Disney Legend Dick Nunis has passed away at age 91.

The former chairman of Walt Disney Attractions died surrounded by his family on December 13th, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. A family friend confirmed the news.

Nunis began his career at Disneyland in 1955 and was responsible for helping to guide the growth of Walt Disney’s outdoor entertainment from just one park in Anaheim to what it is today. His legacy includes the development of “Project X,” which later became Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney CEO Bob Iger shared a statement on Nunis’ passing:

“Today, we mourn the passing of Dick Nunis, a true Disney Legend whose contributions to The Walt Disney Company have touched the lives of millions of people all over the world. What started as a summer job training future Disneyland employees would ultimately become a storied 44-year career at Disney. Dick took the values and philosophies he learned directly from Walt and incorporated them into everything he did at Disney. We are grateful for his many achievements and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

“On behalf of every Cast Member, Crew Member, Imagineer, and employee of Disney Experiences, I want to express my gratitude to Disney Legend Dick Nunis… and my condolences to his family following the sad news of his passing,” shared Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “Dick’s impact on our theme parks business is everlasting. Along with our founder, Walt Disney, Dick helped shape our business, create happiness for millions of families around the world… and set a standard that an entire industry must now live up to.”

Dick Nunis was born on May 30th, 1932 in Cedartown, Georgia. He received a football scholarship to the University of Southern California, but his football dreams were cut short after suffering a broken neck while playing. He graduated from USC in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Nunis was told about Disneyland by classmate Ron Miller — Walt Disney’s son-in-law — and got a summer job as an orientation training instructor. He later worked his way up to attractions supervisor, and in 1961 he became director of park operations, helping develop Disney World.

From 1967 to 1974, Nunis served as chairman of the Park Operations Committee, and was promoted to VP of operations in 1968. In 1971, he was named executive vice president of Walt Disney World and Disneyland. He also oversaw the development of EPCOT Center, Disney-MGM Sudios Theme Park, along with Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

He once said, “Walt believed strongly that what would make Disneyland different was the people—he wanted them to feel that they were part of the organization. That’s why he established the first-name policy—he was Walt, I was Dick, and so on. From an overall operations point of view, the most important thing is to work together to make sure that when guests come, they have a wonderful experience.”

Nunis is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Rich, Lisa and Corey, and his grandchildren, Richie, Dean, Madison, Landon, Annabelle, and Greyton.

Our thoughts are with Nunis’ friends and family during this difficult time.

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