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In 1923, 21-year-old Walter Elias Disney packed up his bags and moved to Southern California with nothing more than a suitcase and one heck of a dream. Together with his brother Roy, he created Disney Brothers Studios, which would go on to become The Walt Disney Company.
Over the years, Disney has changed the entertainment industry. It all began in 1937 with the release of the animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the opening of Disneyland Park in 1955.
Credit: Disney
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However, Walt and Roy could not do everything on their own. They relied on talented teams of animators, creators, storytellers, builders, engineers, and so many more. Some spent their entire careers with Disney and helped shape the company into what it is today. Those are just some of the people we call Disney Legends.
Sadly, we have learned that a Disney Legend has passed away at the age of 88.
Credit: Disney Archives
Related: Disney Legend Sadly Doesn’t Remember Famous Role
On the afternoon of July 16, journalist David Koenig reported that William “Sully” Sullivan had died at the age of 88.
Bill “Sully” Sullivan, Club 55er, Disney Legend, and a wonderful character and friend, has passed at the age of 88. Pictured here at far left, with close chums and fellow 55ers Bob Penfield and Tom Nabbe.
Bill “Sully” Sullivan, Club 55er, Disney Legend, and a wonderful character and friend, has passed at the age of 88. Pictured here at far left, with close chums and fellow 55ers Bob Penfield and Tom Nabbe. pic.twitter.com/aEYFxZhhlg
— David Koenig (@davekoenig) July 16, 2024
Bill Sullivan was raised in Southern California, just minutes from the area that would soon house Disneyland Park. He recalled turning on the television to watch the opening of Disneyland in 1955 when he was just 19. He quickly realized how special Disney was and just days later, he went down to Disneyland and applied for a job.
When Disneyland opened, guests would purchase a ticket book that would allow them to ride the various attractions in the theme park. Bill started out as a ticket taker on the iconic Disney attraction, The Jungle Cruise. He was dedicated to his job and worked his way up to ride operator and then operations supervisor for the entire park.
Credit: Disney
But Sully had bigger dreams, and he was determined to achieve them.
In 1960, Sully was sent down to Squaw Valley, California, where he would help Walt open and operate the Winter Olympics. Just a few years later, he would head to New York, when he served as the assistant manager for the Disney attractions that premiered at the legendary 1964-1965 World’s Fair.
Sully fondly remembered that time in his life and what it meant to him to work with Walt Disney before his passing in 1966. “Walt was a really warm individual. He had a great sense of humor, and he loved people. He was an executive, but not what you perceive as an ‘executive.’ He was a real team guy.”
Credit: D23
Related: Family, Friends, and Fans Mourn the Loss of Disney Theme Park Legend
In 1971, Sully relocated to Florida and helped open the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. And, in 1987, he was named Vice President of the Magic Kingdom. He was in charge of all theme park operations, from food to attractions, merchandising, tickets, transportation, entertainment, horticulture, and more.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Disney Legend Bill “Sully” Sullivan. May he rest in peace.
