Bob Welbaum
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Having been to 15 previous NFFC annual conventions, nowadays I normally hit town about a day before the convention starts. In other years, however, it was not unusual for me to come several days early, hook up with friends, and do some sightseeing. And since we were all Disney fanatics, much of these side trips had a Disney theme.

So if you are coming to this year’s convention (July 21-24) from out of town and have some free time, here are some suggestions based on the experiences of my friends and me.

Visit Fantasies Come True
This little shop on 8012 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is run by long-time Disney fan Bob Molinari. His hours are a bit restrictive — 12 noon to 3:30 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, or by appointment, but there’s a nice assortment of Disney memorabilia and collectibles. And he now has a website: www.fantasiescometrue.com .

But don’t forget about the parking meters. When a friend and I visited, we were so excited to find a parking place right out front, we jumped out of the car and ran inside. Twenty minutes later, we came out to discover a very efficient meter maid was ticketing our car.

Find Walt Disney Imagineering
One year, we decided to visit Walt Disney Imagineering . We found the main building at 1401 Flower Street in Glendale without any problem. Of course, we couldn’t get past the lobby despite our best efforts. But that made us all the more curious -- where does all the great work they do actually happen? So we followed some tips and rumors, and did some driving around the area. Were we successful? I believe we were, despite the absence of signs on any of the buildings we scouted.

Now this was at a time when WDI was very busy with several world-wide projects. I know circumstances have changed greatly since then and WDI is no longer as big. But if you suspect an Imagineering outpost is in the neighborhood, here are some things to look for. (And by the way, this all can be done in the open. There is really no need to hide in the landscaping.)

- Check the traffic signs in the immediate area. Look to see if any of the silhouette men in the pedestrian crosswalk signs have mouse ears.

- Watch for vanity license plates on cars in the parking lot like “MAGICMKR�?.

- If anyone is walking around, see if they have a Disney name tag.

Visit Walt Disney’s Grave
Walt Disney’s remains have been interred in the family site at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale (1712 South Glendale Avenue), along with wife Lillian Disney, daughter Sharon, and Sharon’s first husband Robert Brown. I have visited once. Unfortunately, it’s been so long, I can’t remember directions beyond it being on top of a hill. Also, cemetery employees are not supposed to give information (although some people have had luck asking gardeners).

I have always thought the location was fitting because Forest Lawn is an attraction in itself. Here is an impressive collection of art reproductions, including exact replicas of Michelangelo's David, Moses, and La Pieta; Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper painting re-created in stained glass; plus two of the world's largest paintings, The Crucifixion and The Resurrection. There is also a splashing fountain pond with resident ducks and swans. And admission is free. It’s a worthwhile trip whether you find Walt’s grave or not. (For some pre-visit planning, start at www.forestlawn.com. And if you can’t find the grave, there are pictures elsewhere on the Internet.)

Look for Disney-related Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the city’s tribute to over 2000 artists who have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording industries. The Walk of Fame lines both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower to La Brea, and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset. Inside each star is the name of the artist and an emblem identifying in which of the five categories the recipient has been honored -- motion pictures , television , radio, recording, or live theatre.

Of course, a goodly number are Disney-related. I found a website (www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/walkoffame.htm) with the complete list, and in a minute or two found these — Walt Disney (two - motion pictures and TV), Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Roy O. Disney, Jimmie Dodd, and Annette Funicello.

But -- depending on your age and sex -- be prepared for some strange looks from passersby. Finding one’s favorite star on a Hollywood sidewalk is a popular pastime. Plus it’s only human nature to be curious about what is interesting your fellow tourists. When I did this, stars like John Wayne and Elvis were generating the most interest. But in our case, you had five excited young (at least we were then) men crowding around and taking pictures of the stars of Mickey Mouse and Snow White. Passersby would casually look at us, glance at the star, then slow down and give us a hard stare, look back at the star to make sure they had read it right, look back at us, then...

“Hey, lady, haven’t you ever seen a Disney collector before???�?

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Related Links

• More Info on This Year's Convention
• List of all Bob Welbaum columns

-- Bob Welbaum

-- Posted June 29, 2004