2017 marked the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends Award, and the D23 Expo kicked off with a celebration honoring ten new Disney Legends across film, television, theater, animation, publishing, and voice performance. This year’s inductees included Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Oprah Winfrey, Stan Lee, Garry Marshall, and others.
But for me, the most meaningful moments came from the Imagineers—the people behind the Disney Parks who always find a way to make the impossible happen.
Wayne Jackson: The Newest Disney Imagineering Legend
The final panel of the Expo celebrated the Legends in Imagineering, with Wayne Jackson being honored as the newest inductee. One of Wayne’s many achievements? Relocating It’s a Small World from the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair to Disneyland. It may sound simple, but imagine the logistics behind moving an entire attraction. Where do you even begin? Wayne made it happen—because that’s what Imagineers do.
Hosted by Disney Superfan John Stamos
The panel felt like a heartfelt history lesson, hosted by none other than John Stamos. Yes, that John Stamos—the one with the iconic “D” from the Disneyland sign in his backyard. He’s a self-proclaimed Disney nerd and the perfect host for this nostalgic session. Joining him were Imagineering Legends Tony Baxter and Marty Sklar.
Together, they took us on a walk down memory lane, sharing personal experiences with some of Imagineering’s most iconic names—Walt Disney, John Hench, Herb Ryman, Ken Anderson, Mary Blair, X Atencio, and more. Their stories spanned well beyond the parks, offering insight into the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines Disney.
Marty Sklar’s Final Public Appearance
At the time of the event, none of us knew that this would be Marty Sklar’s final public appearance. Marty retired from Walt Disney Imagineering in 2009 after 54 years of service. He received a window on Disneyland’s Main Street, USA—fittingly dedicated on Disneyland’s birthday, July 17. The window reads: Main Street College of Arts & Sciences – Martin A. Sklar, Dean.
Marty began his Disney career as editor of the Disneyland newspaper, just one month before the park opened in 1955. He remains the only Disney cast member to have attended the grand opening of every Disney Park around the world.
Thank You, Marty
Marty, thank you. Thank you for the stories you shared, for the kind words during our brief conversation at D23 Expo 2017, and for signing my copy of One Little Spark. I’ll never forget what you wrote:
“Without a story, you have nothing.”
This panel began with a beautiful montage honoring all Disney Imagineering Legends—a who’s who of creative pioneers. I feel truly fortunate to have experienced the Legends in Imagineering panel at D23 Expo 2017, and to have had a moment to thank Marty Sklar in person.
Check out these other videos from the D23 Expo Archives Stage. 60 Years of the Jungle Cruise. Great Moments with Walt Disney. Digging Deeper Disney History. Making Walls Talk. A conversation with Bill Farmer. Kevin Rafferty. Star Wars Music. Disneyland 1959. Haunted Mansion at 50. Disney and Pixar did That?. Legacy of Disney Products. Disney Park Maps. Marc Davis goes to WED. Legends of Imagineering. Voices of the Parks or 50 Years of Pirates. and a Kiss Goodnight with Richard Sherman
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