Walt Disney Story For Kids

Summary

This episode of Bedtime History narrates the inspiring journey of Walt Disney, from his humble beginnings in Chicago to the creation of the iconic Mickey Mouse. It delves into Disney's early life, his passion for drawing, and his relentless pursuit of animation, leading to the establishment of Disney Brothers Studios. Despite challenges, including the loss of his first character Oswald, Disney's innovative spirit led to the groundbreaking 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' marking the Golden Age of animation. The episode sets the stage for the next, detailing Disney's ambitious dream of building Disneyland.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Walt Disney was born in 1901 in Chicago and had a love for drawing from a young age, inspired by his surroundings in Marceline, Missouri.
• 🚂 Walt's early inspirations included the trains in Marceline, which later influenced the creation of Main Street USA in Disneyland.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His parents, Elias and Flora Disney, had contrasting personalities, with Elias being stern and Flora being warm and kind.
• 📰 Walt and his brothers delivered newspapers in Kansas City, an experience that taught him the value of hard work.
• 🎭 Walt had a passion for acting and performing, even attempting to play Peter Pan in a school play.
• 🎨 Walt's artistic talent was recognized early, with a local doctor paying him to draw a picture of his horse.
• 🚑 During World War I, Walt joined the Red Cross, where he drove an ambulance and used his artistic skills to paint cartoons.
• 🖼️ After the war, Walt worked in advertising and later started his own company with Ub Iwerks, focusing on animation.
• 🐭 The creation of Mickey Mouse came after Walt lost the rights to his character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit; Mickey's first appearance was in 'Steamboat Willie'.
• 🎬 Walt's ambitious project, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', was the first full-length animated feature film and a groundbreaking success.
• 🏰 Walt Disney's vision extended beyond animation to include live-action films and the establishment of Disneyland, a theme park for families.

Q & A

When and where was Walt Disney born?

Walt Disney was born on December 5th, 1901, in Chicago.

What were the names of Walt Disney's parents?

Walt Disney's parents were Elias and Flora Disney.

Why did Walt Disney's family move to a farm in Marceline, Missouri?

The script does not specify the exact reason for the move, but it mentions that Walt loved living in the countryside with its woods and animals.

What inspired Walt Disney's creation of Main Street USA in Disneyland?

Walt Disney's fond memories of Marceline, particularly watching trains come into town, inspired Main Street USA.

How did Walt Disney start his career in drawing?

Walt Disney started drawing by copying comics and newspapers, and he once got paid by a local doctor to draw a picture of his horse.

What was Walt Disney's experience with the newspaper business?

Walt and his brothers had to wake up early to deliver newspapers for their father's newspaper business in Kansas City, Missouri.

Why did Walt Disney join the Red Cross during World War One?

Walt Disney was too young to join the army, so he joined the Red Cross to help take care of injured soldiers and others in need.

What was the first significant animated character that Walt Disney created?

The first significant animated character Walt Disney created was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

How did Mickey Mouse come to be created?

Mickey Mouse was created after Walt Disney's favorite character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, was stolen. He decided to create a new character, initially named Mortimer Mouse, but his wife Lillian suggested the name Mickey Mouse instead.

What was the first big movie featuring Mickey Mouse?

Mickey Mouse's first big movie was 'Steamboat Willie'.

What was the first full-length animated movie produced by Walt Disney?

The first full-length animated movie produced by Walt Disney was 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'.