Defunctland: The History of Mickey Mouse Park

[@Defunctland]

Hey everyone! Hope you like the video. I see many people commenting on the use of "Dixie" in the intro, and I want to be clear that this was done purposefully with knowledge of its historical context. If you look at the context it is placed, both with the images of the intro and within the video's theme as a whole, I hope it makes sense as to why I included it. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. If you need something else to past the time, as always, I recommend my experimental channel Themed Alternative: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ3TaqaFl859hM0

[@StamfordBridge]

Sejez No, Germans by and large have had to come to terms with their past, whereas nearly half of Americans live in a culture of permanent amnesia, constantly whitewashing the past, while the other half never stop pointing to the continued relevance of past uglinesses. It’s why now we have not just a cultural divide, but a reality divide.

[@coyoteartist]

Lord love a duck, it's just a song.

[@coyoteartist]

@Sejez No one was asking for your forgiveness.

[@coyoteartist]

@Sejez I don't see where he was saying that. He was simply saying that we in the US tend to have a divide of extremes when it comes to the past. Yeah our ancestors did some things that aren't nice to think about. But every country is guilty of that. Ideally we'd be more in the middle about it, learning from the past and learning why people did things as they did. That's not easy in a country based on individualism. I might not like a lot of what happened in the past, but I've learned the history and I know there were positives too.

[@WWChampion16]

Hopefully this is a continuing story you are doing.

[@hexmaniacwingy]

"Walt was overcome with depression and developed a hyperfixation on trains" is probably the single most relatable thing about Walt I've ever heard.

[@luma4902]

For me it was he was broken and depressed 1:10

[@mr.epicmemerman131]

Same.

[@JoshuaJacobs83]

I truly hope you find and get mental health help. It sounds like you need it. :(

[@gonzolonzo1383]

It's probably the only thing he's said that's particularly relatable.

[@Naharu.]

He just like me, for real

[@EngineerLume]

"He was depressed. And he didn't know what to do about it." *Rag-Time Intensifies*

[@iammaybeabro4598]

Just like playing "What a Wonderful World" in Bowling for Columbine.

[@thecrimsonarrow1705]

He was playing Dixie, “Song of the South Flashbacks Intensity”

[@iammaybeabro4598]

@@thecrimsonarrow1705 I didn't know what he was playing, but hey, it works the same exact way (that's what I was getting at, I should've phrased it better).

[@thecrimsonarrow1705]

@I am maybe a bro? 45 I know what you were saying and I know what you mean but the song that was playing at the beginning is called “Dixie” and it’s an old Southern song that has many implications towards the old South and civil war.

[@thecrimsonarrow1705]

I was more making a statement then replying to what you said I’m sorry mate!

[@JennyNicholson]

WALT 👏 LOVED 👏 TRAINS 👏

[@cottage-core_]

+

[@kirisuna19]

I like trains......

[@Waldzkrieger]

Walt said TRAINS RIGHTS

[@kobaltsteel6418]

His favorite show would have been Ressha Sentai ToQger... it has MANY train things!

[@justicedreams]

Trains are dope ngl

[@catarinalopes7891]

walt disney obsessing over trains while depressed is definitely a mood for this quarantine

[@ChevyCamaroIsBetter]

That's my mood. Like everyday. I love trains, not the depressed part.

[@Anitamustdie]

Same

[@oooh19]

@@ChevyCamaroIsBetter Old Bethpage Village Restoration has trains display sometimes

[@ChevyCamaroIsBetter]

@@oooh19 awesome! I gotta check that out next time they have it.

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Catarina Lopes Same... I take a train do different parts of New Jersey and to New York City with my CFI advanced travel training classes! A train ride to the city isn’t so bad! 🧳🚞🌃

[@DrgoFx]

I love the slight break of "character" for the line "Partly due to an injury he incurred, and partly due to the fact that on TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS one of the people he was playing polo with DIED DURING THE GAME." Like you can just hear the emphasis of like "I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP."

[@jordynstief3225]

Indeed.

[@patchwork6280]

I couldn't help but imagine just sitting in a park enjoying myself and seeing a adult man who's created one of the most successful and famous companies of all time running around and squealing like a child

[@ZoanBlade90]

It makes him human. I love it.

[@ShootingStarNeo]

Honestly, relatable. I too revert to an excited kid when I’m at conventions. They’re anime conventions though and *that’s* a strange thing to imagine Walt Disney attending.

[@KaylaNoelle1]

One of the joys of fatherhood is the excuse to act like a kid yourself I guess. I know my dad took advantage of that haha.

[@traindude70]

Better thing is when you find out zwalt Disney is the engineer driving the train around Disney Land you are riding.

[@angrytheclown801]

@@ShootingStarNeo Now I'm imagining him bishonen and going all Goku with a Kamehameha

[@ksfallenangel5770]

Shout out to Roy Disney for being a such a good older brother to Walt.

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

Half of Walt's success is because of his older brother who is the only person that can talk to the bankers and investors...

[@fatcat1399]

Nice Code Lyoko profile pic!🤘

[@PoleTooke]

He was such a supportive big brother. I envy Walt

[@dorkdumproductions7900]

Shout out to Roy for putting up with all of Walt’s shit 😂

[@Thatoneshortkid10]

Roy was an amazing brother I am glad that Roy was his brother I love them and Disney land and world

[@gabe_s_videos]

"I like trains." - Walt Disney, 1946

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Yep!

[@otaking3582]

_It's a wonderful kind of feeling_ _It's a feeling I can't explain_ _It's a wonderful kind of feeling_ _That's the reason I Love Toy Trains_

[@txag007]

I like train too! - Me, 2020

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Toyota Supra 🚊

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

@@otaking3582 I get this refrence.

[@xww6849]

I love how this season of Defunctland is a true SEASON, with fully plotted out storytelling. Season 2, by the end, told the story of Michael Eisner’s downfall, but this season has a genuine arc about how Disneyland came to be. I’m excited to see where this season goes.

[@somerandomidioticnerd9769]

Same, I never expected to be so into the story of a theme park of all things, but I suppose that's just the effects of good writing

[@pisces2569]

Xorn Was Wrong speaking of Michael Eisner, I’m shocked he wasn’t mentioned in this video

[@TheZackofSpades]

I am significantly late to the party, but yes I agree. When I realized this was unpacking the psyche and trauma of Walt himself...deconstructing his anxiety and flaws...ooooo boy I was ready to binge the heck out of this. Sheer brilliance in storytelling all the way through.

[@venustoise134]

Walt: "I'm the furthest thing from Depressed! Would a depressed person make this??" *Points to a large train track in his backyard*

[@theotherjared9824]

10 years later Walt: "Whose depressed now!" Points to a giant theme park specifically made to house his trains.

[@katherinealvarez9216]

@@theotherjared9824 Years later... "I'm totally not depressed!!!" *Planning to build a city*

[@AusSP]

Serious answer, maybe, but I'd sure be a lot less depressed if I had a large train track in my backyard.

[@DMWayne-ke7fl]

Is there a reference?

[@nitehawk86]

@@AusSP I have a friend with a train track in her back yard and she is most certainly not happy with it. Probably because she does not own it, and the trains run at all hours of the day.

[@neptunnae]

Disney built a tiny railroad when his wife wanted a garden That made me laugh more than it should-

[@andyjay729]

All because Ward Kimball had one in his backyard. Wait, how fucking huge was Ward Kimball's backyard? Walt just had one of those mini trains you have straddle to ride. Kimball's were the size of the Disneyland Railroad itself!

[@oldmanartist4655]

@@andyjay729 guy, they were buying TRAINS out of boredom. safe to say they probably had backyards.

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah Ward had quite some stuff. About 1000ft of 3ft wide track (same as Disneyland and Disney World uses) and a full size engine and coach, similar in size to that found at Walt Disney world today. Along with that, a smaller train more equivalent in size to that of the Disneyland railroad today, converted out of an old plantation train from Hawaii. I mean heck, Ward's small engine "Chloe" actually went on the Disneyland railroad a few years ago when they rebuilt it to make room for Galaxy's Edge.

[@micycles1200]

@@andyjay729 Yeah, I had always wondered that. I mean, Walt was one of Hollywood's top dogs, but you have to wonder what the hell Ward Kimball did on the side in order to not only afford a house with a backyard that was bigger than Walt's, but to also afford a whole damn TRAIN that was bigger than Walt's.

[@Iden326]

Let the record show though, Lilian still got her garden though, that was the only way Walt was going to get that railroad in his backyard.

[@Shanapoo7]

A ringing endorsement for Coney Island: 'We made Walt Disney almost give up.'

[@gabe_s_videos]

As someone who lives right near Coney Island, it almost makes me feel a little patriotic. XD

[@eatatjoe]

Ohio...pfft.

[@brennonkrooninc]

"by being so terrible, dirty, and run down"

[@KazuTree]

The one time I ever played Polo, I rolled off the horse and got kicked in the chest. So yeah, Polo can be a pretty dang dangerous game. Finally! It's not entirely Walt's fault this time!

[@BrooklynShakallis]

I see that Nick Robinson pfp Ok bye I'm going to Japan

[@KazuTree]

@@BrooklynShakallis no joke, I just got back from a japan trip, and I was debating on checking to see if the sticker was still in the SEGA office

[@BrooklynShakallis]

@@KazuTree I'm actually going to Japan later this year (if curona dosen't affect flights too much) and I'm contemplating on making a calling card. I mean, Sega does own Persona 5.

[@Sarah_Gravydog316]

I BLAME MICHAEL EISNER!

[@ArendAlphaEagle]

しᑌᗰᏆ ᗷᖇᝪᝪᏦ Something something... Pappy Van Poodle

[@shinytogebre]

Disney really walked up to that artist said hi, bought that train before him, and just left him there. 😂😂

[@Wiccanwolf08]

Walt:" Hey, friend. I see you like trains. *eye train set* I also like trains. My name is Walt Disney and I make movies in America. *inches closer to train set* Say, would you like to work for this new park I'm thinking about opening? It's..uh...*inches closer* gonna have trains in it. Okay, well, I'll...see ya later. Call me." *snatches train set and runs like hell*

[@ShootingStarNeo]

The guy turning up later back in America like “give me my goddamn train, Walt.”

[@drewgehringer7813]

And then that guy went on to do design work for Disney's 20,000 leagues under the sea adaption

[@Mrtrainlover679]

Funniest part is, that engine was never even run on the Carolwood in the end. When it was being shipped over sea water leaked into the hold and got to it. It was fixable but by the time it got back to Walt, he was busy with Disneyland and well, we know what happened from there. It’s on display in his barn now

[@smallmailman3992]

@@Mrtrainlover679 like, the one at live steamers? I’ve been to that barn before lol.

[@marglefarble8280]

Alternate title: Walt Disney's Midlife Crisis

[@freakshowfilmfestival3591]

You sound just like the enemies of Sea Biscuit. 😑

[@PoleTooke]

Sadly, this is far beyond Disney’s “mid life” - this is like 1950 and he died in 1966

[@alexbrown8900]

@@PoleTooke midlife doesnt mean mid of your life. You can have one and die in the same year.

[@clyne8835]

@@PoleTooke end of life crisis about his legacy

[@jayson1505]

@@clyne8835 nah, that's epcot 😭

[@SnapperChannel]

What I’ve been enjoying about these recent Defucntland videos is how all these at first glance unrelated theme park histories and the company party would all tie into Walt Disney and the creation of Disneyland. It shows the sides of Disney many don’t see and gives a more human look at one of pop culture’s biggest icons. Keep up the great work Kevin.

[@NotaPizzaGRL]

What I like the most about this series is how it shows the devevlopment of amusement parks. While it has a sense of hagiography to it it's interesting to see all the concepts and earlier parks (successful and failed) which influenced the designs of Disneyland and Disney World.

[@missybarbour6885]

This has the most accurate look at Disney's simplification of history I've ever heard. Nobody was actively trying to erase the dark elements of American history, he just had some prescription strength nostalgia goggles. It's not an accurate view of history and it's a problem when children are learning that it is, but the story was personal to Walt and no adult views their childhood accurately. "The past is another country. They do things differently there."

[@staticcharm3808]

Accurate views of history don't really exist though. Everyone looks at history through the perspective of their present lives. Modern historians didn't live in the times they studied and can only give you interpretations gathered through writings and other media along with their own opinions. Once the people who actually lived during those times die off, then we lose the abiltiy to really understand the times they lived in.

[@supermonkey321]

I think people criticizing the romanticized version of history that Walt wanted to present totally miss the point. It's not supposed to be reality. It is a nostalgic fantasy of history, but that is the entire purpose, to tap into nostalgia and good feelings and make it a place of fun and joy. A real representation of history wouldn't be fun, and wouldn't make people happy to visit. He was making an amusement park, not a history textbook come to life. I love the idealized fictional version of history that Disney presents, and wish the parks today still had more of it, seeing as a lot of it has been replaced by other things these days. As someone with an actual degree in history, I love that nostalgia for a long lost time that never truly existed. That was always one of my favorite things about the Disney parks and Walt's vision for what he wanted them to be.

[@frenchbreadstupidity7054]

@@supermonkey321 There is a problem with most old interpretations of American history, whether accurate or inaccurate. Even when they had a moral behind them that we accept nowadays - that colonialism is bad, that racism is wrong, etc - they were written for white people, mostly out of ignorance that they may ever have any other audience, and as a result are automatically racist in an old-timey way that you can't really blame, but can phase out. They take the perspective of a white person visiting a non-white culture, and the culture is good because this white person can learn to love it. Or, it provides first-time theoretical experiences with other races to the sheltered white reader. Or, when it's about representing the past as happy times, it crafts guiltless happiness for the white viewer. It is still glaringly obvious to the black or native viewer that they are the 'other' and that their ancestors were abused and oppressed, except now it's not even being acknowledged as bad by the white people who make wishes for that past to return.

[@TiberianFiend]

It's funny that the people who accuse others of historical revisionism are the ones trying to revise history.

[@frenchbreadstupidity7054]

@@TiberianFiend Both Native Americans and African slaves had writing systems, they just weren't widely used- similar to the Celts, their purposes were symbolism and art, not communication. And as an archaologist I can tell you that there is a lot of history that is not written but can still be recorded with a high level of accuracy. For example, we know that slaves with origins in Nigeria, even while working on plantation practiced a ritual where they gave offerings to water gods just like they had in their home country, and passed it on for several generations. With their limited possessions, all they had to give was pottery, and these offerings had an African symbol of eternal life carved into them. Shipwrecks carrying slaves that never made it to the US, also give a glimpse into a frozen moment of time- how movement was restricted, what food was available, what illnesses may have affected them etc. We can also trace back African American families to maternal and paternal tribes in Africa using genetics. Oral tradition is also remarkably accurate, with stories of migration and natural disasters often holding up against the archaeological evidence. And many slaves could write, as they were scribes for their masters and misses. They would even send letters to each other. Plus, if European records say that this Native American settlement was ambushed and attacked here and so many died, why would omitting it be more accurate to history, than admitting that it was a tragic massacre? By no means is the history of Africans and Natives in the USA, a fabricated history. In fact, history is more complete when we include them in the whole story.

[@jewelthompson9916]

Rich people in the 40s were wild like he just built a railroad in his backyard

[@mrwalkway4740]

Rich people today buy stupid shit like garbage abstract art and politicians

[@livialovee]

Rich people now buy a whole island just to escape the Coronavirus

[@kevinzurek3431]

Rich people now still do that.

[@hedgehog3180]

A ton of people do that today still. Not all are rich though.

[@otaking3582]

@@mrwalkway4740 I know what you meant by "buying politicians", but now I can't help but imagine a stereotypical rich person carrying around some famous politician like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Mike Haggard in their purse like a dog (it's one of those magic purses that's bigger on the inside)

[@AlbinoLoki]

I really love how we always get a deep look into the psychology of Walt with these videos. It adds some humanity to a man whom we of the newer generation have been told was perfect.

[@EngineerLume]

A lot of the modern opinion of Walt is either "He was a perfect being" or "He was entertainments greatest monster." Stuff like this is a nice antidote that shows he was more complex than we want him to be.

[@Hesperell]

What newer generation? Are you 80? I'm 27, and when I was growing up, if you said something positive about American history you got sent to the guidance counselor with a Post-it note saying "High F scale. Possible right-wing authoritarianism case. Requires intervention."

[@AlbinoLoki]

@@Hesperell I'm 21. I'm talking about people at my age and those younger than me. Edit: and I'm not talking about American history. I'm talking about Walt as a human being versus the infallible god figure pop culture has immortalized him as.

[@AlbinoLoki]

@@EngineerLume Yes. I agree. It's very fascinating

[@Yakkolicious]

Walt Disney was a human. He smoked a lot, he made bad decisions, he learned from his mistakes. He wasn't perfect, but he isn't the monster we make him out to be. Michael Eisner and Bob Iger, on the other hand...

[@xingcat]

Walt really shouldn't have been playing polo at Action Park.

[@maddinpictures3102]

But its like coming to Broadway

[@chayden153]

There truly is nothing in the world like action park

[@missybarbour6885]

Get wwwwet Get Wwwwild Get kkkkilled

[@gator9339]

@@missybarbour6885 too soon

[@uncanny_ally]

Traction Park!

[@Winter_337]

Ward Kimball is a hero to toy train collectors. He owned one of the most extensive collections of early toy trains from both America and Europe ranging from the late 1800's to the 1940's and beyond, plus his thin gauge rail road in his back yard. His passing in 2002 was deeply sad for all in the hobby

[@johnnytheratface]

Can we take a second to appreciate all of the work and research that goes into these videos

[@lucasoheyze4597]

No.

[@alexbobroff]

There is some acknowledgement of Mickey Mouse Park at Disneyland today. Inside Main Street City Hall behind one of the counters is one of the concept drawings of Mickey Mouse Park.

[@Elizabeth-lv5dj]

AlexFilms1000 Oh man that’s so cool. I live by WDW and are there any there that you know of?

[@daelen.cclark]

I feel that's progress.

[@roland4240]

Mrs. Disney: "Walt honey, could you help me pick up some flowers for a garden?" Walt: *pausing halfway through unloading miniature railway track out of his truck* "garden?"

[@Tyler-Thompson]

“Walt was broken, and depressed. And he had no idea what to do about it” *Happy music begins*

[@Claubuza]

My depressive episodes play out just like that.

[@LittleZbot]

Never thought I’d see someone who had no idea what Dixie was or why it’s so important, but here we are.

[@balalaika9114]

LittleZbot Y’know, could be the objectively better Union version but that chance is slim

[@hlavco]

@@LittleZbot Everybody has to learn the things that "everybody knows" at some point.

[@TheSolarWolf]

Hey the modern mood, or had it always just been the mood for most of history

[@Igorcastrochucre]

The abridged version of the story makes Walt look like a visionary, talented and gifted. This version makes him look human. Edit: I need to express myself better: The short version of the story, albeit sweet, lacks all of the depth by omitting the struggles, hard work and the kind of person Walt was, essentially turning into a fantasy. The Defunctland version, by choosing to reveal stuff that would break that fantasy, reminding us that Walt was still a person, making all of his and his team's sacrifices and the skepticism of those around him being proven wrong a far more compelling narrative.

[@dgdnite1]

The long version still makes him out to be a visionary, talented, and gifted. It takes a special person to create what he did, bring together the team of artists and engineers, and then lead them through a project of the magnitude that was Disneyland. He, it are an inspiration of what a human and humanity can accomplish.

[@robradical7213]

He was a human. But also a visionary who was talented and gifted.

[@StamfordBridge]

He was a dolphin. A talented, visionary dolphin who dreamed of being human, just like the rest of us dolphins.

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

I agree. This is something I love about deeper dives into history. You realize that the people of the past were just as stressed as we are of the difficulties of life, and that we all have good and bad traits. A nice lesson I also see here, is that not just the execution, but the inspiration of the idea of Disneyland took many people and places influencing Walt. He deserves a lot of credit, but everyone involved should be remembered alongside him.

[@ElFreakinCid]

When you mentioned all the things and people Walt had lost in those few short years, I'm surprised you forgot to mention his mother. She died during production of Pinocchio. In 1938, Walt bought his parents a house and had one of the studio guys fix up the furnace. Days after his parents moved in, his mom died due to a gas leak when that furnace broke. Walt blamed himself for his mom's death and it haunted him for the rest of his life. Apparently this is why there are so many dead mothers in Disney movies. That was Walt's way of coping.

[@daelen.cclark]

That explains quite a lot.

[@rwall514]

@@jennyg9131 Perhaps that's WHY he adapted them.

[@gabe_s_videos]

Walt using the "dead mother" trope as a coping mechanism sounds more like a rumor IMO, for a couple of reasons: one, I know I've seen at least one interview where one of the Nine Old Men flat-out said that they did it purely for dramatic effect and there was no symbolism to it at all (ie, the curtains are blue because the author said they are). Don't ask me who it was or which interview, I just know I saw it lol. two (and I'm sorry, I'm about to be an absolute nerd here), despite it's reputation as a cliche, there aren't actually that many Disney movies, much less ones made during Walt's lifetime, where the mother and ONLY the mother is dead. More often than not, they're straight up orphans (Snow White, Cinderella, Mowgli, Peter Pan, etc.). Aurora has both parents, Alice has both parents, the 101 Dalmatians have both parents, Pinocchio technically has no parents, Dumbo has ONLY his mother and no father, the dogs in Lady & The Tramp don't have or even really need parents... not even Bambi's mom fits that cliche, since she dies DURING the movie rather than before. Even in the movies made after Walt died, including the few he still had some hand in the development of like Aristocats and Robin Hood, more often than not (Simba, Cody, Tiana, Dutches's kittens), it's the FATHER who's missing or dies. Otherwise, they're just orphans or their parents aren't relevant to the story. I think only Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and Pocahontas are the only character to explicitly have dead mothers, and those were all from one particular span of time. So while I'm sure Walt losing his mother like that had SOME effect on his creativity, I don't think it was that autobiographical. Then again, I never met the guy, so who's to say?

[@ElFreakinCid]

@@gabe_s_videos I mean, the timing certainly adds up, doesn't it? I have no doubt that it had some lasting effect on him, even if not to quite the extent that the story says.

[@gabe_s_videos]

@@ElFreakinCid I'm sure it would've had an effect on him no matter what.

[@Aqua_Toad]

Thank you. Ken Anderson is my cousin and we very rarely ever hear his name despite having a building named after him in Disneyland and his working for Disney for the better part of 50 years. Seriously thank you!

[@stereomonovici5796]

For real?!

[@CazzyVR]

Dude... that is sick of your telling the truth

[@Larry-qh2kp]

big if true

[@stereomonovici5796]

@@Larry-qh2kp Oh hello Leonard

[@RariettyC]

It's honestly insane how quickly Disneyland was built. Like, only a year to construct a whole damn theme park (especially the first of its scope and quality) from an empty lot? I know that Disney doesn't actually operate on magic and pixie dust, but that's pure wizardry.

[@None-Trick_Pony]

@Mani4c94 I'm more surprised it's lasted this long. Pioneering things like this tends to produce an unstable product, especially when you spend every red cent on it. Once the problems become apparent, someone else will copy your idea with said problems in mind while you divert all your profits trying to fix them.

[@blazenor922]

Disney comment on Coney Island made me laugh more than it should.

[@KimuMiyamoto]

We've all had moments like that. Super excited about a project, see one bad example, and nearly decide "screw it!"

[@nodesire9291]

Imagine if they kept the Mickey Mouse Park name. I wonder what Disney World would have been called. Mickey Mouse Super Park?

[@Laurabeck329]

that sounds so cheap

[@letsroamaround2189]

Micky Mouse world? Pretty obvious

[@nodesire9291]

@@letsroamaround2189 That's too fancy lol

[@fennecfoxfanatic]

Minnie Mouse Park

[@austinreed7343]

Melissa Marquette Mickey Mouse Planet?

[@kabj06]

Disney's Wife: NOOOOOOOOOO YOU CAN'T JUST BUILD A TRAIN WHERE I WANTED THE GARDEN NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Walt Disney: haha train go choo choo

[@benedictdwyer2608]

A compromise: 👏train👏garden👏

[@3xfaster]

Haha choo choo go woooooo

[@thedevilgoose2482]

@@benedictdwyer2608 Train garden became pretty iconic, so I'd say it worked out.

[@benedictdwyer2608]

@@thedevilgoose2482 indeed

[@IrisCorven]

@@benedictdwyer2608 I'm imagining a bunch of train cars filled with soil and herbs/vegetables. Pretty fucking neat idea.

[@MikeLovesRabbit]

personally I would have stopped playing polo after witnessing death once

[@emilybennett6567]

Many moons ago I attended a charity polo match to which my boss had bought a table of 10 seats and instructed his staff to go. We were a medical office and none of us had really aspired to the polo match life. But it was that first weekend in May where spring is giving way to the promise of summer, with a woodwind quintet, free-flowing champagne and impossibly tasty steak sandwiches on demand.; a glorious afternoon with well-appointed men urging their ponies up and down the pitch. Then the unthinkable - a pony staggered and fell, got back up, and then dropped dead. There isn't really a rule in the etiquette books as to what is appropriate when this happens, but we all sobered up as best we could, made our excuses, and left as graciously as possible. Doc later said the pony's heart basically exploded. I have continued not aspiring to the polo match life.

[@mementoargentum7733]

@@emilybennett6567 I had a feeling I knew where you were going and Still kept reading.....lol Well done with the descriptions there!

[@emilybennett6567]

@@mementoargentum7733 Thanks I forgot to add that we were all invited to dress as if we were guests of the characters in The Great Gatsby. It was truly surreal. And I have never had a steak sandwich that measured up to that memory.

[@mementoargentum7733]

@@emilybennett6567 That makes it even crazier.... Wow

[@juliagoodwin9510]

I like to think Walt was aware of the "Rule of Three," and didn't want to push his luck.

[@VxlvetCece]

Walt Disney was really just that asdfmovies train kid, huh

[@dcbandnerd]

Relatable tbh

[@disneyboy3030]

@@dcbandnerd I have no idea what that word means.

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

@@disneyboy3030 colloquial texting speak for "to be honest." I feel ya.

[@Sweetumskitty1789]

Zombie Hunter ZOOOOOM

[@megasystem8473]

Caroline Holtz cringe

[@Mornings]

Even though Im not all that intrigued by the topic of Disney in general I always find myself interested in these videos. Something about the passion behind them makes it endearing.

[@fifthrider]

15:04 - So grateful to hear you mention Korkis by name. There's a lot of YT channels that do Disney history ( few as good as yours ) but almost none of them acknowledge Jim, even when they're quite literally reading from his book, word for word. A real historian doesn't mind giving a nod to the guy who did the original work. Well done.

[@fluzzard7578]

Wife wanted Garden, builds small rideable railroad. Yep, sounds like Walt.

[@RLucas3000]

Ryan Harding She pushed for GardenLand as one of the themed lands in DisneyLand also.

[@tikirowboat]

Oh if Lillian had only lived to see EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

14:10 - this is a great statement here. Just as it's important to be honest when speaking historically about less savory aspects of an individual's life, it's important to be honest about when they were mistakenly accused. Thanks for your clear view of history.

[@richardkitterman3541]

I've seen Ward Kimball's trains at the Orange Empire Railway Museum -- fantastic place and thanks for mentioning that part of Disney history!

[@andyjay729]

Another one of Walt's "Nine Old Men" animators, Ollie Johnston, also had a backyard railroad. You can see his trains at the Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

@@andyjay729 Nice!

[@ericnelson8422]

Life has been rough lately - depressing, uninspiring - to hear this incredibly well researched history of the creation of Disneyland is a tonic!! Defunctland just gets better and better! Thank you Kevin!

[@BuddyL]

20:30: Thank you for mentioning *Children's Fairy Land* in Oakland. 🌳🏰 That place is a source of local pride here in the Bay Area - not just for its well-known influence on Disneyland, but also as a local landmark.❤

[@Videogamefanmax]

"Although various sections will have the fun and flavor of a carnival or amusement park, there will be none of the pitches, games, wheels, sharp practices and devices designed to milk the visitor's pocketbook." God damn that statement hits like a two-ton train in todays disneyland.

[@nightspawnson-of-luna4936]

You can't help but wonder how he'd feel about the way they do things now... It's something that wouldn't just apply to disney, but life in general...

[@clyne8835]

@@nightspawnson-of-luna4936 Walt isn't just rolling in his grave, he's doing fucking back flips in there

[@jasonthejazzman8521]

And you know how much Walt loved his trains

[@WhaleManMan]

Kimbell: Yeah, last weekend, I was working on my new train I just bought. Walt: Walt: Kimbell: Why are you breathing on my neck.

[@traindude70]

If you go to Disney Land. One of the locomotives in the park is named the Ward Kimball for a reason

[@MrDohers]

Nobody: Walt Disney: OMG, TRAAAAAAAAAAAAAINS!!! CHOO CHOO, LETS GO!!!

[@kellyweingart3692]

lol

[@konnerdent4835]

I read this is Jenny Nicholson’s voice.

[@derrigible5364]

@@konnerdent4835 Trains are big and they look awesome. And they go fast!

[@konnerdent4835]

Bryan Sutton “Choo choo, I’m 4!”

[@Sarah_Gravydog316]

naw, my dad would do the same

[@sharksNstuff2029]

I find it interesting how a lot of the more successful business ventures often were one person/business looking at various others works and realizing they can take the best of all of them and make something greater (having the money also helps). I wonder if we never got Disney would one of the other theme parks like Knottsberry have stepped up or would someone else have got it? Fantastic video as always!

[@TheLiberaceTheory]

Thank you for making these videos-- I love to watch them and connect with my history. My grandfather was one of the first workers at Disneyland-- he worked in the Main Street Bakery after he was displaced from his previous job: working in the orange and avocado groves where Disneyland now stands. My grandfather had a love of machines, having updated the harvesting machines in the groves to more effectively catch avocados from the trees without bruising them. Years down the road, he combined his love of machines and his experience in the bakery to invent the packaging machinery now used to make Pillsbury Grand Rolls. He invented ketchup packets as well using the same technology. When my dad inherited the business, my Dad went on to invent Barbecue Sauce Cups and Gogurt. It's amazing to see how a little mouse changed all of our families for generations...!

[@XCryssieX]

That's amazing!

[@edwardspidermonkey]

You’re like Gretchen Weiner but real: “my father, the inventor of gogurt...”

[@vurvo574]

I like this more human side of Walt. He’s not perfect, no one is. He makes mistakes and can be seen as selfish but his talent and creativity is still there and he is still one heck of a guy.

[@txgdarkness6960]

I saw this notification, clicked it, and instantly got sucked into this history video

[@MsDisneylandlover]

me loved all it at missing disneyland this is good to watch

[@oneandonlysound99]

Walt Disney when going to Coney Island: "I'm almost ready to give up on the idea of an amusement park after seeing Coney Island. The whole place is so run down and ugly. The people that run it are so unpleasant. The whole thing is almost enough to destroy your faith in human nature." Sorry Walt, but it hasn't changed a bit-it just puts on a false face these days.

[@otaking3582]

It *has* gotten better. Nowadays there's a street gang modeling themselves after a cult-classic 70's movie that goes around helping people in need.

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

I don't know. The Coney Island of late 1940's is not the Coney Island of its heyday pre WW1. Had the original Steeplechase, Luna, and Dreamland parks remain, it would have been a massive influence to Walt Disney given how these places used to have exitic attractions and rides...

[@apocalypsepreventionagency]

And now Taylor Swift has a depressing song named after it

[@SoleaGalilei]

I really appreciate the way you handle controversial and disturbing topics that come up in your videos. You're always honest and fair. I can tell you put a lot of work into writing your narration.

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

I've always loved trains, so growing up, Walt seemed like the coolest person ever. If someone ever says it's odd to be so obsessed with trains, one can kindly remind them that from a certain point of view, obsession with trains gave us Disneyland. We also have a model railroad (based in 1930s Idaho) and I, like Walt's experience got to pull a locomotive whistle once. Heber Valley Railroad around 2002. Probably the coolest moment of my childhood.

[@EngineerLume]

I have a grandad who's obsessed with trains, and if my family ever go to a proper big-boy theme park we have all agreed to take photos and videos just for him.

[@TufteMotorsport]

My father have the basement filled with the local trainline anno 1991 in the basement. I went over to build Lego models, but still enjoy building trains with him from time to time.

[@otaking3582]

My parents had this friend with a rideable train layout in their yard. I remember having a lot of fun riding it as a kid. Sadly he passed away and his widow had to downsize, which involved selling the train.

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

@@otaking3582 Ah, that's sad to hear. Live steam railroading is such a fascinating hobby though. I recommend taking a look at The Steam Channel, a channel see dedicated to the topic. Some people have built some crazy stuff.

[@otaking3582]

@@armchairrocketscientist4934 Thanks, I'll check 'em out

[@richieballpitbee4190]

It was a pleasure working on the art for this episode! And what a great episode too! Right up my alley! Disney and Trains! Who can go wrong with that!

[@JonathanRodd]

When he started talking about Disney building miniature ride-able trains on his property, all I could think of was Reverend Lovejoy from The Simpsons. Which is funny, because Rev Lovejoy is often depicted as having lost his passion and taking comfort in trains. Maybe the Simpsons writers were aware of this aspect of Walt Disney's life and took some inspiration from it :)

[@icecreamhero2375]

I thought of Rev. Lovejoy too.

[@BeyondtheSky8]

I wouldn’t be surprised.

[@axelpatrickb.pingol3228]

With Ned Flanders constantly calling on him asking Christian advice for trivial matters, who wouldn't lose that passion? I mean he spent all that time learning the way of the Lord only to spend a good chunk of his time being a pastor listening to a fanatic finding biblical answers to common sense questions...

[@ralphjackson2518]

I think that's more directly a Wilbert Awdry reference.

[@itsturt]

I am once again blown away by the level of quality Defunctland has. This entire channel should be considered essential viewing for any Disney/theme park fan! I have learned so much here, and I have a very deep level of respect for all of these well researched, beautifully written, and masterfully edited videos. Thank you for everything, Kevin and team, and please keep up the fantastic work!

[@queenmedesa]

Love these videos!

[@s.l.thecoffeeaddict1657]

I just started watching this channel...the quaranteen binge I didn't know I needed.

[@Defunctland]

Welcome!

[@steamerfan2212]

Same here

[@s.l.thecoffeeaddict1657]

@@Defunctland Thank you! Stay safe!

[@Game_Hero]

This comment is a time capsule of its own

[@BlakeGrigsby]

And here I was thinking I've seen and learned everything about Disney KZbin has to offer! Well done! I actually learned a lot of new things.

[@POHeck2]

Rewatching season 3 of @defunctland and it’s insane how much attention goes into each episode and how engaging each one is. You find a whole story out of each tidbit of Walt’s life and make it seem so intriguing. I know you probably won’t read this comment but these are amazing stories and you tell them so well. And I appreciate all the time and effort you put into these.

[@schizoscarecrow]

So Disneyland came almost directly from Walt Disney having a midlife crisis. Good to know. This is the kind of neat content we come here for.

[@CascadianRanger]

You 110% should have a show on Disney Plus. Your passion for the subject matter is clear, your skills already on par with netflix level docs as seen with your Jim Henson series, and your only improving with every single video. Get the Bob's on the phone with this man!

[@alexanderszewc9448]

Hearing how Walt acted as a kid in a candy shop around trains after depression made me smile... Maybe it could help me..

[@LordChesalot]

Did you get into trains

[@alexanderszewc9448]

​@@LordChesalot Kinda! I got in model trains, which became models, which became Warhammer.. but it helped with my depression, so win win?

[@LordChesalot]

@@alexanderszewc9448 I love models myself, got a lizard man army and a 40k guard army. What do you collect

[@awesometacular1123]

Hey, happy you’re doing better!

[@rebeccaucich1290]

I like that Defunctland never really tries to spin a particular villain or hero narrative...just complex human people & their weird machines

[@queenmedesa]

Except Eisner!

[@prospectnyc]

I've been binging on Disney history videos for the past few months and this is by far one of the absolute best. Nicely done! Thank you!

[@andrewweinstein7740]

Damn! Polo is a deadly sport

[@mmmlinux]

If you were playing with Walt, apparently.

[@bud9450]

Walt lost the game.... People lost their lives...💀😈

[@behindthescenesphotos5133]

It doesn't take much to fall off a horse and get stepped on.

[@bud9450]

@@behindthescenesphotos5133 Yup, or get kicked straight through the chest.🐴

[@thekavh]

Walt fell off his horse and broke his neck. His injury was so bad that he didn’t notice the pain from the lung cancer that killed him.

[@jdude9314]

We’re getting closer and closer to the opening of Disneyland, folks! Fantastic job, Kevin!

[@steamerfan2212]

Re-opening you mean

[@jdude9314]

I meant in Kevin’s story.

[@theotherghostgirl337]

JDude 93 it’s sad that u had to clarify

[@steamerfan2212]

@@jdude9314 oh ok

[@jdude9314]

Why do I get the feeling that the DefunctTV episode coming this week is gonna cover the original Disneyland TV show from the 50’s?

[@JaysArft]

I always love the custom openings

[@Horseprincess259]

Me too

[@KimuMiyamoto]

What a wholesome video! I'll admit sometimes I stay away from learning too much about Walt Disney and his company and people, not wanting to learn something horrible. But this video, besides being hopeful, helps encourage that hey, it's ok to not embrace every gritty detail. You can focus on the stuff that makes you happy, as long as you're aware there's always more to it.

[@Kirkklan]

Walt: Hey guys, let's say wee build a park o'er here Everyone else: Walt... Walt: Nah, let's make it bigger Everyone else: Walt pls...

[@otaking3582]

*"You fool, that will never work!"*

[@SpookyPretzel]

Otaking Mikohani look they built “me land” and it worked

[@JazminesJizz]

So good to have this content while the park is currently closed, it’s like still having a piece of Disney magic , thank you Kevin

[@Inlelendri]

I wasn't prepared for Tivoli (or Tivoli Gardens, if you prefer) to show up here, of all places. Huh. That was a lovely surprise - and thank you for being so careful and correct with the pronunciation of both the park and its founder. That was an extra treat on top of an informative and lovely episode :D

[@dakotatrotter3940]

Thank you. With so much uncertainty of health, stability in work, and clarity of one’s own future right now, this was a wonderful bright spot. Keep it up Kevin.

[@brendancorey7831]

I love and have a hyperfixation on trains and art so seeing Walt have the same two hobbies kinda makes me think he at least was more human than I thought

[@marcusblackwell2372]

I do believe if Walt Disney was alive in the 80s, he would go ga-ga over Thomas The Tank Engine

[@JCBro-yg8vd]

Thomas didn't come to the U.S. until the 90's. I'm not sure what Walt would've thought of that little tank engine brought over from the U.K.

[@marcusblackwell2372]

@@JCBro-yg8vd he'd probably think it weird & wonderful

[@spyrothehuman]

Disney might have bought the company outright.

[@marcusblackwell2372]

@@spyrothehuman no. I highly doubt. I mean, Thomas was for a time owned by HIT Entertainment. Then it shut down then Mattel came in & was given all its properties. Unless I didn't see it online, I don't think it was bought by Disney

[@spyrothehuman]

@@marcusblackwell2372 I'm saying Disney as in Walt. Given this scenairo

[@grenbaygrl1]

Kevin, I am always so impressed by how professional and high-quality these videos are. Great job to you and everyone who helped on this video!

[@BeatingAngel001]

These videos really beat all other Disney or theme park videos, the way they are narrated and images providing to help tell the story just make it an enjoyable watch. Thanks for uploading!

[@rebeccakang7624]

I really think you deserve a series on Netflix. I swear I always end up binging your videos, they're just so good! And the intros this season? *chef kiss

[@thereg23]

Beautifully done... goosebumps at the end, and I CANNOT wait for the next one. Always love your work on Disneyland and Theme Park history!

[@nicka5040]

I've probably had one of the shittiest weeks of my life, so thank you for uploading something so optimistic and motivational.

[@chrism_9]

The first time I read that Walt Disney drew inspiration from our very own Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, it really touched my heart. My Grandfather was a Ford employee and worked in the building right next to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. My family have been patrons there for decades (and my brother is employed there). To realize that such a humble, albeit very historically significant attraction played a role in inspiring Disney's empire of theme parks is really special to me.

[@PhoenixFireKMS]

Hey Kevin, I just want to thank you for this video. Your channel is one of the few things keeping me from losing my mind during quarantine, and I honestly can’t be grateful enough.

[@hemrainsford6920]

Exceptional! With the collection of videos this season, it's as if another piece of the Disney Puzzle has been placed, and it fits beautifully. The team behind Defunctland has such a talent to not only explore the history of this place, but also the thought processes, the backstory, the collective experiences that forced Walter Elias Disney to innovate, expand and thrive for his dreams. It's a series that I could watch over and over again!

[@maxneg3459]

You have so much effort put into the intros than is necessary and it's incredible. I remember finding this channel when it was below 100k subs and it's amazing to see the whole series come so far in such a short time.

[@rossblack6930]

8:23 is an incredible visual parallel between Tivoli Park, a clear inspiration, and the Rivers of America, looking out from either Splash Mountain at WDW or Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. What an excellent eye to include this!

[@marthieb9117]

tivoli is amazing! It’s also interesting how it’s inevitably taken influence from disney as well through the 60’s small world aesthetic which I’m pretty sure it uses in a mother goose ride as well as a theater and restaurant (?) i‘ve only been there once and am trying to remember what had that look. It’s so different than any other theme park in either Europe or the rest of the world as while it has some of the signature « manufactured history » that main street in Disney has, part of it is bordered by older royal buildings. Even though tivoli is far from defunct - most locals have season passes just to go to the restaurants, and many others enjoy its rides - I’d love to see a video on it. I haven’t seen any video as in depth as these on the park!

[@xJONNYFATXMOSHx]

Dude. This is solid documentary film making. This whole season 3 would make a feature film/series on any major platform. Well done.

[@SuperTregor]

I'm amazed at the level of storrytelling this serie has brought. And at the fact that every entry is even better/polished. well done.

[@majikmew3755]

Your content is honestly so amazing!! There's so much care in these videos. I always feel so educated.

[@hokyman]

As a huge fan of Disneyland and the Imagineers who built it and all of the other Disney parks over the years (well past Disney's passing in 1966) I think this is one of the best and most detailed videos explaining the beginnings of Disneyland and more importantly, the state of mind of its creator. I'm not blowing smoke up your behind when I say this... But I'm amazed nobody's approached you to produce programming for television (network, cable, or streaming). Your stuff is that good. It's definitely among the best KZbin has to offer on historical events related to amusement parks and media. I'm always excited whenever I see a new video from Defunctland as I know I'm guaranteed to learn a bunch of new things and be entertained by it.

[@MrFreedomFries]

I love this channel. I thought you had peaked after the excellent series on Henson. Looks like I was wrong. Looking forward to this new series.

[@squarepotatoes]

4:15, not gonna lie this made me feel super happy That's so cute, what a good friend

[@randombrokeperson]

Walt's depression turned obsession with revising his (painful?) childhood reminds me a lot of Michael Jackson and his Neverland. I can see why Walt, with all his problems in regards to politics and personality, was such a hero of his. I'd really love to see an in-depth analysis of the creation of Neverland, but the story's ending would be too much for this channel for an infinite amount of reasons.

[@brianc8459]

This just might be the best video you have done. I have several books on the origin of Disneyland, and you just nailed it so perfectly, so concisely. And thank you for mentioning Tivoli Gardens and Oakland;'s Fairyland. One trip to those parks and you can see the influence. Excellent job!

[@wavelength3856]

Great video!! It's amazing how strong the parallels run between the plans for Mickey Mouse Park and the Disneyland (and Magic Kingdom) that we eventually got.

[@PsychedelicCharm]

Wow, Kevin. This story of the beginnings of Disneyland is much more interesting than Disney's version. It's amazing to see you going from exploring defunct rides and attractions to telling the stories of Michael Eisner's run as CEO for Disney and Walt's inspiration and journey to enter the theme park business, all with nuance and complexity. Keep up the good work!

[@mollysministuff]

This story is much more interesting and inspiring then "I was just watching my kids playing and thinking, why not have a place for everyone to have fun?"

[@jorgeestrada2200]

Dude I have not cared about defunct amusement park rides ever in my life. I have watched almost all your videos now and love every single episode. Thank you for cataloging this niche part of history we all enjoy. The production is amazing, great research and presentation.

[@Whofan06]

As a writer who draws a lot from all of the various media I consume, I find this version of the story even more inspiring. To see all the different places Walt Disney visited and how clearly the light bulbs went off in each one; the way so many of his original ideas still stand in the park today not too far off from how he originally envisioned them; the way he went around the country and got people from all over who ran the parks that inspired him to come work on Disneyland itself. The passion he had for this idea, inspired by his own past and what he consumed around him. I like this story way better, including how this all came after him feeling like he lost everything. This idea of true passion and creation after a period of hardship and depression--it gives me hope.

[@skeye665]

Love how you kept sneaking in bits of Walt's Disneyland dedication speech into your video here and there! Very noticeable for me since in middle school I had bought a Disneyland Soundtrack CD and would listen to it on my stero+CD player while on trips soooo many times, and they played his Dedication Speech the beginning of it.. and that's how I accidentally brainwashed myself into memorizing his whole speech! lol It's still stuck in my brain.. to all who come to this happy place... welcome... Disneyland, is your land...Here age relives fond memories of the past... and here youth may savor the challenge and the promise of the future... I digress

[@fennecwolfox]

I'm almost sure Walt would be both astounded and disgusted by what Disneyland has grown to be. A place that absolutely milks its customers of money, but is also a place a lot of people remember fondly.

[@queenmedesa]

And it's full of non-Disney crap

[@brendanrbaker88]

Kevin, as always you have hit it out of the park! Your videos are amazing and you keep me wanting more every time. I applaud you and cant wait for the next video. Keep the coming!