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Tony Baxter BTMR presentation at Disney Springs AMC for the Carolwood Society - Sept 27th 10am
- Thread starter Figments Friend
- Start date
Here is some great additional information about Friday's event, folks -
I have just heard from the Carolwood Society that following Tony's keynote presentation, a receiving line will form to give attendees a chance to meet the presenters and have a photo opportunity with them.
So this means, YES -
YOU can meet Tony Baxter Friday afternoon!
Hope ya'all bought you tickets already.....
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I have just heard from the Carolwood Society that following Tony's keynote presentation, a receiving line will form to give attendees a chance to meet the presenters and have a photo opportunity with them.
So this means, YES -
YOU can meet Tony Baxter Friday afternoon!
Hope ya'all bought you tickets already.....
-
TODAY is the day, folks!
See ya'all there!
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See ya'all there!
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prberk
Well-Known Member
TODAY is the day, folks!
See ya'all there!
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Awesome. So wish I could be there. I know that you will be in your element.
Will anyone be doing a Facebook Live or any other video of the presentation? I would love to see it.
By the way, take some pictures for us!
FANTASTIC event today!!
So many people turned out for this.....just great to see.
Tony, as always, was a delight.
Very entertaining presentation....even I learned and saw some new things related to his career and creating 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad'.
Some of the freshly unearthed artwork Tony shared that he drew years ago was great to see on a big screen.
The archival images and video clips were pretty terrific, too.
Some of those photos I wish I had, but alas, photography during the actual presentation segment was not allowed and I respected that.
Official photos WILL be released through the Carolwood Society social media sites in the coming days, so I will share a few here when the time comes.
I will also give a full write up of the experience at a later date....can't right at the moment, but will soon.
Lots to say, as always...
I shall share a few photos I snapped that were allowed however....one for now, and more to come later on.
Here is a quick shot of did of the audience gathering in the theater before the presentation to set the scene -
So many people turned out for this.....just great to see.
Tony, as always, was a delight.
Very entertaining presentation....even I learned and saw some new things related to his career and creating 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad'.
Some of the freshly unearthed artwork Tony shared that he drew years ago was great to see on a big screen.
The archival images and video clips were pretty terrific, too.
Some of those photos I wish I had, but alas, photography during the actual presentation segment was not allowed and I respected that.
Official photos WILL be released through the Carolwood Society social media sites in the coming days, so I will share a few here when the time comes.
I will also give a full write up of the experience at a later date....can't right at the moment, but will soon.
Lots to say, as always...
I shall share a few photos I snapped that were allowed however....one for now, and more to come later on.
Here is a quick shot of did of the audience gathering in the theater before the presentation to set the scene -
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
Was such a great event!!! Every time I hear Tony give a presentation I feel so lucky. Was great to meet him again as well.
Thanks to the wdwmagic board for letting me know about this event! I just had to get down here a few days early before the last illuminations.
Thanks to the wdwmagic board for letting me know about this event! I just had to get down here a few days early before the last illuminations.
The presentation was terrific, and Tony was in fine form as always.
I arrived at about 9am and there was already a good sized line of about 50 people already.
Nice to see that.
Once the doors opened, we were all let in and given wristbands which allowed for some fun benefits ( popcorn and a drink, presentation admission, and the post-show meet n' greet session ).
We headed over to one of the smaller theaters where everything was set up for the presentation, and as you entered a neat 'picture slideshow' was being run on the big screen.
Some great vintage film footage of Disneyland's construction and assembly of various now iconic Attraction vehicles.
Tony was there already, casually hanging around talking to people.
At one point he went out into the lobby pre-show and talked to folks in attendence as they arrived.
I was already seated in the theater, front row ( of course ) and extreme right.
One of the staff came over and noted we won't get a very good view of the screen from that close, but said I'm here to see 'THE MAN' and not 'the screen'.
Soon it was time to begin.
To start things off, Michael Broggie introduced the backstory of the Carolwood Society.
He is the son of Roger Broggie, who every self confessed serious Disney Theme Park fan should know.
If not, look him up if you don't know!
Uncle Walt and him did some entertaining things....
After Michael's lead in, it's time to introduce our favorite Disney Legend and Imagineering Ambassador.
The crowd appaulds, and for the next hour and a half we are treated to yet another highly entertaining presentation by Tony.
The first half is a compact yet still insightful look at his incredible career.
Some highlights included never before artwork Tony had drawn in his early days while still in college as well as a amazing drawing he did some years later as a proposal to place a 'Libery Square' type addition to Disneyland.
This included a 'Sleepy Hollow' themed dark ride with turning ride vehicles shaped as broken 'pumpkin pieces' ( think of a Tea Cup / Toontown Cab running through a dark ride ), and some other neat elements.
Probably the drawing that I found most surprising was his rough sketch of what later became ' Soarin'.
I never knew Tony had come up with the idea for it.
The rough sketch had all the elements present, and even though he was not involved in the 'California Adventure' Park project at all, he still managed to be a influence on one of its only redeeming values back when it first opened in 2001.
I thought I knew a lot regarding Tony and his various projects, but this one was news to me.
During this first half there were some really great images shown.
Some terrific early photos from Tony's personal collection related to the construction of various Attractions he was involved in.
He had this wonderful photo of himself from Opening Day of 'Journey Into Imagination' with Dreamfinder ( Ron ) and Figment that I wish I had a copy of.
Tony also shared a neat shot of himself standing on the plain dirt expanse of land before the construction of Disneyland Paris.
Just great stuff to see if you are a Parks fan or / and a Member of the Tony Baxter Fan Club!
-
I arrived at about 9am and there was already a good sized line of about 50 people already.
Nice to see that.
Once the doors opened, we were all let in and given wristbands which allowed for some fun benefits ( popcorn and a drink, presentation admission, and the post-show meet n' greet session ).
We headed over to one of the smaller theaters where everything was set up for the presentation, and as you entered a neat 'picture slideshow' was being run on the big screen.
Some great vintage film footage of Disneyland's construction and assembly of various now iconic Attraction vehicles.
Tony was there already, casually hanging around talking to people.
At one point he went out into the lobby pre-show and talked to folks in attendence as they arrived.
I was already seated in the theater, front row ( of course ) and extreme right.
One of the staff came over and noted we won't get a very good view of the screen from that close, but said I'm here to see 'THE MAN' and not 'the screen'.
Soon it was time to begin.
To start things off, Michael Broggie introduced the backstory of the Carolwood Society.
He is the son of Roger Broggie, who every self confessed serious Disney Theme Park fan should know.
If not, look him up if you don't know!
Uncle Walt and him did some entertaining things....
After Michael's lead in, it's time to introduce our favorite Disney Legend and Imagineering Ambassador.
The crowd appaulds, and for the next hour and a half we are treated to yet another highly entertaining presentation by Tony.
The first half is a compact yet still insightful look at his incredible career.
Some highlights included never before artwork Tony had drawn in his early days while still in college as well as a amazing drawing he did some years later as a proposal to place a 'Libery Square' type addition to Disneyland.
This included a 'Sleepy Hollow' themed dark ride with turning ride vehicles shaped as broken 'pumpkin pieces' ( think of a Tea Cup / Toontown Cab running through a dark ride ), and some other neat elements.
Probably the drawing that I found most surprising was his rough sketch of what later became ' Soarin'.
I never knew Tony had come up with the idea for it.
The rough sketch had all the elements present, and even though he was not involved in the 'California Adventure' Park project at all, he still managed to be a influence on one of its only redeeming values back when it first opened in 2001.
I thought I knew a lot regarding Tony and his various projects, but this one was news to me.
During this first half there were some really great images shown.
Some terrific early photos from Tony's personal collection related to the construction of various Attractions he was involved in.
He had this wonderful photo of himself from Opening Day of 'Journey Into Imagination' with Dreamfinder ( Ron ) and Figment that I wish I had a copy of.
Tony also shared a neat shot of himself standing on the plain dirt expanse of land before the construction of Disneyland Paris.
Just great stuff to see if you are a Parks fan or / and a Member of the Tony Baxter Fan Club!
-
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The second half of the presentation was as equally interesting and entertaining.
Tony shared the stage with a fellow Imagineer and this segment focused on the creation of 'Big Thunder Mountain'.
This was chock full are golden nuggets galore....again, with lots of fabulous eye candy in the form of vintage photos, early concept art ( including Tony's very first drawing of it ) the Western River Expedition project, and stories related to all of the various versions of the Attaction.
Tony also shared a couple of vintage video clips, two original tv ads for both Disneyland's and Walt Disney World's Attractions.
Towards the end of this segment, a short modern Mickey Mouse Cartoon was run that related to Natures Wonderland, Rainbow Caverns, and of course 'Tony's Mountain'.
I'm not a huge fan of the 'New Mickey' cartoons, but this one was a hoot as it referenced all of those Attractions in a fun way.
After the centerpiece 'Big Thunder' segment, it was time for a short Q & A session.
Questions ranged from how was the 'Indiana Jones Adventure' at Disneyland developed, to advice to those interested in applying to work for today's Imagineering.
Tony had some wise words to say about that.....which I had to nod my head it agreement.
You need to hone the ONE skill you can offer to a point where it becomes something that only YOU can offer them.
What is it that will make them choose you over 500 other applications?
Offer something only YOU can....!
So get to it, people!
-
Tony shared the stage with a fellow Imagineer and this segment focused on the creation of 'Big Thunder Mountain'.
This was chock full are golden nuggets galore....again, with lots of fabulous eye candy in the form of vintage photos, early concept art ( including Tony's very first drawing of it ) the Western River Expedition project, and stories related to all of the various versions of the Attaction.
Tony also shared a couple of vintage video clips, two original tv ads for both Disneyland's and Walt Disney World's Attractions.
Towards the end of this segment, a short modern Mickey Mouse Cartoon was run that related to Natures Wonderland, Rainbow Caverns, and of course 'Tony's Mountain'.
I'm not a huge fan of the 'New Mickey' cartoons, but this one was a hoot as it referenced all of those Attractions in a fun way.
After the centerpiece 'Big Thunder' segment, it was time for a short Q & A session.
Questions ranged from how was the 'Indiana Jones Adventure' at Disneyland developed, to advice to those interested in applying to work for today's Imagineering.
Tony had some wise words to say about that.....which I had to nod my head it agreement.
You need to hone the ONE skill you can offer to a point where it becomes something that only YOU can offer them.
What is it that will make them choose you over 500 other applications?
Offer something only YOU can....!
So get to it, people!
-
cheezbat
Well-Known Member
It was a fantastic event! Thanks for giving me the headās up about it Figments Friend! Had a great time with ya there! Also great to get a chance to meet you as well Empress Lilly!
Highly recommend to all Disney fans...if you ever get an opportunity like this one, go! You will not regret it!
Highly recommend to all Disney fans...if you ever get an opportunity like this one, go! You will not regret it!
So I had promised to share a couple of photos....
Photos I had permission to take, as during the presentation they had requested no photography or video recording.
The Carolwood Society however DID have a photographer cover the event, and perhaps video too...and they will released these through their own official website and social media pages.
I will share links or images here when the time comes, for those interested.
And now, the post-show!
As terrific as Tony's presentation was, the post-show was just as nice.
A very long line formed for the announced meet n' greet and photo session with the presenters.
It was nice to see so many folks turn up for this.
As I was standing in line, I started meeting some people and passing out those free postcards I had made featuring some of my Tony inspired artwork.
Well I have to say I think I really made some magic for those people, as their reactions to the cards was so enthusiastic.
One of the Society Members noticed them and thanked me for bringing them to pass out.
Everyone I gave them to handed them to Tony to be signed, which was quite nice as not everyone had brought something with them for such purposes.
Tony recognized the artwork, and later on once the end of the line arrived he was surprised to find me standing near the end of it!
Yes, he remembered me....and it was a nice moment.
Yet another memorable experience with this amazing man!
So here are a pair of photos -
A example of the signatures both Michael Broggie and Tony were doing for the small group that stayed behind for a short signing session.
Shown on the backside of one of my art postcards -
And yours truly, with the two fine gents from the presentation -
Photos I had permission to take, as during the presentation they had requested no photography or video recording.
The Carolwood Society however DID have a photographer cover the event, and perhaps video too...and they will released these through their own official website and social media pages.
I will share links or images here when the time comes, for those interested.
And now, the post-show!
As terrific as Tony's presentation was, the post-show was just as nice.
A very long line formed for the announced meet n' greet and photo session with the presenters.
It was nice to see so many folks turn up for this.
As I was standing in line, I started meeting some people and passing out those free postcards I had made featuring some of my Tony inspired artwork.
Well I have to say I think I really made some magic for those people, as their reactions to the cards was so enthusiastic.
One of the Society Members noticed them and thanked me for bringing them to pass out.
Everyone I gave them to handed them to Tony to be signed, which was quite nice as not everyone had brought something with them for such purposes.
Tony recognized the artwork, and later on once the end of the line arrived he was surprised to find me standing near the end of it!
Yes, he remembered me....and it was a nice moment.
Yet another memorable experience with this amazing man!
So here are a pair of photos -
A example of the signatures both Michael Broggie and Tony were doing for the small group that stayed behind for a short signing session.
Shown on the backside of one of my art postcards -
And yours truly, with the two fine gents from the presentation -
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Something I forgot to mention ....
Terri Harden was at the event as well which was cool to see.
She had come along to enjoy the presentation herself.
Terri worked many years for both the Jim Henson Company ( puppeteer )and WDI ( attraction design ).
Disney Theme Park fans probably know her best from her involvement in getting a massive scaled dragon into the lower level of the Castle at Disneyland Paris.
-
Terri Harden was at the event as well which was cool to see.
She had come along to enjoy the presentation herself.
Terri worked many years for both the Jim Henson Company ( puppeteer )and WDI ( attraction design ).
Disney Theme Park fans probably know her best from her involvement in getting a massive scaled dragon into the lower level of the Castle at Disneyland Paris.
-
ajrwdwgirl
Premium Member
Thanks so much for the recap of the event. It would have been fun to attend.
HauntedMansionFLA
Well-Known Member
Did anyone ask him with Disney will have him consult in the Mary Poppins project over at Epcot??Something I forgot to mention ....
Terri Harden was at the event as well which was cool to see.
She had come along to enjoy the presentation herself.
Terri worked many years for both the Jim Henson Company ( puppeteer )and WDI ( attraction design ).
Disney Theme Park fans probably know her best from her involvement in getting a massive scaled dragon into the lower level of the Castle at Disneyland Paris.
-
The Q & A session had questions sent in by Carolwood Society members I believe, as no questions were taken live from the audience during the presentation.
Those who attended did however have a opportunity to talk to Tony directly themselves during the post - show meet n' greet session, and he did talk with many people one to one.
I am sure many asked him questions about things, but I have no idea if he has or will be possibly consulting on that project.
-
TP2000
Well-Known Member
Okay, in the middle of this fantastic write up of what sounds like a wonderfully fun event, you dropped that little nugget?!?
Um, hello people?!? I have been following Disney theme parks for decades, went to the DCA AP Preview in January, 2001 where Soarin' Over California was the only breakout hit (and a merciful palate cleanser shortly after Superstar Limo), and I thought I knew all about Tony Baxter. But I have NEVER heard of this information before?! It's wonderful to learn!
I just have to wonder why that little factoid was left out of the DCA launch in 2001 and the subsequent build up of Soarin' as DCA's only big hit that has now been copied at all the Disney parks around the world? I know the company politics circa 2001 were very different, where old fashioned Imagineers who demand high quality like Tony Baxter were pushed aside and minimized, in favor of new wave Imagineers like Barry Braverman who happily produced mediocrity were instead touted and feted. But that cheap era came crashing to an end circa 2003. (You know, the same time that Zenia Mucha and George Kalogridis secretly wooed me to ghost write for the famous Al Lutz and help overthrow Michael Eisner).
But you would think years later, when Pressler and his cheap minions were all long gone, that the Tony Baxter connection to Soarin' would have come forward. But how much fun it is to finally learn that! And it makes so much sense now why Soarin' was the only good ride to come out of DCA 1.0 (Sorry, Superstar Limo and Jumpin' Jellyfish). It's because at it's core it was still a Tony Baxter idea!
I have half a mind to go ride Soarin' when I go to Disneyland this month and give a silent thank you to Mr. Baxter.
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Yes, it IS rather incredible.
I saw the concept drawing of Tony's, and it's the real deal.
I was blown away too, and wondered WHY i had never heard about this before.
Purposely suppressed information..?
As President of the Tony Baxter Fan Club, i am SUPPOSED TO KNOW this kind of stuff!
Full story -
It's been documented that Tony had offered suggestions and even drew up some of his ideas for the then in development 'Disney California Adventure' Park.
He was not officially working on that project, but being his creative self, couldn't help but work on some ideas he had to offer as suggestions.
This was at the end of the 90s, when certain parties within the Company and WDI were....well, how can i put this politely.....not exactly receptive to Tony's ideas.
They were directing themselves into a 'cheap' mode of project execution, and expensive fully immersive and innovative Attractions were 'not wanted'.
In my personal opinion, it seems to me that certain people within the Company were trying to force him out by attempting to stifle his imput and creative power.
But he still pursued, bless him.
I have talked previously elsewhere in the past about Tony suggesting DCA become the non-gated experience Guests could walk through to get to Disneyland Park.
This has been covered over the years via other websites and forums, so i won't elaborate here.
What HAS NOT been discussed is how one of his ideas did actually make it....and ironically became the ONLY positive experience for many when DCA opened in 2001.
Tony suggested building a type of suspended flight simulator to take Guests on a scenic tour of California, and the drawing looks exactly like the concept that was built.
So he goes ahead and draws up a rough sketch of a curved omnimax screen, with 'flying bench' shaped ride vehicles suspended from above in front of said screen.
The drawing inspired Imagineer Mark Sumner who was tasked with DCA development.
He saw Tony's drawing and said to him 'Hey, i bet i could make a model of that with a old Erector Set i have in my parents attic'.
And so he did, and it proved the concept would work.
Here is the famous shot of Mark used in all the Disney print media, which up until now led me to believe he created to idea for the Attraction.
The reality however, at least according to Tony, is that the idea started with his drawing which led to Mark's model -
So Mark's model is a big hit, the DCA team like the idea of a 'hangliders view' over scenic California, and the project is green lit.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Once again, our favorite 'idea guy' strikes again !
This is not at all meant to be a slight against Mark.
Just telling the story Tony shared at the recent presentation of how it all began.
Tony had nice things to say about Mark and his efforts.
-
I saw the concept drawing of Tony's, and it's the real deal.
I was blown away too, and wondered WHY i had never heard about this before.
Purposely suppressed information..?
As President of the Tony Baxter Fan Club, i am SUPPOSED TO KNOW this kind of stuff!
Full story -
It's been documented that Tony had offered suggestions and even drew up some of his ideas for the then in development 'Disney California Adventure' Park.
He was not officially working on that project, but being his creative self, couldn't help but work on some ideas he had to offer as suggestions.
This was at the end of the 90s, when certain parties within the Company and WDI were....well, how can i put this politely.....not exactly receptive to Tony's ideas.
They were directing themselves into a 'cheap' mode of project execution, and expensive fully immersive and innovative Attractions were 'not wanted'.
In my personal opinion, it seems to me that certain people within the Company were trying to force him out by attempting to stifle his imput and creative power.
But he still pursued, bless him.
I have talked previously elsewhere in the past about Tony suggesting DCA become the non-gated experience Guests could walk through to get to Disneyland Park.
This has been covered over the years via other websites and forums, so i won't elaborate here.
What HAS NOT been discussed is how one of his ideas did actually make it....and ironically became the ONLY positive experience for many when DCA opened in 2001.
Tony suggested building a type of suspended flight simulator to take Guests on a scenic tour of California, and the drawing looks exactly like the concept that was built.
So he goes ahead and draws up a rough sketch of a curved omnimax screen, with 'flying bench' shaped ride vehicles suspended from above in front of said screen.
The drawing inspired Imagineer Mark Sumner who was tasked with DCA development.
He saw Tony's drawing and said to him 'Hey, i bet i could make a model of that with a old Erector Set i have in my parents attic'.
And so he did, and it proved the concept would work.
Here is the famous shot of Mark used in all the Disney print media, which up until now led me to believe he created to idea for the Attraction.
The reality however, at least according to Tony, is that the idea started with his drawing which led to Mark's model -
So Mark's model is a big hit, the DCA team like the idea of a 'hangliders view' over scenic California, and the project is green lit.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Once again, our favorite 'idea guy' strikes again !
This is not at all meant to be a slight against Mark.
Just telling the story Tony shared at the recent presentation of how it all began.
Tony had nice things to say about Mark and his efforts.
-
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And now for something completely different -
A series of fantastic photos from our friends at the Carolwood Society, as promised !
First, a look at the setting just as the presentation began.
Host Michael Broggie on the platform warming up the audience for the delights to come.
See those two heads above the seats in the very first row, extreme right..?
Yeah, that's me and a local friend.
Tony Baxter's introduction screen at the event, as Michael announces him -
The man himself, telling one of his insightful stories before a captive audience eagerly listening -
The first half of the presentation covered Tony's amazing career, while the second half featured the star Attraction :
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and it's inspiration, creation, and enduring legacy !
Tony and a fellow Imagineer ( at this moment, his name escapes me! ) talking about the creation of 'Tony's Mountain'
A series of fantastic photos from our friends at the Carolwood Society, as promised !
First, a look at the setting just as the presentation began.
Host Michael Broggie on the platform warming up the audience for the delights to come.
See those two heads above the seats in the very first row, extreme right..?
Yeah, that's me and a local friend.
Tony Baxter's introduction screen at the event, as Michael announces him -
The man himself, telling one of his insightful stories before a captive audience eagerly listening -
The first half of the presentation covered Tony's amazing career, while the second half featured the star Attraction :
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and it's inspiration, creation, and enduring legacy !
Tony and a fellow Imagineer ( at this moment, his name escapes me! ) talking about the creation of 'Tony's Mountain'
More photos, courtesy of the Carolwood Society -
A shot from the post-event meet n' greet that attendees enthusiastically lined up for.
Michael Broggie ( son of the famous Roger Broggie )
Learn more here -
en.wikipedia.org
Terri Hardin ( worked with Tony on Disneyland Paris, Jim Henson Company puppeteer )
Learn more here -
en.wikipedia.org
Tony ( the LEGEND ) Baxter
Learn more here, if you haven't already learned enough from me yet ...! )
en.wikipedia.org
Carolwood Society Members pose with Tony and friends in front of WDW's 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad'.
Tony poses in front of the Fusing Cage within the queue of WDW's 'BTMR'.
How many of those names do you recognize?
You should - they all reference Imagineers and artists who helped bring 'BIg Thunder' to reality.
Riding' the rails !
Yee HAW!
I love this shot shown below.
Reminds me of the time i rode 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad' at Disneyland with Tony.
Row 15, naturally....!
Carolwood Society Members in front of Cinderella Castle at WDW -
And finally, spinning tales of the creation of rails at a Members get together -
A shot from the post-event meet n' greet that attendees enthusiastically lined up for.
Michael Broggie ( son of the famous Roger Broggie )
Learn more here -
Michael Broggie - Wikipedia
Terri Hardin ( worked with Tony on Disneyland Paris, Jim Henson Company puppeteer )
Learn more here -
Terri Hardin - Wikipedia
Tony ( the LEGEND ) Baxter
Learn more here, if you haven't already learned enough from me yet ...! )
Tony Baxter - Wikipedia
Carolwood Society Members pose with Tony and friends in front of WDW's 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad'.
Tony poses in front of the Fusing Cage within the queue of WDW's 'BTMR'.
How many of those names do you recognize?
You should - they all reference Imagineers and artists who helped bring 'BIg Thunder' to reality.
Riding' the rails !
Yee HAW!
I love this shot shown below.
Reminds me of the time i rode 'Big Thunder Mountain Railroad' at Disneyland with Tony.
Row 15, naturally....!
Carolwood Society Members in front of Cinderella Castle at WDW -
And finally, spinning tales of the creation of rails at a Members get together -
bcoachable
Well-Known Member
Iām kinda (lots actually) curious-
Did the man/myth/legend have anything to say about the que additions - the plunger explosions and canary in the mine, for example??
@Figments Friend
Did the man/myth/legend have anything to say about the que additions - the plunger explosions and canary in the mine, for example??
@Figments Friend