EXPLORING WALT ’ S DISNEY WORLD
BY TRISHA DAAB
From construction signs to classic
attractions , you can feel the inspiring touch of Walt sprinkled around Walt Disney World . Here are a few words from Walt and how to help the kids connect with the man behind the dream .
“ It was all started by a mouse .” The Partners Statue at Magic Kingdom is a great place to talk about overcoming challenges . Walt created Mickey Mouse after finding out he didn ’ t own the rights to his first character , Oswald the Lucky Rabbit .
“ Inspiration for what we produce comes from reading , observing the world of humans around us , and also the animal kingdom .” Walt had a great love of animals and nature . Animal Kingdom brings to life something he could only imagine : guests safely riding through animal habitats and learning about creatures from all over the world .
This is a great time to talk with your kids about conservation . WDW even makes it easy and fun with Wilderness Explorers , conservation buttons , and treats .
Walt said , “ It requires people to make the dream a reality ,” and Main Street offers tributes to the many people who helped make Walt ’ s dreams come true , including his brother , Roy .
The Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse bench at the other end of Main Street offers an excellent opportunity to talk to kids about the helpers in their lives . Ask them about their dreams and who they think might help accomplish them .
Tip : Help the cotton-top tamarins ! When you order a Flat White at Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom , you ’ re supporting the Disney Conservation Fund .
“ There ’ s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine .” One of Walt ’ s biggest ideas for WDW was a community of tomorrow that would showcase innovative ways of living , including transportation systems like the Monorail .
NEXT PAGE : This picture of Walt can be found inside One Man ' s Dream at Disney ' s Hollywood Studios . PHOTO BY BRETT SVENSON