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View Full Version : Disneyland honors its Legends - Orange County Register, 9/20/05



Darkbeer
09-20-2005, 03:39 PM
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/abox/article_682975.php

QuikQuote: A former Disneyland custodian, Main Street band leader and 17 others who spent their careers carrying out Walt Disney's vision were honored as the 2005 class of Disney Legends at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland today.
In an emotional ceremony punctuated with laughter and tears, families and Disney cast members recalled a combined 541 years of memories of bringing the magic of Disneyland to people around the world. Actor Steve Martin, who worked at the Disneyland magic shop on Main Street as a teenager, and longtime television host Art Linkletter, who presided over Disneyland's opening day on July 18, 1955 were among the 2005 Disney Legends recipients.

Mickeyslittlehelper
09-20-2005, 03:50 PM
Thanks for the link. I can't wait to see pictures from the event.

h_lehmann
09-20-2005, 04:01 PM
So was this the first time that they've honored cast members in this way? I mean, was there another class of 'Disneyland Legends' last year? Is there some minimum length of time that you have to be a cast member before you can be considered for this award?

Anyone... anyone... Buehler?

tod
09-20-2005, 04:04 PM
In an emotional ceremony punctuated with laughter and tears, families and Disney cast members recalled a combined 541 years of memories of bringing the magic of Disneyland to people around the world. Actor Steve Martin, who worked at the Disneyland magic shop on Main Street as a teenager, and longtime television host Art Linkletter, who presided over Disneyland's opening day on July 18, 1955 were among the 2005 Disney Legends recipients.

July 18, 1955 ?!??

The Orange County Register? The local paper?

Sheesh.

--t
disgusted

Darkbeer
09-20-2005, 04:15 PM
Art Linkletter presided both at the Press Preview day on July 17th, 1955, and he also came to the Opening Day Ceremony on July 18th, 1955. While they didn't have the big parade, Walt Disney once again read the Dedication speech, plus they had the benediction and the playing of the National Anthem.

http://darkbeer.smugmug.com/gallery/817380/13

FYI, the photo link is a paper that was published by Disneyland, and is displayed in the 50th exhibit at the Opera House.

Darkbeer
09-20-2005, 08:21 PM
Disneyland Resort Press Release

Disneyland Cast Members Dominate 2005 Disney Legends Awards


Ceremony Coincides With 50th Anniversary of 'The Happiest Place on Earth'



ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 20 -- In celebration of 50 years of Disneyland magic, The Walt Disney Company inducted the 2005 "class" of Disney Legends for their roles in creating the company's treasure trove of entertainment, particularly their part in creating "The Happiest Place on Earth." Today's 10:00 am ceremony was presented in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland. Following the awards presentation, the honorees participated in a hand-print ceremony.

Honored during the ceremony at the Disneyland Resort were famed Hollywood star Steve Martin and legendary broadcaster Art Linkletter. As a teenager growing up in Orange County, California, Martin spent time working at the Magic Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. where he honed his talents for magic, juggling and creating balloon animals. Linkletter was one of the three hosts of the live nationwide telecast of the Disneyland grand opening festivities on July 17, 1955 (along with future U.S. President Ronald Reagan and actor Bob Cummings).

The 2005 Disney Legends Ceremony marked the first time that the prestigious presentation has been showcased at Disneyland. It also signified the first time that an hourly Disney theme park "Cast Member" has been given the award (longtime Disneyland Cast Member Chuck Abbott). The honor was also bestowed upon Milt Albright, who in 1954 became the very first "Cast Member" on the Disneyland payroll. The other new inductees represent such Disneyland disciplines as attractions, entertainment, public relations, community service, custodial, administration, the Disneyland Marching Band, Imagineering, hotels, food and merchandise.

The Disney Legends program was established in 1987 to acknowledge and honor the many individuals whose imagination and talents have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy. The Legends are chosen by a selection committee comprised of longtime Disney executives, historians and authorities. The awards are presented annually.