Staff writer Jeff Kober‘s article from January 8, 2009, “Celebrating Disney on Parade,” reminded the following reader of her own similar Disney memory.
Kathleen K. writes:
I want to thank you for sharing your story (and photo) of you and your autistic son with Mickey. It brought back one of my most cherished Walt Disney World memories!
My 10-year-old son, Billy, is autistic and so I know just where you are coming from. When he was 5 we made our first trip to see the Mouse and, even though I had been mentally prepared for it to happen, I have to admit that I was disappointed and a bit sad that he would have absolutely nothing to do with any of the characters that were not face characters. All our pictures that year were of his sister standing alone with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, etc. And if he did tolerate a picture with a face character, he still looked like he was uncomfortable and about to bolt at any second!
When we returned a year and a half later, I recall standing off to the side with him while my husband and daughter queued up to take a picture with Flik at the Animal Kingdom. Imagine our surprise when it was their turn and Billy let go of my hand and marched right up to him, gave Flik a “high-5,” and stood for a picture! I couldn’t believe it! I’m not sure whether it was that his reaction was so totally unexpected, or the fact that out of all the characters, he chose to have his breakthrough with a five-and-a-half foot tall blue ant!
Now he hugs and dances and plays with the characters all the time. It’s really wonderful to see. Thanks again for sharing your magic moment. It is indeed something to celebrate!
Staff writer and MousePlanet photographer Frank Anzalone answers a letter in response to his August 12, 2008 article, “Walt Disney World Desktops,” as well as some other questions from readers.
Tony R. writes:
Again, more masterful photography. I always enjoy your work and your keen eye for composition. I have to ask, where are more night shots? That photo of the Tree of Life and Expedition Everest was just a teaser… I’m anxious to see a big set of nighttime desktops from you.
I took a series of shots from the Magic of Our Steam Trains Tour that I took at the Magic Kingdom about a year ago. I was wondering if I could have you review them and perhaps post an article on MousePlanet for your readers to enjoy. I posted them on another Disney fan site on a message board and got a pretty good response, but I’d certainly appreciate your learned opinion.
Sincerely, thank you so much for the kind words… I appreciate it very much and it gives me a little extra energy to do more photography!
I love that you throw down a challenge for me to do more night photography of the parks! (I always love a “mission”!). I am heading to Disneyland next week and I’ll make it a priority! Some of the nighttime shots from Walt Disney World did not make the cut for this desktop article, but perhaps they will in a future one.
While I was in Walt Disney World, Typhoon Lagoon had a special evening park entrance one night. My daughter convinced me to go—she swam and I just took my camera. It was awesome! That is just something you don’t get to see or experience too often. A few nights later, the Animal Kingdom had a late night entrance—the evening Everest and Tree of Life desktop picture in this article was the result of that night. I had already been to the other three parks that day, however, as your little girl can do (she’s 28, but still my kid!) she talked me into that Animal Kingdom night. We ran through the park; we never rode any attractions, we just took pictures! (oh—by the way… that was a record for us, she started at a water park early that morning, and then she met up with me at the Magic Kingdom and, including the late night Animal Kingdom jaunt, we were able to hit all 4 parks in that one day! I must be crazy!).
Please feel free to send me any pictures you want me to see of the Steam Trains—I would love to see them (and I’ll comment too!). Disney transportation (horses, trains, monorails…) is a favorite topic of mine. I’ll check with our editor about using them in the future.
Ramona K. writes:
I am seeking information about Mr. Disney’s grandson, Patrick. I think I met him on the train to Marceline for Mr. Disney’s 100th birthday celebration. Could that we possible? What are the various grandchildren doing? Are any working at Disney? I seem to remember that maybe this grandson was working in the business.
I have heard that Patrick is involved in the entertainment industry, but I’m not sure of the exact capacity though. My suggestion would be to try to make your contact through the Walt Disney Family Museum web site.
Good luck!
Kris De W. writes:
My hobbies are hot air balloons and balloon pins. I am looking for a long time to find the Disney hot air balloon pins. Can you tell my who is responsible in the Disney company for the hot air balloons? I hope you can help me I made a very nice wooden emblem of the Disney balloon that I want send to this person.
There was a Disney Hot Air Balloon pin for the 50th anniversary. There were actually quite a few variations. Try calling Disney merchandise. “Disneyland Delivears” merchandise line offers park merchandise via the following toll-free number: (800) 362-4533. email: dldelivears@disney.com
You might also check eBay… I typed in “Mickey Mouse Hot Air Balloon pin” and got many items! Good luck!
Next, Cast Place editor Shoshana Lewin responds to reader mail.
Michelle M. writes:
I just love the cast member stories. They always make me cry and brighten my day. It brings a little of that Disney magic into my most mundane days. I’m going to Disneyland this weekend where the magic will be live and in person!
You are very welcome Michelle! They always brighten my day, too.
Al writes:
For many months now I have read and re-read the stories you have collected on Cast Place. the stories have served as both inspiration and as a tonic when I’m down about something. PLEASE keep collecting and sharing these!
I promise we’ll be running another Cast Place column!
Finally, a letter that perhaps the readers can help with.
Janice J. writes:
I was the Miss Garden Grove who cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Disneyland Hotel with Mr. Wrather and Miss Granville. There are no pictures of the opening ceremonies. I was just looking for some for my grand children.
If you have any photos of this, please contact the mailbag and we will forward them on to Janice.
