In the spring of 2009, The Walt Disney Family Museum approached veteran filmmaker Don Hahn (whose credits include The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast) with a proposal to create a film that would celebrate the holidays through the eyes of Walt Disney. Under the direction of the Walt Disney Family Foundation, the genesis of this idea became Christmas with Walt, an enchanting fifty-one minute film exclusive to our museum during the holiday season.
Christmas with Walt is full of surprises including rare home movies that feature the Disney family holidays over the years. Other highlights include scenes from the television specials and vintage commercials from early Disney sponsors such as Kodak and Coca Cola. The studio Dixieland band, Firehouse Five plus Two makes a spirited appearance, as do clips from dozens of Disney's films including Swiss Family Robinson, Lady and the Tramp, Fantasia and a clip from The Happiest Millionaire, featuring Fred McMurray and Greer Garson singing “It Won’t be Long ‘til Christmas"— a very rare clip since this song was cut out of the picture.
“During our first screening of some selected clips to Ron and Diane, we showed clips of Walt skiing and ice skating with Lillian (Walt Disney’s wife), intercut with clips of Mickey and Goofy on ice,” said executive producer Craig Murray. “The quick cuts from Walt to Goofy did the trick and showed how much this man's life became his art.”
Christmas with Walt screens daily (except Tuesdays) at 1:30pm throughout December. Tickest are free with paid Museum admission, or can be purchased online here or at our front ticketing desk. Check out our Calendar page for a full listing of programs, classes, activities, and events.