Tag: This Day in Disney History
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Plane Crazy | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 17, 1929
On this day in 1929, the cartoon ‘Plane Crazy’ was released officially in New York City. It was the first Mickey Mouse short to be produced, but the fourth to be released. An early version was test screened without sound the year before in Los Angeles. Walt Disney performed the voices for both Mickey and…
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Harper Goff | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 16, 1911
On this day in 1911, artist, designer, musician, and Disney Legend Harper Goff was born. Goff was a set designer for Warner Bros. early in his career, including for ‘Casablanca.’ He went to work for Disney in 1951 where he art-directed ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.’ Many of its Oscar-winning special effects were his creation.…
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Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 15, 2009
On this day in 2009, ‘Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years’ ended its run at the Main Street Opera House. The experience featured an exhibit made up of models, photos, concept art, and sculptures as well as a 17-minute film hosted by Donald Duck and former Cast Member Steve Martin. The attraction took a nostalgic…
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Pixar Play Parade | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 14, 2008
On this day in 2008, the Pixar Play Parade debuted at Disney California Adventure. It featured units from Pixar favorites like ‘Monsters University,’ ‘The Incredibles,’ ‘Finding Nemo,’ ‘A Bug’s Life,’ ‘Toy Story,’ and ‘Cars.’ The parade ran in DCA until 2017 and then transferred to Disneyland for Pixar Fest in 2018. A version even appeared…
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Paradise Pier | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 13, 2009
On this day in 2009, a brand new illuminated sign for “Paradise Pier” debuted at Disney California Adventure. The addition of the sign was one piece of a multi-year transformation of Paradise Pier. The land was converted from a blend of 20th century styles to a more uniform vintage design. Toy Story: Midway Mania’s opening…
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Miss Adventure Falls | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 12, 2017
On this day in 2017, the Miss Adventure Falls raft ride opened in Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park at Walt Disney World. The attraction centers around Mary Oceaneer, a Society of Explorers and Adventurers character that was created for the Disney Cruise Line. Originally titled “Miss Fortune Falls,” the ride takes place at the shipwreck…
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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 11, 1977
On this day in 1977, ‘The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’ was released in theaters. It would combine three classic short films, ‘Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree,’ ‘Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day,’ and ‘Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too.’ The first two shorts were produced with Walt Disney’s personal involvement.…
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Disney Twenty-Three | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 10, 2009
On this day in 2009, the first issue of the ‘Disney twenty-three’ magazine was released with the launch of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. That first Spring 2009 issue featured a black and white cover photo of a young Walt Disney behind a film camera. Released quarterly, the publication is known for its exclusive…
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Splash | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 9, 1984
On this day in 1984, the first Touchstone Pictures film, ‘Splash’ was released. ‘Splash’ was directed by Ron Howard and starred Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, John Candy, and Eugene Levy. Tom Hanks’s character falls in love with a mermaid when she saves him from drowning first as a boy and then 20 years later. She…
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Freddie Prinze Jr. | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 8, 1976
On this day in 1976, actor Freddie Prinze Jr. was born. Known by Star Wars fans as the voice of Kanan Jarrus, his work has appeared in ‘Star Wars Rebels,’ ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch,’ and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.’ He has also voiced roles for Disney in ‘Kim Possible: A Stitch in…
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Pirates of the Caribbean | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 7, 1997
On this day in 1997, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland was rededicated for its 30th year following a three-month refurbishment. The renovation would mark the first major changes in the ride’s history, addressing some of the problematic scenes. The pirates who previously chased women now saw the roles reversed. The “Pooped Pirate”…
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A Whole New World | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 6, 1993
On this day in 1993, the single version of “A Whole New World” from ‘Aladdin’ reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would be the first theme from a Disney animated film to achieve this feat, and the only one to do so until “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” in 2022. Composed by Alan…
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Alice in Wonderland | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 5, 2010
On this day in 2010, the live action ‘Alice in Wonderland’ film was released in theaters. Directed by Tim Burton, it was loosely based on two Lewis Carroll books, ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass.’ A 19-year-old Alice returns to Underland, a place she visited as a girl. She sets out with…
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Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 4, 1989
On this day in 1989, the animated series ‘Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers’ premiered on the Disney Channel. It followed detective chipmunks Chip and Dale, modeled after Indiana Jones and Magnum P.I., respectively. They solved crimes “too small” for the police to handle. As the #1 rated show for the 1989-1990 season, ‘Rescue Rangers’ would…
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Cinderella Festival | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 3, 1971
On this day in 1971, a 3-day Cinderella Festival began at Disneyland. It celebrated the 20th anniversary of the film and the upcoming debut of Cinderella Castle at the Walt Disney World Resort. The event featured garden tours from Disneyland horticulturists and multiple fashion shows daily. A special 24-page booklet included recipes from Cinderella’s Royal…
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Dude Duck | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 2, 1951
On this day in 1951, the Donald Duck cartoon short ‘Dude Duck’ was released. Donald heads to the Bar-None Dude Ranch for a relaxing vacation. However, he is the last one off the bus and ends up with the last pick of the horses. His not-so-faithful steed Rover Boy wants nothing to do with Donald…
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Ron Howard | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 1, 1954
On this day in 1954, actor, director, and producer Ron Howard was born. He is best known for his roles on ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ ‘American Graffiti,’ and ‘Happy Days,’ as well as being an Oscar-winning director. Howard’s work for Disney began in 1969 on the vinyl LP, “The Story and Song from the Haunted…
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Star Tours | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 28, 1997
On this day in 1997, a 10th anniversary rededication ceremony for the Star Tours attraction was held at Disneyland. Chewbacca and Carrie Fisher, famous for her portrayal of Princess Leia, were on hand to carry out a lightsaber ribbon cutting. The ceremony was reminiscent of the medal ceremony at the end of ‘A New Hope.’…
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Lab Rats | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 27, 2012
On this day in 2012, the kids’ comedy TV series ‘Lab Rats’ premiered on Disney XD. The show follows Leo Dooley who discovers three teenagers with bionic powers, Adam, Bree, and Chase. The group becomes close friends as they encounter adventurous situations but still attempt to live a normal life. ‘Lab Rats’ would have four…
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Man or Muppet | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 26, 2012
On this day in 2012, the song “Man or Muppet” from the 2011 film ‘The Muppets’ won an Academy Award for Original Song. The Oscar winning song was composed by the film’s musical supervisor Bret McKenzie, part of the comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. Jason Segel and Peter Linz performed the vocals, with Linz…
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The Mighty Ducks | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 25, 2005
On this day in 2005, Disney sold the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim hockey team to the Samueli family. Founded in 1993, the club was originally named for the 1992 film, ‘The Mighty Ducks’ about a ragtag youth hockey team that turns failure into success. A ‘Mighty Ducks’ TV series followed in 1996 featuring the team’s…
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Snow White – An Enchanting Musical | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 23, 2004
On this day in 2004, the Broadway-style stage show, “Snow White – An Enchanting Musical” premiered at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland. It brought the story of Snow White to life using elaborate sets, special effects, and classic songs, including “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh-Ho.” The queen’s castle and dwarfs’ cottage were recreated to…
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Columbia | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 22, 1964
On this day in 1964, the Below Decks Maritime Museum opened onboard the Sailing Ship Columbia at Disneyland, six years after the ship debuted. The museum gives an idea of the living conditions of sailors in the late 1700s, during the time that the original ‘Columbia’ circumnavigated the globe. The museum features the captain’s cabin,…
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Dapper Day | DISNEY THIS DAY | February 20, 2011
On this day in 2011, the first Dapper Day took place at Disneyland. It is a fan-sponsored event designed as a day for people to “step out in style” in fashions inspired by the elegance of the 1950s and 60s. About 100 participants gathered that first day for a ride and photo op on the…