Disneyland's Resident "Porch Potato" Passes Away at 79

To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past — and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America — with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.

When he opened Disneyland Park in 1955, Walt Disney dreamed of a place that could be enjoyed by both adults and children, and that dream has come to fruition in more ways than he could have ever imagined. Nowadays, many adults love visiting Disney theme parks without any children, and Disney is catering to those adults more than ever before.

Walter Elias Disney at Disneyland — Credit: Disney

One of the people who loved visiting The Happiest Place on Earth was a man named Frank. But Frank didn’t head to the Southern California theme park for the rides or the food or the merchandise. Instead, Frank loved to sit on the porches along Main Street, U.S.A., and just people watch.

For more than twenty years, Frank sat on those porches, loving each visit to Disneyland as much as the last. He would chat with guests and cast members, listening to their stories and telling many of his own.

Frank even became the unofficial Mayor of Main Street, U.S.A., and was given the nickname “Porch Potato”, a name he wore with pride. Frank became such a legend that he was visited by Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro just last month.

Josh D'Amaro and Frank the Porch Potato of Disneyland — Credit: Disney

Sadly, we have learned that Frank has passed away, just days before his 80th birthday.

On August 10, the official Instagram page dedicated to Frank and his porch potato ways shared that he had died. He would have turned 80 years old on August 20.

It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of Frank, our beloved Porch Potato. He brought joy to us all with fist bumbs, high fives and enough stories for a million lifetimes. He graced Main Street for almost 20 years (that we can count). You would hear him say “everyday is my is my best day”. He lived for his Disney days and Porch family.
In celebration of his life and 80th birthday this month please post and share your best Porch Potato memory #porchpotatofrank
Keep Moving Forward
With love- Amanda, Andrea and grandchildren Charley, Kaylah, Dylan and Devin

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One of the first people to comment on Frank’s passing was Josh D’Amaro, who recounted meeting Frank and the two of them being excited to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.

One of my favorite things about walking down Main Street was seeing Frank. I feel so lucky to have spent time on the porch with him on our 70th anniversary and so sorry to hear of his passing.

Dozens of people shared their devastation upon learning of Frank’s passing. They also shared their own memories of Frank, with many talking about how much Frank loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. It seemed like he loved the Dodgers almost as much as he loved Disneyland!

After Frank’s passing, flowers could be seen lining the railing of the porch he loved to sit at.

We are so sad to hear about Porch Potato Frank’s passing, and extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family. Frank will be remembered fondly and will forever be a wonderful part of Disneyland history. Rest in peace, Frank.