In 1936, the Disney brothers began with a dream and a mouse.
Decades later, Walt and Roy Disney built an empire that set the standard for family entertainment.
Here is the story of how visionary leadership turned Disney into a 200 billion dollar company:
Walt Disney was a storyteller and Roy Disney was a businessman.
Together they combined creativity and strategy.
Their first big idea? A cartoon mouse called Mickey.
But Walt didn't just want cartoons; he wanted animated stories that appealed to the emotions.
The release of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937 was a groundbreaking moment - it was the world's first feature-length animated film.
Critics said the strategy would fail.
Instead, it became a cultural phenomenon and grossed 8 million dollars during the Great Depression.
Walt's genius lay in his ability to see the big picture.
He envisioned Disneyland, a place where stories come to life and families create memories.
Roy made sure the finances worked and bet everything on Walt's dream.
In 1955, Disneyland opened its doors.
Despite initial setbacks, it developed into the gold standard for theme parks worldwide.
The Disney brothers faced major challenges, from the financial burdens of the Second World War to internal conflicts.
But their leadership was based on trust.
Walt inspired the creative vision and Roy ensured that the business remained stable.
When Walt died in 1966, Roy ensured that Walt Disney World opened in 1971, honoring his brother's dream.
The Disney empire expanded into television, merchandise and live-action films.
In the 1980s, the company was in trouble, but the family legacy paved the way for a new direction.
Acquisitions such as Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm underlined the power of visionary leadership based on bold decisions.
Today, Disney is synonymous with magic, entertainment and innovation.
What started with one mouse has become a 200 billion dollar empire that influences generations around the world.
But at its core, the Disney story is about family - a partnership between two brothers who shared a dream and pursued it with passion.
