Episode #50 - Meet Disney Legend Rolly Crump

Recently we had the opportunity to talk one of the greatest Disney Imagineers, Mr. Roland Fargo Crump Jr, or as he is known in the Disney community; Rolly, who spent some time with us discussing his history with the Disney company.  Rolly started his career in Disney animation in 1952 as an In-Betweener and eventually was promoted all the up to Assistant Animator working under another Disney Legend, one of Walts Nine Old Men, Eric Larson.  In 1959 he made the move from Animation to WED, known today as Imagineering.  In his new role Rolly flourished as he proved to be one of the imaginative and innovative Imagineers.  Rolly began working on many projects throughout his tenure with Disney including:

• Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, where he was responsible for all of the Tiki Gods within the Tiki Garden and soem of the birds and effects within the show itself.
• It's A Small World, originally designed for the 1964 New York Worlds Fair, and then plussed for its debut at Disneyland and eventually Walt Disney World.
• The Haunted Mansion, which Rolly actually began working in 1959 with fellow Imagineer Yale Gracey.
• The Museum of the Weird, which was never actually built but many of its designs are featured within The Haunted Mansion.
• Walt Disney Worlds Mr. Toads Wild Ride, which Rolly redesigned to have a larger capacity and more show elements.
• The Land and an early concept for Wonders of Life at Epcot.

Mr. Crump still consults with Disney today and in 2005 he was honored with a window on Disneylands Main Street.

In the news this week we look at the changes to Space Mountain. 

Unfortunately we were not able to create an enhanced version of this show as we are still experiencing troubles with the iPhone OS4 on different devices.  We promise to bring back the enhanced shows once iPhone OS4 is able to run podcasts in the enhanced M4A formats as well as MP3 (was that Betamouse enough for you).

Enjoy!

Comments

[tchinkle]

Excellent interview! I love listening to the imagineers who worked hand in hand with Walt!