The MousePlanet Mailbag is a regular compilation of some of our reader feedback and writer responses that may be of interest to our readers. We encourage you to drop your questions, opinions, or comments to us in care of our mailbag.
MousePlanet columnist and Mouse Tales author David Koenig starts off this week’s mailbag by answering letters from readers, including those who wrote in response to his most recent article, “Sneaky Previews.” Dwight C. writes:
While your article “Sneaky Previews” presents many interesting and valid points, I would like to respectfully disagree with an example you use to support your position. In your article, you state that Disney charged a “hefty fee” to attend the movie premiere of Pirates III, when in actuality the premiere was used as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all of the proceeds went to that very fine organization. Yes, the high “fee” (donation) did preclude a number of people from attending, but you fail to mention what I believe is a very important fact in your article, leaving many with the impression that the Disney execs were greedy when in actuality what they did was, in my opinion, very generous: raise $3 million for a very, very worthy cause.
I agree that this was a nice gesture on Disney’s part for a very, very, VERY worthy cause, though it did have added benefits both publicity-wise and financially (tax deduction) for Disney.
Tim C. writes:
Disneyland charged for an after-hours pre-premiere of Light Magic in 1997. The Light Magic party was really an Annual Passholder party with a premiere of the show thrown in. (At least, that was the original intent.)
I believed that Disney charged for their AP Parties in the past, so it would not be out of the ordinary for them to charge for the Light Magic AP Party.
I’m going on my memory as well (a dangerous proposition), but I’m fairly certain that while it was an AP-only event, the express purpose was to premiere Light Magic. That’s how the event was marketed from the start (although not ’til the finish). During the final days, when the producers could tell the show was problematic, they began referring to it as a “dress rehearsal.”
Sean writes:
Regarding hard ticket openings, you’re forgetting the AP preview party for Indiana Jones: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The party itself was… crowded… but the basic evening went well – they rolled an AP preview for the ride together with a few major clients rental nights (I think we shared with Boeing engineers when we rode), charged a premium to enter, and everyone got their single ride for the night.
Thanks for the addition. I know there are plenty of other examples, as well.
Jamie M. writes:
I enjoyed your latest article. One thing in particular caught my eye… “As far as previewing the parks themselves, the Magic Kingdom held a series of no-cost previews during the last weekends of September 1971 for construction workers and their families.”
My family actually visited the Magic Kingdom in August 1971. I don’t know why we were able to go then and my parents are both deceased, so I can’t ask them. I was 10. I remember that Tomorrowland was not opened yet and vaguely remember a couple of attractions, but no seriously strong memories. I am certain of the date however.
Just wanted to share that. Wish I had at least a brochure.
Thanks for the note! Fascinating memory! I’d be curious to find out how and why your family was let in for a preview in August when it’s acknowledged that the first real preview of the park was held on Labor Day, held for construction workers’ families, and planned at the last minute. The weekend previews began not too long after.
T writes:
I’m extremely happy that you’re finally focusing on the Florida property in your next book. I’ve been a fan of yours for years, and even my not-as-Disney-obsessed fiancee has read your books several times.
I’m anxiously awaiting Realityland, and I’m sure it’ll be just as spectacular as the Mouse Tales series and Mouse Under Glass. You’ll always have a fan in me.
Matt T. writes regarding the death of a cast member in an accident at America Sings over 30 years ago, which David wrote about back in 2004 (In Memory: Why we’ll never forget the tragedy of 30 years ago today, published July 8, 2004):
I recently purchased a DVD on America Sings through the Extinct Attractions Club and in it the tragic story of Debbie Stone was mentioned. I was taken back by this accident and have been researching information on this now 33-year-old scene.
I had been to Disneyland just prior to this incident and remember very clearly that a CM stepped onto the stage after the introduction and greeting as a way of exiting to the next audience. After the show started this CM hopped onto the stationary stage and left in that manner and another returned at the end the same way. This obviously dangerous maneuver came back to me when I heard of the death of CM Debbie Stone back in 1974.
In the DVD Alice Davis says that audience members saw Debbie leaning back in a sort of strange dare or risky communication with other CMs. On the Internet other listings mention just vague ideas such as possible falling. My thoughts have always been that if Debbie did do something risky, she was not the only one. Some reports mention that Debbie died on her first day working; is that true? I wondered if the coroner’s report offered any clues as to the accident by falling or accident by risk?
I am only curious for my own recollection I do not represent anyone but myself. It’s just old emotional feelings from my personal experience of seeing CMs moving about the staging before this still sad loss of life.
I’m glad you brought this up, because it’s a point that’s bothered me ever since I heard about Alice Davis’s quote on that DVD chastising Debbie Stone for misbehaving. Alice is wrong. Absolutely, positively, 100 percent wrong.
An investigation by the state proved that there was a pre-existing unsafe condition and that Debbie Stone got caught between the walls through no wrongdoing. Nonetheless, Disney executives internally blamed her for screwing around. I suspect it was one way that the people who designed, built, and managed the ride could pacify their own consciences.
I consider it irresponsible for the Extinct Attractions Club to perpetuate this myth, and wish it were edited out in future copies.
Next, Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix answers a letter in response to her detailed account of the Atlantic crossing of the Disney Magic in “Disney Magic Returns to Europe.” Mindy writes:
I just read your column on the trans-Atlantic crossing. I loved the journal. It will be very helpful.
We are going in August on the one back to Florida. Were the wave, wind and temperature conditions normal for the Atlantic for that time of year? Were there any good days at sea during those six days? Someone suggested I take seasickness patches for behind the ear. I have been on four Caribbean cruises on the Disney Cruise Line and the sea conditions were always good
Thanks for any tips you can give.
We were told that the weather was a little rougher than normal for that crossing, but milder than the return trip will be. I don’t want to make it sound like it was awful—I consider all of the days to be good. If you are at all prone to sea sickness, I would definitely consider some preventive measure—sea patches, pills, whatever works for you. I’m a fan of ginger ale to combat tummy trouble, and I know people who swear by ginger chews or ginger candies.
Have a great trip—I wish I could be there with you!
Finally, the mailbag editor responds to some reader mail. Cathy writes:
I’m a coordinator for a technical symposium our company is having at the Disneyland Hotel this August. I have used your Web site to help our employees (who are coming from all over the country) find information on purchasing tickets into the park, finding hotels (for those employees who want more than one room or larger rooms for their families), and finding shuttles to/from airports. Your Web site was the single best way to get info on Disneyland Park and California Adventure. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! Thank you for taking the time to let us know. It’s always good to hear that the information we provide is useful. I hope your event is successful and your employees have a great time at Disneyland!
Barbara writes:
I’m looking for a listing of all Anaheim and Orlando Gay Days/pride/diversity pins. Any idea where I might find that?
Because Gay Days is not an official Disney event, there are no official Gay Days pins. However, there are some unofficial ones that have been released around Gay Days. Your best bet is to go to dizpins.com (link) and do a search there. There have been a few rainbow pins that include the phrase “Happy Times.”
Tricia B. writes:
We received information from a Web site called Explorethemagic.com. On this Web site they offered park tickets $50 less total for 4 tickets. Is this a legitimate Web site? They sell these tickets online. We usually purchase tickets at the Disney store or at the parks, however we are taking the Disney cruise this year and are trying to save money wherever possible. I would hate to purchase these and find out they are not real tickets.
I have not heard anything about that Web site. A good place to look for deals on tickets and hotels, as well as other money-saving tips is Mousesavers.com (link).
They recommend a Web site called Undercover Tourist for discount admissions. That broker has been vetted and is approved by Disney.
