Uncle Bill
On this day in 1906, Disney Legend Bill Cottrell was born in South Bend, Indiana. Known as “Uncle Bill” on the Disney Studio lot, Bill was the first president of WED Enterprises, the predecessor to Walt Disney Imagineering.
Bob Gurr
On this day in 1931, Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr was born in Los Angeles, California. As Bob likes to say, “If it moves on wheels at Disneyland, I probably designed it.”
Disney’s Original Imagineer
born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In the early years of Disneyland, if something in the park moved, then there was a good chance Roger was somehow involved.
Roy Flies to New York
On this day in 1953, Roy Disney flew to New York on a mission that was essential for making his brother Walt’s dream of building Disneyland a reality - finding a way to pay for it.
The Lost Weekend
On this day in 1953, artist Herb Ryman received a phone call from Walt Disney that led to the now famous “lost weekend” which produced arguably the most important piece of Disneyland concept art.
Disneyland’s Hub
On this day in 1953, Disney Imagineer Marvin Davis finalized what’s known as the “hub” layout for Disneyland.
Ruth Shellhorn
On this day in 1909, Disneyland landscape architect Ruth Shellhorn was born in Los Angeles. Ruth was a pioneer in her field and, as one of the few women involved with the design of the Disneyland, made a significant contribution to the landscape and pedestrian pathway designs of the park in 1955.
How Did Disneyland End Up in Anaheim?
On this day in 1953, a final report titled “An Analysis of Location Factors for Disneyland” was delivered to Walt Disney by consultants at Stanford Research Institute (SRI). The analysis in the report lead to the selection of the "Ball Road subdivision" in Anaheim as the preferred location for Disneyland.
Disneyland’s Prime Contractor
On this day in 1954, the Anaheim Gazette reported that the McNeil Construction Company was awarded the contract from the Walt Disney Company to build the “Disneyland Amusement Center.”
The Finishing Touch of Harriet Burns
On this day in 1928, Harriet Burns - the First Lady of Walt Disney Imagineering - was born in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout her illustrious Disney career, Harriet helped design classic Disneyland attractions, including the Enchanted Tiki Room, Storybook Land, the Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
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