Disneyland Ambassador Ceremonies
Let's wish our friend BU a very Happy Birthday today! The photos in today's post were scanned and shared by Sue B., and it was her idea to use them for this occasion.
In October of 1981, Disneyland had a ceremony in which the 1982 Disneyland Ambassador was selected, and Lou Perry was there with his trusty camera!
The scene has been set: a stage (of sorts) has been set up on the steps of Main Street Station, along with bouquets of balloons in red and white (they look like gigantic fish roe). The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife!
I admit that I'm not really sure what's going on here; a man on a ladder is filming a group of women. They may or may not be past Ambassadors, or nominees for the upcoming position. Does anybody recognize any of the faces?
Again, not really sure who's who; it's possible that the woman on top of that stepped thingamabob could be Willie VanderZwaag, the outgoing 1981 Ambassador. I can only find one photo of Willie, and it's not great, so... like I said, just a guess.
Thanks to this website, I know that the woman on the steps with the floral bouquet is the new 1982 Ambassador, Joanne Crawford.
Joanne is standing with four other lovely ladies, perhaps the official selection had not yet been announced. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not crazy about contests like these, I always feel so bad for the others who came so close, but did not win.
I wonder if the runner-ups are given any official Disneyland duties? Will they fill in at an event if the Ambassador is sick? Do they get a lifetime supply of Rice-A-Roni? Do they get to stay at the Omni Hotel in downtown L.A.?
Oh wait, maybe THAT'S Willie VanderZwaag?
I think this was the "airing of grievances", if I'm not mistaken. Or is that Festivus?
Mouseplanet had an article about an event at Disneyland that reunited over 30 former Ambassadors back in 2008, and Joanne Crawford showed up with her friend Br'er Bear!
Thanks as always to Lou and Sue!
A LATE ADDITION! Sue B. also nicely provided this fun and special birthday image for Bu, but things happened (long story) and I am finally adding it at 4:00 in the morning. Because I have insomnia, see? It's a great photo because it's weird!
23 comments:
Major-
Thanks to today's post, I know what 'my ensemble's' color palette for Tuesday will be: OH... you thought it was going to be Red/White-? Not hardly-!
Thanks to Lou and Sue.
And a very Happy Birthday to BU.
Happy 'Bu'rthday, Bu. Thanks for your stories as a CM. There's always some interesting info to be gleaned from your stream-of-consciousness comments. We might have to sift through it to put the bits together, but it's there... somewhere. ;-)
Of course, Bu is but one of our "Disneyland Ambassadors" here at GDB. Good choice of theme, Sue.
I am kind of baffled as to why Disney had this big showy ceremony to pick an Ambassador. Seems like they could've just called the 'winner' into the main office and said, "Yer it, congratulations." But I guess Disney is all about showiness. So it's "Alert the media!" Oh well, if it makes them happy.
This is what happens when a fisherman leaves the lid off the little jar of fish eggs too long.
Thanks to Lou P. & Sue, and Major P.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BU!!”
Major that is Willie Vander Zwaag at the podium in the images just before the final. I remember seeing a TV interview with Willie Vander Zwaag … on I think PM MAGAZINE about Disneyland’s NEW FANTASYLAND ….. the interviewer then asked what was next for Disneyland and she said something “imagineers had been working on for awhile ….. DISCOVERY BAY!! ….. and that construction would start on that in 1984….” I almost peed my pants …
The only people I recognize is Willie Vander Zwaag and Brer Bear . I though maybe I saw Bob Phelps : manager of the costume department, but I cannot be 100%.
Thank you Sue for selecting “custom” images appropriate to each birthday … it’s an extra present!
Thanks for helping me remember my birthday today! It's kind of a big one :) I am working on project on top of project and it seems that I never know what day or date it is and have to understand what dates my flights are on to help me remember where and when I am...that being said, time for an ever popular stream-of-consciousness! Thanks Sue for the amazing shots...I don't think I was there that day, but I know many of the people in the shots! I'm pretty sure this was "pre-me" in GR. I don't remember Joanne as an Ambassador at all, but there are a few there that our department was very close to. Photo #1: yes, tension was thick. These things were very important in the day, and since in the "top 4" usually there were a couple of people from our department, given the nature of our work. Back of head on left is John Cora- who was head of the park under Ron D. I know that back of head very well. His office was in City Hall, and now you can go into it...(which was really weird- not sure what it's used for but there is a land line phone and a box of tissues in there...). His brother Jim was head of Disneyland International and opened up all the foreign theme parks starting with TDL. They had offices in the now "Disney Suite" formerly "Disney Gallery". The offices were quite glamourous as they were still decorated in Dorothea Redmond style for Walt and Roy's apartment(s). Jim's (ex) wife was a TG, and also his daughter, who also was in the Ambassador top 4- years after this. John was very picky about the ladies of GR, and you can thank him for maintaining a "NASA" style look throughout the park throughout his tenure. John later married our supervisor. Disneyland romances were common. The TG to the right was Suzn. She was very SOP. So much in fact that if you look up "Standard Operating Procedures" in a dictionary there would probably be a photo of her there :) I am not exactly SOP, but I can appreciate those who are as they help us "wild childs" with our crazy. Suzn was my trainer, and was very old school Disneyland look, discipline, etc. A product of Cicely, which many in my time were. There is a lot to tell so I will go to each pic in a separate post...
Pic two: They are filming/taking photos of Ambassadors of the '70's it looks like. We didn't have any direct contact with them unless they continued working at the park, which I don't think any of these did. The "red coat, plaid tie" guys are not TG's. They are parade leads/characters. The shorter one is Steve and although the taller one is familiar...I don't know his name- I do know he did all the "big" characters like Baloo and such. Steve did Eeyore, Gideon, etc. Steve helped me through my audition to be a character..what a life turn that would have been! Instead, I went into GR. The character audition was an all-day affair, with hundreds of people auditioning. Both a dance audition, and acting audtion. Done before a line-up of people from the department, of which Steve was one. The Ambassadors are sitting on a parade float that was used and used and used zillions of times. People behind Ambassadors are office workers, family...and probably some guests.
Pic 3: Steve and "large character guy" are there on the left now. Raellen Lescault went to go work for WED, and as Mike has said previously, figured out how to re-jig some EPCOT facades into Fantasyland. She is the one who also appeared in Pendleton ads. Top of float is Nancy Murray who we worked with quite a bit. She was great. She ended up in my time working for Mary Jones in Community Affairs. Mary was a force in the OC philanthropy set. Nancy was great fun, and I spent a couple of sand castle building affairs with her. Yes...sand castles for United Way. This was before VoluntEARS...or whatever it's called now...back then it was the Community Action Team and was a volunteer gig which Nancy ran. I don't recall #2 ambassador there...I will have to look her up.
Pic 4: Yes, there is Joanne smiling at camera, and Willie is there at the top. At the bottom left, behind man taking photo of Joanne with glasses and top of head, that is actually kind of a famous Disneylander...who at the time, I had no idea, but he was the staff photographer Renie Bardeau . https://www.latimes.com/obituaries/story/2021-01-14/renie-bardeau-iconic-disneyland-photographer-dies
The iconic photo of Walk walking through the castle pre-opening he took, and among some others (yes...some of me too :) The very published "blond girl with child and balloons" (they photo shoot that I was also in, but not blonde and pretty). That photo is STILL used to this day. That was my vending pal Lisa, who later became a TG. They got a lot of runway from that photo! Now that I see possibly another back of head on left...It may not be John...but good story anyway. Pic #5: I barely remember those other ladies, and to answer your question about if the runner ups stepped in for other duties: generally not, but some did, and actually went on the road as officially "Disneyland Ambassador". You would have to be very very very well liked to do that. The guy at the podium: I know that they usually got Disney Stars/connections to MC this show. I don't know who this guy is, but you can probably do some digging and find out. Since the Ambassador was a Marketing function, everything had synergy and timeliness to whatever may be happening in the moment. Pic #6: more of the same, but I'll keep doing some forensics....I'm thinking that Disneyland Ambassador runner up on right came from the Plaza Inn...maybe...I'm pretty sure she was from foods...correct if incorrect. Pic #7 Yes, that is Willie VDS, and yes, there are not many photos of her, however I was probably closest to her among all the former Ambassadors as she went into Group Sales and was very instrumental for mentoring/guiding/coaching me through the job, which ultimately I did not get. She was great fun as well. Former Ambassadors do have a code of ethics that they carry around for a lifetime. Too much to tell about that now. Moving on...
Thanks to Lou and Sue for the photos....took me back 40 years...literally. That your dad was there on this particular day is quite a feat as the ceremony is not publicly published. Maybe it is now. It's odd now...and quite flashy...how interesting that is, and what a contrast to those of my generation. Hopefully, I stayed somewhat on track with my comments- even though these are simple photos, there is a lot in them :) For those younger following the blog- write things down, take photos, start a journal...this date back in 1982 seems like a lifetime but also like yesterday :) Thanks again to all.
Happy Birthday, Bu!
Gee, I was hoping these photos would bring back some memories, but I see...no-such-luck. ;oP
—Sue
Gee, where are the photos of the swimsuit and talent competitions? I want to see potential Disneyland Ambassadors tap dancing and twirling batons that are on fire.
Thank you Lou, Sue and the Major, too....and a great big beautiful birthday, to Bu!
Happy birthday, Bu! Thanks for all of the additional color commentary.
Last photo - well, that's one way to make sure nobody leaves your birthday party early.
Major, the "Airing of Grievances" is a major component of both Festivus and Disneyland Ambassador Ceremonies. The tradition can be traced back to Early Medieval Martinmas celebrations, although that tradition has died out in the past century. The problem was that the List of Grievances increased in length every year and inevitably led to quarreling with neighbors. By 1914, the list was so long and the issues so contentious that they started the Airing on the 28th of July and didn't wrap up until Martinmas of 1918.
Thanks again to Lou and Sue and Bu and you and the Crew, too!
Happy Birthday Bu! Many Happy Returns of the Day!
I will come back to read those Wall of Text posts throughout the day, perfect antidote to work.
I will pause to observe how perfectly the Station Steps serve as a podium/ stage for these events, almost as if they were planned that way.
Thanks Major, Lou. and Sue!
Nanook, if you wear red and white, everyone will follow you because they’ll think you’re in a parade.
JB, ha ha, yes, stream-of-consciousness comments make for some interesting mental gymnastics. But hey, my brain needs a little workout now and then! Crossword puzzles are fun and all, but they don’t cut it. I must be weird, I really dislike those ceremonies (including the Oscars, etc) where somebody is chose as “the best”, because so often the actual “best” doesn’t win, and it’s just a strange thing to do. The people who lose have to sit there with smiles pasted on, I just feel bad for them.
Mike Cozart, so I’m confused, is the woman with Br’er Bear Willie Vander Zwaag, and not Joanne Crawford? (I wrote this post so long ago I don’t remember any of my research). I know you were excited at the prospect of Discovery Bay. While I liked the idea of the Hyperion airship, I don’t think I’ve read too much about anything that sounded like fun stuff to do for guests. Maybe I have just missed all the good info?
Bu, holy moly, I think Sue B. was hoping for some of your memories and reflections, but she could never have dreamed of anything like your comments today! John Cora is a familiar name, can guests actually go into his office?? Oh, now that you said “Jim Cora”, HE’S the one I have heard of. “Suzn”, Oooookay.
Bu, those “red coat plaid tie” guys are Disneyland’s version of the Secret Service. Dazzle ne’er-do-wells with your plaid tie and then tackle them. Magically of course. I think you escaped what sounds like a brutal job, I don’t believe I would have ever wanted to be a character in costume. However, I am known for my amazing dancing (ha ha).
Bu, I’m trying to imagine EPCOT facades in Fantasyland. It isn’t working. “Mary Jones”, a likely name. Hiding from the mob, Mary? If you figure out #2 ambassador, please let us know.
Bu, ah OK, thank you for clearing up that photo, and which one was Willie. (Note to self, never name a child “Willie”). Thank you for pointing out Renie Bardeau. That photo of Walt is one of the most iconic Disneyland photos (maybe THE most iconic?). I feel like I must have seen “blonde girl with child and balloons”. I did wonder what those other women (probably super smart and amazing) did after this ceremony was over.
Bu, I’m glad you enjoyed these photos, I wonder if Lou just happened to be there that day, or if he knew in advance and staked out a good place to stand? Maybe Sue knows.
Sue, thanks to you for the photos!
TokyoMagic!, yes, baton-twirling is perhaps mankind’s greatest contribution to civilization. Make the batons FLAMING…. forget about it!
Chuck, I know that many holidays “borrow” from other earlier incarnations, so it is not surprising that the “airing of grievances” is a feature in more than one ceremony today. Thank you for some details on the history, I learn so much from you commenters!
JG, ha ha, yeah, there’s a lot to absorb! Time is limited for me today, so I had to make it short and sweet, and even then I’ve spent a while responding! I do wonder if somebody remarked, “Walt, these steps will be just right for special events!”. And Walt replied (after coughing), “Dammit, let’s do it!” (cough).
@ Bu-
Thanks for all the personal remembrances. Always much appreciated.
@ TM!-
I'm with you on the ..."tap dancing and twirling batons that are on fire." (Throw-in sword swallowing, and they'd have to start issuing personal invites-!)
As for the birthday celebration image - I'm in love with the corrugated, white fiberglass 'fencing', and that fabulous mosaic tile table (w/matching Lazy Susan-!) And a special moment of silence for the olive green balloon. [Was that a 'special order' color-??]
I guess that's a young Shahrazad attempting to upstage that pair of young 'criminals', with the "belt buckles'-? over-their shoulders. I'm definitely no expert in weaponry accessorizing - help me out, here.
Happy Birthday Bu and I really enjoy reading your exploits and knowledge as a CM. Many more birthdays in your future and too many un-birthdays to count.
Sue, thanks for these gems, an interesting event for Lou to be present at and photograph. Also, nice ceramic tile table in your Birthday pic. Don't call that kid Baby Faced Nelson. He doesn't like that.
Thank you Major. Exceptional pics for Sue & Lou.
Happy Birthday, Bu! Today's post is brought to you by the color Red and Flaming Batons (a forgotten band of the 80's).
Zach
Lol- no major : Willie Van Der Zwaag is at the podium speaking with the red blazer on . Br’er Bear is just the other “person” I recognize.
How count you NOT like Discovery Bay!?? Besides the Hyperion attraction , there was Professor Marvels Museum of Oddities ( a carousel theater with museum of the weird AA exhibits …. Also the first incarnation of Figment The Dragon) …… a Time Machine boat attraction …. The Volcanic Drilling Machine .. The Great Western Balloon Accent!….. all the unusual steam pumps and fittings throughly the land creating movement and mysterious action! The Nautilus Walk Thru and Captain Nemo’s Grand Underwater Salon Restaurant……the Victorian/Jules Verne train station and trestle ……and one of the shops …. The WED-Scientific model shop!! ….. where guests could buy Disneyland miniatures, scale models and maquettes !!!
Bu: I used to get my hair cut by the same barber who cut Jim Cora’s hair since the 1960’s ( he’s passed on ) but I always got to hear early stories from his chats with the barber and that Cora had such coarse hair he saw d was the cause of some unusual wear to his scissors and blades.
@ Bu-
I sent today's post (along with your comments) to a former TG, who described Suzn as "a terror-!"
Bu, thanks for that Russian-novel-length stream of facts and memories. I had to take a bathroom break at about chapter three, or was it four? ;-)
Tokyo!, you left out kazoo playing. There's nothing like hearing "Yankee Doodle" or "Close To You" being played on a kazoo!
Major, I share your ennui toward awards ceremonies for the very reason you cited: the 'best' rarely, if ever, wins.
Late birthday photo: I'm guessing (mostly from the wrapping paper) that this is the early seventies. Is that one kid wrapped up in tissue paper? I wonder what that large scroll of paper is that birthday-boy is eyeing? I can't decide if this is on their back patio or in a reserved area of a restaurant. Also, what does that gun shoot? Water? Darts?
Nanook, I noticed the belt buckle suspenders as well. Wonder what the story is there? I would guess that the firearm is a squirt gun. I think I had one like that once.
Mike, I like the idea of dining in Captain Nemo's underwater restaurant. I imagine it being like the Blue Bayou restaurant, but with an undersea backdrop instead of a bayou.
Nanook again, Oooh, the plot thickens!
ALTERNATE UNIVERSE : in 2005 new California ADA laws make it impossible to have all entrances and exits ADA compliant forcing Disneyland to close CAPTAIN NEMO’S GRAND SALON RESTAURANT. The popular dining facility took guests “below “ the water to dine in Captain Nemo’s grand victorian submarine, The Nautilus. The table service restaurant was part of the DISCOVERY BAY theme area that opened in 1984. While guests can no longer dine there , Nemo’s Nautilus submarine is still visible , appearing to surface in the blue-green waters of the land’s inlet - one of the most photographed sites inside Disneyland.
Nanook, I always think of that corrugated fiberglass stuff as being green, when I was a kid, a friend’s house had that stuff over their backyard patio. Might have been on a Navy base.
DrGoat, I feel like Bu could write a book. A BIG book! All about his many adventures working at Disneyland. In fact I want that book right now.
zach, your comment reminded me of The Burning Sensations, remember them? Great band!
Mike Cozart, I guess I need to know more about the rides. Did the Balloon Ascent actually take people up into the air? Or was it a fancy dark ride (I think I’d prefer the latter). The “Museum of Oddities”… it totally depends on what those oddities would be. The Volcanic Drilling Machine sounds like it might have been like like the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” ride at Tokyo DisneySea. Nemo’s Grand Salon? I don’t need my hair done! Ha ha, I’m hilarious. Who knows, maybe the whole place would have been amazing.
Nanook, we all need to eliminate vowels from our names.
JB, kazoo playing? Maybe not all of us are talented enough to play the kazoo, did you ever consider that? Awards ceremonies are acknowledged by most as long and boring and they never get the awards right, but for some reason we are supposed to be excited by them. Belt buckle suspenders were the safety pins of that era. SO PUNK. Not as punk as buckles on your hat, like the Pilgrims had, but still.
Mike Cozart, could they really not manage to put ramps or elevators to allow guests with disabilities to eat at the restaurant??
Major : they didn’t manage to add elevators or ramps for both SKYWAY stations … PeopleMover‘a main reason for not returning is the cost and complexity of adding full wheelchair access for emergencies every ( I think it’s 25 feet ??) ) along the guideway ( they would have maintained the grand father law had they done something before 2007.
The Great Western Balloon Accent was going to use a ride system being developed for EPCOT’s THE LAND pavilion . Almost like a upside down skyway …. Guests could travel from Discovery Bay to Dumbo Circus ( or the opposite way) over miniature towns and scenes and vignettes that created an illusion of height . The same ride system was proposed to replace the German Riverboats to the German Rivers attraction designed for the German Paviliin ( a indoor “night time” storybook canal type attraction that traveled past ministures of various Germany river cities …. The boats also time traveled. )
Air BalooNing became very big during the civil war and there were plans after the war by several express company’s to create a system of air balloon passenger travel …. One of the biggest proposals was Saint Louis to San Francisco ( part of discovery bay was supposed to be San Francisco - also the port city in the film 20,000 leagues) I’m almost POSITIVE that the Western Balloon Accent attraction was also inspired by a episode of BONANZA where a well respected union general had plans to use the air pumps to test a giant air balloon to test his dream of massive “show palace like “ passenger line air baloons to cross the country and also the Atlantic and pacific .
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