The Walt Disney Family Museum Blog

“A funny thing happened to me on my way to the moon…girl (with seven moons all made for love) meets boy (with chimp)…and WOW!”

That was the marketing phrase that appeared on many movie advertisements for the Disney live-action “Technicolor® blast of fun and entertainment” known as Moon Pilot, first released to theaters nearly fifty years ago.

On June 11, 2011, The Walt Disney Family Museum had the great privilege of hosting not only Charles Solomon, noted author and animation historian; Paul Felix, art director at Walt Disney Animation Studios; and Ralph Eggleston, animator, storyboard artist, and production designer at Pixar Animation Studios, but also the incredibly humble and astounding inspirational artist, Tyrus Wong.

As we celebrate Walt's timeless and beautiful feature film Bambi, author and historian J.B. Kaufman will be visiting our museum to discuss the visual styles and work that went into animating the film, which includes a discussion about the anatomy of an animal and how artists would study live animal models at the studio to get their movements and mannerisms just right.

In observance of Father’s Day, Chris Crump has contributed this appreciation of his “Disney Dad,” Rolly Crump. I was very young. Hard to say exactly—maybe six or seven years old. In school, the question was asked in class: “What does your dad do for a living?” My response—that my father worked for Disney—probably got the best reaction of all of the kids...

In observance of Father’s Day, Ted Thomas has contributed this reminiscence about his “Disney Dad,” Frank Thomas.

I remember clearly a college break when I was helping my father with brush clearing at our family’s vacation cabin in the hills near Julian, California. I was in the middle of studies, but far enough along to be thinking about, and dreading, being out in the working world.

To create the realistic characters of Bambi, Walt Disney brought his artists living animals to study and draw direct from life. In that tradition, we're bringing in  live animal models—goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, pot belly pigs and more—to provide you with the unique opportunity to observe and sketch them, just as the Disney artists do.

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Paulway Chew is a renowned vocalist with more that 16 years of experience in TV and radio, and a decade of musical theater experience performing for a Chinese Malaysian theater group in Kuala Lumpur.

Walt Disney brought imagination and inspiration to generations of parents, children, and families. You can help to share the legacy of his life and ideals—join The Walt Disney Family Museum Volunteer Team today! 

Walt Disney’s Bambi is screening every day in June at 1 & 4pm (except Tuesdays, and June 11 & 25) in the state-of-the-art digital theatre at The Walt Disney Family Museum. Tickets are available at the Reception and Member Service Desk at our museum, or online at www.waltdisney.org.

Betty Taylor, who played the role of Sluefoot Sue for 30 years in the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland, passed away on Saturday. She was 91 years old. Guest Blogger Scott Wolf shares some memories of Betty.