Thoughts on Walt
Page 12 of 26
Eddie Sotto on Walt Disney
December 18, 2001
| His constructive optimism, sense of humor, and sincere desire to improve the world around him. |
Eddie began his design career in 1979 at Knott's Berry Farm. The famous "Soap Box Racer" was his first project. Eddit was hired as a Show Producer/Designer for Disneyland, Paris. In Paris, Eddie was highly influential in the design of Main Street U.S.A. and was the first to suggest a hotel for the main entrance. After Paris, he went on to work at Disneyland. Among other accomplishments there, he was a member of the original concept team behind "Indiana Jones Adventure" and worked closely with guitarist Dick Dale on the addition of a musical soundtrack to "Space Mountain". Marty Sklar, President of Walt Disney Imagineering, supported Eddie in creating a think tank called the "Concept Development Studio". The group's mission was to explore Imagineering's possibilities inside, as well as outside, the traditional theme park environment. Notable results include the popular Encounter Restaurant at Los Angeles International Airport, the groundbreaking "Media as Architecture" ABC Times Square Studios, and EPCOT's upcoming attraction, Mission:Space. In 1999, after 13 years with Walt Disney Imagineering, Eddie moved on to explore new possibilities.
Eddie wrote the following about Walt:
When I was involved in Tokyo Disneyland I asked what Disney represents to Japanese guests. They said they had surveyed the question and Disney meant "everything that is good about America". Optimism may be our best export.
Walt Disney's work represented many things to people. The quality that I liked best is that he always created things that appealed to our better nature. His constructive optimism, sense of humor, and sincere desire to improve the world around him, at first a laugh at a time, but later with places that challenged our own sense of purpose and stretched our imaginations; all the while entertaining us. A hard task to accomplish.
The name Walt Disney has grown to represent more than a man, but the values and the legacy he created. A product so strong and compelling that it now belongs to the guests. Sites like these exist to celebrate and measure the company against these ideals. Only Walt could create something so emotive that it would result in such a culture.
Imagineer Herb Ryman related once with a bit of cynicism what Walt said when he asked him what specifically he should design for Disneyland. Walt turned to him and just said "Do something people will like". Easier said... and Herb knew that. Walt set the standard for every employee to seek this deceptively simple goal, knowing just how hard it is to achieve. Places that "can never be completed" allow all of us to participate and grow his dream. He knew he wouldn't be there to carry it on. Walt's legacy of combining rich ideals with quality entertainment make for a timeless "mission" that lives on beyond the centennial (despite economic woes and management change) within the hearts of those who choose to become part of the Disney cast and the rest that enjoy it.
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