Category: Disney This Day
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Swingers Soundtrack | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 15, 1996
On this day in 1996, the original soundtrack for ‘Swingers’ was released ahead of the film on Disney’s Hollywood Records. The album helped fuel the popularity of neo-swing in the late 1990s and introduced swing revivalist band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Their ‘Swingers’ hits, “You & Me and the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)” and…
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Winnie the Pooh | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 14, 1926
On this day in 1926, the beloved children’s book ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ was first printed. Author A. A. Milne partnered with illustrator E. H. Shepard on the project after the success of their work for English humor magazine ‘Punch.’ “Winnie-the-Pooh” was inspired by Christopher Robin Milne’s stuffed bear and Winnie, a real bear at the London Zoo.…
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Bill Thomas | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 13, 1921
On this day in 1921, costume designer Bill Thomas was born. He is remembered as one of the 20th century’s most versatile designers, having over 300 film credits. Fresh off his Oscar win for ‘Spartacus’ in 1961, Thomas came to Disney, where he helped shape the studio’s live-action films until 1982. His costumes for ‘Mary…
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Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 12, 2001
On this day in 2001, ‘Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge’ was released as the second Disney Channel Original Movie in the series. Set two years after the first film, 15-year-old Marnie and her Grandmother Aggie find that the magic has been removed from Halloweentown by the Grey Spell, turning the residents black-and-white. Meanwhile, the mortal world…
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Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 11, 1996
On this day in 1996, the nonprofit Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. purchased the McConahay Building in Kansas City, Missouri, the former home of Laugh-O-Gram Studios. Walt Disney opened his first animation studio in a five-room suite on the second floor. Although the business only lasted about a year, it laid the groundwork for Disney’s…
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Mickey’s Elephant | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 10, 1936
On this day in 1936, the short ‘Mickey’s Elephant’ was released. When Mickey is gifted a baby elephant by the Rajah of Gahboon, Pluto thinks he is about to be replaced as Mickey’s companion. Pluto’s shoulder devil, appearing in color for the first time and without its usual angel counterpart, convinces him to get rid…
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Peter Jennings | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 9, 2006
On this day in 2006, journalist Peter Jennings and 11 other trailblazers were inducted as Disney Legends. The 200th Disney Legend was among the 2006 honorees, alongside Sir Elton John, Paul Frees, and Joe Ranft. The late Jennings was the first ABC News employee honored as a Disney Legend. His 40-year career included a long…
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Pavillon des Princesses | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 8, 2011
On this day in 2011, Pavillon des Princesses, or Princess Pavilion, opened at Disneyland Paris. Located in the former World Chorus walk-through attraction space, the Princess Pavilion invites guests to interact with a favorite Disney heroine, like Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Snow White, or Rapunzel. The pavilion itself is decorated like a medieval castle with…
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Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 7, 2021
On this day in 2021, the Halloween special ‘Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches’ debuted on Disney Jr. Mickey tells Pluto the tale of Minnie the Wonderful and Daisy Doozy, students at the Witch Academy in Happy Haunt Hills. They must pass four magical tests to become real witches. With Count Mickula and their friends, they…
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Tropical Serenade | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 6, 1971
On this day in 1971, Walt Disney World officially dedicated the Sunshine Pavilion and its Tropical Serenade attraction, five days after the resort’s opening. Sponsored by the Florida Citrus Growers, the ceremony was officiated by Governor Reubin Askew and citrus spokeswoman Anita Bryant. She sang two Sherman Brothers songs written for the pavilion, “The Orange…
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Haunted Mansion Holiday | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 5, 2001
On this day in 2001, Haunted Mansion Holiday opened officially at Disneyland. The seasonal overlay was the third to debut at the resort after the Country Bear Christmas Special and “it’s a small world” Holiday. Inspired by Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ the overlay follows the events of the film, as Jack Skellington brings…
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Susan Sarandon | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 4, 1946
On this day in 1946, acclaimed actress, producer, and activist Susan Sarandon was born. For Disney, her roles include Miss Spider in ‘James and the Giant Peach,’ Queen Narissa in ‘Enchanted, Margherita Sarfatti in ‘Cradle Will Rock,’ Jojo Floss in ‘Moonlight Mile,’ and Beverly Clark in ‘Shall We Dance?’ Sarandon even appeared in two episodes…
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Nightmare Before Christmas Enchanted Evening | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 3, 2001
On this day in 2001, Disneyland hosted the “Nightmare Before Christmas Enchanted Evening” before the debut of Haunted Mansion Holiday. Attendees experienced a panel of filmmakers and artists like Henry Selick, Chris Sarandon, and Steve Davison before getting an exclusive preview of the attraction. Guests entered lotteries to purchase limited-edition merchandise such as pins, artwork,…
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Disney World Is Your World | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 2, 1981
On this day in 1981, “Disney World Is Your World” debuted on the Tomorrowland Stage at Magic Kingdom as part of Walt Disney World’s Tencennial Celebration. The Broadway-style musical starred the Kids of the Kingdom alongside classic Disney characters. It was an energetic journey through the park’s themed lands, from Main Street, U.S.A. to Tomorrowland.…
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Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 1, 1996
On this day in 1996, Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary celebration began with the debut of the Cinderella Castle Cake. Bedecked with bright pink “icing” and oversized candy decorations, the whimsical overlay became a memorable yet controversial park icon. Imagineers used specialized paints, fabrics, inflatable decorations, and temporary structural reinforcements to create the cake effects…
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Dream Along With Mickey | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 30, 2006
On this day in 2006, the “Dream Along With Mickey” live musical stage show debuted at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The 20-minute show was part of the Year of a Million Dreams campaign. Mickey and Friends celebrate the power of dreams with guests, but Donald is unconvinced. Minnie’s wish to be a…
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LinaBell | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 29, 2021
On this day in 2021, LinaBell joined Duffy and Friends when she made her global debut at the Shanghai Disney Resort. LinaBell is a clever, curious pink fox who solves mysteries, loves nature, has a sassy streak, and frequently debuts seasonal outfits. Her story began when she found Duffy lost in the forest and used…
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EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 28, 1996
On this day in 1996, EPCOT officially launched the International Food & Wine Festival. Conceived by George Kalogridis, it began in 1995 as the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival to boost attendance during the off-season. Festivities ran for 30 days the first year, with 25 marketplace booths selling food and drinks for about $1…
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Sabrina the Teenage Witch | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 27, 1996
On this day in 1996, ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ debuted on ABC. Starring Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, and Beth Broderick, the show was based on the Archie Comics series of the same name. Sixteen-year-old Sabrina Spellman grapples with her magical powers after she discovers she comes from a long line of witches. The cast…
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Three Blind Mouseketeers | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 26, 1936
On this day in 1936, the ‘Silly Symphony’ short ‘Three Blind Mouseketeers’ was released. The cartoon cleverly combines storylines from the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice” with Alexandre Dumas’s ‘The Three Musketeers.’ The short follows three blind mouse heroes as they outwit the vengeful Captain Katt. The Captain fills a cellar with mousetraps to stop…
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Newsies: The Musical | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 25, 2011
On this day in 2011, ‘Newsies: The Musical’ premiered on stage at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. The show was adapted from Disney’s 1992 live-action film and dramatized the historic New York City newsboys’ strike of 1899. Alan Menken wrote additional songs for the stage version, including “Watch What Happens”, “Brooklyn’s Here,”…
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Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 24, 1961
On this day in 1961, ‘Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color’ premiered on NBC. The network move allowed Disney to produce the series in full color, since only NBC broadcast in color then. Walt Disney introduced “An Adventure in Color” and “Donald in Mathmagicland” for the first airing. The pompous yet lovable scholar, Professor Ludwig…
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Disneyland Flag Raising | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 23, 2001
On this day in 2001, Disneyland hosted a flag-raising ceremony as American flags returned to full staff in the wake of the September 11 attacks. A large crowd gathered in Town Square before the Disneyland Band opened the event with patriotic Sousa marches. Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Disneyland President Cynthia Harriss made remarks celebrating…
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Fiesta Latina | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 22, 2001
On this day in 2001, the first annual Fiesta Latina weekend kicked off at Disney’s California Adventure during the park’s first year. The celebration of Latin American culture and Hispanic Heritage Month was centralized in the Pacific Wharf district. It included well-known live music headliners, dancers, community performers, specialty food, arts & crafts, and limited-edition…