In the Presidio of San Francisco, a newly opened (October, 2009) museum highlights the life and career of Walt Disney. In a walk-through format with an abundance of information, presented through videos, listening stations, artifacts, excerpts from movies, TV shows, and Disney theme parks, there is something for everyone fascinated with the individual and his work.
Family History and Career Beginnings
In terms of history, Walt spanned 66 years of the 20th century. The museum’s first exhibit details his early life in rural American and his attempts at drawing. From there, it goes on to follow Walt and his older brother, Roy, as they open their own cartoon studio and find their way in the movie business.
From those early years, the exhibits become more complex as the Disney brothers venture into more and more cutting edge filmmaking. Each development is well documented with photos, background notes, and historical perspective. Since Walt’s daughter, Diane, is the driving force behind this museum, many of her private home movies and pictures are included in a loving testimony to her father and his work.
Recreating the in-depth attentiveness that Disney gave to each project makes for informative and fascinating discoveries. Details relate why a particular venture appealed to him. For example, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney’s first full-length animated film, held a fascination for him since the story was read to him in childhood. His imagination envisioned how all the elements for success were contained in the tale: a beautiful princess, a handsome prince, a wicked step-mother, the cute dwarfs to which he gave individual personalities, tragedy, comedy and a happy ending. The loving creation of this full-length animated version set the stage for later triumphs.
Creating an Empire with Integrated Projects
Walt became a master of finding opportunities to link many entertainment venues together. An intriguing video shows the development of writing a song to accompany the cartoon, The Three Little Pigs. Walt and his collaborators reenacted the process whereby they came up with the idea and then fine-tuned the words and music. "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" carried the idea of the film and became a pop tune. This music/story connection led to many more songs becoming standards and cementing the Disney legend in entertainment. Copyrighted toys, product endorsements, recordings, and games soon followed. Many examples of these are on display.
The various genres that Disney incorporated throughout his long career are shown in the museum. Nature films have their section; standard live action movies have theirs; the patriotic films made during World War II, TV shows, and, of course, the theme parks are each in a category all their own.
The museum spirals from one room to the next and it is especially stunning to enter the theme park section. As the ramp leads the visitor down into the area, the original model for Disneyland is spread out and various precursors surround it. The model train that Disney installed in his backyard for the delight of his daughters and his friends is shown with billboard-sized photographs behind the actual cars. Drawings of the proposed rides and buildings are depicted in progress. The Wonderful World of Disney, his television show that coincided with the construction of the park, replays the stirring accounts that Walt gave weekly to generate curiosity. This was integration of product at its highest level.
Staying in the Forefront of Technology
There is no question but that Disney kept pace with developing technology and was always on the cutting edge. An entire area reruns the original Disney TV shows on vintage sets. He embraced the medium of television and made it his own. For those who remember those days, it evoked nostalgic memories to once again view Davy Crockett, sing along with the theme of the Mickey Mouse Club, and be regaled by Zorro.
Disney was at his creative height for the 1964 New York World's Fair, which showcased his studio’s advanced technology and developing animation. The models from the Illinois pavilion showing “A Visit with Mr. Lincoln” (which would later grow into “The Hall of Presidents” at the theme Park), Pepsi-Cola’s “It’s a Small World” (now the popular park ride), and GE’s “Carousel of Progress” are all displayed.
Lest the impression be made that all of Disney’s work was successful, be assured that the museum does not hesitate to also depict his failures, losses, and hard times. Financial difficulties are not overlooked; projects that did not do well are still included; the strike at his Hollywood studio is openly discussed. Whatever elements made up the Walt Disney life and times appear to be covered.
Tributes to an Entertainment Genius
The final room contains accolades and awards presented to Disney and his family at the end of his life. There are tributes from many famous people and many common folk who just enjoyed the entertainment value which became the Disney trademark. He conceived Walt Disney World in Florida but died before its completion. His brother, Roy, dedicated the complex to Walt’s memory and his optimism. Thus a final photo shows its opening day.
In addition to the displays described, the Walt Disney Family Museum hosts special events and contains a theatre which offers personal family films. Also on the premises are a gift shop and a cafeteria with limited menu. There is a large free parking lot.
Family History and Career Beginnings
In terms of history, Walt spanned 66 years of the 20th century. The museum’s first exhibit details his early life in rural American and his attempts at drawing. From there, it goes on to follow Walt and his older brother, Roy, as they open their own cartoon studio and find their way in the movie business.
From those early years, the exhibits become more complex as the Disney brothers venture into more and more cutting edge filmmaking. Each development is well documented with photos, background notes, and historical perspective. Since Walt’s daughter, Diane, is the driving force behind this museum, many of her private home movies and pictures are included in a loving testimony to her father and his work.
Recreating the in-depth attentiveness that Disney gave to each project makes for informative and fascinating discoveries. Details relate why a particular venture appealed to him. For example, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney’s first full-length animated film, held a fascination for him since the story was read to him in childhood. His imagination envisioned how all the elements for success were contained in the tale: a beautiful princess, a handsome prince, a wicked step-mother, the cute dwarfs to which he gave individual personalities, tragedy, comedy and a happy ending. The loving creation of this full-length animated version set the stage for later triumphs.
Creating an Empire with Integrated Projects
Walt became a master of finding opportunities to link many entertainment venues together. An intriguing video shows the development of writing a song to accompany the cartoon, The Three Little Pigs. Walt and his collaborators reenacted the process whereby they came up with the idea and then fine-tuned the words and music. "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" carried the idea of the film and became a pop tune. This music/story connection led to many more songs becoming standards and cementing the Disney legend in entertainment. Copyrighted toys, product endorsements, recordings, and games soon followed. Many examples of these are on display.
The various genres that Disney incorporated throughout his long career are shown in the museum. Nature films have their section; standard live action movies have theirs; the patriotic films made during World War II, TV shows, and, of course, the theme parks are each in a category all their own.
The museum spirals from one room to the next and it is especially stunning to enter the theme park section. As the ramp leads the visitor down into the area, the original model for Disneyland is spread out and various precursors surround it. The model train that Disney installed in his backyard for the delight of his daughters and his friends is shown with billboard-sized photographs behind the actual cars. Drawings of the proposed rides and buildings are depicted in progress. The Wonderful World of Disney, his television show that coincided with the construction of the park, replays the stirring accounts that Walt gave weekly to generate curiosity. This was integration of product at its highest level.
Staying in the Forefront of Technology
There is no question but that Disney kept pace with developing technology and was always on the cutting edge. An entire area reruns the original Disney TV shows on vintage sets. He embraced the medium of television and made it his own. For those who remember those days, it evoked nostalgic memories to once again view Davy Crockett, sing along with the theme of the Mickey Mouse Club, and be regaled by Zorro.
Disney was at his creative height for the 1964 New York World's Fair, which showcased his studio’s advanced technology and developing animation. The models from the Illinois pavilion showing “A Visit with Mr. Lincoln” (which would later grow into “The Hall of Presidents” at the theme Park), Pepsi-Cola’s “It’s a Small World” (now the popular park ride), and GE’s “Carousel of Progress” are all displayed.
Lest the impression be made that all of Disney’s work was successful, be assured that the museum does not hesitate to also depict his failures, losses, and hard times. Financial difficulties are not overlooked; projects that did not do well are still included; the strike at his Hollywood studio is openly discussed. Whatever elements made up the Walt Disney life and times appear to be covered.
Tributes to an Entertainment Genius
The final room contains accolades and awards presented to Disney and his family at the end of his life. There are tributes from many famous people and many common folk who just enjoyed the entertainment value which became the Disney trademark. He conceived Walt Disney World in Florida but died before its completion. His brother, Roy, dedicated the complex to Walt’s memory and his optimism. Thus a final photo shows its opening day.
In addition to the displays described, the Walt Disney Family Museum hosts special events and contains a theatre which offers personal family films. Also on the premises are a gift shop and a cafeteria with limited menu. There is a large free parking lot.
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