Timeline of The Walt Disney Company

This is a timeline of The Walt Disney Company, listing notable business events for the organization.

1923–1966

The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923, and found much success under Walt Disney's leadership through his death in 1966.

Year	Notable Business Events	Notable Theatrical Releases	Notable Theme Park/destination Openings	Other Premieres
1923	Walt Disney signed a contract with M.J. Winkler to produce a series of Alice Comedies, beginning the Disney company under its original name "Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio", with brothers Walt and Roy Disney, as equal partners.[1]	First Alice's comedy, Alice's Wonderland, released
1926	"Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio" changes name to "The Walt Disney Studio" shortly after moving into the new studio on Hyperion Avenue in the Silver Lake district.
1927		Oswald the Lucky Rabbit debuts.
1928	Walt loses the Oswald's series contract. Walt and Roy come up with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.	Mickey Mouse debuts in Plane Crazy Steamboat Willie (the first synchronized sound cartoon)
1929	On December 16, "The Walt Disney Studio" is replaced by "Walt Disney Productions, Ltd". Three other companies, "Walt Disney Enterprises", "Disney Film Recording Company", and "Liled Realty and Investment Company", are also formed.	The Skeleton Dance (the first Silly Symphonies cartoon)
1930	Distribution moved to Columbia Pictures			The Mickey Mouse comic strips by Floyd Gottfredson
1932	Distribution moved from Columbia Pictures to United Artists	Flowers and Trees (the first Technicolor cartoon and first animated short to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film of 1932) Mickey's Revue (which features the premiere of Goofy, originally called "Dippy Dawg")
1933		Three Little Pigs (winner of Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film of 1933)
1934		The Wise Little Hen (which features the premiere of Donald Duck) The Tortoise and the Hare (Winner of Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film of 1934)
1936	Distribution moved from United Artists to RKO Radio Pictures.
1937	Walt Disney's first animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released	Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
1938	On September 29, "Walt Disney Enterprises", "Disney Film Recording Company", and "Liled Realty and Investment Company" and "Walt Disney Productions, Ltd." are merged to form "Walt Disney Productions".
1940	Studio moves to Burbank, California Company goes public	Pinocchio Fantasia
1941	A bitter animators' strike occurs The studio begins making morale-boosting propaganda films for the United States during World War II	Dumbo
1942		Bambi		Donald Duck comics by Carl Barks
1943		Saludos Amigos
1944	The company is short on money; a theatrical re-release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs generates much-needed revenue and begins a reissue pattern for the animated feature films.
1945		The Three Caballeros
1946		Make Mine Music Song of the South
1947		Fun and Fancy Free
1948	The True-Life Adventures nature film series begins; it lasts until 1960.	Melody Time Seal Island
1949	The studio begins production on its first all-live action feature, Treasure Island	The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
1950		Cinderella Treasure Island (Disney's first live-action film)
1951		Alice in Wonderland
1952	"WED Enterprises" is formed to design what would become Disneyland.			Uncle Scrooge comics by Carl Barks
1953	"Retlaw Enterprises" is formed to control the rights to "Disney". It will later own and operate several attractions inside Disneyland, including the Disneyland Monorail System and the Disneyland Railroad.	Peter Pan
1954	October 27: Beginning of the Disneyland TV program on ABC. The studio ends its distribution deal with RKO Radio Pictures and founds "Buena Vista Film Distribution Company, Inc." to distribute its feature films.	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea		Walt Disney anthology television series
1955		Lady and the Tramp	Disneyland opens in Anaheim, California.	The Mickey Mouse Club
1957		Old Yeller		Zorro
1959		Sleeping Beauty The Shaggy Dog Darby O'Gill and the Little People
1960		Pollyanna Swiss Family Robinson
1961	The studio purchases the film rights to A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh books, which are a huge source of revenue (as well as litigation issues) to this day.	One Hundred and One Dalmatians The Absent-Minded Professor The Parent Trap
1963		The Sword in the Stone
1964		Mary Poppins (the first Disney film to receive a Best Picture Academy Award nomination)
1965	Disney News begins publication
1966	September: Walt Disney is diagnosed with lung cancer; died on December 15.	Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree

1967–1983

After Walt's death in 1966, the company began a slow decline with no clear direction, which culminated in an unsuccessful greenmail attempt to buy the company from current shareholders.

Year	Notable Business Events	Notable Theatrical Releases	Notable Theme Park/destination Openings	Other Premieres
1967	Construction begins on Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida; the underlying governmental structure, called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, is signed into law.	The Jungle Book
1968		Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day The Love Bug
1969
1970		The Aristocats		The Mouse Factory
1971	Roy Oliver Disney dies; Donn Tatum becomes chairman and Card Walker becomes president Eastern Airlines is branded as "The Official Airline of Walt Disney World"	Bedknobs and Broomsticks	The Walt Disney World Resort opens
1973		Robin Hood
1974		Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too
1975		Escape to Witch Mountain
1976		Freaky Friday
1977	Walt's nephew Roy E. Disney, resigns from the company citing a decline in overall product quality and issues with manager.	The Rescuers Pete's Dragon The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
1979	Don Bluth and 12 fellow animators leave Disney to found their own studio.	The Black Hole (the first PG-rated Disney film, reversing a G-only policy that began with the 1968 introduction of the MPAA ratings system)
1980
1981	Plans for a cable network are announced. The first Walt Disney's World on Ice show, produced by Feld Entertainment under license by Walt Disney Productions, tours the United States.	The Fox and the Hound		Dumbo is the first animated Disney home video release
1982	The Coca-Cola Company has an unsuccessful buyout attempt for Disney. Walt's son-in-law Ron W. Miller succeeds Card Walker as CEO.	Tron (Would belatedly be hailed as a bold pioneering work with Computer Generated Imagery)	Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow (EPCOT) Center opens at Walt Disney World Resort
1983	Disney Channel begins, while the anthology series ends. The live action studio is renamed "Walt Disney Pictures".	Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore Mickey's Christmas Carol, accompanied by a reissue of The Rescuers.	Tokyo Disneyland opens in Japan	Good Morning, Mickey! Welcome to Pooh Corner

1984–2004

Michael Eisner is hired from Paramount to be the new CEO, along with Frank Wells as president. They bring leadership vision and place an emphasis on theme park expansion and improving the quality of the theatrical releases.

Year	Notable Business Events	Notable Theatrical Releases	Notable Theme Park/destination Openings	Other Premieres
1984	The Touchstone Films label is created to produce films aimed towards more mature audiences. The studio narrowly escapes a buyout attempt by Saul Steinberg. In its aftermath, Roy Edward Disney and his business partner, Stanley Gold, remove Ron W. Miller as CEO and president, replacing him with Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. The Walt Disney Classics video collection starts up.	Splash The First ever Touchstone film is released on the 9th March 1984 Tiger Town Country
1985	In a reversal of a three-decade studio policy, the studio begins making cartoons for television beginning with Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears and The Wuzzles. Touchstone Television (producer of The Golden Girls, Home Improvement and Boy Meets World) is founded The home video release of Pinocchio becomes a best-seller. Clarence Nash, the voice of Donald Duck for over 50 years, dies; he is succeeded by Tony Anselmo. Richard Rich leaves Disney to start his own studio. The animation studio is renamed "Walt Disney Feature Animation".	The Black Cauldron Return to Oz Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend The Journey of Natty Gann My Science Project		Mousercise Dumbo's Circus Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears The Wuzzles
1986	February 2: The anthology series is revived on ABC. February 6: The company's name is changed from "Walt Disney Productions" to "The Walt Disney Company". Bankruptcy of Eastern Airlines forces Walt Disney World to re-designate Delta Air Lines as its official airline. Eastern-sponsored "If You Had Wings" in the Magic Kingdom is later revamped and renamed "Delta Dreamflight". The distribution company's name is changed from "Buena Vista Distribution Company" to "Buena Vista Pictures Distribution". Disney teamed up with Studio Ghibli to distribute anime films internationally.	Down and Out in Beverly Hills (The company's first R-rated film, released under Touchstone Pictures) The Great Mouse Detective The Color of Money Ruthless People
1987	First Disney Store opens in Glendale, California. The company and the French government sign an agreement for the creation of the first Disney Resort in Europe: the Euro Disney project starts. The company opens up a Hall of Fame called Disney Legends with Fred MacMurray as the first induction. Touchstone Films is renamed "Touchstone Pictures".	Ernest Goes to Camp Good Morning, Vietnam Three Men and a Baby		DuckTales Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck comics by Don Rosa
1988	"Walt Disney Computer Software" founded as a video game division of The Walt Disney Company.	Who Framed Roger Rabbit Oliver & Company Beaches Shoot to Kill Cocktail		The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Mickey's 60th Birthday
1989	Disney and Jim Henson discuss the possible acquisition of Jim Henson Productions, including The Muppets.	The Little Mermaid Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Dead Poets Society Disorganized Crime Turner & Hooch	Disney-MGM Studios opens at Walt Disney World.	Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers
1990	Jim Henson's death extinguishes the deal to buy his holdings. The anthology series is canceled for the second time. The Disney Afternoon television syndication block debuts. "Hollywood Pictures" is created to produce films aimed towards more mature adult audiences. Disney Adventures magazine begins publication.	The Rescuers Down Under Green Card Pretty Woman Dick Tracy Arachnophobia The first film by Hollywood Pictures DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp, first full-length film produced by the Walt Disney Television Animation studio.		TaleSpin The Muppets at Walt Disney World
1991		Beauty and the Beast, the first animated film to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture The Rocketeer Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken Father of the Bride White Fang		Darkwing Duck
1992	The company is granted permission for a National Hockey League expansion franchise. The team is named the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to coincide with the release of The Mighty Ducks. Disney Family Fun Magazine Begins Publication.	The Mighty Ducks Aladdin Sister Act Newsies	Euro Disney Resort opens outside Paris.	Goof Troop The Little Mermaid (TV series) Raw Toonage
1993	Disney acquires independent film distributor Miramax Films. Winnie-the-Pooh merchandise outsells Mickey Mouse merchandise for the first time. The Anaheim Mighty Ducks play their first game at the Anaheim Arena, a brand-new arena located just three miles (5 km) east of Disneyland.	Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey Cool Runnings Hocus Pocus The Nightmare Before Christmas What's Love Got to Do with It A Far Off Place		Bonkers Marsupilami
1994	Frank Wells is killed in a helicopter crash. Beauty and the Beast opens on Broadway. Jeffrey Katzenberg resigns to co-found his own studio, DreamWorks SKG. Plans for Disney's America, a historical theme park in Haymarket, Virginia, are abruptly dropped. Euro Disneyland is renamed Disneyland Paris. The Classics video line is unofficially cancelled and replaced with the Masterpiece Collection. Disney News changes its name to Disney Magazine.	The Lion King The Santa Clause The Jungle Book (1994) Quiz Show Ed Wood		Aladdin (TV series) Gargoyles
1995	In October, the company hires Hollywood super agent Michael Ovitz to be president. On October 1, Disney Channel (UK and Ireland) launches at 6:30pm	Pocahontas Crimson Tide A Goofy Movie Toy Story		The Shnookums and Meat Funny Cartoon Show Timon & Pumbaa
1996	The company takes on the name of "Disney Enterprises, Inc." and acquires the Capital Cities/ABC group renaming it ABC, Inc., both as subsidiaries under a new parent company named "The Walt Disney Company" Disney acquires Jumbo Pictures, producer of the Nickelodeon animated series Doug. To celebrate the pairing, ABC's first Super Soap Weekend is held at Walt Disney World. Disney makes deal with Tokuma Shoten for dubbing and releasing of Studio Ghibli films in the U.S. In December, Michael Ovitz, president of the company, leaves "by mutual consent".	The Hunchback of Notre Dame The Rock Ransom 101 Dalmatians		Quack Pack Mighty Ducks (TV series) Doug Flash Forward Jungle Cubs
1997	September 28: The anthology series is revived for a third time. The home video division releases its first DVDs. Disney takes control of the Major League Baseball franchise the California Angels of the American League, renaming the team the Anaheim Angels in order to coincide with Disney's hockey team the Mighty Ducks and to draw more tourism to Anaheim and nearby Disneyland. The Lion King (musical) opens on Broadway.	Hercules Flubber Con Air George of the Jungle		Recess 101 Dalmatians: The Series Pepper Ann Bear in the Big Blue House
1998	Disney and the Hong Kong Government announced a new resort in Hong Kong. Disney Cruise Line sets sail with its first ship. Toon Disney begins.	Mulan Armageddon A Bug's Life Mighty Joe Young	Disney's Animal Kingdom opens. Disney Magic launched.	PB&J Otter Hercules (1998 TV series) Out of the Box Rolie Polie Olie
1999		Tarzan Inspector Gadget Toy Story 2 Fantasia 2000 The Sixth Sense The Insider	Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wonder sets sail.	The Weekenders Mickey Mouse Works
2000	Robert Iger becomes president. Disney-owned TV channels including, owned-and-operated ABC stations, are pulled from Time Warner Cable briefly during a dispute over carriage fees. Disney begins its Gold Classic Collection DVD line. Disney shuts down Jumbo Pictures, forcing Jim Jinkins and David Campbell to found Cartoon Pizza in 2001.	Dinosaur Remember the Titans The Emperor's New Groove 102 Dalmatians Unbreakable		Even Stevens Teacher's Pet Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
2001	Disney buys Fox Family Network including Saban Entertainment, owner of entertainment juggernaut Power Rangers, for $3 billion in July, giving Disney programming and cable network reaching 81 million homes. Disney changes Fox Family Network to ABC Family. Fort Worth billionaire Sid Bass is forced to sell his Disney holdings due to a margin call caused partially by the stock market fall that followed the 9/11 attacks. Disney begins its Platinum Edition DVD line with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as the Walt Disney Treasures DVD box set line for the collector's market.	Atlantis: The Lost Empire Monsters, Inc. Pearl Harbor The Princess Diaries	Disney California Adventure Park opens on February 8. Tokyo DisneySea opens on September 4.	Lizzie McGuire House of Mouse Lloyd in Space The Book of Pooh The Legend of Tarzan The Proud Family Stanley
2002	Miramax acquires the USA rights to the Pokémon movies starting with the fourth movie. Miramax also acquire the distribution rights of the first three Bionicle movies. Disney teams up with famous video game company Square (later known as Square Enix) to release their first ever role-playing game with various Disney characters, Kingdom Hearts. Disney releases Spirited Away in the United States, which goes on to be the first anime film to win an Oscar for Best Animated Film. Disney begins joint venture business with Sanrio for Sanrio's greeting cards.	Lilo & Stitch Snow Dogs Reign of Fire Signs	Walt Disney Studios Park opens.	Teamo Supremo Kingdom Hearts Kim Possible Fillmore!
2003	Roy E. Disney resigns as the chairman of Feature Animation and from the board of directors, citing similar reasons to those that drove him off 26 years earlier. Fellow director Stanley Gold resigns with him. They establish a group called "Save Disney" to apply public pressure to oust Michael Eisner. Talks to extend distribution agreement with Pixar break down, and Pixar announces plans to seek a new distribution partner.[2] Disney sells the Angels to billboard magnate Arturo Moreno. Disney released their first (non-Touchstone/non-Miramax/non-Dimension/non-Hollywood) PG-13 rated film under the regular Walt Disney Pictures label was Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.	Finding Nemo Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Brother Bear Holes		That's So Raven The Even Stevens Movie The Cheetah Girls Lilo & Stitch: The Series JoJo's Circus Inspector Gadget 2 Bionicle: Mask of Light Power Rangers Ninja Storm Digimon Frontier
2004	Comcast makes an unsuccessful and hostile $54.1-billion bid in stock for the company, plus the assumption of $11.9 billion in Disney debt, $66 billion in total. Eisner is replaced by George J. Mitchell as chairman of the board after a 43% vote of no confidence. Disney turns down distributing controversial documentary film Fahrenheit 9/11. On February 17, Disney buys The Muppets, excluding the Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock characters, from The Jim Henson Company for $75 million. Disney renames oveerseas Fox Kids channel/blocks to Jetix, with it appearing as a children's block on ABC Family and Toon Disney. Disney Store chain sold and licensed to The Children's Place.	Hidalgo King Arthur The Incredibles National Treasure		Dave the Barbarian Phil of the Future Brandy & Mr. Whiskers Higglytown Heroes Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

2005–present

After becoming CEO, Robert Iger begins to rebuild the Disney brand by redirecting focus on core assets, such as feature animation and the theme parks. One early accomplishment was repairing the Disney-Pixar relationship, resulting in Disney's purchase of Pixar for $7 billion.

Year	Notable Business Events	Notable Theatrical Releases	Theme Park/destination Openings	Other Premieres
2005	Disney signs the Cheetah Girls on as a recording act. Disney sells the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to Henry Samueli of Broadcom, who changes the team name to Anaheim Ducks. On July 8, Roy E. Disney rejoins the company as a consultant with the title of Director Emeritus. Disneyland celebrates its 50th anniversary on July 17. Bob Iger replaces Eisner as CEO. Disney Magazine ceases publication.	The Pacifier Chicken Little The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe	Hong Kong Disneyland opens.	Power Rangers S.P.D. American Dragon: Jake Long The Suite Life of Zack & Cody The Buzz on Maggie Kingdom Hearts II Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows Little Einsteins The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
2006	Disney's most successful tour The Party's Just Begun tour by The Cheetah Girls brings in USD $43 million. The tour was amongst the top 10 tours of 2006 coming in at number 3. Disney acquires Pixar Animation Studios. Disney Cinemagic launched on 16 March 2006 in United Kingdom. Disney re-acquires the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from NBCUniversal, in exchange for ABC letting commentator Al Michaels work on NBC Sunday Night Football. The company's flagship animation studio is renamed from Walt Disney Feature Animation to "Walt Disney Animation Studios".	Cars Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest		High School Musical The Emperor's New School Power Rangers Mystic Force Hannah Montana Mickey Mouse Clubhouse The Cheetah Girls 2 The Replacements Handy Manny Wondertime magazine
2007	Acquires New Horizon Interactive along with Club Penguin. ABC Radio Networks along with 22 non-Radio Disney and ESPN Radio affiliates are sold to Citadel Broadcasting. Disney Adventures magazine ceases publication. The company begins to drop the Buena Vista brand from its division (e.g. Buena Vista Pictures Distribution is renamed "Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures").	Meet the Robinsons Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Ratatouille The Game Plan Enchanted National Treasure: Book of Secrets		Cory in the House Power Rangers Operation Overdrive My Friends Tigger & Pooh Kingdom Hearts: Re:Chain of Memories Phineas and Ferb High School Musical 2 Wizards of Waverly Place Digimon Data Squad
2008	The anthology series is canceled for the third time. Disney Store chain is reacquired from The Children's Place. The subscription Disney Family Movies service launches, which uniquely returns uncut classic Disney films and shorts to television viewers among other offerings.[3][4] Control of The Muppets franchise is transferred from Disney Consumer Products to the Walt Disney Studios.[5] December 23 - Disney declines the option on the next film in The Chronicles of Narnia series with Walden Media.[6]	The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian WALL-E High School Musical 3: Senior Year Bolt		Camp Rock Power Rangers Jungle Fury The Cheetah Girls: One World Kingdom Hearts coded The Suite Life on Deck Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales The Little Mermaid opens on Broadway.
2009	Wayne Allwine, who had voiced Mickey Mouse starting with Mickey's Christmas Carol, dies; he is succeeded by Bret Iwan. Disney XD and DisneyXD.com are launched, replacing Toon Disney and Jetix.[7] Disney announces the formation of D23, an official fan community. Walt Disney Studios enters a distribution deal with DreamWorks Pictures, wherein upon DreamWorks' films will be distributed through Touchstone Pictures. Wondertime magazine ceases publication. December 16 - Director Emeritus Roy E. Disney dies of stomach cancer. December 31 - Disney acquires Marvel Entertainment and its properties.[8][9]	Race to Witch Mountain Hannah Montana: The Movie Up Disney's A Christmas Carol The Princess and the Frog		Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie Kid vs. Kat Zeke and Luther I'm in the Band Jimmy Two-Shoes Have a Laugh! Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Power Rangers RPM Digimon Data Squad Sonny with a Chance Jonas L.A. Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Disney twenty-three magazine begins publication.
2010	March 12, 2010 - Disney annonuces the closure of ImageMovers Digital for January 2011.[10] Disney sells the Power Rangers franchise to Saban Brands for USD $100 million. Disney lost the rights of Digimon in May 2010. Disney sells Miramax Films to Filmyard Holdings for $660 million.[11] Disney Channel ends one of its most successful television series, Hannah Montana.	Alice in Wonderland Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Toy Story 3 Tangled Tron: Legacy		Good Luck Charlie Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Pair of Kings Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam Shake It Up Take Two with Phineas and Ferb Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Epic Mickey Fish Hooks The Octonauts
2011	Disney Wonder repositioned to the West Coast. Disney licenses global theme park rights to the Avatar franchise from James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, and announces the first Avatar-themed project at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Playhouse Disney on Disney Channel rebrands as Disney Junior.	Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Cars 2 Winnie the Pooh The Help Real Steel The Muppets War Horse	The Disney Dream ship sets sail.	Jake and the Never Land Pirates Lemonade Mouth Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure Geek Charming Jessie Kinect Disneyland Adventures Kickin' It Mr. Young Fort Boyard: Ultimate Challenge A.N.T. Farm Austin & Ally
2012	March 23: The anthology series is revived for a fourth time. Disney Channel ends Wizards of Waverly Place, now beating That's So Raven as the longest running Disney Channel Original Series to date. Disney Junior launches its own spin-off channel, replacing SoapNet on some providers, but not on all providers. Rich Ross resigns as Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, and is replaced by Alan F. Horn. Disney acquires Lucasfilm from George Lucas, including its Star Wars and Indiana Jones properties for approximately $4.06 billion.[12]	John Carter Marvel's The Avengers Brave Frankenweenie Wreck-It Ralph Lincoln	Disney California Adventure is re-dedicated. The Disney Fantasy ship sets sail	Frenemies Radio Rebel Let It Shine Lab Rats Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Gravity Falls Code: 9 Dog With a Blog Tron: Uprising Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion Doc McStuffins Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)
2013	DreamWorks/Touchstone's Lincoln earns 12 nominations at the 85th Academy Awards. Disney Cinemagic replaced with Sky Movies Disney at 18:00 on 28 March 2013 in United Kingdom. Disney Interactive Studios shuts down development studio Junction Point Studios following the disappointing sales of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. Lucasfilm closes its video game division LucasArts. Frozen became the highest grossing animated feature, passing both The Lion King and Toy Story 3	Oz the Great and Powerful Iron Man 3 Monsters University Thor: The Dark World Frozen Saving Mr. Banks	Mystic Point opened at Hong Kong Disneyland	Disney Infinity Sofia the First Mickey Mouse (2013 TV series) Wander Over Yonder Avengers Assemble Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix
2014	Frozen wins the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 86th Academy Awards, becoming the first win in the category for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Disney acquired Maker Studios for $500 million.	Muppets Most Wanted Captain America: The Winter Soldier Maleficent Guardians of the Galaxy Big Hero 6 Into the Woods		The 7D Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix Star Wars Rebels Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes
2015	Big Hero 6 wins the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards. Disney combines its Consumer Products and Interactive Media divisions into one unified segment, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. Marvel Studios is reorganized under the Walt Disney Studios.	Cinderella Tomorrowland Avengers: Age of Ultron Inside Out Ant-Man Bridge of Spies The Good Dinosaur Star Wars: The Force Awakens		Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero Star vs. the Forces of Evil Miles From Tomorrowland Best Friends Whenever Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything Descendants Disney Infinity 3.0 Pickle and Peanut Guardians of the Galaxy The Muppets Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar Star Wars: Battlefront
2016	April 14: Construction on a 14-acre Star Wars-themed land begins at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. DreamWorks ends its film distribution deal with Disney.	Zootopia The Jungle Book Captain America: Civil War

Footnotes

• Notable Theatrical Releases are films that were the first to use a particular technology (sound, color, etc.), received major award nominations (Academy Award, Golden Globe, etc.), or are otherwise historically significant to The Walt Disney Company. Not all films released by Disney appear in this list; please see Lists of films released by Disney for a complete company listing.
• Theme Park/destination Openings indicate when Disney theme parks open. The opening of attractions and park name changes will not appear in this list.
• Other Premieres are the premiere dates for other notable Disney products, such as TV franchises (The Cheetah Girls, Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers), consumer products, video games (Kingdom Hearts), or home media premieres that were the first to use a particular technology. Other notability requirements include major award nominations (Emmy Award, Grammy Award), or are otherwise historically significant to The Walt Disney Company. Not all Disney products, TV programs, video games, or home media releases appear in this list.

References

1. "Company History". Corporate Information. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
2. "Pixar dumps Disney". CNN. 2004-01-30. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
3. New service is the first of its kind in family entertainment Retrieved December 19, 2008
4. "Now available On Demand: Disney Family Movies". Cox San Diego. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
5. Barnes, Brooks (18 September 2008). "Fuzzy Renaissance". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
6. "Disney jumps ship on next 'Narnia'". Holywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
7. Disney launches Disney XD network, Web site
8. Marvel Shareholders OK Disney Acquisition, Marketwatch, December 31, 2009
9. "Disney Completes Marvel Acquisition". Marvel. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
10. New York Times March 15, 2010
11. IGN July 30, 2010
12. The Deadline Team (December 21, 2012). "Disney Completes Acquisition Of Lucasfilm". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2013.