Looking Back: Roy O. Disney (June 24, 1893 – December 20, 1971)

Walt Disney World is tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney ... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn - together.
- Roy O. Disney, October 25, 1971

Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse


This rare and final public speaking appearance at the official dedication of the Magic Kingdom mirrors the way that Roy O. Disney lived his life, always willing to allow the limelight to be thrust onto his younger brother, always giving credit to every person involved in each new project except himself.

Like Walt, Roy leaned the value of hard work in the employ of his father, Elias Disney, working a newspaper route for the Kansas City Star twice daily. As a serviceman with the U.S. Navy during WWI, Roy continued his service to causes higher than his own personal ambition. Despite being eight years older than his famous younger brother, a quiet, unassuming Roy preferred to defer to the charismatic Walt. He was content to work in the back office of Walt's dream machine to insure that the enterprise would be financially solvent for generations to come.


The Roy O. Disney Engine


Even after Walt passed away in December of 1966, 73-year-old Roy instructed the team assigned to the Florida Project to proceed in exactly the same manner that they would have if Walt had been alive. In those five years, he never let anyone forget that the project was Walt's vision and Walt's dream, even going so far as to rename the project from Disney World to Walt Disney World and to insist that the full name be used at all times.

Everyone who visits Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom sees Cinderella Castle and nearly every guest takes notice to the "Partners" statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse that is a fitting tribute to the great man who dreamed the dream that made this beautiful park possible. The next time you visit Magic Kingdom, take a moment to visit the counterpart to that statue in Town Square. "Sharing the Magic" is a quiet, unassuming tribute to Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse. As you sit on the bench with these critically important supporting characters and take a more serene view of the park that Walt dreamed and Roy built, take notice of the name displayed on the window above the Confectionary. Roy's window is fittingly the first one in the park; for had it not been for Roy, the Florida Project might still be a blueprint on a shelf.


Sharing the Magic Statue


Roy Disney left Florida for the last time just four days after his dedication speech. At the age of 78-years-old, he passed away less than two months later, nearly 5 years to the day after Walt.