Imagine what it would be like to have lunch with a Disney icon who played an important role in creating cinematic classics from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) to Mary Poppins (1964) and entertainment from the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair to EPCOT Center. On Friday afternoon, April 8, 2016, 20 D23 Gold Members and guests had that opportunity with Disney Legend Don Iwerks as part of the D23 Lunch with a Disney Legend series!
The special gathering took place inside the Garden Terrace Room, an intimate dining area reserved for private groups at The Walt Disney Studios, the place where Don worked from 1950 until 1986. During the three-course luncheon, the Disney Legend recounted stories from his experience leading the Studio’s Machine Shop and Camera Service Department, where his innovative techniques in filmmaking paved the way for groundbreaking attractions and movies that are still loved by millions around the world. In fact, Don said that he loved working at the Machine Shop because it was the center of all-new development and truly the middle of all work across The Walt Disney Company.
As a surprise to D23 Members, Don received a special introduction by Garry Broggie (the current Machine Shop foreman and grandson of Disney Legend Roger Broggie) who remarked on the incredible contributions that Don and his wife, Betty, made to Walt Disney Productions. Guests were delighted to hear that Don and Betty were actually celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary that very day! And, as an added surprise, each guest received an exclusive gift that paid tribute to Don’s illustrious career: a commemorative matted print featuring Don at work on Disney Studio cameras.
After the luncheon, D23 Members joined Don on a stroll to Disney Legends Plaza, where they posed for photographs in front of Don’s bronze handprints—cast at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009.
