Walt’s Apprentice by Dick Nunis, Available in 2022
Dick Nunis, a Disney legend, has a new book coming out in 2022 titled “Walt’s Apprentice.” Surely, Disney history buffs look forward to this book’s release.
Just announced! Disney Legend Dick Nunis' new book, “Walt’s Apprentice,” will be available in 2022. #DestinationD23
— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) November 21, 2021
A Legend in the Making
Dick Nunis joined Disneyland in 1955, and he retired from his “summer job” 44 years later. At first, Disneyland employed only 600 Cast Members, and Disneyland had 13,000 Cast Members by the end of his career.
The book is appropriately titled “Walt’s Apprentice,” because Dick gained firsthand knowledge of Walt Disney’s philosophy. Dick, just like Walt, continuously focused on the people as he led the growth of Disneyland from a single theme park to a worldwide resort.
Dick said, “Walt believed strongly that what would make Disneyland different was the people—he wanted them to feel that they were part of the organization. That’s why he established the first-name policy—he was Walt, I was Dick, and so on.”


Photo: D23
Dick continued to say, “From an overall operations point of view, the most important thing is to work together to make sure that when guests come, they have a wonderful experience.” Ironically, Dick learned about Disneyland from his classmate, Ron Miller (Walt’s son-in-law).
Therefore, Dick applied for a summer job at Disneyland and was hired. He and Van France trained Disneyland employees, and Walt and his executives were in their first class.


Photo: D23
World-Class Experience
Dick became an attractions supervisor and director of park operations. In fact, he also helped develop “Project X,” also known as Walt Disney World.
In addition, Dick was chairman of the Park Operations Committee, as well as vice president of operations. Also, the Walt Disney Company named him executive vice president of Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 1971, the year Walt Disney World Resort opened.


Photo: AP Photo
Dick had an impressive career with Disney, including being president of the Outdoor Recreation Division, overseeing Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, and MGM Studios. He also worked on Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland while he served on the Walt Disney Productions Board of Directors.


Photo: deadline.com
Be Sure to Get Your Copy
Dick Nunis retired exactly 44 years after he joined the Walt Disney Company, on May 26, 1999, as chairman of Walt Disney Attractions. So, if you would like to learn more about Dick Nunis, be sure to pick up “Walt’s Apprentice” next year!
Article Information and Featured Image: D23


Photo: D23
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