Disneyland Windows > Don Edgren
Location: Silhouette Studio, Main Street USA, Disneyland.
Don Edgren was a member of the Structural Engineering firm Wheeler & Gray, when assigned to work with Walt Disney Studios in 1954. He worked on structural design and technical aspects for Walt Disney's theme park project. He was also an on-site Chief Project Engineer during Disneyland's construction. Impressed with his work during Disneyland's early years, Edgren was offered a position with WED Enterprises (Imagineering) in 1961.
As an Imagineer, Edgren was a problem solver. When other engineers said it couldn't be done, Yesman Edgren was able to build the Matterhorn as a hollow structure with tracks, tobaggans, waterfalls and the Skyway passing through. He led the engineering teams that created Disneyland's New Orleans Square & transformed the Pirates of the Caribbean from walkthrough to ride. Involved Walt Disney World's master panning, Edgren was promoted to Vice President of Engineering in Orlando (1969). In 1972, Edgren returned to Glendale, California as Engineering Vice President for WED Enterprises. Under his supervision, engineers created the first Space Mountain (WDW, 1974). In 1979, Edgren coordinated the engineering for Tokyo Disneyland.
Don Edgren, California native and World War II Army Air Force combat pilot, died on December 28, 2006 after suffering a stroke. The 83 year-old Disney Legend was visiting relatives in Eugene, Oregon.