-
Walt Disney signs a contract with M.J. Winkler
This was to produce a series of Alice Comedies, beginning the Disney company under its original name "Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio", with brothers Walt and Roy Disney, as equal partners. Several years later the company's name is changed to "The Walt Disney Studio". -
The birth of Mickey Mouse
Walt and Roy come up with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Mickey is now one of the most popular and recognizable characters in the world. -
First Walt Disney Film
Walt Disney's first feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released. It was based on the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, it is the first full-length animated feature film and the earliest Disney animated feature film as well. It was the highest grossing sound film of all time during that era bringing in $8 million. -
Disney films become more than just entertainment
The studio begins making morale-boosting propaganda films for the United States during World War II. -
Disneyland
Disneyland was the first of the two theme parks to be built in Anaheim, California. It was built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. -
More Money for Disney
The studio purchases the film and merchandise rights to Winnie-the-Pooh books, which are a huge source of revenue to this day for Walt Disney Studios. -
Disney Channel Begins
The first show in Disney Channel was a series called, "Good Morning Mickey!" which lasted until 1992 and was replaced with "Mickey Mouse Club House". -
Disney takes center stage
Original Disney Studio films begin to be seen on Broadway. The first show was Beauty and the Beast in 1994, followed by the Lion King in 1997, Tarzan in 2006, The Little Mermaid in 2008, Aladdin in 2011, and soon The Jungle Book and Frozen will take on the stage. -
Disney buys out multiple companies
Disney buys out Fox in 2001 for $5.2 billion, Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion, ABC in 1995 for $4 billion, and own parts of a variety of different companies. -
Disney takes over the sports industry
Disney takes control of the Major League Baseball franchise the California Angels, renaming the team the Anaheim Angels in order to coincide with Disney's hockey team the Mighty Ducks and to draw more tourism to Anaheim and nearby Disneyland. Disney also proceeds to own 80% of ESPN as well. -
Disney gets involved with the music industry
Disney Studios signs their first ever musicians, known as the Cheetah Girls. The Cheetah Girls bring in over $43 million dollar on their first ever tour called 'The Party's Just Begun' Tour. -
Disney's TV shows sky rocket
After premieres of Hannah Montana, High School Musical, That So Raven, Power Rangers, and Wizards of Waverly Place Disney Channel experienced a growth in ratings and money. -
Very Successful
As of 2016 Disney is ranked #8 in the worlds most valuable brand by Forbes with $169.3 billion net worth. Disney will keep growing with films, tv shows, toys, stores, etc. all throughout the world.
