Leota Toombs Thomas

The millions of guests that have explored the shadowy confines of the Haunted Mansion have seen Leota “Lee” Toombs Thomas—or at least the likeness of her face. She appears as Madame Leota, the disembodied head that speaks from inside a crystal ball.

Ralph Kent

In 1965, Ralph designed the first limited-edition Mickey Mouse watch for adults, which Walt presented to 25 of his top executives. A timely invention, word quickly spread about the unique Mickey Mouse time piece and today, more than 100 adult watch designs are manufactured each year.

Dick Nunis

“Walt believed strongly that what would make Disneyland different was the people—he wanted them to feel that they were part of the organization,” Dick once said.

Charlie Ridgway

He helped launch the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 and Epcot Center in 1982.

Joe Potter

“Joe was a man Walt Disney was very fond of. Without Joe Potter there would be no Walt Disney World today.”—Disney Legend Dick Nunis

Bob Matheison

“No one person could do everything by himself or herself. It was a team effort.”—Bob Mathieson

Bob Allen

“Bob was an outstanding person. He did a tremendous job for Disney and beyond that he was a very warm human being.”—Former Florida Governor Reubin Askew

Wally Boag

Comedian Steve Martin, who worked at Disneyland as a teenager, summed up Wally’s influence: “My hero, the first comedian I ever saw live, my influence, a man to whom I aspired.”

Fulton Burley

In 1962… he received a call from his pal Wally Boag… who had been performing in the Golden Horseshoe Revue for seven years, [who] explained that one of his fellow cast members had become seriously ill and [urging] Fulton to take over the role. Fulton did, and went on to light up the stage with his jovial nature and lilting brogue.

Edward Meck

Diminutive in stature, Eddie was often described by his friends in the press as if he, himself, was a Disney character. San Francisco columnist Herb Caen once wrote that Eddie Meck was “no relation to Mecky Mouse.”