Thursday, May 29, 2014

A Few Questions With...Jim Korkis

by Keith Mahne

Today, we return to a VERY popular segment here on Disney Avenue called A Few Questions With... where I interview popular figures in the Disney stratosphere. Famous author, Disney historian and the "go to" guy on Walt and all things Disney for that matter, Mr. Jim Korkis joins us! I know you'll thoroughly enjoy Jim's responses and we want to extend a sincere thank you to Jim for his time. Without further ado, here now is A Few Questions With... Jim Korkis...

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Diamonds in the Rough - Hidden Gems of Walt Disney World

by Lindsey Allmon

It’s no surprise that Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and a slew of other attractions get pages and pages of press. The sentimental value of some and the thrill factor of others make big ticket attractions well known and well-traveled. But the Walt Disney World Parks have plenty of small time attractions that are unique and often a lot less crowded. Continue after the break for a new hit list for your next vacation...

Monday, May 26, 2014

Disney Avenue Welcomes Lindsey Allmon


Disney Avenue is very excited to welcome our newest contributing writer Lindsey Allmon! She has several interesting articles lined up for you and we are thrilled to have Lindsey be apart of the Disney Avenue community. Please continue after the page break and allow Lindsey to introduce herself...

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Love Is a Song: The Everlasting Power of Disney Songs

by Sam Vlas

I think I speak for many of you, dear readers, when I say that the songs of Disney are a great, big, beautiful part of the soundtrack of our childhood. Like smells, music is capable of letting memories resurface almost instantly. I often wondered what it is about the songs of Disney that captivates literally billions of people around the world. Continue after the page break and follow the leader in this musical mystery…

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Restored Home Movie of the Magic Kingdom from 1972

by Keith Mahne
If you're like me you enjoy peaking into Disney World's past by looking at vintage pictures. Being able to see history and compare it to what is now can be an enjoyable way to learn how the parks and resorts have grown over the years. To find a restored home video from 1972 in high resolution is another thing entirely. Continue after the page break and have a look for yourself...

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

What It's Really Like Playing Jack Sparrow at Disneyland

By Keith Mahne



Ever wonder what it's like playing Jack Sparrow in one of Disney's parks? Well now you'll get a REALLY good idea what it's all about in today's article. Continue after the page break for the scoop...

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Petition Picked Up by the Orlando Sentinel

by Keith Mahne


I wanted to share a recent interview I did with the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. Although the interview I did was pretty lengthy, only a small part appears in the article. However, our petition to save the Polynesian waterfall area is really gaining momentum and hopefully Disney will listen to our pleas. Our petition is nearing 2,000 signatures! Thank you for your help and support! Continue after the page break for the link...

Friday, May 16, 2014

Vintage Walt Disney World Pictures

by Keith Mahne

Once in awhile, I like to take a peak into Disney World's past by looking at vintage pictures. Being able to see that history and compare it to what is now can be an enjoyable way to learn how the parks and resorts have grown over the years. Today's article features several vintage pictures I have collected over the years that I think you may enjoy. Continue after the page break and let me know what you think...

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Ken Anderson – The Tenth Old Man

by Sam Vlas

One of my favorite Disney artists is Ken Anderson. While he doesn’t enjoy wide-spread acclaim like, for instance, Marc Davis, he contributed a lot to the films and theme park rides we know today as classics. Continue after the page break to find out more about Walt’s “Jack-Of-All-Trades”…

Sunday, May 11, 2014

The Disney Afternoon Story (Part 2)

by Sam Vlas



It’s time to dive into the second half of the Disney Afternoon and indulge ourselves in the nostalgia. Last time we looked at the beginnings and some great series, and now we’re going to look at the other ones that saw the light during this time. Let’s continue after the page break…

Thursday, May 8, 2014

E. Cardon Walker Tweeted Our Petition

by Keith Mahne

E. Cardon Walker re-tweeted a post on his twitter account about our petition to save the Polynesian waterfall. Although Mr. Walker passed away in 2005, his twitter account has several followers that helps us continue to get the word out there. After Walt Disney died in 1966, Mr. Walker became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. When Walt's brother Roy died in 1971, he became company President, serving under Chairman and CEO Donn Tatum. In November 1976 Walker took over Chief Executive Officer duties from Tatum while retaining the responsibilities of President. Finally, in 1980 Walker became Chairman of the Disney Board upon Tatum's retirement. Walker himself retired as CEO three years later, in February 1983, but stayed on as Chairman to oversee the opening of Tokyo Disneyland in Japan. As a top Disney executive, Walker played a major part in the early development of Walt Disney World in Florida. Epcot and Tokyo Disneyland both opened under Walker's leadership. His contributions culminated in his induction into the Disney Legends in 1993. Keep spreading the word as it appears to be working!! Continue after the page break for some good pictures of good ol' Card...

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

A Look at the Man Who Created the Polynesian Waterfall: Fred Joerger

by Keith Mahne

From the amount of signatures and comments we received on our petition, its obvious to see there is a lot of love for the threatened Polynesian waterfall. What better way to keep the fight alive then to tell you a little about the Disney Legend that created it. Imagineer Fred Joerger did a lot more then just create the beautiful centerpiece of the Polynesian resort though, he helped realize Walt Disney’s visions by building three-dimensional miniature models of Disney theme park attractions, as well as motion picture sets and props, before they were brought to full-scale life. Continue after the page break as we take a closer look at a true Disney Legend...

Disney Avenue Now on Facebook



Good News!!! Disney Avenue now has it's own Facebook page. From now on you can get our latest articles and share them with your friends. Feel free to post pictures, stories or anything Disney related you desire. You can visit our new page here. See ya'll on Facebook!!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Save the Polynesian Resort Waterfall



I have created a petition to stop the removal of the Polynesian Resort waterfall and need your help spreading the word. Walt Disney World president George Kalogridis announced recently that the Polynesian Resort will be refurbished to accommodate the Disney Vacation Club expansion project. Because of the increased traffic in the lobby the iconic centerpiece of waterfalls, pools and exotic flora will be removed. The removal of this beautiful centerpiece would be catastrophic for many resort guests and this petition is to let management realize the connection we all have with it in hopes that they will reconsider their design and create a new one that incorporates the existing waterfall centerpiece of the resort. Continue after the page break for more information...