Kenversations™ Archives

Kenversations� Archives


Jack and the Bean Counters - Ken Pellman (1/17/2013)
Ken reviews the memoir of former Disneyland President Jack Lindquist, In Service to the Mouse.

TEA Party 2012 Takes over Disneyland Hotel - Ken Pellman (3/22/2012)
Ken reports on last weekend's Themed Entertainment Awards held at the Disneyland Resort featuring personalities and accomplishments from the world of themed entertainment with Disney well represented.

The Summer That Wouldn't End - Ken Pellman (11/30/2011)
Former Cast Member Ken Pellman goes back 15 years to the Disneyland of Summer of 1996 - the summer that lasted all the way to Thanksgiving as Disneyland had one of its busiest years ever.

Ray Sidejas Retires - Ken Pellman (10/6/2011)
Ken Pellman looks at the career of Ray Sidejas, only the second person to lead Disneyland Custodial operations, who retired on September 30th after 46 years at Disneyland.

Blackstone Wants to Unload Universal Orlando - Ken Pellman (3/23/2011)
Ken looks at all the ramifications of Blackstone's desire to sell their stake in Universal Orlando including all the parties (Disney?) that could be interested.

Lynn and Ken Present: The Buzz on CircleVision - Ken Pellman and Lynn Barron (9/7/2010)
Ken and Lynn take a look back at the history of one of Disneyland's oldest spaces - the Circlevision Theater.

The Passing of Roy E. Disney - Ken Pellman (12/16/2009)
Ken Pellman discusses the importance of Roy E. Disney and his passing.

Splash Mountain Turns 20. I Miss its Show Producer, Bruce Gordon - Ken Pellman (7/15/2009)
One of the first guests to ride Splash Mountain Ken talks about the attraction as it turns 20 and its great Show Producer, the late Bruce Gordon.

Disney at the 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival - Ken Pellman (5/7/2009)
Ken reports on Disney related events at the recently held 10th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival including the screening of �the boys: the sherman brothers story�.

Is That a Hidden Mickey on Shamu? - Ken Pellman (3/17/2009)
Ken looks at the possible buyers - including Disney - of the Anheuser-Busch theme parks including Busch Gardens and Sea World.

DCA Snow White 70th Anniversary Event - Ken Pellman (11/19/2007)
Ken Pellman reports on the November 16th special event at Disney's California Adventure to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Snow White.

Kenversations: Memories of the Disney Gallery - Ken Pellman (8/7/2007)
Ken tells why he thinks the closing of the Disney Gallery at Disneyland is a sad event and takes a trip down memory lane.

Kenversations: A Modest Proposal…For Anaheim - Ken Pellman (5/18/2007)
Ken looks at the situation with Disneyland and Anaheim and gives his modest proposal for solving it.

Kenversations: Disney’s Changing Playing Field (Part 3 of 3) - Ken Pellman (2/20/2007)
Ken concludes his three part series taking a detailed look at Disney's recent history and competition in theme parks, animation and other areas.

Kenversations: Disney’s Changing Playing Field (Part 2 of 3) - Ken Pellman (2/14/2007)
Ken continues his three part series taking a detailed look at Disney's recent history in theme parks, animation and other areas.

Kenversations: Disney’s Changing Playing Field (Part 1 of 3) - Ken Pellman (2/12/2007)
Ken begins a three part series taking a detailed look at Disney's recent history in theme parks and animation.

Kenversations: Disneyland 35th Anniversary Celebration (Part 2) - Ken Pellman (6/29/2006)
Part Two of Ken's extensive look back at Disneyland's 35th anniversary.

Kenversations: Disneyland 35th Anniversary Celebration (Part 1) - Ken Pellman (6/27/2006)
Part One of Ken's extensive look back at Disneyland's 35th anniversary.

Kenversations: Expanding Holiday Season at Disneyland Park - Ken Pellman (3/23/2006)
Ken looks at the history of the holidays at Disneyland and a fan DVD that celebrates them - Holiday Time at Disneyland.

Kenversations: Light Magic - Ken Pellman (2/23/2006)
Ken remembers the Annual Passholder Light Magic preview and reviews a DVD that chronicles the evening.

Kenversations - Ken Pellman (11/14/2005)
Ken tells what he'd like to see from the new Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Kenversations - Ken Pellman (10/11/2005)
Ken returns to LaughingPlace.com. He's gotten married and honeymooned in Walt Disney World, and his return column has all the details.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (12/3/2004)
In his last column has a bachelor Ken writes "Disney Eye For the Bachelor Guy"

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/26/2004)
Ken looks at the history and demise of the Disney Stores.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (9/21/2004)
Ken looks at the future - and past - of Disneyland's Submarine Voyage.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (8/26/2004)
Ken asks the question "Is the Walt Disney Company an Evil Corporation?"

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (8/3/2004)
Ken talks about some of his favorite subjects including theme park safety, Weird Al and Star Wars.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (6/28/2004)
Ken talks about the AFI Top 100 Film Songs of All Tmie and his favorite songs.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (5/25/2004)
Ken catches up on recent Disney news and shares a very< important announcement.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (4/15/2004)
Ken discusses some of Walt Disney's unique talents.

Kenversations™: The Mouse After Michael Eisner, and Vice-Versa - Ken Pellman (3/22/2004)
Ken tells you what kind of leader Disney needs.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (3/8/2004)
Ken recaps a pivotal period in Disney's history.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (2/19/2004)
Ken analyzes the Disney-Henson deal.

John Hench Remembered - Ken Pellman (2/6/2004)
Ken remembers longtime Disney artist and Imagineer John Hench who passed away on Thursday.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (2/4/2004)
In light of the Pixar split, Ken argues for Disney looking inward for creativity instead of outward.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (1/22/2004)
Ken looks at what could've been.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (1/13/2004)
Ken announces the new website for one of the premiere Disney publications.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (12/30/2003)
In his final column of the year Ken looks back at 2003 in the world of Disney.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (12/11/2003)
In light of the Roy Disney / Michael Eisner happenings Ken gives a brief history of the Eisner-Era Disney.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (11/25/2003)
Ken takes another look at the state of animation.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (11/13/2003)
Ken reflects on the Disney Decade and remembers that sometimes, things change.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/29/2003)
Ken once again addresses Disney theme park pricing.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/28/2003)
Ken on some local Halloween fun and other odds and ends.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/16/2003)
Ken Pellman on the loss of Leon Janzen, co-publisher of The E-Ticket Magazine.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/9/2003)
Ken covers the 2003 THEA awards.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (9/24/2003)
Ken asks if Disney should change the pricing system for their theme parks.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (8/27/2003)
Ken talks about summer Disneyland memories.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (7/23/2003)
Ken wonders if Disney is neglecting some good business opportunities.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (6/25/2003)
Ken analyzes which lands should have characters from Disney's animated films.

Bob Hope's Centennial Birthday - Ken Pellman (5/29/2003)
Ken remember Bob Hope on his 100th birthday.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (5/28/2003)
Ken looks at the current situation with The Disney Stores.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (5/15/2003)
Ken gives an overview of and takes a look at the new Walt Disney Concert Hall

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (4/25/2003)
Ken discusses the role of a Disneyland Resort President.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (3/27/2003)
Does Disney Matter? Ken tackles that question and reflects on the departure of a long-time Cast Member and the death of an Imagineer.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (2/25/2003)
Ken reflects of the shuttle disaster and Disney's space connection.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (1/10/2003)
On the occasion of their 50th anniversary, Ken gives a brief history and a look into the future of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (12/4/2002)
Ken talks about the gloved one, King of Pop, Caption Eo himself - Michael Jackson.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/25/2002)
Ken tells you why he kind of likes Disney owning the Angels and Ducks.

Film Review: Tuck Everlasting - Ken Pellman (10/18/2002)
Ken reviews the new Disney live-action release Tuck Everlasting.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/1/2002)
Ken covers the 2002 Themed Entertainment Awards.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (8/28/2002)
Is there still a such thing as Disney Magic? Ken has the answer.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (7/29/2002)
Ken talks about theme park regulation, the industry, the business of Disney and much more.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (6/26/2002)
Ken tells you what he doesn't like about Lilo & Stitch and theme park safety measures.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (5/22/2002)
Ken talks about some odds and ends - Star Wars, attractions made into films and even a farewell to Jerry Dunphy.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (5/10/2002)
Ken tells the story of Arthur Holmson - a story you will want to read.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (4/8/2002)
Ken comments on the recent layoffs and changes in Disney animation.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (3/29/2002)
Ken discusses some the recent rumors of changes at Splash Mountain.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (2/28/2002)
Ken catches up on lots of recent news surrounding the Walt Disney Company.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (1/24/2002)
Are you an obsessed Disney fan? Has it gone to far? Ken discusses the topic this month.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (12/27/2001)
Ken looks at Walt's 100th birthday and how Disney did thie year upholding the legacy.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (11/29/2001)
Ken writes about Discovery Cove, IAAPA, and some place known as the Walt Disney World Resort

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (10/24/2001)
Ken takes a look at some Halloween traditions.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (9/26/2001)
This month Ken reports on Tony Baxter receiving the Themed Entertainment Lifetime Achievement award, the Country Bears, September 11th and the role of entertainment.

Book Review: Married to the Mouse - Walt Disney World and Orlando - Ken Pellman (8/27/2001)
A review of the new book Married to the Mouse - Walt Disney World and Orlando that takes an in-depth look at the strange relationship between The Walt Disney Company and state and county governments.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (8/22/2001)
This month Ken looks at the emotional subject of theme park safety.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (7/25/2001)
Ken speculates on what the Disneyland Resort's third theme park might be.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (6/27/2001)
Ken is all over the map this month - Layoffs, Atlantis, Disneyland, Walt Disney World and more.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (5/15/2001)
Is it time the Walt Disney Company reinvented itself? Ken has a plan.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (4/9/2001)
This month Ken has A Day in the Life of a Disneyland Cast Member - a detailed look at what goes on throughout on day as a custodial Cast Member.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (3/12/2001)
This month Ken looks at the new Disneyland Resort and talks about this year's Disneyland Cast Member Spirit Awards ceremony.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (2/12/2001)
Ken concludes his look at the animation industry.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (1/8/2001)
This month Ken continues what he started in his first column, a recent history of Disney animation.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (12/11/2000)
This month Ken looks at the history of Disney's Audio-Animatronics and how its use has dwindled in recent years.

Kenversations™ - Ken Pellman (11/13/2000)
In his debut column, Ken looks at a tumultuous time in Disney history when the Company could've ceased to exist and a mermaid helped put it back on a profitable, albeit controversial course.

Book Review: The Gospel According to Disney - Ken Pellman (2/15/2000)
Ken reviews a book that looks at the Biblical lessons to be learned from Disney's early animated classics.

Report: The Sherman Brothers Visit Disneyland Cast Members - Ken Pellman (12/29/1999)
Ken Pellman presents a short report on a recent visit by the Sherman Brothers to Disneyland for a book signing a little reminiscing. The Sherman Brothers are the songwriters for such Disney classics and It's A Small World and the Mary Poppins songs.

Disneyland Closes The Skyway - Five Year Anniversary - Ken Pellman (11/10/1999)
On November 9, 1994 Disneyland's Skyway, which had run for 38 years, had its last ride. This report, written immedietely after the closing, takes you back to that last night. On November 9, 1999, the five year anniversary of the closing, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World closed their Skyway as well.

Autopia: The Final Day and the Future - Ken Pellman (9/10/1999)
Ken Pellman files this touching report from the Cast Member closing of the Autopia. Also included is the complete Chevron press release, with photos and concept art, on the redesigned Autopia to open next year.

Review: The Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life - Ken Pellman (8/24/1999)
The Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life by Steven Watts is a text-like book on Walt Disney and his influence on, and from, the America around him.

The Original Splashtranauts - Ken Pellman and Bob Barber (8/1/1999)
Ten years ago Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland. But one month before the official opening five young men bravely went where no non-Cast Members had gone before.