Ron Dominguez, Disney Legend and former executive vice president of attractions, passed away on January 1, 2021. He was 85. Dominguez, known as’ Mr. Disneyland, ”retired in 1994 after 39 years of service with The Walt Disney Company.
The news of Dominguez’s death was first shared on the Disneyland Alumni Club Facebook page.
Born on August 10, 1935, Dominguez literally grew up on the property that would become Disneyland. He shared his memories with D23.
‘Our house was about where the entrance was to Pirates of the Caribbean and Cafe Orleans is today. The day we set out, in August 1954, we were walking in ditches and holes. Things popped up around us because construction had to continue. They built Disneyland within a year. ”
Ron Dominguez D23 Biography
Dominguez was hired as a Disneyland ticket holder four days before the theme park opened. In a strange twist of fate, Dominguez found that Walt Disney had elevated the former Dominguez family home back to serve as administrative offices.
In 1957, Dominguez was promoted to assistant supervisor of Frontierland. In 1962, he was the manager of Tomorrowland, and eventually moved to the west side of Disneyland. He continued to work his way up the ranks. In 1974, Dominguez was named vice president of Disneyland and chairman of the park industry committee.
Dominguez became executive vice president of Walt Disney Attractions, West Coast in 1990. His close relationship with and service within the city of Anaheim is acknowledged to have paved the way for Disney California Adventure. He was named a Disney legend in 2000.
According to the Facebook post of Disneyland Alumni Club, Dominguez is survived by his 41-year-old wife, Betty.
Featured image thanks to D23.com