Tag: Disney History
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Peter Schneider | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 10, 1950
On this day in 1950, film executive and producer Peter Schneider was born. Over his 17-year career with Walt Disney Feature Animation, he was credited as a key player in revolutionizing the department and generating the Disney Renaissance. As president, Schneider was responsible for spearheading many of our favorite Disney films, including ‘The Little Mermaid,’…
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Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 9, 1999
On this day in 1999, ‘Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving’ was released direct to home video. It was a compilation of the holiday-themed stories, “A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving” plus “Groundpiglet Day” and “Find Her, Keep Her,” also part of ‘The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.’ The Hundred Acre Wood prepares for Thanksgiving…
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Metropolitan | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 8, 1935
On this day in 1935, the 20th Century Fox release ‘Metropolitan’ debuted in theaters. The picture starred the world-renowned operatic baritone Lawrence Tibbett, who was a real-life principal singer in the New York Metropolitan Opera. He performed there over 600 times during his career. ‘Metropolitan’ was the first feature film that was produced under the…
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Tom Sawyer Island ~ Photoniks ~ Episode 9
Join Mr. Daps and Clocky at Disneyland as they take a look at photos of Tom Sawyer Island while sitting on Tom Sawyer Island. They then go and find what each of the locations shown in these photos looks like today! Join the conversation and share your own observations and perspectives about the photos shown…
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Shake It Up | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 7, 2010
On this day in 2010, the teen sitcom ‘Shake It Up’ premiered on the Disney Channel. It was designed to be a female “buddy comedy” with Zendaya starring as Rocky Blue and Bella Thorne as CeCe Jones. The two friends have to balance their normal lives with being backup dancers on a local dance TV…
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Ethan Hawke | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 6, 1970
On this day in 1970, actor, author, and director Ethan Hawke was born. His breakout acting role was in Disney’s ‘Dead Poets Society’ in 1989. In the 1990s, Hawke went on to appear in Disney’s ‘White Fang’ and its sequel ‘White Fang 2,’ ‘Alive,’ and ‘Quiz Show.’ Most recently, he played Arthur Harrow in Marvel’s…
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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 5, 1990
On this day in 1990, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort opened to guests at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is a sister property to the Beach Club Resort and has a nautical theme set at the New England seaboard in the 1800s. Both resorts are located in the EPCOT area and are within walking distance…
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Chicken Little | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 4, 2005
On this day in 2005, Disney’s ‘Chicken Little’ debuted in theaters. The story was partly inspired by the European fable “Henny Penny.” When Chicken Little tries to escape his bad reputation for inciting panic over nothing, he learns that some alien visitors may be the real source of the problem. The film was Disney’s first…
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Believe… in Holiday Magic | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 3, 2000
On this day in 2000, the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular debuted at Disneyland. The show was created after the success of “Believe… There’s Magic in the Stars” for the park’s 45th anniversary. The holiday version combines popular seasonal songs with anthems sung by country singer Kellie Coffey. A favorite element is its simulated…
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Paperman | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 2, 2012
On this day in 2012, the animated short ‘Paperman’ was released in front of ‘Wreck-It Ralph.’ The romantic comedy follows a man who falls in love at first sight with a woman on the train. He uses a swarm of paper airplanes to regain her attention in a heartwarming fashion. The short employed a mix…
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Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 1, 1940
On this day in 1940, the Mickey Mouse short ‘Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip’ debuted in theaters. Mickey and Pluto are taking a train trip from Burbank to Pomona. However, dogs aren’t allowed, and Conductor Pete throws them off the train. Plucky as always, Mickey stuffs Pluto into his suitcase and they attempt to continue…
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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 31, 1995
On this day in 1995, the first-ever Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was held in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. That year was a pilot with a single after-hours event on Halloween night. A ticket only cost $16.95! Not-So-Scary was developed as a family-friendly alternative to the frightening events at other Orlando theme parks.…
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In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 30, 2020
On this day in 2020, ‘In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover’ premiered online. The mockumentary fundraiser was hosted by Elvira, who led a search for the legendary Sanderson Sisters. She interviewed those who were affected by them, including notable ‘Hocus Pocus’ characters, and visited locations from the film. The original…
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Wizards Beyond Waverly Place | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 29, 2024
On this day in 2024, ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ debuted on the Disney Channel. It was a follow-up to ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ which aired from 2007 to 2012. The sequel catches up with original character Justin Russo as an adult, 15 years later. His sister Alex, played by Selena Gomez, brings young Bille for…
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Elsa Lanchester | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 28, 1902
On this day in 1902, character actress Elsa Lanchester was born. Fans of classic Disney films will remember her as Katie Nanna in ‘Mary Poppins,’ Mrs. MacDougall in ‘That Darn Cat!’, Emily Stowecroft in ‘Blackbeard’s Ghost,’ Mrs. Satterfield in ‘Rascal,’ and Mrs. Formby in ‘My Dog, the Thief.’ Lanchester appeared in nearly 100 roles during…
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The Disneyland Story | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 27, 1954
On this day in 1954, the ‘Walt Disney’s Disneyland’ television series debuted with “The Disneyland Story.” The episode was a first glimpse of Walt’s vision for his upcoming theme park, witnessed by 30 million fans. The show was developed to raise money for Disneyland’s construction. Walt Disney earned an Emmy Award nomination for Best New…
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The Villains Enchanted Evening | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 26, 2000
On this day in 2000, The Villains Enchanted Evening featuring The Disney Divas was held at Disneyland. Five hundred lucky guests paid $150 for the experience. They were able to purchase exclusive villains art pieces, partake in a beverage reception and buffet dinner, and watch a diva-worthy stage show. Cala Mari, the “unauthorized” sister of…
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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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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.…