Before Walt Disney bought a single acre of swampland in Florida, he spent years on a secret "scavenger hunt" across America. We often hear that Disney World was a "Plan B" after Disneyland, but the truth is much more calculated. From a luxury bowling alley in Denver to a 5-story indoor theme park in St. Louis and a controversial ski resort in the Sierras, Walt was secretly testing the pieces he needed for his "Florida Project."

In today’s episode of Synergy Loves Company, we’re connecting the dots between Walt’s biggest "failures" and the ultimate success of Walt Disney World. We explore:

- How a Denver bowling alley became the training ground for Disney’s world-class service.

- The real reason the St. Louis "Riverfront Square" project was cancelled (it wasn't just about the beer!).

- Why a mountain ski resort in the Sierras taught Walt the most expensive lesson of his life.

- How the 1964 New York World’s Fair acted as a multi-million dollar R\&D lab funded by corporate sponsors.

Every stop on this scavenger hunt provided a piece of the puzzle: Operations, Control, Land, Technology, and Market Proof. By the time Walt looked at Florida, he didn't just have a dream—he had a proven blueprint for perfection.

Join the Conversation: Which of these "failed" projects do you think had the most fascinating ripple effect on the Disney parks we know today? Let me know in the comments

!Subscribe for more Disney connections:

https://www.youtube.com/@synergylovescompany?sub_confirmation=1

Podcast:

Listen to Synergy Loves Company → https://synergylovescompany.com

Support the Show:

Shop official Synergy Loves Company merch → https://shop.synergylovescompany.com

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links above may be affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

Connect with Me:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/synergylovescompany

Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/erichsynergy.bsky.social

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/synergylovescompany

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In 1995, Disney was the undisputed king of animation. But behind the scenes, a decade-long war for creative control was just beginning. This is the story of how a "vendor" named Pixar became Disney’s biggest rival, and how Steve Jobs used a string of billion-dollar hits to force a total regime change in Burbank.

From the "Circle 7" secret studio to the high-stakes negotiations over Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo, we’re exploring the corporate battle that nearly destroyed the Disney/Pixar partnership—and the unlikely friendship between Bob Iger and Steve Jobs that eventually saved it.

In this video, we explore:

• The 1995 Pixar IPO that turned the power dynamic upside down.
• Michael Eisner’s "Experimental Era" and Disney’s struggle for identity.
• The "Sequel War" and the "free" movie that fueled Steve Jobs' resentment.
• Bob Iger’s Hong Kong epiphany and the $7.4 billion deal that changed animation forever.

If you love exploring how Disney connects to the broader world of history, business, and pop culture, make sure to SUBSCRIBE

https://www.youtube.com/@synergylovescompany?sub_confirmation=1

Podcast: Listen to Synergy Loves Company → https://synergylovescompany.com

Support the Show: Shop official Synergy Loves Company merch → https://shop.synergylovescompany.com

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links above may be affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for supporting the channel!

Connect with Me:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/synergylovescompany

Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/erichsynergy.bsky.social

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/synergylovescompany

Credits / Resources: •

Synergy Loves Company is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries. • Images and clips are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and education.

Until next time, keep discovering the magic in everything!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In 1984, Disney had the chance to own the future of animation for just $15 million. They said no.

Today, Pixar is a multi-billion dollar cornerstone of the Disney empire, but the journey from a Lucasfilm basement to the top of the box office was a decade-long corporate war. In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, we’re diving deep into the three specific inventions Disney rejected, the firing of John Lasseter, and the "worst deal" Steve Jobs ever signed.

How did the king of animation miss the paradigm shift happening right under their nose? And how did they end up paying $7 billion for a team they could have owned for a fraction of the price?

In this video, we explore:

• The Lucasfilm "Graphics Group": The rebel engineering outfit that built the future in a basement.

• The 3 Key Inventions: How the Pixar Image Computer, CAPS, and RenderMan changed cinema forever.

• The Exile of John Lasseter: Why Disney fired the man who would eventually save their animation department.

• The Jobs vs. Eisner Showdown: The high-stakes corporate battle that led to the creation of Toy Story.

QUESTION: Have you seen those early Pixar shorts like Luxo Jr., Red's Dream, or Tin Toy? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

If you love exploring how Disney connects to the broader world of history, business, and pop culture, make sure to SUBSCRIBE

https://www.youtube.com/@synergylovescompany?sub_confirmation=1

Podcast: Listen to Synergy Loves Company → https://synergylovescompany.com

Support the Show: Shop official Synergy Loves Company merch → https://shop.synergylovescompany.com

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links above may be affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for supporting the channel!

Connect with Me:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/synergylovescompany

Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/erichsynergy.bsky.social

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/synergylovescompany

Credits / Resources: •

Synergy Loves Company is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries. • Images and clips are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and education.

Until next time, keep discovering the magic in everything!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.