Last weekend, longtime Imagineer Tony Baxter was declared an official Disney Legend at the D23 Expo. However, that was not the only honor in store for the truly legendary Imagineer, as it was also revealed that weekend that Baxter would be receiving his own window on Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A.
The exciting surprise was revealed on Friday during the Expo’s “Undiscovered Disneyland” presentation, in which Baxter and fellow Imagineer Josh Shipley treated audiences to some fantastic rare and unreleased footage of Disneyland in its early years. Following the presentation, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs was brought out on stage, where he surprised Baxter with a short tribute video and the exciting news.
Receiving a window on Main Street USA is a true honor reserved only for those who have made a hugely lasting and indelible mark on Disneyland, and Tony Baxter’s incredible career at Disney certainly fits that criteria. Prior to his retirement earlier this year, Baxter spent 47 years working for the Walt Disney Company. As an integral member of Imagineering as Disney Parks continued to develop and expand across the globe, Baxter personally oversaw the creation of such attractions as the original Journey Into Imagination, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. He also led the creative development of Disneyland Paris, and served as the Senior Vice President of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering until his retirement last February.
Baxter’s Main Street window is expected to be revealed this fall, with no official time frame yet given. Congratulations to Mr. Baxter on this tremendous and well-deserved honor.
