Disney in 1940 | Everything that Happened

Last Updated on: February 18th, 2024

Disney 1940 Movies ShowsThe Walt Disney Company has a rich and lengthy history with decades of amazing movies, shows and park experiences. To commemorate Disney’s 100th birthday this year, I am spotlighting the company’s history year by year in this new ‘Disney by the Years’ series.

Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened in the world of Disney in the year 1940. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.

Disney 1940 Company Headlines:

Walt Disney Productions first offered public shares of the company in 1940, although the company didn’t have its IPO and official listing on the New York Stock Exchange until 1957.

The company also released its first Annual Report in 1940 in which the company reported $2.525 million in  revenue and 1,179 employees.

Disney 1940 Movies Headlines:

In 1940, Disney didn’t release many movies, but the two they did release, Pinocchio in February and Fantasia in November, are two iconic animated Disney films.

It should be noted that 1940 marked the debut of Daisy Duck who first appeared in the Disney short Mr. Duck Steps Out.

Disney also won an Oscar in 1940 for the short The Ugly Duckling.

That’s all for 1940. Stay tuned for in-depth looks at additional years in the very near future!

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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.