Biography: The Roots of an Animator

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. Walt was the 4th child of 5 kids from parents Elias and Flora Disney. Although he was not raised by his birth parents, instead he was raised on his uncle farm near Marceline, Missouri, 100 miles northeast of Kansas City. Although this may not seem like an ideal childhood, Walt claimed that he loved growing up on the farm and that many of the animals were inspiration for his animations. In 1923, Walt moved with his brother and associate, Roy, to Hollywood. Here, with borrowed money, Walt initiated his own studio with the “Alice in Cartoonland,” series. This series eventually ended up in local theatres. Disney made the first full color cartoon in 1932. It was called, “Flowers and Trees.” In 1937, he made the first full length animated film, “Snow White and Th e Seven Dwarves.” Aside from all of the movies, Walt created the California Institute of the Arts. This was a professional school for the creative and performing arts. This school was commonly known as Cal Arts. Walt thought of this as, “The ultimate in education for the arts.” Disney stated, “If I can help provide a place to develop the talent of the future, I think I will have accomplished something.” On July 18, 1955, Disney opened the first ever theme park. By this time there had been many amusement parks but no parks dedicated to one theme of entertainment. The theme park was opened in Anaheim, California. The park contained rides based on Disney film characters and Disney settings. At the parks opening, Walt said, “Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world.” On December 15, 1966, in Burbank, California, Walt Disney died due to Lung Cancer. Many people all over the world were devastated by this news although his creations continued in his business. 5 years after Walt’s death, in 1971, Walt’s second planned theme park, Disney World, was opened in Orlando, Florida. This is just one example of the many things that have continued through Walt Disney’s creativity, imagination, and pure heart.
Information from: "Walt(er)(Elias) Disney." Biography Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010

Mickey Mouse: The Building Block of Entertainment

Mickey Mouse was the first great success of Walt Disney. Originally Mickey Mouse was known as “Mortimer Mouse,” although his wife, Lillian mentioned that “Mickey Mouse,” sounded better and he agreed. The little mouse was originally introduced in a cartoon called “Steamboat Willie.” From the start, Mickey Mouse was a huge sensation all around the world. He started appearing on many different items including toys, dolls, games, watches, clothing, comic books, toothbrushes, t-shirts, furnishings, and even automobile decorations. Walt once stated, “Fancy being remembered around the world for the invention of a mouse.”
Information from: "Walt(er)(Elias) Disney." Biography Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010
"Disney, Walt(1901-1966)." Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale, 2003. Web. 25 Feb. 2010.

Influence 1: Telivision Entertainment

There were many ways in which Walt Disney influenced the world but there are two that really stand out. One influence is that Walt created entertainment for people all over the world in his movies. His movies ranged from princess movies such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” to movies with fighting such as, “Peter Pan.” Disney had 21 full length animated films, 493 short subjects, 47 live action features, 7 true life adventure features, 330 hours of Mickey Mouse club television, 78 half hour Zorro TV adventures, and 280 other TV shows. All across the world there are Disney movies appearing. Even today the Disney Company produces animated and live action films for everyone to see. Just like Disney said, Disney will never die as long as there is still imagination left in the world.
Information from: "Walt(er)(Elias) Disney." Biography Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010
"Disney, Walt(1901-1966)." Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale, 2003. Web. 25 Feb. 2010.
Adams, Mary A. "Disney, Walter Elias (1901-1966)." Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale, 1998. Web. 26 Feb. 2010.

Influence 2: The Magic of Theme Parks

The other major influence Disney had on the world is that he created theme parks. Theme parks allow parents and children to have entertainment together. For many years there had been amusement parks all over the world although there had not been a park designed around one theme or setting. The start of theme parks brought a lot of joy to the world. The invention of theme parks brought more than the thrill of roller coasters to families. It brought beautiful sights and also fun activities for adults and young children.
Information from: "Walt(er)(Elias) Disney." Biography Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010

Fun Facts:

Walt had dropped out of high school at the age of 17 and joined the war in World War 1. Later he came back to become the greatest animator of all time.
Walt Disney started his career off of borrowed money.
240,000,000 people around the world have seen a Disney movie.
10,000,000 people have watched a Disney television show weekly
800,000,000 people have read a Disney book or magazine
50,000,000 people have responded to Disney music or records
80,000,000 people have bought Disney-licensed merchandise
150,000,000 people read a Disney comic strip
80,000,000 people saw Disney educational films
6,700,000 people have visited Disneyland in Anaheim, California
Information from: "Walt(er)(Elias) Disney." Biography Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010

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Walt Disney's Awards:

1939- Honarary Oscar

1954- Four Academy Awards

1962- Presidential Medal of Freedom

1965- Freedom Foundation Award

Information from: "Walt(er)(Elias) Disney." Biography Resource Center. Gale, 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2010