At the heart of the Walt Disney headquarters in Burbank, California, lies an illuminated cabinet showcasing some of Walt’s preferred foods: V8 vegetable juice, Jell-O, and spam. Despite his fame and success, Disney had a penchant for simple tastes. In fact, he often indulged in a bowl of canned chili, an amalgamation of two brands – Gebhart’s and Dennison’s – that provided the perfect meat-bean ratio he desired.
Even 57 years after his passing, Walt Disney continues to exert a remarkable influence over the company that bears his name. While the names of other prominent figures in Hollywood history have faded from memory, Disney remains the epitome of American creativity, a visionary whose animated characters symbolize cultural dominance.
The Guardian was offered a tour of Walt Disney’s meticulously restored offices in Burbank as part of the celebration of the company’s centennial. These offices on the third floor of the animation building have been faithfully reconstructed using photographs taken after Disney’s demise. Every detail has been meticulously replicated, down to the placement of books and decorations. The mid-century style decor exudes elegance, with white couches and artwork from around the world adorning the rooms. Notably, Norman Rockwell’s sketches of Disney’s daughters and a concealed state-of-the-art sound system enhance the ambiance. Additionally, there is a large annotated map of Disneyland, opened in 1955, displaying the various attractions, as well as a photo of an animatronic Abraham Lincoln, a tribute to one of Disney’s favorite historical figures. The hi-tech kitchenette even showcases cans of Gebhart’s and V8 juice for visitors to admire.
One of the offices houses a grand piano, where Disney would often summon the Sherman brothers, the talented duo responsible for creating iconic Disney songs, to play one of his favorites, “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins. The song’s emphasis on kindness and care resonated deeply with Disney, reflecting his own values.
While Disney projected a genial public persona as “Uncle Walt,” he was not an easy boss. Described as stern and sparing with praise, his word of approval was cherished by animators. Even the layout of the Disney lot was meticulously designed to optimize lighting conditions for the animators, with the animation building positioned on a perfect north-south axis to capture the desired northern light.
Obsessive control was a defining characteristic of Disney’s approach, extending to not only the animation building but also the smallest details of his personal life. This desire for absolute control led him to choose animation as his medium of expression, allowing him to create alternative realities that defied the laws of physics and logic.
The attention to detail and obsession with control that Disney cultivated can be incredibly delightful. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of childlike joy when I entered the Disney parking lot and noticed that each spike of the studio fence was adorned with a miniature Mickey Mouse head. This sense of wonder was echoed by my fellow journalists, who playfully referred to themselves as the seven dwarves during the studio tour. The campus is filled with tributes to Snow White, Disney’s groundbreaking animated film that defied skeptics and propelled the company to new heights.
However, the relentless optimism and unwavering positivity associated with Disney can sometimes become overwhelming. The Walt Disney Company faces various challenges, including labor disputes and criticisms of its environmental impact. However, these issues were not discussed during the “Disney 100” studio tour, which mainly focused on the company’s illustrious past. Visitors, including European correspondents, were treated to highlights from Disney’s extensive historical archive and introduced to the centennial exhibition of costumes and props that has been touring worldwide.
Despite his passing, Walt Disney’s personal influence on the company endures. During an interview with Bret Iwan, the actor who currently voices Mickey Mouse, I learned of his decision to get married on the same date as Walt and Lillian Disney. This small tribute reflects Iwan’s deep admiration for Disney’s legacy and his joy at being chosen as the fourth actor to lend his voice to the iconic Mickey Mouse character.
In conclusion, Walt Disney’s legacy lives on in the meticulously reconstructed offices and the vibrant spirit of creativity that permeates the Disney studio lot. His attention to detail, relentless pursuit of control, and ability to fuse imagination with commerce continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Walt Disney truly remains a towering figure in American history and culture.
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