On Friday, March 27, 18 D23 Gold Members had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Disney Legend Orlando Ferrante as part of D23’s Lunch with a Legend event series.
During an intimate luncheon at The Walt Disney Studios lot, Orlando shared fascinating stories from his 40-year career at Walt Disney Imagineering, including what it took to plan and coordinate some of Disney’s most historic projects––from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and attractions at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair to Disney Cruise Line and Tokyo DisneySea. Members heard interesting tidbits about the making of beloved Disney attractions and posed questions regarding Orlando’s philosophy on themed entertainment. Joining the luncheon was Imagineer Josh Shipley, who revealed that the Disney Legend still has an office at Walt Disney Imagineering, despite his official retirement in 2002.
As an added surprise, each member received a gift commemorating Orlando’s remarkable legacy––a matted print of his window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. It was only fitting that the next stop was Disney Legends Plaza, where guests posed with Orlando and his handprints.