Category: History
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Club Penguin | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 24, 2005
On this day in 2005, the Club Penguin massively multiplayer online game launched to the general public. The game was purchased by Disney in 2007. Club Penguin was intended for players ages 6-14, but was open to anyone. Users navigated a snowy island world using a penguin avatar. There, they could play minigames, visit special…
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WestJet Airlines Frozen Plane | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 23, 2015
On this day in 2015, a ‘Frozen’-themed aircraft from WestJet Airlines was unveiled in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A Boeing 737-800 received the custom livery that featured Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Even the overhead bins and the seat headrests sported unique, magical touches! It took six painters 21 days of around-the-clock shifts to customize the plane.…
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Disney Channel Rocks | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 22, 2010
On this day in 2010, the live stage show Disney Channel Rocks! debuted in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. It had a mobile stage that rolled along Hollywood Boulevard and stopped in front of the Sorcerer Hat Stage for a 15-minute performance. Its setlist included favorite songs from the ‘High School Musical’ franchise,…
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Flagship Disney Store | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 21, 2010
On this day in 2010, Mickey Mouse unveiled a state-of-the-art LED digital display at the brand new Flagship Disney Store at Times Square in New York City. The screen’s unveiling marked the countdown to the store’s grand opening on November 9. The LED display used three miles of power and data cables, 100,000 threaded fasteners,…
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VIDEOS: 1991 Disneyland Hotel & Vacational Campground Tour
One of the things that the Daps Magic team really enjoys is looking back at Disney of days gone by. In this case, the look back is at the Disneyland Hotel and Vacationland Campground. The family of Mr. Daps used to visit on rare occasion. Below, are two videos that are nearly identical of a…
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Thomas Newman | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 20, 1955
On this day in 1955, composer Thomas Newman was born. Thomas Newman has an incredible body of work that he has composed for Disney, Pixar, and even James Bond! Disney fans might recognize his music from Finding Nemo and Saving Mr. Banks. James Bond fans might recognize his Skyfall and Spectre scores. Thomas is the…
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The Lion King | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 19, 2000
On this day in 2000, an old Hollywood-style premiere party was held for ‘The Lion King’ musical as it debuted in the Pantages Theatre. The show was embarking on its first U.S. production after its original success on Broadway. Celebrities and Disney executives flocked to the newly refurbished Pantages Theatre for the event. An Adventureland-style…
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Best of Both Worlds | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 18, 2007
On this day in 2007, Miley Cyrus kicked off the Best of Both Worlds Tour across North America. The tour was Miley’s headline debut and also featured her performing in character as Hannah Montana. The Jonas Brothers, Aly & AJ, and Everlife each joined Miley as the opening act for a segment of the tour.…
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Disneyland 50th Christmas Tree | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 17, 2005
On this day in 2005, the traditional live Christmas tree arrived at Disneyland, ready to be transformed into a holiday delight. Its decorations that year were extra special in honor of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration. The 60-foot-tall tree was loaded with 5,000 oversized golden ornaments and bows instead of the classic decorations. An illuminated “50th”…
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Angela Lansbury | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 16, 1925
On this day in 1925, beloved actress, filmmaker, and Disney Legend Dame Angela Lansbury was born in London. She and her family moved to America in 1940 to escape the Blitz. Her career in entertainment spanned nearly 80 years and included two landmark performances for Disney – Miss Eglantine Price in ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ and…
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Dave Smith | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 15, 2010
On this day in 2010, Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist Dave Smith retired after 44 years of service. Smith’s career at Disney started in 1970 when Walt’s brother Roy approached him about preserving the company’s history. Smith started by cataloging everything in Walt’s office when he passed. His work grew into one of…
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Twitches | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 14, 2005
On this day in 2005, the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Twitches’ debuted. The film was based on a teen book series of the same name by H. B. Gilmour and Randi Reisfeld. It follows twin witches who were separated at birth, played by Tia and Tamera Mowry. They only realize their magic powers when they…
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Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 13, 2000
On this day in 2000, The Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire’ premiered (on Friday the 13th!). The teenage Hansen kids need a way to distract their single mom so they can go out for the evening, even though they are grounded. They set her up with a mysterious man…
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Mulholland Madness | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 12, 2010
On this day in 2010, Mulholland Madness closed at Disney’s California Adventure. As an opening day attraction, Mulholland Madness was a tribute to Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, a 55-mile-long road that connects the city to the Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. The attraction was themed with a giant map, road signs, punny…
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Disneyland Ticket Books | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 11, 1955
On this day in 1955, the first ticket books debuted at Disneyland. When the park opened in July, guests paid a $1 admission fee at the main gate and then separately for each attraction at ticket booths nearby. Conceived by Public Relations Director Ed Ettinger, the ticket books streamlined the guest experience. Three “A,” two…
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The Gorilla Mysters | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 10, 1930
On this day in 1930, the Mickey Mouse short ‘The Gorilla Mystery’ was released. When a dangerous gorilla escapes from the zoo and captures Minnie in her own home, Mickey rushes to save her. The gorilla was later named “Beppo,” the same ape featured in two 1933 shorts. ‘The Gorilla Mystery’ shows Disney’s progress with…
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Little Einsteins | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 9, 2005
On this day in 2005, the animated TV series ‘Little Einsteins’ premiered on Playhouse Disney. Designed for preschool-age kids, the show was created in collaboration with The Baby Einstein Company. Four musically gifted Little Einstein kids and their AI rocket go on adventurous missions around the world that require their talents and teamwork. The program…
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ElecTRONica | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 8, 2010
On this day in 2010, ElecTRONica debuted at Disney California Adventure. The nighttime dance party promoted the ‘Tron: Legacy’ movie. Programs and users could try their hand at retro video games at Flynn’s Arcade, “re-energize, restore, and renew” with glowing beverages at the End of Line Club, dance alongside a DJ and futuristic programs, or…
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American Teacher Awards | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 7, 1990
On this day in 1990, the first annual American Teacher Awards was held in Hollywood. Disney created the awards show to honor outstanding teachers who embody the very best of the profession. A total of 36 honorees were selected from 185,000 nominations. The teachers themselves then selected the Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Celebrity presenters…
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Memento Mori | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 6, 2014
On this day in 2014, the Memento Mori gift shop opened near the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World. The shop is said to be Madame Leota’s 17th-century home, built near Gracey Manor. Several supernatural touches still give evidence of her presence, like a portrait of her that changes under black light,…
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Swim with the Stars | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 5, 2004
On this day in 2004, Swim with the Stars, an event celebrating three American Olympic gold medalists, was held in Disneyland. Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker, and Lenny Krayzelburg greeted an adoring crowd and swam relays with local kids. Main Street, U.S.A. itself was turned into a lap pool that was 164 feet long, 24 feet…
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Buster Keaton | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 4, 1895
On this day in 1895, actor, comedian, and filmmaker Buster Keaton was born. Keaton was best known for his silent films of the 1920s, which were a great influence on Walt Disney. Keaton’s film ‘Steamboat Bill Jr.’ inspired the title, plot, and music choice of Disney’s ‘Steamboat Willie.’ Keaton’s use of inventive stunts and “comedic…
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Mickey Mouse Club | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 3, 1955
On this day in 1955, the ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ debuted on ABC. The program aired each weekday afternoon for one hour. A cast of 24 kids starred as Mouseketeers, a group that soon became famous. They performed skits and musical numbers based on the day’s theme. Guest stars, Disney cartoons, and special segments made up…
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Buzz Lightyear of Star Command | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 2, 2000
On this day in 2000, ‘Buzz Lightyear of Star Command’ premiered in syndication. Patrick Warburton voiced the title character with Wayne Knight as Emperor Zurg. The storyline sees Buzz investigating criminal activity in the Galactic Alliance as part of the Star Command peacekeeping organization. He often goes up against Zurg in his attempts to overthrow…