Who Lives and Works on Main St.?

The tradition of Main Street windows goes all the way back to Disneyland in the 1950s. Walt and his designers crafted what appeared to be ads for second-story businesses above the Main St. shops, all as a way to pay tribute to those individuals who helped build the park and make it a success. That tradition continues today in all the Disney Parks around the world.

In Paris, you can find nods to everyone from Disney family members to the leaders and Imagineers who played roles in the park's 1992 opening. The windows in the offices of the Main St. Gazette (above) feature the names of Disney Legend Marty Sklar (who began his career creating the Disneyland News in 1955 and went on to lead Walt Disney Imagineering), Tony Baxter (the chief Imagineer on the Disneyland Paris project), as well as the names of individuals who directed the original marketing and publicity campaigns for the park.

There's also a window nearby for the Main St. Marching Band, honoring "Conductors" Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, the top executives at Disney who brought the resort to France. The window says they've been "Leading the Parade Since 1884," a reference to the year (1984) in which Michael and Frank joined the company.

Michael Eisner and Frank Wells had a very successful working relationship, one similar in many ways to the founders of the company. They're honored many places, but specifically on the window for Two Brothers, Inc. Roy O. Disney and Walt E. Disney are listed as Founders and Partners, Dreamers & Doers.

Some windows pay tribute to hobbies, pastimes and other elements from Walt Disney's life, like this shingle for the business office of the Carolwood Pacific Railroad. Carolwood Pacific was the miniature railroad Walt had built in his backyard.

It's not just Walt and his hobbies, though. Roy E. Disney, Walt's nephew, was a key executive in the company at the time of the Disneyland Paris opening. He was also an avid sailor, so it's appropriate that he's listed as Captain of Pyewacket Cruise Lines. Pyewacket is the name Roy used for a series of sailing boats he owned and raced over the years (the Disney-produced film Morning Light tells the story of one such race, the Transpac).

Main Street at Disneyland Paris is unique in that some of the windows, ads and businesses are also used to refer to characters or stories from Disney films and TV shows. Harrington's Fine China & Porcelains shop is named for Polly Harrington, played by Jane Wyman in the 1960 Disney film, Pollyanna. The movie is set in the same time period as Main St., U.S.A. In the story, Aunt Polly is the wealthiest woman in town, so it's fitting that the interior of the Harrington's shop is one of the most ornate on the street.

A window above the Market House Delicatessen promotes Digby's Messenger Service, a reference to Digby Popham, the character played by Michael J. Pollard in Summer Magic (1963). In the movie, Digby dreamed of leaving Beulah, Maine, and moving to the big city. Looks like he may have gotten his wish.

Right next door is Evans and Markham Advertising. This refers to the 1950s "Mickey Mouse Club" serials, "The Adventures of Spin and Marty." The main characters' names were Spin Evans and Marty Markham. (On a personal note: My son Evan got his name from Spin Evans, too. His twin brother, Riley, was named for Dexter Riley, Kurt Russell's character in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Yes, my wife and I are BIG Disney fans!)

One last window I'd like to share with you is that of M. Jones Electronics. I particularly love it, because it not only refers to a classic Disney film, but also carries forward the story of Main Street, U.S.A., and its theme of progress. M. Jones, of course, comes from The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, a 1964 comedy which starred Tommy Kirk as a "scrambled egghead" of an inventor (A sequel, The Monkey's Uncle, came out in 1965). Here, he's offering Edison Talking Machines, bringing the latest in early-20th century technology to the citizens of Main St.

All in the Family

One of Main Street's most celebrated residents is the owner of Lilly's Boutique, Miss Lillian Bounds of Iowa. You may know her better as Mrs. Walt Disney. Lilly's Boutique offers "Items for a Home Sweet Home," appropriate for this lady who prided herself on being a home decorator, outfitting not only the Disney's house in Holmby Hills but also the family apartment above the firehouse at Disneyland. Similar to that firehouse apartment, the "residence" above Lilly's Boutique also keeps a lamp burning - two lamps, actually - in honor of Lillian and Walt. (By the way, the 1901 on the building would have to refer to Walt's date of birth. Lillian was born in February 1899. That's right. Walt married an older woman!)

Lillian Disney had a love of antiques, and Lilly's Boutique is furnished with several fine examples (even if the merchandise selection is now made up of toys and traditional souvenirs). Throughout the space, you'll also find photographs of Walt and Lilly over the years, a wonderful peek into a little-documented relationship. After all, Lillian preferred to avoid the Hollywood limelight.

Beyond the antique furnishings, the boutique is also stocked with an extensive collection of antique jewelry and glassware, all a nod to Mrs. Disney's favorite hobby.

Lillian isn't the only family member acknowledged on this block of the street. Next door is the R.O.D. Bldg., for Roy O. Disney, Walt's older brother and business partner. The date on the building, June 24, 1893, was Roy's birthday.

Found at the southeast corner of this same block is the entrance to Walt's - An American Restaurant. Walt's isn't open every day or for every meal (In the photo below, the facade is being refurbished behind a decorative scrim). As a result, one of the main regrets I have from my recent visit to Disneyland Paris is that I didn't get the opportunity to dine here.

The lobby of the restaurant is adorned with photographs and memorabilia, telling the story of Walt Disney's life and career. Guests then ascend the stairs to a series of second-floor dining rooms, each decorated in a style inspired by one of the lands of the park: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland, Frontierland.

From the sound of it, Walt's provides a sort of Club 33 atmosphere, but one that everyone can enjoy. Oh well. Maybe on my next visit. As the French say, "à la prochaine!"

Town Square

Just as it is in the other Disneyland-style parks, Town Square is the municipal center of the town of Main Street, U.S.A. It's on the Town Square that one finds the railroad station, hotel, government offices, community services and some of the town's largest retailers. At the heart of Town Square in Disneyland Paris, however, is something not found in any other park: a bandstand.

A bandstand had originally been included in Disneyland's Town Square, but Walt Disney had it relocated before opening, as he felt it blocked the view of the castle. Here in Paris, where the castle and the rest of Main Street are scaled up considerably from their California counterparts, that was far less of a concern. The bandstand is a beautiful Victoria gazebo, offering both a great photo spot and a shady place for some afternoon entertainment.

In the southwest corner of Town Square is the entrance to the Arboretum. An arboretum is a place where a variety of trees are grown for scientific and educational purposes. Of course, here the entrance is a facade, offering a gathering place for guests. The trees beyond the "entrance" are actually those planted to help shield the views of other areas of the park.

Adjacent to the Arboretum is City Hall, a handsome building in deep shades of red, white and blue. Inside, City Hall features incredibly ornate carved moldings, a gorgeous "gas" chandelier, an original detailed map of the park and aerial photos of Disneyland Paris under construction.

For those who spend more time here than it takes just to get a question answered, there are many other things to discover. In one corner is an image of the document signed by Disney's Michael Eisner and French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac back in 1987, confirming the agreement for the creation of Disneyland Resort Paris. You'll also see pictures from the ceremony.

Elsewhere, you'll find a plaque from Tokyo Disneyland, congratulating the Euro Disneyland cast on their 1992 grand opening, as well as actual medal awarded to Walt Disney in 1935 when he was knighted in the French Legion of Honor.

City Hall also includes a pair of private rooms, where guests with more complex questions may be assisted in comfort. Each of these is decorated in a unique style. The first features prints of some of the concept art created for the park's Frontierland, Phantom Manor and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The second is a tribute to Walt himself, with photos of him at Disneyland, a portrait of Walt and Lillian on holiday and even a shot of the Main Street in Walt Disney's boyhood home of Marceline, Missouri.

Walt's Little Car

In honor of the 109th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, I have something fun to share with you today. Between 1960 and 1965, Walt commissioned four electric runabouts for use at Disneyland, primarily for escorting VIP guests around his park. Designed by Disney Legend Bob Gurr, the cars were replicas of a 1900 curved-dash Oldsmobile, complete with fringe tops and brass headlamps.

Two of those original vehicles (dark blue and white/green) are still at Disneyland and occasionally put on display. You might be surprised to discover, however, the whereabouts of the other two. The burgundy and the all white runabouts are actually being used daily in Florida at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

So the next time you pause to enjoy the antics of Otto Von Bonn Bahn, Evie Starlight or the other Citizens of Hollywood, take a moment to appreciate the fact that you're thisclose to Walt and a real piece of Disney history.

Weekend Trivia: Walt Disney

Walt Disney was born December 5, 1901. It was the beginning of what would be a truly wonderful life. Although Walt has been gone for more than four decades now, he continues to inspire millions around the world every day. In honor of Walt's birthday this weekend, our latest round of trivia salutes the man himself. How much do you know? Answers will be posted in Comments tonight. Until then... Good luck!

1) In what city was Walt Disney born?

2) What were the names of Walt's mother and father?

3) How many siblings did Walt have?

4) What were their names?

5) During what years did Walt and his family live in Marceline, Missouri?

6) Where did Walt start his first animation company?

7) In what year did Walt move to Hollywood?

8) What job did Lillian hold before marrying Walt Disney?

9) What was Lillian's maiden name?

10) How many children did Walt and Lilly have, and what were their names?

11) What was the name of Walt Disney's first grandchild?

12) On what date did Walt Disney pass away?

13) What was the longest title for an attraction in Disneyland history?

14) When did the One Man's Dream attraction open at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

15) Who sculpted the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse known as "Partners?"

Walt Disney Was Here

On the heels of yesterday's article about Walt Disney's proposed apartment in New Orleans Square (now the Disneyland Dream Suite), I started doing some more looking around in regards to the actual apartment Walt occupied above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A. I had written about it previously, but at the time I couldn't find everything I wanted to share. Well, look what just turned up:

Yes, that's me, although quite a bit younger than I am today. It was 1996, and I had been working for The Disney Stores. That year, I participated in the Stores' nationwide trivia challenge for Cast Members and managed to make it all the way to the finals, held at Disneyland. Nine of us (typically eight, but there was a tie that year) were flown to California from across the country for the game show-style competition. Before the big day, though, we were treated to special tours of Disneyland, the Studio lot and Walt Disney Archives.

As part of that exclusive tour, we had the privilege of entering Walt Disney's private apartment above the firehouse. When the door was unlocked and we stepped inside, I got goosebumps. It was one of those remarkable experiences that can't easily be described. For years, I had owned the August 1963 issue of National Geographic, featuring a cover story on Disneyland along with the photo below of Walt and his family in the apartment. Now, I was here, too. I never felt as close to Walt Disney as I did in that moment.

In the picture of me above, you'll see that there's a framed copy of the National Geographic photo just over my shoulder. I couldn't help but ask to have my own photo taken in that same spot, imagining Walt's conversation on the phone and picturing Lillian and the grandchildren playing on the floor. Even if I never get the opportunity to visit again, I will never forget what that was like.

Dreaming Down in New Orleans

When New Orleans Square was being built in the 1960s, Walt Disney envisioned a private apartment above the guest areas where he could entertain friends, family and business associates. Walt Disney passed away before New Orleans Square was completed, and the apartment idea was shelved. In 1987, the space above the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean was opened as The Disney Gallery. The Gallery operated there for two decades before moving to Main Street so Walt's vision of a dream apartment could finally be realized.

Opened in early 2008 as part of the Year of a Million Dreams promotion, the Disneyland Dream Suite brought to spectacular life the designs and plans originally commissioned by Walt Disney so many years ago. Imagineering artist Dorothea Redmond, who had previously done illustration and set design for films ranging from Gone with the Wind to Rear Window, produced a series of watercolors as design inspiration for the suite.

Today's Imagineering team went back to those designs and recreated them as closely as possible. The sitting room (above and below) is the first room of the Dream Suite guests experience. Decorated in a French Provincial style inspired by the New Orleans surroundings, the room has been plussed with some unique Disney touches.

There's a full-size carousel horse at one side of the room, as well as wall paintings of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and the Chateau Chenonceau in France, the real-world inspirations behind the look of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The castle itself is seen in silhouette on the fireplace screen, behind which a faux flame sparks with magical fireworks. Those who really know their Disney history will even appreciate the small mechanical bird in a cage on the mantle. It's a working replica of one Walt Disney purchased on a trip to New Orleans, inspiring him toward the creation of Audio-Animatronics.

Off the main sitting room are two bedrooms. The decor of the one closest to Adventureland takes its cue from that exotic realm. At bedtime, a special "kiss goodnight" effects show transforms the room into a tropical paradise as mermaids appear in the painting above the bed and a familiar pirate ship silhouette soars across the face of the moon.

The Adventureland bedroom connects to the other side of the Dream Suite by way of an open air patio. The patio is especially beautiful at night, illuminated by Chinese lanterns and the flickering glow of fireflies (more Imagineering magic, of course).

The other bedroom in the suite draws inspiration from Frontierland, with dark woods accompanied by model trains and ships. A copy of Peter Ellenshaw's iconic painting of Disneyland hangs above an antique cast-iron stove.

As with all the rooms of the suite, details abound. Take this chandelier, for example, complete with spurs and sculpted bison... not to mention the distinctive Disneyland "D" on each gas key.

Hidden Disney elements are everywhere in the Disneyland Dream Suite. The "kiss goodnight" moment in the Frontierland bedroom sends the model trail chugging along the ledge, bringing to life the model vignettes seen there. One of these vignettes depicts a small band beside a sign labeled "ISIGNEY." This is actually a reference to Walt's family origins. The Disneys' earliest known relatives came from the village of Isigney on the northern coast of France. The name "d'Isigney" (of or from Isigney) was later anglicized, becoming "Disney."

Of course, the best known Disneys today are the brothers Walt and Roy. Their initials can be found in the ironwork (recently enhanced with gold leaf) of the Dream Suite's balcony, overlooking the Rivers of America.

It's a spectacular view and one of the best places in the park to watch Fantasmic! It's too bad neither Walt nor Roy ever got the chance to take it in themselves.

The Year of a Million Dreams has since ended, but the Disneyland Dream Suite still hosts the occasional guests, typically winners of a sweepstakes or other promotion tied to the park.

Fire House 105

Located on Town Square at Disneyland is the Fire House, a must see for any true Disney fan. Inside, the location is dressed with props and details that tell the story of an early-1900s fire department. Front and center is an authentic hose and chemical wagon of the period, the very same Horse-Drawn Fire Wagon that carried Guests up and down Main Street back in the '50s. It's been out of service since 1960 (essentially replaced with the Fire Engine pictured below), but was restored and put on display here in the mid-'80s.

Back inside the Fire House, you can find the original horse stalls and a fireman's pole. The space in the ceiling where the pole would continue to the upstairs quarters was once open, but has long since been filled in.

As most of you reading this blog are likely aware, Walt Disney kept an apartment above the Fire House on Main Street. He would often stay there when visiting the park during construction and in the early years.

The apartment was decorated in the gaudy Victorian style by Walt's wife, Lillian (seen here with Walt and several of their grandchildren, in a photo from the August 1963 issue of National Geographic).

The apartment has been maintained just as it was when Walt Disney passed in December 1966, and only the occasional tour or visitor is granted access. The light in the window, however, is always on as a reminder that Walt is still with us. His spirit will forever be alive and well at Disneyland.