Disney
The Walt Disney Company, also known as Disney, was founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy Disney. Originally a cartoon studio, Disney has since evolved to include live-action film production, television, and theme parks.
Walt Disney created Disney's mascot Mickey Mouse in 1928, who was the star of the studio's first sound film, Steamboat Willie. This led to Disney's first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in 1937, which became the highest-grossing film at that time.
Under Walt Disney, the studio saw the release of classics such as Cinderella (1950), Peter Pan (1953), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961). Sadly, Walt Disney passed away on December 15, 1966.
Roy Disney took over the leadership of the company and renamed Disney World to Walt Disney World. However, he died shortly after in 1971. It wasn't until the late '80s that Disney experienced a "renaissance" thanks to CEO Michael Eisner thanks to the success of animated films such as The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and The Lion King (1994).
In 2005, Bob Iger took over as Disney's CEO, and shortly after the company acquired Pixar. In 2009, Disney also acquired Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion. In 2017, Disney went on to purchase most assets from 21st Century Fox. In 2019, Disney launched their popular streaming service Disney+.
Created By: Walt and Roy E. Disney
Founded: October 16, 1923
CEO: Bob Chapek
Disney Theme Parks:
- Disneyland (1955)
- Walt Disney World (1971)
- Tokyo Disney Resort (1983)
- Disneyland Paris (1992)
- Hong Kong Disneyland (2005)
- Shanghai Disney (2016)
Disney Acquisitions:
- Pixar
- Marvel
- Lucasfilm
- 20th Century Studios
- Searchlight Pictures
- ABC Broadcast Network
- ESPN
- FX
- National Geographic
- Hulu
- Hotstar
Net Worth: $200 billion
Latest Disney News and Updates
Viral Theory About Tarzan's Parents Connects Him to Another Disney Movie
Tarzan could have two sisters.
Disney Offers Hurricane PB&J Sandwich Kits for Stranded Guests, But They Are Not Free
"The way my mouth DROPPED when I saw they were charging for these."
The Voice of Bambi Lived a Secret Double Life as a Drill Sergeant and No One Knew
“I just thought to myself, ‘I don’t think I want all these young Marines to start calling me Major Bambi,’" he said.
Characters That Are Technically Disney Princesses Now That Disney Owns (Almost) Everything
Does Peggy Bundy count?
Comparing Disney Plus's 'Lilo & Stitch' to the Original: What Fans Need to Know
Disney Plus's 'Lilo & Stitch' looks a bit different than the original — here's why!
Elon Musk Is Helping Gina Carano Sue Disney for Firing Her From 'The Mandalorian'
After being fired from Disney, Gina Carano filed a lawsuit against the company, which is likely to proceed to trial.
Mom Brings Daughter With Highly Contagious Skin Infection to Disneyland, Is Now Purportedly Banned
"I hope you enjoy it because it's got my daughter's contagious impetigo germs all over it."
Why Does Riley Have Both Male and Female Emotions in 'Inside Out'?
"I remember, we talked to John and he said, ‘Well, I thought you did it because, as adults, we become more kind of set in our ways. As a kid ... anywhere is possible,’" the film's director said.
Fan Favorite 'Bug Juice' Camp Was Sold — A Look at the Filming Locations
If you were on 'Bug Juice,' which camp would you choose — Camp Waziyatah, Camp Highlander, or Brush Ranch Camp?
Tinkerbell Was Reportedly Found "Problematic" by Disney and Removed From Parks
Tinkerbell was deemed problematic a few years ago, but that may not be why she's no longer in some Disney parks.
You'll Have to Buy This Unpopular Expansion to Get Oswald in 'Disney Dreamlight Valley'
Oswald is part of the 'A Rift in Time' expansion, but not all players think the extra content is worth it.
The Heelers Are Moving — Why Bluey’s Family Is Selling Their Iconic House
"As adults, we can be really excited about moving house. But that is not the case for kids, as they usually don't have control over it."
Disney CEO Bob Iger's Wife Willow Bay Helped Convince Him to Return as CEO
Bob Iger said that his wife also discouraged him from trying to run for president in 2020 after leaving Disney.
Meet Ariel's Sisters from 'The Little Mermaid' — From the Animated Original to the Live-Action Remake
Did you know that Disney changed the names of Ariel's sisters for their live action version of the movie?
“Just Trying to Take a Cute Pic” — Woman Blames “Karens” for Ruining Her Photos at Disney
In a now-viral video, Joey Swoll called out an overly entitled Disney adult who criticized park goers who stepped into her frame while taking photos.
The 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Cast Has Aged So Gracefully, They Really Might Be Magical
‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ was a Disney Channel game changer for millennials. Now that a reboot is in the works, where is the cast?
Stop the Presses! 'Wizards of Waverly Place' is Getting a Reboot!
A reboot of 'Wizards of Wavery Place' is in order. Both Selena Gomez and David Henrie will return, though the revival might focus more on Justin.
The 'Jessie' Cast Found Success After the Disney Show Came to an End After 4 Seasons
The adventures of Jessie around New York City kept a whole generation of kids entertained on Disney channel. Everyone's all grown up, including the cast.
Disney Fans Hope That 'Wish' Will Be on Disney Plus Sooner Than Expected
After its box office flop, people are wondering when ‘Wish’ will be released on Disney Plus to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.
How to Go Beyond Dreams by Staying in Disney World's Cinderella Castle Suite
It’s possible to stay in Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, and when someone sees the suite with the lights on, we all wonder how we can stay there.
The 'Teen Beach Movie' Cast Is Still Rocking Even If They Aren't Surfing
‘Teen Beach Movie’ was an iconic Disney Channel Original Movie that told the story of surfers and bikers through song and dance. Where's the cast now?
Disney's 'Wish' Fails to Impress Among Critics and Audiences as People Draw Comparisons to AI
Why do people hate 'Wish'? The 2023 Disney animated film failed to impress at the box office during its release, with many criticizing its direction.
Disneyland's Small World Ride Halted Due to Streaker, Riders Weren't Amused
"It's a Small World" riders got way more than they bargained for at Disneyland when a streaker halted the ride. Social media users captured the whole thing.
From Demi Lovato to Joe Jonas, Here's What the Cast of 'Camp Rock' Is up to Today
Disney Channel released 'Camp Rock' back in 2008. From Demi Lovato to Joe Jonas, here’s what’s keeping the memorable cast of 'Camp Rock' busy in 2021.
People Are Furious at a "Smug" Disney Employee Who "Ruined" This Couple's Proposal
A Disneyland Paris employee received a ton of flak for the way he handled a couple's proposal at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Here’s How to Get Disney 100 Year Anniversary Cards as Seen on TikTok
To celebrate Disney's 100 year anniversary, fans can play a game on TikTok, earning character cards. Here's how to play and collect them all.
No, Halle Bailey Hasn't Lost Her Shot at an Oscar for 'The Little Mermaid' — It's a Tall "Tail"
Rumors are swirling that Disney pulled Halle Bailey from a potential Oscar nomination for ‘The Little Mermaid’ because she is allegedly pregnant.
Woman Banned From Disney After Trying to Sneak in Alcohol Using Multiple Pringles Cans
In a now-viral video, a woman revealed that her sister got banned from Disney after she tried sneaking in alcohol using a Pringles can.
A Disney Employee Reveals the Magical Gift She Received for Her 20th Anniversary
A Disney employee celebrated her 20th anniversary with the company and showed off some magical gifts, including a Simba statue.
What Happened to Orlando Brown? The Disney Alum Has Had Numerous Run-Ins With the Law
What happened to Orlando Brown? The once prosperous Disney star has unfortunately dealt with numerous run-ins with law enforcement.
Steps to Complete "A Prince in Disguise" Quest in 'Disney Dreamlight Valley'
"A Prince in Disguise" is the last quest in a string of objectives with Belle and the Beast in 'Disney Dreamlight Valley,' and it can be tricky to complete.
'Snow White' Star Faces Backlash After Sharing a Controversial Opinion
Disney's live-action 'Snow White' film has been in the works for several years, and cast members have been announced! Here's what we know so far.
What Is the Rachel Zegler 'Snow White' Backlash Even About Anyway?
Let's dive into the Rachel Zegler 'Snow White' backlash and find out what the actress has to say about the controversy surrounding her casting.
‘The Little Mermaid’ Will Be Streaming on Disney Plus — Details
When will 'The Little Mermaid' be streaming on Disney Plus? Disney has finally updated fans on when they can watch the new mermaid flick at home.
Seeing the Cheetah Girls Now Will Definitely Make You Feel Old
Where are the Cheetah Girls now? ‘Distractify’ did a deep dive on each of the girls from the classic Disney band and the findings were fascinating.
Talk About Jump Scares — This Woman Leapt out of a Disney Ride Vehicle
Why did this woman jump out of a Disney ride vehicle? Perhaps she was cursed by an evil witch and was forced to do it. Here's what we know.
Former TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer Used to Work at Disney and Playboy
How much is Kevin Mayer's net worth? The Former TikTok CEO spent more three decades working in the highest positions, which is reflected in his assets.
Disney Pushed Back Release Date for the Next 'Avatar' — Fans Are Used to Waiting
How many 'Avatar' movies will there be? Several sequels have been greenlit throughout the years, but the second film came out in 2022.
A Man "Hacked" His Girlfriend's Favorite Disney Movie to Propose to Her
Lee Loechler spent six months editing the scene from Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty.'
Does the Happiest Place on Earth Really Have a Disney Jail? The Answer May Surprise You
When imagining the happiest place on Earth, magic, Mickey Mouse, and more often come to mind. However, "Disney jail" is always a possibility.
Camille Friend Created the Ethereal Tresses in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and Many Other Films
Camille Friend, known for her work on Halle Bailey's natural locs in 'The Little Mermaid,' is one of Hollywood's top hairstylists.
Person Jumps Off Splash Mountain at Disneyland and the Internet Has a Lot of Opinions About It
If you've ever wondered if a person can jump off Splash Mountain at Disneyland, here's your answer, and the story of the viral TikTok of the moment.
Halle Bailey on the “Most Challenging” Aspect of Filming 'The Little Mermaid’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Halle Bailey spoke to ‘Distractify’ about the musical process and challenges she faced while starring in the live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid.’
'The Little Mermaid' Filmed in a Picturesque Coastal Getaway — Details on the Location
The live-action adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid' definitely filmed under and over the sea — but where were the actual filming locations?
How Long Will 'The Little Mermaid' Be in Theaters? And When Will the Film Hit Disney Plus?
Here's how long 'The Little Mermaid' will be in movie theaters and when the live-action version of the classic Disney film will likely be streaming.
'Little Mermaid' Star Halle Bailey Talks Working With Alan Menken and Lin Manuel-Miranda (EXCLUSIVE)
What is the 'Little Mermaid' lyric change controversy all about? Halle Bailey spoke with 'Distractify' about the Disney film's soundtrack!
Fan Finds "Twisted 'Lion King' Easter Egg" That's Been Under Our Noses for Decades
What happened to Mufasa's body after his death in 'The Lion King'? One fan of the movie has connected the dots and it's not pretty.
Flounder in the Live-Action 'Little Mermaid' Is Less Terrifying Than the Viral Fan Art
A piece of fan art for Flounder had people worried about the live-action 'Little Mermaid.' Here's what Flounder actually looks like in the film.
An Anamitronic Dragon Caught Fire at Disneyland and TikTok Documented the Whole Thing
This fake Disneyland dragon caught fire and TikTok caught the whole thing. Thankfully no one was hurt but it was certainly a wild ride.
The Casting for the Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Film Has Already Sparked Controversy
The 'Lilo & Stitch' live-action cast has sparked controversy on the internet, with many Pacific Islanders believing the actors are too light-skinned.