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KING 5 mascot visits the place he was born - Walt Disney Animation Studios!

Disney animators created the royal "King Mike" logo in 1947. #k5evening

BURBANK, Calif. — The Disney movie “Wish” is designed to commemorate the company’s 100th anniversary – but did you know Walt Disney Animation Studios also has a big connection to KING 5’s history?

In 1947, Disney artists designed a mascot for KING-FM, the first media venture of KING 5 founder Dorothy Bullitt.

Autographed photos from Walt Disney indicate they were acquainted, and she turned to his animation company in Burbank to design a logo for her burgeoning media venture.

A few years ago, her daughter confirmed to KING 5's Jake Whittenberg that Bullitt flew to California to meet with Disney in-person.

His animators went on to create King Mike, a smiling microphone wearing a crown and cape, with a smaller microphone slung over one shoulder. The lines and style have a distinct Disney flair.

The price for the logo? $75.

Credit: KING TV

While technology has changed in the years since, Disney animators still employ some of the same techniques and draw by hand.

Watch the video to see King Mike get a tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios and meet “Wish” filmmakers and star Chris Pine.

“Wish” also stars Ariana DeBose and tells the story of Asha, a young girl growing up in an enchanted kingdom who makes a wish with such conviction, it's answered by a cosmic force. The film is rated PG and opens in theaters November 22.

KING 5 is celebrating 75 years of local broadcasting history throughout the month of November.

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