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 | Happy 114th Birthday Walt Disney | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, December 5, 2015 8:15:00 AM |
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Today is 5th December, which would have been Walt Disney's 114th birthday.
Born in Chicago on 5th December 1901 to Canadian father Elias and American mother Flora, Walt found himself growing up in a rapidly changing world. The automobile, electricity and telephones were amongst the new technologies that were gradually altering the way people went about their everyday lives.
Soon came World War I, and Walt found himself too young to enlist - but he did anyway!
While away he discovered his talent for drawing, and became known for decorating the helmets his comrades had found, with illustrations.
From there Walt developed his talents further, and found himself creating characters and shorts such as the Alice comedies and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Sadly Oswald wasn't too lucky for Walt, but it did spur him onwards to develop a new character in 1928 - Mickey Mouse.
Mickey was Walt, and Walt was Mickey.
Walt Disney was a creative genius, who was far ahead of his time. Bringing a whole new definition to the world of film and television, Walt pioneered many new concepts and technologies.
Walt won more Oscars during his lifetime than any other person, a record that he still holds.
With his studio now one of the best in the world, Walt turned to other things. Bigger things.
Walt's ultimate dream was of course Disneyland; a place where anyone can come and have fun, away from reality.
In July 1955 Disneyland opened and has since become probably the most famous theme park in the world. Capturing Walt's very essence, and offering a true escape from the outside world, Disneyland was, and continues to be, the Happiest Place on Earth.
Of course, Walt's dream grew and grew, and so did Disneyland, to the point where Walt dreamt even bigger!
Florida was to be the home of Walt's final dream, one which sadly he did not get to see through to completion (having passed away in 1966).
Walt dreamt of a huge community where people not only lived and worked, but where they played an vacationed; known as EPCOT. A complete city built from the mind of this brilliant man.
Walt Disney World opened in October 1971 by his surviving brother and business partner, Roy, and was dedicated to Walt having changed the name from simply Disney World to Walt Disney World.
Although Walt's vision of EPCOT never came to fruition as he saw it, it certainly has come true. Walt Disney World has given Central Florida a different identity to what it had 50 years ago. From swamps to a metropolis filled with hotels, malls, other theme parks and indeed entire communities of people who live and work there. Walt Disney World itself has thousands of Cast Members who live and work at the resort, who come from all over the world, ensuring that Walt's final vision is forever captured in an amazing and colourful reality.
Over a century after his birth, we are on the brink of the 12th Disney Park opening (Shanghai, 2015/16), have a world filled with hundreds more movies, TV shows and even stores, a cruise line and much, much more.
All the parks have their own little nod to Walt and his dreams, remembering the man who started it all.
Walt Disney lived to entertain, and entertained for a living. He gave the world a slice of imagination and inspiration that is unrivalled, and that will continue for many more decades.
Happy 114th Birthday, Walt Disney. We thank you for your dedication to your dreams.
Dan. |
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Hello everyone,
Yesterday I shared with you my trip report for our trip to Disneyland at the start of this month (April). I also now want to share with you a very special day we had while we were in California. We were very fortunate to be invited to visit the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
The Walt Disney Studios opened in stages between late 1939 and mid-1940, following on the from the success and profits of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Over the years, like anything - like the parks - the studio has grown and developed, adding to its rich history and success.
It was an amazing opportunity to walk around the studio lot and through some of the buildings that Walt Disney himself worked in during the early days of the company.
I won't say too much more about the studios, but will just share my photos from the day. I didn't have my DSLR with me as it's a working studio and corporate HQ, and I felt it a little inappropriate, so image resolution may not be at our usual standard. DSLR aside, I took a lot of photos though, so I am going to share as many as I feel reasonable, but just note that we saw much more - there is so much history there.
After you've scrolled through the studios photos, I shall share with you something special in Disney history in Griffith Park, and finally some photos of some Disney connections in Hollywood - both of which we also visited this trip.
[ Read More... ] |
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| Happy 113th Birthday Walt Disney! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, December 5, 2014 8:14:02 AM |
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Today is 5th December, which would have been Walt Disney's 113th birthday.
Born in Chicago on 5th December 1901 to Canadian father Elias and American mother Flora, Walt found himself growing up in a rapidly changing world. The automobile, electricity and telephones were amongst the new technologies that were gradually altering the way people went about their everyday lives.
Soon came World War I, and Walt found himself too young to enlist - but he did anyway!
While away he discovered his talent for drawing, and became known for decorating the helmets his comrades had found, with illustrations.
From there Walt developed his talents further, and found himself creating characters and shorts such as the Alice comedies and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Sadly Oswald wasn't too lucky for Walt, but it did spur him onwards to develop a new character in 1928 - Mickey Mouse.
Mickey was Walt, and Walt was Mickey.
Walt Disney was a creative genius, who was far ahead of his time. Bringing a whole new definition to the world of film and television, Walt pioneered many new concepts and technologies.
Walt won more Oscars during his lifetime than any other person, a record that he still holds.
With his studio now one of the best in the world, Walt turned to other things. Bigger things.
Walt's ultimate dream was of course Disneyland; a place where anyone can come and have fun, away from reality.
In July 1955 Disneyland opened and has since become probably the most famous theme park in the world. Capturing Walt's very essence, and offering a true escape from the outside world, Disneyland was, and continues to be, the Happiest Place on Earth.
Of course, Walt's dream grew and grew, and so did Disneyland, to the point where Walt dreamt even bigger!
Florida was to be the home of Walt's final dream, one which sadly he did not get to see through to completion (having passed away in 1966).
Walt dreamt of a huge community where people not only lived and worked, but where they played an vacationed; known as EPCOT. A complete city built from the mind of this brilliant man.
Walt Disney World opened in October 1971 by his surviving brother and business partner, Roy, and was dedicated to Walt having changed the name from simply Disney World to Walt Disney World.
Although Walt's vision of EPCOT never came to fruition as he saw it, it certainly has come true. Walt Disney World has given Central Florida a different identity to what it had 50 years ago. From swamps to a metropolis filled with hotels, malls, other theme parks and indeed entire communities of people who live and work there. Walt Disney World itself has thousands of Cast Members who live and work at the resort, who come from all over the world, ensuring that Walt's final vision is forever captured in an amazing and colourful reality.
Over a century after his birth, we are on the brink of the 12th Disney Park opening (Shanghai, 2015/16), have a world filled with hundreds more movies, TV shows and even stores, a cruise line and much, much more.
All the parks have their own little nod to Walt and his dreams, remembering the man who started it all.
Walt Disney lived to entertain, and entertained for a living. He gave the world a slice of imagination and inspiration that is unrivalled, and that will continue for many more decades.
Happy 113th Birthday, Walt Disney. We thank you for your dedication to your dreams.
Dan. |
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| Happy 112th Birthday Walt Disney | |
| DisneyDan
Thursday, December 5, 2013 11:13:04 AM |
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Today is 5th December, which would have been Walt Disney's 112th birthday.
Born in Chicago on 5th December 1901 to Canadian father Elias and American mother Flora, Walt found himself growing up in a rapidly changing world. The automobile, electricity and telephones were amongst the new technologies that were gradually altering the way people went about their everyday lives.
Soon came World War I, and Walt found himself too young to enlist - but he did anyway!
While away he discovered his talent for drawing, and became known for decorating the helmets his comrades had found, with illustrations.
From there Walt developed his talents further, and found himself creating characters and shorts such as the Alice comedies and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Sadly Oswald wasn't too lucky for Walt, but it did spur him onwards to develop a new character in 1928 - Mickey Mouse.
Mickey was Walt, and Walt was Mickey.
Walt Disney was a creative genius, who was far ahead of his time. Bringing a whole new definition to the world of film and television, Walt pioneered many new concepts and technologies.
Walt won more Oscars during his lifetime than any other person, a record that he still holds.
With his studio now one of the best in the world, Walt turned to other things. Bigger things.
Walt's ultimate dream was of course Disneyland; a place where anyone can come and have fun, away from reality.
In July 1955 Disneyland opened and has since become probably the most famous theme park in the world. Capturing Walt's very essence, and offering a true escape from the outside world, Disneyland was, and continues to be, the Happiest Place on Earth.
Of course, Walt's dream grew and grew, and so did Disneyland, to the point where Walt dreamt even bigger!
Florida was to be the home of Walt's final dream, one which sadly he did not get to see through to completion (having passed away in 1966).
Walt dreamt of a huge community where people not only lived and worked, but where they played an vacationed; known as EPCOT. A complete city built from the mind of this brilliant man.
Walt Disney World opened in October 1971 by his surviving brother and business partner, Roy, and was dedicated to Walt having changed the name from simply Disney World to Walt Disney World.
Although Walt's vision of EPCOT never came to fruition as he saw it, it certainly has come true. Walt Disney World has given Central Florida a different identity to what it had 50 years ago. From swamps to a metropolis filled with hotels, malls, other theme parks and indeed entire communities of people who live and work there. Walt Disney World itself has thousands of Cast Members who live and work at the resort, who come from all over the world, ensuring that Walt's final vision is forever captured in an amazing and colourful reality.
Over a century after his birth, we are on the brink of the 12th Disney Park opening (Shanghai, 2015), have a world filled with hundreds more movies, TV shows and even stores, a cruise line and much, much more.
All the parks have their own little nod to Walt and his dreams, remembering the man who started it all.
Walt Disney lived to entertain, and entertained for a living. He gave the world a slice of imagination and inspiration that is unrivalled, and that will continue for many more decades.
Happy 112th Birthday, Walt Disney. We thank you for your dedication to your dreams.
Dan. |
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| Happy Anniversary, Walt and Lillian | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, July 13, 2013 9:50:19 AM |
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On this day, 13th July 1925, Walt Disney married Lillian Bounds in Idaho.
They were married for 41 years, until Walt died in 1966. They have two children together, Sharon and Diane.
Walt and Lillian met while she worked for his animation studio as an ink and paint artist. She is credited with having given Mickey Mouse his name.
These photos of Walt and Lillian are on display at Lilly's Boutique on Main Street USA at Disneyland Paris.
Dan. |
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Today marks the 75th anniversary of the premier of Walt Disney's - and indeed the world's - first animated feature film, hi masterpiece, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Snow White marked a new era in film making, and propelled Walt Disney's career into even bigger things than he could even have imagined. Walt pioneered the animated film industry, and we have the last 75 years of animated history to thank him for.
Thank you Mr Disney for providing the world with a fantastic era of entertainment, and most of all, happy birthday to Snow White, The Prince, the Seven Dwarfs and the sinister Queen Grimhilde!
As per normal, we have a picture cavalcade to celebrate the occasion!
Dan. |
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Today is the 15th of December, which means it is time to open the next door of our Character Central Advent Calendar.
Here we go!...
[ Read More... ] |
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| Happy 111th Birthday Walt Disney! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 9:56:26 AM |
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Today is the 111th anniversary of the birth of one of the most influential men in history, Walter Elias Disney.
Throughout his life Walt Disney inspired people to follow their dreams, and aspire to be who they really want to be.
Walt knew all about dreams, for he had his own dreams, and even when the darkest times presented themselves, he never gave up.
Walt strived to be innovational, original and the best at what he did.
He not only changed the movie industry, but animation and the way we think about animation and movie making as an art. He inspired people to want to create; he inspired people to want to live their dreams, by using film and television in ways that no other had done before.
Walt of course had bigger dreams though, and proved that you can forever be a child at heart when at the age of 54, opened Disneyland in California.
Disneyland was Walt's dream of sharing magical family experiences, based on the fantastical worlds he had created through his films.
With the success of Disneyland, Walt dreamed even bigger, and the idea of a promising world and a better future was born. EPCOT was Walt's new dream.
Sadly, Walt never got to see his ultimate dream realised, but he proved to the world that you are never too old, for even at age 65 when he was planning "Disney World" (later renamed Walt Disney World in his honour).
Without Walt's visions and creativity, we would be living in a world less colourful, and less rich, for he inspired everyone to dream; even decades later, dreamers everywhere follow Walt's vision, and make theirs and others dreams come true.
Where ever Walt Disney is now, I know that he would be proud of an empire that spans all corners of the globe, and continues to bring endless joy to dreamers everywhere.
Happy 111th Birthday Mr Disney. We are forever in your debt.
Dan. |
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| Happy Anniversary Walt and Lillian! | |
| DisneyDan
Friday, July 13, 2012 10:25:26 AM |
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On this day in 1925, Walt Disney and Lillian Bounds married in Lewiston, Idaho.
Lillian was one of Walt's first employees, and actually did some of the ink work for one of the very first Mickey Mouse cartoons, Plane Crazy.
She was also responsible for Mickey's name, after she told Walt Mickey sounded better than Mortimer!
Let's pay tribute to them both now with some "pictures of pictures" of them enjoying life, from Disneyland Paris.
Dan. |
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