By Lauren Smith
The Walt Disney Company has been putting smiles on the faces of many for over 90 years. November 18, 1928 marks the day the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, Steamboat Willie, was released in New York. Disney has grown so much since then, because many people want to experience their childhood all over again. Those childhood memories are just what Walt Disney envisioned bringing to people when he first sketched out those Mickey ears.
Disneyland, the original Disney Park, opened in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955. Since then, the success of Disney has grown, making it a worldwide company. There are plenty of priceless memories to be made as the company has expanded to eleven different theme parks all around the globe in Florida, California, Japan, Paris, and Hong Kong.
Today, Disneyland alone is visited by 16.2 million tourists every year. An even greater statistic, according to the Themed Entertainment Association’s 2008 attendance report, 118 million visitors traveled to the eleven Disney theme parks in a single year for their fill of fun.
“My family and I have season passes to Disneyland, so we would go every month. Disney feels like home to me since I go so much,” Alexis Hadley, sophomore, said.
The Disney mania does not stop at the parks. The Disney brand owns a film studio which generates millions of dollars in revenue by releasing an average of twelve movies per year. The company also owns seven television networks including big names such as Disney Channel, ESPN, and ABC.
“I would get up at four in the morning just to watch Disney Channel as a child,” Lauren Abercrombie, junior, said.
Disney strives to remind people of their childhood through different media platforms such as movies and music. The company strives to make people happy.The Walt Disney Company’s objective is to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.
The Walt Disney Company continues to impact people of all ages, encouraging them to believe in magic.
“Disney reminds me of my childhood because I practically grew up watching Disney movies,” Caitlin Lazaro, sophomore, said. “As a kid, Disney encouraged me to use my imagination.”
