When so much history is packed into one place you can’t help but be in awe of something that once started off as a dream from one man. Established in 1970 The Walt Disney Archives preserves and safeguards the incredible creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company with so many items’s that would make you blush. Included in this treasure trove of important artifacts documenting the history of one of the most innovative and beloved companies is a collection of more than four million photographs and images that provide a behind-the-scenes look at more than 90 years of groundbreaking family entertainment.
I had a gold spine collection of Disney books when I was little, but this Walt Disney Archive takes the cake on any type of collection I could ever dream of. Anything and everything produced by the Walt Disney company is logged and kept safe for future magical greatness. The many movie props that adorned this small space would make my mother blush with excitement. Included in this small space you find an animators desk that still sits with a drawing that was in the midst of being completed.
It’s as if you are stepping back in time and touching things that people before even you were born enjoyed and loved. I especially loved to see the first ever tickets given out to guests when Disneyland first opened. Along with original maps that with time you can see the park grew and many things they once planned for one location didn’t make the cut once construction went underway.
Did u know Walt Disney Won 32 Academy Awards? He won his 1rst award with a Documentary called A White Wilderness? EEK I got to actually hold one of Walt Disney’s Academy Awards and take a photo! Wow, I feel so honored and excited to have learned so much history about Walt Disney and his company. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Disney Archives I hope you take the time to see this history in person and soak in all that magic.
Speaking of Disneyland, I remember growing up and seeing all the commercials on TV about how magical it was at Disneyland and Disneyworld. It was definitely something that I looked forward to experiencing in the near future once I became a mother of my 4 children. One of the most iconic rides I most definitely wanted to experience was the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride that the box office hit Pirates of The Caribbean movies were based on. I honestly didn’t know it would happen anytime soon, but once I got the news I would be visiting Disneyland to ride the infamous Pirates of The Caribbean ride; during my Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales visit to LA I almost jumped out of my skin.
I felt like I was going to be visiting a piece of history by just being able to be in the park as well experience this ride up close and personal. Did you know that Disneyland is celebrating The Pirates of The Caribbean Ride’s 50th Anniversary this year? Can you believe that this infamous ride has bee around for so many years? To think of how many people have been able to sail the sea’s and meet all of the Pirates that have been featured in this ride is amazing.
My High Sea Experience
I honestly had a blast! I sat at the very front of the ride (where oddly the most water splashed on) which meant I had front row access to the awesome show. It’s not a scary ride at all, but you do hit a part where it’s pretty much pitch black and you can only see the light of your phone (if you’re like me trying to find light in this dark tunnel, sorry sometimes I’m a wimp). After a fun short drop, you sail off to the adventure of a lifetime that makes you think “wow this was here for 50 year’s and through the year’s not much has changed”.
Fact: The Disneyland Pirates Of The Caribbean Ride version was the last attraction that Walt Disney himself participated in designing. The ride opened on March 18, 1967, just three months after Walt Disney’s death.
After being taken on a ride and seeing the many familiar characters we all know and love you find yourself amidst in a battle with canon’s shooting off and sword fights. The animatronics you see on display were actually all dreamt up by Walt Disney his self. I loved being able to see all of those familiar characters in a setting that was so up close and personal. It felt as though I was sailing through the movie itself and it was an experience I cannot wait to share with my kids. I especially loved seeing that iconic scene of the men begging the dog to hand over the keys so they could escape. Which all of us know was shown in the very first installment of the Pirates movies Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
I was very much blown away at how elaborate this ride was set up and how much it looked just like the movies. There is a huge boat featured on this ride as well as real life like battle sounds. Did you know that there are 630,000 gallons of water, 53 audio-animatronic animals and birds, and 75 audio-animatronic pirates and villagers in the attraction? It takes three days to empty and refill the “Bayou” for renovations. Wow to just think when you are sailing through the ride you can understand how much work it takes to keep this ride so amazingly family friendly and above all an adventure to remember.
Interesting Fact: Real human bones were used for display purposed many years ago, they were acquired through local medical facilities.
After leaving this awesome ride we explored the rest of the park where we found so many fun things to do. If you are familiar with the park you will know how much of a must it is to get a picture of that infamous castle. Yes I know it is much smaller than its sister in Flordia but it’s still beautifully magical.
My little Jack Sparrow wanted to go exploring so we found our way into the Pieces of Eight store. It was no surprise to find Jack Sparrow trying to commander some ships to take home. Sadly Jack Sparrow like in many of his movies left empty handed, so in utter defiance, he tried to hide from me in a bush in front of the store. Of course, I found him but he definitely kept trying to plot other ways on how he could find a vessel to take him home to my family.
In my opinion, I honestly thought maybe Captain Jack Sparrow was as hungry as I was, so I made a course to the Hungry Bear where we devoured a Fried Chicken Sandwich and fries. The Strawberry Honey Sickle drink is so darn sweet but oh so good for the kid in you. Dessert is not dessert without a Lemon Blueberry Funnel Cake topped with that classic Mickey design. It was tough trying not to eat and take that picture but I managed to somehow ask Captain Jack Sparrow to wait a few moments so I could grab this shot.
Don’t forget to look out for the many parades that are featured in Disneyland. Among the many differnt rides and attractions these parades are so much fun to watch. I had a great time watching all of my favorite Disney Characters dancing and singing those songs my family and I just love. Be prepared for the crowds and get ready early on, ask for directions where the best seating would be possible and always inquire about the times upon arrival to the park.
Make sure you look out for the Sunset Showcase in Hollywood Studios for the exclusive 15 minute sneak peak of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Also get an exclusive look at the real costumes that were worn in the making of the movie! It won’t be around for long so make sure you plan out a time to head over to this location and check it out for yourself.
Summer of Hero’s is going on now at Disneyland! The Gaurdians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction is now open and available for everyone to enjoy! I was unable to ride it but I really hope all of you get a chance to stop by and ride it at least once this summer! Only around this summer and oh so awesome!
“Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! launches guests into an action-packed adventure that’s full of irreverent humor, combining a breathtaking free-fall sensation with all- new visual and audio effects. The action jumps to the beat of the attraction’s “awesome mix tape” of music, inspired by the films’ soundtracks. Guests will discover multiple ride experiences as they help Rocket in a daring plan to free the Guardians–a band of extraterrestrial misfits–from the fortress of The Collector, Taneleer Tivan.”
For more information about this ride and about Summer of Hero’s head over Here.
Also, don’t forget to stay and check out The World of Color which brought me to tears. I never knew anything like this could exist but here it is in Disneyland. A World of color is so appropriate where you are able to see many of the beloved Disney Characters singing and dancing using get this, water and lights. Trust me when I say you need to see this in person and please get their early for fantastic seating. I don’t want to spoil the show for you but just get ready to see so many of your favorite characters and get ready to belt out all those songs you know by heart.
I hope you enjoyed reading and that you make your way to Disneyland this summer to ride The Pirate Of The Caribbean ride as well as check out The Summer of Hero’s going on this summer! Have you ridden the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride before? What’s your favorite part of the ride?
Also, don’t forget to head to the theaters and catch the latest addition to the Pirate world with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in theaters everywhere!
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PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES opens in theaters everywhere Today!
If you haven’t already grab your tickets for this epic adventure that is sailing in a theater near you today!
You can read my full Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Movie Review (No Spoilers) as well as check out my My High Sea’s Adventure at The Pirates Of The Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales Blue Carpet Movie Premiere.
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