AUTHOR: Michael Bowling
Connecting with Walt: Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents

“Ever since I was a small boy in Illinois, I have had a great personal admiration for Abraham Lincoln,” said Walt Disney on the December 18, 1966, episode of his Wonderful World of Color television show. On a recent episode of Connecting with Walt, Craig and I explored how Walt’s patriotism and admiration of Abraham … Connecting with Walt: Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents
Connecting with Walt: ‘Call Me Walt’ by Jim Korkis

To understand a person’s accomplishments, you must understand the person. In his recent book, Call Me Walt: Everything You Never Knew About Walt Disney, Disney historian and author Jim Korkis shares stories about the people and experiences that influenced Walt Disney. This book is not about the animated characters, films, technology, and theme parks Walt … Connecting with Walt: ‘Call Me Walt’ by Jim Korkis
Connecting with Walt: Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland

“To the youngsters of today, I say believe in the future, the world is getting better. There is still plenty of opportunity. Why, would you believe it, when I was a kid I thought it was already too late for me to make good at anything.” – Walt Disney Walt Disney was an optimist. He … Connecting with Walt: Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland
Connecting with Walt: Disney Legend Eyvind Earle

Eyvind Earle was inducted as a Disney Legend in the category of Animation in 2015. Disney fans and film critics regard Evyind’s work on the 1959 feature film Sleeping Beauty as his most important contribution to The Walt Disney Studio and to the art of animation. To fully appreciate Eyvind Earle’s art and legacy we … Connecting with Walt: Disney Legend Eyvind Earle
Connecting with Walt at Disney California Adventure

Walt Disney is a part of Disneyland. This Magic Kingdom was his idea – his dream. Unlike his films, which were finished the moment the director yelled, “That’s a wrap!”, Disneyland would be alive and everchanging. A Park that reacted to its visitors, and a Park that Walt Disney could endlessly reimagine, innovate, and grow. … Connecting with Walt at Disney California Adventure
Connecting With Walt at Disneyland

I have many friends who have frequently visited Walt Disney World, but have not had the good fortune to visit Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom – Disneyland. I always look forward to taking them on their first visit to Disneyland and sharing the stories of the buildings, realms, attractions and people who made Disneyland a … Connecting With Walt at Disneyland
Disneyland’s Happiest Anniversaries on Earth

Editor’s Note 7/17/20: We thought we’d re-share this great piece from a few years ago today – on Disneyland’s 65th Anniversary! No one loves a party more than Disney fans, so much so, that Disney celebrations have typically continued for 18 to 24 months! As we look forward to the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland, let’s … Disneyland’s Happiest Anniversaries on Earth
A History of the Disneyland Hotel – The Happiest Hotel on Earth

Walt Disney’s Disneyland was almost an immediate success when it opened its gates to the public on July 17, 1955. In its first year of operation, nearly 4 million guests had walked down Main Street USA to the enchanted realms of Disneyland. About 41 percent of the guests had come from outside California, which is … A History of the Disneyland Hotel – The Happiest Hotel on Earth
Walt Disney and The Little Golden Books

Who has a Little Golden Book in their home? Do you have a favorite Little Golden Book? Does The Poky Little Puppy bring back fond childhood memories? It may surprise you to know the illustrations for The Poky Little Puppy were done by Gustaf Tenggren, a Disney artist who also rendered inspiration artwork for Walt … Walt Disney and The Little Golden Books