Walt Disney Company 100th Anniversary Celebrating 100 Years of Wonder 2023

In 2023, The Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th Anniversary. Honoring the birth of everything we know as part of the Disney Legacy today. This celebration is called Disney 100 Years of Wonder. From the early beginnings of Disney’s cartoon studio to the creation of Disney Parks, Cruises, and Disney Plus. As a result, we’ll be sharing the lineup of anything and everything happening to celebrate 100 years of the Walt Disney Company. Updated March 31, 2023.

The 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company

The world over will celebrate 100 Years of the Walt Disney Company in 2023 which promises to be a year of celebration. Likewise, not only to celebrate a century of animation greatness but also to honor all Disney company properties. While we don’t know all the details yet for this celebration it couldn’t come at a better time! With the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World running through March 2023, fans will be able to finish one celebration just in time to start the next. In other words, don’t take your party hat off quite yet. Be sure to keep tabs on all that is happening with #Disney100. 

When is the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company?

The 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company is October 16, 2023, but the Celebration begins on January 1, 2023. Including all franchises currently owned by Disney; Disney Plus, Marvel, National Geographic, Lucasfilm, Disney Parks, Cruises, and more! 

Disney 100th Anniversary Social Media 

If you’re making life more magical with a Disney Vacation, Disney Cruise, or more Disney at home this year, be sure to tag Disney with the 100th Anniversary hashtags below. 

All are invited to share their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, 20th Century, and National Geographic memories using #ShareTheWonder and #Disney100. These posts will honor and spotlight the countless memories Disney and its fans have made together over the past century.

Disney100.com Website

Officially the new Disney100 website launches on January 1, 2023. Featuring parks, Disney Plus, movies, D23, news, live shows, and more. Check out the sneak peek now at https://www.disney.com/disney100

Disney100 Special Look Super Bowl 2023 Ad

Disney: 100 Years of Wonder ABC Documentary

This Disney company documentary tells the story of Disney from 1923 to today, highlighting the core values and philosophies of the company and all the things that have helped make the Walt Disney Company great along the way. 

NEW Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Short

The first new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Short since 1928, the Walt Disney Company brought in animator Eric Goldberg and produced by Dorothy McKim to help kick off the 100th Anniversary.

Disney Character Milestone Anniversaries | 2023

D23 will celebrate several milestone anniversaries with in-person events in 2023 for fan-favorite films, including Finding Nemo (20th), Mulan (25th), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (35th). D23 is excited to celebrate these iconic films with extra-special experiences and even more magic for D23 Members. And Halloween will return in phantom fashion, celebrating the anniversaries of monstrously major movies including Hocus Pocus (30th), Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (30th), and Halloweentown (25th).

It all Started, with Alice

While 1923 saw several failures for Walt Disney, including the bankruptcy of his Kansas city cartoon studio. It wasn’t until Walt listened to his brother Roy and joined him in Hollywood that things really began to take shape. With hopes of combining animation and live-action, Walt Disney found his first project. The Alice cartoons that launched Walt’s career in Hollywood can be found in the Walt Disney Treasures collection. The Disney Rarities- Celebrated Shorts from 1920-1960 includes many of Walt’s early works. Surely we’ll be getting glimpses of these and more Disney classics as part of the celebrations. But above all, we’ll remember that it was actually all started by a mouse.

100th Anniversary Plans for Disney 100 Years of Wonder

What happens when you celebrate a century of the most magical company on Earth? Remembering that it’s the entire company and not just the parks, Disney fans can honor almost 800 Disney Films released by the Walt Disney Company. A combination of animation, and live-action, Disney’s franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar have truly made it one of the greatest companies on the planet. And don’t forget its partnership with Studio Ghibli! Here is the lineup of Plans for the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. 

Disney 100 Logo and New Film Logo

In honor of the 100 years of Wonder, Disney films feature a new Disney Castle featuring Tinker Bell flying over a riverside village, and up a waterfall to a platinum Disney Castle. This film introduction clip includes a new composition of “When you Wish Upon a Star” by Christophe Beck. This new beginning debuts with Disney’s Strange World, releasing Thanksgiving 2022. And be included in all Disney films throughout 2023. 

Disney100 New Years Rockin’ Eve Kickoff Event

As the largest global celebration ever honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, the official Kick-Off of this event Begins on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on ABC on January 1, 2023. 

Walt Disney Archives Disney Centennial Exhibition

As keeper of the company’s history, the Walt Disney Archives is home to memorabilia of all sorts. The Walt Disney Archives will debut a brand new exhibit that celebrates The Wonder of Disney from 1923 to the Present and into the Future at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 18, 2023. Other North American stops include Chicago, Kansas City, and Munich, Germany. More cities will soon be announced.  Featuring art, memorabilia, film props, costumes, and more this exhibit will display and honor “one-of-a-kind treasures” never before seen. All within a 15,000-square-foot exhibit 

“It’s thrilling to bring Disney’s crown jewels – art, memorabilia, costumes, props, and one-of-a kind treasures – to public view – and to explore the story of one of the world’s most creative entertainment companies. Many of these objects have never before been seen outside the company’s archival, animation, and Imagineering vaults.” – Historian and Co-Curator Paula Sigman Lowery

Step in Time Exhibit at D23 EXPO presented by the Walt Disney Archives

Presented at the 2022 D23 EXPO, the Step in Time exhibit highlights important milestones throughout Disney’s rich history. 

As part of the kick-off to Disney100, this chronological exhibition will showcase Walt Disney Archives historical assets like never before with immersive, themed environments from animated shorts, films, and film premieres, as well as television productions and Disney Parks favorites, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mary Poppins, Tron, and Walt Disney World Resort’s Haunted Mansion.”

Disney’s New film “Wish” | November 22, 2023

Wish is a new “epic original animated musical inspired by the studio’s legacy of films. This film features new songs by Julia Michaels and a magical story that looks ahead to the next 100 years of the Disney company. Set in Rosas, a fantasy kingdom where wishes come true, we’ll see a variety of animation styles. Check out the Wish release date and all the plans for New Disney Films in 2023 and on Disney Plus. 

DESTINATION D23 | Walt Disney World 2023

D23 returns to The Most Magical Place on Earth for the biggest Disney fan event of 2023 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, September 8–10, 2023  to celebrate 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. Fans will be among the first to hear exciting announcements and see sneak peeks from the many worlds of Disney—and relive favorite memories with behind-the-scenes stories, special guests, and so much more at this epic event.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS OFFICIAL TOUR | Presented by D23

D23 welcomes guests to The Walt Disney Studios Lot, giving members the opportunity to visit the world-famous studio in Burbank, California. These tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television series, and theme parks—along with the chance to look inside the Walt Disney Archives and draw inspiration from Walt Disney’s office suite.

WALT’S MARCELINE | Presented by D23 June 2023

Walt Disney frequently cited this charming Missouri town where he spent his early childhood as one of his greatest influences. Its lovely main thoroughfare was an inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. D23 Members will have a chance to return in June 2023 for a very special hometown event.

Disney Hercules The Musical | Begins February 16, 2023

The inspired Disney animated film is now a mythical new musical adventure. HERCULES is the divinely funny story of an honest-to-Zeus hero on a quest to discover who he is and where he belongs. Is love a possibility too? Oh, Hades, yes! The roof-raising score by Alan Menken and David Zippel features all the hits you love from the film, including the Oscar-nominated song “Go The Distance,” as well as “Zero to Hero” and “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),” along with new songs written for the stage. Read more. 

D23 NIGHTS WITH DISNEY THEATRICAL | Select Cities

D23 and the North American tours of Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen are excited to offer D23 Members exclusive theatrical experiences, including special ticket packages and post-show Q&As with cast members. D23 will kick off these dazzling theatrical events in Los Angeles with The Lion King and in Costa Mesa, California, with Frozen, and offer an exclusive experience with the cast during the highly anticipated opening of Disney’s Hercules at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey on March 18.

Disney Animation Immersion Experience | Select Cities

For a limited time, you can get up close and personal with your favorite Disney characters digitally. Check out the Disney Animation Experience and Select your city to see showtimes. 

100th Anniversary Plans for Disney Parks 

How are Disney Parks Celebrating 100 Years of Wonder?

Remembering that the Disney Parks are nowhere near 100 years old, the parties in the parks may not be as big as we expect. The 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company will still show up in all sorts of ways in the parks. From new nighttime spectaculars to merchandise and snacks. Here is what’s happening in Disney parks across the globe. 

Disney’s Actual 100th Anniversary is October 16, 2023

The official founding date of the Walt Disney Company, October 16, 2023, is sure to have some hoopla in the Disney Parks. Whether it be with exclusive snacks, merchandise, or even a show, an October 2023 vacation will get you close to the action for this celebration. Check out everything that is happening at Walt Disney World in 2023. 

Mickey and Friends Platinum 100th Anniversary Outfits

As part of the celebration, Mickey and friends across the world are sporting Platinum outfits in honor of the anniversary, that match the new Platinum logo. The “Platinum” theme is designed to “reflect the optimism and creativity of Disney.”

Disneyland 100th Anniversary Plans

Starting late January 2023 at Disneyland Resort, there are special limited-time celebrations taking place throughout the whole year. Including live entertainment, new snacks, merchandise, and more. In theme with the 100th Anniversary look, you can find platinum-infused décor, and new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals. Starting January 27, 2023 the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Walt Disney Company begins!

Disneyland Castle 100th Anniversary Decorations

Celebrating Wonder and Magic, the Sleeping Beauty Castle hails in the 100th Anniversary year in style. Complete with platinum banners, buntings, and a cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies from Sleeping Beauty. Decorated with pixie dust, the castle also gets two water fountains and a wishing star flying from the tower spire. 

Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Show | Disneyland

The newest fireworks show in the works for Disneyland Park is Wondrous Journeys. With a nod to all 60 of Disney’s Animation films to date. This magical fireworks show features a brand new song called “It’s Wondrous,” and replaces Disneyland Forever, which had been running since May 2015. This new show covered Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world”, and Rivers of America into a painted canvas throughout the show.  January 27, 2023

World of Color One | Disney’s California Adventure Park 

Coming also to Disney’s California Adventure is a new nighttime spectacular, special to the 100th Anniversary, to “showcase all new inspiring stories told through new favorite characters.” This show features a brand new song called “Start a Wave,” sharing the impact a single drop of water can make. A single action. Sure to inspire. January 27, 2023

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Attraction | Disneyland 

Opening early, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is set to open on January 27th in the El CapiTOON Theater!  Toontown is still under construction until spring 2023, but special for the anniversary, this ride is opening early! Featuring Mickey and Minnie on their way via train to a picnic, guests can experience all the shenanigans of Goofy the train conductor, and the magical detours along the way. January 27, 2023

Magic Happens Parade | Disneyland 

Returning in Spring 2023 the Magic Happens Parade floats into Disneyland Park with characters from Sword in the Stone, Moana, Chip and Dale, and more! Opening Spring 2023

New Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise at Disneyland 

Featuring classic Disney characters, you can find a slew of NEW Disney 100th Anniversary merchandise at Disneyland. Including new apparel, a jersey, and a Mickey popcorn bucket. Specially marked with the Disney100 logo for the celebration. 

New 100th Anniversary Snacks | Disneyland

Rolling out the 100th Anniversary Snacks in all forms, Disneyland Resort serves up caramel apples, brownies, cookies, purple and silver churros, and more. check out all the Disneyland 100th Anniversary Snacks to try through 2023. 

Walt Disney World 100th Anniversary Plans

EPCOT to host the Disney100 Celebration at Walt Disney World

As the hub of Disney’s 100th Anniversary in 2023, guests can expect a variety of things to be happening over at EPCOT, later this year. As the park that has had the most changes, there are plenty of new things to see for the 100th Anniversary of Disney.

Mickey and Minnie in Platinum Attire | EPCOT

Soon to be found at the new Mickey and Friends Meet and Greet building, guests can get photos of Mickey and Mickey and friends in all their platinum splendor. A special offering for the 100th Anniversary of Disney, this experience is only for a limited time. 

Dreams Point “Walt the Dreamer” Statue | EPCOT

Originally shared at D23 EXPO 2019 as part of the EPCOT re-imagining, this amazing bronze statue features the Walt Disney Company’s biggest dreamer, Walt Disney himself. Situated right behind Spaceship Earth, this statue offers a great photo spot and a timeless way to honor Walt during EPCOT Park’s 40th Anniversary. Opening 2023

New Nighttime Spectacular | EPCOT

Announced for EPCOT is a new nighttime spectacular show replacing Harmonious running through the 50th Anniversary celebrations until March 31, 2023. Then a temporary EPCOT Forever will be shown until this new show is complete.  This new show aims to unite guests around the world, with hearts all as one, complete with a wide array of songs from the Disney songbook. The show takes place in World Showcase Lagoon. Opening Late 2023

Spaceship Earth Illuminations Show | EPCOT

Equipped with the points of light from the Beacons of Magic Show, the Spaceship Earth ball lights up with a variety of special shows throughout the year. It has been shared that the 100th Anniversary also includes a new lighting display on this park icon. Set to debut later this year. Opening 2023

Figment Meet and Greet | EPCOT

New to the character lineup is Figment! Coming soon to EPCOT park, this beloved dragon is ready for hugs. Opening 2023

New 100th Anniversary Snacks | Walt Disney World

We’ll be sharing the list of special 100th Anniversary Snacks as they arrive at Walt Disney World, but so far, there are just a couple of things to look forward to across the parks. Check out all the New Snacks at Walt Disney World as they arrive. 

• Mickey & Minnie Chocolate Covered Apples from the Main Street Confectionary at Magic Kingdom Park
• Mickey & Minnie Mousse Dome Cakes from Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs,
• Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie at Carousel Coffee, now open inside Disney’s BoardWalk

Hong Kong Disneyland 100th Anniversary Plans

Walt and Mickey Statue | Hong Kong Disneyland

As part of Disney’s 100th Anniversary Worldwide, Hong Kong Disneyland is installing a brand new statue featuring Walt Disney and Mickey.  

Disneyland Paris 100th Anniversary Plans 

Polka Dot Day | Disneyland Paris

January 22nd marks a day we all honor Minnie Mouse, Polka Dot Day. And at Disneyland Paris, guests can catch Minnie in a BRAND NEW performance at Walt Disney Studios Park. 

Walt Disney Company 100th Anniversary Products

A variety of collections featuring the platinum logo, Disney100, and classic and current designs are part of the celebration. Across all areas of Disney products including Disney Publishing, Disney Games, and Products. Available at shopDisney.com.

New to the Disney Dooney and Bourke Collection is the 100th Anniversary Bag celebrating 100 Years of the Wonder with the Walt Disney Company. Featuring an ivory and silver theme, this bag includes Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip and Dale, Donald, and Daisy. Available at shopDisney.com.

Disney Platinum Collection

This collection includes the first Disney100 Mickey ear hat and headband, featuring a platinum drip. This collection has products added to it throughout the year and is available on shopDisney.com

Disney 100th Anniversary Collections on Amazon

Along with everything you can find in the parks, and on shopDisney.com Amazon will be honoring the House of Mouse with a variety of collectible products from all categories. Check out this Disney 100th Anniversary Little Golden Books Collection and simply search Disney 100th for a look at everything else coming soon. 

Disney 100th Anniversary Books from Disney Publishing

Brand new titles honoring the Walt Disney Company are on the way with Disney books for all ages. Some notable titles are highlighted below. 

• Walt Disney: An American Original, Commemorative Edition 
• The Official Walt Disney Quote Book
• The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder
• People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A
• Disney 100th Anniversary Little Golden Books Collection

Disney Music Group 100th Anniversary Highlights

The Disney Music Group is also offering a Vinyl Compilation of the Company’s musical moments across film, television, and parks, set to release in 2023. Along with other notable compositions shared by the world’s greatest musicians.  

• Lang Lang: The Disney Book

Walt Disney Company 100th Anniversary on Disney Plus

As Disney’s flagship streaming service Disney Plus is home to a plethora of old and new Disney content. We’re sure to see new specials, documentaries, and releases in 2023. Therefore, we thought it appropriate to round up the Disney Studio content on Disney Plus so far! Here is everything you can watch on Disney Plus to learn more about the Walt Disney Company as it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023. You can be sure there will be even more Disney anniversary shows for the Disney 100 Years of Wonder.

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse Documentary

Exploring what Mickey means to culture and history, this new documentary released on Disney+ on November 18, 2022.

Walt Disney Company Behind the Scenes Watchlist

• Waking Sleeping Beauty
• A Spark Story
• The Pixar Story
• The Imagineering Story
• Disney Insider
• Behind the Attraction
• Frank and Ollie
• The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story
• Howard

Walt Disney Company Archive Film Collections

Looking to learn more about the Walt Disney Company and how it got its start? Check out the Walt Disney Treasures Collections. These special films compile mini collections from the Disney studios that seated their place in Hollywood. From animation to musicals, to live-action and Disney’s role in wartime, these films will catch you up. After all, learning more about the man and mouse behind the company, makes this celebration all the more special. 

• Disney Rarities – Celebrated Shorts, the 1920s – 1960s
• Silly Symphonies
• Mickey Mouse in Black and White by Walt Disney
• Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume One, Volume Two
• Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studio
• Walt Disney Treasures – On the Front Lines
• The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

Walt Disney Company Studio Book Collections

Nothing says devoted Disney fan like a Disney Bookshelf. If your days are spent musing over the art in Sword in the Stone, the music in Fantasia or the amazing colors in Frozen, then these Disney books are for you. Here are some of the most important books including the history of the Walt Disney Company to add to your collection. 

• Walt Disney: An American Original
• Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation
• The Art and Flair of Mary Blair (Updated Edition): An Appreciation
• Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques and Inspiration from Disney’s Great Animators
• The Walt Disney Studios: A Lot to Remember
• Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century
• The Walt Disney Film Archives. The Animated Movies 1921–1968

The Hidden Art of Disney They Drew as They Pleased Collection

With a penchant for Disney animation be sure to browse these Hidden Art of Disney books. Complete with line drawings, colors, sketches, and ideas, this collection is a must-have for any Disney fan who gets wrapped up in the art. 

• New Golden Age Vol. 6
• Mid-Century Era Vol. 4
• Early RenaissanceThe 1970s and 1980s Vol. 5
• Late Golden Age (The 1940s – Part Two)  Vol. 3
• Musical Years (The 1940s – Part One) Vol. 2
• Golden Age Vol. 1

Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series

Budding filmmakers, this collection is for you. What better way to celebrate the Walt Disney Company than by learning more about how these timeless films are made. Certainly, you don’t need to be talked into buying these, but if you’re a storyteller or designer, we consider these a must-have collection. 

• Animation (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)
• Story (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)
• Layout and Background (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)
• Design (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)

Walt Disney Company 100 Years Celebration

In other words, no matter what your plans are in 2023, there will be a multitude of ways you can celebrate Walt Disney and everything that the Walt Disney Company has created. We can’t wait to see how this celebration will add even more magic to the year. Stay tuned. We’ll be sharing details as they unfold.