Walt Disney's 123rd birth anniversary: A complete timeline of his magical journey

Walt Disney timeline: Today, December 5, marks the 123rd birth anniversary of Walt Disney, a name that stands for creativity, imagination, and magic. His work has inspired generations, from the magical world of Disneyland to the beloved character Mickey Mouse. Disney achieved incredible success in his lifetime, including winning 22 Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Special Achievement Awards, and an Emmy Award. Even decades after his death, the Walt Disney Company continues to bring joy to millions around the world, keeping his vision alive.

Let¡¯s explore the complete timeline of Walt Disney¡¯s life and the key moments that made him a legend.

Early Life and Childhood

1901: Walt Disney was born on December 5 in Chicago, Illinois, to Elias and Flora Call Disney.

1906: The Disney family moved to Marceline, Missouri, where Walt enjoyed a happy childhood on a farm. This was where he discovered his love for drawing.

1911: The family sold the farm and moved to Kansas City, Missouri, due to Elias¡¯s poor health. Walt started delivering newspapers early in the mornings and developed a deep interest in movies and live performances.

Teenage Years and Education

1917: The family relocated to Chicago, and Walt began drawing cartoons for his school newspaper. He also attended evening art classes and dreamt of becoming a newspaper cartoonist.

1918: Walt lied about his age to join the American Ambulance Corps and went to France after World War I to serve as a driver.

Starting in Animation

1919: After returning to the US, Walt worked at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio, earning $50 a month.

1920: He teamed up with Ub Iwerks to form Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists. Though their business failed, this partnership would prove significant in the future.

1922: Walt founded Laugh-O-Gram Films, producing animated shorts. However, the company faced financial difficulties and closed in 1923.

Establishing Disney Studios

1923: Walt moved to Hollywood and, along with his brother Roy, founded the Disney Brothers Studio. Their first success came with the Alice Comedies, a mix of live-action and animation.

1924: Walt stops animating to focus on story development and direction. Lillian Bounds, Walt¡¯s future wife, starts working at the studio as an inker.

1925: Walt marries Lillian Bounds.

1926: The studio was renamed Walt Disney Studios and shifted to a new location on Hyperion Avenue.

1927: Film distributor Charles Mintz hires Disney Studios to create ¡°Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.¡± When Mintz takes ownership of the character, Walt refuses to give up his studio.

1928: After losing the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt created Mickey Mouse, who debuted in the animated short Steamboat Willie, the first film to combine sound and animation.

1929: Walt launches Silly Symphonies, a series combining music and animation.

1930: Roy and Walt Disney license merchandise featuring Mickey Mouse.

Innovation and Success

1931: Membership in the Mickey Mouse Club exceeds one million.

1932: Walt Disney acquired exclusive rights to Technicolor, transforming the animation industry.

1933: Three Little Pigs is released, featuring the hit song ¡°Who¡¯s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?¡± Lillian gives birth to Diane Disney.

1936: Walt and Lillian adopt Sharon Disney.

1937: The studio released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature film, which became a massive hit.

Overcoming Challenges

1938: Disney Studios purchases land in Burbank, California, for a new studio.

1939: Walt receives an honorary Academy Award for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs¡ªone full-sized Oscar and seven miniature ones.

1940: Pinocchio and Fantasia are released, but neither is commercially successful.

1941: Dumbo brings modest success. Disney animators go on strike, and Walt embarks on a goodwill tour of South America.

1942: Disney releases Bambi and Saludos Amigos. The studio begins producing morale-boosting films during World War II.

1944: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is successfully re-released.

1946: Walt stops voicing Mickey Mouse and releases Song of the South, which becomes a commercial success.

1948: Disney begins the True-Life Adventures series with Seal Island, a pioneering nature documentary.

Disneyland and Major Achievements

1950: Cinderella becomes Disney¡¯s first major success since Snow White.

1953: Walt establishes Buena Vista Film Distribution Company.

1955: Disneyland opens in Anaheim, California, and attracts over one million visitors within two months.

1960: Walt leads pageantry for the Winter Olympics.

1961: Plans are made to create the California Institute of the Arts.

1964: Mary Poppins is released and earns 13 Oscar nominations. Walt receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

1965: Disney purchases land in Orlando, Florida, to build EPCOT and Walt Disney World.

Final Years and Lasting Legacy

1966: Walt Disney passed away on December 15, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovation and happiness. His company continues to thrive, bringing magic to people worldwide.

Remembering Walt Disney

On his 123rd birth anniversary, Walt Disney¡¯s life and work remain an inspiration. The Walt Disney timeline highlights his dedication, creativity, and determination. From creating timeless characters like Mickey Mouse to building the magical Disneyland, Walt Disney¡¯s vision continues to make people smile across the globe.

His legacy is a reminder that with imagination and hard work, it is possible to create something that touches millions of hearts.