Location: The 20th Century Music Shop (formerly the Tobacco Shop), Main Street USA, Disneyland
Van Arsdale France joined Disney in March of 1955. He held a number of jobs during his 23 years with Disney & Disneyland - including the Tomorrowland Area Manager, Disneyland Recreation Club Chairman and coordinator of the first Backstage Disneyland - Disneyland's Cast Member Magazine.
Van France is probably best known for fostering the importance of Disney Guest Service. He founded the University of Disneyland - the Cast Member training center that is now known as Disney University. Through Disney University, France promoted Walt Disney's guest service philosophies, teaching Cast Members to be Ambassadors of Happiness - creating happiness for others.
A chain smoker, France was honored with a window above the former Disneyland Tobacco Shop. Disney Legend & San Diego State Alum, Van Arsdale France died Ocotber 13, 1999, in Newport Beach, California.