If you’ve ever taken the time to wander the streets of New Orleans Square, you know this land is filled to the brim with beautiful architecture and ornamental details. But did you know that one of these details is a nod to Walt Disney and his brother, Roy?
To find this hidden gem, stand just to the right of the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean, in front of the Royal Street Veranda. Look up at the overhead balcony, and you’ll see a gold W and R embedded in the balcony’s design.
These initials stand for Roy and Walt, the two Disney brothers and masterminds behind Disneyland. The balcony that holds the initials is part of the Dream Suite, a private apartment that was at different times office space and a gallery. Since 1966, the Disney Brothers Initials have looked out onto the Rivers of America, and today they represent Walt and Roy’s lasting influence over the park.
I thought Roy was Walt’s nephew?
There were actually TWO Roy Disneys! The one represented by an initial is Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother. His son Roy E. Disney was a longtime exec at the Disney company, but was not one of the creative minds behind Disneyland.