The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate that is headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney as Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio; it also operated under the names Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions before changing its name to the Walt Disney Company in 1986. In 1928, Disney established itself as a leader in the animation industry with the short film Steamboat Willie. The film used synchronized sound to become the first post-produced sound cartoon, and popularized Mickey Mouse, who became Disney's mascot and corporate icon.

Some of the key events about The Walt Disney Company

1923
Founded as a cartoon studio in Los Angeles, California
1928
Created Mickey Mouse, the company's iconic mascot
1937
Released "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", the first full-length animated feature film
1941
Animators went on strike over low wages and poor working conditions, leading to a bitter labor dispute
1946
Released "Song of the South", a film criticized for its racist depiction of African Americans
1955
Opened Disneyland, the company's first theme park, in Anaheim, California
1966
Established Disney World and EPCOT in Florida
1966
Acquired land in Florida through deceptive practices for Walt Disney World development
1983
Launched the Disney Channel, expanding into cable television
1984
Faced a hostile takeover attempt, resulting in significant corporate restructuring
1989
Opened Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) theme park
1995
Released "Toy Story", the first fully computer-animated feature film
1995
Acquired ABC, raising concerns about media consolidation and potential conflicts of interest
1999
Faced criticism for labor practices in overseas factories producing Disney merchandise
2001
Laid off thousands of employees following the September 11 attacks and subsequent tourism decline
2004
Blocked distribution of Michael Moore's documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" due to political concerns
2006
Acquired Pixar Animation Studios, enhancing its animation capabilities
2009
Acquired Marvel Entertainment, expanding into superhero franchises
2009
Received backlash for initial refusal to allow a same-sex wedding ceremony at Disneyland
2016
Faced controversy over alligator attack on a child at Walt Disney World resort

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