When we think about Disneyland, usually very vivid images come to mind: your favorite roller coasters, the castle, the mountains. But in between these epic moments are the subtler sights and sounds that work together to give Disneyland its atmosphere. And one of the Imagineers that lent her hand to these details is Joyce Carlson.
Source: D23
Joyce Carlson’s Disney career began in an unassuming way. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1923, Joyce moved to Southern California in 1938 with her family. She started at Walt Disney Studios in 1944, working as a “runner” in their traffic department, a role that involved delivering supplies to animators. But Carlson didn’t stay on the sidelines for long. With her talent for drawing, she presented a portfolio of her sketches to Disney’s producers, earning her a spot in the legendary Ink and Paint Department.
For the next 16 years, Joyce worked as an “inker” on some of the studio’s most beloved films, including Cinderella (1950), Peter Pan (1953), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). She also earned the prestigious position of Lead Ink Artist for Lady and the Tramp (1955). Of course, this was no easy feat; the inkers, often referred to as “The Nunnery” (since it was mostly women) worked long 16-hour days to prepare films for release.
When the Xerox process eliminated the need for inkers in the 1960s, Carlson didn’t miss a beat. She shifted her talents to a new, burgeoning division within Disney: WED Enterprises, commonly known today as Walt Disney Imagineering.
Carlson stepped into Imagineering at a pivotal time for Disney. With the 1964 New York World’s Fair on the horizon, Walt Disney needed Imagineers to dream up and construct attractions that would wow guests. Joyce was recruited to help create one of the most iconic rides…what would be known as It’s A Small World.
Source: D23
Working alongside legendary Disney artist Mary Blair, Carlson was instrumental in designing the ride’s singing dolls, as well as its colorful, idyllic scenery. From intricate costumes to the ride’s synchronized layout, Carlson fine-tuned nearly every visual and technical component of the attraction.
The wildly popular “It’s a Small World” launched at the World’s Fair and eventually found its permanent home in Disneyland in 1966. But Carlson’s work didn’t stop there. She helped design versions of the ride for Walt Disney World (1971), Tokyo Disneyland (1983), and Disneyland Paris (1992).
Source: Walt Disney Archives
But It’s A Small World wasn’t the only 1964 World’s Fair attraction Carlson contributed to. Teaming up with Leota Toombs, she also worked on General Electric’s Carousel of Progress. The pair had to creatively use limited materials, and legend has it they crafted hinges for the household appliances with jewelry donated by coworkers!
After the world’s fair ended, Carlson continued work on maintaining and updating attractions park-wide, from coloring and detailing animatronics, mixing colorways for scenery, and designing visuals throughout ride scenes. She once said of her job:
“Every day was a new challenge, and every project was about making people happy. That’s what made it all worthwhile.”
Carlson was the first woman in the Walt Disney Company to reach both 50 and 55 years of service, and was named a Disney Legend shortly before retiring in 2000. She continued to consult on projects for a few more years, and passed away in 2008. She was honored with a window on Main Street in Disney World, but unfortunately doesn’t have any permanent tribute in Disneyland. However, you can visit It’s A Small World and think of her when you soak up all the details within; the ride would not have the look and feel it does today without her artistry.
Source: Denver Post
That’s a wonderful story. Well done Joyce!