Home Disney It’s a Yo Ho Ho Christmas Party

It’s a Yo Ho Ho Christmas Party

January 11, 2014

What could be more fun than a pirate-themed Christmas party with a group of Disney celebs? Scarlett Stahl reports from the home of Mark McKim, Disney Imagineer and consummate party host. ~~Rick

A CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS PARTY – DISNEY STYLE
by
Scarlett Stahl

Matt McKim, Disney Imagineer, hosted “It’s a Yo Ho Ho Christmas Party” at his home with a unique pirate theme. Only in California could this happen! Many guests came dressed in pirate attire even though this was December and a Christmas party. Matt and his friend Dean Baladad, with Disneyland and also Adventures by Disney, decorated a unique pirate themed Christmas tree and some of the hand made ornaments reflected the work of Sam McKim (Matt’s father) and Marc Davis (both Disney Legends). I admit that I was a little surprised when Matt invited me back to his bedroom…but was really surprised to find a pirate skeleton in his bed!

Matt and me with a surprise guest in his bedroom

Mark Silverman (the voice of Rod Serling in the Tower of Terror, amongst others) was there with his friend, Jessica Haganey (dancer with the Walt Disney Company) enjoying playing arcade games. Bob Gurr, another Disney Legend and Imagineer, was there visiting with old friends. David Derks, producer at Fox Studios and board member of ASIFA-Hollywood, posed with me and with Dean Baladad in the replica of the Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean scene with the dog.

Pirates David Derks, Scarlett Stahl and Dean Baladad

I got to hold the bone and Matt’s real dog came over to check it out! There was even a special photographer to take pictures. Brian McKim, formerly with Disney, was gracious and made everyone welcome to his brother’s party. Kathryn Beaumont, the Voice of Alice in Wonderland and Wendy from Peter Pan, had been there earlier, as had Margaret “Tinker Bell” Kerry.

Mark Silverman playing the arcade game, being observed by Jessica Haganey and Bill Hogarth, formerly of Disneyland Arcades)

Expected to arrive after I had left was Dick Jones, the original voice of Pinocchio. These are only a few of the luminaries at the party. The tables were laden were all kinds of foods and no one left hungry. It was fun and different. Thank you, Matt, for inviting me yearly and also thank you for being my friend.