On this day in 1966, Walt Disney served as Grand Marshal of the Tournament of the Roses Parade for the first and only time. Walt rode together with Mickey Mouse. The pair was joined by about two dozen Disney characters walking alongside their car. Fittingly, the theme of the parade was “It’s a Small World,” in line with the upcoming attraction and Walt’s philosophy of “peace through cultural understanding.” It was one of Walt’s last public appearances before his passing later that year. [60 years ago in 2026]