Ragtime Robert after Musical Chairs at Disneyland

Disneyland Piano Player Ragtime Robert Retires From Happiest Place on Earth

For the last decade, guests visiting the Disneyland Resort have stopped by Coke Corner and heard Ragtime Robert tickle the ivories. As of Saturday March 18, 2017 Ragtime Robert has officially hung up his vest and hat as he officially retired as a Disneyland ragtime piano player.

Ragtime Robert began his magic making at Coke Corner on May 14, 2006, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing at the Happiest Place on Earth.  Throughout his career, he dreamed of playing one of the most famous pianos in the world: the piano at Refreshment Corner (affectionately known as Coke Corner) at the Disneyland Resort.

His personality was magnetic when he arrived at the piano and soon he found himself be a host of devoted followers who loved listening to his magic making. Whether he was performing with the Dapper Dans or the Mad Hatter and Alice with a game of Musical Chairs, Robert would always go above and beyond to make a memorable experience.

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While some would think that a rainy day at the Disneyland Resort could be a downer, for Robert it was just another opportunity to make the day special. The piano moved inside, magical musical moments would happen throughout the day as Robert interacted with whoever happened to make their way in from the weather. He was also often known to play an impromptu piano duet with guests. Some of these guests he knew and others he didn’t. Sometimes he even played duets with Rod Miller, his predecessor at the piano.

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Ragtime Robert’s relationship with DAPs Magic began shortly after he began working for the Disneyland Resort. This friendship led to the DAPs team helping him with the production and promotion of his two albums and Robert was a guest for one of Geeks Corner’s more memorable Christmas episodes where he and I played a duet together.

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Ragtime Robert made thousands (if not millions) of memories for the guests who stopped by the piano at Coke Corner while he was playing. These memories will be treasured by all who had the opportunity to meet him and here his magical music. While we say goodbye to Ragtime Robert at Coke Corner, we look forward to upcoming performances outside of the Resort and remember that there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow where Robert will be performing and we can’t wait! Best wishes in retirement Robert!

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What is your favorite Ragtime Robert memory?

 


Comments

4 responses to “Disneyland Piano Player Ragtime Robert Retires From Happiest Place on Earth”

  1. I love the old videos. They bring back many wonderful memories. Ragtime Robert, you will be missed.

  2. When my son was still a toddler, we got an annual ticket to visit Disneyland. We’d always stop by Coke’s Corner to listen to Mr Glenn playing piano. My son was starting to learn piano around the same time. During one visit, Mr Glenn asked my son to play with him, but my son was just too shy. Over the years, whenever we visit the park, we’d always stop by to catch some great piano songs. Now fast forward to today, my son is almost 12 and he has learned a few pieces from Scott Joplin. I was hoping someday when we visit again, my son will have the opportunity to play with Mr Glenn. It is sad to find out that we won’t have any opportunity to see him at the Disneyland. Wishing Mr Glenn a happy retirement!!

  3. Always a favorite stop of mine. He will be missed.

  4. Matt G. Avatar

    Ragtime Robert is the best! His playing is superb, and his joy is contagious. Stopping by Coke Corner to chat and listen to his music was always a highlight of my visits. Countless young pianists will never forget the generosity he showed in allowing us to play a piece for or with him at Coke Corner. Robert leaves big shoes to fill!

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