Art Linkletter

Walt Disney scored something of a coup in getting Art Linkletter as the primary host for his gala live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland.

Vesey Walker

He organized and directed more than 50 college, military, school, and youth bands, but at Disneyland, the master “music man” finally found the one place in the world to organize a thoroughly professional band, performing daily throughout the year—not just for Saturday football games or annual parades.

Toshio Kagami

“The fact that we were able to bring the Disney Resort to Japan and make it a success in Japan, I believe that we were able to bridge these two different cultures together. The world has to be a peaceful place and I would like to see more and more of these bridges built across the world.” —Toshio Kagami

Tom Nabbe

In 1956, Walt Disney recognized the Tom Sawyer in a young Nabbe, and he became the “Luckiest Boy in the World.” That’s what the cover of the April 7, 1957 issue of Parade magazine said, beneath a full-color photo of Tom dressed as Mark Twain’s paragon of American boyhood.

Milt Albright

In 1953, in an attempt to gain some attention from Walt and transfer to his new “amusement park” in Anaheim, Milt, an automobile buff, designed a miniature car for the Autopia, then in the planning stages as an attraction for Disneyland. When he saw that Milt had created a car as a calling card, Walt said, “Well, anybody that crazy belongs at Disneyland!”

Frank Gifford

“Governor Reagan had his arm around John Lennon, and he was explaining American football to him. Only on Monday Night Football would you get those two guys, who were poles apart, united.” —Frank Gifford

Mary Jones

Mary once said, “My philosophy on our responsibility has always been that good community relations is making sure that Disneyland is a good neighbor and citizen, and if we can do that, it benefits the community, our cast members, and Disneyland.”

Russi Taylor

“Russi has imbued Minnie with so much of her own appeal, her strength, her spirit; a sense of gentleness, but combined with a certain sauciness. In the process, she has really helped to define Minnie’s character for new generations.” —Roy E. Disney

Mary Anne Mang

“Walt Disney was clear in his wishes that his Park and its cast members should always strive to give something back to the surrounding community,” Mary Anne once recalled. This made community relations an integral part of her role in Public Relations.

Wayne Allwine

“In time, you actually realize all of the characteristics that this character has in yourself. I’ve got all his naive qualities, and all of his optimistic qualities.” —Wayne Allwine on his prolific performances as Mickey.