September 26, 1953 – Walt and Herb Ryman Discuss Disneyland Plans
“Herbie, we’re going to build an amusement park.”
On September 26, 1953, Walt Disney called Herb Ryman to come to the Disney Studios as soon as possible. Ryman had worked for the studios in the 1940s, even as part of the South America goodwill trip, but had left to work at another studio while pursuing a career as an artist. Ryman came to the office and was told about Walt’s idea for an amusement park known as Disneyland. When Ryman voiced that he’d like to see it, Walt responded “You’re going to [draw] it.” Ryman had balked at this, especially being given the weekend to do it, as Roy was to talk to the bankers on Monday. Walt offered to stay with Ryman, and the two worked over 42 hours to create the initial rendering of what would become the Happiest Place on Earth.
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