User:Cocoasoso10

Background Information:

Walt Disney and his creation of the Walt Disney Company have influenced not only the citizens of America, but the citizens of the entire world. It greatly reflects the culture of the United States; the hopes, dreams, and somewhat truth of American society.

The Beginning:

The company first came into business in the 1920’s in the industry of motion pictures. Walt Disney himself came into California in 1923 with a blooming idea of Alice and her wonderland. He decided to use the “Alice comedies” to start him off in his career. A New York distributer named M. J. Winkler created a contract with Disney and the “Alice Comedies” on October 16, 1923, which was the original start of the Walt Disney Company. At this time, Walt and his brother Roy were working as the “Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio”. But soon after Roy suggested the name be “Walt Disney” (studio). This little studio lasted for a couple of years, but when the company outgrew it Walt was starting to look at new places and found Hyperion Avenue in Hollywood. In 1926 Walt moved most of his employees and brought them to this new studio that he had built.

Disney became instantaneously successful and everyone could see the potential in it. Fairytales became the mainstream for Disney’s classic stories. They became even more successful with each film if it was The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, or Beauty and the Beast. And soon it would become what it is today, a multi billion dollar company.  What Has Become of the Company Today?

Walt Disney past away on December 15, 1966. But Disney lives on with the new chairman and Presidents of the company, Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. In 1983 the team went into the planning of the Disney Channel which is now one of the most popular channels on television. Over the years Disney has earned over 950 citations and honors from every country, as well as 48 academy awards and seven Emmys. Harvard, Yale, the University of Southern California and UCLA; the Presidential Medal of Freedom; France's Legion of Honor and Officer Academie decorations; Thailand's Order of the Crown; Brazil's Order of the Southern Cross; Mexico's Order of the Aztec Eagle; and the Showman of the World Award from the National Association of Theatre Owners has granted them degrees. During Walt’s lifetime Disney formed 81 movies from their Burbank Studio. And one of his biggest achievements is Disneyland, which is still pleasing costumers today. This was all during the 43 years he spent in Hollywood.

The Great American Dream; How Disney Reflects America:

All “classic” Disney movies consist of many people working together for one goal that they always succeed in doing, but they also have one person that disagrees with the situation. Almost all Americans strive for the “perfect” life; to marry the prince/princess of their dreams, make great friends and memories along the way, and live happily ever after, which is what Disney portrays. Unfortunately the fairy tale dream shown in Disney rarely comes true for the “average American”.

Bibliography

Websites:

1.)   "American Identities: Walt Disney World and the American Dream." American Identities. 8 Oct. 2009 ;.

2.)    "Disney Archives | Cinderella Character History." Disney | The Official Home Page for All Things Disney . 8 Oct. 2009 ;.

3.)   "Disney History." Barbie Dolls, Nightmare Before Christmas, Corolle Baby Dolls, Green Toys, Disney & Harry Potter Merchandise.. 8 Oct. 2009 ;.

4.)   "Incompatible Browser | Facebook." Incompatible Browser | Facebook. 7 Oct. 2009 ;.

5.)   "The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies - Company History." The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies - Corporate Information. 8 Oct. 2009 ;.