Early Life and Education of Walt Disney: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Walt Disney. From birth to education, explore key events.

Walt Disney was a highly influential American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur who revolutionized the animation industry. He holds the record for the most Academy Awards and nominations. His groundbreaking work led to the creation of iconic films and characters, many of which have been recognized for their cultural and artistic significance, earning places in the National Film Registry and AFI's list of greatest films.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

December 5, 1901: Walt Disney's Birth

On December 5, 1901, Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois. He later became a famous animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur.

1901: Early Interest in Drawing

In 1901, Walt Disney was born in Chicago and developed an early interest in drawing. He took art classes as a boy before becoming a commercial illustrator.

December 1903: Birth of Ruth Disney

In December 1903, Walt Disney's parents, Elias and Flora Disney, had their fifth child, Ruth.

1906: Move to Marceline, Missouri

In 1906, when Walt Disney was four years old, his family moved to a farm in Marceline, Missouri.

1909: Start of School at Park School

In late 1909, Walt Disney and his younger sister Ruth started school at the same time at the Park School in Marceline.

1911: Move to Kansas City, Missouri

In 1911, the Disney family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, Walt Disney attended the Benton Grammar School.

1917: Move back to Chicago

In 1917, Elias Disney bought stock in a Chicago jelly producer, the O-Zell Company, and moved back to the city with his family. Walt Disney enrolled at McKinley High School and became the school newspaper's cartoonist.

September 1918: Joined Red Cross as Ambulance Driver

In September 1918, after forging his birth certificate, Walt Disney joined the Red Cross as an ambulance driver.

July 1923: Move to Hollywood

In July 1923, Walt Disney moved to Hollywood at 21 years old and began efforts to sell "Alice's Wonderland".

1925: Marriage to Lillian Bounds

In 1925, Walt Disney hired Lillian Bounds and they married in July of that year in Lewiston, Idaho.

October 1931: Walt Disney's nervous breakdown

In October 1931, Walt Disney had a nervous breakdown, which he blamed on the machinations of Powers and his own overwork. He and Lillian took a holiday to Cuba and a cruise to Panama to recover.

December 1933: Birth of Daughter Diane

In December 1933, Walt and Lillian Disney's daughter, Diane, was born.

December 1936: Adoption of Daughter Sharon

In December 1936, Walt and Lillian Disney adopted their daughter, Sharon, who was born six weeks prior.

1940: Switch to the Republican Party

In 1940, Walt Disney switched allegiance to the Republican Party after being a Democratic Party supporter.

1940: Demolition of Hyperion Avenue Studio

In 1940, the first official Walt Disney Studio at 2725 Hyperion Avenue was demolished.

1944: Donation to Thomas E. Dewey's Presidential Bid

In 1944, Walt Disney became a generous donor to Thomas E. Dewey's bid for the presidency.

1946: Founding Member of the Motion Picture Alliance

In 1946, Walt Disney was a founding member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals.

1949: Move to Holmby Hills and Carolwood Pacific Railroad Creation

In 1949, Walt Disney and his family moved to a new home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles. Soon after, Disney developed a miniature live steam railroad for his backyard, named the Carolwood Pacific Railroad.