On this day in 1955, Walt Disney hosted a Fourth of July picnic for a select group of Disney Studios employees and their families at Disneyland, just days before its grand opening on July 17, 1955. Those lucky enough to attend would be among the very first to ride some of the attractions and see Walt’s highly anticipated project.
On this day in 1908, John Hench - Disney’s Renaissance artist - was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In his legendary 64 year career with the Walt Disney Company, John left his mark in films, theme parks, and hotels.
Illinois. Ryman had an illustrious Disney career and cemented his legacy as the artist Walt Disney turned to when he needed someone to translate his dreams of Disneyland onto paper so his brother, Roy, could attract the financing required to build the park.
n this day in 1893, Walt Disney’s older brother, Roy Oliver Disney, was born in Chicago, Illinois. For more than four decades, the brothers worked side-by-side to create an entertainment empire.
On this day in 1955, Walt Disney received a memorandum from WED (the predecessor of Disney Imagineering) about the wording of the plaques that he wanted above the Disneyland tunnel entrances.
Happy Birthday Disney Legend Bill Martin! On this day in 1917, Wilson “Bill” Martin was born in Marshalltown, Iowa. Bill was the art director in charge of the original design of Fantasyland and is responsible for attraction layout designs that shape guest experiences today at Disney Parks around the globe.
On this day in 1910, Morgan “Bill” Evans was born in Santa Monica, California. As Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar describes him, “Bill defined Disney theme park landscaping.”
Disney has just announced that a new original “pop history” docuseries focused on Disney Parks attractions will be debuting Friday, July 16th on Disney+. Behind the Attraction is a 10-episode, hourlong series produced by Seven Bucks Production (co-founded by part-time Jungle Cruise skipper Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) in partnership with Brian Volk-Weiss, the creator behind the hit Netflix pop-culture docuseries “The Toys That Made Us.”
The partnership between Walt Disney and Admiral Joe Fowler was essential for getting Disneyland built and open under the time and financial constraints impacting the park’s construction.
On this day in 1910, one of Disneyland’s very first employees and only true residents, Owen Pope, was born in Josephine, Texas. Pope, along with his wife Dolly, are the only people to ever live at and literally call Disneyland their home.
waltsfolly.com 