Tag: This Day in Disney History
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Angela Lansbury | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 16, 1925
On this day in 1925, beloved actress, filmmaker, and Disney Legend Dame Angela Lansbury was born in London. She and her family moved to America in 1940 to escape the Blitz. Her career in entertainment spanned nearly 80 years and included two landmark performances for Disney – Miss Eglantine Price in ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ and…
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Dave Smith | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 15, 2010
On this day in 2010, Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist Dave Smith retired after 44 years of service. Smith’s career at Disney started in 1970 when Walt’s brother Roy approached him about preserving the company’s history. Smith started by cataloging everything in Walt’s office when he passed. His work grew into one of…
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Twitches | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 14, 2005
On this day in 2005, the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Twitches’ debuted. The film was based on a teen book series of the same name by H. B. Gilmour and Randi Reisfeld. It follows twin witches who were separated at birth, played by Tia and Tamera Mowry. They only realize their magic powers when they…
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Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 13, 2000
On this day in 2000, The Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire’ premiered (on Friday the 13th!). The teenage Hansen kids need a way to distract their single mom so they can go out for the evening, even though they are grounded. They set her up with a mysterious man…
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Mulholland Madness | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 12, 2010
On this day in 2010, Mulholland Madness closed at Disney’s California Adventure. As an opening day attraction, Mulholland Madness was a tribute to Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, a 55-mile-long road that connects the city to the Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. The attraction was themed with a giant map, road signs, punny…
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Disneyland Ticket Books | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 11, 1955
On this day in 1955, the first ticket books debuted at Disneyland. When the park opened in July, guests paid a $1 admission fee at the main gate and then separately for each attraction at ticket booths nearby. Conceived by Public Relations Director Ed Ettinger, the ticket books streamlined the guest experience. Three “A,” two…
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The Gorilla Mysters | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 10, 1930
On this day in 1930, the Mickey Mouse short ‘The Gorilla Mystery’ was released. When a dangerous gorilla escapes from the zoo and captures Minnie in her own home, Mickey rushes to save her. The gorilla was later named “Beppo,” the same ape featured in two 1933 shorts. ‘The Gorilla Mystery’ shows Disney’s progress with…
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Little Einsteins | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 9, 2005
On this day in 2005, the animated TV series ‘Little Einsteins’ premiered on Playhouse Disney. Designed for preschool-age kids, the show was created in collaboration with The Baby Einstein Company. Four musically gifted Little Einstein kids and their AI rocket go on adventurous missions around the world that require their talents and teamwork. The program…
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ElecTRONica | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 8, 2010
On this day in 2010, ElecTRONica debuted at Disney California Adventure. The nighttime dance party promoted the ‘Tron: Legacy’ movie. Programs and users could try their hand at retro video games at Flynn’s Arcade, “re-energize, restore, and renew” with glowing beverages at the End of Line Club, dance alongside a DJ and futuristic programs, or…
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American Teacher Awards | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 7, 1990
On this day in 1990, the first annual American Teacher Awards was held in Hollywood. Disney created the awards show to honor outstanding teachers who embody the very best of the profession. A total of 36 honorees were selected from 185,000 nominations. The teachers themselves then selected the Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Celebrity presenters…
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Memento Mori | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 6, 2014
On this day in 2014, the Memento Mori gift shop opened near the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World. The shop is said to be Madame Leota’s 17th-century home, built near Gracey Manor. Several supernatural touches still give evidence of her presence, like a portrait of her that changes under black light,…
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Swim with the Stars | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 5, 2004
On this day in 2004, Swim with the Stars, an event celebrating three American Olympic gold medalists, was held in Disneyland. Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker, and Lenny Krayzelburg greeted an adoring crowd and swam relays with local kids. Main Street, U.S.A. itself was turned into a lap pool that was 164 feet long, 24 feet…
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Buster Keaton | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 4, 1895
On this day in 1895, actor, comedian, and filmmaker Buster Keaton was born. Keaton was best known for his silent films of the 1920s, which were a great influence on Walt Disney. Keaton’s film ‘Steamboat Bill Jr.’ inspired the title, plot, and music choice of Disney’s ‘Steamboat Willie.’ Keaton’s use of inventive stunts and “comedic…
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Mickey Mouse Club | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 3, 1955
On this day in 1955, the ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ debuted on ABC. The program aired each weekday afternoon for one hour. A cast of 24 kids starred as Mouseketeers, a group that soon became famous. They performed skits and musical numbers based on the day’s theme. Guest stars, Disney cartoons, and special segments made up…
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Buzz Lightyear of Star Command | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 2, 2000
On this day in 2000, ‘Buzz Lightyear of Star Command’ premiered in syndication. Patrick Warburton voiced the title character with Wayne Knight as Emperor Zurg. The storyline sees Buzz investigating criminal activity in the Galactic Alliance as part of the Star Command peacekeeping organization. He often goes up against Zurg in his attempts to overthrow…
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Julie Andrews | DISNEY THIS DAY | October 1, 1935
On this day in 1935, acclaimed actress, singer, and Disney Legend Dame Julie Andrews was born. Her five-octave vocal range and natural grace made her an instant star. Walt Disney personally cast Andrews as Mary Poppins, a role for which she won an Academy Award. Also for Disney, Andrews starred in ‘The Princess Diaries’ and…
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Michael Eisner | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 30, 2005
On this day in 2005, Michael Eisner resigned as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Disney flourished during Eisner’s 21-year tenure, adding multiple theme parks, a cruise line, new television networks like ABC and ESPN, sports teams, and even the Muppets! He helped usher in the Disney Renaissance and solidified Disney as an entertainment giant.…
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Remember the Titan | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 29, 2000
On this day in 2000, ‘Remember the Titans’ was released in theaters. It was inspired by real events at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Denzel Washington starred as Coach Herman Boone, the first African American football coach at the recently desegregated school. Fighting against racial prejudice, Coach Boone brings the team together and…
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On Ice | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 28, 1935
On this day in 1935, the Mickey Mouse short ‘On Ice’ was released in theaters. It was the first cartoon where all of the Fab Five characters, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto, appeared together. ‘On Ice’ featured three intertwining story lines—Mickey teaching Minnie to ice skate, Goofy attempting to catch fish with tobacco, and…
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Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 27, 2005
On this day in 2005, the “Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations” tour concluded with the auction of 75 Mickey Mouse statues at Sotheby’s. The 6-foot, 700-pound statues were each custom-designed by a celebrity, artist, or athlete. The statues debuted at Walt Disney World on Mickey’s 75th birthday in 2003 and toured the U.S. for two years,…
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Horseless Carriage Days | DISNEY THIS DAY | Thursday 26, 1955
On this day in 1955, the first annual Horseless Carriage Days event was held on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. The gathering was sponsored by the Horseless Carriage Club of Southern California and included a parade of lovingly preserved antique cars from 1915 and earlier. Exhibitors wore period costumes as they promenaded down Main Street.…
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Rocket Rods | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 25, 2000
On this day in 2000, the Rocket Rods at Disneyland closed for “refurbishment.” However, the temporary closure turned into a permanent one when no work was ever performed. The high-speed thrill ride that replaced the PeopleMover had suffered mechanical failures and track damage. The attraction was announced as officially closed in April 2001. One Rocket…
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Walt Disney Elementary School | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 24, 1955
On this day in 1955, Walt Disney attended the dedication of the brand-new Walt Disney Elementary School in Tullytown, Pennsylvania. Flattered by the honor, Disney commissioned a series of character murals and animation cels to line the hallways. Rooms were given Disney-themed names like “Mermaid Lagoon” for the girls’ restroom and “Captain Hook” for the…
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 23, 1980
On this day in 1980, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World first soft-opened to guests. The Florida version was actually completed first, but was the second location to open, over a year after Disneyland’s version in California. Magic Kingdom’s attraction is modeled after Monument Valley in Arizona. Its themed…