Tag: Walt Disney
-
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,”…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Disney’s Riviera Resort | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 16, 2019
On this day in 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort opened at Walt Disney World. Plans for the resort were first announced at the D23 Expo in 2017. The Riviera is a Disney Vacation Club resort located close to EPCOT on the Disney Skyliner gondola system. It is styled after Walt Disney’s trips to the Mediterranean, including…
-
Walt Disney World Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Two of Its Magic Kingdom Trains
Two of the trains at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom are celebrating 100 years on the rails. In 2025, the Roger E. Broggie and Walter E. Disney hit this milestone. These historic locomotives are still favorites with guests and also continue the legacy of Walt Disney’s love of trains. They also reflect Disney’s commitment to…
-
That Darn Cat | DISNEY THIS DAY | December 2, 1965
On this day in 1965, the Disney live-action comedy ‘That Darn Cat!’ was released in theaters. Hayley Mills and Dean Jones starred in the adaptation of ‘Undercover Cat,’ a book by Gordon and Mildred Gordon. Siamese cat “D.C.” assists the FBI in solving a kidnapping and catching bank robbers using some zany methods. ‘That Darn…
-
The Story of Animated Drawing | DISNEY THI SDAY | November 30, 1955
On this day in 1955, “The Story of Animated Drawing” first aired as part of the ‘Disneyland’ television program. Walt Disney hosted the episode that began a three-part series about ‘The Art of Animation’ book, yet to be published at the time. Disney discussed the early history of drawing and animation, including the work of…
-
The Florida Project | DISNEY THIS DAY | November 15, 1965
On this day in 1965, Walt and Roy Disney held a press conference with Florida Governor Burns to officially announce The Florida Project. Word had gotten out about Disney’s sizable land purchase near Orlando, to the public’s delight. The largest group of media in Florida history assembled for the news. Walt gave few details but…
-
Carousel of Progress – A Month of Thanksgiving
The Carousel of Progress has always been one of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom. For today’s A Month of Thanksgiving, this is what I’m thankful for. I love the vibes of this attraction and the nostalgia it evokes while watching it. It’s also impossible not to love It’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. The…
-
Bob Iger Shares Thoughts About Walt Disney and His Own Time at Disney with ‘The Rest Is History’ Podcast
The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger has spent time with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook as he spoke in depth on their podcast, The Rest Is History. In this case, the history revolves around Walt Disney and his legacy. This comes 70 years after Disneyland opened as the Happiest Place on Earth continues to celebrate…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Carolwood Foundation Postpones Lawn Bowling Tournament
If you have been following Daps Magic’s coverage of the Carolwood Foundation Inaugural Lawn Bowling Tournament, you know that it was supposed to take place on Saturday, October 11, at the Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club. Now, a new post on the Facebook page for Walt’s Barn has shared that this event will be postponed indefinitely.…
-
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…
-
Enjoy A Day at Disneyland with Walt Disney with This Vinyl Record
The Disney Music Emporium has a wide variety of vinyl records. This ranges from some of Disney’s pop artists to soundtracks, to even some albums from the parks. One of these albums is A Day at Disneyland with Walt Disney and Jiminy Cricket. This album was originally released in 1957 and is an audio tour…
-
Special Book Signing Coming to Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park
Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park hosts an open house on the third Sunday of every month from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, inviting guests of all ages to tour the barn. Special guests and activities are usually part of the experience, which add to the fun of the day. This month, the Carolwood…
-
Edgar Rice Burroughs | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 1, 1875
On this day in 1875, novelist Edgar Rice Burroughs was born. He was a prolific author of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy stories. His most famous creations were the characters Tarzan and John Carter, both of whom were later given film treatments by Disney – 1999’s ‘Tarzan’ and 2012’s ‘John Carter of Mars.’ It is…
-
’40 Pounds of Trouble’ (1962) - Disney on Location
It is hard to believe that it was not until 1962 that Disneyland finally appeared on the big screen in a feature film. There had been short subjects and various appearances in television productions, but it was this comedy that brought the first film crews to the Happiest Place on Earth. Some may wonder how…
-
Ray Bradbury | DISNEY THIS DAY | August 22, 1920
On this day in 1920, author and ardent Disney supporter Ray Bradbury was born. He is well known for his fiction books, including ‘Fahrenheit 451.’ Bradbury and Walt Disney were also close friends. He had a strong interest in science fiction, which led to a fascination with Audio-Animatronics and Imagineering. Bradbury helped design Spaceship Earth…
-
Walt Disney: 75 Years of Music | DISNEY THIS DAY | August 20, 2004
On this day in 2004, the Hollywood Bowl presented ‘Walt Disney: 75 Years of Music’ on the first of two nights as part of the “Great American Concert” series. The talented performers included Alan Menken, Judy Kuhn, Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, and Dick Van Dyke. The shows paid tribute to Walt Disney’s love of orchestral…
-
Disneyland Opening Day | DISNEY THIS DAY | July 17, 1955
On this day in 1955, Disneyland opened its gates to guests for the very first time.
-
New Plaque Installed in Town Square Honoring History of Horse-Drawn Street Car
A new plaque has been installed in Town Square at Disneyland in honor of the Horse-Drawn Street Car. This plaque comes just days before Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary on July 17, 2025. The plaque says the following: New Century Historical Society Horse-Drawn Street Car At the turn of the 20th century, horse-drawn street cars…
-
First Look: Full Walt Disney Speech During Walt Disney – A Magical Life
See Walt Disney’s speech in ‘Walt Disney – A Magical Life,’ ahead of this new show’s opening at Disneyland on July 17, 2025.
-
Initial Thoughts on Walt Disney – A Magical Life
Mr. Daps shares his initial thoughts on ‘Walt Disney – A Magical Life’ after previewing it at Disneyland ahead of its opening on July 17th.