The Walt Disney company recently celebrated a monumental milestone on October 16 — its 100th anniversary. From its humble beginnings as an independent producer producing shorts about “Steamboat Willie” to becoming a global media conglomerate valued at over $150 billion, Disney’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation and the power of storytelling. The beloved production house has played an integral role in the lives of many Lambert students, creating classic tales to captivating stories of the new age.
“I grew up watching Disney movies, shows and listening to the songs,” Lambert sophomore Anandita Mitra said. “It plays an important role for me even now as their movies help me de-stress and remind me of when I was younger. I love Disney because it helps me connect with my childhood.”
Disney movies are associated with cherished childhood memories for countless fans across many generations. The nostalgia tied to the stories and characters creates a sense of comfort and happiness, causing people to return to these stories throughout their lives. Fan favorites like “Tangled”, “Toy Story” and “The Lion King” bring back touching memories of a simpler time, creating a sense of emotional anchoring to the past.
Though well-rooted in the past, Disney has not failed at keeping up with the times and ensuring that the viewers remain hooked. The biggest example would be “Encanto”, which was the most streamed movie in 2022. “Encanto” did a wonderful job at blending Latin American culture with the magic of Disney. With such achievements, it comes as no surprise that this anniversary is being celebrated with loads of fanfare. Disney has hosted exhibitions in multiple different cities such as London and Chicago that display the history and splendor of the company.
As it moves on to its second century of filmmaking, fans are looking forward to seeing much more out of the production house.
“I really want to see more animated movies directed to adolescents and late teenagers,” Lambert sophomore Riya Daftari explained.
As many Disney fans get older, they’re hoping to see increased creativity and a change in formula for the company. The massive corporation has so many brands under its wings. From ABC, to ESPN and the History Channel, Disney truly has something for anyone to enjoy but when it comes to their classic movies for teenagers, recently they have fallen behind. Many viewers are hoping to experience the authentic Disney magic in the new age. Whether it be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Pixar, it is important for viewers to find stories that they can relate and connect with.
Regardless of what the future holds for Disney, one thing is for certain – its myriad stories and tales have shaped our imaginations and left an indelible mark on popular culture. As Disney celebrates its 100th anniversary and looks to the years ahead, there is no doubt that its legacy of storytelling excellence will continue to enchant, inspire and unite audiences around the globe.
