Ron Dominguez, a Disney legend and former executive vice president of attractions, died on January 1, 2021 at the age of 85. No cause of death was revealed in a Disneyland Alumni Facebook post.
Known as “Mr. Disneyland ”, Dominguez was one of the main responsible for the creation of the Disney California Adventure theme park. He retired from The Walt Disney Company in 1994 after 39 years.
Born on August 10, 1935, Dominguez grew up on the property that would become Disneyland, and his family’s home was moved to the park to serve as an administrative office. He became a ticket buyer on initial hires for the theme park.
In 1957, Dominguez became the assistant supervisor of Frontierland, becoming manager of Tomorrowland in 1962. He became the manager of the west side of Disneyland, and in 1974 he was appointed vice president of Disneyland and chairman of the park’s operating committee. .
In 1990, Dominguez became executive vice president of Walt Disney Attractions, West Coast.
He was named a Disney legend in 2000.
Dominguez leaves his 41-year-old wife, Betty.