Monday, October 16 was quite the special day for a certain famous Mouse.
As any Disney enthusiast would know, 2023 commemorates the 100th year of the Walt Disney Company’s foundation. The entire Disney family, including all the theme parks and resorts worldwide, the Disney+ streaming platform, and all of the companies acquainted with Disney celebrated the event starting in September and will continue the magic until the end of 2023. How, you may ask? Continue reading to find out!
The Disney Production Company took a historical approach to celebrating Disney 100, making a detailed short video honoring the legacy of Walt Disney and what he stood for. All Disney wanted to do with his company was “make dreams come true,” and that is exactly what the marketing team has conveyed. The video encompasses all Disney wanted the company to become and all that the company has come to represent.
Media companies owned by Disney have also taken great part in the celebration’s success. ABC especially has taken advantage of the centennial, making Disney a focal point in their primetime lineup. “Dancing with the Stars,” Jeopardy!” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos” have all had special episodes or segments dedicated to Disney 100 to reach American audiences far and wide.
Without a doubt, the Disney Parks have had the most fun celebrating their centennial birthday. The parks have set up special meet in greets with Mickey, Minnie, and the whole Disney cast family in special Silver and Purple Birthday Costumes to create an ambiance of commemoration. The world famous Epcot Spaceship Earth (a.k.a. The golf ball) has been lit up in a similar design. Even the park’s snacks and merch has taken an upgrade. The addition of foods such as The Celebration Cake at Blue Bayou Restaurant, The Minnie 100 Cake Pop at Candy Palace, and the Violet Pretzel at the Refreshment Center has taken the in-park experience to the next level. Special Edition Disney 100 Mickey Ears are worn by many nowadays, with silver glitter and purple embroidery unlike any other set.
Taking advantage of all the fun, RV Senior Lyndsey Finsen said that being in Disney World during the celebrations had her “Looking for Magic in every moment.”
“If Walt Disney had lived to see all that his company had become, I think he would have been quite proud to see all the smiles and memories made because of what he had dreamed” she said. “His commemoration is well deserved, and better yet, celebrated by the entire world.”
Happy Birthday, Disney. Hope your 100th was a great one. Here’s to 100 more.
