#7 Walt Disney

Continuing My Top 10 Personal Heroes Who Fueled My Obsession for Ranching and Wildlife

Hey folks! Over the last 10 days, I've been sharing some stories about the top 10 people who've lit a fire under me when it comes to ranching and loving the great outdoors. I can't wait to hear who's inspired you, too!

Nature and Disney Side by Side

In my childhood the woods behind my house were a kingdom of endless adventures and imagination, and Disney World was, well, a magical realm unto itself. I had a huge imagination as a kid, I’d spend hours pretending to be a Jedi, trying to move stuff with the "Force."

That didn't work….

Or did it?

However, those early days were when the lines between magic and reality were a little blurred, and I wouldn't have it any other way, and it shaped who I am today.

Walt and Roy Disney

Fast forward a few years (fine, decades) never having lost the imagination. In fact my friends laugh at me when I am lost in imagination and invention land and say “uhh, he is in Dan land again.” I found out Walt was the same way. Walt was the dreamer like me and admittedly would never have made the dent in the world without his brother Roy. Roy supported Walt no matter how crazy his ideas and dreams were. In the history of business history, few partnerships are as iconic as that of Walt and Roy Disney. Together, they built an empire out of imagination and ink. While Walt was the visionary, Roy was the pragmatic strategist. This combination of creative genius and business acumen led to one of the most beloved and successful enterprises in the world: The Walt Disney Company. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. One of the most vivid examples of their incredible partnership is the story of Disneyland—the Happiest Place on Earth that started as the riskiest idea on paper.

The Dreamer and The Doer

Walt Disney had a vision of a theme park that transcended anything seen before—an "amusement enterprise" where storytelling came to life, complete with themed "lands," spotless pathways, and a commitment to excellence in customer service. The problem was, nobody had done anything like it, and Walt's idea seemed borderline crazy to most people, even to his own brother Roy at first.

Securing the Dream

Though skeptical, Roy took on the Herculean task of turning Walt’s dream into a reality. He tapped into his business acumen to secure the financing needed to build Disneyland. A groundbreaking deal with ABC provided the capital, with a stipulation for a Disney TV show that served a dual purpose: entertainment and promotional vehicle for the soon-to-be park. Roy managed budgets, contracts, and all the other intricacies of the business side that made it possible for Disneyland to be more than just a fantastical idea in Walt’s mind.

Black Sunday

July 17, 1955, marked the grand opening of Disneyland, and it was a disaster—now infamously known as "Black Sunday." Rides broke down, food ran out, and thanks to a plumbers' strike, Walt had to choose between operating toilets or drinking fountains. Choosing the more "pressing" need led to parched guests jokingly accusing Disney of a soda-sales conspiracy.

Amidst the chaos, Roy, ever the pragmatic and stabilizing force, humorously commented to his frantic brother, "So this is where the dream has led us, huh?" Unperturbed, Walt quipped back, "Well, if it’s a dream, don’t wake me up; I’m having too much fun!" It was this relentless optimism and sense of humor that helped them overcome the obstacles of Black Sunday.? I found this same thing in my wife, Adrienne. This remarkable woman is the Roy to my Walt Disney. If you're scratching your head, let me explain. Walt Disney was a dreamer, a storyteller, and a visionary. His brother Roy? The practical implementer who made those dreams come true. Their dynamic was harmony—each played their part, and the tune was sweeter for it.

Legacy Cemented in Imagination and Grit

Despite the disaster that was Black Sunday, Disney’s success soared to become the epitome of theme park excellence. So what's the takeaway? When a dreamer and a doer join forces, they can build empires—castles, magical kingdoms, you name it.

Smoke Tree Ranch: Walt's Personal Oasis

Switching gears back to the the land and ranching. Yep, few people know Walt Disney owned a slice of paradise called "Smoke Tree Ranch." Nestled in Palm Springs, California, it was the family retreat filled with horseback riding, swimming pools, and golf courses. Walt cherished this sanctuary, often donning a tie with the ranch's emblem, as if holding a piece of his peaceful realm close to his heart even when he was miles away.

True-Life Adventures: Disney's Impact on Wildlife Conservation

Now, you might be wondering, "What does any of this have to do with wildlife conservation?" Well, sit tight. Walt Disney wasn't just an entertainment mogul; Walt was also an eco-warrior before it was even a thing. Starting in 1948, Disney's "True-Life Adventures" TV series changed the game. These documentaries showcased the awe-inspiring beauty and complexities of nature at a time when nature documentaries weren’t really ever on tv. Not only did they raise public awareness and interest in nature, they also triggered a ripple effect—changing policies, inspiring new generations of conservationists, and directing funds towards conservation efforts. And this isn't just historical talk; the legacy continues with the Disney Conservation Fund, which has funneled millions into safeguarding wildlife and their habitats.

The Magic Continues...

So here we are. My love for ranching, nature, and conservation finds its roots in the magical world Walt and Roy Disney built. It's proof that magic isn't confined to fairy tales or childhood fantasies. It exists in the real world, in the realms of imagination and action, in storytelling and conservation, and even in the woods that still sit behind my house.

It reminds me that my "Jedi" powers may not move stuff, but they can move hearts and minds towards building a more enchanting and sustainable world. So let's keep the magic alive, one dream and one deed at a time.