As a child my family flew us from Mexico to Disneyland three times. During those visits, I believe I saw the show about 10 times. When I was 10 or 11, my family let us all go anywhere in the park, as long as we checked in with them every few hours. While my siblings went on rides, I went to see the show three times in a row. In my college years, I saw the show many more times, both as a park guest and later as an employee. I was fortunate to make friends with Wally, Fulton and Betty. Many times they would invite me up to their dressing rooms to talk, laugh and learn. One New Year's Eve, Betty even let me stay in her dressing room when the park closed; so that I could be in the park when it re-opened (I had just arrived from spending Christmas with my family in Mexico and was not able to get tickets to the evening's festivities). Now I am an adult and an entertainer (comedy-magician). I realized the other day, that my stage persona is an amalgam of all three of their personalities. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with some incredible performers in my lifetime, but none have had as much of an impact on my life and my performing style as Wally, Fulton and Betty. A year before Wally passed away; I was able to locate his phone number. I trembled with anticipation as I waited for Wally to answer the phone. Chatting with him brought back so many fond memories of this wonderful man and his cohorts who created a true entertainment gem which was unparalleled in the history.
Thank you, Wally for all the love and laughter.