The statue depicts Walt Disney in his 50s, sitting on a park bench modeled on Griffith Park – where he was inspired to create Disneyland – with Mickey Mouse after Disneyland California had just opened. He is reflecting on all they have achieved while looking forward to what's next.
Dream Makers is inspired by the times Walt Disney took his two daughters to ride the merry-go-round at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. As he watched them play, he was inspired to create a place where parents and children could have fun together.
The unveiling on the eve of the company’s 100th anniversary was officiated by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort managing director Michael Moriarty, senior vice president, executive global management of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering Ali Rubinstein, and archives manager at Walt Disney Archives Edward Ovalle.
Also attending were senior executives, representatives from non-profit organizations, community friends, devoted fans, students and alumni from Disney Imaginations Hong Kong and local youth program Project Melo, and guests from Disney Imagineering.
The statue has two plaques beside it – on the left is an open sketchbook symbolizing Disney’s legacy so far, while on the right is a sketchbook yet to be opened, symbolizing that plans for the future are still unknown, with endless possibilities waiting to be discovered.
Ahead of the launch of “Dream Makers," some 900 people gathered for a “Dream Makers Fireside Chat” with Moriarty, Rubinstein, and Ovalle, who spoke about Walt Disney as a person, entrepreneur, innovator, and storyteller.
Ovalle described Walt Disney as a “low-key” and “humble” family man, who would drive his two daughters to school despite his busy schedule.
“As he sat on the bench, watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round over and over again, it ignited a dream in Walt where parents and children could have fun together,” Ovalle said.
As an entrepreneur, Walt Disney’s spirit of innovation and ability to think outside the box inspire Moriarty and his leadership team every day.
“We’re always coming up with new ways to surprise and delight guests, making each visit more memorable than the last,” Moriarty said.
“[Walt] often said that the secret to success is teamwork and collaboration.”
Walt Disney has always been the “original storyteller” of the theme park, Rubinstein said, adding that attractions in Disney parks were designed to bring an emotional and immersive experience to guests.
“His films transformed the art of storytelling on the big screen. With live action, he changed the world by engaging with television audiences,” she said.
“Disney parks ultimately became the most unique expression of Walt's storytelling genius and the largest contribution to the entertainment world in his lifetime.”
Meanwhile, Walt’s Cafe and Grand Salon at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel are serving an “Eat Like Walt Disney” menu through late next month, including Macaroni Mickey Mouse and a lemon meringue pie, Chris's Cold Pie.
Guests can also purchase exclusive “Dream Makers" themed merchandise, including a figurine to celebrate the launch of the statue.
Hong Kong Disneyland also collaborated with local jewelry group Chow Tai Fook for the “Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse” commemorative gold coin to be launched early next month. Using the “Dream Makers” statue as its blueprint, the coin features the pair engraved on the front.
Disney PhotoPass photographers will be available to help guests take pictures with the statue, who can purchase them with a "Dream Makers" themed photo border.
Dream Makers empowers young artists
The Dream Makers statue shows the spirit of how every individual is a dream maker.
That's the aim of a youth training program soon to be launched by Arts With the Disabled Association Hong Kong, sponsored and supported by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
The Disney Dream Makers Youth Development Program: Empowering Young Talents with Disabilities aims to support budding artists with disabilities aged under 19, encouraging them to explore their artistic talents and creativity.
Each recipient has the chance to receive up to HK$50,000 to support and encourage them to showcase their artistic growth.
In conjunction with Disney's 100th anniversary, the theme park also aims to launch a new Values Education Series late this month.
The series will feature the story of Walt Disney’s life and legacy as well as the challenges and experiences of different Disney characters, enabling both primary and secondary school students to better understand the values behind each story and how it can relate to their everyday lives.
