History of Walt Disney in Timeline

Walter Elias Disney was a highly influential figure in the American animation industry, known for his pioneering work in cartoon production. He was also a successful film producer, holding the record for the most Academy Award wins and nominations. His accolades include two Golden Globe Special Achievement Awards and an Emmy Award. Disney's legacy is cemented by his films' inclusion in the National Film Registry and recognition by the American Film Institute as some of the greatest films ever made.

December 5, 1901: Birth of Walt Disney

On December 5, 1901, Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois. He would become a pioneering figure in American animation.

1901: Early Interest in Drawing

At a young age in 1901, Walt Disney began to show an interest in drawing.

December 1903: Birth of Ruth Disney

In December 1903, Walt Disney's parents welcomed their fifth child, a daughter named Ruth.

1906: Move to Marceline, Missouri

The Disney family relocated to a farm in Marceline, Missouri, in 1906.

1909: Beginning School

Walt Disney, alongside his sister Ruth, began their education at Park School in Marceline in late 1909.

1911: Move to Kansas City and Introduction to Vaudeville

In 1911, the Disney family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, Walt attended Benton Grammar School, where his friend Walter Pfeiffer introduced him to vaudeville and motion pictures.

1917: Move to Chicago and Artistic Pursuits

In 1917, Walt Disney's family moved back to Chicago. He attended McKinley High School, where he pursued his artistic interests as the school newspaper cartoonist and by taking night courses at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

September 1918: Red Cross Ambulance Driver

In September 1918, Walt Disney joined the Red Cross as an ambulance driver after being rejected by the Army due to his age. He served in France, where he continued to draw, even decorating his ambulance with cartoons.

October 1919: Return to Kansas City and Apprenticeship

After his Red Cross service, Walt Disney returned to Kansas City in October 1919. He worked as an apprentice artist at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio, gaining experience in commercial illustration.

January 1920: New Beginnings and Experimentation in Animation

In January 1920, Walt Disney was laid off from his job. He and fellow artist Ub Iwerks started their own business, but it was short-lived. Disney found work at the Kansas City Film Ad Company, where he became interested in animation and began experimenting with cel animation at home.

May 1921: Laugh-O-Gram Studio

In May 1921, the success of Disney's 'Laugh-O-Grams' cartoons led to the establishment of Laugh-O-Gram Studio. He hired more animators, including Ub Iwerks, and began producing more ambitious cartoons.

July 1923: Move to Hollywood and Early Career Aspirations

In July 1923, at 21 years old, Walt Disney moved to Hollywood, drawn by the film industry and his brother Roy's recovery from tuberculosis there. He aspired to become a live-action film director.

1923: Bankruptcy of Laugh-O-Gram Studio

Despite the popularity of the 'Laugh-O-Grams' cartoons, Laugh-O-Gram Studio faced financial difficulties and went bankrupt in 1923.

July 1924: Hiring Ub Iwerks and Studio Formation

In July 1924, Walt Disney hired Ub Iwerks, a talented animator, and persuaded him to relocate to Hollywood from Kansas City.

1925: Marriage to Lillian Bounds

Walt Disney hired Lillian Bounds as an ink artist in early 1925, and they married in July of that year in Lewiston, Idaho. Despite some challenges, the marriage was generally happy, with Lillian providing support for Walt's endeavors.

1926: Shift in Distribution and Strained Relationships

By 1926, distribution of the Alice series transitioned to Charles Mintz, leading to a sometimes strained relationship with Disney.

1926: Establishment of the First Walt Disney Studio

In 1926, the first official Walt Disney Studio was established at 2725 Hyperion Avenue, marking a significant step in Disney's career.

July 1927: Transition to All-Animation and Creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

By July 1927, Disney, seeking to move away from mixed-media animation, created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

1927: The Jazz Singer Sparks Sound in Animation

Inspired by the success of "The Jazz Singer" in 1927, Disney incorporated synchronized sound into his third Mickey Mouse short, "Steamboat Willie," pioneering post-produced sound cartoons.

February 1928: Contract Disputes, Loss of Oswald, and Iwerks' Loyalty

In February 1928, Disney's attempt to renegotiate the Oswald contract backfired, resulting in the loss of the character rights and most of his animation team, except for Ub Iwerks who remained loyal.

May 1928: Mickey Mouse Debut and Search for Distribution

Mickey Mouse made his debut in May 1928 in the test screening of "Plane Crazy." However, finding a distributor for this and "The Gallopin' Gaucho" proved difficult.

1928: Mickey Mouse Debut

In 1928, Walt Disney, in collaboration with Ub Iwerks, introduced the iconic character Mickey Mouse. This creation became immensely popular and marked a significant milestone in Disney's career.

1929: Music and Innovation: The Birth of Silly Symphonies

In 1929, the Silly Symphony series debuted, a groundbreaking endeavor that used music to tell stories, with the first installment being "The Skeleton Dance."

1930: A Star Is Born: Pluto Joins the Disney Universe

The year 1930 saw the introduction of Pluto, who quickly became a beloved character in the expanding Disney universe.

1930: Streamlining Production and Growing Tensions

To enhance efficiency in 1930, Disney urged Iwerks to adopt a more streamlined animation technique, focusing on key poses. This period also saw growing tensions with distributor Powers over profit-sharing.

October 1931: Breakdown, Departure, and Recovery

The year 1931 marked a difficult period for Disney. Disputes with distributor Pat Powers and overwork led to a nervous breakdown in October. Seeking recovery, Disney embarked on an extended trip to Cuba and Panama with Lillian.

1932: Goofy's Debut and the Dawn of Color Animation

The year 1932 marked the debut of Goofy. Additionally, Disney embraced Technicolor, producing "Flowers and Trees" entirely in color and securing exclusive rights to the three-strip process.

October 1933: Disney's Comment on Hitler in Overland Monthly

In an October 1933 issue of Overland Monthly, Walt Disney made a naive comment about Adolf Hitler, suggesting that Mickey Mouse might one day save Hitler from drowning.

December 1933: Birth of Daughter Diane

In December 1933, Walt and Lillian Disney welcomed their first daughter, Diane, into the world.

1933: "The Three Little Pigs" Achieves Unprecedented Success

"The Three Little Pigs," released in 1933, became a monumental success, solidifying Disney's understanding of the importance of captivating storytelling in animation.

1934: Embracing Feature-Length Films and the Creation of "Snow White"

By 1934, Disney shifted focus to feature-length films, beginning the production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Despite skepticism and financial risks, Disney's determination paved the way for animated cinematic history.

1934: The Arrival of Donald Duck

Donald Duck, another iconic Disney character, made his debut in 1934.

August 31, 1935: Expiration of Exclusive Technicolor Rights

Disney's exclusive rights to the three-strip Technicolor process expired on August 31, 1935.

1935: Chevalier of the French Légion d'honneur

Walt Disney was made a Chevalier in the French Légion d'honneur in 1935.

December 1936: Adoption of Daughter Sharon

Six weeks after her birth in December 1936, Sharon was adopted by Walt and Lillian Disney. The couple was open about the adoption within their family.

December 1937: Premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

In December 1937, Walt Disney premiered his first full-length animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," to widespread critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm.

1937: The Multiplane Camera Revolutionizes Animation

In 1937, Disney's innovation led to the development of the multiplane camera, a groundbreaking tool that brought depth and realism to animation, as showcased in "The Old Mill."

1937: Start of Bambi Production

Walt Disney Productions embarked on the ambitious project of creating the animated film "Bambi," a production that would span several years.

1937: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Release

Walt Disney released 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' in 1937. This groundbreaking film was the first full-length cel-animated feature in color and achieved significant critical and commercial success.

1938: The Holy Terror

H.G. Wells references Walt Disney and Donald Duck in his novel "The Holy Terror" published in 1938.

1938: Start of Production on Pinocchio and Fantasia

With the completion of "Snow White," the studio began working on two new animated features, "Pinocchio" in early 1938 and "Fantasia" in November of the same year.

May 1939: Snow White's Box Office Triumph

By May 1939, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" had achieved remarkable financial success, grossing $6.5 million and becoming the highest-grossing sound film produced up to that point. Its success marked a turning point in the history of animation, establishing Disney as a major force in the entertainment industry.

1939: Disney's Apparent Unawareness of the War in Europe

In 1939, while discussing the construction of a new studio in Burbank, Walt Disney seemed oblivious to the outbreak of World War II, asking "What war?" when an employee inquired about its potential impact.

1940: Release of Pinocchio and Fantasia

Both "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia" saw their releases in 1940. However, neither film achieved the anticipated level of box-office success, partially attributed to the dwindling European revenues as a result of the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

1940: Shift in Political Affiliation

Originally a Democratic Party supporter, Walt Disney switched his allegiance to the Republican Party in 1940.

1940: Demolition of the First Walt Disney Studio

The first Walt Disney Studio, established in 1926 at 2725 Hyperion Avenue, was demolished in 1940.

1940: Disney Goes Public and Implements Salary Cuts

To address the financial crisis gripping his company, Walt Disney, along with his brother Roy, made the decision to take their company public in 1940, initiating its first public stock offering. In addition to this measure, they implemented substantial salary reductions across the board.

1940: Pinocchio and Fantasia Release

Walt Disney Studios released two animated classics in 1940, 'Pinocchio' and 'Fantasia,' both of which pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling.

February 1941: Disney Studio Faces Financial Crisis

By February 1941, Walt Disney Productions found itself in a state of significant financial strain. The combination of the underwhelming box-office performances of "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia" (both released in 1940) and the decline in European revenue due to the outbreak of World War II in 1939 contributed to the company's financial difficulties.

March 1941: Offer to Create Training Films for U.S. Armed Forces

In March 1941, anticipating America's involvement in World War II, Walt Disney offered his services to the U.S. Armed Forces to produce training films at cost.

October 1941: U.S. Enters World War II

Shortly after the release of "Dumbo" in October 1941, the United States entered World War II, significantly impacting the Walt Disney Studios and the entire American animation industry.

1941: Dumbo Release

In 1941, Walt Disney released the animated film 'Dumbo.' The movie, known for its heartwarming story, became a fan favorite.

1941: Animators' Strike and Production of Dumbo

In 1941, a five-week-long strike by Disney animators erupted, primarily fueled by discontent over the imposed salary cuts and Disney's management style. During the strike, Disney accepted an offer to travel to South America for a goodwill tour, a move that strategically distanced him from the negotiations, which he anticipated would not favor the studio. Despite the turmoil, the studio managed to produce the animated film "Dumbo." The film, released in 1941, adopted a simplistic and cost-effective production approach and garnered positive reception from both audiences and critics.

1941: Accusations of Communist Influence on 1941 Strike

Walt Disney believed that the 1941 animator strike was part of a communist effort to gain influence in Hollywood. He made these accusations during his 1947 testimony to HUAC.

1941: Brazilian Order of the Southern Cross

Walt Disney received Brazil's Order of the Southern Cross in 1941.

April 1942: Release of Bambi

After a production period that began in 1937, the Disney animated feature film "Bambi" premiered in April 1942. Unfortunately, the film's release coincided with the challenging circumstances of World War II, and it did not perform well commercially, resulting in a box-office loss of $200,000.

1942: Special Achievement Award for Bambi

Walt Disney received a Special Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards for "Bambi" in 1942.

1942: Bambi Release

Walt Disney's animated film 'Bambi' premiered in 1942, captivating audiences with its beautiful animation and touching narrative about nature and life.

1943: Disney Produces Wartime Films and "Victory Through Air Power"

In 1943, Walt Disney Studios, heavily involved in wartime efforts, produced "Victory Through Air Power." This feature-length animated film, aimed at promoting the strategic importance of air power during World War II, reflected the studio's commitment to supporting the war effort through filmmaking.

1943: Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle

Walt Disney received Mexico's Order of the Aztec Eagle in 1943.

1944: Disney Faces Financial Troubles and Giannini's Support

By 1944, the financial difficulties at Walt Disney Productions had escalated, with the company facing a substantial debt of $4 million owed to the Bank of America. During a pivotal meeting with Bank of America executives, Amadeo Giannini, the bank's chairman and founder, expressed his confidence in the Disney brothers and their ability to overcome the financial challenges.

1944: Support for Thomas E. Dewey

Demonstrating his Republican stance, Walt Disney became a generous donor to Thomas E. Dewey's presidential campaign in 1944.

1944: Motion Picture Alliance Association

Walt Disney became associated with the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals in 1944.

1946: Founding Member of Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals

In 1946, Walt Disney became a founding member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals. The organization aimed to combat perceived threats from communism and fascism in Hollywood.

1947: Testimony before HUAC

During the Second Red Scare in 1947, Walt Disney testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), accusing former animators and labor union organizers of being communist agitators.

1947: End of an Era: Disney Stops Voicing Mickey Mouse

Walt Disney ceased providing the voice for Mickey Mouse in 1947, marking a significant change in the character's portrayal.

1947: Distancing from Motion Picture Alliance

Walt Disney distanced himself from the Motion Picture Alliance in 1947.

1948: Launch of True-Life Adventures Series

In 1948, Walt Disney launched the "True-Life Adventures" series, marking his venture into live-action nature films. The inaugural film in this popular series, "Seal Island," went on to win an Academy Award in the category of Best Short Subject (Two-Reel).

1949: Move to Holmby Hills and the Carolwood Pacific Railroad

In 1949, Walt Disney and his family moved to a new home in the Holmby Hills district of Los Angeles. With friends Ward and Betty Kimball, Disney built a miniature live steam railroad in his backyard, named the Carolwood Pacific Railroad.

1950: Successful Television Special on Alice in Wonderland

In 1950, a television special about the making of Alice in Wonderland airs on Christmas Day and proves to be a success, boosting box office sales.

1950: Release of Cinderella and Venture into Live-Action Films

In early 1950, Walt Disney Studios celebrated the release of "Cinderella," their first fully animated feature film in eight years. The film was a resounding critical and commercial triumph. Around the same time, Disney immersed himself in the production of his debut all-live-action film, "Treasure Island," filmed in Britain.

1950: Cinderella Release

Walt Disney charmed audiences once again with the release of the animated classic 'Cinderella' in 1950.

March 1951: Roy Disney Recognizes Television's Potential

In March 1951, Roy Disney, Walt's brother and business partner, highlights television's potential as both a revenue source and a powerful marketing tool for the Disney brand.

1951: Release of Alice in Wonderland

In 1951, Walt Disney Studios released "Alice in Wonderland," a full-length animated film based on the classic Lewis Carroll tale. This marked another addition to Disney's growing repertoire of animated classics.

March 1952: Disney Secures Zoning for Theme Park in Burbank

In March 1952, Walt Disney's vision of creating a theme park took a significant step forward when he secured zoning approval to build one in Burbank, California, near the Disney Studios.

1952: Production of "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men"

In 1952, Walt Disney continued his foray into live-action filmmaking with "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men." Shot in Britain, the film further showcased Disney's interest in exploring new genres and storytelling techniques beyond animation.

1952: Officer d'Academie

Walt Disney was awarded France's highest artistic decoration, the Officer d'Academie in 1952.

1953: Release of Peter Pan

Walt Disney Studios continued its streak of animated classics with the 1953 release of "Peter Pan," a beloved film adaptation of J.M. Barrie's timeless tale.

1953: Special Achievement Award for The Living Desert

Walt Disney received a Special Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards for "The Living Desert" in 1953.

July 1954: Construction Begins on Disneyland

In July 1954, construction work commenced on Disneyland, marking the tangible beginning of Walt Disney's ambitious theme park project in Anaheim, California.

1954: Launch of Walt Disney's Disneyland Anthology Series

Following the Disneyland funding agreement, the anthology series "Walt Disney's Disneyland" premieres in 1954, showcasing a mix of animations, live-action features, and archival material.

1954: Appointment as "Special Agent in Charge Contact"

Walt Disney was designated as a "Special Agent in Charge Contact" by the FBI in 1954. However, FBI officials claim this was largely an honorary title.

April 1955: "Walt Disney's Disneyland" Deemed an "American Institution"

By April 1955, the television series "Walt Disney's Disneyland" achieves widespread acclaim, with Newsweek dubbing it an "American Institution."

July 1955: Disneyland Opens to the Public

In July 1955, Disneyland officially opened its gates to the public. The grand opening ceremony, a significant media event, was broadcast on ABC, reaching an estimated 70 million viewers and capturing the nation's attention.

July 1955: Disneyland Opening

July 1955 marked a pivotal moment as Walt Disney opened the gates of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, turning his dream of a magical amusement park into reality.

1955: "Man in Space" Episode and "Lady and the Tramp" Release

In 1955, Disney is involved in the production of the "Man in Space" episode for the Disneyland series, collaborating with Wernher von Braun, and oversees the creation of "Lady and the Tramp," the first animated film in CinemaScope.

1955: Man of the Year

In 1955, Walt Disney was named "Man of the Year" by the B'nai B'rith chapter in Beverly Hills for promoting inter-group understanding and exemplifying good citizenship.

1956: German Order of Merit

Walt Disney was awarded Germany's Order of Merit in 1956.

January 1958: The Mickey Mouse Club Features the FBI

In January 1958, an installment of the "Career Day" newsreel segments on The Mickey Mouse Club focused on the FBI. This was partly facilitated by Disney's relationship with the bureau.

1959: Release of "Sleeping Beauty" in Technirama 70mm

Disney oversees the release of "Sleeping Beauty" in 1959, marking the first animated film to be presented in the Technirama 70mm film format.

1959: Disney Contributes to the American National Exhibition in Moscow

In 1959, Walt Disney serves as a consultant for the American National Exhibition in Moscow, with Disney Studios producing "America the Beautiful," a popular 19-minute Circarama film.

1959: Moscow Fair

In 1959, Walt Disney was involved in the planning of the Moscow Fair, showcasing American culture and technology.

1959: Sleeping Beauty Release

Walt Disney Studios released 'Sleeping Beauty' in 1959, a classic fairy tale brought to life with stunning animation.

February 1960: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction

Walt Disney was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with two stars in February 1960.

1960: Winter Olympics

Walt Disney contributed his creativity to the 1960 Winter Olympics.

1960: Order of the Crown of Thailand

Walt Disney received Thailand's Order of the Crown in 1960.

1960: Disney Chairs the Pageantry Committee for the Winter Olympics

Walt Disney takes on the role of chairman for the Pageantry Committee at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California, where he designs the opening, closing, and medal ceremonies.

1961: "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" Utilizes Xerox Cels

Disney pioneers the use of Xerox cels in animated feature films with the release of "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" in 1961.

1961: Planned Educational Short on Child Molestation

In 1961, Walt Disney planned to create an educational short film aimed at warning children about the dangers of child molestation. The film was never made.

1962: Disney Becomes Sole Owner of Celebrity Sports Center

Disney, initially one of twelve investors in the Celebrity Sports Center in Glendale, Colorado, becomes the sole owner in 1962 after buying out the other investors.

1963: Disney Works on "The Sword in the Stone"

Disney is involved in the production of the animated film "The Sword in the Stone," released in 1963.

1963: Disney Explores Theme Park in St. Louis

In 1963, Disney presents a project proposal for a theme park in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Despite initially reaching an agreement with the Civic Center Redevelopment Corp, the deal collapses due to funding issues.

September 14, 1964: Presidential Medal of Freedom

Walt Disney received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on September 14, 1964.

1964: Disney Creates Four Exhibits for the New York World's Fair

Disney develops four exhibits for the 1964 New York World's Fair, securing funding from corporate sponsors. These exhibits include "It's a Small World" for PepsiCo, "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln," "Carousel of Progress," and "Ford's Magic Skyway," with elements later incorporated into Disneyland.

1964: Release of Mary Poppins and Plans for CalArts Expansion

In 1964, Disney releases "Mary Poppins" after pursuing the rights to P.L. Travers' book series since the 1940s. He also begins planning the expansion of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and commissions architectural designs for a new building.

1964: Mary Poppins Release

In 1964, Walt Disney released 'Mary Poppins,' a musical fantasy film that combined live-action and animation. This critically acclaimed film won five Academy Awards.

1964: New York World's Fair

Walt Disney's vision extended to the 1964 New York World's Fair.

1965: Disney World and EPCOT

In 1965, Walt Disney commenced developing another groundbreaking theme park, Disney World, featuring the innovative "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" (EPCOT).

1965: Disney Announces Plans for "Disney World"

Towards the end of 1965, Disney unveils his plans to develop "Disney World" (now Walt Disney World) near Orlando, Florida. This project is envisioned as a larger, more elaborate theme park experience compared to Disneyland, complete with golf courses, resort hotels, and an area called the "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" (EPCOT).

November 1966: Walt Disney Diagnosed with Lung Cancer and Passes Away

In early November 1966, Disney is diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoes cobalt therapy. His condition deteriorates, leading to his hospitalization and his passing on December 15, 1966, at the age of 65, due to circulatory collapse caused by cancer.

December 15, 1966: Death of Walt Disney

On December 15, 1966, Walt Disney passed away. His death marked the end of an era in the world of animation and entertainment.

1966: Disney Seeks Sponsors for EPCOT and Receives Story Credit

During 1966, Disney actively seeks out businesses to sponsor his ambitious EPCOT project. He also receives a story credit in the film "Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N." under the pseudonym "Retlaw Yensid," his name spelled backward.

1966: Death from Lung Cancer

Tragically, in 1966, Walt Disney died from lung cancer before the completion of Disney World and EPCOT.

1967: Posthumous Release of Disney Films

"The Jungle Book" and "The Happiest Millionaire," both worked on by Disney, are released in 1967, following his passing. These films contribute to his legacy of 81 feature films.

1967: Disney's Involvement in "The Jungle Book" and "The Happiest Millionaire"

Disney deepens his involvement in studio productions, playing a key role in the story development for "The Jungle Book" and the live-action musical "The Happiest Millionaire," both released in 1967.

May 24, 1968: Congressional Gold Medal

Walt Disney was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on May 24, 1968.

1968: Disney Contributes to "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day"

Disney contributes to the animated short film "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day," released in 1968.

1968: Posthumous Academy Award for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day"

Disney is posthumously awarded an Academy Award in the Short Subject (Cartoon) category for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day," released in 1968.

1971: How to Read Donald Duck Publication

Ariel Dorfman and Armand Mattelart published "How to Read Donald Duck" in 1971, which analyzes Disney's work through the lens of cultural imperialism.

1971: Roy Disney Opens Walt Disney World

Following Walt's death, his brother Roy postpones his retirement to oversee the Disney companies and shifts the EPCOT project's focus from a town to an attraction. Roy dedicates Walt Disney World to his brother at its opening in 1971.

1978: Mickey Mouse Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Mickey Mouse received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978.

1980: 4017 Disneya

The minor planet 4017, discovered in 1980, was named Disneya in honor of Walt Disney.

1982: Epcot Center Opens at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World expands with the inauguration of Epcot Center in 1982, offering a more permanent world's fair experience, deviating from Walt's initial vision of a functional city.

1986: Television Hall of Fame Induction

Walt Disney was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1986.

1989: The Disney Renaissance Begins with "The Little Mermaid"

The late 1980s sees a resurgence of Disney's animation studio, often referred to as the "Disney Renaissance." This era kicks off with the release of "The Little Mermaid" in 1989.

1993: Allegations of Disney as FBI Informant

The New York Times reported in 1993 that Walt Disney had been an FBI informant, providing information about communist activities in Hollywood to J. Edgar Hoover.

1995: A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story

Len Cariou portrayed Walt Disney in the made-for-TV film "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story", which aired in 1995.

1998: AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies

The American Film Institute included Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Fantasia" in their list of the 100 greatest American films in 1998.

2001: Der König von Amerika Publication

German author Peter Stephan Jungk published "Der König von Amerika" ("The King of America") in 2001, a fictional portrayal of Walt Disney's later years.

2005: Disneyland Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Disneyland received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

December 2006: California Hall of Fame Induction

Walt Disney was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in December 2006.

2009: Walt Disney Family Museum Opens in San Francisco

The Walt Disney Family Museum, designed by Disney's daughter Diane and grandson Walter E.D. Miller, opens its doors to the public in 2009 at the Presidio of San Francisco, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts from his life and career.

2013: Saving Mr. Banks and The Perfect American

Tom Hanks portrayed Walt Disney in the film "Saving Mr. Banks", and Philip Glass adapted Peter Stephan Jungk's fictional portrayal of Disney, "The King of America", into the opera "The Perfect American", both in 2013.