14 iconic milestones of Disney innovation

By Michal Lev-RamSpecial Correspondent

A timeline looking back at the path of innovation at the Mouse House from 1929-2015.

Disney releases Steamboat Willie, pioneering "fully synchronized" sound cartoons.

1937. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animation feature, makes its debut.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the first full-length animation feature, makes its debut.

1963. The Tiki Room opens at Disneyland, introducing parkgoers to audio animatronics (electro-mechanical robots).

The Tiki Room opens at Disneyland, introducing parkgoers to audio animatronics (electro-mechanical robots).

Luke Skywalker in Star Wars

Lucasfilm releases Star Wars, the first film shot with motion-control camera.

1982. The re-recording of Fantasia breaks ground as the first film done in digital sound.

The re-recording of Fantasia breaks ground as the first film done in digital sound.

1986. Captain EO, one of the first "4-D" films (a 3-D movie incorporating special effects such as smoke and lasers), opens at Disneyland.

Captain EO, one of the first "4-D" films (a 3-D movie incorporating special effects such as smoke and lasers), opens at Disneyland.

Pixar Animation Studios releases Toy Story, the first feature-length computer-animated film.

1998. ABC airs the first network broadcast in high-definition television, the live-action version of 101 Dalmatians.

ABC airs the first network broadcast in high-definition television, the live-action version of 101 Dalmations.

2005. In an unprecedented deal, Disney makes full-length TV episodes available on Apple's iTunes Music Store.

In an unprecedented deal, Disney makes full-length TV episodes available on Apple's iTunes Music Store.

2006. ABC becomes the first network to offer ad-supported TV episodes online for fee, via its own branded player.

ABC becomes the first network to offer ad-supported TV episodes online for free, via its own branded player.

2009. ESPN launches the SportsCenter app, the most downloaded sports app of all time (with more than 55 million downloads).

ESPN launches the SportsCenter app, the most downloaded sports app of all time (with more than 55 million downloads).

A Walt Disney World Resort guest uses a MagicBand to enter Magic Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

MagicBands debut at Disney World, allowing guest to enter the park and pay for food using the RFID-enabled wristbands.

Apple Pay

Disney stores adopt Apple Pay, letting customers make purchases using near-field communications capabilities on few iPhones

Later this year, Disney will release an Apple Watch with guess who on the face.