The triumphant return of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Taking a little break from Christmas, let’s celebrate the triumphant return of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to the Opera House at Disneyland. According to a few sources, Mr. Lincoln should be re-opening today. Several other sources also say “no way, you won’t see him until next year”. Some sources as late as this Monday said the stage was still empty still and wires were everywhere, makes you wonder how Disney produced this video and released it Tuesday.



I’m just nutty enough to be at the park bright and early today hoping to see some Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. I know it’s a long shot, but I’ll either get to be one of the first to see a great show or I’ll have some of Laura’s Magical Pancakes at The River Belle, either way I’m lucky to be there!



Let’s take a look behind the scenes of the original Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.













One of the main reasons I feel compelled to see the re-opening of Mr. Lincoln is because he’s my first (1968) memory of Disneyland, in fact, he’s one of my first memories of anything. He must have driven my interest and passion in history and all things Disneyland. I’ve gotten over the fact he scared the living @#$% out of me the first time I saw him.

















I wonder if the Lincoln Historical Center is still in the Lincoln Savings building in Sherman Oaks.













The Lincoln Savings building in Sherman Oaks is definitely still there, I see it from the Ventura Freeway all the time, yesterday in fact. It hasn’t change much at all, just the sign.













Here’s the Official Souvenir Record from the 1964 New York Worlds Fair. Special “Stereo” version.













According to a few sources the original Royal Dano voice of Mr. Lincoln sound track will be re-mastered for the return of Mr. Lincoln. How cool is that?













Let’s take a listen shall we? Side one has some amazing vintage Paul Frees narration, WOW - I feel like I just rode Adventure Thru Inner Space!





Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Side I – 5mb















Side two is powerful and moving, I hope they use this "word for word" in the new show. And the end has a rousing rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic . Double -WOW!





Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Side II – 5mb













Wish me some "magic"...