A Century of Magic Begins
On October 16, 2023, The Walt Disney Company officially marked its 100th anniversary. This milestone celebrates a legacy of joy, storytelling, and imagination. The journey began with a modest four-page contract signed in a small Los Angeles home.
The First Signature of Imagination
In 1923, Walt Disney signed a deal with New York cartoon distributor Margaret Winkler. The agreement allowed him to produce silent shorts called the Alice Comedies. The contract was signed at 4406 Kingswell Avenue, his uncle’s home in Hollywood. This pivotal moment launched Walt and Roy Disney’s first animation studio: the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. That simple act laid the groundwork for a global media empire.
Rebecca Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, explained, “This opened the door to developing and producing 100 years of Disney magic that has enchanted the whole world.”
From Risk to Reward
At the time, Walt had already experienced two failed animation studios in Kansas City. He moved to Hollywood in search of new opportunities. With Roy by his side, the brothers combined their talents and took a final leap of faith. That risk led to the creation of Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, and a century of imagination.
“Walt was an optimistic young man,” Cline shared. “He convinced his brother Roy to leave a stable banking career. Together, they formed a new animation studio—a risk that finally paid off.”
A Legacy Preserved
The original Alice Comedies contract now resides in the Walt Disney Archives. It is considered the most important document in Disney’s history. This treasured piece of paper represents how imagination and determination can create something timeless.
Today, Disney continues to create magic for millions. It’s worth remembering that it all started with one idea, a few pages, and a dream shared by two visionary brothers. Disney 100th Anniversary
