Tag: This Day in Disney History
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The Walt Disney Company | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 6, 1986
On this day in 1986, the House of Mouse was renamed The Walt Disney Company, a moniker that is still in place today. The change came after Walt Disney Productions was restructured on a large scale by incoming CEO Michael Eisner and President Frank Wells. Also on this date, Walt Disney Feature Animation was split…
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Two Happy Amigos | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 5, 1960
On this day in 1960, “Two Happy Amigos” debuted on ABC as an episode of ‘Walt Disney Presents.’ The program served as a sequel to ‘The Three Caballeros,’ reuniting Donald Duck with his friend José Carioca from Brazil. José visits Donald in the United States and the two take a tour of the country through…
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Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 4, 1966
On this day in 1966, the short film ‘Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree’ was released. The story was based on the first two chapters of A.A. Milne’s ‘Winnie-the-Pooh,’ marking the first time Disney adapted these beloved works for the screen. The story stayed true to its source material except for the addition of…
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Pixar Animation Studios | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 3, 1986
On this day in 1986, Pixar Animation Studios was founded when Steve Jobs purchased the Computer Division of Lucasfilm with a $10 million investment. The new independent company originally sold high-end computer hardware, called the Pixar Image Computer. Disney was an early buyer of the technology for their CAPS system, which digitized the ink and…
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A Day in the Life of Donald Duck | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 1, 1956
On this day in 1956, the ‘Disneyland’ anthology series aired “A Day in the Life of Donald Duck.” The episode blended animation and live action to show Donald blundering through a typical day at the Disney Studios. Donald interacts with artist Roy Williams, some of the Mouseketeers, and their host, Jimmie Dodd. He has a…
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Down and Out in Beverly Hills | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 31, 1986
On this day in 1986, ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’ was released by Touchstone Pictures. The story was adapted from a French play, “Boudu Saved from Drowning.” A drifter at the end of his rope is saved by a wealthy but dysfunctional couple. They invite him to live with them, a decision that broadens…
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Phil Collins | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 30, 1951
On this day in 1951, musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and Disney Legend Phil Collins was born. A lifelong performer, Collins is known for being the drummer and lead singer of the band Genesis. He later split off as a solo artist, co-writing the songs for ‘Tarzan,’ including the Oscar-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart.” He also…
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Treasure Island | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 29, 1951
On this day in 1951, the Lux Radio Theater presented a one-hour dramatization of Disney’s ‘Treasure Island’ about a year after the film’s release. The Lux live radio show aired every Sunday afternoon between 1934 and 1955, turning recent film and Broadway releases into three-act audio dramas. For ‘Treasure Island,’ Bobby Driscoll reprised his role…
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Elijah Wood | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 28, 1981
On this day in 1981, actor Elijah Wood was born. He began acting at the age of eight in a minor part in ‘Back to the Future Part II.’ For Disney, he starred in the title role of ‘The Adventures of Huck Finn,’ Beck in the animated series ‘TRON: Uprising,’ Jace Rucklin in ‘Star Wars…
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Toy Story Funhouse | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 27, 1996
On this day in 1996, the Toy Story Funhouse opened in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The attraction ran for four months and was located in what is now Alien Pizza Planet. It had Mr. Potato Head’s Playroom with giant Lite-Brite and Spirograph walls, a Totally Interactive! Room with the new ‘Toy Story’ video game, Woody’s Roundup…
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Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 26,1994
On this day in 1994, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin debuted in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland about one year after the land’s opening. Guests board Lenny the Cab, Benny’s twin cousin, for a tour of Toontown but soon have to escape the Toon Patrol’s plot to cover the city in “Dip.” Car Toon Spin was…
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101 Dalmatians | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 25, 1961
On this day in 1961, ‘One Hundred and One Dalmatians’ debuted in theaters. The story was based on a novel of the same name by Dodie Smith. Dalmatians Pongo and Perdida must rescue their puppies and the Dalmatians of London from the clutches of vile villain Cruella de Vil. The film used Xerox photography to…
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Disney Legend Wilfred Jackson | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 24, 1906
On this day in 1906, director, animator, composer, and Disney Legend Wilfred Jackson was born. In 1928, “Jaxon” was the first person to figure out how to sync animation with music for ‘Steamboat Willie.’ He was promoted to an animator and then to a director of ‘Silly Symphony’ shorts, three of which won Academy Awards.…
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Monsters, Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
On this day in 2006, Monsters, Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! opens at Disney’s California Adventure. The attraction takes guests on an adventure through Monstropolis as seen in the Pixar Animation Studios film, “Monsters, Inc.” The attraction replaced Superstar Limo, an opening day attraction at what was then called Disney’s California Adventure. The…
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Pixar Popcorn | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 22, 2021
On this day in 2021, the ‘Pixar Popcorn’ series of ten mini shorts was released on Disney+. The episodes are small bites ranging from one to five minutes long. These snackable stories take place in several Pixar worlds – ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Cars,’ ‘Finding Nemo,’ ‘Soul,’ ‘The Incredibles,’ and ‘Coco.’ Many of the shorts don’t include…
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The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 21, 1986
On this day in 1986, ‘The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years’ TV special premiered on CBS. In the show, Fozzie Bear hosts a banquet for Muppets from all walks of life, from ‘The Muppet Show’ to ‘Sesame Street’ and beyond. The group presents retrospective clips of the Muppets from their start in 1955 until…
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High School Musical | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 20, 2006
On this day in 2006, the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘High School Musical’ first aired. Its story is a modern adaptation of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ with an unlikely pair landing the lead roles in the school musical, throwing off the social order. ‘High School Musical’ was the most successful DCOM of its time, with a…
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Dolly Parton | DISNEY THIS DAY | January 19, 1946
On this day in 1946, multi-talented musician, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and humanitarian Dolly Parton was born. Her singing career in Country music began early and has spanned 70 years with 50 studio albums, over 100 million records sold, and countless awards. Parton’s music has infused Disney as well, with her hit “9 to 5” featuring…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…