Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Kimball Trace?

Certainly not! Kimball drew!

But Kimball wielding a pencil isn't what is going on here. We're talking about a new (and not cheap) township in central Florida named "Golden Oak at Disney World Resorts":

... References to Disney history and lore can be found throughout Golden Oak, including the naming of our community. ...

The inspiration behind the names of Kimball Trace is equally fascinating.

This charming village neighborhood was named in honor of Ward Kimball, one of Walt Disney's original team of animators and artists known as the "Nine Old Men." During his 38 years with Disney, Kimball brought to life many memorable Disney characters including Jiminy Cricket in "Pinocchio" and Tweedledee and Tweedledum in "Alice in Wonderland." An Academy Award winner, Ward was also an accomplished jazz trombonist and fellow enthusiast of backyard railroads. ...

But would Ward be an enthusiast for million dollar McMansions on 1/2 acre plots of reclaimed Orlando swampland?

"Betty, I don't think we're in San Gabriel anymore ..."

Quite definitely not in San Gabriel. This is Diz Co. super-charging earnings by putting a bit of Disney World to work, carving a few high-priced residential neighborhoods out of its Florida acreage.

And the name "Golden Oak?" That refers to 900 acres out in Placerita Canyon near the California city of Santa Clarita.

The Disney Co. is building soundstages on the property now, but it's been held by Disney for over half a century, and used as a location for Hollywood movies during most of that time. Part of the original Parent Trap was shot there, along with episodes of Bonanza, Francis Ford Coppola's early feature Finian's Rainbow, and the musical 1776. Also scores of other motion picture delights.

But a new Beverly Hills near the Magic Kingdom? Why the hell not?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wonder if Disney will ever put a (satellite) animation studio out in Golden Oak Ranch?

Anonymous said...

A township named after Ward Kimball?

Why didn't they name it 'Asperger's Cove?'

Anonymous said...

Why is this news? Who cares?

Steve Hulett said...

It's human interest, Anon! Human INTEREST!

Anonymous said...

Looks great if you can afford it.

Anonymous said...

The head of Paramount Animation resigns, Del Toro is making an animated feature - no postings on those - but we do get Disney's real estate dealings. If I want human interest I'll read People.

Steve Hulett said...

There are only so many hours in the freaking day, mon ami.

We'll get to other items in due time. (There's also a guild to run.)

Steve Hulett said...

The head of Paramount Animation resigns, Del Toro is making an animated feature - no postings on those -

Should have known about Del Toro, but he's only producing a feature at Reel FX. Not directing.

(And do we really need another zombie movie? Suuure we do. Like we all need more root canal.)

As for Stainton, he was still head of the division when I posted this last night. But thanks for tipping me off about Mr. D.S. Appreciated.

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