What was Walt Disney’s first visit to Latin America like?

Did you know that Walt Elias Disneyone of the world’s most influential animation filmmakers, has had some significant experiences in Latin America? The co-founder of The Walt Disney Company has not only visited Mexico, but has also been honored with a major government award, showing his impact on entertainment beyond the borders of the United States.

His first visit to the Latin country took place in 1941, when Walt and a select group of artists toured Mexico as part of President Franklin D. Rooseveltwhich aimed to develop friendly relations with Latin American countries during World War II, bringing them closer together culturally in the process.

One of the main points of this Policy was to prevent the distribution of American films that presented xenophobic and discriminatory behavior against the Latino people, banning Mexican bandits from Hollywood productions, for example. In addition, it was at this same time that the characters Zé Carioca, Panchito and Donald Duck were created, appearing together in the animation “Você já foi à Bahia?”; check it out:

Already in August 1943, Walt Disney returned to Mexico to receive the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor a foreigner could obtain, focused on those who have contributed greatly to the country or to humanity. Along with Louis B. Mayerco-founder of MGM Studios, Walt received his medals directly from the Mexican president at the time, Manuel Avila Camachowhich also focused on efforts to Walt to promote beneficial international relations with Mexico.

In 1963, Walt received another honor from Mexico. The Institute of Cinematographic Culture of the Ibero-American University awarded the filmmaker the “Onix Award of Merit” for his cinematic achievements. And although the filmmaker himself Walt had received no education beyond the first year of high school, he received numerous awards from higher education institutions that recognized his influence in the world.

Currently, the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT in Walt Disney World offers guests an immersive experience in Mexican culture. One of the main attractions is the “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros”, a boat ride that allows guests to meet the trio Zé Carioca, Panchito and Donald Duck; see: