Walt Disney Embraced Risks to the Delight of Millions

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

04 Oct 2006 05:30 AM

In his very long and distinguished career, Walt Disney delighted millions around the world with his innovations, daring and constant tinkering. He created an entire genre of film classics that we know of as Disney films. He created characters that have endured for nearly eight decades among them Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and much, much more. Generations have grown up with these Disney companions.

I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination. - Walt Disney

In Walt's lifetime, he produced:

• some of the most enduring characters in animation history
• synchronized sound in animation
• multiplane camera to add depth to two-dimensional cartoons
• the first daily operating monorail in the U.S
• Audio Animatronics
• Mechanical engineering to create animated figures

The legacy of Walt Disney continues today, even after Walt's passing, with such theme park innovations as Pal Mickey, the Fast pass, wireless personal translators to provide narration in multiple languages for park visitors, the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction at Epcot where visitors can have unscripted conversations with the turtle from Finding Nemo and Mission: Space where visitors are sent on a virtual trip to mars aboard a spaceship.

Although Walt Disney is no longer with us in the physical sense, his creative genius and infectious optimism remain a part of the Disney legacy. They are building on the dream that was his to begin with, challenging new heights, embracing new technologies and all in the name of creativity. Walt Disney is a part of our pop culture and social mentality. His legacy permeates his creations and the creations of that creation. His legacy is in my house and yours ---

What is needed in addition to the creative ability is courage - courage to try new things to satisfy the endless curiosity of people for information about the world around them. - Walt Disney

When you hear the word Disney what image appears in your mind?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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