Tag: Disney History
Eastern Airlines | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 18, 1991
On this day in 1991, Eastern Airlines officially ceased operations. The company was the official airline of Walt Disney World in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the sponsor of the “If You Had Wings” aviation attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Eastern Airlines established passenger service to Orlando in 1970 and quickly boasted more…
James Earl Jones | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 17, 1931
On this day in 1931, multi-award-winning actor and Disney Legend James Earl Jones was born. Jones was best known for his commanding bass voice, which he used to great effect in his two most famous roles for Disney – Darth Vader in the ‘Star Wars’ universe and Mufasa in the ‘Lion King’ franchise. He developed…
Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 16, 2011
On this day in 2011, Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! debuted in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. The parade replaced the Block Party Bash and reimagined some of its floats. It also had similarities to the Pixar Play Parade in California, which began in 2008. Both Pixar parades adapted the same theme song…
Eric Jacobson | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 15, 1971
On this day in 1971, puppeteer Eric Jacobson was born. He has worked with the Muppets since 1994, being inspired to take up puppeteering after the death of Jim Henson. In the early 2000s, Jacobson took over as the primary performer for most of Frank Oz’s classic characters, including Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and…
Pueblo Pluto | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 14, 1949
On this day in 1949, the Pluto cartoon ‘Pueblo Pluto’ was released. Mickey and Pluto explore a small town in the desert Southwest. Mickey gives Pluto a bone, but another dog – Ronnie, the St. Bernard puppy – snatches it and runs off into a cactus patch. Pluto jumps down into the patch to retrieve…
Lizzie McGuire | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 12, 2001
On this day in 2001, ‘Lizzie McGuire’ debuted on the Disney Channel. The show was a classic coming-of-age story starring Hillary Duff. Middle schooler Lizzie deals with the obstacles of growing up, surrounded by close friends and loving family. The show’s imaginative and unconventional mixed media format was unique on the Disney Channel at the…
Downtown Disney District | January 11, 2001
On this day in 2001, a special preview event was held at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort the night before its grand opening. The high-energy party was hosted by actor Sylvester Stallone and his wife and was a fundraiser for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Donors were the first to experience…
Austin & Ally | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 10, 2016
On this day in 2016, the two-episode series finale of ‘Austin & Ally’ aired on the Disney Channel. Set in Miami, the show follows two aspiring teen musicians with opposite personalities, outgoing Austin and reserved Ally. The unlikely pair’s relationship starts off rocky with Austin stealing Ally’s song, but soon each realizes they can bring…
Disneyana | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 9, 1976
On this day in 1976, the Disneyana Shop opened on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland. The store initially carried vintage souvenirs, collectables, artwork, and ephemera related to Disney. Eventually, it became difficult to source these rare items. The inventory changed to limited edition pieces and contemporary collectables, which remain in stock today. Disneyana was originally…
Walt Disney | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 8, 1936
On this day in 1936, Walt Disney was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour, Chevalier by France. This national order of merit is the highest and most prestigious decoration in France. The recognition was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Disney received the Legion of Honor distinction for his pioneering work in…
The Birthday Party | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 7, 1931
On this day in 1931, the Mickey Mouse cartoon ‘The Birthday Party’ was released. Minnie hosts a surprise party for Mickey with all of the early Disney characters attending, including Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow. Mickey is gifted a miniature piano, and the group celebrates with music and dancing. Mickey’s official birthday was not established…
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 6, 2021
On this day in 2021, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew opened their doors in Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort. The specialty snack shop was a new concept designed specifically for the West Side of Disney Springs. It carries jumbo-sized, extravagantly-garnished donuts, gourmet cold brew coffees, and savory sandwiches, all known for being…
Disney Legend Al Taliaferro | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 5, 1931
On this day in 1931, cartoonist and Disney Legend Al Taliaferro was first hired at Walt Disney Studios. He first acted as an inker for the “Mickey Mouse” and “Silly Symphony” newspaper comic strips. In 1938, he was inspired to argue for and create a new daily comic strip dedicated to Donald Duck. Notably, Taliaferro…
Mickey’s Polo Team | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 4, 1936
On this day in 1936, the cartoon ‘Mickey’s Polo Team’ was released. The short reflects Walt Disney’s own love of polo, a sport which caught the interest of Hollywood’s elite at the time. Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the Big Bad Wolf take on movie stars Laurel and Hardy, Harpo Marx, and Charlie Chaplin in a…
Florence Pugh | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 3, 1996
On this day in 1996, actress Florence Pugh was born. Her breakout came in 2019 with a trio of films, including ‘Midsommar’ and ‘Little Women.’ Marvel fans know her best as Yelena Belova – Red Room agent and Natasha Romanoff’s adoptive younger sister. Pugh originated the role in 2021’s ‘Black Widow’ and went on to…
Disney Parks Rose Parade Float | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 2, 2026
On this day in 2006, Disney Parks submitted the float “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth” to a rainy 117th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The entry celebrated the 50th anniversary of Disneyland and Disney Parks. It featured all five castles from each Disney resort around the world at the time: Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, Paris,…
Walt Disney | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 1, 1966
On this day in 1966, Walt Disney served as Grand Marshal of the Tournament of the Roses Parade for the first and only time. Walt rode together with Mickey Mouse. The pair was joined by about two dozen Disney characters walking alongside their car. Fittingly, the theme of the parade was “It’s a Small World,”…
Disney’s Pleasure Island | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 31, 2005
On this day in 2005, the last nightly New Year’s Eve celebration took place in Disney’s Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World Resort. From 1990 to 2005, the area nightclubs would pause at midnight every night for a public countdown and fireworks display. This farewell celebration on the actual New Year’s Eve marked the…
Mickey Mouse | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 30, 1980
On this day in 1980, the U.S. Selective Service System sent a draft registration notice to Mickey Mouse. The humorous reminder was sent to “Michael M. Mouse” at Disneyland. It notified him that he was at risk of becoming a draft dodger since registration was required for all young men. Disneyland responded that Mickey was…
Otis Harlan | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 29, 1865
On this day in 1865, old Hollywood character actor and comedian Otis Harlan was born. Harlan began his career in farce comedies on Broadway and vaudeville in the 1890s and early 1900s. He was famous for appearing in Irving Berlin’s ragtime musicals. For Disney, Harlan is best known for voicing Happy in ‘Snow White and…
Man and the Moon | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 28, 1955
On this day in 1955, “Man and the Moon” was released as part of a three-part ‘Disneyland’ television series about space travel. Disney animator Ward Kimball directed, co-wrote, and co-hosted the episode that discussed humanity’s fascination with the moon across history. Aerospace engineer Dr. Wernher von Braun described scientists’ preparations for a mission to orbit…
Playful Pan | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 27, 1930
On this day in 1930, the ‘Silly Symphony’ ‘Playful Pan’ was released. The Greek God Pan, a goat-like satyr, comes to Earth and brings music and mischief to the forest. At first, all of the flora and fauna are enchanted by his pan pipe. Soon, though, lightning strikes and starts a fire, threatening everyone in…
Temuera Morrison | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 26, 1960
On this day in 1960, actor Temuera Morrison was born in New Zealand. He is best known for portraying Jango Fett and his clones, including the adult Boba Fett and the Clone Troopers, in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. Morrison’s first ‘Star Wars’ film was ‘Attack of the Clones’ in 2002. He maintained the roles for…
One Hour in Wonderland | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 25, 1950
On this day in 1950, ‘One Hour in Wonderland’ aired on NBC as Walt Disney’s very first television special. Walt hosted the program as a holiday party at his home. Guests included Edgar Bergen and his ventriloquist dummies, Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, and Walt’s two daughters. The group watched various Disney clips plus a sneak…