Monday, July 18, 2005

Disney on Hollywood Blvd.

The most recent Walk of Fame ceremony awarded a star to Disneyland.
In the past the Walk of Fame only awarded stars to people, animals or cartoon characters.

But technically, this isn't part of the Walk of Fame. This star LOOKS like one on the Walk, it was presented by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce just like the ones on the Walk and it smells like the ones on the walk (think of the bottom of a shoe with a hint of lemon.)

This particular star is located on Hollywood Blvd, but it is on Disney owned property adjacent to the Walk of Fame. It's kind of an honorary star.

Still, as different as it is the Disneyland star is hardly an outcast. It should seem right at home on Hollywood Blvd. Lets take a look at all things Disney on the historic Hollywood Street:

The Walk of Fame:
In addition to the new Disneyland pseudo-star Disney is well represented on the Boulevard. Walt Disney himself was honored twice (TV and Movies), and his brother (and business partner) Roy was honored as well (movies.
In addition Disney animated stars Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Snow White all occupy Walk of Fame real estate. Also many of the stars of Disney's films and TV shows have been honored. Most notably, Mouseketeer Annette Funicello whose star is just steps from the Disneyland star.

The Chinese Theater:
The most famous theater in the world is, of course, known for its forecourt where movie stars have left their hand and foot prints. Walt Disney attended several premieres at this theater, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Still, he never left his hands in the cement there. One Disney star did, however. Donald Duck has one of the most prominent slabs in the forecourt. It's right out front and close to the street. C. Ducky Nash who voiced the Duck for many years signed the slab under Donald's giant webbed feet.
Two other Disney stars were put into cement, Herbie the Love Bug and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. These were only honorary ceremonies and the handprints have since been removed.
Yes, I wrote "hand prints" when, in Herbie's case, they were tire prints. I refuse to apologize.

Snow White Cafe:
A short walk from the Chinese Theater is this often overlooked attraction. Opened by Walt Disney in 1946, this small restaurant is best known for fine coffee and beautiful Snow White murals. The murals cover most of the walls and are breathtakingly beautiful. I also like that "black coffee" sounds like it would be Snow White's archenemy... if Snow White was a superhero. I really wish she was a superhero.

The El Capitain Theater:
This classic (and classy) Hollywood theater is located directly across from the Chinese Theater. It ONLY shows Disney films, usually preceded by a 20 minute stage show featuring Mickey Mouse and company.

Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store:
This quant throwback to the early days of Hollywood just opened in July 2005. It's an old fashioned soda fountain that serves ice cream as well as Mickey Mouse shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Disney Studios locations:
This might be a stretch, but I need to fill a couple more paragraphs. In the Disney Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida there are several buildings that are replicas of many of the famous buildings here in Hollywood. Of course the most famous is the full scale replica of Grauman's Chinese Theater. In their forecourt a slew of celebrities have left hand prints as well. Including Kermit the Frog (with Jim Henson), Billy Joel and Hulk Hogan. Many of the stars here could not be honored at the Chinese (prove me wrong, Bobcat Goldwaith) but there are some (such as Sylvester Stallone) that have been honored at both.
Also, the famous Max Factor building is replicated in Florida (at least the ground floor) among others.

In short, Disneyland is now part of Hollywood Blvd., a place that has always been its home.

Check out that last sentence!!! I hope Michael Eisner calls me to get permission to use that line. I'll give him permission, but first I will put him on hold for a while.

14 comments:

  1. The only bad thing about Disney MGM Studios' Chinese Theater is that they put a giant Sorcerer's hat in front of it about five years ago. It ruined the photo op.

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  2. Anonymous7/18/2005

    Ah what can be more relaxing than a stroll down Hollywood Blvd. on a warm summer day with the Santa Ana winds creating a delightful breeze. It's as much fun as a backyard barbecue with Ed Begley, Jr.

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  3. Anonymous7/18/2005

    I heard Walt Disney's sister was so fat, she worked for the phone company.

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  4. Anonymous7/18/2005

    Is the giant sorcerer's hat still there? I thought it was only supposed to be temporary.

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  5. I don't think any one person or entity can BE Disney, NED.

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  6. Cravipat,
    The hat was supposed to be temporary when it was installed for the "100 Years of Magic" Celebration. Then it was full of computers that told Disney Trivia.
    After the celebration ended it became a Disney pin store.
    It now has become the "icon" of the park like Cinderella Castle or Epcot's Spaceship Earth.
    I was there in March, it took me about 20 minutes to frame a good photo of me in front of the theater.

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  7. Anonymous7/19/2005

    That's terrible, especially since the theater was supposed to be the icon. Did they leave the arm and wand attached to Spaceship Earth too?

    Here's a photo of the hat in question.

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  8. I always thought of the theater as the icon, but they used to put the Earful (water) Tower on a lot of the brocures instead.

    As for Spaceship Earth, the Mickey hand and wand was added in 2000 it too has remained but now reads Epcot instead of "2000."

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  9. Anonymous7/19/2005

    I love Hollywood! I would really like to see this star! I bet that Mickey PB&J is great!

    I am also HIV positive.

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  10. Anonymous7/19/2005

    You learn something new everyday. I could have sworn the wand went up during the 100 Years of Magic celebration as well. That's the second time that arm turned me into a liar.

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  11. Anonymous7/19/2005

    Nettie,
    In response to Not Enough Duff you said "I don't think any one person or entity can BE Disney"

    This may be true, but I bet one person is Not Enough Duff, Too Much Duff, Right Amount of Duff and Not Aware of Duff and thus Unable to Gauge Appropriate Quantity of Duff.

    Its all just one funny or confused person.

    THIS IS THE WORD OF TODD

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  12. Anonymous7/19/2005

    FYI, there is a hat in front of the Chinese Theater at Disney Studios Florida. Someone should mention that.

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  13. Cravipat, its a little bizarre for two adults to be so fervently discussing such things, dontcha think?

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  14. Anonymous7/19/2005

    Probably. Now my secret love of Disney World is exposed.

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