“Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role.”
- December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966
- Born in the United States
- Animator, film director, entrepreneur, producer
- Best known as the creator of Mickey Mouse, he established the animation film industry. As the founder of Disneyland, he is globally recognized as an iconic figure in the world of entertainment.
Quote
“Disneyland is the star, everything else is in the supporting role.”
Explanation
This quote encapsulates Walt Disney’s vision for his theme park, which was designed to be the central attraction in a world of entertainment. Disney saw Disneyland as the pinnacle of his creative achievements, and everything surrounding it—from the parades to the merchandising—was intended to serve the central experience of the park itself. This reflects Disney’s philosophy of creating a complete, immersive experience for visitors, where the park itself would be the primary focus.
Historically, Walt Disney revolutionized the entertainment industry with his pioneering work in animation and theme parks. By creating Disneyland in 1955, he shifted the paradigm of theme parks into immersive, story-driven environments that transcended simple amusement rides. His focus on creating an experience rather than just an attraction was groundbreaking. Modern theme parks, including those by Disney, still follow this philosophy, where attractions, entertainment, and even retail are designed to enhance the overall theme park experience.
In today’s context, this philosophy is still highly relevant. For example, when you visit any Disney park, the attractions, food, and even merchandise are carefully designed to align with the brand and story of the park. Everything is meant to reinforce the core experience, whether it’s the magic of the rides or the immersive storytelling of the environment itself. Disney’s approach to themed environments has since been adopted by various entertainment and tourism industries, proving the lasting influence of his vision.
