Thursday 3rd August, 2023: The Walt Disney Company marks its 100th anniversary on October 16th, 2023, and throughout the year, have been celebrating the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that is Disney over the last 100 years. On Friday 4th August, 2023 the Disney100 ‘Celebrating Timeless Stories’ limited screening programme launches, bringing to the big screen classic, groundbreaking Disney films from almost every decade of the past hundred years. The programme offers many audiences their first opportunity to watch these Disney titles in the cinema.
Over 600 cinemas across the UK and Ireland are partnering with Disney on this Disney100 initiative, whereby cinemas have the opportunity to engage audiences in the magic of Disney and screen these timeless stories. The screening programme will run throughout the summer holidays, from August 4thuntil October 19th, with a different film playing across most weeks.
The ten films included in the programme:
- Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
- Disney’s “Bambi” (1942)
- Disney’s “Cinderella” (1950)
- Disney’s “Peter Pan” (1953)
- Disney’s “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)
- Disney’s “The Jungle Book” (1967)
- Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
- Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” (1995)
- Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
- Disney’s “Frozen” (2013—celebrating its 10-year anniversary)
The celebration of Disney’s 100th year will culminate with the release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new animated musical, “Wish.” Celebrating the legacy of over 60 generation-defining films, “Wish” will thrill audiences with an original story, dynamic characters, and unforgettable songs when it releases in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 24th November, 2023.
With a year full of opportunities for fans and families of all ages to relive their most beloved Disney memories and to delight in new, heart-warming stories and experiences.
Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, this includes:
- Disney100: The Exhibition – the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created will continue its European tour at London’s ExCeL to mark The Walt Disney Company’s 100th, opening its doors on October 13, 2023. The 20,000-square-foot exhibition includes ten large and imaginatively themed galleries with renowned classics from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) to contemporary releases such as “Encanto” (2021), including the latest members of the Disney family—Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel.
- Disney100: The Concert – a touring multimedia concert experience that features seminal music moments from Disney’s history including songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mary Poppins” and “Encanto” and highlights from the worlds of Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Norway and France dates are already live; the tour also extends to South Africa, Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic throughout 2023 and into 2024.
- Building on Disneyland Paris’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, Disney’s 100th anniversary will also come to life at the resort. To mark the 100-year anniversary on 16 October 2023, guests will be treated to a one-of-a-kind entertainment program, character performances and exclusive Disney activities throughout the day. After 16 October, additional, never-seen-before exclusive activities will also take place at Disneyland Paris as part of the Disney100 celebrations.
- Wonder of Friendship: The Experience – following the event’s success in the UK, France and Germany, this stunning pop-up experience marking 100 years of dynamic duos, unlikely pals and inseparable friends will open in Spain (Madrid) on Friday 15th September. Guests will have the chance to venture through 1,000 square metres of different experiences across four rooms, including Alice in Wonderland, Lilo & Stitch, The Lion King and Mickey and Friends.
About Disney100
The Walt Disney Company marks its 100th anniversary on October 16, 2023, and throughout the year will celebrate the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that is Disney over the last century. Disney100 is a celebration of timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters that have entertained and inspired people of all ages for 100 years. Disney100 will also offer exciting opportunities for fans and families to relive their most beloved Disney memories and to delight in new heart-warming stories and experiences tied to this momentous milestone, across renowned Disney studios, Disney Parks and Experiences around the globe, and more.