Randy Bright

“The summer of 1959 was a very special one for me,�? Randy Bright recalled in 1987, “As a college undergraduate, I had enlisted in the Navy—the Disneyland Navy—and was scheduled for active duty aboard the sailing ship Columbia, the newest vessel to ply Frontierland’s Rivers of America.�? Randy subsequently worked on nearly every attraction in the park, even roaming Tomorrowland as Disneyland’s costumed spaceman.

Born in Long Beach, California in 1938, Randy attended California State University, Fullerton, earning a BA in Political Science. It was at this time that Randy met his wife, Pat, then a Disneyland tour guide, while both were working in the park. In 1965, Randy moved into a full-time position with Disneyland’s Disney University, where he specialized in publications and audio-visual presentations.

In 1968, Randy went to WDI as a staff writer, working on shows for Disneyland and the then-developing Walt Disney World. From 1973 to 1976, he was manager of Employee Communications at the Florida Disney University, after which he returned to California to lead the WDI Communications department.

As manager of Concepts and Communications, he also produced marketing films for the Epcot project, then in the conceptual stage. Beginning in 1979, Randy served as director of Scripts and Show Development, where he functioned as Executive Producer of film projects for Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland, and other Disney theme park projects. In addition, he served as writer and show producer for The American Adventure in World Showcase at Epcot.

In 1983 he was promoted to vice president, Concept Development, responsible for overseeing the development of all major shows and attractions for all Disney parks. In 1987, Randy was again promoted, to executive producer, Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks.

For nearly two years, Randy researched, developed and wrote the 1987 book Disneyland: Inside Story, an Imagineer’s-eye view of the first Disney park, published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Randy served as coordinating producer on “The Disneyland Story,�? an hour-long special for the Disney Channel.

In 1990, Randy was tragically struck and killed by an automobile was bicycling near his Yorba Linda home. He was 51 years old.

Accepting for Randy Bright was his wife, Pat. She thanked the company for the honor and pleasure accorded her late husband. “He truly was an Imagineer in his heart,�? she said, adding that he would be so honored with the Legend award.

Jim Cora

Jim Cora started as a part-time Disneyland attraction host in 1957, but he credits the push from the Matterhorn to the Disneyland Administration Building to a fellow named Walt Disney. “He asked me if I had an interest in training,�? Jim recalls. “Van France was just starting the University, and he was looking for five guys.�?

A few years later, while working for Retlaw Enterprises (the Disney family-owned company), Jim was part of the opening team for Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.

Jim graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He also attended a two-year Executive Management Program at the University of Southern California.

For ten years, Jim held positions of increasing responsibility in management at the Park. In 1971, he assisted in the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, implementing the “Disney Way of Leadership�? program. In 1974, as staff assistant to the president of Walt Disney Attractions, Jim redesigned the Disneyland Park operating organization to the “area concept,�? becoming one of three production directors for the Park, responsible for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

In 1979, Jim assumed the responsibilities of managing director of Operations for the Tokyo Disneyland Project. In this capacity, he was responsible for all operational planning and management training for Tokyo Disneyland.

In preparation for the opening of Tokyo Disneyland, Jim was promoted to vice president, Walt Disney Productions Japan, Ltd. He relocated to Japan and was instrumental in providing ongoing support and advice to Oriental Land Company (owner and operator of Tokyo Disneyland), as well as overseeing Disney’s operational and design standards.

In 1983, Jim returned to California and assumed the position of vice president, Disneyland International. In 1985, Jim was responsible for negotiating the agreements, master planning, and site research for the Disneyland Paris project. In 1987, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer for Euro Disneyland Corporation.

In 1995, Jim was promoted to president, Disneyland International, responsible for the development and creative direction of Tokyo Disneyland, in addition to directing the strategic and creative development of Tokyo DisneySea. In 1999, Jim was promoted to chairman, Disneyland International, where his primary focus was to develop and maintain the strategies that ensured the continued growth and success of the Tokyo Disney Resort.

He retired from that position in 2001, after 43 years with Disney.

In his acceptance, Jim Cora joked, “That introduction made me sound like I couldn’t keep a job!�? He spoke of how much he missed the people of Disney, many of whom, he pointed out, were there that day. He concluded by simply stating, “I’m very honored.�?

Before introducing Tony Bruno, manager of Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Hotels, Marty Sklar pointed out that the Walt Disney Company “didn‘t start out in the hotel and resort business.�? Bruno in turn spoke of Hideo Amemiya, who was instrumental in making that business an integral part of the Disney magic.