Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 18, 1995 TAG: 9508180090
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
But the creation of Disneyland 40 years ago was rougher. The project sometimes seemed to be supervised by Goofy and constructed by Chip an' Dale.
In his book, ``Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland,'' author David Koenig points out:
A colorblind worker was put in charge of bulldozing certain trees marked with color-coded tags. Timber!
On opening day, women walking down Main Street found their spiked heels sinking into the asphalt, which had been poured earlier that morning. Many spent the rest of the day shoeless.
One employee worked so many late nights, his wife was convinced he was having an affair.
The short-lived Mickey Mouse Club Circus became Disney's first X-rated attraction when a trapeze artist's halter strap broke and her top fell off. Alas, she had to continue holding onto the bar.
A plumbers' strike had forced the park to choose between building water fountains or restrooms. ``People can buy Pepsi-Cola,'' Walt huffed, ``but they can't pee in the street.''
Koenig returned a phone inquiry about his book during his honeymoon in Hawaii. We kept the conversation short.
by CNB