Evolution of a Duck

As part of our month-long salute to Donald Duck, we asked Disney historian, J.B. Kaufman, to share with us the history of Donald's early days.

Over the course of nearly eight decades, Donald Duck has become one of the most celebrated and fondly remembered of all Disney characters. What is sometimes not remembered is that Donald began life in 1934 as a very different duck. His physical appearance, in his earliest films, was one that many of today’s Disney fans would scarcely recognize.

This was not unusual; most of Hollywood’s classic cartoon characters have evolved slowly into their final form. Mickey Mouse, assuming his classic design within his first three films, was the exception to the rule.

Donald’s debut in The Wise Little Hen was built around his voice, supplied by the uniquely talented Clarence Nash. His appearance was simply that of a generic cartoon duck, with the long bill, extended neck, and waddling gait common to his species. As he returned to play additional supporting roles in 1934 and 1935, his appearance remained essentially the same.

Click to read more ...

Designing a Voice with Tony Anselmo

All month long, The Walt Disney Museum is putting the spotlight on that lovable, mischevous, one-of-a-kind character:  Donald Duck.

A series of Donald's cartoons are running daily (except Tuesdays and January 22nd) all month long at 1:00 and 4:00 in our state-of-the-art movie theater located on the lower level of the Museum.

On Saturday, January 22nd, The Walt Disney Family Museum will be hosting a talk with Disney Legend, animator and the voice of Donald Duck, Tony Anselmo.  Mr. Anselmo will discuss his friendship with Clarence "Ducky" Nash and how he has carried on the legacy of voicing one of the most popular animated characters of all time.

A quacking, squawking and talking demonstration is all part of the fun on the 22nd at 3:00 pm, also in our theater.

You can order your tickets online at www.waltdisney.org

Come See "Christmas with Walt Disney" Only at the WDFM!

Need to get in the holiday spirit?

Want to take some time to remember the holidays from your childhood?

Perhaps start a new family holiday tradition?

Stop by the Museum this holiday season and see Christmas with Walt Disney. This wonderful film looks back at the various ways Walt Disney celebrated the holidays over the years. From animated cartoons to rare home movies, this delightful holiday movie is narrated by Walt's daughter, Diane.

It screens daily (except Tuesdays) in our theater until the end of the year!

Here's a taste: