On Saturday July 13th 2019, the Carolwood Foundation and the crew of Walt Disney's Barn welcomed both the public and special guests to a special event to celebrate Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn's 20th Anniversary. I was in attendance, continuing my volunteering support.
Prior to the event starting, I helped with the setup. One job involved climbing into the barn's attic. Climbing into a dark, dusty roof might not be everyones idea of fun but as I was organizing boxes, I felt a moment of disbelief. I was in the exact same space that Walt Disney himself used on a regular basis. I was doing something that very few people will ever get to do and I felt incredibly lucky to share this special moment with Walt!
The doors opened at 5pm and guests began to mingle around Walt's Barn. After dinner, which was delicious barbecue food, presentations started. Hosted by the voices of Disneyland, Bill Rogers and Camille Dixon, every story shared was very special.
In 1998, Walt and Lillian's house in Holby Hills was purchased and the new owners planned to rebuild on the land. Walt's Daughter, Diane Disney Miller, called Michael Broggie (son of Roger Broggie, the first Imagineer), and said, "We need to save Dad's barn!"
Bill Abel, Michael Broggie and Miguel Fernandez joined the stage and shared how they lovingly dismantled, resurrected and preserved Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn. Once it was finished, Diane proclaimed the venture as one of "heart and heritage."
At this 20th anniversary event, Heart and Heritage Awards were presented to four Imagineers who have all had a profound impact on what Walt Disney started. The inaugural honorees were Bob Gurr, Tony Baxter, Ray Spencer and Kim Irvine. Each one shared stories on stage, relating their career path to trains and how they delivered so many amazing projects.
At the entrance sat a well maintained Rolls Royce. A trip to Hollywood in this classic car was auctioned off later in the evening, (including a tour of the El Capitan.)
Tables sat to the left of the barn.
And tables sat to the right of the barn.
The barn doors were open for guests to stop in at any time.
A special stage was set infant of the barn and large screens showed images throughout the presentations.
The original combine from Disneyland in 1955 sat under a special 20th banner. A new exhibit was also previewed behind the combine.
Two Disneyland Cast Members with Joanna Miller, Walt's granddaughter. Can you spy me in the background?
Bill Abel, Michael Broggie and Miguel Fernandez standing by a sign that was unveiled on the evening. It will point to all of the Disney parks situated around the world, all in existence due to Walt's imagination and his time spent in the barn.
I have had the honor to meet Joanna Miller, Walt's granddaughter, many times now. She is a lovely lady and I am honored she had a photo with me.
Bob Gurr gave a short speech and thanked Walt for everything. He reminded us how special the barn is and what it means....so many ideas were born here.
Above image by Stephen Russo: Tony Baxter presenting. He spoke about Thunder Mountain, Disneyland Paris (and how he influenced the seats on the trains to be in separate compartments) and Indiana Jones. Tony made his own personal Lilly Belle replica which sits in his home on display.
Tony spoke to the opening of Finding Nemo's Submarine Voyage and how Bob Gurrr's monorail was decorated as part of a marketing stunt. I never knew that!
Ray Spencer shared many stories and was clearly extremely honored to receive a Heart and Heritage Award. Ray worked on the development of Buena Vista Street, the Cathy Circle, the Red Trolly Cars, A Bugs Life Land, Mount Everest Trains and so much more. He explained how everything that Disney does is credible which is why so many people engage with the stories and space. For example, the wires above the Red Trolley cars aren't required, but the budget was spent on them to make the story real!
Kim Irvine spoke in detail about the Disney Dream Suite and the inspiration behind the theming.
All four Imagineers with their Carolwood awards.
All four Imagineers with their Carolwood awards.
To end the night, the Barn Crew revealed the first restored carriage from the classic attraction, Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland. Tony Baxter stands in the background discussing the project with Bill Barbe.
The Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland that ran in Disneyland between 1956 and 1977.
Volunteers were able to take the table center pieces home. Very pretty!