Dispatch From Disneyland
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Left of Main Street would be the land of progress. This would be Walt's first take on bringing his two dimensional visions of a better future into the 3rd dimension. Here within futuristic buildings people would encounter tomorrow's technologies and other thrilling visions. Hopefully they would leave enthusiastic about the future, a feeling Walt retained from his trips to World fairs.
Finally, behind him, Walt saw an incredible fairy tale castle straight out of his classic movie - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. (The idea for Sleeping Beauty was yet to come.) Through the castle millions of children, and children at heart, would pass. Each family would relive their memories of Disney's greatest animated films. This connection between Disney's film and theme properties would help form the experience that Walt wanted to become central to each visit to Disneyland. This synergy would encourage families to return to the park to relive each new movie as it came out and revisit the old classics. A connection that continues today
Eventually citrus groves gave way to dirt, and then to construction, but still Walt continued to walk the site. His attention to detail was famous. For instance, if a tree was too big, wouldn't fit the theme, or would block the view of some building that Walt wanted but hadn't been constructed yet, he knew and would have the tree replanted, moved, or just chopped down.
The famous 'Footsteps' photo (although it was probably staged too) shows Walt taking one last walk through the castle just before opening Disneyland for the first time. Walt continued walking the site, suggesting improvements, and envisioning new attractions and shows, up until his death.
With Walt's death in 1966 the world lost one of its brightest stars. But in his honor a light glows in the window of his Main Street apartment. This light serves to remind us, not only cast members but guests as well, that his spirit is present to watch over us. That we should take care of his park so that its vitality and wonderment be preserved for future generations and so the lessons Walt wished to provide can be extended into all our tomorrows.
-- IndigoDispatch from Disneyland: Memories and fantasies woven together to create whimsical tales that can happen any day at Walt Disney's magic kingdom. Through Indigo's dispatch you can experience some of the wonderful moments that make Disneyland such a magical place.
Dispatch from Disneyland is posted on the first Wednesday of each month.
The opinions expressed by Indigo, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted October 4, 2000