On Nov. 11, 2023, “The Weird World of Rolly Crump” will take over the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., for “an evening of enchanted tales inspired by…the beloved Imagineer and artist whose imagination knew no bounds.”
Artist Rolly Crump joined Walt Disney Studios in 1952, contributing to animated classics, including “Peter Pan,” “Lady and the Tramp,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” In 1959, he joined WED Enterprises (the precursor to Walt Disney Imagineering), where he was a key designer for Walt Disney’s new Disneyland park – and some of its most beloved attractions, including the Haunted Mansion and Enchanted Tiki Room. But Rolly may be best known for designing the animated clock (and it’s equally-famous puppet parade) for the iconic façade of “it’s a small world.”
The special event – led by Rolly’s son Chris Crump (who followed in his father’s footsteps at Walt Disney Imagineering) – will bring together friends, associates, and fans to reminisce about the Disney Legend through videos, photos, and stories.
The Weird World of Rolly Crump Panelists
Chris’ twenty-eight-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering included projects such as The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure and Tokyo Disney Resort’s Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare and Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek. Chris was also part of the team honored with the 2002 Thea Award for Best New Theme Park for Tokyo DisneySea.
Before joining Imagineering, Chris collaborated with Rolly on Knott’s Bear-y Tales at Knott’s Berry Farm, which debuted in 1975. A reimagined version, Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, was reintroduced in 2021, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Crump family in the theme park industry.
A gifted sculptor, automaton maker, and founder of Artomic Creations, Thomas’s workshop has produced rare mechanical wonders for films such as “Parasomnia” (2008) and Guillermo Del Toro’s “Crimson Peak” (2015). Several of Thomas’s creations have also been displayed at LACMA and the Oceanside Museum of Art. Profoundly influenced by Rolly since childhood, Thomas’s admiration culminated in a 2017 collaboration on the “Museum of the Weird” Gypsy Wagon for the “Rolly Crump: It’s Kind of a Cute Story” exhibit in Oceanside, Calif.
Longtime preservationist and senior editor at Los Angeles magazine. Chris worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee (serving a term as chairman) and created tours, exhibitions, and lectures about historic Los Angeles. Chris has advocated for endangered buildings throughout Southern California, including the Cinerama Dome and the world’s oldest McDonald’s in Downey. His books include Walt Disney’s Disneyland for Taschen and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister. He also writes the Ask Chris column in Los Angeles magazine and has served on the board of Hollywood Heritage.
The current managing director of Baby Tattoo, an art publishing house and event production company (and the publisher of “The Great Crump Presents His Magic”), George joined the Carnival of Art and Magic 10 years ago. He developed a newfound passion for this Curious Carnival World and is inspired to continue the work, bringing stunning books and jaw-dropping events into the spotlight.
When the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com (and your host for the evening) is not visiting theme parks – and writing, editing, or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide – he’s involved in multiple Disney-related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, is on the board of the Garner Holt Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney’s historic 1930s estate in the Hollywood Hills. Dusty has produced hundreds of events featuring Disney artists and legends and looks forward to celebrating the weird world of Rolly Crump with all of you.
Ticket Information
“The Weird World of Rolly Crump” will take place on Nov. 11, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bowers Museum (2002 North Main Street) in Santa Ana, Calif.
General Admission tickets are $20 per person (first come, first served seating). Check-in starts at 5 p.m. The presentation will be approximately 75 minutes, followed by a book signing. (Books not included)
A limited number of VIP tickets for $95 per person offer guaranteed seating in the first two rows, as well as a collection of rare Rolly artwork signed by the panelists. VIP guests will arrive at 4:30 p.m. for a special autograph session with the panelists before the presentation. (Books not included)
Tickets are going quickly. There were just a few VIP tickets left when this article was written. General Admission tickets are just $20 (before processing fees). Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Great Crump Presents His Magic Books
Those in attendance can take a bit of Rolly’s whimsy home in the form of The Great Crump Presents His Magic: The Art of Rolly Crump – and yes, Chris and the other panelists will personalize them with their signatures.
Books can be ordered in advance HERE (Event ticket holders use code MC5 to have your book waiting for you at the event). Ensure you have a copy by ordering now, as only a few extras will be available at the event.
Rolly Crump passed away earlier this year. You can read our tribute to him and his amazing career here: