We have a very special Christmas article for you today. Last weekend, MiceChat held a holiday event at a theater in Silverlake, CA. During the show, Director and star, James Gray, shared memories of his time working at Disneyland in various Christmas roles. These images are like a portal in time. Much thanks to James for sharing these wonderful images with us.

The Fruitcake Follies

The follies is a fun, fast-paced, Christmas themed variety show written and directed by James Gray.  MiceChat rented out an entire performance which took place at the world famous Casita Del Campo.  The show was two full acts of carols, comedy and chaos.

IMG_5095-2
James Gray and the Christmas Crab Baby.
IMG_5103
Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Sesame Street) performs with Lolly the puppet and a chorus of Dinosaurs.

IMG_5109-2

IMG_5110_2
James Gray (Left) Cher Ferrera, Eric Seppala, Kendall Rose, and Momma (right)
IMG_5113-2
Wishing everyone a Mary Christmas

IMG_5129

IMG_5134-2

The Very First Very Merry Christmas Parade

During the course of the show, host James Gray shared his memories of being a performer at Disneyland, along with lots of wonderful photos.  James has agreed to let us share these images with the MiceChat readers.

James actually ran a very successful blog of his own for a few years called “Disney on Parole”.  As we go through these shots you may see a few watermarked with that name. First, before we get into the pics, however, we want to show you how Disney introduced the new parade to the cast members in the park.

Click for larger image

 

The parade began to run December 17th, 1977.  Christmas in the parks was big, but nothing at all like it is now, with Holiday overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday reaching all the way into September and Holidays at the resort beginning in mid-November.  What’s more, the run time for the parade is clocked at a scant 15 minutes.

SLIDEParadeFloatsDrawing DOP
© Disney

The large cast of 204 young, energetic cast members posed for a picture backstage

Click to view larger image.

As with anything new at Disneyland, Special artwork was produced for the souvenir park guide to announce the new offering.

2

Opening day came and the cast was ready and in place backstage.  The atmosphere was festive as they were about to start a tradition that would stretch to today.  Disney even presented the group with a cake to mark the occasion.

VMCP 77 marlynn with cake DOP

8
Backstage, Mickey, Minnie and DOnald all posed for pics.
8a
During the innaugural year, Mickey and MInnie road the parade route in Walt’s car.
9
The Hundred Acre Wood was represented as well.  But notice to the right, just out of frame, is the King of Hearts.
10
Pete’s Dragon was also released in 1977 and here is Elliot in his first parade.

 

Baloo and Louie VMCP DOP

F Tuck VMCP DOP

VMCP PP Eric Stoltz CC  DOP
Can you name this young cast member? He was friends with Peter pan then went on to wear many masks.
VMCP opening float DOP
The first float in the first performance ready to leave the gate.

The parade left the gate and became an instant hit with the crowds.  Below are a few pictures of the parade during its first year.

2 CORRECTED__James Paul

4

VMCP 1977 Cookies foam DOP
Now these were the Cookies that year! We love their look!!!
The only problem with the adorable cookie costume was they were made out of “Scott Foam.” They looked great! but don’t hold up so well… and when it rained on the parade one day that year… They became walking sponges, soaking up water like there was no tomorrow and making them very heavy! They would all come sloshing in the gate at town square absolutely drenched!
There are many more vintage pictures and even more stories to be shared, James promised.  Perhaps we can twist his arm into sharing more with us very soon.
From all of us, to all of yours, the merriest Christmas and the happiest of holidays to you.