Fun Find Friday
December 26, 2014
Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Yesterday while celebrating Christmas at my
brother's house, we must have seen A Christmas Story on the
television at least one hundred times. I know that's not possible,
but just go with me. The film is on a constant marathon every
Christmas day, and rightfully so with so many iconic moments found
within the film.
I know what you're thinking: Is
A Christmas Story actually a Disney film? Not even in the slightest.
So why on earth are we talking about it? Because the film has a very
unique connection to a Tomorrowland attraction: The Carousel of
Progress.
A Christmas Story was written by Jean Shepherd who also provides the
voice of the narrator in the film. One of Ralphie's friends in the
film, Schwartz, makes an appearance in the classic Disney
attraction. Jean Shepherd, creator of A Christmas Story, just
happens to also be the voice of John in Carousel of Progress.
Schwartz, who was a real life friend of a young Jean Shepherd, is
given a mention in several projects that Mr. Shepherd has worked on
throughout the years.
This time around, Schwartz makes
his appearance in the Fourth of July scene. While John talks with
the audience about all the great innovations of the 1920s, we hear a
car horn off in the distance to which John points out, "There goes
Schwartz in his hump mobile. He sure loves that horn." So next time
you ride the attraction, close your eyes and listen carefully. Not
only will you hear more tales of Schwartz, but you may also be one
step closer to your very own Red Ryder BB gun!
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