list_text=          Journalist-turned-publicist Charlie Ridgway didn't consider himself a salesman when he joined Disneyland's publicity office in 1963. He did, however, know what made good news and as a result, ably promoted Disney theme parks assisting with the planning and logistics of more than 150 major press events. 
          Among the most memorable moments of his career, Charlie recalled a dinner, in 1964, hosted by Walt Disney at Disneyland for the U.S. Olympic Team, attended by press and celebrities alike, including comedian Bob Hope.
          He said, "We had a stage set up and Walt made a short speech and got a lot of good laughs. Then he sat down and Bob Hope walked up to the microphone, when one of the whistles on the nearby train went "toot, toot." Hope didn't miss a beat and said, "Walt, your waffles are ready." He brought the whole house down."
          Born July 20, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, Charlie graduated from high school in Shelbina, Missouri, in 1941. Shortly thereafter, during World War II, he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served in the field artillery unit of the 13th Armored Division.  
          After the war, Charlie earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and in 1947, began his career writing and editing news for radio and newspapers, including WDZ in Tuscola, Illinois; WERC in Erie, Pennsylvania; and the Erie Dispatch. In 1952, he moved to Los Angeles where he joined the staff of the Los Angeles Mirror-News, followed by the Long Beach Press Telegram in 1962.
          Even before he was hired as a cast member, Charlie promoted Disneyland as a news reporter. During 1954-55, while the Park was under construction, he authored some of the first articles about Disneyland to appear in any of the major, metropolitan newspapers and covered its grand opening celebration on July 17, 1955. Eight years later, he joined the Park's publicity staff.  
          He said, "Disneyland was the one p.r. job I thought I would enjoy and I was right.  And my radio and newspaper background helped me to understand what the reporters needed and how best to work with them."
          As a result, in 1966, Charlie was promoted to Disneyland's publicity supervisor, until 1969, when he was bumped up to publicity manager (and later, director of press and publicity) for Walt Disney World, which was then under construction. He helped launch the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 and EPCOT Center in 1982, among other Florida theme parks. He also helped launch Disneyland Paris in 1992, as well as special projects for celebrations such as Donald Duck's 50th birthday.
          After more than 30 years with Disney, Charlie Ridgway retired in 1994.  Since then, he has consulted on special projects, including the launch of Disney's Animal Kingdom and Cruise Line.&