100 Years of Disney: Final Celebrations at EPCOT

(eap) Today 100 years ago, on October 16, 1923, the Disney animation studio was founded by the Disney brothers Walt and Roy. Initially known as Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the brothers changed the company name to Walt Disney Studio barely three years after its founding. Since then, the studio has developed into one of the world’s largest media companies, which now encompasses much more than the production of animated films. The global corporation has also become one of the biggest players in the leisure industry. In 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California as the first Disney theme park. On October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort Florida followed as the largest Disney theme park complex in terms of size, today comprising four theme parks, two water parks and several hotels. And also, in China, France and Japan, many of the popular Disney stories and characters can be experienced in large theme park resorts nowadays.

To celebrate this special anniversary, The Walt Disney Company has already been holding various events since the beginning of this year under the title of “Disney 100 Years of Wonder”, starting back on January 27 with a kick-off event at the Disneyland Resort in California. Since September 22 until the end of this year, the anniversary finale is being celebrated in EPCOT in Orlando. In addition to today’s opening of the new attraction “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana”, visitors can meet “Mickey” and “Minnie Mouse” in the “Imagination!” pavilion and enjoy a colourful light show with a fitting anniversary soundtrack at “Spaceship Earth” in the evening. In addition, four new “Global Marketplaces” featuring celebratory dishes and drinks await park guests. ■