I just had the opportunity to view a 8 and a half minute movie called "How Walt Disney Cartoons are Made" over on YouTube.com. This was a short documentary about how the Disney Studios operated in the mid to late 1930's. The main story is of the work and technology that went into the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Although in the cartoon making process they use Mickey, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy. The numbers in the process to make Snow White are kind of staggering. A staff of 750 worked around the clock to make this full length Cartoon. Over 225,000 hand painted cells. Nice to read, but in this clip I was able to see them at work. From the story people through the Sweat Box sessions with Walt and the Gag Men to the rough sketches to the ink and paint and then the filming. I actually saw what a Movieola looks like. I have read differnt accounts of this machine being used, but never saw one.
This documentary showed me a little of how big an opening Snow White was. Also, the fame level of Walt Disney in the late 1930's. The clip ends up with Walt Describing the personalities, which based on all accounts I've read, was crucial to him in making this movie work.

The Osborne Family Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios

It's almost that time of year again and the Osborne family lights will be opening up to the public this November 14th. From what I hear the lights are already up and are being tested. Last year names Osborne had a show for his house bound daughter that grew over the years. It grew so big that he started buying the houses on the neighborhood next to his to decorate. Did I mention he had a couple of bucks? The light show grew so big that the town had him remove it and he then donated it to WDW. It used to be on the Backlot Tour, down the street where the Golden Girls house was. It was then moved to NY and San Francisco streets where it is today. Last year was the first year that they used the psynchronized music and lights. They even had snow falling when it was 70 degrees. The snow kinda felt slippery, like soap, but it fell just like snow. As you walk around there were a couple of DJ's playing Christmas songs over the speakers. Every 20 or so minutes, the radio station banter would fade away, the lights would dim down and a classic piece of holiday music would start and the lights would blink on and off to the music for about 20 minutes. WOW! Then back to the radio. At one point we heard the DJ's claim that there are over 70 Hidden Mickey's(HM) in the lights. Check out the HM above the marquee and in the windows. The picture of the cartoon was taken through a window on NY street. Twas the night before Christmas, the version with the mice, was playing on a TV in the window. Please, please make sure that this is on your list of things to do if you are in the parks during the Holidays.