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
Timeline of The Walt Disney Company Timeline of The Walt Disney Company This is a timeline of The Walt Disney Company, listing notable business events for the organization. The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923, and found much success under Walt Disney's leadership through his death in 1966. After Walt Disney's death in 1966, the company began a slow decline with no clear direction, which culminated in an unsuccessful greenmail attempt to buy the company from current shareholders. Michael Eisner (from Paramount Pictures) is hired to be the new CEO, along with Frank Wells (from Warner Bros.) as president. They bring leadership vision and place