The year, 2013. The place, D23 Expo. The event, the cast of the animated series, Mission Marvel. The Expo played host to the biggest animated crossover ever, having Disney and Marvel bring together their powerhouse characters, Disney with Phineas and Ferb, and Marvel's with the heroes of the Avengers.
Take a look at the event which includes a new "anator" that Dr. Doofenshmirtz creates, the Waffleantor, and a entertaining interview with the Marvel cast, Bumper Robinson (Back Falcon), Roxbury Smith (Captain America), Drake Bell (Spider-Man) and Adrian Pasdar (Iron Man).
The Disney Channel has very many talented actors and actresses of all different ages and on many different shows. I was on hand to interview four stars that share a quick moment of life on the set; Leigh-Allyn Baker (Good Luck Charlie), Karan Brar (Jessie), Skai Jackson (Jessie) and Rani Rodriguez ( Austin and Ally).
Rani Rodriguez was kind enough to share a rare performance of her singing in english and in spanish, while Leigh-Allyn Baker tells us of the sadnes of Good Luck Charlie ending. Karan Brar and Skai Jackson tell us what its like working with the cast of Jessie and some of the pranks that they pull on each other.
Disney Stars - Stars that Shine
Talent Beyond Words
So what does David Koenig, Russel Flores, Don Ballard, Mike Kungl and Noah have in common? They are all talented artist. David, Russell and Don har talented authors who each have fantastic books and come highly recommended from this theme park fan and Mike and Noah are gifted artist who paint breath-taking works of art that will fit beautifully in your art collection.
These five men take the time to share their art work and to kindly guide you to where you could purchase their many products. In most cases they will even be more than happy to sign it for you.
A Moment with Betty Boop
So who is Desiree Goyette? You may not have heard the name or even recognize her face, but it's almost certain that you have heard her talented voice. Desiree has voice over so many wonderful characters like Barbie, Nermal, Petunia Pig, Honey Bunny and Danse from the animated classic series, Jem. But she is best know for voicing the world's most beloved flapper girl, Betty Boop, in the animated film, The Romance of Betty Boop.
Desiree was kind enough to chat about how she won the role of Betty Boop even though she didn't intend to.
Together in Harmony
As the story goes these five teenage girl made it all the way to third place on the second season of famed singing realty show, X-Faxtor. A few weeks later they received a call from Simon Cowell and was signed a joint deal with Syco Music and Epic Records. They were voted the "Next Pop Superstar of 2013" by Popdust Magazine and soon soared the music charts.
The girls, Dinah Hansen, Normani Kordei, Ally Hernandez, Lauren Jauregui and Camila Cabello, were kind enough to give Theme Parkology a short interview for all of you to enjoy.
Mission Marvel - Two World's Collide
Voice of a Legend
You may not recognize the name, June Foray, but it's almost a certaining that you've heard her. June has been the voice of hundreds of cartoons including; Witch Hazel, Grandma Fa, Jokey Smurf, Granny from Sylvester and Tweety Bird, Ursula on George of the Jungle, Rocky and Natasha in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show and Cindy Lou Who from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, to name an impressive few.
She has been in countless movies, commercials, cartoon shorts (who could forget her voice in the Fractured Fairy Tales series) and continues to work today.
Godzilla's Triumph Return
Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr, has taken on many challenging tasks within his impresive lifetime. He has worked on so many attractions that it is often said if a vehicle or attraction at Disneyland has wheels than it was most likely designed and/or built by Bob.
However, Bob's talent expands past Disney. He has worked with such talented individuals as Steven Speilberg and Michael Jackson. This episode of Moments with Bob Gurr shares his history of the mechanical monster that he built for Centropolis Entertainment and TriStar Pictures, the 1998 film, Godzilla.
Who is Rocky the Rhino
I happened to be at the Big Wow Comicfest in San Jose, California and ran into Floyd. I of course love chatting with him, but I noticed a very unique drawing of a rhino. When asked about the rhino, Floyd was only too happy to share with me the story of Rocky the Rhino and his misfortune of being cut from Disney's classic film, The Jungle Book.
Take a listen and you just might walk away like I did, learning something new about the Disney universe.
Victory with Michael Jackson
As most of you already know Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr, has designed and constructed many theme park attractions and vehicles, but did you know he also did various work for many clients? It's true.
One particular client wore loafers and a rhinestone glove. I'm of course talking about iconic musical entertainer, Michael Jackson. While Mr. Jackson was beginning to map out his 1984 Victory Tour he sought out many engineers to create some very unique special effects, including the assistance of Bob Gurr.
The Galaxtic World of Space Angel
Original Tinker Bell reference model, Margaret Kerry, has done several voice overs for various projects including the animated wonderment that is known throughout the galaxy, Space Angel.
This galaxtic series travels through adventure after adventure with space hero, Scott McCloud and his trusty crew. Margaret Kerry was kind enough to share one of many tales of her contribution on one of the galaxtic stories ever to pass through this universe, Space Angel.
An Adventurous Tale of Clutch Cargo
As most of you already know Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr, has designed and constructed many theme park attractions and vehicles, but did you know he also did various work for many clients? It's true.
One particular client wore loafers and a rhinestone glove. I'm of course talking about iconic musical entertainer, Michael Jackson. While Mr. Jackson was beginning to map out his 1984 Victory Tour he sought out many engineers to create some very unique special effects, including the assistance of Bob Gurr.
A Main Street Vehicle Story
Have you ever been driven down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and wonder what's the story of the Omnibus or the fire Truck? They look vintage, yet new. All of the Main Street vehicles really add to the relic town of Main Street.
Meet Main Street, U.S.A. vehicle driver, Steve. He has been driving the many vehicles that chug down the charming streets of Disneyland since the parks opening day and he was kind enough to give us a bit of vehicle information regarding the fire truck. As with all Disneyland cast members, Steve was very nice and you could tell that he really loves his job.
A Sinking Feeling
Do you remember the vintage Submarine Voyage attraction? Guest would climb aboard a submarines and slowly journey through the depths of the Disneyland Lagoon. Once below the surface we were treated to a world of underwater life, ship wreaks, lost cities and even a mythological creature.
But did you know that this fun and safe underwater attraction once tipped over? It's true. A group of guest boarded a submarine and ventured out into the sea where the strong vessel swayed and tipped. Did it endangered the lives of the travelers? For the answer we chat with Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr.
Margaret Kerry Stooging Around
Who doesn't know the crazy antics of Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, Joe Besser and Joe DeRita, better known as the Three Stooges. These gentlemen where hilarious and filmed over 190 shorts.
In 1965 the Stooges create a new show simply entitled, The New Three Stooges, in which they booked-end live crazy antics with an animated episode in the middle. Many of these episodes featured the ever charming and very talented Margaret Kery.
My Visit to the Dark Side
It's not everyday that I get to meet with a Jedi. I mean, a JEDI! I was very surprise to meet C. Andrew Nelson, who play the evil, yet intriguing dark Jedi, Darth Vader, within the Star Wars universe in episode IV, V and VI.
I was also excited to hear that he is also avisual effect artist and has worked on such films as The Perfect Storm, Race to Witch Mountain, Jumper, Rocky, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Enchanted and The Nightmare Before Christmas, to name an impressive few. Join the dark side for just a moment to enjoy our little talk with C. Andrew Nelson and discover Darth Vader like you've never seen him before.
The Heroic Works of Kathy Garver
Actress and voice over artist, Kathy Garver, take time away from her busy schedule at this years Stocktoncon to talk with Theme Parkology about her work on one of America's favorite classic television show, Family Affair, and lending her voice on the animated saturday morning show, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, of which she play Firestar.
Kathy is currently writing two books, she can be heard on the audio CD entitled, Rocking Horse - a personal biography of Betty Hutton and she is filming a new series called Mom, Murder and Me.
The Lost Land of Wesley Eure
There are many television shows that help entertain us as we grow up. (Does anyone remember the Saturday Morning Cartoons in the 70s?) Two spectacular hows were Land of the Lost, which I loved growing up, and Dragon Tales, which my granddaughter just adores. So what do these two shows have in common? They are both connected to producers/actor, Wesley Eure, who played Will in Land of the Lost and created the animated Dragon Tales.
I met Wesley for a second time at this years Comikaze (2014) and he was more than happy to talk with us about his role in Land of the Lost and creating Dragon Tales.
A Small World Story
You may not know the name Rolly Crump, but chances are if you've been to Disneyland you have seen some of his work. He has worked on such iconic attractions as The Tike Room, Pirates of the Caribbean and It's A Small World, to name a few.
While recording an interview for the It's A Small World DVD, Rolly spoke to us about many things including his work on Knotts Berry Farm, but it was his stories about It's A Small Wolrd that really captured my attention. Take a listen to Rolly's story about working on the It's A Small World attraction and working with Mary Blair.
Working with King Kong
We all know the works of Bob Gurr. He is responsible for the consturction and mechanics of some wonderful attractions which include, Abraham Lincoln, The Matterhorn, The Submarine Voyage, The Haunted Mansion, and of course the many Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles, to name a few . Bob was kind enough to share a story of enormous porportion about the work of Universal Studios King Kong tram ride.
This is just a short clip of an interview that I did with him for the Historic Tale of Universal Studios documentary and as always he was very charming and detailed the attraction as well as the guests reaction to the 8th Wonder of the World.
The Talent of a Comic Book Artist
Georges Jeanty is a comic book artist who has illutrated many iconic comic books such as; Green Lantern, Superboy, Superman, Batman, Gambit, Deadpool, Weapon X, The X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, Bishop, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity and The Joker's Daughter, to name an impressive few.
Mr. Jeanty took a moment from his busy schedule at the 2014 Big Wow Comicfest in San Jose, California to chat with Theme Parkology. He describes the surprise fan-base for The Joker's Daughter comic book.
The Force is with Jake Lloyd
While making my rounds at this years comic conventions I ran it to young Anakin Skywalker, though not so young, Jake Lloyd. He was very kind enough to take a moment away from signing autographs and taking pictures with fans to talk to Theme Parkology.
This is a great short interview that gives us viewers a little bit of insight on what it was like working on the set of Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace and Jingle All The Way. Most noteworthy is his work with Water Defence of which he is involved with.
The Personality of a Sprite
Margaret Kerry has done so many television shows, films and of course animate features. I can't think of a better way to begin The Legends series than with a short clip of Margaret sharing her wise words of wisdom on one of the world's most loved characters, Tinker Bell.
In this clip she gives us better insight on Tinker Bell and her personally, comparing her to that of an 11 year old girl. I can honestly say that no one knows the personally and inner thoughts of Tinker Bell better than Margaret Kerry and I will even go so far as to say that Margaret really is Tinker Bell.
The Dragon that Terri Built
Theme Parkology caught up with Disney Imagineer and Puppeteer, Terri Hardin, at the Oakhurst Disney Daze. Terri was kind enough to chat with guests about her first encounter with Disney Legend and Imagineer, Tony Baxter. Terri's first meeting was to discuss a project that she was working on for Disneyland Paris, that of the sleeping dragon below the castle.
Her goal was to take that peaceful sleeping dragon and have hime wake up and stare down passing guests. Click on the clip to find out how her pitch to make an inanimate dragon come to life.
Diary of a Retired Disney Princess
Theme Parkology presents a rare treat of which two former Disney Princess sit down and discuss the road it takes to becoming a Disney Princess. The two former Princess are Jennifer Oaks and Rachel Hankle.
I was very fortunate to not only get in touch with Jennifer Oaks, but she was gracious enough to allow me to share a short clip of her journey on how to become a Disney Princess with all of you. You can further hear the complete journey at Jennifer Oaks' YouTube channel.
Comic Book Men (part one)
For those of you who are fans of Kevin Smith's television show, Comic Book Men, I have a special surprise for you. I was fortunate enough to meet three of the cast members at the Comikaze convention last year.
In this segment, part 1, I talk to Ming Chen about how he got his job with Kevin Smith and what it was like to meet comic legend, Stan Lee. I also asked him that one question that we all would have asked him, if he could be any superhero with any super power who would be. Click the clip on your right to find out what he said.
Bob Gurr at the 1984 Olympics
In 1984 Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr, was asked to create a special project for the 23rd Olymics, a project that would be, well... out of this world. He was asked to build a colorful flying saucers. Bob was only too happy to take on the challenge.
Join us as we listen to the story of the hard work that went into creating an opporational UFO, of course with the assistance of a helecopter, and discover what idea progressed after the aircrafts test flight crashed.
Character Corner
The Adorkable Traci Hines
For those of you who have yet to meet Traci Hines allow me to introduce her. She is no stranger to YouTube, having produced several Disney covers with complete character videos, she is a singer, song writer, actress, cosplayer, and she also has her own clothes line, Adorkable Apparel.
I caught up with Traci at a comic conention last year. She had a booth to promote her clothes line and was dressed as Harley Quinn. She was only too happy to give us an indepth interview about her life, her music and her business.
Dino Andrade Speaks
Theme Parkology caught up with Voice Over artist, Dino Andrade, at Wonder-Con and he was very kind enough to share a few words about his history. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Dino, he has voice such excited voices for video games as; War of Warcraft, Guitar Hero: On Tour, Tales of Vesperia, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Twisted Metal. He is also the voice of; Dr. Jonathan Crane/The Scarecrow, Drunken Master in Samurai! Daycare, One Eyed Racist Squirrel in Oishi High School Battle, Jack from Fifi: Cat Therapist, and Pop from the world loved cereal, Rice Krispys.
The Band that Rolly Crump Built
As Walt Disney prepared for the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, Disney Legend and Imagineer, Rolly Crump, was also gearing up for the Fair, but instead of mapping out projects like Walt Disney was, Rolly was busy working on the It's A Small World attraction and a lesser known piece, Autoparts Harmonic Orchestra.
This spectacular band were instruments made entirely out of car parts. This short clip will definitely give you an idea of how creative Walt Disney was, as were the many talented Disney artists'.
Have you ever wondered why Disneyland's Skyway to Fantasyland/Tomorrowland closed down? There have been many rumors such as a guest had fallen out or too many people were getting trash thrown upon them, but Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr, sets aside the rumors and explains why the Skyway shut down.
This is a great clip directly from the imagineer's mouth to you ears in a Theme Parkology exclusive clip of A Legendary Moment.
Skyway takes the Highway
Skyway takes the Highway
The Talent of Aidan Casserly
Theme Parkology was very fortunate to chat with writer, illustrator, and animator, Aidan Casserly. He is perhaps best known for his Scapula series, which is the story about a villain wanna-be and the many failed escapades that unfold through his journey to become a respectful evil villain, something that might not be able to be done.
This is a great clip as Aidan Casserly not only shares his information about his work, but he was kind enough to sketch an image for us.
The Mission in the Jungle
Theme Parkology is thrilled to present another Moments with Bob Gurr. In this installment Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr, shares his unique tale of his brief work within one of Disneyland's famed attraction, The Jungle Cruise.
This was a great interview as I wasn't aware that the Bob had anything to do with the Jungle Cruise let alone improve the mechanic of the Indian tribe. Tis is definitely a clip worth viewing.
Rolly Crump shares a story or two
It was a warm day in June when Theme Parkology sat down with Disney Legend and Imagineer, Rolly Crump. I was there to discuss Rolly's contribution to Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room. After the interview Rolly talked about Walt Disney, sharing a few stories of whom he calls, "The Old Man".
One story is about when Walt Disney had to use the restroom when all of the stalls were taken and the second story is about Walt asking a janitor what he thought of a paint color. This will surely give you some insight of how Walt Disney thought and felt about every guest.
Dining at Jock Lindsey's
In a new segment titled, Dining at the Mouse House, I hope to share some of the best food served at the many Disney park. After all, there are so many choices and we all need to know where to go, right? For the first installment I sent dear friend, Krista Joy, to Disney Spring's, Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar in Florida.
Krista did an amazing job capturing the essence of the place as well as describing several of the delicious food served. I plan to feature more great eateries, but for now enjoy this fun clip of Dining at the Mouse House.