"That Walt Disney Dude"

[declansdad]

And why do I need to understand better a place I've been going to since December 1971?

Really. Walt Disney was not G-d. He was a man who created a place loved by many. The worship of him on these boards is crazy. I mean, it's just so odd that one unknown girl calls him "that Walt Disney dude" and people are acting as if she and her friend (and their parents) are the dumbest creatures on earth.

I agree, things get a little carried away at times. I'm sure there are many people who know nothing about him yet they can still enjoy the parks.

My favourite line from this board is "Walt would be turning in his grave." Like anyone here actually knew him.

 

[Planogirl]

Some of the worship is a bit much IMO but really harmless. I admire him a lot for his creativity but don't put him on a higher pedestal than some others. Of course, YMMV.

 

[mickeyspal07]

My DBF was attending a Traditions class (WDW CM's training class) last week when one girl put her hand up and asked if Walt Disney was still alive That made me die a little inside.

 

[Bullseye]

I love this movie and actually have it on DVD. It really goes into depth of Walt's life from his birth, his death, and all the wonderful accomplishments in between .

It's a very good movie. Just about anybody whose been around over the past 70-80 years (in many many countries) have been exposed to Walt Disney in some way or another, whether it's been films, tv, or just reading the comics. It seems kind of shallow not to have the slightest curiosity about the dude that started the company that made all those awesome films/shows the last 3-4 generations of your family grew up on.

 

[declansdad]

It's a very good movie. Just about anybody whose been around over the past 70-80 years (in many many countries) have been exposed to Walt Disney in some way or another, whether it's been films, tv, or just reading the comics. It seems kind of shallow not to have the slightest curiosity about the dude that started the company that made all those awesome films/shows the last 3-4 generations of your family grew up on.

There are many companies around that I frequent that I have no curiosity about the founders. There is nothing shallow about it.

 

[Poohforyou]

It's a very good movie. Just about anybody whose been around over the past 70-80 years (in many many countries) have been exposed to Walt Disney in some way or another, whether it's been films, tv, or just reading the comics. It seems kind of shallow not to have the slightest curiosity about the dude that started the company that made all those awesome films/shows the last 3-4 generations of your family grew up on.

I go to wdw for fun and vacation. When I want some history I'll do a different vacation like walking the freedom trail. I know bits and pieces about him and lots of other famous people. I think my life will be complete though without ever knowing enough to write a thesis about him.

 

[ssleblanc]

You seem to be taking comments to their extreme. I never said this signals demise of our society. I never saw anyone suggest that one should know enough to write a thesis.

This is purely opinion. And what works for my family. We love to learn. A family vacation at the beach is a blast, but ours included learning about the seafloor, continental shelf, ocean currents, tides, whether the beach is an active or passive margin, despite and what kind if rocks and shells can be found in that particular beach.

TOTALLY opinion and personal preference. My family likes to learn. I really think this is where the debate (many many posts about it) of whether Disney is an educational experience. I've always responded to those posts with "it can be, it is for us, it is what you make of it" and my family has fun making a learning experience out of anthony and everything we can. we still love the magic and the thrills, but there is plenty of time before, during, and after to learn a little something too.

 

[ssleblanc]

anything, not anthony. can't figure out how to correct typos and autocorrects on phone app.

 

[andyman8]

Some thoughts:

Firstly, just because someone puts "that" and "dude" around the name "Walt Disney" does not mean they don't know who he is. I'm a proud parent to two teenagers, so I know that is, in essence, slang. Just like most teenagers put the word "like" in so many sentences where it does not belong, and in response to those comments, you are now talking bad about these two innocent girls on a discussion forum. How would they feel if they saw these comments?

Secondly, not to offend those who think their last name is Disney, but out of all the major figures in American history, I (and many) would not consider Walt Disney in the top 10. At the end of the day, he was a glorified business man not this "magic maker who did it ONLY for the enjoyment of kids and parents." Sure he did so many great things but that doesn't make him George Washington.

 

[larryz]

anything, not anthony. can't figure out how to correct typos and autocorrects on phone app.

Don't worry -- it makes for entertaining reading!

 

[ssleblanc]

Some thoughts:

...Secondly, not to offend those who think their last name is Disney, but out of all the major figures in American history, I (and many) would not consider Walt Disney in the top 10. At the end of the day, he was a glorified business man not this "magic maker who did it ONLY for the enjoyment of kids and parents." Sure he did so many great things but that doesn't make him George Washington.

I agree. And this very likely isn't aimed at me. I don't think he walked on water, but I do see him as a great business man, a great thinker and a great entreprenuer. He had a vision, he had a great people sense, and he took initiative to carry out his vision on a grand scale.

I don't see anything wrong with learning something about many different important people in the history of America and the world ... whether it is George Washington or Abraham Lincoln ... or someone who made a contribution a bit smaller than developing a nation ... Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Dale Carnegie, Howard Hughes, George Orwell, Albert Einstein, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, William Shakespear, Maya Angelo, Marie Curie, Ernest Hemingway, John Lennon, J.R.R. Tolkien ... the list goes on and on.

Not all great thinkers, not all nation-builders ... but each of those I listed and many many more did something that had a big impact on others. I don't have to think that a person is a great thinker or top 10 influencial person in order to care to learn about who that person was.

I think teaching my kids (and learning myself) about people who accomplished something big - what made (makes) them tick, their successes and failures, even their faults (we all have them) ... and how they turned a vision into something big. It provides inspiration for taking chances.

 

[andyman8]

I agree. And this very likely isn't aimed at me. I don't think he walked on water, but I do see him as a great business man, a great thinker and a great entreprenuer. He had a vision, he had a great people sense, and he took initiative to carry out his vision on a grand scale.

I don't see anything wrong with learning something about many different important people in the history of America and the world ... whether it is George Washington or Abraham Lincoln ... or someone who made a contribution a bit smaller than developing a nation ... Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Dale Carnegie, Howard Hughes, George Orwell, Albert Einstein, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, William Shakespear, Maya Angelo, Marie Curie, Ernest Hemingway, John Lennon, J.R.R. Tolkien ... the list goes on and on.

Not all great thinkers, not all nation-builders ... but each of those I listed and many many more did something that had a big impact on others. I don't have to think that a person is a great thinker or top 10 influencial person in order to care to learn about who that person was.

I think teaching my kids (and learning myself) about people who accomplished something big - what made (makes) them tick, their successes and failures, even their faults (we all have them) ... and how they turned a vision into something big. It provides inspiration for taking chances.

I don't aim my posts at anyone,but if I did, this one would not be aimed at you.

I do agree that it's great to know about WD but I have a problem with people laughing at and demeaning two innocent girls based on them adding the words "that" and "dude" around the name.

 

[mdsoccermom]

I agree. And this very likely isn't aimed at me. I don't think he walked on water, but I do see him as a great business man, a great thinker and a great entreprenuer. He had a vision, he had a great people sense, and he took initiative to carry out his vision on a grand scale.

I don't see anything wrong with learning something about many different important people in the history of America and the world ... whether it is George Washington or Abraham Lincoln ... or someone who made a contribution a bit smaller than developing a nation ... Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Dale Carnegie, Howard Hughes, George Orwell, Albert Einstein, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, William Shakespear, Maya Angelo, Marie Curie, Ernest Hemingway, John Lennon, J.R.R. Tolkien ... the list goes on and on.

Not all great thinkers, not all nation-builders ... but each of those I listed and many many more did something that had a big impact on others. I don't have to think that a person is a great thinker or top 10 influencial person in order to care to learn about who that person was.

I think teaching my kids (and learning myself) about people who accomplished something big - what made (makes) them tick, their successes and failures, even their faults (we all have them) ... and how they turned a vision into something big. It provides inspiration for taking chances.

Of course there is nothing wrong with learning about different people in history. But everyone has different interests. On these boards, people act as if not knowing the history of Walt Disney is some sort of sacrilege. And for many, he simply is not a priority, even if they like to vacation at Disney. It's ok.

Just look at some of the responses here. The idea that teenage girls, or anyone for that matter, might not care about the man who was Walt Disney is incomprehensible to some. I mean, really, someone actually said it was shallow to not learn about him. Among the things I have done - I have an M.A. in Political Science, have worked on Capitol Hill, was a docent at the National Air and Space Museum where my training consisted of learning about the history of space and aviation, and the principles surrounding aero and astronautics. But, because I choose not to care about Walt Disney's life (or others like me), I am shallow?

Good grief. Those girls at whom everyone is rolling their eyes, could excel in math and science, be fluent in several languages, be accomplished in the arts. But none of that matters. Obviously they care nothing about the world because they called him "that Walt Disney dude."

 

[morethananyonex]

I think it's a safe bet that Disney and "That Walt Disney Dude" couldn't care less what you know about their history as long as you're opening your wallet.

Maybe Wal-Mart should require first time shoppers to view an exhibit about Sam Walton before they are allowed to enter.

 

[ssleblanc]

...I do agree that it's great to know about WD but I have a problem with people laughing at and demeaning two innocent girls based on them adding the words "that" and "dude" around the name.

Of course there is nothing wrong with learning about different people in history. But everyone has different interests. On these boards, people act as if not knowing the history of Walt Disney is some sort of sacrilege. And for many, he simply is not a priority, even if they like to vacation at Disney. It's ok. .... Good grief. Those girls at whom everyone is rolling their eyes, could excel in math and science, be fluent in several languages, be accomplished in the arts. But none of that matters. Obviously they care nothing about the world because they called him "that Walt Disney dude."

Fair points ... you're right, and I don't think poorly of the two girls. I also look back to my first post in this thread where I said I found it "sad". And really, that isn't really fair either. Why should I be sad or care that someone doesn't have the same interest? I'm projecting. I enjoy it, and feel I would be missing something without that extra bit of "fun" (for me) knowledge. Doesn't mean others would get the same enjoyment, so why should I find it "sad"? That is on me. Not on them.

I think it's a safe bet that Disney and "That Walt Disney Dude" couldn't care less what you know about their history as long as you're opening your wallet.

Maybe Wal-Mart should require first time shoppers to view an exhibit about Sam Walton before they are allowed to enter.

LOL ... Ok, I also find the Sam Walton story fascinating. And I recognize that much of what he held dear has long been lost by the giant that the corporation has become.

While I know both are businesses, and profit is focus one. I think Disney does a better job sticking closer (though not always) to the "dream" and desires of it's founder and Walmart does to Sam Walton's.

Maybe I just like reading/learning about good success stories. I'm living vicariously through them because my big ideas and dreams go no further than my own brain.

 

[Fire14]

And I'm sure these girls think they will go to Lima, Ohio and see students from McKinley High breaking out in song during the lunch break.

Ok I'm lost and I live south of Lima and my DH has worked in Lima a few times. Yes I know Mr Walt Dude

 

[DCTooTall]

I agree. And this very likely isn't aimed at me. I don't think he walked on water, but I do see him as a great business man, a great thinker and a great entreprenuer. He had a vision, he had a great people sense, and he took initiative to carry out his vision on a grand scale.

One of the ironic things.... from what I remember reading/hearing.... Walt wasn't that great of a businessman. He was a great idea man and dreamer, but wasn't that strong on the business side of things. His Brother Roy however was a genius at Business, and it was his business acumen behind the scenes which allowed "The Disney Brothers Studio" to become what it is today. He was happy to work behind the scenes and let his Brother, the dreamer and idea guy, take the spotlight while he worked his genius to bring his Little Brother's dreams to life.


(And yes... I realize that I personally know WAY too much Disney related trivia. I don't expect anyone to know as much as I do.)

 

[KellyNY]

I assume many people go to theme parks only for fun. How many can say anything about creators of Universal, SixFlags, SeaWorld? It is not about who created it but how fun it is to be there. Of course, Disers know a bit too much, I am constantly reminded by other people of this little fact, but we cannot expect others to share same craziness. I am sure everyone heard name Walt Disney and I am sure everyone knows about films and parks but this is it, the rest is our thing. Those girls most likely had basic knowledge and did not need anything else to have fun.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

One of the ironic things.... from what I remember reading/hearing.... Walt wasn't that great of a businessman. He was a great idea man and dreamer, but wasn't that strong on the business side of things. His Brother Roy however was a genius at Business, and it was his business acumen behind the scenes which allowed "The Disney Brothers Studio" to become what it is today. He was happy to work behind the scenes and let his Brother, the dreamer and idea guy, take the spotlight while he worked his genius to bring his Little Brother's dreams to life.


(And yes... I realize that I personally know WAY too much Disney related trivia. I don't expect anyone to know as much as I do.)

You are totally correct

I may as well add,that although the brothers had a studio.....they were up to their necks in debt until the late 50's, often one movie/cartoon away from bankruptcy. Walt had to sell his summer home and take loans on all his life insurance policies just to open DL. If fact when DL opened the brothers only owned about 405 of DL stock.

The trouble here is the people that do not know of Walt and the company history in Walt's time, they cannot understand the joy, fantasy and magic he gave the world..........teaching people while there is little adult in a child, all of us adults have a lot of child like wonderment within ourselves.

AKK

 

[declansdad]

The trouble here is the people that do not know of Walt and the company history in Walt's time, they cannot understand the joy, fantasy and magic he gave the world..........teaching people while there is little adult in a child, all of us adults have a lot of child like wonderment within ourselves.

AKK

Why is that trouble?