Mustang Makes a Splash at Disney Fan Event

By Ted Ryan, Ford Heritage Brand Manager and Archivist

Well, that was fun! The Ford Motor Company Archives arranged the loan of one of the original “Skyway Mustangs” to the Walt Disney Company D23 Ultimate Fan Event, held in Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 9-11.

As I’ve recounted in this introduction story, the Ford Mustang was introduced to the media and public in April 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. But what you may not know is that the Walt Disney Company created the Ford Pavilion and the ride that showcased the cars.

D23 panel discussion

The pavilion and ride took three years to build. Ford contracted with WED Enterprises, the creative arm of the Walt Disney Company, to create a 12-minute ride featuring its products. Ford Galaxies, Lincoln Continentals and Fairlanes were all expected to be in the ride, but the surprise in 1964 was the all-new Mustang.

Twelve Mustangs were part of the ride in 1964, and the location is known for four of those original cars. Our archives worked to have one on display at the D23 Ultimate Fan Event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the World’s Fair. The display was part of a larger Disney Archives exhibit focusing on cars in their collection that had been used in films.

Walt Disney (left) and Henry Ford II at the Ford Pavilion

D23 is the Walt Disney Fan Club, and it holds biannual events to celebrate all things Disney with its fans. This year’s Ultimate Fan Event attracted more than 75,000 attendees over three days.

The Walt Disney Archives created a “Great Big Beautiful Car Show” that included more than 30 incredible automobiles displayed over 24,000 square feet. While there were several other movie Fords from their collection, the Skyway Mustang was the literal center of attention. The Disney Archives exhibit team re-created the archway that was at the original 1964 World’s Fair.

Ford Magic Skyway

I was also asked to be on a panel discussion titled “A Beautiful Tomorrow – Just a Dream Away: Disney at the 1964-65 World’s Fair.” The lineup was impressive. Legendary film critic Leonard Maltin was the moderator, with Disney Archivist Becky Cline, “Monsters Inc.” Director Pete Docter, Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald, “Tomorrowland” Production Designer Ramsey Avery, and special surprise guests: composer Michael Giacchino, Director/Actor Jon Favreau, and Marvel President Kevin Feige. I would have felt like the odd man out, but I was there to tell the amazing story of the role of the Mustang at the Fair, which evened the playing field.

Mustang display at 1964 World's Fair

For me, the panel discussion was easy — the World’s Fair and the Mustang introduction created the first chapter in the lore of the Mustang as the car for every generation. The styling was so perfect for that place and time that the car cemented the public’s imagination of what a sporty car should be. Just as it has for each subsequent generation. The chatter in the green room backstage felt like many Mustang meets I’ve been to. Everyone had their Mustang story, and Leonard Maltin even spoke about his regret in selling his 1968 on-stage!

There are few cars in the world that would generate the type of reaction the Mustang did in 1964, and I was struck by the fact that as we celebrate the 60th anniversary, the Mustang is still the sporty car for the newest generation. It was an honor to work with the Archives team at the Walt Disney Company to celebrate this car with all their fans.

DOWNLOAD: Access World's Fair photos, video, correspondence and other materials from the Ford Content Center