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Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” At the time he said it, he was talking about Disneyland. But the spirit of his observation is just as true of the animated short subjects and features, live action films, television programs, theatrical productions, cruise ships and the other theme parks that are all part of the Disney magic. In each case, the spark of an idea is brought to life by the inspired work of artists and craftspeople working together.
As Disney fans, we enjoy the results of these special collaborations every day. Whatever Disney moments you hold most dear, there is a specific person or team that made them happen. With that in mind, the Club (then called the National Fantasy Fan Club) created the Legend Awards in 1993.
The awards are, first and foremost, a way for members to say “thank you” to the people who have created the magic, and to let them know that their work is recognized and beloved. In addition, when the awards are presented members often hear the recipients talk about their work and careers. These conversations offer unique insight into Disney magic making. And, in many cases, they offer revealing glimpses of Walt Disney himself.
The recipients all are chosen because they have made a significant contribution to the Disney legacy. But the nature of those contributions varies widely. Collectively, the recipients have created beloved characters and given voice to princesses and our favorite pair of mice. They have brought tiki birds to life and costumed singing pirates. They have written Academy Award-winning songs and edited hundreds of hours of film into True Life Adventures. They have greeted millions of Guests in theme parks around the world and maintained the Disney standards of quality, cleanliness and service. The honorees include animators, Imagineers, voice talent, songwriters, actors, executives, a photographer and even a research economist. And their contributions span more than 90 years, from the early silent films produced by Walt Disney in Kansas City, Missouri, to the most recent films and theme park attractions.
To date, the Disneyana Fan Club has honored 137 people. Each has helped create lasting memories for Disney fans, and their work continues to delight new generations of Disney fans. It is work that has stood the test of time. To fall under its spell requires only that we believe dreams do come true and that there are happy endings.
Click here to browse the Legends profiles or click on the names below to read more about each Disneyana Fan Club Legend.
The Disneyana Fan Club's
Heritage Award
Heritage Award
In 2010, the Club introduced the Disneyana Fan Club Disney Heritage Award. The award will honor individuals from outside the company who have in some significant way worked to preserve or promote Disney history. Award recipients may include preservationists, historians, curators and others who have
In presenting the award, the club’s goals are to express appreciation for the work being done, to help publicize the work and, when appropriate, to support (financially or otherwise) the work.
The award recipients are selected by the club’s awards committee in consultation with previous recipients, Disneyana Fan Club's Disney Legend Award honorees and others.
- Advocated for the preservation and/or restoration of buildings, artifacts or artwork that are prominent in the Disney story
- Written biographies, histories or analyses generally regarded to be accurate and that present Walt Disney and the Disney organization appropriately
- Organized events, celebrations or festivals that shine a spotlight on Disney history and/or introduce Disney’s history to younger generations
- Documented the creation or development of Disney films, theme park attractions and other accomplishments
- Worked to preserve and/or restore Disney short subjects, feature films and television programs or the artwork created for them or otherwise advanced the cause of preservation and promotion of Disney history.
In presenting the award, the club’s goals are to express appreciation for the work being done, to help publicize the work and, when appropriate, to support (financially or otherwise) the work.
The award recipients are selected by the club’s awards committee in consultation with previous recipients, Disneyana Fan Club's Disney Legend Award honorees and others.
The Disneyana Fan Club
President's Award
President's Award