About Me
Hello, fellow Distorian! I’m Kate, creator of Disney Cicerone. I’m passionate about helping others experience Disney in more meaningful and magical ways, allowing them to fully understand why their love of Disney has personal and social value. My writing and creative work explore the sociological, psychological, emotional, historical, and unique ways Disney’s history and culture influence our lives.
When not wandering in the parks looking at rocks and crates, I’m researching, writing, and posting about obscure park history, little-known facts, and inspiring stories to make you think more deeply about why you love Disney. I am currently an Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World and a Magic Key Holder at Disneyland, have set sail on multiple Disney cruises, and have marveled at the beauty that is Disneyland Paris.
Beyond Disney, I get to be a mom to three amazing kids, I look forward to rainy Oregon days, and I’ve enjoyed being serenaded by my husband Eliot‘s lovely Irish music for over two decades.
My Disney Favorites
Favorite Ride
I love the Haunted Mansion because it’s a beautiful demonstration of how the collaboration of many artists and ideas can achieve something truly unique and inspiring. There’s no reason why the Haunted Mansion should work, and yet it does. I also love all the characters we lost along the way, from the “most dangerous ghost” to squeaky-door ghosts and the Man in the Web. Someday I hope to see more of the abandoned concepts get integrated into this attraction (*cough* haunted kitchen *cough cough*) but even as it is now, it’s delightfully spooky and fun.
Favorite Imagineer
Alice Davis not only did the costumes for It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean, but she was also one of the BEST storytellers of all the Imagineers. She never got her chance to be an animator because she was a woman, but she grew and thrived where she was planted. She also fell in love with her husband Marc Davis while they were working on Sleeping Beauty together, and their 44-year relationship partially inspired Carl and Ellie from the Pixar movie Up.
Favorite Quote
When Walt Disney said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” he said it because experts told him that making a rainbow waterfall for the Rainbow Caverns was impossible. They said the colors, which were all in their own channels, would mix by the end of the day, turning all of the colors a murky grey. Walt said this iconic line, and, sure enough, the Imagineers figured out a way to not let the colors mix.
We can do impossible things, but only if we tune out the voices that tell us we can’t.
Have a Disney question?
I’d love to help! I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the Disney resorts, history, or share resources that can help add magic to your Disney experience.
(Please note: Disney Cicerone is not an official site of The Walt Disney Company and is not associated with or endorsed by TWDC in any way.)