Windows on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park: Cicely Rigdon

With the passing of Cicely Rigdon on December 31, Disneyland lost a dear friend, a beloved leader and a legend. Cicely will be fondly remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her legacy will live on through those who continue to uphold the high standards and traditions she established.

From the beginning, Cicely knew that Disneyland was the place for her and she told a funny story about the day she was hired. “When they first opened the park,” Cicely recalled, “I made five attempts to get a job. The fifth time, I was finally hired, and I was so excited I came home and drove my car through the garage!”

Cicely began her career at Disneyland in 1957 as a ticket seller. In 1959, she joined the Tour Guide Department and was responsible for initiating its growth and development. She eventually became the supervisor of Guest Relations and was known for hiring the “cream of the crop” and leading a top-notch team of hosts and hostesses. In 1967, Cicely’s responsibilities were expanded to include the ticket sellers and ticket receptionists. She was also responsible for Walt’s apartment above the Main Street Fire Station, and was therefore known as the “Keeper of the Keys.”

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Beginning in 1982, Cicely led the Disneyland Ambassador Program. In this role Cicely worked with 13 Disneyland Ambassadors who represented Disneyland around the world. She retired as manager of the Ambassador Program in 1994, after 37 years at Disneyland.

Cicely remembered her years at Disneyland and Walt with great fondness. “Walt was just a very decent, very nice man,” she once said. “And I believe that is reflected in all of us here at Disneyland, and that this place for family and fun and decency is what it’s all about.”

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Following her retirement in 1994, Cicely was honored with a window on Main Street, U.S.A. The window, located above Disney Showcase, states: Ambassador Finishing School – Cicely Rigdon – Instructor.

Cicely was named a Disney Legend in 2005.

Since her retirement, Cicely kept in touch with her Disneyland friends, former cast members and ambassadors. She also continued to attend the Ambassador ceremonies, with her presence being a highlight for those who loved and revered her. She holds a special place in our hearts and is an important part of Disneyland history – she will be missed greatly.

Comments

  • Dear Cicely shall be remembered with love — a model of class and leadership. Her friends and family held her high, especially her daughter Penny, through to the final ‘Main Street Parade’.

  • What a lovely touch, placing the flowers in her window. Thank you, Jon.

  • What a delighful lady. Her story about the day she was hired is uniquely wonderful as it is cute. I love hearing about cast members who truly love their job. May she rest in peace.

  • As a former Tour Guide I always looked forward to seeing Cicely at our tri-annual reunion in Anaheim. Her absence at this year’s reunion will be missed deeply by all of us who knew and interacted with her. She was our leader and our friend; gone, but never forgotten.

  • Wow! Reading about Cicely gave me chills! She was obviously a wonderful treasure.

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