Category: History
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Once Upon a Studio | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 13, 2023
On this day in 2023, ‘Once Upon a Studio’ was released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.
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George Kalogridis | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 12, 2009
On this day in 2009, George Kalogridis became president of the Disneyland Resort.
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Rainbow Caverns Mine Train | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 11, 1959
On this day in 1959, the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train attraction closed in Disneyland’s Frontierland. Walt Disney thought the attraction needed more humor and enhancements, which Imagineer Marc Davis delivered. The area transformed into Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, opening in 1960. The pack mules returned for this new version, but sadly the Conestoga Wagons…
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Michael Giacchino | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 10, 1967
On this day in 1967, composer and director Michael Giacchino was born.
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runDisney Race for the Taste 10K | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 9, 2005
On this day in 2005, the first runDisney Race for the Taste 10K took place at Walt Disney World. Originally called Disney’s 10K Classic, its date was moved to coincide with the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. The route began at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, wound through the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme…
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Walt’s Plane | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 8, 1992
On this day in 1992, Walt Disney’s private plane Mickey Mouse One took its final flight before being retired at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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Disney Legend Betty Taylor | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 7, 1919
On this day in 1919, singer, dancer, and Disney Legend Betty Taylor was born. She is best known for her role as Slue Foot Sue in Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Revue from 1956 to 1987. It is estimated that over 10 million guests saw her perform across those 31 years and 45,000 performances! Taylor started her…
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a bug’s land | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 6, 2002
On this day in 2002, the first guests entered “a bug’s land” at Disney California Adventure.
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Frankenweenie | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 5, 2012
On this day in 2012, the 3-D stop-motion animation film ‘Frankenweenie’ was released.
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That Thing You Do | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 4, 1996
On this day in 1996, the musical comedy-drama ‘That Thing You Do!’ was released by 20th Century Fox. Tom Hanks wrote, directed, and starred in the film about the rise and fall of The Wonders, a 1960s one-hit wonder band. The film even features scenes shot at Disneyland! The group’s bassist, played by Ethan Embry,…
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Desperate Housewives | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 3, 2004
On this day in 2004, the comedy-drama mystery TV series ‘Desperate Housewives’ debuted on ABC. The residents of the fictional Wisteria Lane live seemingly perfect suburban lives. In reality, secrets, crimes, and mysteries lurk just beyond their doors. ‘Desperate Housewives’ would run for eight seasons and 180 episodes, earning multiple awards and the distinction of…
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Buzz Lightyear | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 2, 2009
On this day in 2009, Buzz Lightyear became the longest tenured crew member in space! In a partnership between NASA and Disney Parks, Buzz spent over 15 months on the International Space Station where he took part in an education initiative. Walt Disney World held a ticker-tape parade down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic…
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A (Mostly) Ever Changing Landscape – 30 Years Ago at Disneyland
Every now and then I try to offer a stroll around the park, usually with an eye to seeing how much the Disneyland “landscape” has changed over thirty years. This month though… I’m not so sure. For example, this is what Main Street Station looked like in the fall of 1994. Is that a big…
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The Walt Disney Family Museum | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 1, 2009
On this day in 2009, The Walt Disney Family Museum opened at the Presidio in San Francisco. It was founded by Walt’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller. The museum illustrates the story of Walt Disney’s life and accomplishments. Interactive exhibits showcase the early days of Disney animation, complete with rare drawings, film samples, priceless memorabilia, and…
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Steamboat Willie | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 30, 1928
On this day in 1928, the score was recorded for ‘Steamboat Willie.’
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Innoventions | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 29, 1994
On this day in 1994, Innoventions at EPCOT held its official grand opening. The area had been open to the public since July 1. Housed in East and West buildings, the attraction featured rotating showcases of technological advancements. An opening day exhibit highlighted Sega consoles, games, and prototype virtual reality in an arcade setting. Innoventions…
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Disney’s America | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 28, 1994
On this day in 1994, the Disney’s America theme park project was officially canceled.
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Pleasure Island | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 27, 2008
On this day in 2008, Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World Resort had its last day of operation. The crowd was at capacity, with many lining up as early as 9 AM for the evening’s events. The popular nightclubs, including The Adventurers Club and Mannequins Dance Palace, hosted their final guests. The nightly New…
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Under the Tuscan Sun | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 26, 2003
On this day in 2003, Touchstone Pictures’ ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ was released in theaters. Diane Lane stars as a recently divorced author who struggles with depression and writer’s block as a result. She strikes out on a tour of Tuscany to recover. On a whim, she buys a run down villa, hoping that the…
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Michael Douglas | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 25, 1944
On this day in 1944, actor and producer Michael Douglas was born. Marvel fans know Douglas for portraying Hank Pym in the ‘Ant-Man’ franchise, ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ and the ‘What If…?’ TV series. ‘Phineas and Ferb’ fans remember his voice as Waylon in season 3. Douglas has earned numerous awards over his career. He won the…
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Tapestry of Dreams | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 23, 2001
On this day in 2001, the Tapestry of Dreams parade kicked off for the first time at EPCOT. It was part of the 100 Years of Magic Celebration and was a modified version of the Tapestry of Nations parade. Tapestry of Dreams highlighted wishes from children around the world. The ultimate dreamer, Walt Disney, was…
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Terminal Velocity | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 23, 1994
On this day in 1994, Buena Vista Pictures released the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Terminal Velocity to theaters.
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Michael Eisner | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 22, 1984
On this day in 1984, Michael Eisner was elected CEO and Chairman of Walt Disney Productions, replacing Ron W. Miller and Ray Watson. Frank Wells joined him as President and Chief of Operations. These new appointments proved to be wise, as Walt Disney Productions went from being about $900 million in debt in 1984 to…
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Disneyland Railroad History on Display
Learn about the history of the Disneyland Railroad while it currently is being refurbished at The Happiest Place on Earth!