Disney at 50: 1971 Cast members remember dedication-day encounters

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Disney World at 50: Three original cast members recall dedication day encounters with Disney family and more from 1971.

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Peggie Fariss (from left), Debby Dane Browne and George A. Kalogridis pose after a group interview at Destination D23 event at the Contemporary in November. The trio were all cast members at Disney World's opening day in 1971 and all three were working at the Contemporary at one point early in their Disney careers. (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

A trio of 1971 cast members recently gathered for a panel about the early days of Walt Disney World during the Destination D23 event at the Contemporary. During a backstage press conference, they each shared a little about their experiences on dedication day for Magic Kingdom.

That was Oct. 25, 1971, and not to be confused with the resort’s opening day of Oct. 1. The dedication had more star power and more Disney family members on property.

· Debby Dane Browne was the first Walt Disney World ambassador, and among her official duties during the dedication was accompanying Lillian Disney, Walt’s widow, in a car up Main Street.

“I remember my ride with Miss Lillian as the No. 1 sweet memory that I had that day, and right behind that would have been more [Walt’s brother] Roy’s dedication,” Browne said. “It was very emotional to me. And the fact that he needed Mickey out there, to stand with him to be as close to Walt was a beautiful thing.”

On Oct. 25, 1971, Roy O. Disney, older brother of Walt, dedicated Magic Kingdom and declared that it would be known as Walt Disney World in his brother's honor. User Upload Caption: (File / Orlando Sentinel)

· Peggie Fariss was a transplant from Disneyland and eventually became an Imagineer. Her credits include being show producer for Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. On opening day, she led a team of guest-services workers at the Polynesian and the Contemporary. But she spent her day stranded in her office because she lent her shoes to a cast member who forgot hers.

“So the good news was dedication weekend, I was actually able to go up to the train station. Gary Krueger was the photographer taking those masterful shots down Main Street, and I was able to assist people to find their seats in the in the viewing stand,” Farris said.

George A. Kalogridis was a server at the Contemporary, but that was the beginning of his Disney career, which has included a stint as president of Walt Disney World. He currently is president of segment development and enrichment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, leader of Disney Institute and National Geographic Live businesses and global ambassador for Disney World’s 50th anniversary.

“I was a server in what was called the Grand Canyon dining room at the time,” said Kalogridis, who had already been promoted from busser. “Roy brought all of the grandchildren here. I was the server for he and all of the grandchildren, and they had one big table. I can remember right where it was, up against the window. And so, you know, at the time, you’re 17, you don’t really know. … I mean, all of this is happening around you. It’s just a whirlwind. But years later, I realized, you know, my gosh, it was just such an important moment. So I’m very fortunate.”

 

Dewayne Bevil

Orlando Sentinel