Day 40: 100 Happy (Disney) Days

The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Again, this is another one I only just came across and I’m so glad I did!! I had of course heard about this Disney holiday favorite but I guess I never understood the magnitude if this special night time event! I stood in awe watching the lights dancing along to the music and slowly made my way down the Streets of America trying to take it all in. If you haven’t had a chance to witness this in person I highly recommend putting this on your todo list the next time you are on Disney property during the holiday season!! I even loved the little snowfall that follows! And I’m from New England where I get more than enough of the real thing!

Always the comedian: Mr. Ward Kimball

A spiteful kitty, and two well meaning mice.
A flying baby elephant.
A cricket in top hat and tails, who always knows the right thing to do.

These are some of my favorite Ward Kimball things!

Mr. Ward Kimball’s animation credits reach all the way back to the very beginning of Walt Disney’s first foray into feature animation starting with animating the dwarfs and the vultures in Snow White. Who knew then that the young artist had just begun a storied career spanning decades at The Disney Studios, bringing to life characters that to this day are integral to the company culture, and are so ingrained in the hearts of people worldwide.

On March 4, 1914, the world gained a storyteller, an artist, and a musician all rolled into one when Ward Kimball was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from high school Kimball headed west with dreams of becoming a magazine illustrator and enrolled at the Santa Barbara School of Art. While catching a matinee one day, Ward saw the Disney short “The Three Little Pigs” and, rumor has it, that he was so inspired he immediately grabbed his portfolio and headed to Hollywood for a job in animation. He was hired on the spot.

Kimball’s animation credits stretch across the board of classic Disney animation, showcasing the longevity of his talented career in a notoriously fickle business. As one of Walt Disney’s famous “Nine Old Men”, the group of men that were Disney’s go-to people in the company’s early days, he dedicated his working career to the Disney Studios, which spanned from 1934 to 1980. In his early days at the Studio, Ward gained some experience as an uncredited artist on multiple shorts between 1934 and 1937, before getting his break with Snow White.

After the success of the first feature length animated film was deemed a success, the Disney Studios were ready to present to the world its follow up in the genre, Pinocchio. Kimball went to work with the task handed to him: to bring to life an animated cricket who would act as the conscience of the little wooden boy. You have to wonder if at the time he realized he was creating a character that would become one of the company’s most beloved and iconic symbols. From his top hat and his tails, to his sage advice, Jiminy Cricket continues to be a relevant character seventy four years later.

While working on Pinocchio Kimball was also providing his talents on a project that Walt Disney himself was very invested in: Fantasia. Disney saw Fantasia as something new and innovative in the world of feature length animation, by combining classical music with animated sequences. Kimball’s hand assisted in “The Pastoral Symphony” by animating the characters of Bacchus and his pet unicorn donkey.

These two characters display so many of the talents that Kimball was known for around the studio. He much preferred to work on the comical and silly characters, and Bacchus and his pet donkey are definitely the comedic centerpieces of this scene, if not the entire film.

After Pinocchio and Fantasia, Kimball went to work on a few more shorts. He also animated the misunderstood dragon in The Reluctant Dragon, a film with the sole purpose of showing an eager audience around the now famous Disney Studios. Again, the dragon allowed Kimball to showcase his silly and comedic talents.

In 1941 Dumbo was the next animated feature set for theatrical release in which Kimball was busy animating several characters including Dumbo, Timothy Mouse, Casey Jr, and the Crows.

Walt Disney discovered post-Dumbo that he had to change his business operations and artistic goals as World War II broke out which saw much of his talent going into the armed forces. The Disney Studios were provided with an interesting opportunity by the US government when they requested that Disney take part in a South America goodwill tour. While in South America Disney collected reels of footage and learned about the various cultures while ingratiating himself with the welcoming locals. Back home Disney put this knowledge to good use the best way he knew how – he created an animated film. Saludos Amigos was released in 1942 and showcased some of Disney’s best loved characters having fun and going on crazy adventures in South America, while getting to know the warm people from the area. Kimball most notably worked on the famous “The Three Caballeros” sequence which involved Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito.

During the next eight years Kimball was a part of several animated works including Make Mine Music, Melody Time, and The Adeventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. 

Somewhere while being a highly talented artist at an award winning studio, Kimball had started a family. He had married Betty Lawyer, a girl from Disney’s Ink and Paint Department, in 1936. The two would be married for sixty six years, and welcome three children into the world, along with many grandchildren. It looks like the Kimball family was a happy one based off of the famous annual Kimball Christmas cards. Kimball would put his artistic side and his comedic side to work, and like most parents, his children bore the brunt of it, especially around the holiday season. His Christmas Cards became so popular that at one point the recipient list stretched to over 1,000!

Back on the Studio lot, full length feature animation was running full steam again and Cinderella was set for release in 1950. Kimball was busy sketching away on the animation of Jaq, Gus, the other mice, Bruno, and Lucifer.

When Alice in Wonderland was released a year later it seemed like the silly characters that inhabited Wonderland were made to be animated by Kimball, and his character credits reflect that. From the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, to the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, and the Mad Hatter, all of these characters bore the comedic and artistic talents of Mr. Kimball.

Kimball was about to become even more in demand as he began taking on directorial responsibilities, along with animation. “Toot, Whistle, Plunk, and Boom” was released in 1953, and won an Academy Award that year for Best Short.

The same year, Peter Pan was released with Kimball’s talents showcased in characters like The Indian Chief, John Darling, Michael Darling, and Nana.

Most of the 1950’s saw Kimball focusing on writing, directing, and producing as he is credited with documentaries like Cosmic Capers and Eyes in Outer Space. However, he went back to animating when the 1964 film Mary Poppins called for an animated scene featuring the Pearly Band.

Despite, or perhaps inspite of, Kimball’s high involvement with the Studios over the years he still managed to find time for his two other passions in life: trains and music.

Many people know about Walt Disney’s passion for trains and the creation of the Carolwood Pacific, but what many don’t realize is that this passion was partially created and enabled by Ward Kimball. Kimball and his wife Betty were actually the first private land owners and operators of full sized steam railroad equipment in a US residential backyard when they built Grizzly Flatts Railroad. The private rail line was operated on three acres at their home in San Gabriel, California, and when Disney learned of it he asked if Kimball would be interested in helping to build a rail line in his backyard as well. Thus, the Carolwood Pacific came to be, which in turn helped to inspire the Disneyland Railroad. The Grizzly Flatts Railroad itself was an inspiration for the Disneyland Frontierland Station. And it all came full circle many years later in 2005 when Engine No 5 of the Disneyland Railroad was dedicated as “The Ward Kimball”. And who is that conductor of “The Ward Kimball”? Why, it’s his grandson, Nate Lord.

Kimball’s other passion was music, specifically as a jazz trombonist. As a musician he spent his time with a Dixieland band known as Firehouse Five Plus Two, which did tour quite a bit, and can be seen in Hit Parade of 1951.

On December 10, 1969, Disney released the short “It’s Tough to Be a Bird”directed by Ward Kimball. The story line follows how birds have contributed to human culture, even while people try to do them harm. That year “It’s Tough to Be a Bird” won Best Short at the Academy Awards. It would be the last work by Disney Animation Studios to win this award until “Paperman” in 2012.

Kimball worked with the company until he retired on August 31, 1973. He went on to contribute in writing for Babes in Toyland and was a director of animation on Bedknobs and Broomsticks. His last official project for Disney was producing and directing the Disney TV show “The Mouse Factory,” which ran from 1972 through 1974.

However, retirement couldn’t keep Mr. Kimball away or slow him down. He continued to be active within the Walt Disney Company by consulting and working on  the World of Motion attraction for Epcot Center. Outside of Disney he produced two editions of a volume titled Art Afterpieces which contained well known pieces of art with a Ward Kimball comedic twist. Ever wonder what the Mona Lisa would look like in curlers? Wonder no more.

In 1989 the Walt Disney Company named Kimball a Disney Legend – the highest honor a Disney employee can be granted. In true Ward Kimball fashion there is a slight oddity when you glance at his handprints in Legends Plaza – he appears to have an extra finger…

On July 8, 2002 Mr. Kimball passed away due to complications from pneumonia. He was 88.

There is so much to learn and take away from the way Mr. Kimball lived his life. He made one of his passions his life’s work, which showed in his dedication to the Disney Animation Studios. At the same time, he never lost his other passions, and instead they made him a more well rounded individual. He saw the comedy, as well as the art in life. He loved his family. He was able to share his talents with the world leaving it a brighter, and a whole lot funnier place. And he was able to be an inspiration to both those who knew him personally, and those who only knew of him. Mr. Kimball was definitely one of those rare individuals born with that elusive trait – imagination.

The below are videos of the Disney Family Album showcasing Ward Kimball. Within about 17 minutes it glances over a lot of Mr. Kimball’s major works, while at the same time allowing his fun personality some screen time!

2014 Disney Shareholders’ Meeting

Today at 1:00 pm EDT Chairman and CEO Robert A Iger hosted the 2014 Disney Shareholders’ Meeting in Portland, Oregon. Although I was not able to attend, I did listen to the broadcast which I think provided a lot of interesting information about the company as a whole, from the financial health to the plans for a creative and prosperous future. There are a lot of exciting things happening within the Walt Disney Company. I went to school for business and just recently graduated with an MBA so I do find the financials and business matters interesting, but I know not everyone feels the same way, so I’ll provide this information in a quick overview.

FYI the following is what I took from the meeting. Apologies for any inconsistencies with the official transcript and meeting minutes. For the Q&A section I did paraphrase both the questions and answers to reflect what I took from them. You may want to refer to any official transcripts or listen to the broadcast to hear any literal translations.

Opened with the introduction of Chairman and CEO Bob Iger.
Believes there are three keys to the Walt Disney Company’s success:
1. Exceptional creativity
2. Constant innovation
3. Unwavering commitment to excellence

Animation has been and always will be the heart and soul of Disney.
Frozen puts Disney back into the top position as a the leading animation studio, which meets one of the company’s business goals. The film is currently poised to pass Toy Story 3 as the number one animated film of all time.

This time last year the stock price was around $60 a share, and recently it has been selling at above $80 a share.

Fiscal 2013 – strong 2013 and third consecutive year of record results. Paid 58th consecutive dividend.

Also, the Walt Disney Company is constantly recognized as a reputable and admired company as well as socially responsible.

For first quarter 2014 all business units show double digit growth.

Disney Movies Anywhere – already 2.5 million people have downloaded it. Proud of the successful launch of the app.

Praise for the Cast Members.

Studio – upcoming films
Muppets Most Wanted March 2014
Captain America: The Winter Soldier April 2014
Maleficent May 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy August 2014
Planes: Fire and Rescue summer 2014
Big Hero Six
Into the Woods

2015
Cinderella live action
Avengers 2 May
Tomorrowland May
Pixar’s Inside Out June
Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur Thanksgiving
Pixar’s Finding Dory
Pixar’s Cars 3
Pixar’s The Incredibles 2 Brad Bird is already working on the script

Star Wars Episode 7 – December 18, 2015
Takes place 30 years after Return of the Jedi
Trio of new young leads
There will be familiar faces
Only confirmed actor is R2D2
Principle photography starts in May at Pinewood Studios in London

ESPN
New Sports Center starting May 26

Parks and Resorts
Finishing New Fantasyland
Continuing to roll out My Magic+
Broke ground on the new Avatar themed land at Animal Kingdom
Shanghai Disney is on track for end of year 2015 opening
Shanghai Disney will include an entire Pirates of the Caribbean themed land called Treasure Cove and will feature a new PoTC attraction called Battle of the Sunken Treasure which will be based on the films

With Disney, ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucas films we have an unprecedented and unparalleled collection of brands with many best loved characters and extremely creative minds to work with.

Disney will provide a collectible print featuring the family of Disney brands in place of paper stock certificates.

D23 Expo announced for 2015 – August 14-16 in Anaheim

Introduction of Disney’s Board of Directors:
(I’ve included the companies the individuals have,or do currently, work for. I think it’s important and interesting to see the variety of industries represented)

Lead Director: Orwin Smith – Starbucks
Susan Arnold – Carlyle Group, and Proctor and Gamble
John Chen – Blackberry
Fred Langhammer – Estée Lauder
Alywin Lewis – Pot Belly Sandwich Works
Monica Lozano – IntraMedia LLC
Bob Matschullat – Seagram Company
Sheryl Sandberg – Facebook

Thank you to Judy Estrin for 15 years serving on the board and who is now stepping down.

The announcement of Jack Dorsey (Twitter and Square) as her replacement.

Agenda:
1. Election of members of Board of Directors
2. Ratification of appointment of Price, Waterhouse, Coopers LLC as the Company’s independent registered accountant for 2014
3. Advisory vote on executive compensation
4. Approval of ammendment to certificate of incorporation
5. Limit accelerated executive pay – proposed by shareholder William Steiner

No questions on agenda items.

Inspector of election introduced: Melinda Massafra from Broadridge

As of January 17, 2014 there were 1,749,857,284 shares of common stock outstanding

At least 1,475,695,879 shares represented by proxy at the meeting.

Preliminary report of votes:
1. Arnold – 95% for appointment
Chen – 97% for
Dorsey – 99% for
Iger – 99% for
Langhammer – 98% for
Lewis – 97% for
Lozano – 99% for
Sandberg – 99% for
Smith – 92% for

2. 99% for ratification

3. 80% for advisory vote

4. 72% for approval of amendment

5. 24% for limited acceleration

End of business portion.

Question and Answer session. Bob Iger accompanied by Jay Rasulo (Executive Vice President and CFO) and Allen Braverman (Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company)

1. Q: the company stopped issuing paper annual reports with Disney artwork. Can the artwork be displayed with the online annual report?
A: it was done to cut down on costs as it appeared not many people were looking at the artwork. Iger agreed he liked the artwork as well.

2. Q: thanking Disney BoD and recognizing their work in diversification. Pitching Detroit as a possible future shareholder meeting location.

3. Q: address the media bias at ABC
A: Iger stands by ABCNews and overall the quality of news is something to be proud of.

4. Q: has there been any consideration of a stock split?
A: Iger: hasn’t been discussed and the return on capital is something to be proud of.
Rasulo: used to be popular a decade ago but doesn’t feel the need to take on the expense.

5. Q: has the Company ever considered getting into the summer camp business?
A: was discussed at one point but felt it wasn’t a business they wanted to get into

6. Q: are the Nemo submarines going away in favor for an attraction with higher profitability? Example: Marvel.
A: we don’t look at attractions in terms of profitability but in terms volume handled. Agrees that the volume handled by the Nemo submarines is lower due to slow loading and unloading time, however this was a ride Iger advocated for. Because it is an iconic attraction it is planned to remain open. They are looking at a Marvel and Star Wars presence in the parks though.

7. Q: wants My Magic+ in Disneyland. Pin trading – why are pin traders being pushed about in the parks? Is there some way to have access to someone who knows what’s going on that day with pin trading?
A: pin trading has been popular at all our parks. There is limited pin trading so as to not interfere the flow of traffic in the parks. Will pass along comments to Michael Colglazer. (Not sure if I got the name correct)

8. Q: concerned about changes to accommodating guests with disabilities. Believes the new process is not effective.
A: the new process was not designed to take away access from those who need it. The original program was being taken advantage of and offered to have him work with representatives from Parks and Resorts.

9. Q: questions about expanding into the German market. And pitching for a job in Shanghai Disney.
A: satisfied with recent expansion in Germany – launch of Disney Channel. Believe there is room for improvement and a market for further expansion. Will get him in contact with HR representatives. Shanghai is looking to hire thousands of people.

10. Q: Cruise line – any fleet or itinerary expansions?
A: thanks her for her business. No plans to add to the fleet but always looking at new itineraries. Alaska has been extremely successful and has itineraries to the Caribbean and Europe.

11. Q: asking if they would be willing to use the Montesouri primary program (an early childhood program) for their employees’ children.
A: no, the company already provides child care centers for their employees’ children.

12. Q: thanks for the stock holders certificates. Bob Iger is his favorite character. Wondering if he would dissolve in acetone. (Bob Iger: what?) believes The Lone Ranger received a bad rap. Will Mulan become a princess and will her castle be built in Shanghai? Will there be another PoTC?
A: there will be a Mulan presence in Shanghai but her castle will not be built there. Some development has gone on for another PoTC sequel but nothing has been greenlit.

13. Q: concerned about growing exclusivity in the parks.
Applause.
A: what is exclusive is very tiny. Suggested joining D23. Disney tries to be as inclusive as they can.

14. Q: ABCNews- sometimes it seems ABCNews is a training ground for CNN. What are you doing to retain talent?
A: ABCNews is a great group. Individuals have left for a variety of reasons.

15. Q: copyrights- at some point they will expire. What is Disney doing to protect the company? Are there concerns?
A: Allen: looking at this – we have extremely strong trademarks and have registered them around the world. Taken the right and prudent measures for when the copyrights expire.
Iger: Disney stands apart from the rest in terms of story and characters. Used Snow White and the Huntsman as an example.

16. Q: 2d animation is getting lost. Disney is the only studio that can do this. Is 2d continuing? Is unique to the Disney brand.
A: we are just trying to create great movies. People don’t think 2d or 3d. It’s about how good the story is. There aren’t any plans to make a 2d film. There have been 2d shorts created with Mickey Mouse.

17. Q: park CMs – are there any plans to raise financial compensation?
A: agreed CMs make the magic and create unbelievable experiences for their guests. Negotiations are always ongoing with unions in the form of salary and benefits. Disney has good relationships with the unions. Disney has added 10,000 jobs in the US parks alone. It is their intention to behave fairly and responsibly to their Cast Members.

18. Q: wants the stockholder meeting at the Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Are Disney Dollars continuing?
A: have had a stockholders meeting in Oakland within the last four or five years. There aren’t any plans he is aware of to discontinue Disney Dollars.

19. Q: Any plans to tie in promotions on Shanghai Disney with “Shanghi’ed in Astori?”
A: no

End of Q&A.
End of 2014 Shareholders’ meeting,