Timeline of the Walt Disney Company

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Timeline of the Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio; it also operated under the names The Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions before officially changing its name to The Walt Disney Company in 1986. The company established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and theme parks.

Early Years (1923–1954)

• 1923 - The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio is founded.
• 1928 - The release of Steamboat Willie, the first synchronized sound cartoon, marks the debut of Mickey Mouse.
• 1937 - Disney releases Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature film.
• 1940 - The company goes public and the opening of the new Disney studio in Burbank.
• 1950 - Disney enters television with the debut of The Wonderful World of Disney.

Expansion and Diversification (1955–1984)

• 1955 - Opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
• 1966 - Death of Walt Disney; Roy O. Disney takes over as chairman, CEO, and president.
• 1971 - Opening of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
• 1983 - Launch of the Disney Channel on cable television.

Renaissance and Beyond (1985–present)

• 1986 - The company officially changes its name to The Walt Disney Company.
• 1992 - Opening of Disneyland Paris, originally Euro Disney Resort.
• 1995 - Disney acquires ABC Television Network.
• 2006 - Acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios.
• 2009 - Disney purchases Marvel Entertainment.
• 2012 - Acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd., the production company behind Star Wars.
• 2015 - Opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney park in mainland China.
• 2019 - Launch of Disney+, Disney's own streaming service.
• 2021 - Disney announces a major reorganization to focus more on its streaming services.

Throughout its history, The Walt Disney Company has been a pioneer in the field of entertainment, constantly innovating and expanding its empire to include a wide range of media and entertainment forms. From its early days of producing groundbreaking animations to its current status as a leading conglomerate in the entertainment industry, Disney's journey is a testament to the vision of its founders and the enduring appeal of its characters and stories.