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Today In Disney History ~ January 1st

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Today In Disney History ~ January 1st


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From D23

Bob Allen began working with Disney in 1955 as a ride operator at Disneyland. Eventually, he rose through the ranks to become vice president of Walt Disney World. Still, he remained a modest and low-key executive, who gained the respect of Central Florida’s government and community. Civic-minded, Bob regularly volunteered to serve the state and the Orlando community. Among his posts, he served as chairman of the Central Florida Economic Development Advisory Council and member of the Governor’s Committee on the Future. He was among Disney’s greatest goodwill ambassadors.

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In 1987, the Orlando Sentinel described Bob as a person “who knew how to be successful and compassionate at the same time.” Fellow Disney Legend Joe Potter recalled that same year, “He was a great, great lover of people, and he showed it. When you met Bob Allen, he acted like you were the first person he ever met.” Former Florida Governor Reubin Askew added, “Bob was an outstanding person. He did a tremendous job for Disney and beyond that he was a very warm human being.”

Born in Corona, California, on February 4, 1932, Bob served in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War. After the war, while majoring in physical education at Long Beach State College, he applied for a job at Disneyland on a “lark.”

During those early years he held a variety of posts, including manager of the Golden Horseshoe Revue and manager of guest relations. By 1963, he advanced to production coordinator at Disneyland. In 1964, Bob moved to Denver, Colorado, where he managed Disney’s first venture into family recreation and location-based entertainment—the Celebrity Sports Center. Under his able guidance, the Center became a financial success. Then, in 1968, he returned to Disneyland to serve as staff assistant to the vice president of Disneyland and director of General Services. In that position, he helped prepare for the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida.In 1970, Bob moved to Florida to serve as director of General Services for Walt Disney World and was later named vice president of its Resorts Division. He was elected chairman of the Walt Disney World Operating Committee in 1973, and on January 1, 1977, was promoted to vice president of Walt Disney World. In that position, he supervised the Park’s day-to-day operations, as well as its long-range development, until he passed away on November 8, 1987.

TMSM Today in Graphic by Sherry Rinaldi DeHart; D23.com

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Michele Atwood is the Owner/Editor of The Main Street Mouse and it’s subsidiaries and author of the books “Moving to Main Street U.S.A.” “How Many Sleeps Till Disney?” and “How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?” Michele also contributes Disney news to the Joe Kelley Morning Show on 107.3 WDBO in Orlando. She and her family made the move from Michigan to the Orlando area to pursue their Disney dreams. Michele is a life long Disney fan, and has two sons who have followed suit, each going on their first Disney trip before their first birthday’s. Part of the goal Michele has for The Main Street Mouse is not only to keep members informed, but to create somewhat of a Disney Family by relating to others through personal experiences and opinions. Also, Michele is making it a priority to share stories of inspiration and hope to other Disney Fans in an effort to share the Magic and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others. ~ I enjoy writing personal perspective blogs, doing TMSM Meet Ups for our readers, and keeping the constant interaction going with others, sharing the Disney Magic to people when they can’t be at their Happy Place.

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