How Disney Built America: Episode Guide
Disney’s "How Disney Built America" is a four-part documentary series that explores the history of the Walt Disney Company, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global entertainment giant. The series premiered on ABC in 2020, with each episode focusing on a specific era or area of Disney’s history. Here is a comprehensive episode guide to help you get the most out of this fascinating series:
Episode 1: "Early Years" (1880s-1930s)
In this first episode, we take a look at the early years of Walt Disney’s life and the beginnings of the Disney company. We meet Walt’s father, Elias Disney, a hardworking and ambitious man who instilled in his children a strong work ethic and a passion for storytelling. We also see how Walt’s early career as an animator at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio and his subsequent partnership with Ub Iwerks laid the foundation for Disney’s future success.
- Walt Disney’s Early Life: We learn about Walt’s early years, growing up in a small town in Kansas, and how his family’s struggles acted as a catalyst for his future success.
- The Beginnings of Disney’s Career: We see how Walt’s early career as an animator, from his work at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio to his partnership with Ub Iwerks, laid the groundwork for his later success.
Episode 2: "The Golden Age" (1930s-1960s)
In this episode, we explore the iconic "Golden Age" of Disney, marked by the creation of beloved animation classics like Snow White, Pinocchio, and Bambi. We also see how Walt’s vision for Disneyland, the first theme park of its kind, came to life.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: We learn about the making of the first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937 and considered a groundbreaking achievement in animation.
- The Making of an Iconic Franchise: We delve into the creation of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, and how they became synonymous with Disney.
- The Birth of Disneyland: We explore the concept of Disneyland, the brainchild of Walt Disney, which opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California, and revolutionized the theme park industry.
Episode 3: "Expansion and Challenges" (1970s-1990s)
In this episode, we examine the challenges faced by Disney as it expanded into new markets and dealt with the loss of its founder, Walt Disney. We also see how the company adapted to changes in the industry and the rise of new technology.
- Walt’s Legacy: We explore the impact of Walt’s passing on the company and how his brother, Roy O. Disney, and other leaders navigated the transition.
- The Rise of Disney’s Theme Parks: We learn about the expansion of Disney’s theme park empire, from the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida to the introduction of new attractions and resorts.
- The Introduction of New Technologies: We see how Disney adapted to the rise of new technologies like cable television, video cassettes, and computer animation, and how they impacted the company’s business model.
Episode 4: "The Modern Era" (2000s-Present)
In this final episode, we examine the modern era of Disney, marked by significant changes in ownership, attendance at its theme parks, and the rise of new Disney (ABC, ESPN, and FX) networks.
- The Disney Acquisition of 21st Century Fox: We learn about the company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, which expanded Disney’s reach in film, television, and digital media.
- The Rise of the Disney+ Streaming Service: We explore the company’s foray into the world of streaming with the launch of Disney+, which now offers a vast library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
- The Evolution of Disney’s Theme Parks: We see the latest developments in Disney’s theme park empire, including the opening of new resorts, attractions, and experiences, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Rise of the Resistance.
Conclusion
"How Disney Built America" is a fascinating four-part documentary series that offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Walt Disney Company. From its humble beginnings to its current global presence, this series takes viewers on a journey through the company’s highs and lows, exploring the people, events, and technologies that shaped its success. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply interested in business and media, this series is sure to provide plenty of interesting insights and behind-the-scenes stories.
Sources:
- "Walt Disney: An American Original" by Bob Thomas
- "The Disney Touch" by Sam Givens and Katie Lloyd-Jones
- "Walt Disney: A Biography" by Neal Gabler
- "The Disney That Time Forgot" by J.B. Kaufman
- "The Making of Bambi" by J. G. Fuchs
All images courtesy of Disney+.