On December 5, 1901, a legend was born named Walter Elias Disney. Known better today as simply Walt Disney, the mastermind behind Disney Parks now worldwide. Walt lived an interesting life and accomplished much in his lifetime. Today, learn 10 shocking facts about Walt Disney himself.
- If it was up to Walt, Mickey Mouse was almost named, Mortimer Mouse. Thankfully, Walt’s wife, Lillian did not like the name and it was simplified to Mickey Mouse, who first appeared in Steamboat Willie in 1928.
- Walt Disney dropped out of High school with wishes to join the army, he was not accepted since he was only 16 at the time. However he did land a job as an ambulance driver with the Red Cross instead.
- Walt Disney himself was the original voice of Mickey Mouse. From 1929 (starting with The Karnival Kid) through 1946 Walt Disney voiced Mickey Mouse, after 1946 he found himself too busy. Look up the old black & white cartoon, The Karnival Kid and Steamboat Willie, to hear Walt Disney as Mickey!
- Everyone thought his first animated feature film would fail. However, even with some setbacks it prevailed. Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs earned $8 million during its initial release, in todays value that’s equilvalant to over $130 million.
- Mickey Mouse was not Walt’s first character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was. Walt was asked by Universal Studios to come up with a new character, what Walt didn’t know is he would eventually be cut out of the deal and have to come up with a new Character to move forward in his own career. Hence, Mickey Mouse was born. However, rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit were restored to the Disney Company in 2006.
- Walt Disney loved his country, using his insights and skills to produce: animated war propaganda films, training videos for U.S. Military and Cartoon insignia to boost moral of U.S. Troops for World War II.
- Walt Disney was nominated for 59 Academy Awards between 1932 and 1969, winning 22 Awards. This is the most awards & nominations for any single person.
- Walt created a TV show named Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in 1954 to promote the opening of Disneyland in 1955.
- Walt Disney passed away from Lung Cancer in 1966 at the age of 65, after being a long-time cigarette smoker.
- After Walt Disney’s passing, Roy Disney carried on his brothers wishes to open Disney World in Florida, opening to guests in 1971. Disneyland is the only Disney Park Walt himself got to see open.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.