Disney began as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, founded in 1923 by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney in Hollywood, California. The studio initially produced animated short films before creating _Mickey Mouse_ in 1928.

The release of _Steamboat Willie_ marked a turning point in animation history by introducing synchronized sound to animated cartoons. Mickey Mouse quickly became Disney’s signature character and remains the company’s official mascot.

In 1937, Disney released _Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs_, the world’s first full-length cel-animated feature film. Despite industry skepticism, the film was a tremendous success and established Disney as the leading animation studio.

During the following decades, Disney expanded into:

• Feature animation

• Live-action films

• Television production

• Theme parks

• Cruise lines

• Merchandise

• Publishing

• Interactive media

• Streaming platforms

Today, Disney operates across nearly every major segment of global entertainment.

Disney operates through several major divisions.

Entertainment

This division produces movies and television programs through numerous studios, including:

• Walt Disney Pictures

• Pixar Animation Studios

• Marvel Studios

• Lucasfilm

• 20th Century Studios

• Searchlight Pictures

Sports

Disney owns a controlling interest in ESPN, one of the world’s largest sports broadcasting networks.

Experiences

Disney’s experiences division includes:

• Theme parks

• Resorts

• Cruise vacations

• Vacation clubs

• Adventure travel

• Merchandise

Major destinations include:

• Disneyland Resort

• Walt Disney World Resort

• Tokyo Disney Resort

• Disneyland Paris

• Hong Kong Disneyland

• Shanghai Disney Resort

Disney is a major player in digital streaming through:

• Disney+

• Hulu (major ownership in the U.S.)

• ESPN+

Disney owns or manages numerous globally recognized franchises, including:

• Mickey Mouse

• Frozen

• Toy Story

• Disney Princess

• Marvel Cinematic Universe

• Star Wars

• Avatar

• The Lion King

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Cars

Disney has created or popularized hundreds of beloved characters, including:

• Mickey Mouse

• Minnie Mouse

• Donald Duck

• Goofy

• Pluto

• Elsa

• Anna

• Woody

• Buzz Lightyear

Disney’s offerings include:

• Animated films

• Live-action films

• Television programming

• Streaming platforms

• Theme parks and resorts

• Cruise vacations

• Toys and collectibles

• Clothing and apparel

• Video games

• Books and comics

• Music

• Consumer products

• Educational content

• Licensing and merchandising

Disney operates in more than 40 countries and serves audiences around the world through:

• Movie distribution

• Television networks

• Streaming services

• Theme parks

• Retail stores (in select markets)

• Consumer products

• Licensing partnerships

• Live entertainment

Disney is widely associated with values such as:

• Imagination

• Creativity

• Family entertainment

• Storytelling

• Innovation

• Optimism

• Magic

• Adventure

• Nostalgia

• Inclusivity

Its well-known slogan is “The Happiest Place on Earth”, used for Disneyland, while the broader Disney brand is often associated with the idea of creating magical entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages.

Over more than a century, Disney has played a major role in shaping animation, filmmaking, and themed entertainment. It pioneered techniques in animated storytelling, introduced innovations in theme park design, and built one of the world’s largest portfolios of entertainment intellectual property through original creations and acquisitions. Disney’s films, characters, and parks have become deeply embedded in global popular culture, influencing generations of audiences and creators.

For more information about the company, its brands, and current offerings, visit The Walt Disney Company or Disney.