July 19, 2018
By Chelsea Reed
From the humble beginnings of a young artist’s dream to one of the largest entertainment media companies in the world, the Walt Disney Company is today’s household name that is synonymous to top-notch family movies. See how much you know your Disney with these fun insider movie facts.
Fact #1: Mickey and Minnie’s voices were married to each other.
After Walt Disney stepped down from being Mickey’s first voice actor, Wayne Allwine got the job from mentoring with Jimmy MacDonald, Mickey’s second voice. Five years later, Wayne met the love of his life – Minnie’s voice actor Russi Taylor. The two were soon married happily ever after, bringing Micky and Minnie to life on screen for over 30 years. Even after Wayne passed away in 2009, Russi continues to voice Minnie along with other popular characters such as Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louis.
Fact #2: Snow White’s music album was the first public soundtrack.
In addition to being the first feature-length animated film, Snow White also holds the record for being the first movie to release its songs for people to purchase and listen to any time. Today, movie soundtracks are commonplace in the entertainment market. No wonder people whistle while they work!
Fact #3: Aladdin’s looks resemble Tom Cruise.
Yes, you read it right. Disney animators had purposefully modeled Aladdin’s physical features after Tom Cruise’s good looks, but it was Scott Weinger who was responsible for his handsome voice. Ah, the good days of the Golden Age of animation!
Fact #4: Walt Disney was Peter Pan in a school play.
Long before Peter Pan was a movie, it was a theatrical play. Making Peter Pan into an animated film was inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood. Disney himself had starred as Peter Pan in a school production. His brother Roy even hoisted him up with a rope to look like he was flying on stage.
Fact #5: The Lion King and Pocahontas were produced at the same time.
It’s quite a feat to pull off a major motion Disney animated movie, but two at the same time? Amazing! When Disney producers finished The Lion King and Pocahontas in 1994, they thought that Pocahontas would be the one to win first. In the end, Lion King would ultimately take that spotlight, coming away as the eighth-highest grossing animated film of all time with numerous sequels (including a live action remake in 2019) and even its own award-winning Broadway show. No offense, Pocahontas – we still love your colors of the wind!
Did you know that Seaside Art Gallery carries official Disney artwork? From original animation cels to fine sculptures, Disney fans will appreciate their authenticity. Take a look online now, or see them in person at the Gallery. Have your own fun Disney fact to share? Let us know – we’d love to hear it!
Chelsea Reed is a freelance copywriter. She writes articles, blogs, websites and online content from her base in North Carolina.
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