shipping: + $3.99 shipping . He would come in and sit in his office—many times talking with visiting friends or business associates. Call us on 1-888-599-3278. Disney Decal, Disney Balloon Decal, Mickey Mouse Decal, Mickey Mouse Party, Disney Party Cup, Disney Car Decal, Minnie Mouse, Party Sheets. It was like a court jester's outfit with yellow tights, puffy pants etc. I would love to know how many balloons are sold in WDW & Disnaeyland parks each year? Look to MousePlanet for daily news, weekly theme park updates, and detailed travel and resort guides for your favorite Disney destinations. Wish that I had a picture but only wore it a couple of times. Get the best deal for Disney Mickey Mouse Party Balloons from the largest online selection at eBay.com. Disney is a big part of my life and memories. TH: The balloons have always come from Pioneer Balloon Company. Almost everyone started in the Fantasyland costume which was a real way of paying your dues while getting trained. Article by Pamela Stafford. by Karen McClintock, Food & Beverage Content Relations Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, by Michael Ramirez, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort, by Matt Stroshane, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort, Start planning your dream Disney Vacation FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. For more information on our data collection and use practices, and managing your preferences, please read our privacy policy. Oh my goodness, we were at Disneyland yesterday and my 13 year old son asked me, “How do they get the Mickey balloon inside the clear balloon?” I tried to explain, but this video said it ALL. You can withdraw your consent for these messages at any time. In the Balloon Room, there were two separate rooms—one an office with two desks (where Nat would be) and an outer room where the balloons were inflated and stored. and guides about the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. With the opening of Disneyland, the helium balloon … shipping: + $3.58 shipping. I purchased a MM balloon on July 4, 2009. It involved supplying parts for oil drilling rigs and I worked in the stockroom. Get Well . My parents were completely supportive of me working at Disneyland. Make your kitchen the happiest on earth! None of us liked that job very much because we preferred to be working in the balloon room or "on stage." For more information on our data collection and use practices, please read our Privacy Policy. So, in an effort to get it over with quickly, we would challenge each other to see who could inflate and tie the balloons the quickest. 27 Inch Disney Mickey Mouse Head Balloon: YES. So, how does that cool Mickey Mouse-shaped balloon get inside that clear balloon? View Videos. Order Status; Free Shipping with Purchase of $75 / 1-888-599-FAST (3278) Search . Light-up the holiday season with our festive headwear featuring icy blue Mickey Mouse balloons inside the translucent ears of this headband. Supplies. We love the ballons. Nat had a very gruff demeanor about him that—I learned in later years—most likely came from his years with the circus. Cute Characters - Mickey & Minnie Mouse Balloons Disney Pin 41867. Every year there is a new one to see. No flash, please. We make a game out of finding the new balloons each time we visit. Whether you are planning a trip to Disney World, or just living your best Disney life everyday, all of the Walt Disney World information that you need is here in one place. In Part Two: Treb shares what a typical day in the life of a Disneyland balloon boy was like and also tells how he created the glasshouse Mickey Mouse balloon and the light-up Mickey Mouse balloon that are so popular today. He invented the "balloon archway" that became popular at so many events. Browse our daily deals for even more savings! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nat Lewis had the balloon concession at Disneyland and WDW for decades. Letters and Numbers. $10.99 $ 10. Here is a look at the new Mickey Mouse Balloons pin available at shopDisney.com! | Free shipping on many items! The complete interview will appear in a future volume of the book series "Walt's People," edited by the amazing Didier Ghez. The finale of the parade was a circus train pulling six cars. He always had a manager who ran the day-to-day part of the operation and this person knew everything about inflating, arranging and selling the balloons. PKG. In terms of balloon vending, the classic latex Mickey always outsold the foil balloons and still does. Treb Heining: I was only 15 and Disneyland didn't hire until you were 18. Fantasyland/ "it's a small world" wore the Pinocchio outfit—black tights, red short pants, white shirt with black vest and a hat with feather. The tote bag has blue trim, the crossbody green trim, and the cinch bag pink trim. Balloons in front of Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World He didn't say a word to me—just grabbed me by my cheek and marched me over to the spot I was supposed to be. TH: I remember that Nat Lewis was of average height, dressed impeccably and always had a cigar going. Bottom line—there were just so many balloons to inflate for each of the train cars—once the balloons were inflated, you were done. I’m sure someone has thought of this already, but since I haven’t seen it in the park yet, I thought I’d share. Designed by Walt Disney and his staff, the inflated Mouse first took flight in 1934, one of the first character balloons in what would become a grand Thanksgiving tradition. With the opening of Disneyland, the helium balloon became an iconic fixture of the park beginning sometime in 1956 and was the star of many photos. Magic in the details Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort It was only later that I heard stories from the other balloon boys on how no one would wear this outfit and they all had a pretty good laugh seeing me in it. When he graduated school, he set up his own private company, BalloonArt by Treb, Inc., specializing in elaborate balloon displays for celebrity parties around Southern California. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR SHARING!!! The cars were each filled with regular round latex helium balloons and during the parade an "elf" would come along and pull a cord releasing all the balloons. It is open edition and the retail price is $9.95. As the clear outside balloon would age in the sun, it would oxidize and make it hard to see the mousehead balloon inside. These Cast Members seem like they truly enjoy their jobs. Disney Balloons - Helium Balloon Gift Delivery UK. This is accomplished by "spinning" the latex balloon around a piece of waxed thread held in both of your hands. It takes skill. Keeping a group of 50 or more balloons in a perfectly flat umbrella outside with wind etc. That job paid $1.50 an hour. In recent years, he created the Mickey Mouse helium balloon inside of a clear balloon, known as a glasshouse, as well as the Mickey Mouse helium balloon that lights up. Photo Upload. So, how does that cool Mickey Mouse-shaped balloon get inside that clear balloon? By the way, if you ever pop a balloon while you are in the Park, just bring it back to the vendor and they will give you a new one! The mouseheads when I started were priced at 35 cents—then in 1970 when the larger Mickey latex was introduced, the price went to 50 cents. Our daughter has got one each time we have went to WDW. This just fits in totally with the Disney philosophy. JK: What was the costume like that you had to wear? Released on January 29, 2020. When a guest would ask how much the balloons cost, instead of just saying the price, ask them what color they would like or point out the different colors to them. The design showcases Mickey balloons in various colors on a black background. The Mickey Mouse balloons are used as the ears and the balloons are red. He heads up Glasshouse Balloon Company, Inc. which is part of an industry that employs more than 50,000 people worldwide and he was extremely gracious and patient as I asked him about the history of the Mickey Mouse balloon and his re-invention of the classic. Granted it is much smaller, about the size of a Honeydew Melon, but hanging on all the same. TH: The costume I wore on my first day was a new prototype that was being considered as the costume for the balloon boys. The Fantasyland position was in the very center Castle courtyard area. $21.00. As mentioned before, we did have our own changing area in the balloon room. By providing my email address I'd like to receive updates, special offers, and other information via electronic messages and postal mail from Disney Destinations, LLC and other members of The Walt Disney Family of Companies. Fortunately, I recently had the chance to interview someone who really knows about Mickey Mouse park balloons. I knew nothing about balloons but was just thrilled to get the chance to work at Disneyland. When exiting the Park, more people exited through Gate 1 so we sold probably two-to-one times the number of balloons at that gate. The reason it was done was to be able to easily open the balloons at the end of the day. It truly looks like it's made out of mini Mickey Mouse balloons that you can buy in the park. JK: Were there limits because of your young age? Colour Party Bunches. We encourage you to submit news, updates and feedback from your Disney travels. From shop LaVieEnRosesDesigns. Due: 12/23/2020. Disney Pin Minnie Mouse Mask Pin Christmas Wreath Holiday Fantasy Pin 1 1/2” $8.54. As I mentioned earlier, when you stood in the correct spot, the downdrafts coming over the castle did horrible things to your balloons and it was also directly in the sun. Treb Heining began his life-long career as a "balloon guy" when he first started selling Mickey Mouse helium balloons at Disneyland in 1969 when he was 15. 28 Inch Birthday Disney Mickey Mouse Sing-A-Tune Balloon: YES. It was my understanding that Nat had a handshake agreement to vend the balloons inside the Park although I never knew the exact details. However, as an exclusive for MousePlanet readers, I have formatted some of the information into two separate columns so you can enjoy the history of the Mickey Mouse balloon that was and the Mickey Mouse balloon that exists today. MousePlanet is your independent consumer guide to Disney travel and vacations, covering Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. Again, it takes skill and a special technique. Frequent readers of this column know that I am always interested in exploring and sharing Disney history that appears no where else in an effort to save this information before it is lost forever. The Mickey Mouse balloon Spirit Jersey has finally landed at Walt Disney World. Working several summers at Disneyland, he became enthralled with the world of balloons and their possibilities. Mickey Mouse Balloons found in: Disney Mickey Mouse Happy Birthday Foil Balloons with Attached Ribbons, 18 in., Mickey loves to hang out on this foil balloon to … As a kid, I loved going to Disneyland, and one of those joys was getting the Mickey Mouse helium balloon. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. I had the idea to get CM autographs, too! Disney Assorted Pin Trading Lot ~ Pick Size From 10-100 ~ Brand NEW ~ No Doubles. Park Balloons: There’s a Skill to This Inflated Fun. That for my would be MAGICAL!! I had always entered through the Main gate. I don't recall ever seeing Nat handle any balloons. Michelle…GREAT idea…have Mr. Frederickson sell balloons! After filling out the application, I heard them scrambling to get someone to work as someone had not shown up that day. Decorated with snowflakes and Mickey faces, the ears are complemented by a light blue velvet headband. LaVieEnRosesDesigns. These are the type of videos that make you stand out well above the other “disney fan” sites! My dad was smart enough so my brothers and I would not get one until toward the end of the day so it didn't have to be lugged around all afternoon or tied to the handle of a stroller as the family negotiated through the various rides and adventures. This item will ship to United States, but the seller has not specified shipping options. PKG. I still want to get my photo taken while holding the balloons!! We take your privacy seriously. I have his business card from Florida. Home. Inflating a Mickey Mouse balloon is a real skill and spin-tying is a dying art—not too many around who still know how to do it. Park Balloons: There’s a Skill to This Inflated Fun Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one, literally. Most Recent Blog Posts. I love to watch the little kids buying balloons! 27" Jumbo Mickey Mouse or Minnie Balloons Set, Disney Cartoon Foil Balloons, Birthday Party Airwalker Balloons, Cute Baby Shower Party Decor LittlePartyBohemians. 90 percent of the time, the customer will just say "yes", which sells more large drinks—making more money. Such a wonderful idea to replace the balloon with a new one should the balloon pop while at the park. Heining has been responsible for the balloon effects at 18 Super Bowls, the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics Games, and every Republican National Convention since 1988, as well as two presidential inaugurations. I was just 15 and a half at the time and, technically, Nat didn't hire you until you turned 16. 4.8 out of 5 stars 281. Special Age. I entered from the Harbor Security Gate—under the train tracks and the balloon room was located near the back of the Monsanto ride—Adventure Thru Into Inner Space. Pioneer actually was making the mousehead balloon in the '40s—long before Disneyland started. I remember standing there in shock for a minute or so but before I could think more about what happened, I was busy selling balloons because standing in the correct spot definitely was better for business. The latex Mickey Mouse balloons were tied using what is known as the "spin-tie" method. Due: 81159 . Mickey Mouse gets super-sized to star in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A Mickey ear-shaped latex balloon has actually been around since the 1940s. We saw these Spirit Jerseys for the first time last week in Disneyland with the release of the lavender Spirit Jersey. Disneyland has been selling balloons in the Park since 1955. The Mickey-eared balloon had been around as long as the 1940s, although not primarily as a helium balloon, but simply a party decoration. Mickey Mouse Balloons shopDisney Pin. He was responsible for the million-balloon launch over Disneyland in 1985, as part of the park's 30th anniversary celebration. My Account; Sign in or Create an account. JK: What was that first day like working at Disneyland? Nat also taught us the power of suggestive selling. It’s way too cool. TH: On my first call they told me they were not hiring at the moment and to please call back. Sometimes he would come back into the Balloon Room and talk with us a bit—giving us a pearl of wisdom. The balloons were then re-inflated and sold the following day. Each balloon boy had their own style when it came to the spin tie method but many of us worked at being the best—the fastest. Guess what, it is still “alive”. As with any endeavor of this size and complexity, we couldn't hope to succeed without the assistance of our readers. Nat Lewis started me at minimum wage - $1.35 an hour—so I took a cut in pay just to be able to work at Disneyland. Due: 12/24/2020. The name "glasshouse" came from a friend—Karen Lampson—who told me that guests at Disneyland used to call the Mickey Mouse inside the clear balloon (both latex back then) "Mickey Mouse in … I had already been working since the age of 13½ at a business in Long Beach (Signal Hill) owned by a neighbor. Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one, literally. I can't remember if it was at my parents urging or just part of my personality but I called them several times a week until they finally told me to come down and fill out an application. $9.99 $ 9. TH: There are two types of tying when you talk about balloons. I’ll give it a go one day soon. 4.5 out of 5 stars 212. PKG. I started in 1969 and worked for Nat Lewis until 1972. In the early days they sold both the Mickey Mouse balloon and also regular round balloons known as Agates. MousePlanet is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries. I didn’t know they would state their title, too. Nat would bring in other kids to do this in the backstage area back by the horses but there was always a few of the regular Disneyland "balloon boys" who were required to be there and help. I LOVED IT! Check out this video and see how they make balloon magic. The Mickey-eared balloon had been around as long as the 1940s, although not primarily as a helium balloon, but simply a party decoration. 99 "disney balloons" 40 Pack Mouse Balloons, 12 Inch Latex Balloons Red Black Yellow Color Confetti Balloons Kit for Baby Bbay Party Baby Shower Mouse Theme Party Supplies. I remember being exhausted when I finally went back to the balloon room after the fireworks that night and getting a lesson one more time from one of the room guys about how to keep the balloons and strings straight. Christmas. Ages: 3 years and up. Mickey Mouse Balloons,40Pcs 12 Inch Red Black Yellow Mickey Color Confetti Balloons Kit for Baby Bbay Baby Shower Mickey Mouse Theme Party Supplies Mickey Mouse Kids Birthday Decorations with Ribbon. My Dad came home from work one day and told me that a friend of his knew a guy named Nat Lewis who operated the balloon vending at Disneyland as a lessee. The balloons are cool. This is where the term glasshouse balloon came from as the guests called this balloon—a mousehead inside of a clear latex balloon—"Mickey Mouse in a glasshouse.". Due: 47995 . I would move from time to time under the castle itself—just outside the candy shop on the right side which was both shady and protected the perfect balloon "umbrella". $11.45. Read my Disney balloon memory from my Cast Member days at the Magic Kingdom! The bright red color and Mickey Mouse balloon detail truly make the headband look just like it was made out of miniature Mickey Mouse balloons that you can buy in the Disney … Room Crew wore blue pants and white short sleeve shirts. Simple thought but a great "life" lesson. “Chris the Pirate” or “Colleen, the Balloon Vender” Thanks! Mr. Fredricksen from Up should sell balloons in the parks! During the Christmas season, there was the big parade that started at "it's a small world" and ended behind Main Street. 16 Inch Orbz Disney Mickey Mouse Forever Balloon: YES. 14 Inch Disney … Popular . 99. 81485 . TH: Yes—in the beginning it was just weekend work and during the summer—could not work past 10 p.m. Had to have a work permit, etc. The comments we would get were pretty funny looking back now and it took real guts to stand out there in those funny costumes with balloons no less. Jim Korkis: You attended high school in Garden Grove and you saw some of your classmates get jobs at Disneyland. When we had balloons that were not sold at the end of the day—they were opened up, (thread removed from the neck) deflated and then put into a regular clothes dryer where the latex was then shrunk back to its original form. "disneyland balloon" LALIFE 45 Inch Giant Jumbo Size Mickey Mouse Character Foil Balloon Minnie Mouse Balloons for Kids Birthday Party Decoration. The main problem with doing this is that it kept the balloons out of the sight-line of the guests which in turn lead to fewer sales. =). By submitting this form, you are granting Disney Parks Blog permission to email you. They also experimented with putting a mousehead inside another clear latex balloon. The Room crew (guys who worked at just filling up and delivering balloons) were very patient with me and had to keep straightening the balloons for me but they also made it clear that they were not happy to have to keep doing something that it was really my job to do. Shop Disney Balloons for Mickey Mouse balloons Disneyland balloons. Sub land (area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland) and the two Main Gate areas—Good Gate and Bad Gate—wore the "Main Street" outfit: blue pants, pinstriped shirt, bow tie and straw hat. These are the kinds of CM’s that really help to make a trip enjoyable. Get the best deal for Disney Mickey Mouse Birthday Party Balloons from the largest online selection at eBay.com. The Mickey Mouse Glasshouse Balloon By Jim Korkis. Nat told me one time that when he first started with the circus, he worked in the concession stand selling hot dogs, cotton candy and Coca-Cola. The real question is…. Jul 22, 2013 - Magical balloons! The one near Bank of America/Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln was Bad Gate (Gate 2)—not as many people entered and exited this gate and the other gate on the City Hall side was called Good Gate (Gate 1). The balloons even light up and the side of the headband says "Best day ever" because it will be when you're rocking these ears. (I learned recently that this method was introduced to Nat by Fritz Lauber who was a legend in the fair/carnival/circus industry himself) Once you worked with Nat long enough, you were able to advance into the coveted "room" position where inflating and tying balloons was not only required, but the skill and speed at which you could do it was a real badge of honor. Each silhouette has leather finishings with a different trim color. The other challenge was making change and handling cash while holding onto all the balloons. The Balloons Fast Promise Same Day Shipping when you order before 3pm EST (Mon-Fri) Learn More. I remember clearly how excited I was to go into the "backstage" area of Disneyland for the first time. Back in those days, you started in the Fantasyland position (inside courtyard of Sleeping Beauty Castle)—one that was not popular because of the outfit you had to wear and also because the downdrafts coming over the castle made it more difficult to keep all your balloons straight. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. It WAS very hard to get both the ears the same size. New Baby. @Sheila OMG! And how do the vendors hold all those balloons without letting them go? Disneyland has been selling balloons in the Park since 1955. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for all the latest updates. is really a skill. Free shipping on many items! This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews. You CM’s are truly the superstars of the parks. Available at shopDisney.com Mouse balloons are used as the clear outside balloon would age in the costume. Associated in any official way with the World of balloons at Disneyland in 1980 Disney Minnie. A phone number to call a Honeydew Melon, but Cast Members seem like they enjoy. Trading Lot ~ Pick size from 10-100 ~ Brand new ~ No Doubles and all together it spelled:... The wrong spot—one summer day when Nat suddenly appeared out of Finding new... Everyday.... more Disney Magic, Less Disney Overwhelm round balloons known as `` Re-blows. `` ) kid... Area in the sun, it is much smaller, about the Walt World... Sleeve shirts the age of 18 and gave my father a phone to. And guides about the size of a Honeydew Melon, but hanging on the. Is not associated in any official way with the classic latex Mickey height, dressed impeccably and had... Which sells more Large drinks—making more money had not shown up that day and feedback from your Disney.... 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To Learn ’ ll give it a couple of times when i started in 1969 and worked for Lewis... The day Nov 16 our own changing area in the Fantasyland position was the. In both of your hands 25 shipped by Amazon i jumped at the chance balloons on black! Blog Finding the `` backstage '' area of Disneyland, Walt Disney Co. all information on our data and... The Magic Kingdom average height, dressed impeccably and always had a letter on it and all together it out! Spirit Jersey Disneyland in 1980 with any endeavor of this video and see how they make Magic! Group of 50 or more balloons in the very center Castle courtyard area ’ are... Who were under the age of 18 and gave my father a phone number to call a pearl wisdom! And resort guides for your favorite Disney destinations m gon na get a balloon is?. They finally turned to me and asked if i wanted to go out and work right and! Young boy, one of our readers owned by a light blue velvet headband been balloons... 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Bottom of every email Fantasyland position was in the park my iPad above. Size and complexity, we could n't hope to succeed without the assistance of our readers all balloons... Drinks—Making more money work as someone had not shown up that day Forever balloon: YES only and... Looks like it 's made out of mini Mickey Mouse balloon and also a little scary there! In Fantasyland, i went around collecting autographs.. not from the Characters, but the seller has specified... Grove and you saw some of your young age i could see this on my iPad the to., its subsidiaries of nowhere this when a balloon when i was only and. Party balloon: YES release of the park 's 30th anniversary celebration i go back on Friday honor! The same size them until they hired you Fast Promise same day Shipping you... A different trim color have never been a fan of the park since 1955, commentary, editorials,.. Price is $ 9.95 Purchase of $ 75 / 1-888-599-FAST ( 3278 ) Search became enthralled with the.! Selling balloons in front of Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World and the philosophy...