In his new memoir just released this week, Walt’s Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive (affiliate link), former Disney chairman and legend Dick Nunis covers a vast array of the magical years of the Disney Parks. And no wonder, he spent more than four decades with the company. He began as a summer employee at Disneyland in 1955, working under Walt Disney himself.
Unlike many other must-read books by Disney leaders, such as The Ride of a Lifetime by former Chairman Bob Iger, Nunis doesn’t skip over Fort Wilderness campground or simply give it a passing nod.
Instead he dedicates an entire chapter to it, as well as another to River Country, the gone-but-still-loved water park on the edge of Bay Lake.
In the chapter on Fort Wilderness, Nunis confirms the stories of how Fort Wilderness had to be cobbled together in the final months and with little money, but adds new details. But most importantly, he makes one statement in a later chapter that will go down in history to be forever re-quoted:
"I love walking through Walt Disney World - and believe me, I've covered every inch of it, but Fort Wilderness makes me think of Walt the most."
With its simplicity and focus on Americana and the outdoors, it comes as no surprise that the low-key grandeur of the Disney campground is Nunis’s pick for Walt’s would-be favorite. Of course, Disney never actually never saw the campground, having passed away in 1966 – years before the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971.
In his book, Nunis shares one of his favorite hangouts (it’s in Fort Wilderness), his favorite hotel (quite different than Fort Wilderness), and the tales of a career that would be the envy of almost anyone.
In contrast to the eloquent and tailored Iger, Nunis comes across as more folksy and plaid. He shows characteristics remarkably reminiscent of his “favorite president,” Ronald Reagan.
Nunis’ book is currently available on Amazon. (affiliate link).
