Category: Disney This Day
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Joseph Dubin | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 2, 1900
On this day in 1900, composer and orchestrator Joseph Dubin was born. He scored and orchestrated over 200 films during his career, 40 of which were for Disney as a staff orchestrator. Some of Dubin’s notable works for film are ‘Dumbo,’ ‘Bambi,’ ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,’ and the ‘True-Life Adventures.’…
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Dr. Sukarno | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 1, 1956
On this day in 1956, the first president of Indonesia, Dr. Sukarno, became the first head of state to visit Disneyland. He was joined by his 12-year-old son, Guntur, and a diplomatic party on an 18-day state visit and goodwill tour of the United States. Walt Disney showed President Sukarno around the park personally. Both…
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Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmatians: A Counting Book | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 31, 1991
On this day in 1991, Disney Press published its first book, ‘Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmatians: A Counting Book.’ In it, kids search along with Pongo and Perdida for their 99 puppies. Disney Press is a division of Disney Publishing Worldwide that specializes in books for children and teens. Disney Press books often focus on classic…
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Thru the Mirror | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 30, 1936
On this day in 1936, the Mickey Mouse short ‘Thru the Mirror’ was released. After reading Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice Thru the Looking Glass,’ a dream-state version of Mickey goes through his mirror to a parallel world where everything is alive. He eats a magical walnut that turns him into a giant and then shrinks him…
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Disneyland Hotel Pool | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 29, 2011
On this day in 2011, the Monorail-themed water play area and the “D” Ticket pool opened at the Disneyland Hotel as part of a two-year resort transformation. The new pool area centerpiece is a tower themed after the Mark 1 Disneyland Alweg Monorail and a replica of the 1958-1989 Disneyland entrance sign. The Monorail Red…
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it’s a small world | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 28, 1966
On this day in 1966, the ‘it’s a small world’ attraction opened in its new home in Fantasyland at Disneyland after its run at the New York World’s Fair. Walt Disney was joined by over 50 representatives from nations worldwide, officials from its sponsor, Bank of America, and international youth performing groups. Around 15 bottles…
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Mickey’s Soundsational Parade | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 27, 2011
On this day in 2011, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade premiered at Disneyland. The music of Disney came to life across nine units set to the updated theme from Hong Kong’s Flights of Fantasy Parade. Mickey Mouse led the way, playing a real drum set. Following were Aladdin and the cymbal celebration, Sebastian and the calypso carnival,…
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Helena Bonham Carter | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 26, 1966
On this day in 1966, actress Helena Bonham Carter was born. For Disney, she collaborated with her partner Tim Burton on the 2010 live-action version of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ the 2016 sequel ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass. She played the Red Queen in the series. Bonham Carter also appeared as the Fairy Godmother in the…
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Spaceship Earth | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 25, 1986
On this day in 1986, guests experienced the opening day version of Spaceship Earth for the last time at EPCOT Center. The following day, broadcaster Walter Cronkite would take over as narrator, and a new score plus the “Tomorrow’s Child” finale song would debut. Vic Perrin read the original script about the rise of communication.…
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Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 24, 1991
On this day in 1991, ‘Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken’ was released by Walt Disney Pictures. It adapts the true story of Sonora Webster Carver, told in her memoir ‘A Girl and Five Brave Horses.’ During the Great Depression, Sonora is an orphan who runs away to become a rider of diving horses. She forms…
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The China Plate | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 23, 1931
On this day in 1931, the ‘Silly Symphony’ cartoon ‘The China Plate’ was released. The short is a loose adaptation of the Willow Pattern legend about doomed star-crossed lovers, which is often depicted on porcelain tableware. In the cartoon, a scene on a plate comes to life. A boy rescues a girl from drowning, but…
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Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 20, 1996
On this day in 1996, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf opened at the Walt Disney World Resort. One of two mini golf complexes at the resort, the Fantasia site houses two 18-hole courses—the family-friendly Fantasia Gardens and the challenging Fantasia Fairways. The course recreates five scenes from the ‘Fantasia’ film: Toccata and Fugue, The Nutcracker Suite,…
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Disney Legend Jimmy MacDonald | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 19, 1906
On this day in 1906, voice actor, sound effects wizard, drummer, and Disney Legend Jimmy MacDonald was born. MacDonald started at the new Disney Sound Effects Department in 1934. He recorded a huge library of sound effects over his 48-year career from his hand-built machines and his own voice. Walt Disney handpicked MacDonald to take…
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Disney Legend Larry Lansburgh | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 18, 1911
On this day in 1911, filmmaker, equestrian, animal lover, and Disney Legend Larry Lansburgh was born. He started work at Walt Disney Studios in 1938 as a “gofer” after having a bad riding accident as a stuntman. He moved to the Editing Department, where he worked on ‘Fantasia’ and ‘Pinocchio.’ Lansburgh went on to produce…
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Sam McKim | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 17, 2006
On this day in 2006, Imagineer Sam McKim received a tribute window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. McKim created the inspirational sketches of Disneyland that influenced its formation. His drawings continued to shape new attractions through the 1980s. McKim’s artwork also appeared in souvenir park maps issued between 1958 and 1964. His window is…
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Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 16, 2025
On this day in 2025, the 70th Anniversary Celebration kicked off at the Disneyland Resort. The milestone was marked with the return of some favorite entertainment like the Paint the Night parade, the Wondrous Journeys fireworks show, and the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade. New offerings included World of Color Happiness!, the Walt…
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It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 15, 2020
On this day in 2020, the original series ‘It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer’ was released on Disney+. As the voice actor for Goofy and Pluto for over 30 years, Farmer has a unique connection with dogs. He toured the country to meet working dogs in a variety of fields, from avalanche rescue dogs…
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Disney Dollars | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 14, 2016
On this day in 2016, Disney stopped selling its exclusive currency, Disney Dollars. The bills were equal to U.S. dollars and could be spent at the Disney Parks, Stores, and Cruise Line. The $1 and $5 bills debuted in May 1987 and were followed by the $10 and $50 denominations, each with unique characters. Collectors…
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The Little Matchgirl | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 13, 2006
On this day in 2006, Disney’s animated short ‘The Little Matchgirl’ premiered at the Eugene Film Festival in Oregon. The story was adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s bittersweet 1845 fairy tale about a poor girl who finds comfort in the matches she sells. The short was originally created for the cancelled ‘Fantasia 2006’ project and…
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Walt Disney | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 12, 1993
On this day in 1993, Walt Disney was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians. The award is given to Missouri natives who have made significant contributions to the world. Disney’s impact on film and animation was recognized with a bronze bust displayed in the third-floor rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol. Disney’s formative years…
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Albert Hurter | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 11, 1883
On this day in 1883, Disney’s first inspirational sketch artist, Albert Hurter, was born. He came to Walt Disney Productions in 1931 as an established animator from Europe. Hurter’s drawings were uncommonly imaginative and conveyed authentic movement. Other animators used his ideas as the basis for many projects. Hurter’s realistic style was the basis for…
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In Dutch | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 10, 1946
On this day in 1946, the Pluto cartoon ‘In Dutch’ was released. Pluto is in the Netherlands working as a milk delivery dog when he falls in love with Dinah, the Dachshund. They sneak off for a quiet moment together, but accidentally ring the alarm bell that means the dike is leaking. The mayor is…
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A Good Time for a Dime | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 9, 1941
On this day in 1941, the Donald Duck short ‘A Good Time for a Dime’ debuted in theaters. Donald visits a penny arcade where he starts watching a Mutoscope film of Daisy performing the Dance of the Seven Veils, but the power goes out. He tries his hand at a claw machine, but a mistimed…
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Don Rickles | DISNEY THIS DAY | May 8, 1926
On this day in 1926, comedian and actor Don Rickles was born. Pixar fans remember him best as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in ‘Toy Story’ editions 1 through 4. He continued the role in ‘Toy Story of Terror!’ and ‘Toy Story That Time Forgot’ as well as the Toy Story Midway Mania! attraction…