From Walt Disney’s groundbreaking Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the upcoming Wreck-It Ralph, guests will go on a two-day journey filled with fun, laughter, and rarely or never-before-seen artwork, photos, and film clips—all the while surrounded by some of the most beloved imagery and characters the world has ever known. There are more announcements to come but we wanted to share with you the most up-to-date plans (current as of June 4, 2012) on what promises to be an extraordinary celebration (additional participants and presentations to be announced in the weeks ahead).
Wacky and Wild Disney Animation
Go on a wacky and irreverent ride through some of the most psychedelic and visually stunning animation ever put on film in this fun and humorous retrospective of Disney feature animation. Along the way you’ll learn of the contributions of such “characters” as Disney Legend Ward Kimball, renowned artist Salvador Dali, and many others. Your hosts through this animation “Wonderland”:
• Jerry Beck—Well-known animation historian, with 10 books and numerous articles to his credit. Jerry is an animation producer, and industry consultant to Warner Bros., and has been an executive with Nickelodeon and Disney and is also a popular blogger on the subject of animation.
• Eric Goldberg—A veteran director, designer and animator, his Disney credits includes being the supervising animator of Genie in Aladdin, co-director of Pocahontas, animator of Phil in Hercules, followed by Fantasia/2000, which he directed, wrote, and animated two critically acclaimed sequences: “Carnival of the Animals” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” His animation work can also be seen in the Tokyo Disney Seas attraction Magic Lamp Theatre and the recently unveiled Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.
Tinker Bell: The Evolution of a Disney Character
Have you ever wondered how a character becomes a “Disney” character? As we take you on a fascinating trip through the decades in a presentation filled with never-before-seen art, photos, and film clips, you’ll see how Tinker Bell developed into one of Disney’s most iconic characters. Your tour guides include:
• Mae Whitman—Official voice of Tinker Bell, Mae Whitman was the first actress to portray the famed pixie in a speaking role and has voiced her in every film since. At Disney, she has also played both Rose and her alter ego Huntsgirl on American Dragon, and co-starred with Haley Joel Osment as the voice of Shanti in Jungle Book 2.
• Peggy Holmes—Director of the upcoming Tinker Bell film Secret of the Wings, Peggy has a long history with Walt Disney Studios. She has worked there as a dancer, actress, choreographer, and now director. Peggy was choreographer on Walt Disney Pictures’ Newsies and Hocus Pocus. She appeared in Totally Minnie alongside an animated Minnie Mouse. She also applied her dance background staging all of the Jim Henson puppeteers’ performance sequences in the film, The Country Bears. She then choreographed two musical sequences for the animated feature The Jungle Book 2, before directing and choreographing the animated short Belles On Ice, starring Minnie and Daisy. Peggy’s first animated feature directorial debut for Disney was with The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning.
• Ginni Mack—One of the original Ink & Paint “girls” from the early days of Disney Feature Animation who continued with the Studio through the completion of Beauty and the Beast.
• Mindy Johnson—Author of the upcoming book Tinker Bell: An Evolution—(new for Fall 2013 from Disney Editions).
• Margaret Kerry—Live-action reference model for Tinker Bell in Walt Disney’s 1953 animated film classic Peter Pan.
Disney Feature Animation Stars—Drawing With Personality
The Walt Disney Studios is often credited with perfecting “personality animation,” creating from paper and pencil characters that seemingly live and breathe. In this entertaining and educational presentation you’ll discover the secrets behind the creation of some of Disney’s most beloved animated stars, plus you’ll get the chance to design your own Disney animated character under the guidance of a master Disney animator. Your instructor:
• Andreas Deja—30-year Disney animation veteran, whose impressive body of work includes serving as supervising animator on characters in several classic Disney animated features, including Gurgi in The Black Cauldron, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jafar in Aladdin, Scar in The Lion King, Mickey Mouse in Fantasia/2000, Lilo in Lilo & Stitch, Mama Odie in The Princess and the Frog, and Tigger in Winnie the Pooh. He’s also a noted Disney animation historian and authority on the work of legendary Disney animator Milt Kahl.
Hearing Voices: A Salute to Disney Character Voice Artists
Meet the artists behind the voices. We put a spotlight on the many men and women who have supplied some of the most familiar voices ever to grace movies screens. This unique reunion of Disney character voice talent highlights some of the great voices of the past as well. Our roster of Disney character voice talent stars include (to date—more to be confirmed over the next few weeks!):
• Bill Farmer—Official voice of Goofy, Farmer has contributed his voice talents to several Disney animated features including Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, and Brother Bear.
• Dick Jones—Voice of Pinocchio (Pinocchio, 1940)
• Kathryn Beaumont—Voice of Alice (Alice in Wonderland, 1951) and Wendy Darling (Peter Pan, 1953)
• Lisa Davis—Voice of Anita (One Hundred and One Dalmatians, 1961)
• David Frankham—Voice of Sergeant Tibbs (One Hundred and One Dalmatians, 1961)
• Bruce Reitherman—Voice of Mowgli (The Jungle Book, 1967) and Christopher Robin (Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree, 1966)
• Chris Sanders—Stitch (Lilo & Stitch, 2002)
Snow White: Still “The Fairest of Them All”
Walt Disney’s animation masterpiece Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs introduced an entirely new filmmaking genre—the Disney animated feature—and put in motion the creation of an unparalleled library of films that remain unrivaled in their artistic and storytelling achievements. Join us as we salute this groundbreaking film with a rare west coast appearance by 93-years-young Marge Champion, the live-action reference model for the character of Snow White. Also joining the presentation will be Gabriella Calicchio, CEO of The Walt Disney Family Museum, to provide insights on the museum’s upcoming Snow White exhibition and an exciting new D23 opportunity.
An Evening With Disney Legend and Oscar-Winner Alan Menken
Please “Be Our Guest” as we conclude our celebration with a rare musical concert by Disney Legend Alan Menken. With eight Academy Awards®, Alan Menken has received more Oscars than any living person. He has written songs and scores for some of the world’s most beloved films: Tangled (Oscar nominee), Enchanted (three Oscar nominations) The Little Mermaid (two Oscar wins), Beauty and the Beast (two Oscar wins), Aladdin (two Oscar wins), Pocahontas (two Oscar wins), Hercules (Oscar nominee), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Oscar® nominee), Little Shop of Horrors (Oscar nominee), Home on the Range, and Newsies.
Menken is currently the first songwriter in 13 years to have three new shows running concurrently on Broadway (Sister Act, Newsies, and Leap of Faith). His Broadway successes include The Little Mermaid (Tony Award® nominee), Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, and Sister Act (Tony Award nominee). His other stage productions include King David, Newsies, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Aladdin.
