Let’s talk 90’s vibes! As a girlie who will be turning 30 this summer, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dream about the good ole 90’s every once in awhile. Yes, the technology of the 21st century is great and all, but do y’all remember what it was like to be a 90’s Disney Kid?

The Disney Decade

As the Walt Disney Company entered the 1990’s, they were thriving. Disney Animation was experiencing its next Golden Age of Animation in the form of “The Disney Renaissance,” Disney Store locations were popping up in malls left and right, VHS tape sales were at an all time high, and don’t even get me started on the Disney Parks. 

From the opening of EPCOT Center in October 1982 through the beginning of the 21st century, Disney would open four more theme parks, two water parks, and quite a few resort hotels. Match that with other standout projects like Downtown Disney and the Disney Vacation Club and it’s no wonder why I trip to a Disney Park was on everyone’s vacation bucket list in the 1990’s.

Pixar

In November 1995, Pixar Animation Studios would take animated feature films to a whole new level with Toy Story. This film paved the way for computer animated films, shorts, and shows — and at age 2 I was able to grow up with the phenomenon. I was fortunate enough to have most of Andy’s Toys once the film’s merchandise hit the shelves. When Toy Story 2 released in 1999, I was just as excited for the next installment of my favorite film’s adventures. Even Toy Story 3 would hit theaters the summer of my senior year, putting me right in Andy’s shoes once again.

These overalls from Her Universe bring to life the nostalgia I still feel when I watch the original Toy Story film. Even with the more advanced computer animation technology of the 2020’s, I can’t help be find myself mesmerized by their technological advances from way back when.

While Pixar Animation Studios has added quite a few feature films to their list since 1995, Toy Story’s impact still rings true in Disney fans young and old. With immersive lands, character meet and greets, Disney+ shorts, and endless Toy Story-inspired merchandise, you’re never far from a reminder of this classic Pixar film.

Disney 90’s No More

Some aspects of the Disney Decade are still alive and well, but others are officially a thing of the past. Over the past few years we’ve seen the closure of Disney Stores across the country as ShopDisney becomes the main home for Disney retail shopping. Did you know at its peak in 1999, there were almost 800 Disney Store locations worldwide? Other Disney activity concepts like Club Disney, DisneyQuest, and even ESPN Zones have all shuttered. 

Of course, not all change is bad. If you told 90’s Kait that all of her favorite Disney shows, movies, and more could be available anytime anywhere on a single application, I’m sure she’d trade her VHS tapes for that in a second! After all, Walt did always talk about the idea to “Keep Moving Forward.”

After almost three decades of loving Disney, I’m excited to see what the next three decades of Disney look like! I’m grateful to have grown up through so many times of change within the company. I’ve experienced things that young Disney fans can only imagine, and I know that with the right leadership and passion, there could be another “Disney Decade” sometime in the future! I hope I’m still around the experience it.

Outfit Details:

Toy Story Overalls | Green Tank Top | 1923 Necklace | Yellow Shoes

What was your favorite part of 90’s Disney?