Bill “Sully” Sullivan, a Disney legend whose career with the Walt Disney Company spanned nearly four decades, passed away this week, and I thought it only appropriate to share my conversation with him from WDW Radio show 39, back in 2007.
His is the remarkable story of starting as an opening-day ticket taker at Disneyland, and rising through the ranks to hold various significant roles, including overseeing the opening of Walt Disney World and Epcot.
In our conversation, Sully shares remarkable stories and behind-the-scenes moments from his time working closely with Walt Disney, his experiences at the 1960 Winter Olympics, and his contributions to the design and operations of Disney parks worldwide. Sully’s journey was of a man who literally lived the Disney dream.
– Which of Sully’s contributions to Disney parks do you find most impactful?
Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show.
Timestamped Overview
- 0:00 Intro
- 3:58 Bill “Sully” Sullivan’s Career at Disneyland
- 7:09 Walt Disney’s Interactions with Disneyland Staff
- 10:45 Walt Disney’s Approach to Feedback
- 13:26 Bill “Sully” Sullivan’s Role in Walt Disney World’s Development
- 17:35 Bill “Sully” Sullivan’s Disney Career Highlights
- 19:18 Bill “Sully” Sullivan’s Role in Epcot’s Opening
- 21:23 Interview with Lillian Disney
- 26:26 Bill “Sully” Sullivan’s Role in Opening Disneyland Paris
- 32:28 Bill Sullivan’s Disney Legend Honor
- 35:40 Bill “Sully” Sullivan’s Disney Legacy
- 39:18 Lou’s Disney World Trivia Dream Team Project
Clips and Quotes
Certainly! Here are some engaging and interesting quotes from Bill “Sully” Sullivan, along with their timestamps, that would be great to post on social media:
1. On Starting at Disneyland:
“I spent two and a half years in the jungle as a jungle bunny and then had the opportunity to move around the park and work a lot of the different attractions.”
— Bill “Sully” Sullivan [00:03:58 → 00:04:08]
2. On Working with Walt Disney:
“Walt would come down and sit on the boats and shoot the breeze with the guys and just see what our attitudes were and what our opinions were.”
— Bill “Sully” Sullivan [00:08:07 → 00:08:17]
3. On Walt Disney’s Leadership:
“He didn’t want people to do special things for him. He just wanted to walk the park.”
— Bill “Sully” Sullivan [00:08:37 → 00:08:42]
4. On the Opening of Epcot:
“At the opening of Epcot Center, I was in charge of all the operations. And that was fun.”
— Bill “Sully” Sullivan [00:21:09 → 00:21:15]
5. On Being a Disney Legend:
“When Michael called me and said, ‘Sully, you’re going to be receiving a letter in the mail that we want to make you a Disney legend,’ I just fell right through it.”
— Bill “Sully” Sullivan [00:33:00 → 00:33:10]
6. On the Importance of People:
“Walt had a philosophy, and he would say that, you know, we can design, build and create the greatest park in the world, but without the people, they’re nothing.”
— Bill “Sully” Sullivan [00:37:54 → 00:38:05]
Episode Transcript
[spp-transcript]
Upcoming WDW Radio Events, Meets, and Cruises!
Let me help you build your brand and business and turn your passion into your profession, or speak at your event, conference, or school! – Learn more at LouMongello.com
Comment and share your questions, thoughts, and tips in our WDW Radio Clubhouse Community on Facebook or call the Voicemail and be heard “On the Air” at 407-900-9391
Listen to this week’s show and use the form below to enter our weekly trivia contest for a chance to WIN a Disney Prize Package!
