Celebrating 100 Years of Wonder
On October 16th, 2023, we are happy to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary as 100 Years of Wonder. The company started with two brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney as Disney Brothers Studios. Little did anyone know the amount of transformation this company would bring not only to itself, but also the animation, entertainment, broadcasting, and amusement park industries.
Disney Animation Beginnings
Disney animation development started in 1930 with Mickey Mouse and his orange-colored pup, Pluto. Donald Duck followed soon after in 1934 as a fiery character who often starts shows in a gleeful, happy mood only to derail into tirades of unintelligible ramblings and fiery personality. In 1937, Disney released its first feature length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
An Idea for a Theme Park
Walt had an inspiration from a trip to Griffith Park, one that would transform the company and set them on a path they are still exploring today. Walt wanted to build an amusement park where kids and kids at heart go immerse themselves into fantasy. Disneyland in California opened a few short years later, debuting on July 17, 1955.
Eastbound to Florida and Beyond
A little over a decade later Walt Disney died due to complications from lung cancer. Roy O. Disney took over as CEO. He lobbied the Florida Legislature and got the Reedy Creek Improvement District passed giving the Disney company a lot of control over the, soon to be, business in Central Florida. On October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, and Polynesian Resort opened outside of Orlando Florida. Walt Disney World celebrated its 50th Anniversary from 2020 through early 2023. Roy O Disney passed away in late 1971, leading to the first non-Disney to take the helm of the company Donn Tatum followed by Card Walker in the late 1970s. Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) opened October 1, 1982, featuring the 180ft geodesic dome called Spaceship Earth. Less than a year later, Disney’s first international amusement park opened in Japan called Tokyo Disneyland.
The Growth of Animation
Ron Miller took over as CEO in 1983 and was quickly removed from the post by pressure from Roy E. Disney and other members of the Board of Directors. Michael Eisner assumed the position and led the Disney Company into what is often thought to be the biggest growth period in the company’s history. There was a more directed refocus to Disney Animation and some of the best animated releases of movies came under his tenure such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin as well as the acquisition of ABC.
The Acquisition Continues
In 2005, Eisner stepped down and Bob Iger was appointed the next CEO of Disney. He has launched more international parks and is probably best credited for his acquisitions, growing Disney’s catalog, and potential releases for the future. Under Iger Disney acquired Pixar, Marvel Cinematic Universe, LucasFilm, and 21st Century FOX. When Iger stepped down in 2020 he had picked Bob Chapek to take over the helm. His tenure lasted less than 2 full years with Iger being called out of retirement to revitalize the company.
What is After Disney’s 100th Anniversary???
As we approach Disney’s 100th anniversary how can we not help but to imagine what the future will bring. We have rides and experiences in the parks that even Walt himself could not have envisioned. Iger recently had announced reimagination of some aging areas and potential expansions within the parks. He had just pledged to spend $60 billion on these efforts over the next decade. We have been reflecting on the tremendous history of Disney and cannot help but daydream about the magic to come. Please reach out for your free Disney Vacation Quote. Contact – (themeparkvacationsplanner.com)