Five years ago, I embarked on an exciting chapter in my life. I started to write for Geeks of Doom with a column based on my greatest diversion: Disney. Now, reaching this momentous milestone, I reflect on my experiences in writing about the House of Mouse, share some thoughts about the value of The Walt Disney Company in our lives, and say good-bye for now to the column that has continually enriched my life. Please indulge me as I offer a retrospective that also gives context to the meaning of Disney to me, and likely fellow Disney aficionados.

If you’re a major Disney fan, you yearn to check off various experiences, whether you have a formal list or not.

You’re in luck, as I have compiled 50 Disney Bucket List Items – most of them related to the parks and other destinations, but others as well – that you can work toward achieving.

Finishing up with a special three-part edition of Disney In Depth, this third and final article recognizes even more defining moments in The Walt Disney Company’s history over these past 50 years (1967 – 2016) since Walt died.

Let the 50 Defining Moments Since Walt Disney Died conclude!

Continuing on with a special three-part edition of Disney In Depth, this second article (read part one here if you missed it) recognizes even more defining moments in The Walt Disney Company’s history over these past 50 years (1967 – 2016) since Walt died.

Let the (chronological) countdown move forward with 50 Defining Moments Since Walt Disney Died Part 2!

Fifty years ago this December, the world lost an entertainment icon who defined much of pop culture and Americana during the 20th century. The passing of Walt Disney, unexpected to many who were unaware of his lung cancer struggles, reverberated across the globe. Many seemed to wonder if the company that bore its founder’s name would continue in the same manner as it had for decades. Thankfully, the company has only grown and improved over the past 50 years.

This special three-part edition of Disney In Depth (the first released now in September; with the following two to debut in October and November, respectively) recognizes 50 defining moments in The Walt Disney Company’s history over these past 50 years (1967 – 2016). Let the (chronological) countdown begin!

Fifteen years have passed since the debut of Disney’s based-on-a-book comedy featuring two of Hollywood’s brightest stars (Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway). The Princess Diaries premiered back in 2001, and would eventually earn a solid $165 million worldwide. “Shut up,” as Princess Mia would say.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary, Disney In Depth recognizes 15 quirky reasons to love The Princess Diaries. Why quirky reasons? Because the Garry Marshall film is full of peculiarities and oddities that are by turns charming and crazy good fun.

Last year, I shared with you readers some of my favorite editions of Disney In Depth over the course of the past several years. But those selections only scratched the surface. I take pride in each piece I write, though some, of course, especially excite me. Let’s revisit some more editions that take us from Disney-related destinations across the country, to areas within our own lives and recollections.

More below.

Following the showdown of live-action Disney films from the 2000s, we harken back to a separate decade with a different set of movies.

These are films we all return to again and again because of their impact on The Walt Disney Company. Here are some my favorite characters, scenes, and elements in a Disney 1990s Animated Films Showdown.

The Disney Book
Hardcover
By Jim Fanning
DK
Release date: October 6, 2015

Two hundred pages of Disney-filled goodness is packed inside veteran Disney writer Jim Fanning‘s newest title. The Disney Book must have been a herculean feat for him to craft, as how can anyone capably compile nearly a century’s worth of creative content in a book from visually friendly publisher DK? Luckily for the readers, this release, with tons of archival pictures, rare finds and great sections on the company’s more popular brands, is a must for your Disney coffee table!

Add The Finest Hours to the latest string of Disney disappointments that fall under two categories: PG-13 dramas and non-branded films. This amazing true story of the heroic 1952 Coast Guard rescue may have won me over as a viewer, but I was in the minority. Not only did the adventure tale receive mixed reviews, but also few moviegoers have even checked it out in theaters. Disney continues to contend with releasing movies that are neither part of an established brand nor cater to more mature audiences (and, thus, having that PG-13 rating).

This edition of Disney In Depth addresses an issue that more of us film fanatics must discuss: the Mouse House’s failed attempts in recent years to debut successful movies outside of the animation, Marvel, Star Wars, and other live-action brand umbrellas. More vitally, though, how can Walt Disney Studios find that sweet storytelling spot and make one of these projects resonate with the general public?