Walt

Today was a blue day. Here in Chicago it was cold, and the wind lived up to its reputation of cutting right through your coat and your skin right into your bones. All day long things just felt off.

And then I got home and realized why.

It's always more fun to recognize the birth of a hero. Drawing too much attention to the anniversary of a death just feels . . . morbid.

So when I realized today was the anniversary of the day Walt Disney passed away, I considered not really saying anything about it. After all Walt's legacy is founded upon joy, innocence, and a gusto for life!



Still, I couldn't help but think that not acknowledging the significance of this day would be dishonest and maybe even disrespectful. I certainly don't want to dwell on it. But it bears remembering. Walt was older when he passed, but he still left us too soon. He was standing at the precipice of his greatest dream ever. He called it "the Florida Project." A resort destination that would eclipse his own beloved Disneyland. A place where magic, technology, and dreams would all come together and create a literal World like no other.



Walt never saw it come to fruition. If he were to return for one day and visit what is now Walt Disney World, I don't think even he would believe it! I imagine him grinning that huge joyful smile of his, his heart just bursting with pride. Sure it's not exactly what he'd envisioned. Epcot is certainly not the functioning city that Walt planned. Perhaps the logistics were just a bit beyond what even Disney magic could create. I'd argue what we have instead is a helluva lot more fun!

Everything Walt created stood out above every other competitor's brand. From the cartoons to the animated features to live-action films. And the same goes for his amusement enterprises. To this day the standard holds. Sure, Dreamworks puts out some decent movies, but even the best always seem to be lacking. Universal has created possibly the second best theme park franchise in the world, but that's still second best.

New executives come and go at the Walt Disney Company. Some have understood and shared Walt's unique vision and ideals. Many have not. Those tend to find temporary success at best, but usually find themselves ousted rather quickly. Hotshot Ivy league MBA's can come on board and say they don't care what Walt would do. But sooner or later, they find themselves meeting an untimely exit. Walt's legacy endures and prevails almost a half-century after he passed.




We must continue to believe and pray that never changes, even now as rumors of radical and unconscionable changes within the corporate ranks are swirling. Every success they've found is owed directly and eternally to Walter Elias Disney. Forgetting that will prove the undoing of the latest landlord of the day. But not the house that Walt built. That foundation is strong.

Before Walt died, the Florida project was often referred to as simply Disney World, because they'd acquired so much more land than they had at Disneyland. After he passed, Walt's brother Roy declared that it should always be known as Walt Disney World.
And it is out of that same respect and admiration that when I speak and even when I write, as you'll see, I almost always say the full name: Walt Disney World.

I think it only right that the company maintain that same formal title as well. It angers me, as well as many I know that they would consider dropping Walt from the company masthead. I the grand scheme of things though, I don't think it matters. Even if another short sighted exec shortens the company name, Walt's legacy endures and prevails. There is something special in that name. Something powerful. Yes, something magic.



Walt Disney impacted every person reading this blog. Beyond that, he impacted the lives of millions all over the world, whether they know it or not. His contributions to the arts and society reach far beyond the obvious. And I know it has become en vogue for revisionists and some self-loathing hipsters to accuse Walt of heinous beliefs and activities. Unfounded charges for which there is no proof that many who knew him of all colors and faiths have vehemently denied. Perhaps he was difficult at times. Sure, he demanded perfection plus a little more. Call him a taskmaster if you must. The results are there in all the incredible work his company created. But it doesn't matter. He doesn't need me to defend him. Walt's legacy endures and prevails.

We miss you Walt. Many of us weren't even born when you passed on, and yet we think of you as affectionately as a dear relative. We are grateful for all your hard work. For persevering and not accepting defeat or challenges. For me, you will always represent the indelible combination of imagination and creation. You will always be a symbol for the power of belief. You have shown us all that it is possible for one man to build a kingdom. For one mouse to create an empire.