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Timeline of the Walt Disney Company

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This is atimeline of the Walt Disney Company, listing notable milestones forthe Walt Disney Company.

1923–1925

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Year	Events	Notable film releases
1923	InLos Angeles,Walt Disney sells his shortlive-action cartoon reel titled "Alice's Wonderland", produced byLaugh-O-Gram.^[1] Soon after, Walt and his brotherRoy sign a contract to make 6 more such films, calledAlice Comedies, which New York-basedMargaret J. Winkler would distribute at $1,500 per reel. The brothers would thereby join Winkler as a production partner.^[1]^[2] In order to produce the series, the two brothers officially establish Disney on October 16, 1923, originally asDisney Brothers Cartoon Studio, with both Walt and Roy as equal partners.^[1]^[3]^[4] This studio is based in the back half of a real estate office on Kingswell Avenue inHollywood.^[4] The brothers then persuade bothVirginia Davis (who played Alice) and their collaboratorUb Iwerks to join them in Hollywood.^[1]
1924	The firstAlice Comedies cartoon titledAlice's Day at Sea is released on March 1.^[4]
1925	The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio produces 15 moreAlice Comedies cartoons including:Alice the Toreador,Alice Gets Stung andAlice Solves the Puzzle.

1926–1975

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Year	Events	Notable film releases
1926	Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio move into the new studio at 2719 Hyperion Avenue in theSilver Lake district of Los Angeles.^[4] Shortly after, the studio changes its name toThe Walt Disney Studio.
1927	After four years of working on hisAlice Comedies series,Walt Disney decided to move on to an all-cartoon series. To star in this series,Walt Disney creates the characterOswald the Lucky Rabbit.^[4] Charles Mintz, who had taken over M. J. Winkler's film company (Winkler Pictures), signs a contract withUniversal Pictures for Winkler Pictures to produce 27Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons. Disney is brought on to do Oswald's design and animation for the cartoons. The firstOswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon titledTrolley Troubles is released on September 5.^[4] Walt Disney soon realizes that Universal retains the copyrights to all of his Oswald cartoons.^[4]
1928	The studio loses the contract of theOswald series. Several animators leave for Winkler Pictures where the series continues production. Walt Disney comes up with an idea for a new character to replace Oswald:Mickey Mouse, who became Disney's first cartoon star.^[5] Walt wanted to call him Mortimer Mouse, but his wife suggested Mickey instead. Steamboat Willie is released at New York'sColony Theater on November 18, marking the first public appearance of Mickey Mouse, as well as being the first cartoon released withsynchronized sound.^[4]
1929	The firstSilly Symphony cartoon titledThe Skeleton Dance is released on August 22.^[4] On December 16, The Walt Disney Studio is renamed to Walt Disney Productions, Ltd. Three other companies are also renamed toWalt Disney Enterprises, Disney Film Recording Company, and Liled Realty and Investment Company. Mickey speaks for the first time inThe Karnival Kid; his words were "Hot dog, hot dog."^[6] Unhappy with how Mickey sounded, Walt Disney himself would provide the voice of Mickey until 1947.^[5]
1930	The firstMickey Mouse comic strips begin on January 13.^[4] Film distribution is moved toColumbia Pictures. Mickey Mouse shorts released this year include:The Barnyard Concert,Just Mickey, andThe Cactus Kid. Pluto (unnamed at the time) makes his first appearance with the premiere ofThe Chain Gang on September 5. The first Disney book (Mickey Mouse Book) is published in November.^[4]
1931	Mickey's dog receives the namePluto inThe Moose Hunt.
1932	Distribution moved from Columbia Pictures toUnited Artists. Goofy, under the name "Dippy Dawg", makes his first appearance with the premiere of "Mickey's Revue" on May 27. Flowers and Trees becomes the first full-color cartoon. It wins the 1932Academy Award for Short Subjects, Cartoons, the first year that such a category was offered by the academy. (Disney would win in this category every year for the rest of the decade.)^[4]^[6] Walt Disney wins anAcademy Honorary Award at the5th Academy Awards for his creation ofMickey Mouse.
1933	Three Little Pigs premieres on May 25.
1934	Following the success of the Mickey Mouse shorts, Walt begins producing afeature-length film. Some would dub this project as “Disney’s Folly,” as it went 400% over budget and required more than 300 animators, artists, and assistants. (Theresulting 1937 film would later be heralded as groundbreaking.)^[1] Donald Duck makes his first appearance with the premiere of "The Wise Little Hen" on June 9.
1935	"The Band Concert" premieres on February 23, becoming the first Mickey Mouse cartoon in color.
1936	Distribution moved from United Artists toRKO Radio Pictures.
1937	Disney releases its first feature film,Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, on December 21 atCarthay Circle Theatre, becoming thehighest-grossing film of all time up to that point.^[4]	Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
1938	On September 29, Walt Disney Productions, Ltd., along with Walt Disney Enterprises, Disney Film Recording Company, and Liled Realty and Investment Company, are merged to formWalt Disney Productions.
1939	ForSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Walt wins anotherHonorary Academy Award. (The award consisted of a regular-sizeOscar statuette along with seven miniature versions, in reference to the dwarfs.)^[6]
1940	Studio moves toBurbank, California Walt Disney Productions goes public and issues its firststock.	Pinocchio Fantasia
1941	A bitteranimators' strike occurs. The studio beginsproducing propaganda films for the US duringWorld War II.^[7] Such shorts produced this year includeThe Thrifty Pig and7 Wise Dwarfs. The U.S. army move into the Disney studio lot on December 8.	Dumbo The Reluctant Dragon
1942	Walt receives his thirdHonorary Academy Award, this time forFantasia (1940) and its contribution tosound design.^[6] The Disney propaganda film released this year, starringDonald Duck, include:^[5]^[6] The New Spirit, which would be nominated for anAcademy Award. Der Fuehrer's Face, which pokes fun of theNazis and would win an Academy Award.	Bambi
1943	As another Disney propaganda film, Walt adaptedAlexander de Seversky's bookVictory Through Air Power (1942) as a live action-animated feature ofthe same name.^[5]^[6]	Saludos Amigos
1944	Short on money, the company re-releasesSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs, generating much-needed revenue and beginning a reissue pattern for their animated films.
1945		The Three Caballeros
1946		Make Mine Music Song of the South
1947	Walt Disney lends his voice to Mickey Mouse for the last time in the "Mickey and the Beanstalk" segment ofFun and Fancy Free. Disney claims he has become too busy to continue voicing Mickey.^[5]	Fun and Fancy Free
1948	TheTrue-Life Adventures nature film series begins with the premiere ofSeal Island on December 21, continuing until 1960.	Melody Time Seal Island
1949	The studio begins production on its first all-live action feature,Treasure Island. Disney licenses characters for use inIce Capades.^[8] TheWalt Disney Music Company is formed in October.	The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
1950	Treasure Island becomes the studio's first completely live-action feature.^[4] Premiering on Christmas Day,One Hour in Wonderland becomes the first-ever Disney television production.^[4]	Cinderella Treasure Island
1951		Alice in Wonderland
1952	Disney forms a second company,Walt Disney Inc., to build his new theme park.^[5] The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men is the studio's second full live-action film.^[5]	The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men
1953	Walt hires a research firm to find the ideal location insouthern California for a large-scale theme park.^[6] Walt Disney Inc. is renamedWED Enterprises, controlling the rights to Disney and holding the Disneyland design team (the "Imagineers"). Disney's idea to make moving figures of people that could also talk, would be used by WED to createAudio-Animatronics.^[5] WED would later own and operate several attractions insideDisneyland, including theDisneyland Monorail System and theDisneyland Railroad. Disney makes theDisneyland programming deal withAmerican Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres to fund Disneyland.^[9] The firstPeople & Places short film,The Alaskan Eskimo, premieres on February 18. The Living Desert premieres on November 10 as the first film distributed by the newBuena Vista Distribution Company.	Peter Pan The Living Desert
1954	Construction forDisneyland begins in July.^[6] The studio ends its distribution deal withRKO Radio Pictures and foundsBuena Vista Film Distribution Company, Inc. to distribute its feature films. Disney debuts its anthology TV series, initially namedDisneyland (before 6 title changes), on October 27. The show would run for 29 years, making it the longest-runningprimetime television series ever.^[4] The story ofDavy Crockett is told on the show on December 15.	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
1955	Disneyland opens inAnaheim, California, on July 17, 1955.^[4]^[6]^[10] It would be regarded as the first moderntheme park of the US.^[11] The park's debut is showcased via a live TV broadcast co-hosted by then-actorRonald Reagan.^[6] The Mickey Mouse Club debuts.^[4]	Lady and the Tramp
1956		The Great Locomotive Chase
1957	Zorro debuts on October 10.	Old Yeller
1958		White Wilderness Tonka
1959	Then-Vice-presidentRichard Nixon dedicatesMonorail. On June 14, theMatterhorn andSubmarine Voyage rides open at Disneyland.	Sleeping Beauty The Shaggy Dog Darby O'Gill and the Little People
1960		Pollyanna Swiss Family Robinson
1961	Disney purchases the film and merchandise rights toA.A. Milne'sWinnie-the-Pooh books.^[12]	One Hundred and One Dalmatians The Absent-Minded Professor The Parent Trap
1962		The Legend of Lobo In Search of the Castaways
1963	TheEnchanted Tiki Room, the first attraction to featureAudio-Animatronics, opens at Disneyland on June 23.	The Sword in the Stone
1964	Mary Poppins became Disney's top-grossing film up to this point, as well as one of thetop-grossing films of all-time.^[2] It wins in five categories at theAcademy Awards, though losing theBest Picture award.^[6] Four Disney exhibits open at theNew York World's Fair.	Mary Poppins
1965	Walt Disney is awarded thePresidential Medal of Freedom by PresidentLyndon B. Johnson.^[5]
1966	In an October 1966 interview,Walt Disney described his vision of creating aplanned community called the "City of Tomorrow;" "a showcase for American industry and research, schools, cultural and educational opportunities." Disney called this idea the "Environmental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" (EPCOT). Disney World'sEPCOT would pay tribute to this idea.^[5] Walt Disney dies on December 15. His comments on EPCOT would be among the last public statements he ever made.^[5]	Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree^[12]
1967	Construction begins onWalt Disney World Resort nearOrlando, Florida; the underlying governmental structure, called theReedy Creek Improvement District, is signed into law. The release ofThe Jungle Book marks the last full-length animated film made with Walt Disney's direct involvement. Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland.^[13]	The Jungle Book
1968		The Love Bug
1969	The Haunted Mansion opens at Disneyland. “Disney on Parade” debuts in Chicago. Released on December 24, 1968,The Love Bug becomes 1969's biggest box office hit and the second-highest-grossing film in Disney history afterMary Poppins.^[2]
1970	The Walt Disney Archives are established.	The Aristocats
1971	Walt Disney World opens in the eponymous filmmaker's honor on October 1.^[14] Company co-founderRoy O. Disney dies. In Roy's place,Donn Tatum becomes chairman and CEO, andCard Walker becomes president.	Bedknobs and Broomsticks
1972		Now You See Him, Now You Don't Snowball Express
1973		Robin Hood
1974		Herbie Rides Again
1975		Escape to Witch Mountain

1976–2025

[edit]

Year	Events	Notable film releases
1976	Card Walker replacesDonn Tatum as CEO	Freaky Friday Gus
1977	Roy E. Disney, son ofRoy O. Disney, resigns from the company, citing a decline in overall product quality and issues with management. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh becomes the only package feature released after Walt Disney's death.	The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh The Rescuers Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo Pete's Dragon
1978		Return from Witch Mountain
1979	The release ofThe Black Hole marks the first Disney film to berated PG. Costing $20 million to produce, the film would also be Disney's most expensive film ever up to that point.^[15] The film would ultimately get lost in the wide success ofStar Wars (1977) and its 1979 re-release.^[2] Don Bluth and 12 fellow animators left Disney to found their own studio.	The Black Hole
1980	Card Walker replacesDonn Tatum as chairman Ron W. Miller, son-in-law ofWalt Disney, replaces Walker as president. The first Disneyhome video titles are released.	Popeye (co-produced withParamount Pictures)
1981	The release ofDumbo onhome video marks Disney's first animated home video release.^[16] Plans for a cable network are announced. The firstWalt Disney's World on Ice show, produced byFeld Entertainment under license by Walt Disney Productions, tours the United States.	The Fox and the Hound Dragonslayer (co-produced with Paramount Pictures)
1982	EPCOT Center opens atWalt Disney World Resort on October 1, with an investment of over a billion dollars.^[4]	Tron
1983	Theanthology television series ends, after running for 29 years on all three networks. The Disney Channel begins broadcasting on April 23, quickly becoming the fastest-growing channel on cable television.^[2]^[4] Earlier that year, to prepare for the launch, the Company leftnetwork television. New Fantasyland opens at Disneyland. Ron W. Miller replaces Walker as CEO andRaymond Watson replaces Walker as chairman. Tokyo Disneyland opens inJapan on April 15, as the first foreign Disney park.^[4]^[17]	Mickey's Christmas Carol Never Cry Wolf Something Wicked This Way Comes
1984	TheTouchstone Films label is created to produce films aimed towards more mature audiences.^[4] On March 9,Splash becomes the first film release under Touchstone.^[4] TheHollywood Pictures label is created, like Touchstone, to produce comedy films aimed towards mature audiences. The studio narrowly escapes a buyout attempt bySaul Steinberg. In its aftermath,Roy Edward Disney and his business partner,Stanley Gold, removeRon W. Miller as CEO & president andRaymond Watson as chairman, replacing them withMichael Eisner andFrank Wells. Eisner became the first person with no personal connection toWalt Disney to lead Walt Disney Productions.^[5] His first 4 years as CEO would see Disney surge from last place to first in box-office receipts among the 8 major studios.^[2]	Splash (Touchstone)
1985	In a reversal of a three-decade studio policy, the studio begins making cartoons for television. Its first Saturday morning cartoons,Adventures of the Gummi Bears andThe Wuzzles, air on September 14. Touchstone Television is established to produce television programs and maintain Disney's strong network presence.^[4] The division beginsThe Golden Girls soon after.^[4] The home video release ofPinocchio becomes a best-seller.	The Black Cauldron The Journey of Natty Gann Return to Oz One Magic Christmas My Science Project
1986	Walt Disney Productions is renamed to The Walt Disney Company. Down and Out in Beverly Hills (released by Touchstone Pictures) becomes the studio's first R-rated film In collaboration with filmmakerFrancis Ford Coppola,Captain EO opens as an attraction at Disneyland.^[4] Touchstone Television brings Disney's return to Sunday night television with theDisney Sunday Movie.^[4] Disney features and television shows beginsyndication, first airing on September 4.	The Great Mouse Detective Down and Out in Beverly Hills The Color of Money Ruthless People
1987	The firstDisney Store opens atGlendale Galleria inCalifornia. Partnering with filmmakerGeorge Lucas, theStar Tours attraction opens in Disneyland.^[4] The Company and theFrench government sign an agreement for the creation of the first Disney resort in Europe TheEuro Disney project starts. The firstDisney Dollars are sold at Disneyland. DuckTales debuts insyndication. 50% ofMetrocolor was acquired fromLorimar-Telepictures on December 9.^[18]	Ernest Goes to Camp Good Morning, Vietnam Three Men and a Baby
1988	Walt Disney Computer Software is established Disney'sGrand Floridian Beach andCaribbean Beach Resorts open.^[4] For the first time ever, Disney leads Hollywood studios in thebox-office, with several films passing the $100-million milestone.^[4] The first Disney/Soviet Film Festival opens on October 16. The TV stationKHJ is acquired by Disney on December 2.	Oliver & Company Who Framed Roger Rabbit Beaches Cocktail Ernest Saves Christmas
1989	Three new gated attractions open in Walt Disney World:Disney-MGM Studios,Pleasure Island, andTyphoon Lagoon; andSplash Mountain opens in Disneyland.^[4] Disney andJim Henson discuss the possible acquisition ofJim Henson Productions, includingThe Muppets; Henson's death in 1990 ends the discussions.^[19] Hollywood Pictures begins operations on February 1. Hollywood Records is formed, offering recordings ranging from rap to movie soundtracks.^[4] The Little Mermaid marks the beginning of an era of wide success for Disney, a period now known as theDisney Renaissance. It would win Academy Awards forBest Original Score andBest Original Song (for "Under the Sea").^[2]	The Little Mermaid Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Dead Poets Society
1990	Hollywood Records begins operations. The Disney Afternoon television syndication block debuts. Arachnophobia becomes the first release under the newHollywood Pictures label. DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp becomes the first feature animated film not produced by Disney's main animation studio.	The Rescuers Down Under DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp Pretty Woman Dick Tracy Arachnophobia Ernest Goes to Jail
1991	The firstDisney Vacation Club Resorts opens at Walt Disney World. Disney moves into publishing for the first time, formingHyperion Books,Hyperion Books for Children, andDisney Press.^[4] Hyperion Books publishes its first book on September 26. The studio's 30th feature-length animated film,Beauty and the Beast, breaks the record for the most successful opening of an animated film, as well as becoming the highest-grossing picture of its genre. Accordingly, the film would go on to win the Academy Awards forBest Original Score andBest Original Score, and become the first-ever animated feature to be nominated for aBest Picture Oscar.^[2]	Beauty and the Beast The Rocketeer Father of the Bride Ernest Scared Stupid
1992	Disney andPixar sign their first three-picture deal.^[20] The company gets aNational Hockey League expansion franchise; it is named theMighty Ducks of Anaheim to coincide with the release of the filmThe Mighty Ducks. Euro Disney Resort opens outside Paris on April 12.^[4] The company commits to a record-high 25 new films in 1992, after Disney studios surpassed the theme parks in profitability by the second quarter of 1991.^[2]	The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Newsies Sister Act The Mighty Ducks Aladdin The Muppet Christmas Carol
1993	Disney acquires independent film distributorMiramax Films. Winnie-the-Pooh merchandise outsells Mickey Mouse merchandise for the first time. TheMighty Ducks of Anaheim play their first game at theAnaheim Arena, a new arena located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Disneyland. TheDisney Wilderness Preserve is established. Disney,LWT,STV,Guardian Media Group andCarlton Communications back a new ITV breakfast franchise,GMTV.	Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey The Adventures of Huck Finn Cool Runnings Hocus Pocus The Three Musketeers The Nightmare Before Christmas
1994	Frank Wells, president of The Walt Disney Company, dies in a helicopter crash. Jeffrey Katzenberg resigns as studio chairman to co-found his own studio,DreamWorks SKG. The first Walt Disney Gallery opens at theMainPlace Mall inSanta Ana, California on November 4. Disney Interactive is formed on December 5. Plans forDisney's America, a historical theme park inHaymarket, Virginia, are abruptly dropped. Euro Disneyland is renamedDisneyland Paris. Beauty and the Beast opens onBroadway. The Lion King becomes one of thehighest-grossing films of all time.^[4]	The Lion King Angels in the Outfield Pulp Fiction The Santa Clause The Jungle Book (1994 live-action)
1995	Disney announces plans to merge withCapital Cities/ABC, whose assets includeABC, and stakes inA&E Television Networks,ESPN, andDIC Entertainment. Blizzard Beach opens at Walt Disney World on April 1. Disney Online is founded. TheDisney Channel begins operation in the UK on October 1. Michael Ovitz becomes president on October 2. Walt Disney Pictures releasesToy Story, which would be the first feature-length film ofPixar Animation Studios and the first completely computer-animated feature film ever.^[20]	A Goofy Movie Pocahontas Crimson Tide Toy Story
1996	TheDisney Institute opens at Disney World on February 9. Disney.com is launched on theWorld Wide Web on February 22. The merger of equals withCapital Cities/ABC is completed at $19 billion, becoming the second-largest merger in US history.^[4] Radio Disney debuts on theABC Radio Networks on November 18. Disney acquiresJumbo Pictures. Disney makes a deal withTokuma Shoten for dubbing and releasing ofStudio Ghibli films in the U.S., as well as home video rights in Japan.	Muppet Treasure Island James and the Giant Peach The Hunchback of Notre Dame The Rock 101 Dalmatians (1996 live-action) Scream
1997	In January,Michael Ovitz, president of The Walt Disney Company, leaves the company. The home video division releases its firstDVDs. Disney takes control of theMajor League Baseball franchise theCalifornia Angels of the American League, renaming the team the Anaheim Angels in order to match theMighty Ducks and to draw more tourism to Anaheim and nearby Disneyland. Lyric Street Records is founded in June as acountry music label. At Walt Disney World,Disney's Wide World of Sports andDowntown Disney West Side opens.^[4] The Lion King musical opens on Broadway.^[4] Disney enters a 10-year distribution partnership withPixar. Playhouse Disney launches.	Hercules Con Air George of the Jungle Flubber
1998	Animal Kingdom opens at Disney World on April 22;^[21] andTomorrowland at Disneyland is redesigned.^[4] Disney and theHong Kong Government announce a new resort in Hong Kong. Disney Magic, the first ship of theDisney Cruise Line, is launched on July 30. ESPN Magazine debuts on March 23. InBaltimore, Maryland, the firstESPN Zone opens on July 12. Toon Disney launches.	Mulan Armageddon The Parent Trap A Bug's Life Shakespeare in Love (co-produced withUniversal Pictures)
1999	TheGO Network is launched on January 12. GO.com stock begins trading on theNew York Stock Exchange on November 18. All-Star Movies Resort opens at Disney World on January 15 Disney Cruise Line shipDisney Wonder sets sail on August 15. Mickey Mouse Works debuts on television on May 1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame musical opens in Berlin, Germany.^[4]	Tarzan Inspector Gadget The Sixth Sense Toy Story 2 Fantasia 2000
2000	Bob Iger becomes president. Soapnet launches. Disney sells offDIC Entertainment back to the company's CEOAndy Heyward.	Dinosaur Remember the Titans 102 Dalmatians The Emperor's New Groove
2001	Disney purchasesFox Family Worldwide for $3 billion in October. The purchase of the franchise included theFox Family Channel, the library assets ofSaban Entertainment andFox Kids' brand name, the Fox Children's Productions library of shows, and its European and Latin American channels.Fox Family is renamedABC Family shortly after the purchase. Fort Worth billionaireSid Bass is forced to sell his Disney holdings due to amargin call caused partially by thestock market fall that followed the9/11 attacks. For the first time,Walt Disney Parks and Resorts open 2 new theme parks in the same year:Disney California Adventure Park in February, andTokyo DisneySea in September.^[4] Disney acquiresThe Baby Einstein Company on November 7. The DVD release ofSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs sold over 1 million units on its first day.^[4]	Atlantis: The Lost Empire Monsters, Inc. Pearl Harbor The Princess Diaries
2002	Walt Disney Studios Park opens in March, adjacent to Disneyland Paris.^[4] Disney purchases a minority stake in the then-sold Saban International Paris, which is then renamed toSIP Animation.	Lilo & Stitch Signs The Santa Clause 2 Treasure Planet
2003	Mission: Space opens atEpcot, followed by the opening of thePop Century Resort at Disney World.^[4] Roy E. Disney resigns as the chairman of Feature Animation and from the board of directors, citing similar reasons to those that drove him off 26 years earlier. Fellow directorStanley Gold resigns with him and the two establish a group called "Save Disney" to apply public pressure to oustMichael Eisner. Talks to extend distribution agreement withPixar break down, and Pixar announces plans to seek a new distribution partner.^[22] Disney sells theAngels to billboard magnateArturo Moreno. Walt Disney Animation France is closed. Disney becomes the first studio in history to surpass $3 billion in globalbox office.^[4]	The Lizzie McGuire Movie Finding Nemo Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Freaky Friday Brother Bear
2004	Comcast makes an unsuccessful andhostile $54.1-billion bid in stock for the company, plus the assumption of $11.9 billion in Disney debt, $66 billion in total. Circle 7 Animation is founded. Eisner is stripped of his chairmanship following a 45%vote of no-confidence from shareholders in the spring.^[20] He is replaced byGeorge J. Mitchell as chairman of the board.^[20] On February 17, Disney purchasesThe Muppets andBear in the Big Blue House franchises fromThe Jim Henson Company for $75 million, foundingThe Muppets Holding Company in the process.^[4] ABC Family Worldwide, Fox Kids Europe, and Fox Kids Latin America launchJetix, a brand name that would be used as a block forToon Disney in the United States and as a rebranding of theFox Kids channels in Latin America and Europe. Fox Kids Europe is renamed toJetix Europe in the process. Walt Disney Animation Japan is closed. TheDisney Store chain is sold toThe Children's Place	The Incredibles National Treasure Home on the Range
2005	Disney sells theMighty Ducks of Anaheim toHenry Samueli ofBroadcom Corporation, who changes the team name to Anaheim Ducks. Roy E. Disney rejoins the company as a consultant with the title of "Director Emeritus." Eisner announces that will step down as CEO in September.^[20] He is replaced byBob Iger.^[20] Bob andHarvey Weinstein leaveMiramax Films and take theDimension Films banner with them, foundingThe Weinstein Company. Hong Kong Disneyland opens in September.^[4]^[23] On October 12, Disney becomes the first to license television episodes for download on Apple'siTunes Music Store. Disney releasesChicken Little, the studio's first completely computer-generated effort.^[20]	Ice Princess Chicken Little Herbie: Fully Loaded The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
2006	Disney acquiresPixar for $7.4 billion on January 24, before their latest contract could expire in June.^[20] The deal is formally completed on May 5, after whichSteve Jobs would serve as a director on Disney's board, while Pixar's leading creativeJohn Lasseter would becomeCOO of Pixar Studios, as well as the principal creative adviser atWalt Disney Imagineering.^[20] Pixar maintains its headquarters inEmeryville, California.^[20] Circle 7 Animation ceases operations. Walt Disney Animation Australia is closed. High School Musical airs and its soundtrack goesplatinum, breaking allDisney Channel records. On March 14,High School Musical becomes the first full-length film to be sold viadigital download, on theiTunes Store. On February 9, Disney acquires the rights toOswald the Lucky Rabbit (namely the character and 27 Walt Disney shorts) fromNBCUniversal, tradingABC Sports commentatorAl Michaels toNBC Sports in exchange.^[24] After its July release,Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest became Disney's highest-grossing feature.^[4]	High School Musical Cars Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest The Prestige (co-produced withWarner Bros. Pictures)
2007	ABC Radio Networks, along with 22 non-Radio Disney andESPN Radio, affiliates are sold toCitadel Broadcasting. In January,George J. Mitchell, chairman of The Walt Disney Company, leaves the company. Walt Disney Feature Animation is renamed toWalt Disney Animation Studios. The Muppets Holding Company is renamed toThe Muppets Studio. The company begins to drop theBuena Vista brand from its divisions (e.g. Buena Vista Pictures Distribution is renamed toWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Buena Vista Games is renamed toDisney Interactive Studios). Disney acquiresClub Penguin on August 1.^[20] High School Musical 2 set cable records on its debut on Disney Channel on August 17. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is the top-grossing film ofthe year worldwide.^[20]	Meet the Robinsons Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End High School Musical 2 Ratatouille Enchanted National Treasure: Book of Secrets
2008	TheDisney Store chain is reacquired fromThe Children's Place.^[4] Control ofThe Muppets Studio is transferred fromDisney Consumer Products to theWalt Disney Studios.^[25] Disney announces plans to fully acquireJetix Europe N.V. and take it off theEuronext, alongside rebranding the channels. Disney-MGM Studios is renamed toDisney's Hollywood Studios. Toy Story Midway Mania! is opened there as well as atDisney's California Adventure.^[4] It's a Small World opens at Hong Kong Disneyland.^[4] Disney English, the first Disney-operated language training center, is opened in China.^[4] The Little Mermaid opens onBroadway. WALL-E wins the 2008Academy Award for Best Animated Feature	The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian WALL-E Camp Rock High School Musical 3: Senior Year Roadside Romeo Bolt
2009^[4]	Disney launches its official fan club,D23.^[4] TheDisney twenty-three magazine begins publication. The first biennialD23 Expo is held in Anaheim. Disney XD launches, replacingToon Disney in the United States, Germany and Japan, andJetix in most regions. Jetix would also be replaced by theDisney Channel brand in some regions. Disney becomes an equity owner ofHulu on April 30. Disney enters a distribution deal withDreamWorks Pictures, wherein upon DreamWorks' films will be distributed throughTouchstone Pictures. SIP Animation ceases operations. TheWalt Disney Family Museum opens in San Francisco on October 1. Director EmeritusRoy E. Disney dies of stomach cancer. Disney acquiresMarvel Entertainment and its properties.^[26]^[27] The Book of Masters (Kniga Masterov) is released as the first Disney film locally produced in Russia.	Race to Witch Mountain Hannah Montana: The Movie Up The Proposal A Christmas Carol The Princess and the Frog
2010	Disney sells thePower Rangers franchise and other related shows toSaban Brands forUSD $100 million.^[28] Disney sellsMiramax Films to filmyard holdings for $660 million.^[29] World of Color debuts at the renamedDisney California Adventure.^[4] Do Dooni Chaar ('Two Times Two Equals Four') premiers on October 10, becoming the first live-action Hindi film released by Disney in India. The video gameEpic Mickey is released.^[4]	Alice in Wonderland Toy Story 3 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Tangled Tron: Legacy
2011	Disney licenses theme-park rights to theAvatar franchise from20th Century Fox andLightstorm Entertainment Disney announcesPandora – The World ofAvatar atAnimal Kingdom in Disney World. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa opens in Hawai‘i;The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure debuts at Disney California Adventure; andgroundbreaking ceremonies are held forShanghai Disneyland.^[4] ImageMovers Digital ceases operations Playhouse Disney relaunches asDisney Junior on Valentine's Day. TheDisney Dreamship sets sail. Disney begins distributingDreamWorks films in theatres, includingThe Help.^[4] I Am Number Four becomes the first DreamWorks film under the Touchstone banner. Sister Act opens on Broadway andPeter and the Starcatcher opens off-Broadway.^[4]	Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Cars 2 Winnie the Pooh The Help The Muppets War Horse
2012	Rich Ross resigns as Chairman ofThe Walt Disney Studios, and is replaced byAlan F. Horn. Disney Junior launches its own channel, replacingSoapnet on most cable providers.^[4] On October 30, Disney announces its agreement to purchaseLucasfilm. Disney acquiresLucasfilm, owner of theStar Wars andIndiana Jones properties, fromGeorge Lucas for approximately $4.06 billion.^[30] Disney's Art of Animation Resort and a newTest Track open at Disney World.^[4] Cars Land opens at Disney California Adventure.^[4] Disney Cruise Line'sDisney Fantasy sets sail.^[4] Newsies opens on Broadway and wins twoTony Awards.^[4]	John Carter Marvel's The Avengers Brave Frankenweenie Wreck-It Ralph Lincoln
2013	Soapnet ceases operations. Fantasy Faire opens in Disneyland; andMystic Point opens at Hong Kong Disneyland.^[4] Disney sellsThe Baby Einstein Company toKids II, Inc. on October 14.^[31] Frozen becomes the highest-grossing animation film to date.	Oz the Great and Powerful Iron Man 3 Monsters University Thor: The Dark World Frozen Saving Mr. Banks
2014	Disney acquiresMaker Studios for $500 million. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens in Disney World's Magic Kingdom; andRatatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy opens in Disneyland Paris' Walt Disney Studios Park.^[4]	Captain America: The Winter Soldier Maleficent Guardians of the Galaxy Big Hero 6 Into the Woods
2015	Disney combines itsConsumer Products andInteractive Media divisions into one unified segment,Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. Marvel Studios is reorganized under theWalt Disney Studios. Pixar releases two films in the same calendar year for the first time.	Cinderella Tomorrowland Bridge of Spies Avengers: Age of Ultron Inside Out Ant-Man Descendants The Good Dinosaur Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2016	Shanghai Disneyland opens on June 16. Construction on a 14-acreStar Wars-themed land begins at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. ABC Family is renamed toFreeform. Disney acquires stock inBAMTech on August 9. DreamWorks ends its film distribution deal with Disney. Touchstone Pictures ceases operations. The Jungle Book (live action) wins the 2016Academy Award for Best Visual Effects	Zootopia Captain America: Civil War The Jungle Book Finding Dory Doctor Strange Moana Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2017	Club Penguin shuts down on March 30. Club Penguin Island is released on the same day. Maker Studios is renamed toDisney Digital Network. Disney announces plans to launch asubscription video-on-demand service. Iron Man Experience opens in Hong Kong as the first Marvel-themed ride at any Disney park.^[4] Pandora – The World of Avatar opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom; andGuardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! opens at Disney California Adventure.^[4] In November,John Lasseter announces that he is taking a 6-month leave of absence from the company, after acknowledging "missteps" in his behavior with employees. Media outlets report that Lasseter had a history of alleged sexual misconduct towards employees.^[32] Disney announces its acquisition ofkey assets and businesses of21st Century Fox fromRupert Murdoch.	Beauty and the Beast Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Cars 3 Thor: Ragnarok Coco Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2018	Toy Story Land opens at Shanghai Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios;Pixar Pier debuts at Disney California Adventure; and theTropical Hideaway opens in Disneyland's Adventureland.^[4] In June: Disney announces thatJohn Lasseter would leave the company, withPete Docter andJennifer Lee assuming the roles of chief creative officers for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, respectively. Comcast announces a $65 billionall-cash counter-offer to acquire the Fox assets that Disney was set to purchase. Disney counterbids with a $71.3 billion offer. Comcast drops offer in pursuit ofSky Group and Disney is free to acquire21st Century Fox and most of their assets. Disneytoon Studios ceases operations. Soundstage A at Walt Disney Studios is dedicated to Disney veteransRichard M. Sherman andRobert B. Sherman. ThePlay Disney app is launched.^[4] TheESPN+ streaming service is launched. Minnie Mouse receives a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.^[4] Frozen: The Broadway Musical premieres.^[4] Club Penguin Island shuts down on December 20.	Black Panther Avengers: Infinity War Solo: A Star Wars Story Incredibles 2 Ant-Man and the Wasp Christopher Robin Ralph Breaks the Internet Mary Poppins Returns
2019	Disney'sacquisition of21st Century Fox is completed on March 20. Disney Digital Network shuts down on April 30. Avengers: Endgame becomes the company'shighest-grossing film worldwide ever. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios opens. Disney+ launches	Captain Marvel Avengers: Endgame Aladdin Toy Story 4 The Lion King Ford v. Ferrari Jojo Rabbit Frozen II Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2020	20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures are renamed to20th Century Studios andSearchlight Pictures respectively. Its television counterparts ABC Studios, 20th Century Fox Television, and Fox 21 Television Studios are renamed toABC Signature,20th Television, andTouchstone Television respectively. Bob Chapek replaces Iger as CEO. Disneyis majorly impacted by theCOVID-19 pandemic, resulting in multiple delays in film and television production and distribution, temporary closure of all of its theme parks and cruise lines, massive layoffs, and billion-dollar losses in revenue. In December,Alan Bergman is named chairman of theDisney Studios Content division to oversee Disney's film studios. Touchstone Television ceases operations.	Onward Mulan Nomadland Soul
2021	Blue Sky Studios ceases operations. Sony Pictures makes a multi-year licensing agreement with Disney for its films to stream across Disney's streaming and linear platforms. Fox 2000 Pictures ceases operations. Soul wins the 2021Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Nomadland wins the 2021Academy Award for Best Picture. Avengers Campus opens at Disney California Adventure. Future World was permanently closed and it was divided into four different lands:World Celebration,World Nature,World Discovery, andWorld Showcase at EPCOT. Iger's contract expires, withSusan Arnold replacing him as chair.	Raya and the Last Dragon Cruella Luca Black Widow Free Guy Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Nightmare Alley Eternals Encanto West Side Story
2022	Encanto wins the 2022Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Avengers Campus opens at Walt Disney Studios Park. Bob Iger rejoins the company as CEO, replacing Chapek. On April 22, amidst a dispute between Disney and Governor Ron DeSantis, the Reedy Creek Improvement Act is repealed.	Turning Red Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Lightyear Thor: Love and Thunder Black Panther: Wakanda Forever The Banshees of Inisherin Strange World Avatar: The Way of Water
2023	The company'scentennial year. Mark Parker replaces Arnold as chair. 20th Digital Studio ceases operations. On June 1, The Reedy Creek District fully dissolves, renamed theCentral Florida Tourism Oversight District, and placed under the control of a Governor-appointed board. Disney is majorly impacted by the2023 Hollywood labor disputes.	Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 The Little Mermaid Elemental Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Haunted Mansion The Creator Wish Poor Things
2024	Disney acquires a 10% stake for $1.5 billion inEpic Games. Sony takes over Disney's physical home video releases in North America. Inside Out 2 becomes thehighest-grossing animated film to date. Jennifer Lee steps down as chief creative officer ofWalt Disney Animation Studios, and is succeeded byJared Bush.	Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Inside Out 2 Deadpool & Wolverine Alien: Romulus Moana 2 Mufasa: The Lion King A Complete Unknown
2025	James P. Gorman replaces Parker as chairman. Disney announced that it would not renew its lease withFox Corporation and that it would vacate the Fox Studio Lot in Century City at the end of 2025. and relocate to theWalt Disney Studios in Burbank. Disney acquires a 2% equally stake ofWebtoon Entertainment. Disney announced acquiresNFL Network andNFL RedZone fromNFL.	Captain America: Brave New World Snow White Thunderbolts* Lilo & Stitch Elio The Fantastic Four: First Steps Freakier Friday Tron: Ares Predator: Badlands Zootopia 2 Avatar: Fire and Ash

2026–present

[edit]

Year	Events	Notable film releases
2026		Hoppers The Devil Wears Prada 2 The Mandalorian and Grogu Toy Story 5 Moana Hexed Avengers: Doomsday

References

[edit]

^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e"Walt Disney Company is founded".HISTORY. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ"Walt Disney Company | Encyclopedia.com".www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^"About the Walt Disney Company".TheWaltDisneyCompany.com. Retrieved1 February 2021.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x ^y ^z ^aa ^ab ^ac ^ad ^ae ^af ^ag ^ah ^ai ^aj ^ak ^al ^am ^an ^ao ^ap ^aq ^ar ^as ^at ^au ^av ^aw ^ax ^ay ^az ^ba ^bb ^bc ^bd ^be ^bf ^bg ^bh ^bi ^bj ^bk ^bl ^bm ^bn ^bo ^bp ^bq ^br ^bs ^bt"Disney History".D23. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l"Walt Disney | Encyclopedia.com".www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^kNix, Elizabeth."7 Things You May Not Know About Walt Disney".HISTORY. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^Durso, Chris. 19 December 2011. "Food Will Win The War, Disney’s World War II Propaganda Film."Foodiggity.
^Korkis, Jim (September 13, 2005)."Wednesdays with Wade: 25 years of "Disney on Ice"".JimHillMedia. RetrievedJuly 30, 2015.
^Aberdeen, J. A. (2000). "Disneyland".Hollywood Renegades. Cobblestone Entertainment.ISBN 1-890110-24-8. RetrievedMay 5, 2015.
^"Disneyland opens".This Day in History.History. July 17, 1955. Archived fromthe original on April 25, 2019. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^"Amusement Parks | Encyclopedia.com".www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^^a ^bLeonard, Devin; Burke, Doris (January 20, 2003)."The Curse of Pooh".Fortune. RetrievedJuly 11, 2016.
^Glover, Erin (March 13, 2017)."Celebrate 50 Years of Pirates of the Caribbean This Weekend at Disneyland Park".Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Archived fromthe original on September 27, 2018. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^Smith, Thomas (October 1, 2010)."This Day in History: Walt Disney World Resort Officially Opens – 1971". Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Archived fromthe original on April 5, 2019. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^Kit, Borys (December 1, 2009). "'Tron: Legacy' Team Mount a 'Black Hole' Remake."Reuters.
^Lucas (2019), p. 153.
^"Opening of Tokyo Disneyland".The Oriental Land Company. Archived fromthe original on December 31, 2017. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^"Disney Co. confirms buy of Metrocolor".Variety. 1987-12-16. pp. 3, 30.
^Stevenson, Richard W. (August 29, 1989)."Muppets Join Disney Menagerie".The New York Times. Archived fromthe original on December 19, 2017. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l"Walt Disney announces $7.4 billion purchase of Pixar".HISTORY. Retrieved2021-02-02.
^Fickley-Baker, Jennifer (April 22, 2011)."This Day In Disney History: Disney's Animal Kingdom Opened in 1998". Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Archived fromthe original on March 23, 2019. RetrievedMay 31, 2019.
^"Pixar dumps Disney".CNN. January 30, 2004. Archived fromthe original on December 20, 2018. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^Fickley-Baker, Jennifer (September 12, 2011)."Today in Disney History: Hong Kong Disneyland Opens". Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Archived fromthe original on September 11, 2015. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^Taylor, Drew (September 5, 2020)."The Incredible True Story of Disney's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit".Collider.Archived from the original on November 20, 2021. RetrievedJuly 13, 2022.
^Barnes, Brooks (September 18, 2008)."Fuzzy Renaissance".The New York Times. Archived fromthe original on November 21, 2018. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^Marvel Shareholders OK Disney Acquisition,Marketwatch, December 31, 2009.
^"Disney Completes Marvel Acquisition". Marvel. Retrieved21 June 2012.
^Stelter, Brian; Barnes, Brooks (May 12, 2010)."Disney Sells a Franchise That Mothers Didn't Like".The New York Times. Archived fromthe original on October 23, 2017. RetrievedMay 27, 2019.
^"Movie Reviews, Trailers, Interviews, Wikis & Posters for Movies - IGN" – via www.ign.com.
^The Deadline Team (December 21, 2012)."Disney Completes Acquisition Of Lucasfilm".Deadline Hollywood.Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. RetrievedSeptember 14, 2013.
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Bibliography

[edit]

Lucas, Christopher (2019).Top Disney: 100 Top Ten Lists of the Best of Disney, from the Man to the Mouse and Beyond (1st ed.).Lyons Press.ISBN 978-1493037711.

The Walt Disney Company

Company
officials

Key	Founders Walt Disney Roy O. Disney CEO Bob Iger
Board of directors	James P. Gorman (chair) Mary Barra Safra Catz Francis deSouza Michael Froman Bob Iger Maria Elena Lagomasino

Entertainment

Studios

Television

Disney Branded Television	Disney Channel Disney Jr. Disney XD
ABC Entertainment	ABC ABC Daytime ABC News ABC Audio ABC News Radio Lincoln Square Productions ABC News Live
National Geographic Global Networks	National Geographic National Geographic Wild
Other networks	FX Networks FX FXX FXM FXP Freeform Worldwide Freeform Onyx Collective
Production studios	Disney Branded Television Disney Television Animation It's a Laugh Productions Disney Television Studios 20th Television 20th Television Animation
Other units	BabyTV (US distribution) A+E Global Media (50%)

Streaming

Distribution

ABC TV Stations

International

EMEA
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India
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  - Disney+ Hotstar
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Latin America
- Argentina
  - Patagonik Film Group (33.3%)
- Hispanic America

Other assets

Movies Anywhere

Experiences

Parks and resorts	Disneyland Resort Disneyland Paris Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (43%) Shanghai Disney Resort (43%) Walt Disney Attractions Japan Walt Disney World Imagineering (The Muppets Studio)
Experiences	Adventures by Disney National Geographic Expeditions Disney Cruise Line Disney Vacation Club Storyliving by Disney
Consumer Products	Disney Store (Outside US & Canada) Disney Publishing Worldwide Disney English NG Media Marvel Comics Disney Online Disney Interactive