Walt Disney

Walter Elias Disney born

Dec 5, 1901

Chicago, Illinois

Walt joins the Red Cross

Nov 1, 1918

To join the Red Cross Ambulance Corps, Walt lies about his age and alters his birth certificate.

Walt signs a contract to produce the Alice Comedies

Oct 16, 1923

The contract, signed with M. J. Winkler, is considered to be the start of the Disney company, first known as the The Disney Brothers Studio.

marries Lillian Bounds

Jul 13, 1925

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is released

Sep 5, 1927

"Steamboat Willie" is born at the Colony Theatre in New York

Nov 18, 1928

Steamboat Willie the first animated cartoon with sound.

Flowers and Tree is released

Jul 30, 1932

Flowers and Trees is the first full-color cartoon. It wins an Academy Award.

Walt's first child, Diane Marie Disney, is born

Dec 18, 1933

Walt & Lillian adopt Sharon Mae Disney

Dec 21, 1936

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premieres at the Carthay Circle Theatre

Dec 21, 1937

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first full-length cartoon. It grosses $8 million and wins an Academy Award, allowing Walt to pay off all his bank loans within six months.

The Disney Studios begins its move to Burbank from Hollywood

Dec 26, 1939

Walt Disney Studios on strike

May 29, 1941

The Walt Disney Music Company is formed

Oct 1, 1949

Disneyland opens in Anaheim

Jul 17, 1955

Mickey Mouse Club debuts on television

Oct 3, 1955

Walt Disney dies

Dec 15, 1966