The Fabulous Disney Babe
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Michael Broggie and Imagineer Tony Baxter
Saving Walt's Carolwood Barn was a mission to save part of my own childhood and to make sure that people would have a place to visit where the personal side of Walt could be learned and appreciated. The Barn offers an informal setting for speakers such as Tony Baxter, Ward Kimball, Ollie Johnston, Bob Gurr, John Cowles, and many others, to come and share their stories in Walt's "Happy Place." I think those who were there last Sunday to hear Tony Baxter understand that Walt's presence is very evident. It's that kind of special experience that makes the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society worthwhile. The fact that it's an all-volunteer Barn Crew, and the admission and parking are free, adds to its uniqueness. It's the only Disney attraction that is free and the only one personally owned by Walt that is open for public visits. This is due to the generosity of Walt's daughter, Diane, and grandson, Walter, through the Walt Disney Family Foundation. Just hearing comments of appreciation from guests visiting the Barn on each third Sunday in the month is all the compensation any of our Society members need. We consider it an honor to be associated with Walt through his family, and to preserve his memory and extensive legacy.
Fab: What's next? Another book?
M.B.: Yes. I have an assignment from Roy Disney to write an
historical accounting about a part of the company that has not been done. This is
rather amazing when you consider that there are over a thousand books in print about Walt
and the company. But then, until 1997, there hadn't been a book about Walt's love of
railroading, either. (Fab's note: No, he wouldn't tell me what it is...)
Fab: How can readers buy Walt Disney's Happy Place ?
M.B.: The book is available at Border's Books in Thousand Oaks by phone or visit and online at www.carolwood.com. We expect that it will eventually be at the Disney Parks.
(c) Michael Broggie
-- Fab
-- Photos by Chuck Oberleitner
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-- Michelle Smith
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-- Posted October 26, 2001