Disney imagination Rolly Crump dies, fans pay tribute

March 14, 2023

Disney Imagineer, Rolly Crump, known for his works entitled Enchanted Castle, “it’s a small world”and the Enchanted Tiki Room, unfortunately passed away. He was 93 years old.

According to the Facebook post from his close friend and co-author “It’s a cute story” Jeff Heimbuch, Crump, died March 12 at his home in California.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Roland “Rolly” Fargo Crump passed away peacefully yesterday morning in Carlsbad, California,” the post read. – He was 93 years old.

Rolly Crump’s legacy

Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump has died — Twitter

Heimbuch went on to discuss Crump’s legacy with The Walt Disney Company, writing, “A truly unique individual, Rolly’s whimsical works were featured all over the world. Whether it was his many contributions to Walt Disney films and theme parks, various pop culture luminaries (such as Ernie Ball and Jacques Cousteau), or his own personal creations, Rolly’s incredible style was uniquely his own and instantly recognizable to many.”

Crump is best known for his work at the Disney Parks, helping to design some of the most iconic attractions, including the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world.” In addition to working within the Disney community, he has also created and designed projects for Knotts Berry Farm, Busch Gardens, and other theme parks.

“He leaves behind a legacy that can never be matched and the magic he created for countless people around the world will never be forgotten,” the Facebook post continued. “Rolly and his family would like to thank the fans for supporting his work over the years. Her entire life was filled with one ‘kind of cute story’ after another, and she is fondly remembered.”

The Disney community is speaking out

Many members of the Disney community quickly took to social media to pay their respects to the Disney Imagineer, including the Walt Disney Family Museum, who wrote: “Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Disney Legend and Imagineer, Rolly Crump. Rolly was a true original among Imagineers. His imagination and creativity will be sorely missed here at the museum.”

Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Disney Legend and Imagineer, Rolly Crump. Rolly was a true original among Imagineers. His imagination and creativity will be sorely missed here at the museum. pic.twitter.com/h6rx4ReCL5

— The Walt Disney Family Museum (@WDFMuseum) March 13, 2023

As another Disney fan tweeted: “Very, very sad to hear of the passing of legendary Imagineer Rolly Crump. Along with The Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room, his work on the 80s Epcot pavilions, including The Land, remains one of my favorite parts of the park.

Very, very sad to hear of the passing of legendary Imagineer Rolly Crump.

Along with The Haunted Mansion and the Tiki Room, his work on Epcot’s 80s pavilions, including The Land, remains one of my favorite parts of the park. pic.twitter.com/rmlcyxgvx6

— Antony 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈(He/She) (@RemyLeBeau) March 14, 2023

One aspiring artist and Disney fan took time to recall a special interaction he had with Rolly Crump. “Just heard about the death of Rolly Crump who was an artistic inspiration to many people including myself,” she tweeted, adding: “I emailed him a few years ago about how inspiring his story was and he sent me this reply 💛. “

She then shared a photo of what Crump sent her.

I just heard about the passing of Rolly Crump, who was an artistic inspiration to many people, including me.

A few years ago I emailed her about how inspiring her story was and she sent me this reply 💛 pic.twitter.com/VMjRjvNHJ9

— 🦷🤡chris 🤡🦷 (@hungwyclown) March 14, 2023

And one Disney fan simply wrote: “Rip rolly crump. a true creative visionary in the industry❤️❤️❤️.”