898]

The lumberjack show looked kinda cool

[@EPCOTNERDLovesDisney]

WOW.... I actually NEVER knew this. Hmm... maybe if they bring that ferris wheel back.. it could be a very successful attraction for Lighting Land Multi-Pass! Lol

[@Dustarhymes]

Glad to see you back, we missed you. Hope everything is ok.

[@mcqueen133]

Brickey, I know that you have the walt disney zip-up hoodie, but I was wondering if you could release a pullover hoodie version. I have a problem with the zippers and my beard getting caught in it a lot. I have bought the shirt and the new Hall-Mark Hat. I love that you share the history of Walt Disney Parks that I have never even heard of and I am always eager to watch each video released.

[@HeyBrickey]

No plans to make a pullover but thanks for the suggestion.

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

it actually sounds like a fun idea for a short time.

[@karebear3152]

wow... those ferris wheels feel like a direct and excessively disrespectful slap in the face at Walt. How dare you, Eisner. How dare... Eisner had a lot of good things, but he had SO MANY poor decisions too... I mean, let's be honest though, nobody's perfect, not even Walt was perfect. What a strange era for DLR though.

[@HeyBrickey]

I do enjoy that Eisner was always swinging for the fences.

[@DaveTaylor-g4x]

We attended both years. The first year we got in free because we entered our classic Ford in the car show in the Disneyland parking lot. It was a lot of fun, and I have pictures!

[@JosephYesh]

Lol... I was a senior at Corona del Mar HS in Orange County, CA, just 30 mins away from Disneyland and I don't remember any of this, with the exception of RAD & Roger Rabbit. 😆

[@HeyBrickey]

Rad is all you need to remember 😂

[@JosephYesh]

@HeyBrickey 😂

[@Michaeland]

Yet there is Walt’s circus tent in fabulous 50’s footage. It failed fast. (like saucers rides, sometimes they don’t learn)

[@Michaeland]

Oy, tractors, DCA1 anyone? What was Eisner thinking? This is one reason of many that the America park also failed.

[@rrsaga]

And NOW we have a Ferris wheel in California adventure, so there’s that.. Eisner leaves a mark regardless

[@Gold-Standard]

I can't confirm that there was high-diving daily at State Fair, but I wouldn't doubt it either. In 1982, Pier 39 in San Francisco hosted a high-diving exhibition. The setup looked exactly the same and they held 3 performances a day. Perhaps the reason you don't see video of it is that there was not really much to see. A diver climbed the high ladder (that was fun because it built up the tension) until he was just a dot, then tower leaps through the air for a couple of seconds and the tiny splash resulting from the necessary physics of this stunt would not be seen (although it would be heard) in a pool higher than your head. Of course the crowd roared when the diver showed his head over the edge of the pool and waived. It was the thrill of the dive and knowing that it was a "death defying stunt" that attracted people, not the visual. If you wanted to capture it on film, you needed to be elevated and at least 50 feet away, which, again, doesn't leave you with much to see.

[@HeyBrickey]

It's an odd setup to not let people see the "payoff"

[@Gold-Standard]

@HeyBrickey Agreed. But it was still popular in the 80s.

[@boossersgarage3239]

Wow, sure glad I missed that....

[@jimhelfrich6641]

Great story!

[@pedrocortes5973]

I can't wait for the 70th anniversary of Disneyland

[@MrSTONEking]

The ferris wheel in Big Thunder Ranch is where I rode it. A photo negative exists of it as proof. Bare with.

[@ArVeeNiner]

Hey Brickey! We took our then 2 year old son to this in 1987. We still have our State Fair 87 button. We didn’t go because of the event, we just stumbled into it. All my wife and I can remember were the carnival games. We don’t remember any of the others stuff. I’m going to have to go through our home videos. We do have positive memories of it. I personally liked it because it was different. You mentioned a couple of times about Eisner making Disney cool just to impress his son. I’ve never heard this. Is this just your opinion or is there some evidence of this? If this is true this would be a pretty reckless way for a CEO to operate. I wouldn’t want somebody like this running my Crown Jewels!

[@torresongs2]

I worked at Disney during this time and I have no memory of this

[@rickroberts4848]

Hey Brickey, does Roger Rabbit still make appearances in the park? I loved this video and wish I could see this or a similar gimmick in the park today.

[@KensanOni]

This was a bad year for my family. While I remember the logo for the Fair, we just couldn't make a trip out there for a lot of different reasons. While I do love state fairs, I do think I am kinda happy that we were going through a family crisis and we didn''t end up going.

[@HeyBrickey]

I love this comment. You are a true Disneyland Citizen ❤️😂

[@jeffmixson412]

I rode that ferris wheel many many times. I miss the State Fair.

[@Sarlat6]

I remember this. My first ever visit. Next year it was Circus I think.

[@Michaeland]

It was all wrong for Disneyland, but I had a very funny time at those pig races.

[@stevepaul1190]

@heybrickey Off Disneyland topic, but by chance did you voice over a video for the Formula 1 website? I’m a big fan of that racing series and just watched the introduction to F1 video and instantly recognized the narrators voice as Hey Brickey (I’m pretty sure!) If it was in fact you, great job!! 👏🏻

[@HeyBrickey]

@@stevepaul1190 yeah that was me! Good ear 😂

[@stevepaul1190]

Love it!! After watching so many of your videos, your voice is very recognizable. Wondering how you got that gig? 2 of my favorite things coming together-F1 and Hey Brickey-what could be better! 😀😀

[@HeyBrickey]

@ I do voice over work and I’m friends with the studio that did the animation for that project.

[@stevepaul1190]

Sweet! I love the animation in that video. It was so well produced and is a great basic intro to anyone curious about the sport. And your narration is spot on and goes so well with the video! BTW, do you follow the sport, and if you do, do you have a favorite team or driver?

[@lordsjaak]

well Disneyland Paris did also have a ferrieswheel but in old windmill style. how ever that is close and is only food stand.

[@SafetySpooon]

There is NOTHING *wrong* with a temporary themed entertainment. Why NOT a State Fair? The parks do holiday themes - why not this? Especially since they went all out with extra entertainment.

[@davyannajones]

Does California not have a State Fair?

[@sunnybearify]

If I was a kid and saw that fair instead of Disneyland, I would have cried! The fair belongs at Knott's not Disneyland. Not ever!

[@PoweredLaces]

Hey Brickey! 🍿

[@ka7hqp182]

Directly within view on the wall beside me is our picture besides a Disneyland State Fair 87 sign. In one of our photo albums is our Nevada Sticker from the fair at Disneyland also. A time when you could just drop in and actually enjoy the park for only the admission price. Sorry to break your heart, but it was a very fun time.

[@quakercarlos1]

great video

[@troystaiger6154]

Trial and error, is what DL what it is today!

[@ptorq]

I don't think Disney was opposed to State Fairs. He probably would have had An Opinion about the carney booths, but the State Fair part of it I think he'd have been fine with.

[@djthereplay]

I get it. It failed so much that it materialized and it happened successfully. This is why you never believe what talking heads say about anything including Disney because they love to make it about what they think it is versus what it really is.

[@millcity9711]

Disney's state fair? More like Eisner's eyesore...

[@HeyBrickey]

😂

[@Nerdygirlrenee]

I remember the State Fair!

[@DocDoccus]

Disneyland. Come for the magic. Stay for the pig races. UGH.

[@torresongs2]

You should do a video about the ill fated circus parade

[@HeyBrickey]

On the list.

[@seancatherall31]

I don't think the characterizations of the 1988 "State Fair" promotion in this video are quite accurate for a number of reasons: 1. The title calls it a "failed experiment" while the narration admits the author does not know whether it met the company's objectives or not. Considering the Disney Parks & Resorts are currently among the Disney Company's most profitable divisions--if not THE most profitable division--I believe the history of Disney Parks & Resorts should be considered a model of marketing, operations, and business savvy. (Full disclosure: I do not work for, nor have I ever worked for, the Disney Company.) 2. When it comes to criticizing anything on the basis of "what Walt would have done", that's impossible to know. The man is dead. He said so many contradictory things and acted contrary to his own rules of thumb so often, anyone who claims to know what Walt would have done is trying to sell you something. That includes book authors, KZbinrs, and the Disney Company itself. 3. Walt considered Disneyland to be a place for experimentation, to try new things, and to give the people what they wanted. He was an entertainment and experiential populist. He never wanted Disneyland to be a museum or to become stagnant. He said so himself. And he, himself, kept adding and changing things. He, himself, saw to it that there were promotional events that took over the entire park, which were televised year after year, regardless of the theming of lands. Christmas events, pancake flipping tournaments, parades, music festivals, and dance parties took place from 1955 through today. Here's one example of Walt hosting these events: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4rSg2yqr5ynidU. 3. In the category of "Walt's rules for Disneyland": Walt broke what people consider to be his "sightline rules", "overlook rules", or "oversight rules" for the park when he built the Skyway in 1956 (one year after park opening), and the Monorail and the Matterhorn in 1959 (4 years after park opening). You and I may not like what the original buildings look like from above. Walt didn't seem bothered by it. 4. Also in the category of "Walt's rules for Disneyland": Walt broke what people consider to be his "theming rules" regarding "carnivalesque entertainment" in November 1955--within four months of opening day! He opened the Mickey Mouse Club Circus in Fantasyland. (See Los Angeles Times, November 25, 1955.) You and I may not like Ferris wheels and circus tents. Walt didn't seem bothered by them either. He created an alternative to Ferris wheels and circus tents, not because he didn't like them, but because he thought people who want to play together as a family and who don't trust greasy carnies deserve a place.

[@Teletran35]

I'm a Disney Worlder and never knew of this.The giant Mickey Balloon and a Giant Donald version fly over Disney World.I have been many photos of the and not over DL..Plus there is another photo ofthe Mickey Balloon flying near the World Trade center.As for the barn flaot I didn't know ir came from DL..They not only use the float for MNSSHP ..MMVMCP and the Easter parade at easter to

[@HeyBrickey]

Heading to WDW this week videos to come from your slice of the magic.