Walt Disney
1901-1966
Creating beloved animated characters and building the world-famous Disney theme parks.
Early Life
Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois. As a boy, he loved drawing animals and telling stories, and he often made pictures for his friends and family.
His family moved to Missouri, where Walt spent a lot of time on a farm. This helped him imagine fun characters and stories inspired by animals and small-town life.
Learning to Be an Artist
Walt took art classes and worked hard to improve his drawing skills. Even when he failed at some early jobs, he did not give up and kept practicing.
He moved to California with his brother Roy, hoping to start an animation business. They worked from a small office and used very simple tools.
Creating Famous Characters
In 1928, Walt helped create Mickey Mouse, one of the most famous cartoon characters in the world. Mickey was cheerful, brave, and full of fun, just like the stories Walt loved.
Walt and his team also created many other characters, such as Donald Duck, Goofy, and Minnie Mouse. These characters made people laugh and smile during tough times.
Movies and Big Dreams
In 1937, Walt Disney released *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, Disney’s first full-length animated movie and the first of its kind to become widely successful. Many people thought it would fail, but it became a huge success.
He continued making animated movies with music, color, and exciting stories. Walt always believed that stories should inspire happiness and imagination.
Building Disneyland
Walt dreamed of a place where families could have fun together. In 1955, that dream became Disneyland, a theme park filled with rides, characters, and magical lands.
Disneyland was very different from other parks and showed Walt’s creative thinking. It became a model for theme parks all around the world.
Legacy
Walt Disney passed away on December 15, 1966, but his ideas live on. The Disney company continues to make movies, shows, and parks that bring joy to millions of people.
Walt is remembered as someone who believed in dreams, hard work, and creativity. His life teaches kids that imagination can turn small ideas into something magical.
🎉 Fun Facts
Walt Disney won more Academy Awards than anyone else in history.
Mickey Mouse’s first cartoon with sound was called *Steamboat Willie*.
Walt loved trains and even built a small railroad in his backyard.
Disneyland was the only theme park that Walt Disney visited while it was open.