Step Back in Time Archives

Disney Policies — Then and Now

April 21, 2014 by Jack Spence

At a recent awards ceremony, Meryl Streep accused Walt Disney of being a sexist. To justify her claim she read from a 1938 rejection letter a female trainee program applicant received from him. It said, “Women do not do any of the creative work in connection with preparing the cartoons for the screen, as that … Continue reading "Disney Policies — Then and Now"

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Disney References in Non-Disney Theater, Music, Movies and TV Shows

January 20, 2014 by Jack Spence

The other day, I was watching an episode of “I Love Lucy” (“The Black Wig” – April 18, 1954). The story opens with Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel returning to the Ricardo’s apartment after seeing an Italian movie. Lucy and Ethel were captivated by the film while Ricky and Fred were bewildered by its content. … Continue reading "Disney References in Non-Disney Theater, Music, Movies and TV Shows"

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Nostalgia — Ticket Books and Transportation

July 22, 2013 by AllEars

Jack Spence is on a leave of absence until 2014. This is a reprint of a blog he wrote several years ago. This blog originally ran in 2009 and was accurate at the time of publication. I’ve had a number of requests to post more pictures of the early years of Walt Disney World. So … Continue reading "Nostalgia — Ticket Books and Transportation"

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Disney Dedication Plaques

February 20, 2012 by Jack Spence

Today, I want to talk about an often overlooked detail that can be found in all eleven Disney parks, the Dedication Plaques. Usually located somewhere near the front of the park, these plaques offer words of inspiration and sets the tone for your adventure to come. They are all signed by the reigning top executive(s) … Continue reading "Disney Dedication Plaques"

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The Enchanted Tiki Room – A look back

August 15, 2011 by AllEars

With the official reopening of the Tiki Room, I thought I’d use this opportunity to give you a history of this groundbreaking attraction. In many ways, “The Enchanted Tiki Room” opened the door to other Disney classics like “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” “Carousel of Progress,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” as the Imagineers were … Continue reading "The Enchanted Tiki Room – A look back"

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Magic Kingdom Skyway

September 19, 2009 by Jack Spence

After I published my blog about the demolition of the Tomorrowland Skyway Station, one of my readers wrote and asked me to write a blog about this defunct attraction. I don’t usually take requests for articles, but I felt that this was timely subject matter and decided to go for it. The first Disney Skyway … Continue reading "Magic Kingdom Skyway"

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Richard Carpenter & Mr. Guder

August 23, 2009 by Jack Spence

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 are/were members of Club … Continue reading "Richard Carpenter & Mr. Guder"

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Hotels that Never Were at Walt Disney World

July 17, 2009 by Jack Spence

In early 1971, I purchased the above booklet – a “Preview Edition” of Walt Disney World. Within its 21 pages were dozens of artist’s renderings of this fantastic resort that was under construction in Florida. I took it home and read it cover to cover, twice. The booklet briefly described each of the lands within … Continue reading "Hotels that Never Were at Walt Disney World"

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Nostalgia — Ticket Books and Transportation

March 13, 2009 by Jack Spence

I’ve had a number of requests to post more pictures of the early years of Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, I’ve already blogged any that show a difference between then and now. So last night I dug through some of the Disneyana I’ve collected over the years. I’m hoping these scraps might help appease the voracious … Continue reading "Nostalgia — Ticket Books and Transportation"

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1972 Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Pictures – Part 2

May 22, 2008 by Jack Spence

This is my last set of January, 1972 pictures. I do have others, but they are of things that have changed very little over the years, such as Main Street and portions of Fantasyland, and really aren’t of any historical interest. Enjoy! This first picture is of the Haunted Mansion. The first interesting detail is … Continue reading "1972 Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Pictures – Part 2"

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