FUN FOTO-The “Unbelievable” According To Walt

Wonderful Fun Foto of Walt enjoying Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. In early 1964 (most likely on a trip to the 1964 New York World’s Fair), Walt had his pilot make a stop in New Mexico for the purpose of seeing Carlsbad Caverns.

Walt was in one of his favorite toys (no, not Disneyland, the other favorite toy), Mickey Mouse 1 (the Studio’s Gulfstream airplane). With him was his wife, Lillian Disney, their daughter Sharon and her husband, Robert Brown, and the plane pilot (most likely Kelvin Bailey). All were enjoying a leisurely trip and looking forward to seeing the famous National Park site. Walt had been intrigued with the cave since reading the article “Carlsbad Caverns in Color” from the October 1953 National Geographic, and as was the norm for him he was well informed upon arrival. It appears that this issue was also along for the ride and became the in-flight reading for the trip, since it was later reported that the group had read the article.

A special tour was arranged for Walt and his party, and was given by Park Superintendent Henry During, (pictured above with Walt). During commented that Walt was interested in the “whimsical and beautiful limestone formations” that the cave was well known for…and he was not the only one. Sharon had married an Architect, and both Brown and Walt were intrigued by the abundance of “free form” limestone formations. and their variety. The wonder of the Caverns was not lost on Lillian either, who mused, “The Caverns are just wonderful, but we are going to have to go home and reevaluate ourselves.” The entire group was stunned and overwhelmed by the massive size of the Caverns. Walt, thoroughly impressed by the natural spectacle, declared that the Caverns were “unbelievable.”

During noticed something about Walt that I have been writing about my entire career. That he was a big kid (albeit a Genius Kid!), just fascinated by everything, as well as ever curious and wanting to know more. “I am flabbergasted…I still don’t believe it,” proclaimed Walt a number of times according to the Park Superintendent.

If you are intrigued to see what “flabbergasted” Walt and what he found “unbelievable” I would suggest that a trip to our country’s wonderful National Park system should be in order. If you have never been to Carlsbad Caverns, then go, and I am pretty sure you’ll see what Walt meant. I did.

Endnotes and Citations can be seen at: endnotes.