The history of Disney: from 1923 to today

In October 1923 two brothers, Walt and Roy Disney, opened a small animation studio in Los Angeles. Five years later, in 1928, a mouse in red shorts appeared in Steamboat Willie — and Mickey Mouse became the most recognisable drawing in history.

In 1937 came the gamble everyone called madness: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first feature-length animated film. It worked, and opened the way for Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland.

The 1990s were the second golden age, the Disney Renaissance: The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King — films that raised an entire generation.

Then came the acquisitions that changed everything: Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009, Lucasfilm in 2012 and 20th Century Fox in 2019. Today, when we say "Disney", we mean dozens of separate universes under one roof.

Why this matters to collectors: no other brand covers three generations at once. The grandparent recognises Mickey, the parent The Lion King, the child Stitch. That is why Disney collectibles are among the safest gifts there are.

The worlds of Disney

The classics

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, The Aristocats, Alice in Wonderland. The characters that never age — bought as happily by parents as by children.

Princesses & villains

From Snow White and Cinderella to Elsa and Moana, the princesses are Disney's most collected family. And facing them, the villains — the Evil Queen, Cruella, Ursula, Maleficent — who in recent years have built a strong following of their own.

The modern hits

Frozen, Lilo & Stitch, Moana, Zootopia. Stitch in particular is currently the most in-demand Disney character in merchandise — something we see in the shop every day.

Pixar

Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Cars, Up, Coco, Inside Out, WALL-E, Ratatouille. Pixar brought Disney something it did not have: stories that speak to adults as much as to children.

And the universes it bought

Marvel, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Indiana Jones, The Simpsons, Avatar, The Nightmare before Christmas. All of them belong to Disney today — which is why its range is practically endless.

Movies & series: what has landed and what is coming

Studio dates move often. We update this guide whenever something changes officially.

Disney games on console & PC

• Disney Dreamlight Valley – A life sim with characters from across Disney and Pixar. Available on PS5, Xbox, Switch and PC.
• Disney Speedstorm – Kart racing with Disney and Pixar heroes.
• Kingdom Hearts – The legendary series that ties Disney to Final Fantasy.
• Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – Mickey in a darker, more creative adventure.
• Star Wars Outlaws, LEGO Star Wars, Marvel's Wolverine (15 September 2026, PS5) – from the universes Disney owns.

Disney collectibles: what to choose

Disney has the widest range of any brand. These are the categories that stand out:

• Funko POP! – The largest Disney line there is, with hundreds of characters.
• Plush – The safest gift for small children, and the most in demand for Stitch.
• Figures – From small collectibles to detailed display pieces.
• Apparel & t-shirts – For children and adults, classic and modern designs.
• School gear, mugs, keychains, bags – Everyday items that are recognised instantly.

Tip: with Disney, age matters more than with other franchises. Under 6, plush or school gear. Ages 6-12, a figure or Funko of whatever they are watching right now. For an adult collector, a classic character — Mickey, Alice, Nightmare before Christmas.

Disney gift guide