Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Mar 18: A Window For Orlando

On this day in 2003, Imagineer & Disney Legend Orlando Ferrante received a Window on Disneyland's Main Street, USA. During his 40 years at WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) Ferrante helped create magical lands in parks all around the world.
A small ceremony was held on this day (during park hours) to dedicate his Window - located on Center Street near the lockers. The Dapper Dans kicked off the ceremony with their rendition of "Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street, USA." Also taking part was Disneyland Resort Ambassador Daina Baker, Marty Sklar (Vice Chairman and Principle Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering), Jim Thomas (Vice President of Project Management of WDI), and Don Goodman (President of WDI).
Ferrante's Window reads:
The Pico Organization
Installation and Coordination
World Class Projects
"We Never Sleep in Any Time Zone"
Orlando Ferrante
Founder

Upon arriving at Disney, his first job involved installing the Enchanted Tiki Room. This was followed by relocating and installing the attractions developed by Disney for the 1964-65 World's Fair. In 1966, Ferrante established a new department called Project Installation Coordinating Office ... or PICO for short. From Walt Disney World to Disneyland Paris, his keen skills proved to be invaluable. Retired since 2002, Ferrante's last assignment was helping in the launch of the second Disney Cruise Line ship in Venice, Italy.
"My main love has been the production and installation of the shows and rides. I love seeing the ideas and being able to help make them a reality." - Orlando Ferrante

Click HERE for more March 18 Disney history.

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