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Disney, is a household name known as one of the most lucrative businesses to ever exist.
And behind it was the man whose movies have survived ages and hold a very special place
in people's hearts, the one, the only Walt Disney. Born Walter Elias Disney on December
15, 1901 in Chicago Illinois to Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney, he loved drawing and
art from a young age. During his time in high school, he worked
both as an artist and photographer for the school newspaper. He started working with
Ubbe Iwerks in 1922 and they worked on 2 minute shorts called 'Laugh-O-Grams'. Walt hoped
they would be a big hit. But Laugh-O-Grams went bankrupt before anything
could happen. Still Walt wouldn't give up. He got through by continuing to do what he
loved-bringing joy to others. In 1923 Walt moved to Hollywood, California where he, Iwerks
and his brother Roy became Business Partners. Around this time, Walt came up with the idea
for Oswald, the lucky rabbit. Although Oswald was lucky in popularity but turned out to
be unlucky for Walt because he found out that he did not own the rights to his own character.
Roy and Iwerks stuck with Disney and helped make a series that changed the world forever.
The first two shorts of the Series didn't get much recognition but the third Known as
"Steamboat Willie" initiated Disney's rise to fame. This series was the first introduction
to the iconic character, 'Mickey Mouse'. Over the years the Walt Disney Studio made many
movies including 'Pinocchio', 'Cinderella', 'Tinker Bell', 'Rapunzel', 'Bamby' and the
list is endless. To this day his movies are still loved by many young children. Walt's
life changed dramatically over a few years. But he kept his humble attitude staying true
to what he was despite his fame. Walt and his team got to work on the feature length
film 'Snow White'. premiered in December 1937, it was a huge
success becoming an International Sensation. He was now able to share his gift with the
world and bring people together using his cartoons.
One of his most lasting endeavors is DisneyLand. The now 85 Acres of fun and Joy in Anaheim,
California continues to cultivate dreams and imagination of both the young and old.
He realized he wanted to create a place where both children and parents could enjoy themselves.
Innovative as he was, Disney had many roadblocks to overcome before he could bring his idea
into reality but his determination prevailed. He and his brother took many risks including
mortgaging 17 Million Dollars. The official first day July 17, 1955 was reserved for 15000
invited guests. Unfortunately, nothing went as planned and the infamous day became dubbed
as 'Black Sunday'. 30000 people managed to get in with counterfeit tickets. Everything
else seemed to fall apart from there including a Gas Leak at FantasyLand and lack of Drinking
Fountains. Many thought Disney's dream was going to end before it began.
Disney was not done yet though, he had plans for another amusement park in Florida which
was even bigger and more extravagant than the first. No matter what may happen now or
in the future, Disney's intent lives on in every child who enters DisneyLand's Gates.
He wanted to show people that this was a place where magic still existed. In his opening
speech, he announced that DisneyLand was meant for everyone. Even adults are affected by
Disney's work ethics and determination. The company and its amusement parks stand as a
symbol for people everywhere that dreams can come true if you are willing to work for them.
Walt Disney was an artist, a businessman, an animator, a voice actor and a producer.
But most of all, he was a dreamer, just a kid who never really grew up.
To all who have 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!