Ron Logan, Disney theatrical producer and professor
Ron Logan: A Legacy in Entertainment and Education
Born on February 9, 1938, Ron Logan is a highly influential figure renowned for his extensive contributions to the global entertainment industry, particularly through his distinguished career at The Walt Disney Company, followed by a significant second career in academia.
A Distinguished Career at Walt Disney Entertainment
Ron Logan served as the former Executive Vice President and Executive Producer for Walt Disney Entertainment, a division now known as Walt Disney Creative Entertainment. In this pivotal leadership role, he was responsible for overseeing and directing the vast array of live entertainment experiences across all of Disney's global theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines. His responsibilities encompassed the creation, development, and operational management of countless spectacular parades, elaborate stage shows, dazzling nighttime spectaculars, and special events that captivated millions of guests worldwide, shaping the iconic entertainment landscape of Disney destinations from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris.
A notable achievement during his tenure was the founding of Disney Theatrical Productions in 1993. This groundbreaking initiative, under Logan's vision, successfully extended Disney's storytelling prowess to the Broadway stage, leading to critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions like "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King," which revolutionized the landscape of theatrical entertainment.
Transition to Academia: Post-Retirement Contributions
After a celebrated career spanning decades with Disney, Ron Logan retired from the company in 2001. Following his retirement, he embarked on a new chapter, transitioning his invaluable real-world experience into the academic realm. He is currently a respected professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management, located in Orlando, Florida, United States. This esteemed institution, situated in the heart of one of the world's premier tourism and entertainment hubs, benefits immensely from his practical insights and leadership expertise. At UCF Rosen College, Professor Logan shares his profound knowledge of entertainment management, operations, and leadership, preparing the next generation of professionals for careers within the dynamic hospitality and theme park industries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ron Logan
- Who is Ron Logan?
- Ron Logan is a prominent American executive and educator, best known for his extensive career as Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Entertainment and his subsequent role as a professor at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
- What was Ron Logan's primary role at Disney?
- At The Walt Disney Company, Ron Logan served as Executive Vice President and Executive Producer for Walt Disney Entertainment (now Walt Disney Creative Entertainment). In this capacity, he oversaw all live entertainment, including parades, shows, and spectaculars, across Disney's global theme parks and resorts, and notably founded Disney Theatrical Productions.
- When did Ron Logan retire from Walt Disney Entertainment?
- Ron Logan retired from his executive position at Walt Disney Entertainment in 2001.
- What does Ron Logan do after retiring from Disney?
- Following his retirement from Disney, Ron Logan became a professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, Florida, where he shares his expertise in entertainment and hospitality management.
- Did Ron Logan contribute to Disney's Broadway productions?
- Yes, a significant contribution was his founding of Disney Theatrical Productions in 1993, which brought successful Disney animated features like "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King" to the Broadway stage.