Pinocchio, Bambi, Lion King, Coco and Mulan… Who has not heard of or watched at least one of these Disney classics? These are animated films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios or Disney Animation.

Originally founded in 1923 by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, Disney Animation is an American animation studio that designs animated features and short films for the Walt Disney Company (or simply Disney), which is an American diversified multinational media and entertainment institution headquartered in California.

Walt Disney, the talented man behind Mickey Mouse.

Born Walter Elias Disney, Walt Disney had already been passionate about drawing since his early childhood. He started selling his first sketches to neighbors when he was only seven. At school, he showed real passion for cartoons and photography, and one night, he could attend the Academy of Fine Arts. While growing up, Disney strived to hone his skills for drawing and finally chose to make it a career. He first worked as an advertising cartoonist then later ended up making and marketing his first original animated cartoons along with his brother, Roy O. Disney.

In 1928, Mickey Mouse – that now serves as the brand’s mascot – was created and appeared in the American animated short film “Plane Crazy”. However, Mickey debuted publicly in the short film “Steamboat Willie”, which became one of the first sound cartoons. It was when he left Kansas City – where he spent his childhood – and moved to Hollywood, California, that his career picked up momentum and his reputation began to rise. It is no secret that Walt Disney went through many failures before becoming one of the most influential personalities of the 20th century. His remarkable path has become an inspiration to various motivational contents calling for success and perseverance. In the meantime, all his movies carry life lessons inextricably linked to success, love, courage, and patience.

Walt Disney is viewed as a pioneer and innovator of animated cartoon movies who revolutionized the industry of entertainment. Furthermore, he was an extraordinarily and successfully creative man filled with hopes and imaginations. His drive to perfect the art of animation was endless and he was made famous for having created what is called “the Happiest Place on Earth”.

He later founded the amusement theme parks Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Considering his incredible achievement, he won a total of 22 Academy Awards in his lifetime. As a film producer, Walt holds the record for Oscars earned by an individual. On the other hand, along with members of his staff, he received more than 950 honors, including 48 Academy Awards.

Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Since its creation, the studio has produced 59 feature films from the first full-length animated musical feature – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) – to Raya and the Last Dragon, the computer-animated fantasy and adventure film released in 2021, and other enchanting animated films.

Although Walt Disney passed away in 1966, his legacy in the entertainment industry remains honored. Walt Disney Animation Studios keeps surprising and delighting its audience. Nothing much better than watching a good film that encourages you to dream, to believe in and to stick to that dream!

Sources: Biography / Walt Disney Animation Studios / D23 the Official Disney Fan Club.