LP Lotion: Window on Main Street Dedication for Harrison "Buzz" Price
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Tuesday, April 9 at Disneyland saw perhaps the most fitting window dedication of all time. Without Harrison “Buzz” Price, there’s no telling where Main Street USA could have ended up, or if it would have come into existence at all. The late Disney Legend was the individual who provided Walt Disney with the concrete facts and figures that formed the foundation for the fantasy that is Disneyland, as well as the Disney parks and resorts that followed.
Michael Colglazier, President of the Disneyland Resort led off the tribute, noting that the warm April morning was “the perfect day for it.” He stated, “I think it is so fitting that for the man who helped Disney find the perfect locations for resorts around the world, that we took the time and found the perfect location for the window to honor Buzz right here.” Colglazier went on to discuss the significance of the Main Street windows, before introducing Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
In Staggs’ remarks, he pointed out, “You often hear someone say about another person, ‘We wouldn’t be standing here if not for, that person.’ Well today that is absolutely the case.” He went on to relate the story of how Walt Disney trusted Buzz Price to find the location for Disneyland, as well as planning for Walt Disney World and other projects.
For the official unveiling of the window, Staggs called upon a special celebrity, Mickey Mouse. Colglazier joined Mickey, and as Main Street’s own Dapper Dans provided a vocal fanfare, the window was unveiled in a shower of streamers that filled the air (and the nearby trees).
The text of the decorative window reads:
Founded 1955
Price is Right Land Company
Call on our numbers man for the best price
Harrison “Buzz” Price
Founder and Finder
We never say no
Yes makes more cents.
Speaking on behalf of the family was Buzz Price’s son, David. As he pointed toward Sleeping Beauty Castle in the distance, Price claimed, “Be assured that Buzz and Annie are at the other end of Main Street cheering us on.” He added, “Dad would be grinning ear to ear about his window dedication, honoring his role in the creation of Disneyland.”
Price elaborated on his celebrated father’s part in the creation of Disneyland and the themed entertainment industry, and its impact on Orange County and the entertainment economy of the region. He also touched on his father’s role in the creation of Walt Disney World in Florida, as well as Walt’s final dream, the California Institute for the Arts. For these accomplishments, Buzz Price has been named an official Disney Legend, as well as the first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient of the Themed Entertainment Association. This award has since been named in honor of Buzz Price.
David Price spoke warmly of growing up in the Price home—of his father’s neatly arranged office, Christmas boxes from Walt Disney, and the careers in the arts followed by his siblings and himself. “We were all encouraged by two amazing parents who modeled for us the adventure that comes when you engage life,” he said.
Noting the location of his father’s window an Main Street USA, he concluded with the words, “Our family, along with our children, grandchildren, future family members, and his many friends and colleagues can now walk by and shout with joy, ‘Thank you Buzz! I’m going to Disneyland!’”
Videos
Click below to play a video of the entire ceremony and an interview with David Price
The Dapper Dans serenade the crowd as the ceremony begins
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Presenting Michael Colglazier, President of the Disneyland Resort
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Colglazier addresses the crowd
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Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
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