On 16 October 2023, the Walt Disney Company celebrated their 100th anniversary — an amazing accomplishment. Few companies make it through their first year and even fewer make it to 10 years so to celebrate 100 years is a huge achievement.
In celebration of this feat, Walt Disney World has released a short movie and film - that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the entertainment company with interviews, rare footage and photos, and never-before-heard stories from those who built the Disney legend.
For those who love Disney there’s an exhibition which returned to the UK in March at The Excel Centre in London. You can purchase tickets online at https://www.disneytickets.co.uk/disney100-the-exhibition-tickets
If you can’t get to Walt Disney World or the exhibition there are plenty of ways to interact with your favourite characters and get a feel for what goes on behind the scenes of some of the greatest movies. Disney animation videos are posted on YouTube regularly and a great way to engage with real life Disney animators. Plus you’ll gain some great skills and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Drawing is known to be beneficial in many ways including:
Increasing brain activity
Increasing creativity
Improving memory
improving communication skills
Stress relief
Fine motor skills
Increasing positive emotions
Improving self-esteem
So where to begin? You can choose to start with easier characters or dive into the videos of your favourite characters. Each video is presented by an official animator who works at one of the Disney parks or hotels in Florida so you’ll get to experience something really special.
Whatever your age or your favourite show there’s bound to be a character that you would love to learn to animate. Remember when you start out to take your time and don’t be afraid to stop, rewind, pause and repeat at first. Some animators go faster than others!
You’ll also find a great mix of traditional characters and more recently launched characters from new Disney films.
These are a few of the simplest characters to draw to get you started.
Minnie Mouse
Joy from Inside Out
If you want to progress a bit then these two videos are a bit more challenging but not too long or complex.
Stitch
Simba from The Lion King
If you are looking for something a bit more tricky that is a bit longer and challenging then Elsa is one to try.
Elsa from Frozen
Disney Parks Blog
There are also additional videos posted on the Disney Parks Blog Page with new characters being added constantly. Here is one for any Winnie The Pooh Fans! It's quite a simple shape to create.
Disney Craft Ideas
If drawing isn’t for you then there are lots of craft ideas on the Walt Disney Pinterest Page. They include:
Create your own autograph book which is perfect if you are planning a trip to Disney World. Make your own book to collect character signings in.
If you want to dress up a bit then try making your own Mickey Ears headband.
There are so many ways on which to connect with Disney online and it doesn’t have to cost you anything at all. All relevant links are below:
Connect with Walt Disney World Online:
Visit the Walt Disney World WEBSITE: http://di.sn/p81
Like Walt Disney World on FACEBOOK: http://di.sn/jFG
Follow Walt Disney World on TWITTER: http://di.sn/t88
Follow Walt Disney World on INSTAGRAM: http://di.sn/60050EUh
Follow Walt Disney World on PINTEREST: http://di.sn/60020EqG
Connect with Disney Parks Online:
Visit the Disney Parks WEBSITE: http://di.sn/hF6
Like Disney Parks on FACEBOOK: http://di.sn/hEO
Follow Disney Parks on TWITTER: http://di.sn/t86
Follow Disney Parks on TUMBLR: http://di.sn/6000fkMs
Follow Disney Parks on VINE: http://di.sn/60040Edk