“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Imagine a world without Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and all of our favorite princesses. The mere thought is depressing and thank God that will never happen. Walt Disney has probably spread more happiness in the world than anyone else in history. He did build the happiest place on earth Disneyland. Today is the birth anniversary of the legendary and inspirational man so here’s a look at just a few of his contributions to our lives

Mickey Mouse & Friends

Everyone knows about the most famous and lovable mouse on the planet. But for more info check out Ranjit’s post on Mickey Mouse’s birthday. Mickey was Walt Disney’s big break in the industry for which he also received a special Academy Award in 1932. After Mickey Disney went on to create Donald Duck, Pluto & Goofy.

Movies Movies Movies!

Disney’s first full feature movie was Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs based on the German fairy tale Snow White. It was the first full length animated motion picture in America and the first produced in full colour. After the premiere of the film the audience gave it a standing ovation and went on to gross $8 million in 1938.

Post the success of the film Disney started work on Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan.

In 1950 the company released Cinderella (my personal favorite) ended up being the company’s biggest success since Snow White. The film won Academy Awards for Best Sound, Original Music Score and Best Song for Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. The last two projects Walt Disney was part of were The Jungle Book and the animated short Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.

Besides reigning in animation Disney produced films like Treasure Island, The Parent Trap and Swiss Family Robinson. He was also the one to acquire the rights to P.L Traveler’s novels about a magical nanny Mary Poppins.

Music

The music in Walt Disney’s movies were just as influential and popular as the film itself. From Someday My Prince Will Come to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious I’m sure you know the lyrics to at least one song. Till date music remains a very important part of all Disney movies which is why the Disney Music Group was founded in 1956.

Disneyland

My first trip to Disneyland was as a 1-year old and from what my parents have told me I was beyond fascinated with the Christmas parade, lights and joy the place brings. Disneyland first opened its doors on July 18, 1955, Disney gave the following speech at the opening:

“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.”

Till date the theme park has stayed true to his first words. After his death his brother Roy Disney took over the execution of Disney World & EPCOT in Orlando.

Legacy

Years after he passed away Walt Disney’s legacy lives on through his successors who have maintained and grown his dreams and vision for The Walt Disney Company. Tell us how Disney has touched your life as a tribute to Walt Disney on his birthday.