On 16 October 1923, brothers Walt and Roy Disney founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in Los Feliz, California, laying the foundations for what would become the Walt Disney Company, one of the world’s best-known entertainment businesses.
The studio marked the beginning of a journey that would transform animation and eventually expand into films, television, theme parks and global entertainment.
From a small studio to a global brand
Walt Disney had already begun experimenting with animation before establishing the studio with his older brother Roy. Their early work included a series of short films that combined live-action footage with animation.
One of their first major projects was the Alice Comedies, which followed a live-action girl interacting with animated characters. The series helped establish the young studio and provided a stepping stone towards more ambitious productions.
The brothers’ partnership brought together Walt’s creative vision and Roy’s business management. Together, they built a company that would go on to shape the development of animated entertainment.
Mickey Mouse changes the company’s fortunes
A major turning point came in 1928 with the introduction of Mickey Mouse. The character made his first public appearance in Steamboat Willie, a short film that helped popularise synchronised sound in animation.
Mickey quickly became the studio’s defining character, helping the company gain international recognition.
In 1937, Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, its first full-length animated feature. The film’s success demonstrated the commercial potential of feature-length animation and opened the door to further productions.
Building an entertainment empire
Over the following decades, the company expanded far beyond its original animation business. It entered television, developed live-action films and moved into theme parks, opening Disneyland in California in 1955.
After Walt Disney’s death in 1966, Roy continued overseeing the company’s development until his own death in 1971.
The business subsequently expanded through new film studios, television networks, streaming services and international theme park destinations.
Today, the Walt Disney Company operates across multiple areas of entertainment, with a portfolio of films, characters and franchises recognised around the world.
What began as a small animation studio founded by two brothers in California in 1923 has grown into a major global entertainment company.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Winnie-the-Pooh marks 100 years of magic (1926)
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