The PR flaks that belong to the Orlando Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America have undoubtedly heard some great yarns over the years. But later today — 18 stories up in the oh-so-exclusive Citrus Club — they’re going to hear from the master.
That’s right, Charlie Ridgway — the guy who rode herd on 150 different Disney press events over the past 40 years — will be behind the podium. Sharing stories about all of the challenges that Charlie faced when he and his team helped open Walt Disney World in 1971, EPCOT Center in 1982, Disneyland Paris in 1992 and Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005.
If you want to hear some great behind-the-scenes stories about the Mouse, today’s luncheon is really something that you should attend. However, if this is just too short notice … Not to worry: Over the next six weeks, in support of “Spinning Disney’s World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent,” Ridgway will be visiting a variety of venues and events in the Central Florida area. Just so that Charlie can then meet with Disneyana fans and sign copies of his new book.
These events include:
Saturday, March 17th
N.F.F.C. Disneyana Garage Sale
Quality Inn & Suites
8700 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL. 32809
407 – 444 -6351
Charlie will be signing copies of his book at the Bookends booth from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 24th
Barnes & Noble
Plaza Venezia
7900 W. Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL. 32819
407 – 345 – 0900
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 31st
Barnes & Noble
780 E. Merritt Island Causeway
Merritt Island, FL. 32952
321 – 453 – 8202
Charlie will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4p.m
Sunday, April 1st
Barnes & Noble
1900 W. International Speedway
Daytona Beach, FL. 32112
386 – 238 – 1118
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 7th
Barnes & Noble
Colonial Plaza Market Center
2418 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL. 32803
407 – 894 – 6024
Charlie will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4 p.m.
Friday, April 13th
Reading Trout Books
671 Front Street
Celebration, FL. 34747
321 – 939 – 2265
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 14
Barnes & Noble
1955 W. New Haven
West Melbourne, FL. 32904
321 – 726 – 9505
Charlie will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 18th
Barnes & Noble
1055 Old Camp Road
The Villages, FL. 32162
352 – 430 – 3029
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 6 to 8 p.m
Thursday, April 19th
Sarasota News & Books
1341 Main Street
Sarasota, FL. 34236
941 – 365 – 6332
Charlie will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 3 to 5 p.m.
Friday, April 20th
Barnes & Noble
Brandon Square
122 Brandon Town Center
Brandon, FL. 33511
813 – 661 – 9883
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 21st
Barnes & Noble
Butler Plaza West
3910 S.W. Archer Road
Gainesville, FL. 32608
352 – 372 – 3535
Charlie will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 22nd
Barnes & Noble
23654 US 19 North
Clearwater, FL. 33765
727 – 669 – 1688
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4 p.m.
Friday April 27th
Urban Think!
625 East Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL. 32801
407 – 650 – 8004
Charlie will be hosting a book talk & signing at this location from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 28th
Barnes & Noble
Park Centre Commons
3500 S.W. College Road Suite 300
Ocala, FL. 34474
352 – 854 – 3999
Ridgway will be hosting a book talk & signing at this store from 2 to 4 p.m.
Please note that Charlie’s tour schedule is subject to change. So — just to be on the safe side — it might be wise to call ahead to confirm the date & time. For further information on “Spinning Disney’s World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent,” follow this link.