If you have ever taken a cruise on a Disney Cruise Line ship, you probably had the chance to see Roy E. Disney on the big screen, during the show The Golden Mickey’s. He speaks to Ensign Benson, inspiring her to believe in herself. Soft spoken on the screen, but powerful, and affective, Roy reaches out as if he is there in the theater. I don’t know why, but his part in the show touched me.
Roy E. Disney passed away today, December 16, 2009. He was 79 years old. Roy stepped in a two times, to make his opinions known in the Disney Company. He was never afraid to follow what he believed in. In my opinion, it is Roy who is responsible for starting a process that instilled the Disney Difference in the Disney Destinations we know today. He may not have been as famous as his Uncle Walt, but he held the same ideals.
In 1984 Roy was very unhappy with the leadership capabilities of Walt Disney’s son-in-law, Ron Miller. Roy resigned from the Disney Board of Directors, and sought out investors to back him up in a bid to install new management. His efforts at that time led to the hiring of the famous team of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Roy rejoined the Board of Directors, and rose to be vice chairman of the Disney Company and chairman of Disney Animation. Roy was very involved in the making of The Lion King, and several other animated films. We can all thank Roy for the return of good Disney animation.
Frank Wells died in 1994, and Roy became disenchanted with Eisner, and again stepped up to the plate. He was forced to resign. Here is an excerpt of his resignation letter to Michael Eisner.
“In conclusion, Michael, it is my sincere belief that it is you who should be leaving and not me. Accordingly, I once again call for your resignation or retirement. The Walt Disney Company deserves fresh, energetic leadership at this challenging time in its history just as it did in 1984 when I headed a restructuring which resulted in your recruitment to the Company.
I have and will always have an enormous allegiance and respect for this Company, founded by my uncle, Walt, and father, Roy, and to our faithful employees and loyal stockholders. I don’t know if you and other directors can comprehend how painful it is for me and the extended Disney family to arrive at this decision. ”
Roy saw the quality of the Disney product slipping away. He did not back away quietly. It was at a shareholders meeting in 2004 that Roy got a standing ovation after making this comment.
“One of the reasons for my leaving, other than the fact that they fired me, was that I saw that quality slipping away from us,”
Roy kept up with what he believed in, and in fact in 2005 Michael Eisner retired, one year shy of his contract. Robert Iger replaced him.
You will be missed Roy E Disney. Thank you for helping keep your Uncle Walt’s dream alive. When I visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, cruise on Disney Cruise Line, or enjoy the uniqueness of a Adventures by Disney vacation, I will always know that you helped create this magic. You did so in a quiet mannered, yet ever so powerful, way. Rest in Peace, Roy.
