The Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio in San Francisco hosts events and panels throughout the year for all to enjoy. Events and panels range from early Disney history to Disneyland history, Disney Animation, Pixar, and even Star Wars.
March is Women’s History Month, and all guests are invited to the Museum for a discussion of Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth with authors Martha Blanding and Tim O’Day. Groundbreaking Magic tells the story of how Blanding became the first Black tour guide at Disneyland in 1971 and went on to work at The Walt Disney Company for half a century and earn the Disney Legend distinction in 2024.
Martha Blanding began her extraordinary run with Disney in May 1971 as Disneyland’s first Black Tour Guide, launching an impressive five-decades-long career at THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH® in Anaheim, California. She was promoted to VIP Tour Hostess in less than a year, touring legendary entertainment notables and numerous domestic and international dignitaries. Blanding soon became the first Black woman in management at Disneyland, eventually becoming the Senior Manager of Disneyland Resort Merchandise Special Events, where she worked with world-renowned artisans, celebrities, and Disney Legends. Along the way, she helped pioneer and produce the Official Disneyana Convention, a forerunner of today’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience. She also co-founded PULSE, a Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) centering the experiences of Black Cast Members and employees. Upon her retirement in 2022, Blanding became the first Black woman to achieve a half-century-long career with The Walt Disney Company and was named a Disney Legend in 2024.
During her acceptance speech at the Disney Legend Awards Ceremony this past August, Martha shared a story about meeting with a high school counselor about her future. Her counselor basically had no faith in her because of who she is and said that she would be better off working with her hands. This visibly upset Martha who went home crying to her mother. As she told this story, you could hear sighs of disbelief among the crowd gathered in the Honda Center.
However, Martha didn’t let those negative comments stand in her way and made a future for herself working at Disneyland where she broke many barriers in the Company. The crowd applauded and cheered Martha for her contributions to Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company. Martha shared with her twin sister Mary in attendance, who asked her “Are we Legends now” when Martha told her about becoming a Disney Legend. Martha replied, “I’m just an ordinary Black girl from South Central Los Angeles who’s had an amazing job at The Walt Disney Company. And I would do it all over again.” Then she told her sister, “Hey Mary! We’re now Disney Legends!”
Also at the event will be Tim O’Day. Tim O’Day is an award-winning public relations executive, best-selling author, ideation consultant, and event producer. His creative spark was behind creating an Olympic-sized lap pool down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland for U.S. Olympian swimmers, procuring a Disneyland star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, placing Dumbo the Flying Elephant in the Smithsonian, and retiring the pardoned White House Thanksgiving turkeys to the Disney Parks (among the most successful PR activations in Disney history), in addition to helping establish D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. He also helped secure the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush for the legendary Sherman brothers. His career has included work and projects with the Griffin Museum of Science+Industry in Chicago, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, PIER 39 of San Francisco, and others. He is currently seen on the popular Disney+ series Behind the Attraction, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Tickets for Groundbreaking Magic with Disney Legend Martha Blanding and Author Tim O’Day are available now as follows:
- Walt’s Circle Donors: Purchase tickets beginning Tuesday, January 28 at noon PT by emailing membership@wdfmuseum.org.
- Founding, Supporter, and Friend-level members: Purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, January 29 at noon PT by emailing membership@wdfmuseum.org.
- All member levels: Purchase tickets online beginning Thursday, January 30 at noon PT via the Member Portal.
- Public (non-members): Remaining tickets available online beginning Friday, January 31 at noon PT.
Upgrade your membership to receive priority access to purchase tickets. Membership dues and Walt’s Circle donations may be paid as monthly installments or as a one-time annual payment. For more information, please email the Membership Department at membership@wdfmuseum.org.
What do you think of this event? Are you a member of the Walt Disney Family Museum? Have you ever been to an event at the Museum? Let us know in the comments.
