Disney Legend Tony Baxter was honored for his contributions with a window on Main Street U.S.A . at Disneyland last week.
The window unveiling ceremony was hosted by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn, and Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier. Friends, family, and other Disney Legends were also on hand for the ceremony.
The window is located above the Main Street Magic Shop and states: Main Street Marvels, Tony Baxter, Inventor, “Imagination is in the Heart of our Creations.” The last line of the inscription was inspired by One Little Spare, the song written by Disney Legends Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman for the Journey Into Imagination Pavilion, which a project spearheaded by Baxter.
“Receiving a window on Main Street is an honor reserved for those who have made an indelible mark on Walt Disney Parks and Resorts,” said Staggs. “It’s a subtle, yet significant in-park tribute to the people who have lent their talents, passion and creativity to making our parks and resorts a place where dreams become reality. Tony has taken us on some incredible journeys over the years and has amassed a remarkable legacy – one now marked with a tangible recognition of all his efforts.”
Baxter became an Imagineer in 1970 – after starting his career at Disneyland in 1965 at Carnation Plaza Gardens – and was a field director for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’s opening at the Magic Kingdom.
He has played a significant role in the development of many attractions at Disneyland including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, New Fantasyland, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, and Indiana Jones Adventure. In recent year he was part of the development of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, the restoration of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and Fantasy Faire.
Baxter announced he was stepping down from this role of Senior Vice President of Creative Development in February of this year. He was named a Disney Legend at the D23 Expo in August.
