While in Florida recently, I stayed at an AirBnB outfitted by the great Tommy Allsmiller (@Typhoon_Tommy) who recently restored the famous Mai Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. It was a Tiki dream-come-true! On the AirBnB site, it’s Mananui House in Kissimmee, owned and managed by Tahiti Gil. A real tropical hideaway, minutes from that other tropical hideaway!

Research trip!

Pattern language.

44 years ago, on Sept 30, 1982, I visited France, Japan, Italy, Germany, China, and the Future … all in the same day!

Curious land transactions in Central Florida, 1965.

Reminder that if you haven’t seen Leslie Iwerks’ remarkable documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted—or even if you have—you won’t want to miss this special screening of the critically acclaimed, eye-opening film at Bowers Museum this Sunday, Sept. 27, presented by Ryman Arts. Following the film, join for an in-depth panel discussion with me, Producer Mark Catalena, and Emo O’Brien, WDI Executive Creative Producer for Disneyland. The conversation will be moderated by the always delightful Tim O’Day, who, along with me, was part of the Creative Braintrust for the film. You will also meet Joshua You, a Ryman Arts alumnus who is now a concept artist for Walt Disney Imagineering. We’ll take it to the next level as we explore some of the material seen in the film footage and discuss how creativity, craftsmanship, and mentorship helped get the impossible dream of Disneyland off the ground—in less than a year! This is a special event/fundraiser for Ryman Arts and there will also be a silent auction! LINK TO TICKETS: app.betterunite.com/rymanart…

Another Pereira masterpiece I grew up encountering almost daily was his futuristic Pacific Mutual headquarters in Newport Center. What I find interesting about his work during this, his most modernistic phase, was that it was all being designed out of his office in a repurposed barn, left over from a defunct Buffalo Ranch & Indian Village roadside attraction. I would pass by that barn daily, for 7 years, on the way to school.

If you haven’t seen Leslie Iwerks’ remarkable documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted—or even if you have—don’t miss this special screening of the critically acclaimed, eye-opening film at Bowers Museum on Sunday, Sept. 27, presented by Ryman Arts. LINK TO TICKETS: app.betterunite.com/rymanart…

But also, there’s a timeless way of building (to quote Christopher Alexander).

No subs in sight today

Classic William Pereira & Associates design, from his Newport Center days. My mom worked on the 3rd floor, in the Bridal Salon. We used to wait by the bells to pick her up after her shift, then go eat at Coco’s across the way. Photo from the USC Pereira Collection.

Late night Floydering with the usual susses. Celebrating Floyd’s upcoming honorary Oscar award.

The Aug 1953 Site Location Study by Stanford Research Institute narrowed Disneyland’s site choices down to 4. Sites were vetted for availability, meaning they were all “in play.” Only 1 of the 4 sites still stands exactly as it was in 1954, incl surrounding homes and structures. Nice big site but not freeway close; it would’ve, however, included a free “themed” building! Even though the property was for sale 70 years ago, the operators apparently had a change of heart & decided to keep the recreational park open. It was quite busy on a recent visit! Not disclosing the location just yet, but I’m sure someone will figure it out!

Don Iwerks saw it all happen, the birth of Disneyland, large format films, and the theme park industry in general. But more importantly, Don was a soft-spoken powerhouse of knowledge and support, always ready to answer questions and share his knowledge with younger staff members. Don was incredibly helpful in the fact-finding process for my upcoming book about the early years of Walt Disney Imagineering. Without his sharp and detailed memory, many important and interesting stories would be lost to time. I will greatly miss him. My thoughts are with Leslie, my colleague Mike at WDI, and the entire Iwerks family.

This wasn’t meant to be a teary-eyed memoriam but rather a reminder that the show got even better after it was torn out and moved to Anaheim. Act 4 was updated featuring near-future amenities and the promise of Progress City on the horizon. Some would say it improved yet again when it was updated and moved to Florida (usually depending on which song you grew up with). Without the encumbrance of an appliance company needing to tell their story, there’s an opportunity to keep the spirit and best moments from the original while charting new territory. Now is the time… to do that!

I’ll be occasionally posting Granny appreciation ephemera, as I’ve come across a trove, more than I imagined. Most are from newspapers or GE internal newsletters. Officially named Mrs. G.E. Faire, Progressland personnel usually referred to her as “Granny” or sometimes “Grandma Moses.” Get it? 😜

How it looked the day after in Flushing Meadows, October 1965. Photo from GE house organ, Progressland Rerport.

11-year old boy takes off with Granny as Carousel of Progress closes! Authorities say the boy climbed onto the stage, slashed the scrim, grabbed the figure and exited with her in a wheelchair. The boy was stopped on the Peoplemover platform while attempting to take the figure on the ride. He has not been identified and his parents, who were eventually located at the Beak & Barrel, had no comment.