The Villages Daily Sun

SUMMERFIELD — When Walt Disney World opened its doors in 1971, Loretta Simmons never dreamed she would end up working there.

Simmons, who was living in Orlando at the time, went with her daughter, Toni Hedrick, who was applying for a job at the park. Simmons stood in line with Hedrick, and she filled out an application as well.

“I got the job, but she didn’t,” Simmons said.

For more than 20 years, Simmons worked at Walt Disney World at various stores in the theme parks — from the Magic Kingdom to Epcot to the park formerly known as Disney-MGM Studios and now called Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“It was a good journey,” Simmons said. “The people were just real nice. I drove 20 miles to Walt Disney World, and I never did dread going.

“It’s probably the kid in me. I like to go out there and have a good time.”

She also gathered a few trinkets from her time at the parks, which she displays throughout her home.

In honor of her retirement, she received a large painting of Mickey, Donald and Goofy hanging Simmons’ picture on the wall. The caption reads, “Thanks, Loretta. Now you’re in the Disney hall of fame!”

Next to that is a silver plaque of Mickey Mouse, with the caption, “Thanks, Loretta, Mickey and the Gang” below. The “s” in “thanks” is backward.

When she celebrated 15 years with Disney, Simmons received a trophylike rendition of Cinderella’s Castle.

Simmons has several three-dimensional frames holding pictures taken at cast member holiday celebrations. She also received a colorful glass ornament in 2003, as well as a porcelain container with Snow White on the lid.

Other items include a couple of records — the soundtrack to the Country Bear Jamboree and a picture record called “A Musical Souvenir of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom” — a collector’s plate from 1981 featuring a bunch of Disney characters, and silverware with Mickey on the handles.

“Mostly I’m just going (into a shop) and looking,” Simmons said. “It’s like my owl collection. Next thing I know, everybody gives me owls.”

Hedrick gave Simmons a silver box with a clock on one side, with Mickey’s silhouettes around the cube.

You also will spot several figurines of Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Minnie; Donald and Mickey in tiny race cars; coasters featuring Mickey’s face; night lights in the shape of Mickey’s and Donald’s heads; and plush versions of Mickey, Minnie, Eeyore, Goofy and Dumbo.

One of Simmons’ favorite animated movies is “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which she bought on videotape; she remembers seeing the movie when she was a child.

“When it came out (on video), I thought, ‘Oh, I’ve got to have that,’” Simmons said.

In the kitchen, she has several Disney mugs near the window, including one with characters from “Bambi”; another with the castle and Spaceship Earth; and one celebrating Mickey’s 60th birthday.

She also has a cookie jar in the shape of Big Al from the Country

Bear Jamboree; Jim got it for her in honor of their 30th wedding anniversary.

“I like Big Al,” Simmons said.

While she enjoys just about all of the rides at Walt Disney World, one of her favorites is the futuristic roller coaster Space Mountain.

“It was really exciting,” she said. “One time, they had turned the lights on. It’s amazing what that thing looks like inside. The grandkids like Dumbo and It’s a Small World.”

Michael Fortuna is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9234, or michael.fortuna@

thevillagesmedia.com.