But if you're going to talk about who defined animated films (and even more so if it's a Japanese person), then Miyazaki's work pales in scope and influence compared to Osamu Tezuka - and HE in turn readily admitted being inspired and influenced by Disney and Fleischer cartoons.
The first chapters deal with the creation of the Snow White film, and the startup culture within the Disney studios at that time.
Co-incidentally, both authors are referenced in the film The Incredibles (the original subject of the OP's post)
I can't help but wonder if this is a shout-out/jab to the perennial Stan Lee cameo in films based off Marvel characters, especially considering that The Incredibles was often seen as competing with, and compared favorably against, Fantastic Four (2005).