In Walt Disney’s opening speech at Disneyland in 1955 he states “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America…with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” After only six years Walt Disney went from a man with a dream and only $40 in his pocket to a man with a name that people knew worldwide. Walt has inspired people to follow their dreams no matter how big those dreams may be.
Disneyland may only be hours away by plane, but some people may not be able to attend or have not been able to experience the magic of the park yet. Whatever the case may be Don Morin and his team have made it possible to bring the magic of Disney and the parks to the Pacific Northwest by creating the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet which is held every year at the Lynwood Convention Center in Lynwood, WA. The Mouse Meet brings together Disney fans from all walks of life with; celebrity speakers, fan displays, pins to trade, official Disney treats from Disneyland to munch on and lots of people to meet.This year’s event hosted Disney legends Floyd Norman and Jack Lindquist, Disney historian and former imagineer Jeff Kurti among many others.
As of 2007 Floyd Norman has become a Disney Legend. The 76 year old man who has since retired but still shows up to work, calls himself a “Disney Geezer”. Floyd had the pleasure of working with Walt on his last movie The Jungle Book. Often times he would draw funny cartoons about Walt. One of them being about how he would always cough really loud to making his presence known only to make sure everybody was staying on task. Floyd worked on Sleeping Beauty, Robin Hood, Hunchback of Notre Dam, Mulan and many other animated films. He also spent some time working at the Pixar studios on Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc. We were told that currently a Monsters Inc. prequel/sequel is in the works and follows Mike and Sully through their college years.
Former imagineer and Disney historian Jeff Kurtti spoke about his involvement with helping to create a museum to help fans learn more about Walt Disney and his life. The Walt Disney Family Museum is located in The Presidio of San Francisco, CA. The museum opened its doors on October 1st 2009 and showcases Walt’s life from the beginning to the end and everything in between. For more information please visit: https://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/
Former president of Disneyland (1990-1993), first ever advertising manager and Disney Legend Jack Lindquist was interviewed by WDW Radio host Lou Mongello mainly about some of the “crazy” ideas that he had to draw more tourist activity to Disneyland. The most effective idea brought to life was known as The Gift Giver Extraordinaire which was in conjunction with GM Motors. Four guests won cars. The 3,000,000 guest won a Cadillac Sedan De Ville. Wouldn’t that be nice to walk through the main gate at Disneyland and walk out with a new car? Mr. Lindquist also had the pleasure of working with Walt and describes Walt as being a self confident, risk taker with lots of guts.
There are lots of things to do for the whole family. If you are as big of a Disney fan as I am than this is an event that should not be missed. I have attended this event every year since it’s inaugural meet in 2009 and I have never been disappointed.
For more information go toMouse Meet.
