Disney Hodgepodge 5

Jack Spence Masthead

Today’s article contains another collection of unrelated odds and ends. Enjoy.

Los Angeles Airways

This next bit of Disney history is probably better known to those of you living on the west coast of the US rather than those of you living in the east. This is because it really didn’t directly involve Disneyland and was more of a local story. However, any true telling of Disneyland history can’t ignore the incident I’m about to discuss.

In the late 1940’s, Los Angeles Airways began offering the first ever regularly-scheduled helicopter mail service. As business grew, they started offering passenger service and by 1954 were whisking travelers between eleven heliports in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

Los Angeles Airways

Soon after the opening of Disneyland, Los Angeles Airways began offering daily helicopter trips between the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Disneyland Hotel. At that time, the Disneyland Hotel was owned and operated by Walt’s longtime friend, Jack Wrather.

Walt Disney & Jack Wrather

Even though the helicopter service was part of a Wrather concern and not one of Walt’s, Walt was still proud that Disneyland was successful enough to warrant this type of attention. Although difficult to make out, the next two pictures show Walt using Los Angeles Airways.

Walt & Los Angeles Airways

Walt & Los Angeles Airways

The helicopter service was a big enough deal to be showcased on the second Disneyland giant souvenir map to be published.

Disneyland Souvenir Map

If you look closely at this next picture, you can see the Matterhorn in the background. (Right side of the picture, next to the lamp pole.)

Helicopter and Matterhorn

In this next picture, you can see the Moonliner and the old Rocket to the Moon buildings in the background. However, I don’t know why the helicopter had landed in this spot. The heliport was located just north of the Disneyland Hotel, nowhere near Tomorrowland.

Helicopter Near Tomorrowland

Due to the sprawling nature of Los Angeles, getting to and from LAX can be a nightmare. Even in the 50’s and 60’s, Angelinos complained that it took longer to get to the airport than to your final destination. To help alleviate this problem, Los Angeles Airways joined with other companies to examine a possible solution.

The idea was to create a central meeting point somewhere within the LA area, possibly Union Station downtown. Passengers would be transported to this location in a “Skylounge,” a bus-type vehicle that would be pulled by a large truck. Once at the central meeting point, the Skylounge would be detached from the tractor and reconnected to the belly of a Los Angeles Airways’ helicopter. From there, the passengers would be carried above traffic to LAX.

Skylounge

Skylounge

The plan also called for the creation of a V/STOL runway (vertical/short takeoff and landing). This would serve shuttle flights scheduled to fly between LAX and this central meeting point.

A V/STOL was part of the initial construction of Walt Disney World and was positioned adjacent to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. It was hoped that air-shuttle service between Orlando International Airport and Disney World would become a regular event. Although this never happened, the runway was used on several occasions. The Disney World V/STOL still exists today and is used as a staging area for construction projects.

V/STOL

A “Skyrail” was also considered to transport guests between the airport and this satellite station. Does this sketch look somewhat familiar?

Skyrail

Nothing ever came of these ideas, and even if the plans had gained acceptance, Los Angeles Airways would not have been a part of it.

On May 22, 1968, a Los Angeles Airways helicopter leaving Disneyland for LAX crashed near the community of Paramount. All 20 passengers and 3 crew members were killed. Three months later on August 14, 1968, a second Los Angeles Airways helicopter crashed while on route from LAX to Disneyland. All 18 passengers and 3 crew were killed.

Helicopter Crash

All service to Disneyland was eliminated after the second crash. Los Angeles Airways struggled to remain in operation, but closed their doors in 1971 after it failed to reach a contract in which it would have been purchased by Golden West Airlines.

Comments

I have been writing for AllEars for almost eight years. During that time, I have received almost 11,000 comments from you, my readers. I would like to tell you how much I appreciate the kind words and praise you have showered on me. It is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Just so you know, I personally read every comment before it is posted. First and foremost, I am interested in what you have to say. I learn a lot from you. And occasionally you point out an error in my information (or my spelling). But I also have to make sure that no one says anything inappropriate before the comment goes “live.” I probably post 99.9% of what I received.

Overall, I never edit a comment. So if you send me an observation with misspelled words and bad grammar, so be it. That’s the way it’s going to be posted for all the world to see. I don’t have time to correct these. However, on occasion, I will pull out a slightly naughty word before I upload the comment, but this is extremely rare.

That point-one-percent of comments that I don’t publish is because it contains views of a controversial or political nature. I’m never going to publish these, no matter how well they are written. AllEars is supposed to be a fun place to escape, not a place to get bogged down in non-topic opinions.

Occasionally I receive a comment that has one or two offending passages. In these cases I will edit the comment before I post it. But if I do, I respond to the sender and inform them of what I have done. Then I give them the choice of leaving the edited comment published, or I will remove it entirely if they wish.

I know that some of my readers make it a point to read the comments on a regular basis. But most of you probably skip them entirely. After all, it can get pretty boring reading posting after posting of “Jack is wonderful.” LOL

However, I would like to suggest that each week when you read my new blog, to at least scan the comments from the previous week. Many times, the comments I receive contain great information that I forgot to mention. Or they offer an opposing opinion from mine, which is great. My opinions should never be taken as the “last word.”

If you don’t want to read all of the comments, just skim the paragraphs for a single line that says: “Jack’s Answer” or “Jack’s Comment.” Quite often a reader will ask me a question and I will answer it here. And lots of times these are fantastic questions with fantastic answers containing information you might not find elsewhere in my columns.

Now that I’ve told you this, please don’t inundate me with questions. Although I’m more than happy to answer the ones I receive, it’s all I can do to keep up with my blogs.  But seriously, I am willing to answer the occasional question and the answers can be interesting. But please, try the AllEars “Search” feature for those basic questions like, “How does the Disney Dining Plan work?” I don’t know and I don’t care. The questions I like best are the ones that relate to park history and details.

So there you have it in a nutshell of how I handle comments.

Shula Burger

I recently received a coupon in the mail for new hamburger joint located on Highway 192. Since I’m always interested in saving a buck, I decided to give the place a try. And I’m very glad I did. It was outstanding!

I usually don’t promote non-Disney establishments in my blogs, but in this case the eatery does have a quasi-Disney connection. You see, the hamburger joint is called Shula Burger and it is owned by football coach Don Shula, the same gentleman who runs Shula’s Steak House found in the Dolphin Resort.

Shula's Steak House

Shula Burger is located in a relatively new strip mall at 8124 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747 (Highway 192).

Shula Burger

The burger features a 1/3 lb. patty made from a blend of premium Black Angus beef, short rib, and brisket. Although the restaurant does offer several “gourmet” burgers such as the Wine Country, Southwest, French Onion, and The House of Blue, a basic burger is also available. The basic burger comes with standard toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, and such) but these can be upgraded with premium toppings like roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, gruyere cheese, blue cheese, roasted red peppers, red onion jam, double cut peppered bacon, and avocados. Beer and wine are also available.

Shula Burger Ordering Station

After you place your order, you’re given a table-tent number and asked to find a seat. Your meal is then cooked to order in a show kitchen and brought to your table when complete. And unlike other burger joints, your food is served on pewter plates. This is a nice change from paper.

Shula Burger Show Kitchen

The dining room is basic with some football references on the wall. It’s nothing to write home about but the restaurant isn’t about the décor, it’s about the food. Also found in the dining room are two sinks for washing up before (and after) your meal. Now you don’t have to visit the restroom for this basic task. Outdoor seating is also available.

Shula Burger Dining Room

Shula Burger Outdoor Seating

Here is a picture of the standard burger.

Shula Burger Basic Hamburger

Here is a picture of an order of fries and onion rings. Either of these is large enough to be shared by two.

Shula Burger Fries and Onion Rings

Shula Burger is not cheap, but it’s worth the extra cost to eat here rather than a big chain fast-food establishment. The burgers were outstanding as were the onion rings and fries. I couldn’t be more pleased and I certainly plan on returning soon. I highly recommend this establishment.

Having said that, would I recommend Shula Burger if you’re staying at Walt Disney World? No. Disney World has too many great dining opportunities. There is no need to leave property to find someplace else to eat. But if you’re staying somewhere along West Highway 192, then I would recommend finding this spot for a satisfying meal. To visit their webpage and check out their menu, click here.

By the way, I have eaten at Shula’s Steak House at the Dolphin Resort on one occasion and it was an outstanding experience. Expensive, but outstanding.

Mr. Guder

This next piece was originally published on August 23, 2009. Since many of you had not yet discovered my blogs at that time, I’m hoping this will be new reading for many of you. For those of you who have been with me for this long, well, maybe you’ve forgotten this bit of Disney history and you need a refresher course.

A handful of famous people have worked at Disneyland. John Lasseter (founder of Pixar) was a Jungle Cruise skipper. Steve Martin worked as a magician in the Main Street Magic Shop. Michelle Pfeiffer portrayed Alice in Wonderland. Teri Garr was a parade dancer. And Bob Cummings, Art Linkletter, and Ronald Reagan were members of Club 55 since they worked at Disneyland on opening day (July 17, 1955) as guest personalities. But there is one other famous celebrity who had a more notorious stint as a cast member.

During the summer of 1967, Richard Carpenter performed at Disneyland with John Bettis as a banjo and piano duo. They played at Coke Corner on Main Street.

Disneyland Coke Corner

Being a time-specific land, they were instructed to play certain pieces from the early 1900’s. However, they were frequently asked by guests to perform more contemporary songs like “Somewhere My Love,” “Yesterday,” and “Light My Fire.” Being young and cocky, they ignored their directive and honored the guest’s requests. Talent supervisor Vic Guder spoke to them numerous times about straying from the approved song list, but his words had little effect on the duo. Eventually, they were fired.

Being young and not completely understanding how the supervisor-subordinate relationship works, they thought they had received a raw deal. To vent their frustration and outrage they collaborated on an “anti-establishment” song titled, Mr. Guder in honor of their Disneyland boss. The song was later recorded by Richard and his sister Karen and was released on the “Close to You” album in 1970.

Close to You Record Album

In later years, Richard admits that perhaps he should have been satisfied with having a job and not behaving as he did.

Here are the words to the song. Something to keep in mind when reading them, the 1960’s represented a time of change. Non-conformity was rampant, except at Disneyland where cast members were expected to maintain the Disney look and attitude. Grooming standards were extremely strict then, more so than they are today.

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
May I have a moment with you?
Because there is something I’ve got to say.
And please don’t let it scare you away.

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
I have seen you go through a day.
You’re everything a robot lives for,
Walk in at nine and roll out the door at five.

(*) You reflect the company image.
You maintain their rules to live by,
Shine your shoes let’s keep a neat haircut,
Now that you’re wearing a coat and tie.

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
Someday soon may realize,
You spend your life just playing a game,
Where no one wins but everyone stays the same.

Repeat (*)

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
Someday soon may realize,
You spend your life just playing a game,
Where no one wins but everyone stays the same.
The sa-a-a-me.

Please!
Play your game!
Stay the same.

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16 Replies to “Disney Hodgepodge 5”

  1. Hey Jack,

    Due to personal issues, I haven’t been able to read your blog for weeks, so I’ve been playing “catch up.” I have known you for over 34 years now, and you have always been “wonderful” in every endeavor you’ve undertaken. I have a little idea of how much it takes for you to put one of your weekly blogs together, and I just want you to know how much you are appreciated for those of us that love Disney.

    Greg

  2. Hi again Jack,

    Mr. Guder is one of my favorite Carpenter songs, I remember listening to the album back in the 70’s and wondering what the story behind it was. I didn’t get the the full story until I got their “Carpenters Gold” anthology many years later. I hope your post has enlightened other Carpenters and Disney fans as well.

    Thanks,

    Hermes

  3. Dear Jack,

    You are wonderful!

    I read many Disney blogs but my favorite is Allears and especially yours because it’s not controversial and you don’t blog to criticize what Disney is or isn’t doing. Sure some things could be better but that could be said of anything. Can’t we all just enjoy Disney World/Disneyland for what they’ve done? No company is perfect but what Disney has created is wonderful and fun. I recently read a blog where someone commented on the sugariness of what I assume was the Allears blog (cause it’s the only one that’s always positive) and commented how that particular blog even thinks the bathroom decor was great. I’m guessing that was a reference to one of your blogs about the bathrooms in Disney World which btw I thought was interesting because bathrooms are important too and should not be an after thought. I had to laugh because I don’t think they understood why you wrote that blog. It’s not always all about the rides and attractions.

    Thank you for blogging about Disney World and finding beauty even in the small things.

    Mindy

  4. Your knowledge of all things Disney is simply amazing! I always look forward to Mondays, and I found myself reading your older blogs during your hiatus. Keep up the great work!

    Jack is wonderful!!

    Andrea

  5. Jack,
    In the last picture of the L.A. Airways section, any idea what the black arrow at the top right of the picture is pointing to?

    Thanks,

    Tom

    Jack’s Answer:

    I didn’t even notice this arrow.

    I can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing the newspaper was trying to point out additional wreckage found on the roof of the nearby building.

  6. Hi Jack! Your blog has become something I look forward to reading every week! I grab my tablet and a cup of coffee and sit outside learning more and more about Disney! I’m going to the world next week to celebrate my birthday and am really looking forward to taking more time to look at all the architecture, take in more of the details that make up the parks, and just fully immerse myself in all Disney has, thanks to all I’ve read from you! I love it!

  7. Jack: Here it is at 8:34 am, and I am now starving for an excellent burger. Thanks a lot! 🙂 Seriously, when I read that they use short-rib, I was in (and the photo cinched it). I had this fantastic burger in Asheville in May at Tupelo Honey Cafe–short rib and prime rib combination. Unbelievable. Just the thought of it….. Oh wait–I’m not in Orlando or Asheville, so what the heck am I going to do now?!

    Lunch can’t come any time too soon for me today. Thanks for all that you do and keep up the good work!

    Jack is wonderful!

  8. Hi Jack –

    Very interesting Hodge-Podge. It was like getting four blogs for the price of one!

    I’ve always wondered about the true purpose of the V/STOL port – never realizing it was for an airport shuttle. I guess I thought it was the beginning of The World’s own airport. STOL planes were an idea that was ahead of its time in the 70’s. Regular STOL passenger flight is still a dream 40 years later.

    I hope this comment is at the start of the next 11,000 (and lots more!) comments that you receive. I’ve always enjoyed the personal touch my comments have received over the years.

    Thanks for the Shula’s Burgers info. I’ve stayed on 192 on many WDW trips and still like to venture out to the “Old Stomping Grounds” if we have a rental car when we stay in the World. I looked at the menu and it looks very inviting. Competitively priced for what you’re getting (Drat! I’m hungry now!).

    I’m not sure whether I read the original Mr. Gruder blog. It was around the time I started reading your blog and I was lucky enough to be in Walt Disney World the day it was posted (YAY!)! I felt compelled to find the song and listen to it. Here’s a link to the version I found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjCV-FayxXc

    Thanks for the Bases Loaded Home Run!

    – Jeff

    Jack’s Comment:

    If you look at some of the original Walt Disney World concept drawings, you can see that Walt was planning on building a full-scale airport in Osceola County, where celebration sits today. As we know, that never came to be. I guess the STOL port was their alternative.

  9. Glad to hear you liked Shula Burger. We have been wanting to try it for a while now. We have had nothing but great albeit expensive a meals at Shulas Steakhouse at the Dolphin. We go there at least once a trip to WDW!

  10. HI Jack,
    Reading the comments is as much fun as reading your blogs (well maybe not quite as fun) but nice to see how much everyone enjoys and APPRECIATE what you do. Thank you also for keeping the ‘political and/or controversial’ information out of it. One of the reasons I love WDW and all ears (and especially your blog) is because it makes me happy and smile and takes me away from the day to day reality which is too depressing these days.
    Keep up the great work
    Bonnie

    Jack’s Comment:

    Many of the other Disney websites have bulletin boards where readers can post anything they like. In no time at all, people get into heated arguments about Disney minutia. They argue over every little detail. I hate that. AllEars will never turn into that sort of website, I can assure you.

  11. Thanks for mentioning the “Shula Burger.” We no longer venture onto 192 much, and I would never have known about it. We have enjoyed several wonderful (but expensive) meals at the Shula’s on property, however!

  12. Love your Hodgepodge blogs Jack!
    (love your regular blogs too :))

    I ate at a Shula Burger when I was stranded at the Tampa airport on a long layover from a NOLA fiasco (long story) and it was fabulous!! I second your review! The excellent service and food made the day not so horrible.

    Have a magical day!

  13. Hey Jack
    I always love your hodgepodge blogs. They are always fun and have interesting articles. Shula’s Burgers made me hungry. I also appreciate all of the hard work you do and always look forward to your blogs. I have learned so much from them. Can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.

  14. Jack wrote: “That point-one-percent of comments that I don’t publish is because it contains views of a controversial or political nature. I’m never going to publish these, no matter how well they are written. AllEars is supposed to be a fun place to escape, not a place to get bogged down in non-topic opinions. ”

    THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU Jack! AllEars is a fun, escapist retreat for many of us and I so greatly appreciate your keeping it that way! This oasis is not the place for non-topic posts/opinions.

    P.S. — Jack is Wonderful!!!

  15. Jack is wonderful!

    I just had to get it in there. I’ve been reading your blog for years, although I do not visit WDW that often. But! My family and I are visiting later this week and I’ve been reading many info and advise from many websites, but allears.net is on the top of my list especially your blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reviews.

  16. Wow, 8 years already. Thank you Jack for making Monday’s so much better. I always look forward to seeing what Jack is writing about this week. I always learn something new each week. The Shula burger looks fantastic. Maybe the Dolphin resort will add one to go with Shula’s steakhouse. Thanks again for all the hard work you do.

    Jack’s Comment:

    I like your idea of adding a Shula Burger to the Dolphin (or Swan or Downtown Disney). As I said in my blog, I wouldn’t leave Disney property to visit the one on Hwy 192, but if it was on property, that would be great.