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Orlando history…

Before Walt Disney World even existed, Disney executives managed an Orlando hotel. The hotel, called the Hilton Inn South, was owned by Orlando attorney Finley Hamilton and opened in

1968. Disney used the 140-room hotel as a

"living laboratory" to learn about the hotel business. They created training manuals and restaurant menus that were later used in their own resorts.

In May 1970, Hamilton made a "handshake" deal with Disney to have them manage the hotel. The purpose was to train employees for the opening of Walt Disney World in October 1971. Hamilton believed that associating with the Disney brand would benefit his business.

The Hilton Inn South hotel no longer exists, but it was located near the intersection of Sand Lake Road and International Drive. The original hotel rooms (now renovated) are part of the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort. Hamilton also paved the dirt road near his property, foreseeing an increase in visitors to the Orlando area from around the world. Consequently, he appropriately named the road International Drive.

Photo Source: Disney

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The Story Behind "When You Wish Upon a Star"

"When You Wish Upon a Star" is one of the most iconic and beloved songs in the history of Disney and American cinema. It was created for the 1940 animated film Pinocchio , which is based on the Italian children's novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. The song was written by Leigh Harline, who composed the music, and Ned Washington, who wrote the lyrics. This musical duo crafted a piece that has transcended its original context to become a timeless anthem of hope and dreams.

First Performance
The song was first performed by Cliff Edwards, who voiced the character Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio . Edwards, a popular singer and actor of the time, brought a warm and heartfelt delivery to the song, making it an instant classic. In the film, Jiminy Cricket sings "When You Wish Upon a Star" during the opening credits and later reprises it as a lullaby to Pinocchio. The gentle melody and inspiring lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, helping to cement the song's place in popular culture.

The song's lyrics are simple yet profoundly moving:

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you

#DisneyMagic #WhenYouWishUponAStar #Pinocchio #DisneyClassics #IconicSongs #DreamsComeTrue #CliffEdwards #LeighHarline #NedWashington #DisneyHistory #TimelessMusic #MovieMusic #CinematicClassic #HopeAndDreams #Inspiration #DisneyLegacy #AcademyAward #JiminyCricket #MusicalMasterpiece #AnimationHistory #MusicClassics

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