Ron Dominguez, Disney legend and former executive vice president of attractions, passed away on January 1, 2021. He was 85 years old. Dominguez, known as “Mr. Disneyland ”, retired from The Walt Disney Company in 1994 after 39 years of service.
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 very close to the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean and Cafe Orleans are today. On the day of the move, in August 1954, we walked in ditches and holes. Things were coming up around us because the building needed to move on. They built Disneyland in a year. “
Ron Dominguez D23 Biography
Dominguez was hired as a ticket buyer for Disneyland four days before the theme park opened. In a strange twist of fate, Dominguez discovered that Walt Disney had moved the previous Dominguez family home behind the scenes to serve as administrative offices.
In 1957, Dominguez was promoted to assistant supervisor at Frontierland. In 1962, he was the manager of Tomorrowland, starting to manage the west side of Disneyland. He continued to progress through the hierarchy. In 1974, Dominguez was appointed vice president of Disneyland and chairman of the park’s operating committee.
Dominguez became executive vice president of Walt Disney Attractions, West Coast, in 1990. His close relationship with the city of Anaheim and his services to it are credited for paving the way for Disney California Adventure. He was named a Disney legend in 2000.
According to the Disneyland Alumni Club’s Facebook post, Dominguez left his 41-year-old wife, Betty.
Featured image courtesy of D23.com