Originally Posted By sjhym33 Roy Disney has passed away at the age of 79. He had been battling cancer. It was his decision to quit the board and oppose Ron Miller that ultimately brought Eisner/Wells to the Disney Company. If he hadnt just imagine what WDW would look like today. Also, it was his final opposition to Eisner that ultimately paved the way for his exit. I always felt that Roy's decision was a 2 edge sword that changed the company forever. Rest in Peace.
Originally Posted By CMDad Indeed. I had the chance to meet him at the SAVE DISNEY meeting and reception he held the day before the Philadelphia stockholders meeting. Would have had a picture of he and I but it didn't come out. This is the true end of the Disney family stewardship of the company. The end of an era.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 That is what I was thinking:"The end of an era." So sad RIP Mr. Disney
Originally Posted By Rsey103 I think the last time I saw him in person was at the opening of Animal Kingdom. I watched as he walked---surrounded by what seemed like security personnel in front of him, behind him, and on either side of him---past a long row of media booths. Each booth was broadcasting live on the radio, as I recall it. To this day, I am puzzled as to why none of those radio personalities called out to Roy Disney for an interview. Did they not recognize him? Were they told in advance not to ask him for an interview? Aside from that memory, the thing that comes to mind when I think of Roy Disney is the scene in the Bob Thomas book where Walt tells nephew Roy the story of Pinocchio and young Roy is disappointed when he sees the film because it's not as good as his Uncle Walt's telling of it.
Originally Posted By CMDad <<I watched as he walked---surrounded by what seemed like security personnel in front of him, behind him, and on either side of him>> And at least one of them cannot take a picture with a cell phone. When I met Roy in Philadelphia it was his bodyguard that I asked to take the picture with my phone. When I was through talking with Roy, I discovered that the picture did not take. :-(
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA It's interesting to note that Roy Disney was the one who fought to get Michael Eisner and company on board -- and ultimately, Roy Disney was the one who fought to get Eisner out. Both moves were / are incredibly important to the organization.
Originally Posted By TokyoSweets My husband was so happy to see him at the DisneySEA opening. Such a sad day today, RIP Roy.
Originally Posted By SFH Without Roy, it is entirely possible that the company would have been taken over by corporate raiders buying up shares at their low cost, then making a profit by selling off parts of the company. Disney's library of films and television shows likely would have gone to another Hollywood studio, and Walt Disney World would have likely been sold off to another company or group of investors, or broken up - and NOT along with Disneyland. Or perhaps just the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland would have been kept together, and EPCOT Center sold off to someone else. Rather than the Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and most of the theme hotels on property now, the land probably would have been developed with generic hotels, business parks, and tract homes. <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID512990.asp" target="_blank">http://www.laughingplace.com/N...2990.asp</a>
Originally Posted By tashajilek RIP Roy Disney so sad that it happened right before xmas too I am sure him and uncle Walt are having a good time up there and who knows if they are creating a disney heaven.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 The best thing I can say about Roy is that he wore no airs of superiority. There was no more down to earth guy (that included the drinking, smoking and cussing). He was REAL. He was passionate about the creative process, especially the art of animation. He cared. He could have been a total jerk because of the name he was born with, but the opposite was true. Roy was a fierce competitor, both in business and on the seas. But he also wasn't fake. He wasn't made up (if that makes sense) like an Iger. I am saddened by his passing and glad I was able to meet him. In his later years, he put a human face on what was really just another giant media conglomerate. ... But the face and the voice and the history ... well, it gave you the idea that the spirit of Walt and Roy O still went on. I guess that's all gone now. And the closest we'll have to that is John Lasseter.
Originally Posted By standor ROY will be missed. He was the last of the Disney's who cared what was going on in the parks.
