Ridgway, Charlie (1923-2016) Publicity director for Walt Disney World beginning two years before its opening. He had earlier started in publicity at Disneyland in 1963. Ridgway was instrumental in arranging for so much free publicity for the opening of Walt Disney World that paid advertising was felt unnecessary. He oversaw all of the major press events for the openings of Walt Disney World parks and hotels over the next two decades, retiring in 1994. He was named a Disney Legend in 1999.
