On the evening of July 16th, 2024, Disney Parks designer, William “Sully” Sullivan passed away at age 88. He began his career alongside the late Walt Disney to bring his imaginative Disney characters to life as a theme park for families to create happy memories together. He adopted his business name, Bill Sullivan and credited for further expanding Disneyland Orlando into Disney World. Even after he retired in 1993, Sully dedicated his enthusiasm to future Disney architects and imagineers.
A Young Skipper
In 1955, Sully Sullivan turned on his television and witnessed the televised Disneyland opening ceremony. He was so enamored by the excitement that he quit his job at California’s Northdrop Airport, and began working as a ticket taker for the Jungle Cruise ride. Soon, the enthusiastic young man rose to skipper rank, becoming a Jungle Cruise captain. Little did he know he met his future wife Jacqueline at the shop across from the attraction.
She worked at Waltah Clarke’s Hawaiian Shop selling Hawaiian-themed outfits to Disneyland’s guests after they rode from the Jungle Cruise. Sully continued to show dedication and the park’s company promoted him to operations supervisor. What began as a 19-year-old working for a summer job became a line of many life-changing opportunities.
The Disneyland Architect
Sully Sullivan worked alongside Walt Disney during the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley Resort, California. Their operations team hosted the opening ceremony while fighting a blizzard and entertaining visiting Olympians. Sully and Walt continued to work together during the New York World Fair (1964-1965), and the film productions of Mary Poppins and The Happy Millionaires. He was often called Bill Sullivan instead of Will with no explanation.
In 1968, he offered his architectural expertise for the Walt Disney Resort Project, implementing more attractions and strategizing their placement for visitors to purchase souvenirs. As Disneyland’s popularity grew, he placed the theme park’s first security measures to prevent theft and acts of violence. His safety measures and park innovations led him to his next promotion in 1971, becoming a PICO (Project Installation and Coordination Officer). There was even a special code for Walt Disney if he was wandering around the park called Code W.
Disney World Expansion
Throughout the late 1980s, Disneyland in Orlando slowly became Disney World with the Magic Kingdom. During this time, Sully Sullivan was promoted to Vice President of the Magic Kingdom sector while overseeing operations. His business partner, Jim Cora became Vice President for Disneyland International and began expanding the beloved theme park in Tokyo. When he asked Sully to come and help him design for Tokyo, he declined the offer because he wanted to ensure Disney World Orlando was running smoothly.
However, he did offer assistance for Disneyland’s Paris expansion. Despite Cora’s rotten attitude towards Sully’s previous decision, he successfully recreated Disneyland in France’s capital with Luc Behar, who specializes in landscaping and horticulture. The project took about eight months leaving Disney World Orlando under the supervision of Dick Nunis.
Sully Sullivan: A Disney Loyalist
William “Sully” Sullivan showed the world what it means to be inspired and dedicated to an idea that can spread joy and excitement through the power of imagination. Pixar fell in love with his charismatic attitude that his name would be known as Monster Inc.’s blue monster who exchanged the company’s power supply from children screams to laughter. He lived with his lovely wife Jacqueline and their four children, Matt, Kathleen, Laurie, and Elizabeth. His care and compassion inspired both his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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