The Bare Necessities of Disney-

     The Disney company was founded in 1923, and originally known as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. Walt Disney had the hope that he could get his ideas out into the world. Working with his brother Roy, the company changed to be known as the Walt Disney Studios. When the Disney brothers signed with M.J. Winkler, they created a series of Alice Comedies (cartoon and live-action shorts), and the company began to take shape.    As Walt started to create different projects like Oswald, he was able to see that he didn’t want to work under someone else. Instead, he wanted to have the ownership and rights to his projects. Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie started the journey. Disney’s projects gained recognition through the Academy Awards and even the Oscars. The more recognition the company receives, the more it grows, even evolving into making films and merchandise designed after the characters. More often than not, the cartoons depicted what was going on in the world presently. This can be seen through Pinocchio and Fantasia. The biggest year was the 1950s, this was when Treasure Island and Cinderella came out. Their projects were gaining an audience with children when they were young and keeping them engaged even in their adult years. The company continued to grow with its first park opening in July of 1955. Whether you like Disney or not, there is no denying the impact they have made on the world.

“You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!”- 

     There are various ways that Disney has affected children across the nation and even the world. Disney has grown to have TV networks like Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD. Each of these networks has aspects that each age group can relate to. The characters go through realistic situations, each episode having the opportunity to make the audience laugh and feel for the characters. Disney Junior also starts introducing young children to early childhood concepts, helping to make the transition to school more efficient. These programs introduce social-emotional learning as well. In other words, they make it so that the child has to think and be critical to learn while watching. Also, it has grown to be as popular, maybe even more, than Sesame Street. More importantly, characters like Mickey Mouse have helped kids to stay engaged in learning and remain optimistic even when they find something difficult. It’s also substantial to realize that every Disney movie or show has a happy ending. It conveys hope in daily life to its audience by showing that, in the end, there is always reason for hope and determination. By seeing characters have a happy ending, children and adults believe that it is possible for them too.  Lastly, each of the Disney Princess movies shows girls that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. They get past the biggest obstacles they come across in life. Granted, in the earlier movie,s girls were courageous but were also saved by men. That has changed. A recent example is the new Snow White movie and how they changed it so that Snow saves herself. She stands up to the Evil Queen on her own. So Disney has brought children a better early education and the belief that they can achieve anything.

Wishing Upon a Star-

     Since the 1980’s Disney and the Make-A-Wish program came together for the happiness of more than 165,000 kids who were facing illnesses. One out of every two wishes granted in the U.S. has been a Disney wish (Make-A-Wish). The effect that Disney has had on so many children is astonishing. Disney has worked with the Make-A-Wish program, helping children find happiness even in their hard times. These children should not have to face what they have, and should be able to act like children and not have to grow up too early. In the program, Disney gives families that have children with some sort of critical illness the chance to experience Disney without having to pay the cost. It can include their theme parks, resorts, cruises, etc. (Make-A-Wish). These experiences that Disney makes possible are something that these children will always remember. They get to have time where they don’t have to worry about cost, but just have fun with family. 

“Go The Distance”

     Therefore, Disney has brought happiness and joy to so many for a little over a century and will continue this journey for years to come. Disney gives children the opportunity to wish upon a star.