Celebrating X Atencio at Destination D23
Among the highlights of Destination D23 2025 was the panel “X Atencio: The Untold Story of a Disney Legend.” Moderated by award-winning filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, the session brought together X’s daughter Tori Atencio McCullough, grandchild Kelsey McCullough, and Bobbie Lucas to share memories and stories of the Disney animator, lyricist, and Imagineer.
From Animator to Imagineer
Xavier “X” Atencio began his Disney career as an animator, working on classics like Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Dumbo. After serving in World War II, he returned to Disney and contributed to shorts such as Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom. He also worked on Symposium on Popular Songs, a 1962 Disney short written by X with music by the Sherman Brothers. This film humorously traced the history of American popular music and earned an Academy Award nomination. He later created title sequences for The Mickey Mouse Club, The Parent Trap, and Mary Poppins. In the 1960s, Walt Disney invited him to join WED Enterprises, now Imagineering. There X made his most lasting mark. He scripted Pirates of the Caribbean and wrote the lyrics to “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” He also scripted The Haunted Mansion and penned “Grim Grinning Ghosts.”
Legacy in the Parks
X Atencio’s creative influence extended far beyond Pirates and Haunted Mansion. He contributed to Primeval World at Disneyland, shaped Figment for EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination, and worked on projects for Tokyo Disneyland. His work combined story, music, and innovation, creating experiences that still delight millions.
New Biography Preview
At Destination D23, attendees saw a preview of the upcoming biography Xavier “X” Atencio: The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend. The book will release on November 4, 2025. It promises a deeper look into his life, with untold stories revealed by family and collaborators.
