Holidays around the world

Today’s Back Issues calls for a different kind of introduction. This, as you may recognize, is the winter season. A time of gift-giving, feasting, and all around rejoicing. You have just crossed over to,… The Holiday Zone.

As much as we try to make the winter holidays about other things, it always comes back to being together with loved ones and remembering that we are all one people. In honor of the holidays of winter, I thought we would take a look at the plaques surrounding World Showcase, as each details specific festivities, stories, and histories of their respective country.

MEXICO
Beautiful candlelight processions, the happy sounds of children laughing, and the sweet smells of the season make Christmas in Mexico a magical, meaningful time of community. In Mexico, Christmas is called La Navidad and its main celebration in Las Posadas, which means “shelter.” During Las Posadas, Mexican families recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. For nine nights, beginning December 16, Mexican children dress up like the holy family and visit their neighbors as part of a candlelight procession. Beautifully carved Nacimientos (nativity scenes) are set up in different homes. The prayers and festivities begin when the procession of Mary and Joseph is welcomed in.

On January 6, the day the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem brining gifts to baby Jesus, Mexican children leave their shoes on the doorsteps in a special celebration called Dia De Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day). When the children awaken the next morning, they are delighted to discover wonderful toys and gifts in and around their shoes.NORWAY
Christmas is a festive time in the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” On Christmas Eve, farm animals are traditionally treated to the finest oats and barley. Birds are remembered during julenek, when they are offered large sheaves of grain placed high on spruce poles. After darkness it’s “lights out” as homes are illuminated by only the warm glow of candlelight.

An elf-like gnome named Julenissen lives in the woods and barns across the countryside. Julenissen is the guardian of ever family’s welfare, so children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft during the holiday period to than Julenissen.

On Christmas Day, many attend church before spending time quietly at home with family members. On Second Christmas Day, children celebrate julbukke by dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door for goodies.


CHINA
The story of Sun hou-kong, the Monkey King, is an ancient Chinese legend that tells an exciting tale of redemption and enlightenment. Sun hou-kong, a monkey raised by humans, became the Monkey King when he single-handedly defeated a horrific monster in his homeland. Then, the Monkey King acquired incredible powers when he cleverly uprooted a magic stick guarded by the Dragon King. With this magic stick and the ability to do just about anything, the Monkey King started to look for adventure and mischief. Buddha was not pleased with this abuse of power and decided to seal the Monkey King inside a mountain for eternity. The Monkey King quickly realized the error of his ways! Fortunately, a monk named Thang Seng believed in the Monkey King’s redemption and asked Buddha to release him. The Monkey King was then asked to join Thang Seng on a journey to India to bring back Buddha’s original teaching texts. The Monkey King proved to be a loyal comrade to Thang Seng. Like many holiday legends, this heartfelt story sends an important message of hope.GERMANY
The German Yuletide season is a magical time when friends and family celebrate together! Many of the rick customs and traditions of the season have been adopted all over the world.

It was Germany who produced the first Tannenbaum (Christmas tree). According to legend, while walking in the woods one snowy evening, Martin Luther was overcome by the beauty of the starlight sparkling on the fir trees. As the light from the heavens shone all around him, he was reminded of the star that shone on the night the Christkindl (Christ child) was born. He wanted to share this magic with his children, so he brought home a fir tree from the forest. He even fashioned a way to clip candles on the tree to make it look as though the branches were covered in glistening snow.

On Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), German parents secretly decorate the Tannenbaum with candies, nuts, glass baubles, and twinkling lights. A bell is rung, the Tannenbaum is presented, and the children race to open presents and snatch goodies from the tree.


ITALY
“Natale con I tuoi, Capo D’Pasquo con chi vuoi”

This old Italian verse truly expresses the strong feelings the Italian people have for the celebration of Christmas. It means, “You celebrate other holidays with whomever you please, but Christmas only with your own.” In fact, Christmas is often described as the warmest, most intimate Italian holiday because it is a special time when family members get together to enjoy age-old traditions. Children eagerly await the presents brought to then by a good-hearted witch called La Befana. She is the Christmas gift-giver who climbs down chimneys to fill good children’s shoes with treats. Naughty children may find a lump of coal instead! Unlike Santa Claus, who appears on Christmas Eve, La Befana arrives on the eve of Epiphany (January 6). La Befana supposedly wanders the countryside looking for Gesu Bambino (baby Jesus) year after year, and leaves gifts just in case she finds him. On Christmas Eve, a ceremony takes place around the Presepio, a nativity scene of Bethlehem. Then, after Midnight Mass, there is a cenone, which is a delicious feast of rich Italian food.KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is an African-American harvest and community festival that has its roots in the civil rights era of the 1960s. It was founded as a way of reaffirming African-American identity, instilling knowledge and pride in African roots, and reinforcing bonds among members of the community.

Kwanzaa is devoted to seven principles, known collectively as Nguzo Saba:
Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)

Although it was first observed solely by African Americans, Kwanzaa is now celebrated by an estimated 18 million people in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Britain, India, and some African nations.


JAPAN
O-Shògatsu, which lasts from January 1st through January 3rd, is the traditional Japanese New Year. It is a time for reflection, family, friends, delicious froods, and, of course, fun! An important New Year symbol and good luck charm for the Japanese is the Daruma doll, which has no pupils in its eyes. The custom is to make a wish and paint in the left eye. If your wish comes true before the end of the year, you paint in the other eye. The Daruma, which looks like a child’s punching doll, reinforces the concepts of patience and persistence. As the Japanese say, “Nana Korobi, ya oki” which means, “Knocked down seven times, get up eight.” Belling ringing is also a big part of the O-Shògatsu, and the Japanese New Year is announced by bell ringing at the Buddhist temples throughout the country. A special New Year’s decoration called the kadomatsu appears at the front entrance to many homes. The kadomatsu’s plum blossom, which grows even in cold weather, symbolizes hope for the New Year. Its pine branch represents everlasting strength, and the straight bamboo represents rapid growth. Everyone in Japan enjoys the spirit of O-Shògatsu and the symbolism and beautiful customs of the New Year.MOROCCO
Ashoora is a festive, music-filled day celebrated once a year throughout Morocco. Ashoora, which means “number ten,” is celebrated on the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic New Year. On this day, every household gives a certain percentage of its earnings to the needy. During the afternoon, families gather together for the Feast of Ashoora. Children are given gifts of new clothes, sweets, toys, and often a special drum called a taarja. Legend has it that the tradition of giving gifts to children began after Hussein, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, was killed in battle. Hussein’s children were given gifts to lessen their grief. For dinner, the whole family joins together to eat the traditional Moroccan lamb with couscous. One of the most beautiful traditions of Ashoora happens at sunset. From the largest cities to the smallest, bonfires are built on the streets by children who sing and dance around the fires for hours. From dawn to midnight, the people of Morocco celebrate the joy, color, and tradition of the fun-filled Feast of Ashoora!


FRANCE
The magic of Christmas can be seen everywhere in France. The shops and baraques (booths) along the beautiful boulevards are brimming with toys, glitter lights, and Christmas decorations of every imaginable kind. Children eagerly await Le Père Noël (Father Christmas), who will arrive on Christmas Eve to deliver wonderful presents. Most churches and homes have a beautiful nativity scene called a crèche, which is considered one of the most important symbols of Christmas to the French. Traditionally, candles are lit around the crèche; sometimes a special Yule log is also burned on the fire. After families return from Midnight Mass, they enjoy a feast called Le Réveillon, which consists of ham, goose, oysters, salads, cheese, champagne, and Bûche de Noël (a delicious cake in the shape of a Yule log). Children then set out shoes around the Christmas tree in great anticipation of Le Père Noël who will fill them with all sorts of goodies!UNITED KINGDOM
Many wonderful Christmas traditions originated in the countries of the United Kingdom. Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales each have unique holiday customs, and many of these have been shared worldwide. Well-known Christmas carols such as “Deck the Halls” and “Here We Come a Wassailing” were first sung in the United Kingdom.

The Christmas card tradition also began in the United Kingdom. In 1843, John Calcott Horsley sent a card depicting an English family brimming with cheer to his friend Sir Henry Cole. The original card caught the attention of a British giftbook company, which published a thousand lithographed copies and sold them for a shilling each.

Not surprisingly, the hanging of mistletoe is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest and most popular traditions, dating to the Druidic ceremonies of the winter solstice. Each time a kiss was claimed under the mistletoe, a young man would pick off one berry. The kissing would end when all the berries were gone!

For children, Father Christmas, with his long white beard, green robe, and crown of holly, is still treasured as the jolly gift-bearer who brings holiday joy to the well-behaved.


CANADA
From the waterways of eastern Newfoundland to the snowcapped mountains of British Columbia, the Christmas holidays hold special magic for the vast expanse of Canada. Although favorite traditions such as awaiting Santa Claus, trimming the evergreen, and singing Christmas carols are similar to those commonly found in the United States and Europe, Canada has many unique holiday traditions as well.

In some traditional Canadian homes, Santa Claus enlists the help of devilish creatures called Belsnickles to determine which children have been “naughty or nice.” The Belsnickles supposedly enter the hones of naughty boys and girls to cause mischief. Even Canada’s Inuit children are visited by mysterious creatures called Naluyuks who travel from house to house. The children must sing Christmas carols to appease the Naluyuks, who pound sticks on the floor before questioning the children about their behavior. When the children say they’ve been good (which they always do!), the Naluyuks open special gift bags full of wonderful presents.

In Quebec, Le Réveillon, a sumptuous traditional French dinner, is served after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

On December 26, Canada celebrates Boxing Day in honor of the ancient English tradition of giving filled Christmas boxes to the poor as well as to servants and tradesmen for their help during the year.

You may get wet

At Walt Disney World there is always something happening, somewhere, twenty-four hours a day every day of the year. This means that, occasionally, guests are disrupted. Whether it is a refurbishment of your favorite attraction during your one vacation in years or a crane in the background of your family portrait, it never feels good to have your immersion in the magic violated. Yet, we all know that these are necessary evils to keep the high Disney standard up.

Sometimes these interruptions can even affect the resort room you are staying in, as was the case in June of 1994. Port Orleans had to upgrade some water facilities in order to keep up with their energy conscious Environmentality policies, which required water to be cut off to the guest’s rooms. At least they were courteous enough to give guests some notice and provide assistance when needed.

MouseFest 2008 – There and Back Again

Thursday, 11 December 2008

My wife and I actually started our journey to MouseFest on my birthday, Wednesday night, as soon as she picked me up from work. We caught terrible weather all the way through North and South Carolina, but upon reaching Georgia the weather seemed to have lifted. A few hours later, and a three hour pit-stop at the Florida border (in which I didn’t get any sleep because I had just finished an energy drink), and we pulled up to Pop Century just in time for breakfast.

At check-in they told us our room was ready, at 6:30 in the morning! We grabbed our bags and headed to our room. I had received a text message from Doc the night before telling me his room number, and I quickly realized that we were in the same building, the 60s. I called him to make sure the number he had sent me was correct, and it was, Doc’s room was right next door to mine! We had booked different lengths of stay with different travel agencies, and yet, as fate would have, we ended up right next door to one another.

After I gave Doc a surprise wake-up call, and meeting his nephew, I packed up my geek gear and Aileen and I headed for the Magic Kingdom. The morning was spent taking photographs and researching articles I wanted to do for the Gazette, while trying to avoid the few drops of rain that had begun falling. We caught up with Doc and his nephew and the Nerdy Girls of North Carolina, and caught a couple of attractions together before the rains really started. I missed the MouseFest 101 meet because I was trying to stay under shelters and not get my shoes drenched in the deluge that was upon us.My wife headed back to the room for a nap, and I picked up where I had left off on my photographing earlier. I managed about half an hour’s worth of research before it was time to meet everyone for Dole Whips! Afterwards Glenn, Lou, and I waited about almost 30 minutes for fresh egg rolls at the Sunshine Tree Terrace. By the time they arrived, we had been told they were almost there three times, and so, we went to pay they said that the egg rolls were on the house. Free food always tastes best.I began to make my way towards Main Street to prepare for The Disney Obsession/Main Street Gazette Unofficial Rocking Chair Meet. I was able to secure two chairs, but every other chair was filled by a dedicated rocker. I would have been thrilled if more than Doc, my wife, Glenn, and I had showed up, but when Brian Fee, Ray and Enchanted Rose, April Baker, and others began to show up, well it gave me a sense of pride to know that our first time out we had gathered so many wonderful people, scratch that, friends in one place for a few moments.

Aileen headed out to dinner with my friend Elizabeth and the Nerdy Girls, soon to be known as Gazette Girls (sorry George), and so I was left with the boys and their cameras club for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. After taking some pictures of Main Street covered in lights and snow we moved on down to the Hub to finally get some of my own pictures of the Castle Lights. All I can say is wow! From there it was on to a couple of the shows, Holiday Wishes, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, and lots of cookies and hot cocoa before finally having to crash after two days of no sleep.


Friday, 12 December 2008

Another morning, another batch of fast and furious researching, this time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Aileen and I caught what was problem the best ensemble I have ever seen for Finding Nemo the Musical. In fact, they touched me so much, that I caught a tear in the corner of my eye once or twice. The remainder of the morning consisted of a few attractions, lunch at Yak and Yeti Local Foods, and as many pictures as I could muster. We caught up to Doc and his nephew and transported our group to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was sad to me in a way, because I love the time I get in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and I knew I was only going to get this half a day this trip.Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we immediately picked-up our glasses for the Osborne Spectacle of Lights. Aileen once again caught up with the Nerdy Girls and headed off for a drop on Tower of Terror. I took some more pictures, ran into our good friends, Glenn, Lisette, and Danny, and then made my way over to PodFest 2008.It was amazing to see all of these personalities in one setting. This was also an excellent opportunity for myself to get out, shake some hands, and really let people know who I am and why Disney means so much to me. Unfortunately, I have a hard time advertising for myself, and my shy nature kicked in rather quickly. Thankfully, my wife was a Public Relations major in college. She grabbed the business cards she had printed up for me and began making the rounds. I really don’t know what I would do without her. It was during PodFest that I finally caught up to Bryan Ripper for a moment. He and I didn’t get to talk long during MouseFest, but I am sure we’ll catch up again real soon. We had met back in April, and had been hearing each other’s names for the past couple of days, and finally got to say hello again face to face. After talking with Glenn, Bryan, Ray, Enchanted Rose, Greg, Lou, Lori, Lisette, Danny, April, and a multitude of other friends, Aileen and I headed out.We grabbed an early dinner at the ABC Commissary, a late showing of MuppetVision 3D, and then several dancing light songs on the Streets of America, which had been magically transformed by millions of lights. After a quick tour through the streets, we made a b-line to Epcot in order to attend the Mouse Fan Travel IllumiNations dessert party.

During the dessert party we caught up to several friends again. Ray and I talked for quite a while and then set up tripods in order to capture some magic in action during the show. Spending some time with Ray, a writer I have been impressed with since I first started reading Grumpy’s Hollow (and now the articles in Celebrations Magazine), was fantastic for me. I tend to get wrapped up in moments like that, with good friends, and so, thanks to my wife again, she reminded me there was good food to be had that I was not even touching.
After what was probably the best view I have ever had of IllumiNations, I began a whirlwind tour of the World Showcase countries at night, attempting to capture some of the great elements. Then it was back home to Pop Century for a few hours of sleep.



Saturday, 13 December 2008

Saturday was filled with excitement. I woke up early to attend the Passholder’s event at Downtown Disney’s World of Disney. My wife had a ten mile run to accomplish that morning, and my friends Elizabeth and Doc were, apparently, smarter than I, and backed out of attending. It was utter chaos! I feel like they had some great ideas (wristbands, separate pick-up for the free gifts, etc.), but that their execution was lacking (only one person handing out 1000 wristbands). I picked up a few items and headed over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Doc, his nephew, and I were horse-collared at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the break-down bug. Toy Story was running on a delayed opening with no time-frame as to when it would be up and running, a star speeder at Star Tours malfunctioned just before we boarded, and we had to take the chicken exit on Rock ‘n’ RollerCoaster after watching the lights all come on and the limo at the entrance to the tunnel be evacuated. Doc’s nephew and I were, well, let’s just say we were hesitant to get on an elevator at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. On the plus side, this morning jaunt did give us a chance to see Rock ‘n’ RollerCoaster with the lights on (my pictures either were blurry or caught a glitch and are showing up as invalid format now) and we were given re-entry passes, a rare piece of Disney paper that went straight into my collection.
From there we made our way to the Beach Club for the Mega Mouse Meet. So many geeks, so little time! That’s really all I can say about this fantastic get together. I finally got to catch up with my good friend Marissa, whom I hadn't seen since April. She later informed me of one of the more interesting moments I had during the weekend. Apparently I left the Mega Mouse Meet a little early, because as I headed back to Epcot just before the meet ended and I missed out on an XM Radio when they called my raffle number!At Epcot, I attended David Koenig’s NeverLands walk. This was a whirlwind tour of the World Showcase that never, or almost, was. Russia, Equatorial Africa, Spain, shows for Japan, Italy, Germany and many other interesting concepts were all discussed on this well-attended walk. More than once I heard friends that were bitter or saddened by the fact that some of these events never came to pass, sentiments I feel deep down inside as well.

Afterwards, more photographs in World Showcase. I was making my wife to my wife and the newly-christened Gazette Girls (sorry George), when I ran into Lou, Deanna, Lori, April, Ray, Enchanted Rose, and Glenn. Some hilarity ensued and, well, you can see the pictures for yourself…
I finally made it over to my wife, who wasn’t sure if she was in Germany or Norway (all this time with a Disney Geek, and she still gets lost), and we grabbed some pub fare at Yorkshire County Fish Shop before Lou’s Saturday Night IllumiNations Meet. This was probably the highlight of the weekend for me. One, I got to help out one of the men I most admire, but two, I got to talk to Deanna who offered me some sage advice and words of wisdom that I fully intend to follow. This was all happening, of course, with a few cocktails around and a few inside jokes shaking things up.

After IllumiNations everyone was heading over to Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk. I parted ways with the group at the International Gateway. My wife was going, but I knew I had a long drive ahead of me the next morning, and didn’t want to attempt it on no sleep,… again. As I made my way to the front gates of Epcot I had some time to reflect and realized that a lot of these people were fast becoming some of my closest and dearest friends, and that this, being a beacon in the overwhelming tide of Disney history and travel, is really what I want to do with my life.I slept really well that night, perhaps from exhaustion, perhaps from having a direction. Either way, it was the best sleep I had had in a long while.


Sunday, 14 December 2008

We woke up early to make sure we had everything packed, loaded up the car, and made one final trip over to the Magic Kingdom. We hopped the monorail to see the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian before heading into the park. A few attractions later, and a lot of goodbyes on the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station later, we turned the car north and headed for home. I wish we had had more time, and next year we will, but it one of the greatest trips I’ve ever had to Walt Disney World.

PLEASE NOTE: I did not get the chance to include links to all of the wonderful sites and shows my friends are a part of before I went to press with this article. They are all, however, listed on the side of the Gazette. If you are looking for someone site specifically, feel free to email me.

The background

The Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is encased by the backside of film facades. 2x4s and plywood with lights hanging from the ceiling still offer the working lot feel that Disney-MGM Studios once had. Yet, the interior is that of any coffeehouse in any corner of the country. The Writer’s Stop is also the location of one of the last surviving acknowledgements of Disney-MGM Studios.
As you make your way through the entrance, on your way to a carrot cake cookie sugar rush no doubt, there is a small counter with a few stools for dining patrons to sit and snack. Applied on all of the facades is the stencil “Property of Disney’s Hollywood Studios .“ Most of these have clearly been applied over the remnants of the previous “Property of Disney-MGM Studios” markings. Yet, below this small counter, hidden behind the barstools is a single stencil for Disney-MGM Studios. Though it may not last long once word gets out, it’s nice to know that a few touches of the original park still remain.

Oh, and yes, there are birds taking up residence within the shop.

Thank you for choosing Getaway

The Getaway Stagecoach Line is home to the Disney Vacation Club kiosk in the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Like every great advertisement, this poster for the Stagecoach Line promises a marvelous trip with all the comforts, conveniences, and regard one could ask for when traveling through the West. However, like every responsible consumer it is best to read the fine print.

We will not accept responsibility for acts by highwaymen, savages, being broken down or any unforeseen conditions that may result in being delayed or not arriving to your destination. We cannot be expected to notify next of kin in the event of a catastrophic occurrence or unexpected fatality.

Thankfully, I don’t believe these same provisions are in the Disney Vacation Club contracts.

Everything that's new

Earlier this year, Lou Mongello discussed possible changes coming to the iconic Disney’s Animal Kingdom logo on the WDW Radio Show. The emblem had long been the Tree of Life with a parade of real, extinct, and mythic animals marching along in front. From time to time, smaller version of this symbol would appear without several of the animals that had no home within the park. Last week, while perusing through The Dino Institute Gift Shop, I stumbled upon this shirt.Could this be the new emblem design that was hinted at on WDW Radio Show?

Trading in the animals of an animal park may seem a bit gauche, but, as in the wild animals are so hard to find. In those instances explorers may have to settle with only meandering through the animals' habitats. With that thought in mind, I like the new skyline design. Aside from the changes, there also seems to be a bit of history tied to this emblem. Everest rising beyond the Tree of Life is very reminiscent of the designs for Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the Happiest Celebration on Earth. As well, the badge rendition of this logo unifies a recognizable pictogram with the exploration ideas that Disney’s Animal Kingdom are founded on. So, in the end, the new symbol blends a little old with a little something new just as the park has entered into its second decade.

Coincidentally, if anyone out there is looking for a last minute gift for your favorite Gazette reporter, this shirt is definitely on my list.

Put up the tree

For the holidays the counselors and campers of Camp Minnie-Mickey have decorated twenty-two Christmas Trees along the winding trails of the camp. Some are generic to the rustic setting of the camp, while still others were clearly decorated by specific counselors or campers. Nemo, Mickey, Lilo, Donald, and Mulan may be easy to pick out, but others may require a little more thought and attention to the details. How many can you distinguish?

December 15, 1966

December 15, 1966

TO: All Employees
FROM: Roy Disney

The death of Walt Disney is a loss to all the people of the world. In everything he did Walt had an intuitive way of reaching out and touching the hearts and minds of young and old alike. His entertainment was an international language. For more than forty years people have looked to Walt Disney for the finest quality in family entertainment.

There is no way to replace Walt Disney. He was an extraordinary man. Perhaps there will never be another like him. I know that we who worked at his side for all these years will always cherish the years and the minutes we spent in helping Walt Disney entertain the people of the world. The world will always be a better place because Walt Disney was its master showman.

As President and Chairman of the Board of Walt Disney Productions, I want to assure the public, our stockholders and each of our more than four thousand employees that we will continue to operate Walt Disney’s company in the way that he has established and guided it. Walt Disney spent his entire life and almost every waking hour in the creative planning of motion pictures, Disneyland, television shows and all the other diversified activities that have carried his name through the years. Around him Walt Disney gathered the kind of creative people who understood his way of communicating with the public through entertainment. Walt’s ways were always unique and he built a unique organization. A team of creative people that he was justifiably proud of.

I think Walt would have wanted me to repeat his words to describe the organization he built over the years. Last October when he accepted the “Showman of the World” award in New York, Walt said, “The Disney organization now has more than four thousand employees. Many have been with us for over thirty years. They take great pride in the organization which they helped to build. Only through talent, labor and dedication of this staff could any Disney project get off the ground. We all think alike in the ultimate pattern.”

Much of Walt Disney’s energies had been directed to preparing for this day. It was Walt’s wish that when the time came he would have built an organization with the creative talents to carry on as he had established and directed it through the years. Today this organization has been built and we will carry out this wish.

Walt Disney preparation for the future has a solid, creative foundation. All of the plans for the future that Walt had begun -- new motion pictures, the expansion of Disneyland, television production and our Florida and Mineral King projects -- will continue to move ahead. That is the way Walt wanted it to be.