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Ron Dominguez, Disney legend and former executive vice president of attractions, passed away on January 1, 2021. He was 85 years old. Dominguez, known as “Mr. Disneyland ”, retired from The Walt Disney Company in 1994 after 39 years of service.
News of Dominguez’s death was first shared on the Disneyland Alumni Club Facebook page.
Born August 10, 1935, Dominguez literally grew up on the property that would become Disneyland. He shared his memories with D23.
“Our house was located right next to the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean and Cafe Orleans are today. The day we left, in August 1954, we were walking in ditches and pits. Things were popping up around us as construction had to move forward. They built Disneyland in a year.
Biography of Ron Dominguez D23
Dominguez was hired as a Disneyland ticket taker four days before the theme park opened. In a strange twist of fate, Dominguez found that Walt Disney had moved the old Dominguez family home backstage to serve as administrative offices.
In 1957, Dominguez was promoted to Deputy Supervisor of Frontierland. In 1962 he was the director of Tomorrowland, before finally managing the west side of Disneyland. He continued to climb the ranks. In 1974, Dominguez was appointed vice-president of Disneyland and president of the park’s operating committee.
Dominguez became Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Attractions, West Coast, in 1990. His close relationship with the city of Anaheim and his services within it are credited with paving the way for Disney California Adventure. He was named Disney Legend in 2000.
According to the Disneyland Alumni Club Facebook post, Dominguez is survived by his 41-year-old wife, Betty.
Image courtesy of D23.com
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