Walt Disney's Plane

[makonyy15]

Hey all,
I've got a question about Walt Disney's plane, the one from the backlot tour, seen here... http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0842098/M/

I know it's been referred to as the plane Walt Disney used to find the location for Walt Disney World, but something isn't making sense.

I heard the rumor, not sure if it was true but I assumed it was that the name was supposed to be Disney World, and then later changed to Walt Disney World after Walt's death because Roy wanted everyone to realize it was his brother's dream. Now if that's true, why does this plane say "Walt Disney World" on the side? If it was used to scope out the area, then that means that Walt was alive, meaning that if rumor has it, it should have still been referred to as Disney World at the time.

Any body want to help me out with the truth behind this?

Thanks!

 

[Monty]

I'm not certain if it was used by Walt to scout locations, but I know it was used to fly Disney execs back and forth from California to Walt Disney World. Perhaps it was re-painted in the interim?

 

[napnet]

Yeah i heard it was used by Disney Execs... not necessarily for scouting the property... I am also sure it probably has been painted before... i doubt Walt would have had 'Disney' anything all over it while secretly trying to buy property in FL.

 

[scpergj]

I would expect that the plane was Walt's 'personal' plane that was owned by the company...and after he died, the plane went into whatever aircraft pool Disney had, or just became the executive aircraft.

Airplanes have to be repainted every so often for corrosion reasons, so it would make sense that it has been repainted at least once since Walt's death.

Kinda make sense? ...or maybe I'm just rambling...

Kevin

 

[marni1971]

I`d say if it was that plane it could have been repainted once WDW was open, since as mentioned it was used as a shuttle between California and Florida.

There again, didn`t WDP also have 2 other planes? Maybe theres confusion with those.

 

[mkt]

I would expect that the plane was Walt's 'personal' plane that was owned by the company...and after he died, the plane went into whatever aircraft pool Disney had, or just became the executive aircraft.

Airplanes have to be repainted every so often for corrosion reasons, so it would make sense that it has been repainted at least once since Walt's death.

Kinda make sense? ...or maybe I'm just rambling...

Kevin

You are correct

 

[mkt]

234MM is actually still registered to fly, and I'm certain that it wouldn't take too much to get the old bird back up.

From previous record searches I've been able to do, TWDC has at least 2 jets in its fleet, not counting any Netjets or subscriptions of the sort, and not counting any private planes owned by executives *cough*ROY'S BBJ*cough*

****edit****

looks like 1 jet, 2 turboprops, and a whole schlew of Balloons... and Roy's BBJ

Here are pics of Roy's BBJ

 

[makonyy15]

I love the BBJ!

Thanks for the clarifications on the plane though. Makes sense about the repaint, considering US Airways is already changing their colors and repainting their fleet after what, 10-12 years with the blue red and white livery. So i'm sure the plane was repainted sometime.

Thanks again:wave:

 

[Tim G]

I'm not certain if it was used by Walt to scout locations...

True!

 

[scpergj]

You are correct

Why, thank you!

Of course, I'd better be correct on that one...since I write software that is used to track aircraft maintenance schedules!

(oh...and I don't mean about the repaint being different, just that they need to be repainted now and then!)

Kevin

 

[mkt]

I'm an aviation junkie... right now, I'm loving Air Canada's Flag Jet sitting at MCO

 

[scpergj]

True!

Ok, Corrus.....true that is was used, or true questioning weather or not it was used to scout locations?

No disrespect meant, as I know you know your stuff...I'm just confused by your answer (probably because I'm coming off a 50 hour week and it's almost midnight....)

Kevin

 

[NASAMan]

I saw this bird sitting on the tarmac at MCO in 1990. I was surprised to see it in the boneyard at the Studio. If they do not intend for it to fly again, it should be preserved and mounted on a pedistal near I-4.

 

[makonyy15]

(oh...and I don't mean about the repaint being different, just that they need to be repainted now and then!)

Kevin

No worries, I understand, just used it as a reference point because it's hard to see otherwise, at least for me. :wave:

I'm quite the aviation junkie as well, have been since I was probably a year old. Nothing gets me more excited (besides Disney World) then an airport or an airplane. I practically live on airliners.net.

 

[Bratstarman]

I would expect that the plane was Walt's 'personal' plane that was owned by the company...and after he died, the plane went into whatever aircraft pool Disney had, or just became the executive aircraft.

Airplanes have to be repainted every so often for corrosion reasons, so it would make sense that it has been repainted at least once since Walt's death.

Kinda make sense? ...or maybe I'm just rambling...

Kevin

Not quite true. Planes are not repainted for corrosion reasons - the aluminum generally does not corrode. They are repainted because the paint wears off with lots of flying.

 

[Scar Junior]

Hey all,
I've got a question about Walt Disney's plane, the one from the backlot tour, seen here... http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0842098/M/

I know it's been referred to as the plane Walt Disney used to find the location for Walt Disney World, but something isn't making sense.

I heard the rumor, not sure if it was true but I assumed it was that the name was supposed to be Disney World, and then later changed to Walt Disney World after Walt's death because Roy wanted everyone to realize it was his brother's dream. Now if that's true, why does this place say "Walt Disney World" on the side? If it was used to scope out the area, then that means that Walt was alive, meaning that if rumor has it, it should have still been referred to as Disney World at the time.

Any body want to help me out with the truth behind this?

Thanks!

That's very perceptive. I never noticed that, but I think the other posters are correct in that the plane was probably used after Walt was gone.