| Walt and Me Disneyland - Building and Almost Bankrupt |
| Every day Walt looked around the various parts of Disneyland being built. He had a go-between him(and Roy, his brother) and the contractors, but Walt wanted to see for himself. One day I heard this man receive some bad news, that construction of one ride was held up because of lack of parts and that Disneyland may not open on schedule- after that the man said to Walt that everything was going to schedule, an obvious lie, to me. I told Walt what I heard. Walt asked that contractor what he had said to the man. Walt fired him, saying to me afterward that he must be able to trust every employee. One piece of history before Walt Disney and me- I looked at a friend of the family's architect magazines and textbooks and drawings alot. Nothing else to do that was interesting. So, I had dozens of comments to Walt about some Disneyland structures. Mostly bracing and weaknesses in designing. Some what I considered substandard materials that would not last long and should be replaced now instead of when Disneyland would be open. The colors of the paint to be used were dull. Very dull. At home I tried some liquid aluminum with old leftover paint- great. And, at home, aluminum confetti with old leftover paint- even better. I showed the man in charge of painting at Disneyland what I had done- a teardrop from each of his eyes. He showed Walt. I guess Walt liked it- the man who signed the checks tried to give me a check for $3000. I refused, saying I was only trying to help Walt. The next time I saw Walt, Walt offered me a check for $4000. I refused, saying I do not accept money for trying to help somebody else. One day Walt said that if he did not make the next payment to the bank he and Roy would lose everything. I kept quiet about an idea I had. I went to a phone and called a friend of mine- George Allan Hancock and explained Walt and Roy's situation. Within 24 hours the payment due was made. And then the next payment when that one was due. George said to me that he could not come up with any more cash. But, Disneyland was safe, for the moment. Next page for BIG danger for Disneyland, and ME! |