

The Reluctant Dragon: 1941 Studio Journey
Your decisions shape how the magic behind animation is revealed. In 1941, as war looms and artistry thrives, you step into Walt Disney’s studio during a pivotal moment—the making of a film that blurs reality and fantasy. This isn’t just a tour. It’s a window into the soul of storytelling, where ink, sound, and imagination collide to birth legends.It’s 1941, and you’re standing at the gates of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, the morning sun casting long shadows across the lot. You’ve just dropped off your husband, Robert Benchley, who’s supposed to pitch his book, The Reluctant Dragon, to Walt Disney. You didn’t stay—you told him he’d be fine, then drove off to shop. But now, as you walk back, you see him being led by a young guide toward the animation building.
You follow at a distance, curious. Inside, Robert wanders through departments, marveling at artists painting cels, musicians recording sound effects, and animators bringing characters to life. He watches Goofy being drawn, hears Donald Duck’s voice, sees the multiplane camera shift from black-and-white to vibrant Technicolor.
Finally, he’s brought to Walt Disney himself, who smiles and says, 'We’ve already made your story into a short.' Robert freezes. 'You… what?'
The lights dim. The projector starts. On screen, a shy dragon recites poetry.
What do you do?
