[tragic312]

Which of the many mountains rising above Disney theme parks came first?

The Matterhorn at Disneyland park was the first Disney mountain.

[tragic312]

Did Walt Disney ever name a favorite among his movies?

Ken G., Bangor, MN

Walt's current project was usually his favorite; when he finished it, it was forgotten and he went on to the next. But some artists have reported that he told them that he had a special fondness for "Bambi" in the early days, and later, of course, "Mary Poppins," which was the pinnacle of his career.

[tragic312]

Who wrote "When You Wish Upon a Star," and in what movie was it first heard?

"When You Wish Upon a Star" has become a Disney anthem. Leigh Harline and Ned Washington wrote the song for "Pinocchio," and took home the 1940 Best Song Oscar® for their achievement.

[pumouse]

I love these! Disney trivia is so interesting.

[tragic312]

What's the name of the evil queen in "Snow White"?

We never learn her name in the film. However, for true Disney completists, some Disney publications of the '30s called her Queen Grimhilde. The name certainly fits!

[tragic312]

Walt took a lot of chances. Was there ever a movie that Walt made that he said afterward he wished he hadn't made?

Shari K., Chesterfield, MO

Movie producers often have second thoughts about films when they are released with disappointing box-office results. Walt certainly worried about "Fantasia" when it took so long to make a profit, "Greyfriars Bobby" when audiences complained about the heavy Scottish accents, and he had second thoughts about "Alice in Wonderland" -he wondered if he had been right in trying to adapt such a classic story, with so many avid fans, in the Disney style.

[Princess Tessa]

Originally Posted by tragic312

Who wrote "When You Wish Upon a Star," and in what movie was it first heard?

"When You Wish Upon a Star" has become a Disney anthem. Leigh Harline and Ned Washington wrote the song for "Pinocchio," and took home the 1940 Best Song Oscar® for their achievement.

and! My grandmother knew one of the guys who wrote it (not sure which one) and he played her the song before it was released! She was in a grocery store one day humming it to herself when it came n the overhead music........way too cool. Loves my grandma.

[tragic312]

How did Ronald Reagan get picked to host the opening ceremonies at Disneyland?

Linda K., Bangor, MN

Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter, and Bob Cummings were selected for their host duties at the opening of Disneyland by Walt himself. The three were friends of his

[tragic312]

Which major character in "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is "not in the book"?

As he points out himself, Gopher is "not in the
book"-- and indeed, he is in none of the A.A. Milne stories that inspired the Disney Pooh shorts and movies.

[tragic312]

heard that Liz Taylor once "rented" Fantasyland for a private party. Is this true?

Shelly P., Omaha, NE

Liz Taylor took over Disneyland for an after-hours 60th birthday bash on February 27, 1992.

[tragic312]

In "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas," what is Pluto's very favorite part of the holidays?

Mickey's pooch loves to put the star on top of the Christmas tree.

[tragic312]

Was Annette one of the first Mouseketeers? And who wrote the song that goes "M-I-C-K-E-Y"?

Linda L., Nome, AK

Annette was one of the original 24 Mouseketeers; eventually there would be a total of 39. Jimmie Dodd wrote the "Mickey Mouse Club March."

[tragic312]

After the Beast becomes a prince again, how does Belle recognize him as her true love?

She knows him when she looks into his eyes.

[tragic312]

When Disneyland first opened, none of the attractions were roller-coaster-type thrill rides. What was the first fast ride at a Disney park?

Shauna K., Midlands, TX

The Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first roller-coaster-type ride created for Disneyland, in 1959, just four years after the Park opened. Walt had enjoyed visiting the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, and felt his Park could use a mountain, and a bobsled ride seemed an ideal fit.

[tragic312]

The Main Street Electrical Parade debuted at Disneyland, lit up Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and did a stint at Disneyland Paris. Where can you see it now?

The Main Street Electrical Parade returned to California in 2001, where it runs through the heart of Disney's California Adventure. It's now known as Disney's Electrical Parade.