June 13, 2013: Elementary

Basil Rathbone was born on this day in 1892 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rathbone is most famous as the classic Sherlock Holmes but he also served as the narrator of “The Wind in the Willows” portion of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Let’s visit The Haunted Mansion at The Magic Kingdom and look for the final resting place of Mr. Toad.

Mary Wickes was born in St. Louis, Missouri on this date in 1910. Mary has a host of television, stage and movie credits. Her Disney association begins with her services as the live-action model for Disney animators as Cruella DeVil. Later, she served as the voice of the gargoyle Laverne in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Perhaps my favorite memory of Ms. Wickes was as Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act. As we often do, let’s go in search of Cruella DeVil about the parks. I think we’ll find her, especially during early morning extra magic hours at The Magic Kingdom.

Tim Allen was born in Denver, Colorado on this date in 1953. Allen has performed a number of roles for Disney from Home Improvement to The Santa Clause but our favorite is his turn as Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movies. Sounds like a good excuse to visit Toy Story Midway Mania at Hollywood Studios and, hey, we’re all about excuses.

Paul Lynde was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio on this date in 1926. Paul was the beloved Uncle Arthur on Bewitched  and a constant guest on Hollywood Squares. In 1963, he played a sportscaster in Flubber. I can’t help but believe that he would have made a great Streetmosphere performer at Hollywood Studios. Slow down, take a minute, and enjoy the little comedies that are put on at a moment’s notice.

Quickies:

1943: Malcolm McDowell was born. He’s famous for Clockwork Orange but he’s also done Phineas and Ferb. Visit Phineas and Ferb at Hollywood studios.

1986: Ashley Fuller Olsen was born.

1986: Mary Kate Olsen was born.

Most of us remember Full House but did you know that they did at least two books for Disney? Disney’s Once Upon a Time with Mary Kate and Ashley and Mary Kate and Ashley’s Adventure at Walt Disney World. The first is a collection of princess stories so let’s visit the princesses at Town Square in The Magic Kingdom.

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your dreams to come true.