• Home
  • Blog
  • Info By Topic
    • Disney Armed Forces Salute
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute Full Details
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ
      • FAQ Friday Blog Posts – Your Most Asked Questions
    • Military Discounted Tickets
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
      • Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets
      • Military Discounted Ticket Overview
      • Buy Military Discounted Disney Tickets Long Distance
    • Resort Hotel Information and Military Discounts
      • Resort Hotel Overview
      • Shades of Green – WDW’s Military Resort
      • Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts
      • The Walt Disney World Resorts
      • The Disneyland Hotels
    • Walt Disney World Theme Parks
    • Disneyland Theme Parks
    • Dining Information and Military Discounts Overview
      • Dining at WDW for Military Families
    • Transportation Information and Military Discounts Overview
    • Disney Technology Information
      • Disney Technology Overview
      • PhotoPass and MemoryMaker Military Discount
      • Genie & Genie+ Service
      • Linking Disney Military Tickets and FastPass Plus Reservations
    • Outside the Parks Information and Military Discounts
    • Resources and Links for You
  • Info By Location
    • Walt Disney World
      • Walt Disney World Theme Parks
    • Disneyland Resort
      • Disneyland Theme Parks
    • Universal Studios
    • SeaWorld – Busch Gardens
    • Resources and Links for You
  • Shades of Green
    • Shades of Green Overview
    • Shades of Green Prices
      • Shades of Green Eligibility
      • Shades of Green Regular Prices
      • Shades of Green Discounts
      • Shades Of Green – Disney Price Comparison
    • Shades of Green Guest Rooms
      • Shades of Green Standard Rooms
      • Shades of Green Poolside Rooms
      • Shades of Green – Disney Value Resort Comparison
      • Shades of Green – Disney Moderate Resort Comparison
      • Shades of Green – Disney Deluxe Resort Comparison
    • Shades of Green Ticket Office
      • Shades of Green Attraction Ticket Sales Office
      • Shades of Green – Preorder Tickets
    • Shades of Green AAFES Store
    • Shades of Green Dining Overview
    • Shades of Green Transportation Overview
    • Shades of Green Pools
  • Get a Disney Quote
  • About MDT
    • Our About Page
    • Our Team
    • Roll Call (Featured In)
    • Support MDT
    • Contact
    • Brands & Advertisers
    • Bloggers/Writers
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Support Military Disney Tips
  • Updates
    • Newsletter
    • Facebook

Military Disney Tips Blog

By Military for Military

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts
Home » Blog Posts » Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

By Erin Schreiver Leave a Comment

Walt Disney was a patriot through and through, and he loved his country.

When America entered the war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor the Disney company did everything but suit up and grab a weapon to help with the war.

Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

Pearl Harbor Today – Inflight Image Steve Bell CMSgt. (Ret)

Wartime Footing

At the time, the animation studio was riding the high of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and invested the money they made into making Pinocchio. Then, on December 8, 1941, after President Roosevelt declared the previous day to be one that would live in infamy, the animation studio gave half of their building to the U.S. Troops. Soon after, 25% of the 600 Disney employees were either drafted or voluntarily entered the service.

Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

Some Disney Created, World War 2 Squadron Patches

Disney did more than just give space and men, they also gave the most powerful thing of all during war: Hope and laughter. Through military training videos, movie shorts, and military insignias, Disney helped the American people remain lighthearted in a dark time. In fact, in 1943 it is reported that 90% of Disney’s work was for government agencies. Poor Pinocchio will just have to wait!

Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

Propoganda

Among the most infamous propaganda videos were Der Fuehrer’s Face and Education for Death, which ironically, the Disney company has tried to separate from. These are shorts that you will NEVER see on Disney+!

Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

Inspiration

During the 1940s, America banded together to do their part to win the war, and Disney used their characters on posters to buy war bonds, and even books designed to teach children to save money to buy war bonds! Don’t forget the posters reminding Americans to conserve food and supplies for the troops. Can you imagine having an official government document with Mickey Mouse and Bambi on it?

Disney History: Disney and the War Effort

Preparation

Perhaps the most interesting use of Disney licensing during the 1940s was the Mickey Mouse gas mask. Yes, you heard that correctly, a Mickey Mouse gas mask. With the American population fearing chemical warfare on American soil, many people started purchasing gas masks. There was a major problem with them, however. They were scary for children. Companies felt that children love Mickey, so that would make the mask less scary… We’re here to tell you, nope, they’re, in fact, more terrifying.

This post is part of the MDT Patriotic Disney Series!

Related Posts:

  • Honoring Disney Veterans: Walt Disney
  • Honoring Disney Veterans: Roy Disney
  • Honoring Disney Veterans: Robert Sherman
  • Honoring All Disney Veterans and Those Who Served at Home
  • Sergeant Donald Duck Learn About His WWII Service
  • Pluto a World War II Private

Comments, Questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!

This MDT Post By: Erin Schreiver

Erin is a MilSpouse who loves going to Walt Disney World with her family, pin trading, and collecting Minnie ears and coffee mugs! Check out her bio.

 

Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
  • Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
  • The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 
  • Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 
  • Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:
  • Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
  • Dining Overview Page
  • Transportation Overview Page
  • Technology Overview Page
  • Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort

Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent

Save on your Disney Vacation With Military Discounts in 2017

Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!

 
   


Filed Under: Patriotic Disney Tagged With: Military Content, Patriotic Disney

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

How Military Disney Tips Came To Serve the U.S. Military Community
Ears of Experience - A Fee Free Disney Travel Agent

Ears of Experience is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!

Military Discounts for You

  • Military Discounted Scooters/ECVs
  • Military Discouned Stroller Rentals

Shop Amazon  |  Shop the Disney Store
Subscribe to the Newsletter | Contact Me | Advertise | Webmasters/Bloggers
About Military Disney Tips | Resources and Links | Roll Call (Featured in)
If you found this site helpful, please consider supporting Military Disney Tips

Marketing Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Copyright Statement

Why are there ads on this site?
© Copyright 2007-2023 Military Disney Tips is a Magic Shell Media LLC Website

Other helpful MSM sites: Universal Orlando for Military & Universal Orlando Guide

U.S Military Veteran Owned Business

FTC Disclosure of Material Connection: In order for us to maintain this website, some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links.
Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers.
Military Disney Tips is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with: The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc. or any of their affiliates, nor the Shades of Green Resort, NBC Universal, Universal Orlando Resort, or the Armed Forces Vacation Club.
Buy American!

No AI Allowed!