Skip to content

Behind the Mouse: The Beliefs That Built Disney’s Empire

Walt Disney, a visionary creator and pioneer of the animation industry, has inspired generations with his boundless imagination and belief in the power of dreams. But beyond the magical films, beloved characters, and enchanting theme parks, Walt Disney was a man with deeply held beliefs about creativity, storytelling, and the human spirit.

Keep reading to test your Walt Disney knowledge.

More About Walt Disney

Most people know Disney for his iconic creations—like Mickey Mouse and Disneyland—fewer are aware of the principles that guided his extraordinary career. Walt Disney was not just a businessman or an animator; he was a dreamer who believed that storytelling had the power to inspire hope, optimism, and joy in the world.

Related: Do You Know Your Walt Disney History?

He once famously said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” This sentiment echoed through everything he did, from creating the first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to opening Disneyland, a place where families could come together and experience the wonder of imagination.

Walt Disney’s legacy continues to influence entertainment today, but what truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to improving everything he touched. He often used the term “plussing,” a concept that meant constantly refining ideas and projects, never settling for “good enough.” Disney believed that creative work could always be improved, and this pursuit of excellence was one of the cornerstones of his success. His belief in the magic of storytelling, paired with his relentless pursuit of perfection, reshaped the animation industry and left an enduring mark on global culture

The Quiz

It’s time to test your knowledge on Walt Disney’s beliefs!

Walt Disney's Beliefs

1 / 10

What was Walt Disney’s primary belief when it came to creating animated films?

2 / 10

Walt Disney was a strong believer in the power of storytelling. What did he often say about the role of a story in animation?

3 / 10

Walt Disney was known for his strong belief in the importance of ______.

4 / 10

Walt Disney was known for his belief in “plussing.” What does this term refer to?

5 / 10

Which of the following did Walt Disney believe was the most important factor in making a successful animated character?

6 / 10

What did Walt Disney believe about the importance of Disneyland?

7 / 10

Which of these was a core belief that Walt Disney held about his projects?

8 / 10

What did Walt Disney say about curiosity?

9 / 10

Walt Disney had a firm belief in the power of optimism. Which of the following best describes his view?

10 / 10

Walt Disney believed that his movies and parks should help people do what?

Your score is

The average score is 0%

0%

Test more of your Disney knowledge!