American Egg House Omelet Record

In regards to the American Egg House, Chris Strodder writes in The Disneyland Encyclopedia:

...in fact there's mention of some kind of "omelet record" being set at this Main Street location, though what the record was remains unclear and unverified.

I'm not sure where he got this information originally. Perhaps it came from a souvenir guidebook. The July 20, 1978 Disneyland Line fills in the gap:

An artful display of culinary genius added to the excitement of last Friday's Grand Opening ceremonies at Main Street's American Egg House. Howard Helmer, demonstrating cook with the American Egg Board, broke the world record for omelet preparation. Easily passing the old record of 188 omelets, Howard produced 217 two-egg omelets in only 30 minutes, assuring himself a spot in Guinness's next edition of its famous record book.

Helmer even runs his own blog at http://www.incredibleeggman.com.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 10

The ninth and final batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the August 16, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "Has Disneyland ever considered installing a theft-proof type of parking lot or lockers for bicycles?"

ANSWER: The Maintenance Division is now taking the proper steps to prepare an area in the North Lot (that's the fenced-in lot to your right as you enter Disneyland from Harbor Blvd), where you can safely park your cycles and bikes. Bike racks will be provided, and, as mentioned, the entire area is already fenced in.

QUESTION: "Why can't there be more security officers on Main Street during operation hours to keep the guest from boarding the vehicles while moving and unnecessarily bothering the horses?"

ANSWER: According to Ron Dominguez, Director of Operations, keeping people from jumping on and off a moving Main Street vehicle is the responsibility of the person or persons who operate that attraction.

If you have a workable method in which Security officers can aid the Main Street operators in this matter, give Ron Dominguez a call at Ext. 410.

QUESTION: "It was unfortunate that I was unable to attend this meeting of Disneyland employees at the Convention Center, due to my being on a vacation that week.

"Only good can come from meetings of this nature...maintaining a good employer and employee improved relationship.

"What I would have liked to submit is as follows:

"MONORAIL SYSTEM FOR ORANGE COUNTY....This county has developed into an internationally known Vacationland. Traffic and parking conditions have been greatly increased by this progress. As a step into the future (as we approach the year 2,000), the construction of a Monorail System connecting these locales of pleasure and interest would greatly reduce the congestions. This system could be used by the employees getting to and from work.

"Connection to such points of interest:

"DISNEYLAND, KNOTT'S BERRY FARM, CINEDOME 20 and 21, LAGUNA BEACH FESTIVAL OF ARTS, MOVIELAND WAX MUSEUM, JAPANESE VILLAGE, LION COUNTRY SAFARI, AND CAPISTRANO.

"Eventually it would include: Marineland and San Diego's Mission Bay.

"One exception which would prevent this vision of Tomorrow would be: Auto industry, oil companies, bus lines, etc."

ANSWER: We have given some thought to extending the Monorail system to other places in the Disneyland area.

Your idea is too great for our financing ability or even our engineering ability at this time.

QUESTION: "When will the Opportunities Questionnaire be passed out?"

ANSWER: Disneyland's Opportunities' Resume, "Where Do You Go From Here," is scheduled to be mailed to all Disneyland employees around the middle of September. When you receive this Questionnaire, fill it out as soon as possible and return it to Disneyland in the envelope provided.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 9

The eighth batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the August 2, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "As a very concerned sweeper, I would like to inquire why we in Bear Country have such an inadequate costume.

"Granted, the costumes look good, but they are quite impractical. A sweeper probably does as much walking as anybody, and the heavy boots are not made for walking. The sole is so hard that it has given me shin splints. A sweeper should be mobile - the boots are a hinderance.

"The hats are constructed with no air vents, and one's head becomes very hot and sweaty. The shirts are equivalent to wearing flannel underwear on a hot, humid summer night. They are fine for the winter season, but much too heavy for summer. The pants are closely knit so they keep in the heat. Also, we are required to keep the pants tucked into the boots, which makes the situation even more cumbersome.

"May I suggest that the sweepers wear the traditional white linens. They are practical, cheaper, and much more appropriate for our specific job situation."

ANSWER: "Your costume is a duplication of the kind of clothes the loggers and trappers wore in the old Northwest.

"In our efforts to keep ten years ahead of our competitors, we are trying to theme all sweepers' costumes to the area in which they are assigned to work.

We believe that the white uniforms exclude the sweepers from the Show.

In regards to the question:

1. Hats are being vented as you suggested.

2. The homespun weave of the shirt may appear to be heavy, but actually it is 100% cotton, which is the coolest fabric available. The pants are also 100% cotton.

3. The composition of the last and the sole in your boots are similar to the type of well-constructed shoes worn by many construction workers. Once the boot has been broken in, it becomes quite comfortable.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 8

The seventh batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the July 21, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "Since they rehab the Park every year, why don't they do the same thing in the ad building? It could sure use it. I thought we were all part of the Show! Anyway, that's what they tell us."

ANSWER: According to Disneyland's Director of Maintenance, Mel Cecil, most of the ad building will be repainted this summer. Work has already begun in Accounting and Payroll. The Computer Room is next on the schedule, along with the rehab of the hall adjacent to the Mail Room, and the hall displaying Disneyland's history.

As you know, most of the major rehab at Disneyland is performed during the winter months in the Park. Summer is when most of the backstage rehab takes place.

Next year, a complete evaluation of the ad building's air conditioning will take place, and hopefully all of these cooling problems can be solved.

QUESTION: "Why can't there be some improvements done in the Paint Shop? An area for preparation that is shaded and a place to put a finished product."

ANSWER: No sooner said than done! In August, work begins on the Paint Shop to add more shaded area to the shop adjacent to the old steam train building.

QUESTION: "What is planned for the area of land in which the old tin warehouse is sitting on, now that the new one is completed?"

ANSWER: The old tin warehouse is currently being used as a storage area for the Maintenance Division. Molds, parade items, and spare parts currently fill the place.

Within five to ten years from now, the land on which the warehouse sits will more than likely be the site of a new Park attraction.

QUESTION: "Was any consideration given to the principles of spacial ecology (that is, personal distance that an organism, or person, customarily places between itself and other organisms, or persons) when setting the ceiling on in-Park attendance. I feel the present guest count ceiling is an injustice to our guests.

ANSWER: We're doing our best to make it more comfortable for guests to visit Disneyland. Every year, our industrial engineers go through the Park to determine how we can make it better for the next year. Food facilities, restrooms, benches, drinking fountains, attraction waiting areas, and merchandise shops are all studied. And it's then determined how to best handle specific problems on busy summer days in these areas.

Improvements made this year as a result of last summer's studies include larger crowd control areas for attractions, enlarged restrooms, and the installation of more benches and drinking fountains.

One of the main considerations during the construction of Bear Country was to make sure that guests had enough room to roam in that area. Also, Bear Country's restroom facilities are one of the largest in the Park.

Since our guests come from all over the country and from all over the world, they expect to visit Disneyland on the day they have set aside in their travel schedules. It's an inconvenience if they have to be turned away, and in the past, we have had to stop people from entering the Park because we just couldn't handle them.

As Disneyland expands, we will be able to handle more people more comfortably. And, even then, the popular attractions and areas will still be crowded.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 7

The sixth batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the July 17, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "Has Disneyland ever considered manufacturing and selling models of the Park and its attractions to our guests?

"Many guests ask for models of the Park for their kids to make, including model kits of the Autopia Freeway, the Disneyland trains, the Columbia, and the Mark Twain."

ANSWER: Yes, Disneyland has considered the possibility of selling model kits of the Park and attractions. When the Park first opened, a model of the original rocket to the moon was available in our shops, but it sold just fairly well. We have considered other model kits of various attractions, but the cost of molds and the initial quantity to order, would be too great in comparison with estimated sales.

QUESTION: "Why is there so much duplication of merchandise throughout the Park? Is this good business?"

ANSWER: There are more than 25,000 different items sold throughout the shops in the Park. In actuality, a small percentage of these items are duplicated and these are popular items like Winnie the Pooh. The reason for the duplication of popular items is so guests can purchase the item in more than one shop. In other words, we want to make it easy for a guest to purchase an item when he wants to purchase it.

QUESTION: "How do you make an appointment with one of the Park's merchandise buyers if you feel that you have a saleable item?"

ANSWER: Call one of our eight merchandise buyers and make an appointment. They can be reached at Ext 441.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 6

The fifth batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the July 7, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "Why must we share our Employee Cafeteria with large groups of charter bus drivers?

"A fifteen-minute break does not allow for any delays, and I do not feel that employees should stand and let the minutes fly by while the line is filled with charter drivers who have all day to eat. Isn't our cafeteria for employees only, and isn't it the job of the cafeteria to take care of the employees' needs first? I have discussed this on many occasions with various cafeteria supervisors and managers and they agree, but shrug it off. Knowing charter bus drivers, I also am aware they are handsomely paid and can afford the breakfasts offered by Hills Brothers, Carnation, and the River Belle Terrace."

ANSWERS: Arrangements have already been made to keep non-employees from the cafeteria from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. As you know, there are signs at the Inn Between that state the cafeteria is for employees only. We are now checking into the possibility of having cards printed up that will be handed to bus drivers as they enter the Park. The card will remind them that the cafeteria is for employees only and that they - the drivers - should use our in-Park [restaurants] when getting something to eat.

QUESTION: "Why aren't more sanitary measures taken or enforced in food service, especially at the Inn Between? Are hair nets no longer required?"

ANSWER: "All female Disneyland employees handling food are required by the Health Department and Disneyland, to wear hair nets or a cap on their heads. It's a law. However, many hair nets worn today, thanks to technology, are invisible. An
employee can wear it, but it looks like she doesn't have one on. As far as sanitary standards are concerned we feel that the Food Division maintains the highest standards possible, and we are always looking for ways to improve.

QUESTION: TO THE FOOD DIVISION

"What research has been done on the problem of waste disposal, and particularly, waste recycling? Before we are someday subjected to a special tax for resource useage or are limited in our production, shouldn't we become a leader in the food
industry in divising ways and means of better utilizing our resources and in preventing pollution?"

ANSWER: We are doing as much along these lines as possible. By the nature, our business - fast food service - it is almost impossible to offer good service using silverware and regular plates. We do try to use as few paper items as possible in the fast-food operation, and have considered using other utensils. There are companies that make reuseable plastic plates and glasses, but these items still have a paper base. And, since we are required to wash our plates, glasses, and knives and forks, in 180 degree water, these items would melt and dissolve. Industries are working on a feasible and reuseable method in which fast-food operations can cut way down on their paper items. When a method is finally found, it would revolutionize the industry and cause us to do many things differently. Disneyland is aware of the problem and has made many changes already. For instance, we save many of our cardboard boxes, return them to the warehouse which in turn sends them to a recycling center. No longer do we receive soft drinks in paper or wax containers. Coke is delivered in five-gallon stainless steel reuseable containers. We no longer use cardboard containers to carry and store sandwiches - we now use sturdy plastic containers. Any ideas you might have along these lines would be appreciated by the Food Division. Just give them a call, Ext 285, and relay your idea to them.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 5

The fourth batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the June 30, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: Can anything be done to improve the relations between the Security Department and Disneyland employees in general?

ANSWER: The Security Department has held meetings with their manager, supervisors, and all permanent employees to discuss - in length - all questions pertaining to Security that were asked at the "Disneyland Report."

Discussions in these meetings were centered around how security can come up with better ways to improve their operation.

Security employees talked about any problems they were faced with, and hopefully, relations between Security and Disneyland employees will improve, noticeably. Security officers need love too, and an understanding on our part of what they do every day, will help us all. It's a two-way street and we all have to use it.

QUESTION: "Why aren't supervisors more familiar with the 'Standard Practice Instruction Manual' (SPI)? Because of their lack of knowledge, employees are misinformed, creating an unnecessary amount of dissension and ill will."

ANSWER: You make a very good point. All Disneyland supervision either have SPI manuals or have ready access to one. It is unlikely that each supervisor will know all that is contained in the manual. They can, however, refer to it when necessary to answer specific questions when they come up. If you have any occasion to be unsure about an answer given by your supervisor, ask him if you can review it with him in the SPI Manual. If there is any reason for a more detailed explanation, you may also verify information with Fred Newcomb - Employee Relations Manager at EXT 352.

QUESTION: "Why is not the union or management concerned at the low starting rate for seasonal part-time workers? They work during the Park's most trying and frustrating summer and holiday periods when conditions are most difficult."

ANSWER: Disneyland periodically checks the casual/seasonal start rate for student part-time work with what other companies in the community are paying for similar job activities. With this information, we make every effort to insure that we are paying fair rates.

Seasonal employees also receive progression increases when certain length of service terms are satisfied. A seasonal employee who is on our payroll prior to August 1st and remains through two weeks after Labor Day and is available for work prior to June 10 of the following summer season will receive a 5¢ per hour increase at the time he returns for the new season.

Also, seasonal employees who are on the payroll by July 1 will receive a 5¢ per hour increase on August 1 if they are still on the payroll at that time. This increase pattern continues until the total of 15¢ over the start rate is reached, provided the above conditions are continually met.

In addition, an employee has the potential to become permanent, and within a two-year period go to the top of the rate for his occupation.

QUESTION: "As most ideas and suggestions come from those working on the job in the maintenance shops, many ideas have been used without recognition (some believe supervision gets the credit), therefore, many ideas are withheld. It would be to everyone's advantage if a selection and reward system were set up and employees encouraged to cooperate."

ANSWER: We have used a "Creative Idea" suggestion program in one of our operating divisions and found it to be successful. The individual submitting the idea is told whether or not his idea will be adopted, and the copy of the letter - recognizing he has submitted an idea - is placed in his file in the Personnel office. We are presently looking into the possibilities of making this creative idea program a company-wide operation.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 4

The third batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the June 23, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "Will there ever be an opportunity for Disneyland employees to purchase stock by payroll deduction?" EDITOR'S NOTE: More than 300 employees have asked this question.

ANSWER: "A number of you asked whether it would be possible to inaugurate a plan by which common stock of Walt Disney Productions could be purchased through payroll deductions.

"As promised, we have investigated and find out that such a plan can be arranged. Now we would like to know whether there is sufficient interested to warrant going ahead with it.

"The essential elements would be as follows:

1. You would authorize a deduction from pay, with a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $22 per week.

2. The money would be paid over to a trust administered either by an investment firm or a bank.

3. An account would be established for each individual and periodically the trust would purchase shares of Walt Disney Productions common stock in the open market and each individual's account would be then be credited with the amount of stock represented by his dollar contribution.

4. The Company would pay brokerage commissions on the stock purchases.

5. All dividends, including the value of fractional shares resulting from stock dividends or stock splits, would be accumulated and credited to the individual accounts in the trust.

6. Each individual would receive statements of his account on a monthly basis.

7. An individual could revise or terminate his or her payroll deduction at any time and discountinue the account in the trust at which time you would receive a certificate representing the number of full shares of Company stock which had been accumulated in your account up to that point.

8. The Company would reserve the right to revise the plan or discontinue it entirely at any time.

"It should be clearly understood that participation would be entirely voluntary.

"It is not a condition of employment.

"The Company does not recommend for or against participation for several reasons:

"Individual family financial circumstances vary widely and an additional program of savings through the accumulation of stock might be undesirable in some cases.

"The price of shares of stock go up and down based upon many factors including the state of the economy, world developments, the balance between the supply of stock available for sale and the demand to buy it, the earnings performance of the Company, the evaluation which investors place upon the Company's future prospects from time to time, and other factors.

"Our Company's stock has risen in price very substantially over the past few years and there is no assurance possible that it will continue to rise or that it will not decline. Obviously, the successful financial performance of the Company and a continued favorable evaluation of its future prospects would contribute to maintaining its value.

"Such a plan is not economically feasible unless a substantial number of meployees decided to participate. If you wish to do os, you will be receiving a notice with your paycheck giving you the details.

"When you receive this notice, kindly indicate your desire to participate in the plan and give the probable amount of your authorized weekly payroll deduction. All forms will be turned into the Personnel Department. If the final decision is made to go ahead, you will receive notification, together with the necessary documents.

"Thank you for your interest."

Donn B. Tatum, Chairman of the Board.

QUESTION: "Can you forsee a seven-day, year-round operation Disneyland?"

ANSWER: "Not in the near future." The reasons against a seven-day, year-round operation are:

1. Our crowds are not big enough during the winter months, and 2. Most of our major rehab is performed during the winter. However, at the present time, we do have the manpower and ride capacity to accommodate larger winter crowds if they do become bigger.

QUESTION: "What, where, and when will be the next planned attraction in the Park?"

ANSWER: That decision has not been made yet. Possibilities are: a continuation of Tomorrowland with a Space Mountain complex; a Liberty Square area such as Walt Disney World has; and Thunder Mesa - a table-top mountain resembling those found on Southwestern deserts that includes a pueblo-style village and a series of exciting adventures.

QUESTION: "Is it true that Disneyland is receiving an increasing amount of mail from guests in regards to the UNcleanliness of the Park and will steps be taken to bring our reputation back to snuff?"

ANSWER: No, this is not true. We have not received an increase of letters inferring that we have an unkempt Park. However, if you feel that we are becoming lax in our standards, please contact the Janitorial Department, one of their Supervisors, or Ron Dominguez.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 3

The second batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the June 16, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "I know a lot of people have thought this out, but in the few years that I have been in the Park, and the congestion that I have witnessed at the 'Hub' prior to the fireworks, does Entertainment really think that they are going to run the 'Electrical Parade' through that crowd?

"Wouldn't 10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. be a better time for the parade? Wouldn't it hold more people in the Park if held at that time?" ---Bob Penfield.

ANSWER: "We have thoroughly discussed all parade particulars with the Operations Division. Prior to the premiere of the 'Main Street Electrical Praade,' there will be dry-run rehearsals observing crowd control in the parade area.

"From the standpoint of show, the 'Main Street Electrical Parade' acts as a prelude to our spectacular 'Fantasy In The Sky' fireworks display, therefore, the programming of the parade as is presently scheduled seems most effective." ---Bob Jani, Entertainment Director.

QUESTION: "Why does the mural in the basement of the Ad Building end with 1967? Also, why can't the halls and the offices in the Administration Building be painted and cleaned up? The hall leading from the mailroom to the band rehearsal room looks like a cattle ramp. We often have visitors here and would appreciate a new look.

ANSWER: Mural design plans are currently being drawn up and work will begin on the mural and the halls in July. Rehab on the Accounting Office will begin later this month. ---Mel Cecil, Maintenance Director.

QUESTION: "If an employee has another interest other than the area he works in, is it possible - on his own time - to visit backstage areas and watch the operations that are performed there? For example, I would be interested in costume making for puppets. I like to work with puppets as a hobby."

ANSWER: Please call Bob Reilly, Director of General Services at Ext. 581 so that you can set up a time for you to discuss your question with him.

QUESTION: "My name is Yolanda Viramontes and I work at the 'Space Bar' in Tomorrowland. I would like to know if there are any future plans to change the costumes in that area.

"Most of them look like the future has caught up with them."

ANSWER: To all "Space Bar" employees and especially Yolanda Viramontes: Yes, we are going to change the "Space Bar" costumes, but the new design will not be ready until Spring, 1973. ---Bob Reilly, Director of General Services.

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 2

The first batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the June 13, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: "The growth of Walt Disney Productions is causing increasing employment opportunities. What careers are opening up in the future? What is the best way to pursue a career with Walt Disney Productions?"

QUESTION: "It appears that there are many and varied opportunities in the Disney organization. A young man may work up in position from sweeper to supervisor in a relatively short time. We are always hearing of the promotion of Merchandising, Food, and Operations personnel, unfortunately however, these advancements to supervision are all men.

"I, as a female employee, am interested in remaining with Disney, but what kind of future do I have? I feel that there are many capable female employees in the Park that would be much more of an asset to Disney if put into a position of responsibility. What avenues of opportunity will be available to us in the near future?"

ANSWER: We are presently working on a company-wide "Opportunities Program" in which you will be asked, "Where Do You Go From Here?"

In the meantime, you will be ahead of the game if you send a resume ... along with your job objectives to: OPPORTUNITIES, c/o BERNIE HANSEN, Assistant Director of Employee Relations.

Also, an "Employment Opportunities List For Disneyland" is published bi-weekly by the Employee Relations Division. This list is posted throughout the Park on bulletin boards. If you are interested in any of the positions on this list, contact the Personnel Department.

The DISNEYLAND LINE also lists, periodically, positions available in the Park.

QUESTION: "I would like to know why a Disneyland employee who has been a permanent part-time for over a year must wait four years before being issued an annual pass?"

ANSWER: Annual Main Gate Passes for all group "C" employees with one or more years of service, are currently being issued. More than 1200 of these passes will be distributed.

All permanent Industry Sales employees working at Disneyland with one or more years of service, will be receiving Main Gate Passes by mail.

All Disneyland employees who have previously been issued Main Gate Passes and whose immediate family consists of five or more members, will have their Main Gate Passes stamped to allow all members of their family to enter the Park at one time. A LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO YOU SHORTLY, RELATING THE DETAILS.

For non-family use, your annual pass will offer the privilege of admission for yourself and a party of three.

Annual Passes that have just been issued have already been stamped to provide admittance into the Park for your entire family.

QUESTION: "Why can't Disneyland personnel purchase Magic Kingdom Club tickets at a discount? We should be able to receive what the public receives at a savings."

ANSWER: Ten-ride Magic Key Books will now be sold year round to all Disneyland employees at a 20% discount. Ticket books are now available at Cash Control.

QUESTION: "About a month before Easter, my son was interviewed for a job at Disneyland and in a week was notified by form letter that they could give him no encouragement at this time...
"...My question is -- is there some specific reason why relatives of employees are not being hired? If so, then why does the DISNEYLAND LINE play up job availability?"

ANSWER: At no time has there been a policy against hiring relatives of Park personnel. In fact, we encourage it. We want to insure that all have the opportunity for an interview. However, it is more important to remember that sons and daughters of employees must meet the same employment requirements that apply to all other applicants.

Applications for sons and daughters are now available through all division offices. Just ask your supervisor for one. Once the application has been filled out, call the Personnel Office for an interview appointment.

Also, if you have friends who you feel qualify and want to recommend, please suggest that they come in and apply in person at our Disneyland Employment Office.

QUESTION: "I am interested in knowing about the organization structure of Disneyland. Is it possible to see, or get a copy of Disneyland's Organization Chart?"

ANSWER: A series of articles will appear in the Disneyland Line explaining The Disneyland Organization.

Since the Disneyland Line did not end up running that series, perhaps the questioner would be interested in the Encyclopedia!

You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers

Well, technically, if you've got certain questions regarding Disneyland operations in 1972, I have the official answers, but with a month between my posts, you're not going to quibble, right?

On the evening of Tuesday, April 25, 1972, Disneyland held a giant employee meeting at the Anaheim Convention Center, called "Where Do We Go From Here? A Disneyland Report." The meeting's purpose was to bring everyone "up to date on what's going on at Disneyland, throughout Walt Disney Productions in general, and what is in store for both in the years to come." Donn Tatum, Chairman of the Board, Card Walker, President, and Dick Nunis, Vice President of Disneyland/Walt Disney World, gave talks, followed by a question-and-answer session, including questions taken from the audience. They gave out lots of prizes, presumably to encourage people to attend. The Disneyland Line also emphasized how honest the meeting would be, remarking in one issue, "Answers to our questions WILL NOT be 'watered down,' and by no means is this entire meeting designed to be a sham." It was noted that the meeting was to be the "first complete employee gathering of all Park personnel" in Disneyland history.

5,879 Disneyland employees (I almost always prefer the term Cast Members, but as employees was the terminology of the day...) and their guests attended the event. In the months following, the Disneyland Line ran some of the questions posed and answered at the meeting, as well as other questions posed by Park employees. I particularly liked how Dick Nunis addressed the possibility of toning down any questions:

"Who was the deciding body as to what questions were to be asked of the panel and what questions were to be white-washed?"

This question was the lead-in remark by one Disneyland employee who attended the Park's employee meeting (The Disneyland Report - Where Do We Go From Here) at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 25.

The answer to this question was given by Dick Nunis: "These questions were reviewed by the President of the Company, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, all Disneyland Directors, members of the University of Disneyland, and the editor of the DISNEYLAND LINE.

"With the exception of personal questions, such as the one which asked, 'Is Dick Nunis the SOB that everybody says he is' ... we have not white-washed any questions."

And with that remark, the Vice President of Disneyland and Walt Disney World began answering the hundreds of questions submitted by Disneyland employees.

Over the next week or so, I'll be sharing the questions and answers as they appeared in the Disneyland Line. They deal with the generic daily concerns of employees in any workplace, but they also reflect present-day Disneyland concerns over theming and cleanliness.

The first thing I'll share isn't a list of questions, but ten action items that were "direct results from questions submitted by Disneyland employees" at the meeting, as appeared in the May 5, 1972 Disneyland Line:

1. Backstage banking facilities are now in operation
2. Part time employees will now receive annual passes after working at Disneyland for one year.
3. Magic Kingdom Club ticket books can now be obtained at a 20% discount.
4. Construction of a new clockhouse is currently underway.
5. A new Communications Center will be constructed behind the Ad building. It will contain en employee lounge, headquarters for the Disneyland Recreation Club, and will have offices for the DISNEYLAND LINE, "Backstage Disneyland," and "Dial 100," a fast news service for employees.
6. The Mr. Lincoln ticket in the junior and children's ticket books is the same color as the "E" coupon in these books. The ticket color will be changed when the ticket books are printed this winter.
7. Stock purchase plan through payroll deductions - - - this is being looked into and will be presented to employees once a plan has been decided upon.
8. An employee questionnaire is being prepared to find out "Where Do We Go From Here?"
9. More "Forums" will be held at all levels in the organization on a consistent basis.
10. All questions submitted for "A Disneyland Report" will be answered in the LINE or by a personal letter. The LINE will also carry a series of articles about Disneyland's and Walt Disney Production's chain of command and organization.

I was particularly disappointed that that "series of articles" never appeared!