In a recent column, I gave some thought to changes I might make if I were placed in charge of Walt Disney World. That got me thinking about the man who founded the Walt Disney Company and what his thoughts might be today. The following interview never took place—except in my own warped mind. Nevertheless, if it had, here’s how I think it might have gone…
Walt Disney. © Walt Disney Company.
Steve: Hello, Mr. Disney. I’d like to begin by…
Walt: (smiling) Please call me “Walt.” That’s what it says on my name tag.
Steve: Uh, sure. Walt. You can call me “Steve.”
Walt: (chuckling) I had intended to. What’s on your mind?
Steve: Well, sir… Walt. It’s been some time, over 40 years, since you were actively involved in running the company that bears your name. I’m interested in your reaction to how you think things have gone.
Walt: I must say that, over all, I’m quite impressed. Production companies, theme parks, television stations, this whole Internet thing… it’s really somewhat overwhelming. The number of theme parks world wide is something that has astounded me. I had inclinations that, someday, we might build outside the United States but… Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong. It’s pretty impressive.
Steve: Mr. Dis… er, Walt, my focus in this column is specifically on Walt Disney World—the Florida property. Now that you’ve had the opportunity to see the resort first hand, what are your feelings there?
Walt: A bit mixed, actually. I’m extremely impressed with the size of the place. One of the things that drew us to Florida was the availability of space—something we didn’t have in California. But… four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping complex, restaurants, golf courses, and how many hotels…? It’s a bit difficult to take in all at once.
Steve: How do you feel about the theme parks? Let’s start with the Magic Kingdom.
Walt: I think the Magic Kingdom has turned out pretty much as I had imagined it. It’s a bit like my park… sorry, Disneyland, but just bigger. I guess our decision to acquire all that acreage was a good one. While I’m not 100% on board with some of the attraction decisions, overall I’d say the boys have done a fine job.
Steve: What, specifically, would you change?
Walt: Not much. They got Main Street right. And I really enjoy that larger castle—Cinderella Castle. Having a different castle in each Magic Kingdom around the world was a wonderful idea. The attractions, like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world,” that moved from Disneyland are fine. If I had one bone to pick it would be with Tomorrowland. I think most of the attractions there are OK but, the overall theming should change. It just doesn’t say “Tomorrow” to me.
Steve: What would say “Tomorrow”?
Walt: (leans forward) Obviously, anything that was futuristic in its content. The fellows have done a fine job bringing technology to space travel with Mission: Space and Star Tours. Why isn’t some of that in Tomorrowland? Surely, we could have come up with one or two attractions that could have taken our guests into what we perceive to be our future.
Steve: Good points. Any other changes you’d make? How about lowering the price of admission?
Walt: (grins) Listen. As long as we’re providing value for the guests’ dollar, I have no problem with the current rates. A lot of people think I did what I did for the sheer enjoyment of creating something. That had a lot to do with it but, let’s set the record straight; I enjoyed the fact that I made a tidy sum. It gave me the opportunity to live reasonably well and to take my family on several fairly extravagant vacations. I even built a railroad in my backyard. Who else do you know who’s done that? But let’s also remember that I did a great many things to make money so I could fund other projects. Heck, without the sales from Davy Crockett coonskin caps and Zorro lunch boxes, we might never have had the Florida project.
Steve: Another good point. Is there anything else about the Magic Kingdom that you might do differently?
The “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey Mouse stands in the Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Photo by Steve Russo.
Walt: Honestly, when I first saw that statue of Mickey and me, I wanted to ask someone how much money they wasted having that thing constructed. But the more I thought about it, I warmed to it. After all, Mickey and I were in this thing together; essentially, from the very beginning. Maybe it’s fitting that he and I stand in the center of the park, welcoming our guests—or showing them the way out (laughs). I can’t figure out what I’m pointing at there. I do wonder how Roy feels about his pose sitting with Minnie but, at least he’s sitting. (Smiles) I have to stand for eternity!
Steve: You had sort of a different dream for Epcot—your “city of tomorrow.” How do you feel about how that turned out?
Walt: Well, it certainly isn’t what I had in mind but, I would say I’m pleased with what I see. The World Showcase in particular is, to me, a wonderful experience. Where else can a guest tour and interact with folks from eleven different countries… without leaving the park? I also liked the way they’ve drawn the younger children into it with the Passports and Kidcot Stations. There are some wonderful entertainment options there as well.
Steve: I see. How about Future World?
Walt: It could use some work but, on the whole, I like what I see. Honestly, my vision for Epcot was something much different from what we have today. Deep down, I don’t know if I could have done it successfully or if the same or similar problems would have forced me to rethink the plan. I do, however, think I would have pushed on—insisting on keeping to the theme of a place where people could live and work, as well as be entertained. I would have truly enjoyed resolving some of the transportation issues that were there. I still think it would be possible to pull off my original concept of Epcot—maybe more so today than it was in the 1960s and 1970s.
Steve: Let’s shift to what we now call “Disney’s Hollywood Studios.” What are your thoughts there?
Walt: It’s a wonderful concept and I would have embraced it completely. But, looking at it today, some of the folks in charge would not want to be around me for very long.
Steve: What do you mean?
Walt: (leans forward, gesturing) It’s called the “Studios,” but where’s the filming? Where’s the animation? What a tremendous opportunity to kill two birds with one stone… make your movies and television shows here—both live action and animation—then offer your guests a chance to be a part of it. Who wouldn’t want to watch an animator at work on a film they’ll take their children to see next year? Or watch as we film a live action movie? I’m sorry, but this riles me up.
Steve: I can see that. I’m sorry for bringing it up.
Walt: (smiling now) No, no. Don’t apologize. It needs to be said. Look… it’s a fine park. The attractions and shows there are well done. The look and feel of the park is spot on. They’ve done a magnificent job with the architecture and landscaping. I just think it falls a bit short in the one area that should have been central to every design meeting held. I do, however, like that One Man’s Dream attraction—well done!
Steve: I’m guessing you feel pretty good about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Walt: (smiles broadly) Oh, yes. They got that right in almost every way. The theming, the landscaping… incredible. My goodness, the vegetation in this park alone must have had a very significant cost. And the animals… it is, when it’s all said and done, all about the animals.
SR: Is there anything that caught your eye that might have inspired you to say, “I wish I’d thought of that”?
Walt: Certainly. Although my ego tells me that I would’ve thought of it… and more. The Kilimanjaro Safari comes to mind. The ability to take our guests on a real African safari, to see these animals in an environment as natural to them as their home—all without leaving Florida! It’s really very special.
Steve: Anything else?
Walt: Lots. They’ve included a railroad—always a great idea. And they have these walking tours: the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Panzini Forest thing are extremely well done. Allowing our guests the ability to spend as much or as little time as they’d like with an attraction is a wonderful idea.
Steve: Uh, I think it’s called the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
Walt: Whatever.
Steve: Right. A bit earlier, regarding Animal Kingdom, you said “They got that right in almost every way.” Why the “almost?”
Walt: There’s that area outside of Dinoland… it’s called Chester and Hester’s Carnival or something.
Steve: The Dino-rama.
Walt: I don’t like that at all. I’m all for marketing in the parks, selling food and souvenirs, but I draw the line at asking our guests to cough up money to play carnival games. Leave that to a midway somewhere—not in a Disney theme park.
Steve: I understand. Is there anything else you’d like to say? Any words of wisdom to impart to the Imagineers?
Walt: As you look toward the future, first look back to understand what worked and why. Then open your mind to what lies ahead. Don’t lose sight of who our customers are and why we do what we do. Always ask yourself, “How can this be better?” If you remember those things, the next attraction… the next park… the next whatever will always be better than the last one.
Steve: Thank you so much for taking this time to talk with me.
Walt: It’s been my pleasure.
Steve: No, sir. It’s been mine.
That’s how I think it might have gone. How about you?
