Did you know that the Disney fairy tales we've grown to love were based on already existing works? Here are some fun facts about the history of Walt Disney's classic children's stories.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first animated film released in 1937 and produced by Walt Disney. Disney's Snow White was originally based on the story by the Brothers Grimm titled 'Snow White'. The Brothers Grimm, Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm were German academics and were responsible for many popular fairy tales, including, 'Hansel and Gretel', 'Rapunzel', 'Rumpelstiltskin' and 'The Frog Prince'.

Cinderella was also produced by Walt Disney and was released to theatres in 1950. The tale of Cinderella has been recorded in many artistic works throughout time with versions included from Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. Walt Disney's animated feature film was most likened to Charles Perrault's tale. Charles Perrault was a French author and published many fairy tales and some of his memorable works include 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Puss in Boots'.

Sleeping Beauty was produced by Walt Disney and released to theaters in 1959. The story of Sleeping Beauty by Walt Disney was also based on the Charles Perrault works from his fairy tale titled 'Sleeping Beauty'.

The Little Mermaid was released in 1989 to theatres. The Little Mermaid by Disney was originally based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale titled 'The Little Mermaid'. Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and poet and his works included many well known stories that we still enjoy today, 'The Princess and the Pea', 'Thumbelina', 'The Ugly Duckling', 'The Emperor's New Clothes' (of which the Disney company based their animated movie 'The Emperor's New Groove') and many more famous stories.

Beauty and the Beast was released by Disney to theatres in 1991. The story of Beauty and the Beast was originally based on the traditional fairy tale titled 'Beauty and the Beast' by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and later abridged and republished by the French author Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont.

The Disney adaptations of these earlier recognized stories have enabled children to experience the stories through the new technology of visual media. Throughout history these stories in their original written forms and subsequent visual forms have given great entertainment and enjoyment to both children and adults.