Archived Pics Of Walt Disney Every Fan Should See

For many Disney fans, there's something magical about Walt Disney back when the company first started. While the motion picture and television producer's name is synonymous with his company, Walt Disney Pictures, he is also commonly known for his contributions to the world of animation — not just for creating a movie studio that would one day make Johnny Depp the most famous pirate on the high seas. However, aside from being the mastermind behind all things Disney animation and Disneyland, Disney was also so much more than that. Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was also a husband, a father, and explorer in both the world and his own imagination. And now, 50 years after Walt Disney's death, these photos of Disney at work and with his family add another layer to his legacy.

From recollections of the original Mickey Mouse design, to Disney spending time in Disneyland, and the moments spent with his grandkids (imagine having Walt Disney as your grandpa), it's hard not to look back at these little pieces of history without having a smile on your face. And, overall, looking back at Disney's life seems to prove one thing: His life looks just as magical as Disney fans should always remember it being. Seriously, try not smiling while looking at these photos. I dare you.

Walt Disney & His Wife Lillian Bounds Circa 1933

Walt and Lillian got married on July 13, 1925 and remained married until Disney's passing on Dec. 15, 1966.

Walt Disney Making Friends With Penguins In 1934

Disney seemed to really take a liking to these feathered friends. It's no surprise that they found their way into the 1964 film adaptation of Mary Poppins.

More Penguins, Of Course (Also In 1934)

More penguins! Are we really surprised?

Walt Disney, Cigarette, and Salesman in 1934

While we all know Disney as someone with a huge imagination, he was also a businessman. If he wasn't, Disney would have never become what it is today.

Walt Disney & His Wife Taking Mickey Mouse To New York In 1935

Talk about a perfect New York City date.

Walt Disney And His Honorary Doctorate

Seriously, how could Disney possibly get his doctorate without a little bit of help from his characters?

Disney Examining New Products In 1938

Once the movies were out, next up was the merchandise. If only he knew what the Disney Store would become one day.

Walt Disney Playing With His Daughter In 1940

Having Disney as a father must have been one adventure-filled childhood.

Disney With The Storyboard For Hookman in 1945

Every great story starts with an idea, of course.

Walt Disney At A Company Softball Game In 1945

Even great creators need a little bit of downtime every once in a while.

Walt Disney At A Birthday Party For Mickey Mouse In 1947

Not your average bash.

Walt Disney Struggling To Hold All Four Of His Oscars in 1954

The struggle, right?

Disney Showing Ed Sullivan His Model For 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea In 1954

And I think it's safe to say that that project was a success. In fact, it currently in talks for getting its own remake.

Disney With Sketches Of Disneyland In 1955

If only he knew the incredible empire both Disneyland and Disney World have become today. This was only the beginning.

Disney At Home In 1955

Even his home life seems magical.

Disney Driving Around His Own Train At Home In The 1950s

Because we all have personal trains we can drive our family and friends around in.

Disney Takes His Family On The Disneyland Teacup After The Park's 1955 Opening

A ride that fans still happily enjoy (and get sick on) today.

Disney And His Wife At Home In 1955

I seriously can't get over how charming this couple is.

Playing At Home With The Grandkids In 1955

The fun never ended with Disney, did it?

And Again, With The Summer Fun

I just seriously wish Disney was my grandpa.

Relaxing At Home With His Family

A picturesque American family.

Disney With His Grandson At Disneyland In 1955

This photo is way too adorable.

Chilling At Home In 1955

This man deserves some relaxing.

Disney With His Disneyland Master Map In 1955

A plan that truly revolutionized family vacationing forever.

Disney Reading To His Grandson In 1955

Bedtime stories with grandpa must have been the absolute best.

Disney With Mickey In 1955

Now if that's not a picture to remember, I don't know what is.

Disney With His daughter & Grandson On The Disneyland Bumper Cars In 1958

How happy does he look?

Disney Signing Autographs In London In 1959

Those fans are lucky folks.

Disney Listening To An Animator Walk Him Through The Sleeping Beauty Storyboards In 1959

Long before the days of Frozen and Pixar animation... this happened.

Disney With Young Hayley Mills On The Set Of Castaways In 1961

Love a good behind the scenes moment.

Disney In The Tiki Room At Disneyland In 1965

The animatronic birds are still an attraction in the park today. Now, they come with a side of pineapple whip (yum).

Disney & Sophia Loren, Both Being Honored By NATO In 1966

Yet another well-deserved honor.