The Walt Disney Company "Mickey Mouse Club". In 1980, Disney launched Walt Disney Home Video to take advantage of the newly emerging videocassette market. On April 18, 1983, The Disney Channel debuted as a subscription-level channel on cable systems nationwide, featuring its large library of classic films and TV series, along with original programming and family-friendly third-party offerings. Walt Disney World received much of the company's attention through the 1970s and into the 1980s. In 1978, Disney executives announced plans for the second Walt Disney World theme park, EPCOT Center, which would open in October 1982. Inspired by Walt Disney's dream of a futuristic
The Walt Disney Company Italy The Walt Disney Company Italy The Walt Disney Company Italia S.r.l. (formerly called The Walt Disney Company Italia S.p.A) is The Walt Disney Company's Italian division and one of The Walt Disney Company's European divisions. The company was founded on 8 May 1938 as Creazioni Walt Disney S.A.I. The company owns and operates Disney Channel Italy, Disney in English, and more. Comics are also published by the company as well. In 2009, Jetix Europe sold 2 channels to Switchover Media. The television division of the company produced series for Disney Channel Italy such as: "Quelli dell'intervallo" ("As the Bell Rings")