#Disneyland60..........Today In Disneyland History...............August 26, 2005

Disney Legend Fred Joerger Passes Away

August 26, 2005

On August 26, 2005, Disney Legend Fred Joerger, a master model maker who helped create Disneyland's look by molding three-dimensional models of the Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Haunted Mansion and other attractions, passed away at age 91. Born in Pekin, Illinois, on December 21, 1913, Fred graduated from the University of Illinois with a fine arts degree in 1937. He then moved to Los Angeles and joined the art department at Warner Brother’s building models of movie sets.  Walt Disney handpicked Joerger back in 1953 to become one of the first three members of WED Enterprises (today known as Walt Disney Imagineering) along with Harriett Burns and Wathel Rogers. Joerger's unusual knack for creating gorgeous rockwork out of plaster led to his reputation as Imagineering's "resident rock expert." Imagineer Fred Joerger helped realize Walt Disney’s visions by crafting three-dimensional miniature models of Disney theme park attractions, as well as motion picture sets and props, before they were brought to full-scale life.

As Fred recalled, “I was given artists’ drawings of an interior set or a building and interpreted them into models. It’s very easy to make something like the Haunted Mansion look good on paper, but if you don’t get it into three-dimensions first, you may have a disaster. Well, my job was to create the model to avert disaster, which was fun, but a challenge.”

Among his rocky mountain highlights; the huge stones featured on the Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Joerger also built miniature sets and props for Disney motion pictures, including Mary Poppins, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, and 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. It was Joerger who designed and constructed most all rockwork at Walt Disney World for its 1971 opening, including the breathtaking atrium waterfall featured in the Polynesian Village Resort.

In 1979, after 25 years with the Company, Fred retired. He soon returned, however, to serve as field art director for EPCOT Center prior to its 1982 opening.  His legacy lives on not just in his creations but in the Haunted Mansion as well where guests can still see the Haunted Mansion tombstone is a tribute to Joerger. The "Here Lies Good Old Fred - A Great Big Rock Fell On His Head". And that’s what happened today in Disneyland history. 

Aloha from the Polynesian Islands By Tamela Hansen

     Have you been swept away to the Polynesian islands lately?  If not, then make a reservation at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show!  This is the perfect show for all ages.

     Make sure to make reservations 180 days in advance.  You have to arrive 1 hr early to this amazing dinner show.  The minute you exit your, monorail, boat, or bus you will be wisp away to the islands!  Everything from the tiki torches, the lush greenery, and the beautiful waterfall will make you feel as if you have arrived in umbrella drink paradise!  After the beautiful walk to dinner you will be greeted with a leis in the island way.  Make sure to take the opportunity to make a family memory with a beautiful photo.  Now have an island drink and take in the scenery.  There are so many areas to take a great photo or a selfie!

     Then off to dinner and start with a fresh salad with seasonal veggies, honey lime vinaigrette, and delicious pineapple coconut bread!  Mmmm!  The little ones and kids at heart will be invited up to learn how to hula dance before the show.  Then the show will begin. Auntie Wini will invite you to join her in a fun filled luau to welcome a local girl who has been living on the mainland. 

     While you enjoy authentic dishes such as island pulled pork, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken and polynesian rice the island dances will capture the attention of all ages!  The dances are so beautiful and unique to each Polynesian island. The show stopping fire knife performer will keep you enthralled!  Then on to dessert!  You will enjoy warm pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce.  Also, sodas, lemonade, coffee and tea are included.  For those 21 and older you can enjoy wine or beer included with your dinner.  They also offer several cocktails and a tropical rum punch in a hand carved coconut keepsake that is extra yummy!

   

     So if you are ready to show your Disneyside in the islands, why not make a reservation for Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show!  Just remember to Always Show your DisneySide!!!

FREE Resort/Restaurant Tours at WDW

Wilderness Lodge- "Wonders of the Lodge"

*Offered at 9am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

This tour includes information about the architecture and how the Lodge was built, they also school you on the artwork, totem poles and the paintings located at the Wilderness Lodge. If interested call WL-407-824-3200

The Fort Wilderness Campground- “Campfire Program”

*No admission fee and its open to all WDW resort guests.

*It begins around 7 p.m. during the Fall/Winter season and 8 p.m. after the time   changes in April through the summer.

*Held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area.

*Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit & sign autographs.

The program begins with a sing-along led by a Disney Cast Member and a marshmallow roast around campfire rings. You can bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuck Wagon. They also have available for purchase; pizza, hot dogs, candy, nachos, juice, popcorn, sodas, coffee, beer and other refreshments at the Chuck Wagon.

*The sing-along lasts about 40 minutes. Next, a Disney animated feature or two, depending upon the season, shown on a large outdoor screen.

*In the event of rain, the sing-along is still held on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post.