Mickey Mouse has been a prominent feature in the Walt Disney company’s Orlando theme parks since they first opened in the 1970s. Here are some of our favourite Mouse facts.
Walt Disney famously commented, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”
Today, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world, with average annual attendance of more than 52 million.
There are now 4 parks at the Lake Buena Vista site: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
A Star is Born
Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the cartoon “Steamboat Willie”. This short film debuted on November 18th 1928.
Fifty years later, on November 18th 1978, Mickey became the first cartoon character to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was awarded to celebrate Mickey’s 50th birthday.
You can see Mickey’s star at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard.
Steamboat Willie
Although Steamboat Willie was the first Mickey Mouse film to receive a cinema release, it was actually the third Mickey Mouse film to be created.
It was preceded by “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho”.
These two earlier films initially failed to find distributors. Later, they were picked up and released.
Mickey’s first feature film was released in 1940. In “Fantasia” Mickey starred as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
It Could Have Been So Different…
Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse after he lost the rights to an earlier character he had created, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Walt Disney originally planned to call his mouse “Mortimer Mouse”.
Walt changed the name to Mickey when his wife Lillian suggested the name of Mortimer sounded too pompous.
Lillian suggested Mickey because she felt the name better evoked the characteristics of fun and humility.
The Talkies
The first film in which Mickey spoke was his ninth release. “The Karnival Kid” was released in July 1929 and Mickey’s first words were “Hot dog!”
Walt Disney wasn’t happy with the first few actors chosen to provide a voice for Mickey – so he did the job himself.
Walt Disney continued to be the voice of Mickey Mouse until 1947.
The two people who then became the voices of Mickey and Minnie were married in real life.
Mickey’s most famous phrases include: “Oh boy!”, “That sure is swell!” and “See ya soon!”.
Now you know the Mouse facts, book your visit!
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