Tag: Disney History
-
Down the Rabbit Hole: Remembering the Mad T Party
Join Mr. Daps this week as we journey down the rabbit hole to revisit a beloved piece of Disney California Adventure history: the Mad T Party. What began as an experimental nighttime dance party evolved into a cornerstone of DCA’s entertainment, building a unique community and leaving behind lasting friendships that persist a decade later.…
-
Brian Grazer | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 11, 1951
On this day in 1951, film and television producer Brian Grazer was born. He is best known for founding Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard in 1985. Their projects are some of Hollywood’s most successful, having grossed over $15 billion. Grazer co-wrote and produced ‘Splash’ in 1984, the first-ever film for Disney’s Touchstone Pictures. The duo…
-
Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 11, 1986
On this day in 1986, the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour debuted at Tokyo Disneyland. Guided adventures inside Cinderella Castle turned ominous when the Magic Mirror took control and led guests into the dark dungeons to face off against Disney Villains. Encountering all manner of spooky elements along the way, guests had to outmaneuver the Evil…
-
The Fox and the Hound | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 10, 1981
On this day in 1981, the buddy drama ‘The Fox and the Hound’ was released. Orphaned red fox Tod, voiced by Mickey Rooney, befriends hound puppy Copper, voiced by Kurt Russell. As the unlikely companions grow up, they must fight against their instincts to be enemies. ‘The Fox and the Hound’ marked a major transition…
-
Tom Hanks | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 9, 1956
On this day in 1956, actor, screenwriter, and cultural icon Tom Hanks was born. Known for countless comedic and dramatic roles, his breakout film was ‘Big’ in 1988. For Pixar, Hanks has voiced Woody in the ‘Toy Story’ films and commercials since 1995. For Disney, he portrayed his distant cousin, Walt Disney, in ‘Saving Mr.…
-
How to Have an Accident in the Home | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 78, 1956
On this day in 1956, the educational Donald Duck short, ‘How to Have an Accident in the Home’ was released. Accident-prone Donald is a model for J.J. Fate, an embodiment of destiny, as Fate illustrates how carelessness is responsible for everyday mishaps. ‘How to Have an Accident in the Home’ was the first of many…
-
Mickey Steps Out | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 7, 1931
On this day in 1931, the Mickey Mouse cartoon ‘Mickey Steps Out’ was released. A dapper Mickey is on his way to Minnie’s house, but an overeager Pluto almost sabotages the trip. As they arrive, Minnie is playing the piano, and Mickey joins in, whistling and dancing. Pluto, ready for shenanigans, chases a stray cat…
-
Looking Back at the Grand Patriotic Finale of ‘Forbidden Disney’
The Walt Disney Company and patriotism have always gone hand in hand. After all. Walt himself said, “Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them and my spine is growing this red, white, and blue stripe.” Disney is also noted for fun, although not necessarily…
-
Sylvester Stallone | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 6, 1946
On this day in 1946, actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone was born. For Marvel, he portrayed Stakar Ogord in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Vol. 2 and Vol. 3. He was a guest star on ‘The Muppet Show’ in 1979. Stallone’s most famous characters, Rocky and Rambo, were spoofed in many animated Disney TV shows, including…
-
Disney Store | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 5, 1996
On this day in 1996, the 500th Disney Store opened its doors to shoppers. The 5,000 square foot location was found at the Metro Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The first Disney Store debuted in Glendale, California, in March 1987. It was an idea from Michael Eisner and Frank Wells to make Disney merchandise available outside…
-
Disneyland Preview | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 4, 1955
On this day in 1955, Disneyland hosted a special Fourth of July preview day for elite Walt Disney Studios employees and their families about two weeks before the park opened. These first guests toured only Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Frontierland. No mechanical ride systems were ready, the railroad track was incomplete, there was little…
-
Midget Autopia | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 3, 1966
On this day in 1966, the Midget Autopia reopened in its new home at Walt Disney Municipal Park in Marceline, Missouri. Walt donated the attraction when it closed at Disneyland to make way for the “it’s a small world” mall. The Midget Autopia was meant for very small children and ran on a center guide…
-
The Great Mouse Detective | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 2, 1986
On this day in 1986, ‘The Great Mouse Detective’ was released. It was based on the children’s book series ‘Basil of Baker Street’ by Eve Titus and Paul Galdone, with inspiration from Sherlock Holmes. Famous mouse detective Basil and his sidekick Dr. Dawson help young Olivia after her father is kidnapped by Basil’s nemesis, Professor…
-
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 1, 1996
On this day in 1996, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas opened at Walt Disney World. The Deluxe Resort is themed after New England seaside towns like Atlantic City and Coney Island, set in the early 1900s. Appropriately, the resort has a quarter-mile boardwalk with carnival games, boardwalk eats and treats, the Atlantic Dance Hall, and…
-
The Million Dollar Duck | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 30, 1971
On this day in 1971, the live-action comedy ‘The Million Dollar Duck’ was released. Dean Jones stars as discouraged scientist Professor Albert Dooley, whose duck, Charley, gets irradiated and starts laying eggs with solid gold yolks. Nosey neighbor and U.S. Treasury agent Mr. Hooper gets concerned about an unauthorized supply of gold and tries to…
-
Broadway at the Top | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 29, 1981
On this day in 1981, the Broadway at the Top show opened at the Top of the World restaurant inside the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. The show was an energetic cabaret-style revue featuring five performers paying tribute to the best of Broadway. From their 15th-floor perch, guests enjoyed both fine dining and stunning…
-
Mel Brooks | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 28, 1926
On this day in 1926, director, writer, producer, and actor Mel Brooks was born. His career has spanned 70 years, with accolades including an EGOT and multiple lifetime achievement awards. For Disney, Brooks appeared as himself or parodies of himself in ‘Toy Story 4,’ ‘Forky Asks a Question,’ ‘Special Agent Oso,’ ‘Mickey’s Audition,’ ‘Mickey’s 50,’…
-
Big Thunder Ranch | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 27, 1986
On this day in 1986, Big Thunder Ranch officially opened in Frontierland at Disneyland. It was modeled after an 1880s working ranch. Original attractions included blacksmith and harness-making demonstrations, plus a farm animal petting area, an authentic log cabin, a livestock stable, and a barbecue restaurant. Guests enjoyed visiting Mickey Moo, a Holstein cow with…
-
Rainbow Ridge and the Rainbow Desert | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 26, 1956
On this day in 1956, Rainbow Ridge and the Rainbow Desert debuted at Disneyland. They were the first major upgrades to Frontierland since opening day. Guests now departed from the town of Rainbow Ridge when riding the refreshed Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches and Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules. Ride capacity was increased, with one August day…
-
Great Race | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 25, 1986
On this day in 1986, the third annual Great Race, a transcontinental road rally for antique vehicles, kicked off at Disneyland. Mickey Mouse and the California Governor dropped the green flag on Main Street, U.S.A. to start a record 94 entries on their 11-day, 3,500-mile journey to New York City. The cars and trucks had…
-
Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 24, 2011
On this day in 2011, the Pixar Animation Studios short ‘Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation’ was released in front of ‘Cars 2.’ It was the first in a series of three ‘Toy Story Toons’ along with ‘Small Fry’ and ‘Partysaurus Rex.’ After the events of ‘Toy Story 3,’ Barbie and Ken plan a romantic getaway…
-
Leroy & Stitch | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 23, 2006
On this day in 2006, the animated film ‘Leroy & Stitch’ debuted on the Disney Channel before being released to home video. It was the fourth and final movie in the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ franchise and wrapped up the storyline of ‘Lilo & Stitch: The Series.’ With all of the experiments given new purposes, Lilo,…
-
AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 22, 2004
On this day in 2004, six Disney songs were included on the “AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs” television special on CBS. John Travolta hosted the show, revealing the American Film Institute’s top songs with cultural impact as chosen from 20th-century cinema. “When You Wish Upon A Star” was the top-ranked Disney song at #7. It was…
-
The Parent Trap | DISNEY THIS DAY | June 21, 1961
On this day in 1961, ‘The Parent Trap’ was released in theaters. It starred Hayley Mills in a double role as Susan and Sharon, twins separated at birth. The girls meet at summer camp and then switch places in order to reunite their estranged parents. ‘The Parent Trap’ was based on the 1949 German novel,…