In 1923, brothers Walt and Roy Disney started the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, and signed with M.J. Winkler Productions. They changed the name to Walt Disney Studios in 1926. In 1928 Mickey Mouse was introduced.
Goofy was introduced in 1932 and Donald Duck was first seen in 1934. In 1937 "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated film, was released to critical acclaim.
Many well-known Disney films were made during the 1940s, including "Dumbo" and "Bambi." Production also began on the company's first live action film, "Treasure Island."
Buena Vista Distribution Company was formed in 1954. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, opened on July 17, 1955, forever changing theme parks.
Land was secretly purchased in Florida to build "Disney World" and construction began in 1967. Walt Disney was diagnosed with lung cancer and died on December 15, 1966, and his brother Roy changed the name of the future park to Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World in Florida opened on October 1, 1971, Epcot opened in 1982. In 1983, the Disney Channel was launched, and Tokyo Disneyland opened that same year. In 1991 "Beauty and the Beast" became the first animated picture nominated for an Academy Award. Disney continues to produce family entertainment to this day.