Disleelandia

Ludwig Von Drake Disneyland Lunch Box

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

I love Ludwig Von Drake.
I love Disneyland.
I love metal lunch boxes and thermoses.
Put them all together, and you get this awesome lunch box and thermos from 1961!
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The illustrations are very stylized. In the image above, 3 of the new attractions opened just a couple of years prior are visible. We have Ludwig on the Matterhorn, with the Monorail and Submarine Voyage visible in the distance.
In the image below, we have Ludwig with a camera photographing the carousel and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Or maybe he’s spying on the folks at the cart?
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Around the sides we have Ludwig visiting individual lands. I am assuming the image below is Ludwig on Main Street U.S.A., but not sure why they depicted a raging fire. Not really something you’d want guests to experience.
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Ludwig taking a cruise in Adventureland… with the Tiki Birds? Did they come along willingly, or has he bird-napped them?!
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This next scene features pirates, but Pirates of the Caribbean is several years away from opening. This likely represents the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant, which was at Disneyland from 1955 thru 1969, when it changed to Captain Hook’s Galley when Chicken of the Sea dropped their sponsorship. The ship was a landmark until 1982. The sticker reads “Aladdin, School Lunch Kit “New Positive Lock”
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Finally we have Dude Ludwig in Frontierland. Not sure if the rabbit is a friend or there to trip him up.
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The corners and inside of the box are pretty scuffed, but the graphics on the box are pretty vibrant considering the age.
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The thermos is also in great shape.Ludwig is butterfly hunting in Adventureland.
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He should be wary of the Hippo, one of the most dangerous animals on Earth! Was he on the Jungle Cruise when he decided to just abandon ship? Where’s Disney security when you need them?!

There are more questions than answers raised on this lunch box!

Posted in Characters, Collectibles, Disneyland, Food, Merchandise | Tagged Aladdin, Characters, Collectibles, Disneyland, Food, Ludwig Von Drake, Lunch Boxes, Thermos | 2 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Who’s Afraid of the Song of the South?

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Author: Jim Korkis

Publisher: Theme Park Press (Editor – Bob McLain)

Type: Soft Cover

Pages: 276

Price: $19.95 US (Kindle $7.99)

ISBN: 978-0-9843415-5-9

Press Release:

Disney historian and best-selling author Jim Korkis is not afraid of the classic but forbidden Disney film Song of the South.

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So who is afraid of it?

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The Disney Company, as Jim explains in his new book Who’s Afraid of the Song of the South? And Other Forbidden Disney Stories, available now from Theme Park Press. In his book, Jim provides the first definitive account of the film, its history, its production, and the controversy that still surrounds it. Is Song of the South racist? Is it inappropriate for modern audiences? Why has Disney refused to release the film theatrically since 1986? Using a multitude of sources, including personal interviews with those who worked on the film, Jim examines every aspect of Song of the South’s troubled and troubling history: the problems writing the screenplay, the background of the live actors, how the animation was created, Walt Disney’s personal contributions, why the film remains controversial today, and every other aspect of the film you can’t but should see.

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The book features a lengthy foreword by Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Disney’s first black animator and storyman.

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Who’s Afraid of the Song of the South? isn’t just about the film. Jim also shares seventeen amazing — and equally forbidden — stories the Disney Company wishes were never told. You’ll learn about Disney’s sex education film, Walt’s plan for Mickey Mouse to commit suicide, Tim Burton’s depressed stint at the Disney Studios, Ward Kimball’s UFO obsession, Walt’s owl nightmares, the Disneyland Memorial Orgy poster, and lots more.

Jim’s authoritative but friendly and accessible style makes Who’s Afraid of the Song of the South? a treat not just for film buffs and academics but for Disney fans everywhere.

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Review:
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When I read books on Disney or Disney history, I usually end up learning a lot of things I already know, albeit in a new and/or entertaining way. So I’ve come to accept this and not judge a book to harshly for that fault. After all, I’ve read so many books on Disney by now that I challenge any author to surprise with me something new!

So in that regard, I have to say: ‘Thanks for the surprises, Jim!’ Mr. Korkis has put together a very entertaining book that connects all of the little bits of information you may already know about Song of the South, and adds them to a whole bunch of new stuff you don’t know. And context is everything, and is what this book delivers in spades!

If you’re a Song of the South fan (and who isn’t?) and like me are ready to march on Disney’s corporate headquarters to demand a BluRay release, you must read this book first!

But wait, that’s not all! The second section of the book (explained above in the Press Release) is just as entertaining. Suicide, UFOs and orgies. Need I say more?

Everybody says that ‘I couldn’t put it down’ when reviewing a book, but in this case, it just happens to be true! Jim Korkis is one of those writers who manages to get volumes of facts across while never losing sight of the entertaining value of the printed word.

Conclusion:

I don’t often give a book 5 out of 5 stars, but in this case, I’m going to. I can’t think of any way that this book could have been better. Pictures maybe? Actually, Jim’s writing is so colorful, pictures wouldn’t have augmented the book at all. Final words: Buy it!

I’d like to thank Theme Park Press for making me pay for this review copy

LOL – It was worth it!

Posted in Books, Education, History, Movies, Reviews | Tagged Books, Disney Historian, Education, History, Jim Korkis, Movies, Reviews, Theme Park Press, Who's Afraid of the Song of the South? | 2 Comments

Humphrey the Bear Vinylmation – Animation Series

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

While at Walt Disney World on our last trip, this Blog’s founder, Lee, asked me to pick up these 9″ Humphrey and 3″ Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore Vinylmations from D Street at Downtown Disney.
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Now, at $74.95, I thought I’d never get a 9″ Vinyl, but when I looked at it, and reminded myself, there really isn’t a whole lot of merchandise featuring Humphrey, one of my all time favorite characters, I went ahead and picked one up for myself as well! And it is a limited edition of 1200!
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Below, from the box, we see other limited edition vinyls from the Animation #2 Series.
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For readers unfamiliar, Humphrey and Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore featured in classic Disney cartoon shorts in 1950s and 60s, often pitted against one another or Donald Duck as a hapless tourist. You can find Humphrey today on the Totem Pole at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and on signage around Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.
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Despite the fact these are limited edition figures, I wasn’t keeping them cramped in their box, and liberated them. Their arms and head are articulated.

The cartoon being represented by these figures is from 1956 short cartoon, “Hooked Bear“, which can be found on the Disney Treasures set, “Disney Rarities: Celebrated Shorts: 1920s-1960s”.

By Disney artist Monty Maldova.

Posted in Animation, Characters, Figurines | Tagged Animation, Characters, D Street, Downtown Disney, Figurines, Humphrey, Limited Edition, Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore, Vinylmation | Leave a comment

BOOK REVIEW: Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men

The Flipbooks

Author: Pete Docter

Hardcover: 1408 pages
Publisher: Disney Editions; Gft Dlx edition (Mar 12 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1423151050
Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.7 x 17 cm
Shipping Weight: 2.7 Kg
Price: $60.00 US / $60.00 CAN

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Content:
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This box set of nine flip books pays tribute to Walt Disney’s original animators–the Nine Old Men: Les Clark, Eric Larson, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball, Ollie Johnston, Mark Davis, Wolfgang Reitherman, and Milt Kahl. Each flip book features an iconic scene from an animated Disney feature in its original line-drawn form, having been selected from among a wide range of films for great movement and classic characters. The films include Alice In Wonderland, Dumbo, Fantasia, Peter Pan, Bambi, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, and Pinocchio. Such iconic clips from the reel of Disney animation history include: Lady and the Tramp’s moonlit spaghetti dinner; Sorcerer Mickey’s ordeal with a horde of mops; and Thumper’s announcement that a prince has been born!

In addition to the flip books, the box contains a booklet providing additional information about the artists

Review:

This is a different kind of book set. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to flip through the nine books and to catch a glimpse of what an animator sees when proofing his work. But it’s a few minutes well spent!

Pete Docter obviously put a lot of love into this publishing project and it shows. The introductory booklet provides a wonderful insight into each of the nine men featured along with a ‘remembrance’ from a modern animator currently working for Disney.

We’ve all heard of Walt Disney’s nine old men, but now we can really get to know them!

Docter concludes the booklet with a section describing The Animation Process.

Conclusion:

Again, this is a very special book set, and as such won’t appeal to everyone. For the Disney or animation fan, it will be a welcome addition to any existing library. But it doesn’t take long to flip through it, literally, and so some may question the value at $60.00 US.

I would give this release a 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because of the value issue for the general public. And even many Disney readers may end up looking at it once and rarely again. But for the Disney fan, obviously it will rate higher!

I’d like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me this preview copy.

For more great Disney books, check out Disney Trivia from the Vault and Poster Art of the Disney Parks and A Disney Sketchbook.

Posted in Books, Cast Members, History, Reviews | Tagged Books, Cast Members, Disney Editions, Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney's Nine Old Men, Flip Books, History, Reviews | Leave a comment

Mickey Mouse as the Brave Little Tailor BOBBLE HEAD

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Dis-LEE

GUEST BLOGGER: NICK MAGLIO

This Mickey Mouse Brave Little Tailor Bobble Head was sent to me from my friend Lee, founder of this very blog:

It’s from an Upper Deck Disney Treasures Collectible Card Box Set which was released in 2003.

He stands 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) tall

My favorite Mickey is the Brave Little Tailor, and I really appreciate another great addition to my collection!

Now Mickey, don’t run with those scissors!

Posted in Collectibles, Figurines, Merchandise, Shorts | Tagged Brave Little Tailor, Collectibles, Figurines, Merchandise, Mickey Mouse, Shorts | 3 Comments

Walt Disney World Ceramic Cup

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

My wife spotted this cup on our last trip to Walt Disney World at a shop in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we immediately fell in love with it.
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For one thing, the colors perfectly match our kitchen. And then there is the awesome retro graphics.

The top is rubber and removable, and the straw, also, obviously, removable, is a sturdy plastic.

Even though it resembles a disposable cup, at $18.95, I promise this is not a cup that will be discarded after one use!

Posted in Ceramics, Food, Merchandise | Tagged 1971, Ceramics, Food, Magic Kindom, Merchandise, Mugs, Walt Disney World | 4 Comments

Vintage Disneyland Sign Logo Plate

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Gaylin

I don’t have much luck in finding Disney items in the thrift stores near where I live. Thankfully my sister has a good eye and finds treasures for me!

This was in my Christmas package from her. It is 6.25 inches across and in perfect condition, all the gold plate is still intact, no chips or cracks at all.

On the back she had left the price sticker from Value Village, a chain of thrift stores. $1.99 makes this an amazing bargain..

After carefully peeling the label off and washing off the glue, this is the Disney trademark:

I have no idea if the silk string on the back for hanging it on the wall is original, I do know I will put a new stronger string on it before I hang it up! My camera doesn’t do extreme close-ups so this is the best shot I could get of the label.

Although pricing individual Disney plates is quite hard, this is especially true of plates sold at the Parks, that aren’t part of a Bradford Exchange series or the like. I’m going to guess the mid-to-late 60’s or maybe the 70’s due to the fancy-edging style of the plate. I did also find this little bit of helpfulness on eHow:

Some of the most valuable collector plates come from the 1930s to the 1950s, and can be worth $50 to $100. Plates produced after the 1950s are still valuable ($25 to $50), though it is easier to find them in mint condition, which provides a lower overall value. The plates currently produced should be kept in mint condition and if the plates are part of a series, the whole series should be purchased to maximize the value later on. It is also extremely important to keep any certificate of authenticity that the plate comes with. This provides proof that the plate is not a reproduction or fake. It also adds value to the plate. Buyers looking for older plates should consider plates that come with the C.O.A., to make purchasing an authentic plate easier.

Posted in Collectibles, Disneyland, Merchandise | Tagged Collectibles, Disneyland, Merchandise, Plates, Value Village | Leave a comment

Mickey Mouse Paint Box with Space Theme

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

I recently received this paint box as a gift from my wife, bought from a thrift shop. She wouldn’t tell me what she paid, but says it is well below what comparable boxes are going for on auction sites. (Less than $13.00). For an in depth story of how she came upon it, please check out her post over at her blog, Disney Musings.
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Paint boxes are very collectable. I don’t have any others at this time, but have always thought the graphics were really wonderful and the colors vibrant.

There is no paint in the box, but it is in excellent shape, with no scratches or paint stains.

The inside features illustrations of the “Fab Five”, and Dopey.

This was an approved product of the Crayon, Water Color and Craft Institute, Inc., which insured art materials were not toxic. This company, originally formed in 1936, was renamed the Art and Craft Materials Institute in 1982.

Manufactured by Transogram Company, Inc. New York City.

A “Gold Medal” craft set. Nice!

So, here is the tricky part. What year was it manufactured? From what I can gather, it’s from the 1950’s. The Transogram Company, established in 1915, was a New York company until 1959, making such popular games as “Tiddledy Winks”, when it became incorporated in Pennsylvania.

As I mentioned above, these are very collectable, and are not cheap! But now I’m hooked, and will be looking for more reasonably priced boxes. If I acquire more, you loyal readers will be the first to know!

Posted in Artwork, Characters, Merchandise | Tagged Art and Craft Materials Institute, Artwork, Characters, Crayon Water Color and Craft Institute Inc., Dopey, Mickey Mouse, Paint Box, Transogram Company Inc. | Leave a comment

1960 Disneyland Metal Lunch Box and Thermos

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

In honor of the Disney Nouns Blog founder Lee’s trip to Disneyland, I thought I’d share this metal lunch box from around 1960, as well as a couple memories from my first trip.

This lunch box features several major attractions, The Matterhorn Bobsleds, Monorail, and on the opposite side, the Submarine Voyage, which all opened on one very memorable day, June 14, 1959!

In the picture below, you’ll notice a mermaid in the lower left corner. For the dedication of the new Submarine ride attraction at Disneyland, the opening ceremonies had several actresses portraying mermaids, performing a synchronized swimming routine in the lagoon. There seems to be conflicting information as to how long these live mermaids remained in the lagoon. As far as I know, there were never live sharks or other fish in the water!

The top, bottom and sides all feature a wrap around illustration of other attractions of Disneyland. Here we have the Disneyland Band marching up Main Street U.S.A.

Continuing into Frontierland. I’ve found information on actual stagecoaches being in Disneyland, but doubt that a team of horses ever came tearing through!

On to the Rivers of America and a look at the Mark Twain Riverboat.

And finally, around to the Sailing Ship Columbia.

The inside is pretty clean considering the age.

The thermos is actually my favorite part, featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Railroad and Main Street Station.

Much smaller than Walt Disney World’s Cinderella’s Castle, but to me, THIS is the most magical castle in all of the world, because this was seen and touched by Walt Disney himself. The first time I saw it in person, having grown up seeing it on “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” as well as other television programs, I got very emotional.