Posts of This Day in Disney History

November 19

2010-11-19T12:38:23.338Z

November 19, 1932
Babes in the Woods is Released
"Once upon a time a story was told about fairies and goblins and witches of old — they haunted the forests and meadows and dells, and this is the legend the storybook tells…" These are the lyrics in the opening music of the cartoon short Babes in the Woods. In this Silly Symphony, which wandered into theaters on this day in 1932, the "babes" are two children reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel, who, in this retelling of the classic tale, become enchanted with an edible candy house, but soon to fall victim to the home's owner, a wicked witch, who changes the boy into a spider and is about to turn the girl into a rat moments before some of Disney's earliest dwarfs come to the rescue.

November 18

2010-11-18T14:55:25.663Z

November 18, 1988
Oliver & Company is Released
The Disney movie Oliver & Company, which was released on this day in 1988, tells the classic Charles Dickens tale of Oliver, the artful dodger, but with a twist. Departing from the typical timelessness of Disney's animated features, Oliver & Company takes place in modern-day Manhattan, and in this telling, Oliver is a little kitten, voiced by Joey Lawrence, who would grow into teen idol status on the sitcom Blossom. The young feline befriends a streetwise dog named Dodger (Billy Joel) and a canine cast featuring some of Hollywood's superstars, including Dom Deluise, Robert Loggia, Cheech Marin and Bette Midler. The voice of the young human girl, Jenny, is provided by Natalie Gregory, who Disney fans may remember as Annie in Cranium Command at Epcot.

1957:

A color, full-page advertisement for Insurance by North America appears in LIFE magazine. The ad features a photo of a family of four standing in front of Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle and the entrance to Fantasyland

1962:

At Disneyland, the Swiss Family Treehouse attraction opens in Adventureland.

The opening ceremony is hosted by Walt Disney, Hayley Mills (star of The Parent Trap and Pollyana), John Mills (Hayley's father and star of Swiss Family Robinson), and Kevin Corcoran (who appears in both Pollyana and Swiss Family Robinson).

1988:

Mickey’s birthday is celebrated as 5,500 underprivileged children from across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Japan are treated to a three-day visit to Disneyland to assist Mickey in celebrating his day

1993:

The "Partner's Statue" Dedication is held at Disneyland.

Jack Lindquist, the President of Disneyland (who officially retires this same day) officiates the ceremony which includes Roy Disney unveiling the statue of Walt and Mickey Mouse (sculpted by Blaine Gibson)

At Disney World, the Audio-Animatronic robot of U.S. President Bill Clinton first performs in the Hall of Presidents attraction.

1995:

A lottery to determine who will have the opportunity to buy the first 474 houses and apartments in Disney's new Florida community Celebration, is held.

1997:

The Walt Disney World Info Line (407-824-4321) begins to inform callers that the Mr. Toad attraction is "definitely closing."

2003:

The Magic Kingdom in Florida unveils 75 6-foot tall statues of Mickey Mouse in honor of his 75th birthday.

2006:

The five-thousand square foot interactive exhibit "Too Small to See" opens at Epcot's Innoventions. Developed by Cornell University and supported by the National Science Foundation, the exhibit surrounds visitors with things at the atomic scale and exposes them to some important concepts in nanotechnology.

2009:

It is reported that Victoria & Albert's, the top-of-the-line restaurant at Walt Disney World, has been awarded its 10th consecutive AAA Five Diamond rating (one of only three Florida restaurants to earn that ultimate classification).

November 14

2010-11-15T07:41:33.963Z

November 14, 1936
Mother Pluto is Released
When a chick lays her eggs in Pluto's doghouse, he returns just in time to see more than a dozen peeping chicks hatch in the Silly Symphony Mother Pluto, which peeped into theaters on this day in 1936. Despite his efforts to escape, the youngsters latch on to the hound, who soon finds a soft spot in his heart for each of them. This Silly Symphony is unique because it featured one of Disney's established main characters. Although Pluto had been appearing in films

November 09

2010-11-10T06:16:38.463Z

November 9, 1993
Fountainview Espresso & Bakery Opens at Epcot
One visit to the Fountainview Espresso & Bakery at Epcot and you'd understand how it got its name when you see the spectacular view of the musically synchronized Fountain of Nations. Opening on this day in 1993, the bakery immediately made a splash with guests by serving up fresh baked goods, specialty desserts and pastries. From crème brûlée to coconut flan, the offerings were enough to make anyone's mouth water. And for those looking to "wet" their whistle, a variety of drinks were available, including an option to add various liquors to any coffee.

October 26

2010-10-27T01:55:23.141Z

October 26, 1953
Three Orphan Kittens is Released
When a trio of stray cats find themselves in the blistering cold snow, they seek refuge in an inviting looking house, where they proceed to wreak havoc on the place, much to the chagrin of the house cook in Three Orphan Kittens, which was released on this day in 1935. The kittens in this Silly Symphony meowed their ways into the hearts of the country, not only inspiring a sequel, More Kittens, but by winning an Academy Award®, making Walt Disney the first producer in motion picture industry to have won the award four years in a row.

October 24

2010-10-25T04:19:28.232Z

October 24, 1941
Donald's Camera is Released
Uncharacteristically, Donald Duck decides to do the right thing in the cartoon short Donald's Camera, which snapped into theaters on this day in 1941. Passing a camera shop window, Donald reads the sign, "Shoot nature with a camera instead of a gun!" Taking this to heart, the level-headed duck takes to the forest for some wildlife photography. Finding that the woodland creatures are less than cooperative and encountering an insufferable woodpecker who ends up smashing his camera, Donald soon returns to the irascible duck we all know and love, scrambling back to a sport shop and gathering an arsenal of weapons for his next "shoot."

October 11

2010-10-11T09:44:29.327Z

October 11, 1964
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color Airs "A Rag, a Bone, a Box of Junk"
It was on this day in 1964 that television viewers got a lesson on how to create stop-motion animation by that brilliant, legendary professor of everything, Ludwig Von Drake, who presided over the festivities with the help of the cartoon short Noah's Ark, the main titles of The Parent Trap and the featurette A Symposium on Popular Songs. This episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color was directed by Disney Legend Bill Justice, who often worked alongside X Atencio on these stop-motion projects. Recently, X told D23's Scott Wolf, "We had a glass with the background underneath it and you moved a character on it. We'd move a character this far or that far depending on how fast the action was. If you had more than one character you had to move, we'd say, 'Okay, let's get a system here. We'll work clockwise,' or counter-clockwise, either way we do it, but we'd keep track of it. 'Did we move that one? Okay.' Click. Move. Click. Move. Click. If you got to a place that you couldn't remember if you moved it or not you had to go back to the beginning because there were no tests or anything that you could refer back to, so it was a very tedious job, but Bill was very good at it."

October 10

2010-10-10T21:48:38.694Z

1996:

Disney World's Pleasure Island holds its fourth annual "Jazz Fest." Top-name musicians headlining the event, include Jeff Kashiwa, Greg Karukas, Craig Chaquico and Keiko Matsui. Performances are held on the West End Stage, Hub Video Stage and in the Jazz Company club.

1998:

The Journey Into Imagination ride and the attraction Image Works, both located in Epcot's Journey Into Imagination pavilion, close for renovation.

2002:

The Walt Disney Company and Frito-Lay announce a new multi-year agreement by which Frito-Lay snack products will be featured at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

2009:

Mickey Mouse visits Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri (Walt Disney’s hometown between 1911-1923) to celebrate the unveiling of a traveling art exhibit that pays homage to Walt Disney’s lifelong love of trains.

Local preschoolers along with representatives from the Kansas City Mayor’s office and hundreds of fans see Mickey before he departs from Union Station bound for Los Angeles for a viewing party for the premier of the Disney Channel primetime special, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo Choo Express (which will air Sunday October 25th). Radio Disney and representatives from the United States Marines are also on hand to help Mickey kick off Disney’s annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Nearly 300 Disney VoluntEARS take part in the Greater Orlando Start! Heart Walk at Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. A three-mile trek, Disney Cast Members raise more than $8,000 for research and education to help fight heart disease and stroke.

2010:

Disney fans and collectors gather at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club for a free event designed to kick off the second decade of pin trading at Disney World. (Pin trading at Disney, inspired by pin-swapping seen at Olympic Games, began as part of the company’s millennium celebration, originally to last just 15 months.)

10-10-10: A Disney Wedding Story

posted on October 10th, 2010 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons

There are 33 couples tying the knot Sunday at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, aboard the Disney Cruise Line and at Hong Kong Disneyland. Repeating number dates have always been popular for weddings, but this is the first double-digit date to appear in our time.

I wanted to share one couple’s engagement story with you. Meet Ashley and Alex, Disney enthusiasts that got engaged before running over 13 miles!

Ashley and Alex trained all summer to participate in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. The morning of the race, they were approached by a Cast Member who informed them they had been selected to participate in Disney Couple’s Trivia. The Cast Member offered them a ride to the starting line as she briefed them on the rules of the game. When they reached the starting line, the cameraman turned his lens to Ashley as Alex proposed in front of 20,000 runners!

The couple is back at the Walt Disney World Resort today, this time surrounded by family and friends, celebrating their union in an intimate ceremony at Epcot.

I wish Ashley and Alex, along with all of the couples tying the knot on 10-10-10, much joy and happiness as they step into their very own happily-ever-after. Be sure to keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter for more stories from our 10-10-10 weddings!

October 08

2010-10-08T15:50:36.071Z

October 8, 2003
Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Premieres at Walt Disney World
Wish you knew what happened on this day in Disney history? On this day in 2003, the Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams fireworks show first burst into the skies high above Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This aerial spectacular remains the biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in the park's history. With the theme of "wishing" on stars, this show is hosted by the voice of the premier star wisher, Jiminy Cricket. Unlike the previous long-running Fantasy in the Sky fireworks, Peter Pan, Ariel, Snow White, Aladdin and many other Disney characters are now heard over the loud speakers — telling their wishes — while choreographed fireworks explode to a lush musical score. The presentation concludes with Jiminy explaining, "Wishes can come true if you believe in them with all your heart. And the best part is you'll never run out of wishes. They're shining deep down inside of you. 'Cause that, my friends, is where the magic lives."

1957:
The Maxwell House Coffee located on Disneyland's Main Street (in operation since December 1955) closes. It will be replaced by Hills Brothers Coffee House in June 1958.

1997:
A full-service spa and health center opens at Disney World's Grand Floridian Beach Resort. First opened in June 1988, it will now be called Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

2001:
Epcot's Journey into Your Imagination ride closes for renovations. The character Figment will be added and the attraction will reopen in June 2002 as Journey into Imagination with Figment.

"Figment is still the mascot of the Imagination pavilion. In 1999, with the premiere of Journey Into Your Imagination, he only had a cameo role. However, after an overwhelming number of guests pleaded for his return, the attraction was refurbished again, and since 2002, Journey Into Imagination with Figment has featured the playful dragon. Dreamfinder holding a small Figment used to pose for photos outside the pavilion until 1998; Figment alone made appearances after 2004, but not recently."

- Dave Smith, Disney Archives

2003:
Mickey's PhilharMagic, a new computer-animated 3-D attraction, has its official grand opening in the PhilharMagic Concert Hall at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Pop idols Howie Dorough of The Backstreet Boys and Joey Fatone of 'N Sync are on hand for the premiere.

Over at Epcot, the Wayne Brady Show tapes at the American Gardens Stage. Guests include tennis star Serena Williams, soap opera heartthrob Cameron Matheson, astronaut Jim Lovell, and members of the original Brady Bunch Show.

In the evening, the Magic Kingdom hosts a live performance of the Brian Setzer Orchestra on the Castle Forecourt stage. Afterwards the park officially debuts a new pyrotechnic show called Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams. The Disney World premiere includes an introduction by actress Julie Andrews.

At Disneyland, The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show performs it's final show at 5:30 pm after more than 4,000 performances. Guests at the final performance include Wally Boag, star of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue for over 27 years.

2010:
The first Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic kicks off (for the next two days) at Walt Disney World.

Making of Magic Kingdom Park Tilt-Shift Video

posted on October 8th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

When we posted last week’s Magic Kingdom tilt-shift video, the hope was that a few of you would enjoy the experiment. But oh my…were we surprised. Response was overwhelming.

Some Disney Parks Blog commenters said they were moved to tears. Others cheered and described it as a mini vacation. And yes, we heard those of you who asked for more. So, we immediately found the creative “eye” and champion of the project — David Roark, manager of creative photography for Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group. David sat down with us and shared how he did it.

Thomas Smith: This type of project has never been attempted at Disney Parks. How’d you make it work?

David Roark: It was a lot of trial and error. My first two or three trips out of the box I was like, ‘This is not going to work.’ It’s a combination of your height on the scene and in the Magic Kingdom Park there’s just not a lot of fixed platforms where you can lock a camera off for five minutes without it moving. But there’s also lightning and consistency of exposure. We started this in the middle of summer and if you start a sequence and a little cloud comes by, you need to start it over again because the clouds darken the scene so much. So, it was very trial and error. This was on the job training for me.

TS: Was it difficult to find the perfect shots?

DR: In the case of this one, nobody really knew what we were doing. (I said) “just trust me and work with me here, this will all make sense.”

TS: What lenses did you use?

DR: Nikon makes three tilt-shift lenses, they’re basically architectural lenses and we’re using them in a diametrically opposed application than what they’re built for. They’re built to actually allow you to increase the focal plane in a scene and make everything in focus. For tilt-shift, we turn them the opposite way and back tilt the focal plane so that hardly anything is in focus. And that creates that miniaturation effect.

TS: What was on your mind while putting this together?

DR: For me, it became as much a transportation story – the story of getting to the park and all the things that happen because that activity of parking your car and coming through the toll plaza. I had to think about what scenes have that kind of repetitive motion. It was a lot of fun and it’s different. For me it became a little bit of an escape.

TS: Did you notice Guests wanted to see Wishes Nighttime Spectacular?

DR: Everyone wants Wishes, but Wishes is so bright and because we shoot one frame a second, there were just too many flash frames in it. But, Epcot and Illuminations, I’ll make work. We’ll get the fireworks.

Holiday Inspired Vinylmation Series in Disney Parks

posted on October 8th, 2009 by Steven Miller, Project Manager, Disney Trading

The Vinylmation Holiday Series #1 is in Disney Parks.

For those unfamiliar with the “Vinylmation,” don’t worry – here is a brief introduction.

“Vinylmation is about expressing creativity and the mysterious thrill of the chase,” said Donald Ferro, Product Developer for these new vinyl figures, when I asked him to summarize Vinylmation in one sentence.

It’s a thrill for our Disney Artists to who see the Vinylmation figure as a blank canvas. Their inspiration comes from everywhere – Disney Park icons, urban landscapes and even holidays (like the new set mentioned above). With each figure having a distinctive art style and personality, the difficult part for me is choosing a favorite. I’m still looking for that SMRT-1 figure from the Park Series #1. Any help?

So how does this Vinylmation thing work?

There are a variety of figures to collect – from 3” limited releases to 9” limited edition figures. For 3” limited releases, there are typically 12 figures per series. Eleven figures are known while the twelfth is called the mystery “chaser.” Each 3” Vinylmation is packaged in a “blind pack” – which means you won’t know which figure you’re getting until purchased. The 3” figures are sold individually or you can get a whole tray (which means you’ll find the chaser, and potentially become the best friend to many collectors).

For the Holiday Series #1, there are four additional 9” limited edition figures. Unlike their 3” cousins, the 9” figures are sold sans mystery (or in a window box). The 9” figures have a finite production run, meaning only so many were made. Once a limited edition figure is gone, it’s gone. Sorry.

One of my favorite 9” figures from the new Holiday series was inspired by the “Skeleton Dance,” the first Silly Symphony cartoon released in 1929. I loved the music by Carl Stalling from that animated short. Add it to my favorites!

Tips For Your Next Disneyland Resort Trip

posted on October 8th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Social Media, Disneyland Resort

Today, we’re offering help to guests planning their next trip to Disneyland Resort.

First, keep it simple. Start with your park ticket — buy it online at www.disneyland.com and you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate. Next, try to take the monorail. It opens at the same time as the gate and you might be able to enter the park faster.

Also, remember to utilize the FASTPASS Service. You can usually get another FASTPASS ticket before the first one has expired. For example, if you get a FASTPASS ticket for “Space Mountain” at 10 a.m. and it says to come back and use your FASTPASS ticket at 2 p.m., you can still get a FASTPASS ticket for another ride at 12 p.m. The trick? Just look at the time at the bottom of your ticket, and the fine print will tell you the next time you can get another FASTPASS ticket.

Shopping and eating can be an easier adventure as well. The best hours to eat are during off peak hours. That would be an early breakfast, late lunch or early or late dinner. Reservations always make life easier, call 714-781-DINE. It’s also best to do your shopping during peak ride hours. More guests tend to be on the attractions between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so stroll through the shops during those times. It also saves you some wait time in the lines for attractions. If you need a second or third cup of coffee during a visit, the Market House on Main Street, U.S.A gives free coffee refills for same day visits (and has since 1955).

Over at Disney’s California Adventure Park, there is no charge for lockers for up to 2 hours at Grizzly River Run, based on availability. This is helpful for those hardcore river rats who know they will get soaked. You can stash your dry clothes in the locker and change afterwards.

The video below has more fun tips from guests and Cast Members.

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1999:

The documentary film The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story is released in Los Angeles for one week (so that it may qualify for an Academy Award). The film focuses on animation pioneer, technical genius, and early Walt Disney collaborator Ub Iwerks. Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks offers viewers a look at the work of her grandfather, one of the unsung giants of animation and film technology.

2002:

Walt: The Man Behind The Myth (originally broadcast on TV in September 2001) is released on DVD, as is a special edition of Beauty and the Beast.

October 07

2010-10-07T13:25:18.651Z

October 7, 1998
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Attraction Opens at Walt Disney World
Listen up, junior space rangers! On this day in 1998, Buzz Lightyear official moved into the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Inspired by Disney·Pixar's Toy Story 2, the interactive attraction Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin allowed guests to take control of their XP-37 space cruisers to turn at will and use laser cannons to help fight evil. Buzz himself describes the situation in the attraction queue: "Scanners detecting more trouble in sector 9. No doubt it's the work of that nefarious criminal, the sworn enemy of the galactic alliance, the evil Emperor Zurg. His robotic army is stealing crystallic fusion power cells. Without those cells we'll all be powerless and at the mercy of Zurg. Star Command picked a fine time to send the new recruits. All right, you junior space rangers, listen up! The green squadron will retrieve the power cells, while the rest of you concentrate on those robots. You'll rendezvous at Planet Z. I will remain here at Star Command to coordinate the mission. Battle stations, report to the flight deck for immediate launch! To infinity and beyond!" At the completion of your mission, find out if your rank is the humble "Space Cadet," or if you have achieved the highest rank of "Galactic Hero."

October 01

2010-10-01T22:57:16.612Z

This Day in History: Walt Disney World Resort Officially Opens – 1971

posted on October 1st, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

It’s rare that we post a “This Day in History” on the blog but this is something we thought you’d enjoy. On October 1, 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort officially opened, including Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. And on that day in 1971, William Windsor, Jr., was our record-breaking first guest.

Are you a Walt Disney World fan? If so, let us know what your “must-do” is when visiting.

Also on this day in history:

Epcot officially opened – 1982
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort officially opened – 1988
Disney’s BoardWalk officially opened – 1996
Euro Disneyland Paris became Disneyland Paris – 1994

September 22

2010-09-22T13:50:05.032Z

September 22, 1950
Camp Dog is Released
On this day in 1950, that ravenous coyote Bent-Tail returned to the big screen in the Pluto cartoon short Camp Dog. While campers are away, Pluto has his hands, or paws, full trying to protect a campsite and thwart the food-stealing plans of the father/son coyote team. Bent-Tail, who appeared in a total of four cartoon shorts as well as Disney Comics, first made his debut in the 1945 Pluto short Legend of Coyote Rock. In 1961, Bent-Tail and Junior made the transition to television in The Coyote's Lament, an episode of the Walt Disney Presents television series, which told the stories of the struggle of the coyote from its point of view. Whether on television or in Camp Dog, Bent-Tail and Junior did their best to keep audiences howling with laughter.

September 21

2010-09-21T16:08:46.976Z

September 21, 1945
Hockey Homicide is Released
Hey sports fans! On this day in 1945, the Goofy cartoon short Hockey Homicide was released, which took place, according to the game announcer, "at the Elite Deluxe Sports Palace," where one of the biggest hockey games of the season brought together two of the top ranking teams in the league. In this absurdly silly demonstration of the sport, Goofy portrays the roles of athlete and spectator alike, including top stars Icebox Bertino, Fearless Ferguson and referee Clean Game Kinney, all named after members of the Disney staff. By the game's end, Hockey Homicide scored some big laughs with audiences, which of course was the short's "goal."

September 13

2010-09-14T06:11:08.865Z

September 13, 1978
NBC Airs NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of "The Wonderful World of Disney"
Walt Disney Presents, Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color, Disney's Wonderful World, Walt Disney, The Disney Sunday Movie, The Magical World of Disney… these are some of the titles of the Disney anthology series that first aired as Disneyland on October 27, 1954, featuring Disney's classic theatrical films and original programming exclusively for the series. On this day in 1978, NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of "The Wonderful World of Disney" aired, as the series was then called, with a star-studded lineup. Ron Howard and Suzanne Somers served as hosts for the musical celebration. Clips of films and Disney stars reuniting and reminiscing were a highlight of the program, and included such Disney luminaries as Phil Harris and Scatman Crothers, who fondly recalled their voice work in The Aristocats, and Disney Legends Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen, who shared memories of their time working on Davy Crockett. While this television special marked the 25th anniversary of the series (the 24th in reality), no matter what title The Wonderful World of Disney went by, it continued to bring joy to television viewers for decades to come.

ºoº

2010-09-02T07:50:57.858Z

ºoº CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT ºoº

R E O P E N I N G D A T E :

SEPTEMBER 08, 2010

September 01

2010-09-01T07:57:16.452Z

September 1, 1934
Peculiar Penguins is Released
Everyone knows Mickey and Minnie and Donald and Daisy. There's Belle and the Beast and Lady and Tramp, but what about Peter and Polly Penguin? These two early Disney sweethearts appeared in the Silly Symphony Peculiar Penguins, which first waddled into theaters on this day in 1934. This full-color tale of the black and white creatures seemed like a perfect topic for an animated short. After all, as the lyrics in the film's song state, "For the penguin is a very funny creature. After seeing one, I know you can't deny. For there's nothing so peculiar than a penguin, unless it's you and I." Out of the 50 million penguins in this colony, this story focuses on Peter and Polly and their wintry antics on Penguin Island. The adorable couple, who wed by the film's end, never received another starring role, but if you take a close look at the audience in the 1936 cartoon short Mickey's Polo Team, you'll see the newlyweds observing the game.

1875:
Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan and one of the great pioneers of modern science fiction, is born in Chicago, Illinois.

Burroughs was a soldier, business executive, gold miner, cowboy, storekeeper, and policeman before he turned to writing as a career. He wrote more than 20 novels depicting the adventures of Tarzan. After the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, he wrote a letter to Walt Disney about the possibility of making his creation into an animated feature. His work eventually did become the inspiration for Disney's 1999 animated feature Tarzan and later a Disney produced Broadway stage musical.
Burroughs also wrote popular science fiction and fantasy stories involving Earthly adventurers and Martians. In the early twentieth century, Burroughs compiled a glossary of the terms used in these novels. In 1957, Walt Disney created an animated version of it for his "Mars and Beyond" TV episode.

Today Burroughs even has a large crater on Mars named for him!

1910:
Disney Legend Cyril James is born in South Wales. He will become known as Roy O. Disney's British counterpart because of his business genius and skill at handling all of the financial and administrative affairs for Walt Disney Productions, Ltd., in London, England.

1925:
The Paramount Theater in Los Angeles previews Disney's Alice comedy film Alice the Jail Bird.

1934:
Walt and Lillian Disney return home to Los Angeles from a trip to Hawaii aboard the Matson liner SS Malolo. (When built in 1926, the Malolo was the largest, technically advanced and most luxurious cruise liner to be built in the United States.)

1939:
Disney's Donald Duck cartoon The Autograph Hound is released. While trying to collect autographs at a Hollywood studio, Donald meets a number of movie stars (Greta Garbo, Mickey Rooney, Sonja Heine, The Ritz Brothers, Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, Charlie McCarthy, Joe E. Lewis, Katherine Hepburn, and Groucho & Harpo Marx) and one very irritated security guard.

1944:
Disney's The Plastics Inventor, starring Donald Duck, is released. In this short, directed by Jack King, Donald decides to build an airplane with instructions from a radio show.

1950:
The Disney animated short Hook, Lion and Sinker is released. Directed by Jack Hannah, Louie the Mountain Lion attempts to steal the prizes from Donald Duck's fishing expedition.

1956:
The publication American Home runs the article "Rare Antiques In Disneyland" along with a dozen photos.

1989:
Disneyland welcomes Claudine Masson, its 300-millionth guest! It has taken 34 years to accomplish this feat. From Chatearoux, France, the 28-year-old Claudine is the first international visitor to become an attendance milestone guest.

1993:
Disney announces that AT&T has renewed its sponsorship of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Center in the Walt Disney World Resort. (Spaceship Earth was originally sponsored by the Bell System from 1982 until 1984. When Bell was broken up into smaller companies in 1984, its parent company, AT&T became its own independent company and began sponsoring Spaceship Earth. It will continue to do so until 2004 - when Siemens picks up sponsorship.)

1998:
Walt Disney Records releases Disney's Greatest Pop Hits: A Decade Of Radio Singles. The 15 tracks include performances by Elton John, Vanessa Wiliiams, Michael Bolton, and Donna Summer.

2000:
Pooh's Hunny Hunt, an attraction at Tokyo Disneyland, has a soft opening. A more elaborate version than its Walt Disney World counterpart, guests ride in large hunny pot vehicles through the pages of a giant storybook.

2002:
The Disney Poster Book by Tony Anselmo - the voice of Donald Duck who originally joined Disney as an animator - is published by Hyperion Press.

2003:
Disney Treasures, a unique treasure trove of nostalgia by Robert Tieman from Disney Editions, is released in bookstores.

Tokyo Disneyland presents "Blazing Rhythms," a spectacular nightly show, through September 19.

2005:
Disney Editions releases Ridley Pearson's The Kingdom Keepers, the first in a series of novels. This suspense thriller, subtitled Disney After Dark, is about five teenagers who end up inside Disney World after dark, and must solve a riddle in order to save the park from the dark side of Walt Disney's imagination.

Pooh's Playful Spot, a playground for 2-5 year-olds, opens in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

2006:
The Tom Joyner Family Reunion kicks off its annual gathering (for the next 4 days) at
Walt Disney World.

Second-grader Whitney Hamilton wins a trip for four to Walt Disney World as part of the American Heart Association’s "Jump Rope for Heart" program. A student at Deer Creek Prairie Vale Elementary School in Oklahoma, she was chosen out of all students who raised more than $150 to help cure heart disease in a five-state area. Whitney raised close to $200 as a first-grade student last term.

2007:
Epcot re-opens the film O Canada (a Circle-Vision 360° movie in the Canada Pavilion). It is an updated version hosted by Martin Short. Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with the Canadian Tourism Commission to revise the film, which now includes new orchestration and images, and Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila singing the music of "O Canada!"

2008:
Don LaFontaine, the highly sought-after voice-over artist often referred to as "Thunder Throat" and "The Voice of God," passes away at age 68 in Los Angeles. During his career, La Fontaine recorded over 5,000 movie trailers and over 350,000 television commercials, network promotions, and video game trailers. His Disney credits include the animated series Fillmore! and the feature Meet the Robinsons.

August 31

2010-08-31T08:13:05.664Z

August 31, 1935
Pluto's Judgement Day is Released
The natural instinct of a dog is to chase cats, particularly animated dogs such as Pluto. In the Mickey Mouse cartoon short Pluto's Judgement Day, released on this day in 1935, Disney's hero hound might have chased his last cat. When his master Mickey Mouse scolds him for chasing an adorable little kitten, Pluto takes it to heart and his conscience gets the best of him when he falls asleep and dreams it is his judgement day, complete with all-cat judge, jury and witnesses. When he awakens from his near CATastrophic dark and sinister nightmare, his attitude has CATapulted in the opposite direction. Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons TV series once said specifically about Pluto's Judgement Day, "Pain, torture, humiliation and a happy ending. That's what children's entertainment is about."

1834:
Italian composer Amilcare Ponchielli is born Paderno Fasolaro, Italy. His ballet Dance of the Hours - from his opera La Gioconda - is featured in Disney's 1940 Fantasia. The Dance of the Hours includes animated ostriches, hippos, elephants, & alligators all attempting to perform the actual ballet! (The segment is animated with an energy and franticness rarely seen in Disney films.)

1903:
One of the great pioneers of animation, Hugh Harman is born in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He first worked at Walt Disney's studio (in Kansas City) in the early days on the Alice Comedies and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit films. Harman, a self-taught animator, went on to start the Warner Brothers and in 1939 the MGM animation studios with early Disney animator/partner Rudolf Ising.

Walt Disney, Hugh Harman, Rudy Ising, Ub Iwerks

Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks, Rudy Ising, and Hugh Harman

1924:
Buddy Hackett, famed comedian, actor and 2003 Disney Legend honoree is born Leonard Hacker in Brooklyn, New York. He portrayed Tennessee Steinmetz in the 1969 live-action feature The Love Bug and supplied the voice for Scuttle the seagull in both the 1989 The Little Mermaid and the 2000 direct-to-video sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. (Fans know Hackett from such films as The Music Man, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and Scrooged and from countless TV appearances.)

1928:
Academy Award-winning actor James Coburn, the voice of Henry J. Waternoose in the 2001 Monsters, Inc. is born in Laurel, Nebraska. He also appeared in the 2002 live-action feature Snow Dogs as James 'Thunder Jack' Johnson.

Film fans will know him from such action classics as The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape.

1935:
The Disney cartoon Pluto's Judgement Day, directed by David Hand, is released.

1938:
Walt and Roy Disney place a $10,000 deposit on a 51-acre tract on Buena Vista Street in Burbank, California. They will use this land to build a new modern studio. The success of Snow White has enabled the Disney brothers to purchase the $100,000 property from the Burbank Dept. of Water and Power. (Construction will begin in 1939.)

1948:
Walt Disney circulates a memo in his studio describing ideas for an amusement park, which he calls "Mickey Mouse Park." He and Ward Kimball have recently returned from a trip to the Chicago Railroad Fair and Henry Ford's Greenfield Village ... and Walt has many ideas.

"In 1948 I drew up plans to create my own amusement park across the street from Disney Studios - a Mickey Mouse Park. It wouldn't be like the other parks. Instead, it would be clean and inviting to both children and adults. Eleven acres of land was purchased on Riverside Drive across from the studios, but the Burbank city fathers couldn't understand what we were trying to do, and they didn't want another filthy amusement park within their city limits. So, I dropped the plans for the Mickey Mouse Park but I didn't give up on the idea. In the next few years, I visited attractions all over the world and took notes on features I liked the best. I sent artists to my favorite locations and had them sketch buildings, train stations, and street scenes. Other artists were sent to parks to study crowd management. What we were doing was building expertise that would enable our dream for a new and unique type of park to come true. "

-Walt E. Disney

1964:
The Dapper Dans - Disneyland's barbershop harmony group - sing at the ground-breaking ceremony for the 24-million dollar Anaheim Stadium (the new home for baseball's California Angels). In front of 4,000 guests and dignitaries, the Dapper Dans sing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" with Mrs. Jack Norworth, the widow (Jack's 5th wife) of the composer.

The stadium will be ready for the 1966 season.

1965:
The U.S. Forest Service announces it has received six bids to develop a ski resort on Mineral King in California. A $35 million proposal from Disney is one of two leading candidates. Disney's proposal includes up to 27 chair lifts (with capacity for 11,400 seats per hour), hotels for up to 3,000 guests, and ten-story underground parking for 3,600 cars. (The resort will never be built.)

1970:
Singer/songwriter & actress Deborah Gibson, who in 1997 played Belle in the Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast for nine months, is born in Brooklyn, New York (though she will grow up on Long Island). As a teen pop icon in the 1980s, Gibson was the youngest person to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit single (in the U.S.) with her song "Foolish Beat."

1973:
After nearly 40 years with the Company, Ward Kimball retired to travel with his wife, Betty, and work on his famed Grizzly Flats Railroad.

1985:
At 5:00 PM, the Walt Disney World Resort closes, due to advancing Hurricane Elena! The eye of Elena will remain essentially stationary this day off the Florida coast (near the town of Cedar Key) but will continue to intensify. The fifth tropical storm, fourth hurricane, and first major hurricane of the season, Elena first developed near Cuba from a tropical wave.

1990:
Disney's Hollywood Records releases the debut album from a new pop group called The Party. The group consists of Albert Fields, Tiffini Hale, Chase Hampton, Deedee Magno, and Damon Pampolina ... all cast members of Disney Channel's The All New Mickey Mouse Club. The name "The Party" is an acronym for "Positive Attitude Reflecting Today's Youth."

1998:
The syndicated show Disney's Hercules premieres on TV with the episode "Hercules and the Apollo Mission."

2001:
The Lizzie McGuire episode "Lizzie Strikes Out" debuts on Disney Channel.

2004:
Disney's The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride Special Edition DVD is released.

"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour kicks off at Walt Disney World. America's first-ever eight-time medalist Michael Phelps and his gold medalist teammates Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker meet and swim with young American swimming stars of tomorrow. (After a 12-city run, the tour will finish up at the Disneyland Resort in California.)

2005:
The Walt Disney Company announces it will pledge $2.5 million to aid relief and rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

2007:
L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, located in the Italy Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, closes. (The restaurant will later re-open as Tutto Italia.)
L' Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante was created by the direct descendants of Alfredo di Lelio, the inventor of Fettuccini Alfredo!

L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante at Yesterland ;width:100%;wrap:false;" width="500" height="500" style="display:block;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;" class="igm" />

Epcot's new "O Canada" film has a soft-preview.

Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour opens in Lakeland, Florida. Based on the plot of both High School Musical and its sequel High School Musical 2, it is co-produced by Kenny Ortega.

2008:
John Lucas of Eugene, Oregon, wins the Third Annual Disneyland Half Marathon. Lucas, a marketing specialist for a sports apparel company, crosses the finish line first with a Disneyland Half Marathon record time of 1:08:05 (exactly two minutes faster
than the 2007 winning time), leading the field of an estimated 13,500 participants.

2009:
The Walt Disney Company announces that it is buying Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion. Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Publisher Martin Goodman founded the company later known as "Marvel Comics" under the name "Timely Publications" back in 1939.

"This transaction combines Marvel's strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney's creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories."

-Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company

August 30

2010-08-30T03:28:15.039Z

August 30, 1908
Fred MacMurray, First Disney Legend, is Born
On this day in 1908, Hollywood legend Fred MacMurray was born in Kankakee, Illinois. As a saxophone-playing musician, Fred first came to Hollywood in the 1920s, which led to a career that spanned more than 50 years and 50 films, including Double Indemnity and The Apartment. Fans of 1960s television best remember Fred as Steven Douglas, the father on My Three Sons. In 1959, Fred began an association with Disney when he starred in The Shaggy Dog and continued to appear in an additional half dozen Disney films including The Absent-Minded Professor, Follow Me, Boys! and The Happiest Millionaire. In 1987, a television movie, The Return of the Shaggy Dog, was about to be released, so to help promote the film, Disney paid tribute to the star of the original version of the film, naming Fred a Disney Legend at a ceremony at the Disney studios in Burbank. When then Disney President and CEO Michael Eisner learned of the proposed publicity stunt, he felt the ceremony should have more meaning, and the Disney Legends award program was born.

His Disney credits include The Shaggy Dog (1959), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), Bon Voyage (1962), Son of Flubber (1963), Follow Me, Boys! (1966), and The Happiest Millionaire (1967). TV fans will recognize MacMurray as Steve Douglas from the classic sitcom My Three Sons (which ran from 1960-1972).Fred MacMurray was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1962 for his role in The Absent-Minded Professor.

In 1987 MacMurray will be the very first recipient of the Disney Legends award.

Click Here to see the Fred MacMurray page at the Disney Legends section of this site!

1936:
The first comic strip entirely devoted to Donald Duck debuts in newspapers. Prior to this Donald has only appeared in the Silly Symphonies Sunday pages. (Donald will get a daily strip in 1938.)

1938:
Actor Don Pedro Colley is born in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His Disney credits include the 1974 Herbie Rides Again and the 1973 The World's Greatest Athlete (as Morumba). Sci-Fi fans of the 1970 feature Beneath the Planet of the Apes know Colley for his role of Ongaro.

1940:
Disney's short Pluto's Dream House is released. Mickey Mouse finds a magic lamp that builds Pluto a doghouse!

1943:
Walt Disney is awarded (along with other notable Hollywood celebrities) the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle at a ceremony held at the National Palace in Mexico. The medal is given to luminaries as a reward for services to humankind or Mexico.

1987:
The Wonderful World of Disney airs "Disney's Fluppy Dogs."

1994:
A ground-breaking ceremony for Disney's Wedding Pavilion takes place at Disney World. The Victorian-theme structure will be nestled on its own private island in the Seven Seas Lagoon between the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts. The non-denominational chapel will seat up to 300 guests and will have the ability to host up to 6 ceremonies per day.

Disney's Wedding Pavilion will open July 15, 1995.

1995:
Ground is broken for Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort.

Set around a 15-acre lake, it will be themed to regions of Mexico and the American Southwest and be Disney's first moderately priced convention hotel. Coronado Springs will have its grand opening August 1, 1997.

1996:
Walt Disney Pictures releases the comedy First Kid, starring Sinbad and Brock Pierce.

2001:
The Disney Cruise Line celebrates its one-millionth guest family!

2005:
Disney releases the direct-to-video Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch.

The film is an interquel - being the direct sequel to the 2002 Disney feature film Lilo & Stitch but taking place before the events of Stitch! The Movie. It is the only film in the series without actress Daveigh Chase - the voice of Lilo.

2007:
Disneyland guests experience the newest version of ASIMO at the Honda ASIMO Theater inside the Innoventions attraction. With the ability to run nearly 4 miles per hour, the all-new ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot interacts with a live host in a new 15-minute show.

2009:
After playing a total of 50 previews and 684 performances, Disney's Broadway musical The Little Mermaid gives its final performance at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre at 3PM. A national tour is expected to launch in fall 2010.

August 29

2010-08-29T08:00:04.019Z

August 29, 1955
Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant Opens in Fantasyland at Disneyland
Ahoy mateys! On this day in 1955, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant officially opened in Disneyland, where the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction appears today. There was something for people of all ages aboard the Pirate Ship. Children loved to explore the craft, and the detail and beauty were a marvel to adults — a perfect spot for family photos. It wasn't unusual to find a pirate or even Peter Pan or Captain Hook inhabiting the stationary vessel. Of course there was good eating onboard, too, with Chicken of the Sea as the sponsor. Not only did Disneyland guests enjoy the Pirate Ship, it was very special to cast members, as well. Peggy Rose, who worked at Disneyland for more than 20 years, recently shared her memories of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship during the time she worked in the Character Department. "To me, the pirate ship was as iconic a part of Fantasyland as Sleeping Beauty Castle or King Arthur Carrousel. Going there to do our "sets" was like walking into Never Land. Kids loved the sense of adventure it invited and adults loved the great tuna salad. There was even a parrot named Paco in a cage who talked — a REAL parrot! Somewhere I think I still have one of his feathers."

1891:
Joyce Clyde Hall, businessman and founder of Hallmark Cards, is born in David City, Nebraska. Interestingly, Hall will later only live about a mile away from Walt Disney in Kansas City, Missouri ... though the two won't meet until they begin doing business together in 1931!

"They (Hall & Disney) became good friends who shared a passion for art, creativity, and visionary ideas."
- Don Hall, Jr. (grandson of J.C. Hall and CEO of Hallmark)

1905:
Cartoonist and Disney Legend Al Taliaferro is born Charles Alfred Taliaferro in Montrose, Colorado. He'll be hired by Disney in 1931 as an animator, but later move to the comic book department where he'll letter the Mickey Mouse strips. Starting in 1938, Taliaferro will begin drawing the Daily Donald Duck comic strips - which will greatly contribute to the development of the character. He'll draw Donald until his death in 1969. Today Taliaferro is best known as the first artist of Donald Duck newspaper comics (which were distributed by King Features Syndicate).

The Daily Donald: August 29, 1939

Donald Duck by Al Taliaferro [1934] - The Wise Little Hen ;width:100%;wrap:false;" width="500" height="500" style="display:block;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;" class="igm" />

1964:
Disney's Mary Poppins, starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns is generally released. Based on a series of children's books by P. L. Travers, the film features music by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman.

1971:
Actress Carla Gugino is born in Sarasota, Florida. Her Disney credits include Race to Witch Mountain and Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco. (Fans of the Spy Kids trilogy will recognize her as Ingrid Cortez.)

1977:
All 12 New Mouseketeers depart from LAX Airport bound for Florida (where they will appear at Walt Disney World for 4 days).

1982:
At Disneyland, Peter Pan's Flight closes for extensive remodeling. (It will reopen in May 1983.)

1989:
Disney announces an agreement-in-principle with Jim Henson to acquire the merchandising, licensing, and publishing rights to the Muppets.
(Sadly, Henson will suddenly pass away in May 1990 causing the deal to temporarily end the following December.)

1992:
British children's author Mary Norton passes away in Devon, England. Her first book - "The Magic Bed Knob; or, How to Become a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons" published in 1943, and the sequel "Bonfires and Broomsticks" - became the basis for Disney's 1971 live-action feature Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

2008:
Passengers on the August 28-31 sailing of the Disney Wonder cruise ship experience a “Hollywood-style, red-carpet” event with the premiere of the new Disney Channel television series - "The Suite Life on Deck."
A spin-off of Disney’s popular “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” passengers get a sneak peak at the first episode and a question-and-answer session with cast members.

Starting this day, Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre presents a digitally restored version of Disney's 1958 Sleeping Beauty.
Guests can view this animated classic in wide-screen through September 18.

Direct from the Beijing Games where he won a record eight Gold Medals, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrates his unprecedented achievement with an all-American homecoming parade in his honor at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. (This is the second such event for Phelps who was also honored following the 2004 Summer Games.)

August 28

2010-08-28T08:42:58.610Z

August 28, 1957
Perri is Released
On this day in 1957, an attractive female from Utah emerged as Disney's latest star in the live-action film Perri. The Academy Award-nominated film tells the story of the trials and tribulations of the title character, a tiny pine squirrel. Filmed by a dozen naturalists over a two-year period in the forests of Utah and Wyoming, this film was touted by Walt Disney himself as a True-Life Fantasy, because it utilized footage of the critters in nature set to a fictional tale. Perri can be seen as a relative of Bambi, because both films were based on books written by Felix Salten. Although Perri speaks nary a word, poetic narration, a beautiful musical score and three songs helped dramatically convey the powerful story. While the film was a great success, this was the final film for this Disney star, because, according to a clever Disney representative of the time, "She's under exclusive contract to nature."

1891:
Illustrator Ferdinand Horvath is born in Budapest, Hungary. He will join Disney's staff in the early 1930s and work as sketch artist, idea man, and model creator. Horvath's credits will include the shorts The Cookie Carnival and The Band Concert, and the feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. He will leave Disney in 1937 and go on to work for Columbia, Screen Gems, and Paramount's Puppetoons.

"One of the two finest illustrators to have worked for Disney during the thirties."
-comic strip artist Carl Barks remembering Ferdinand Horvath

1928:
Disney's Mickey Mouse film Gallopin' Gaucho (the second film featuring Mickey to be produced, following Plane Crazy) is previewed in Los Angeles, California. The short is a parody of Douglas Fairbanks's The Gaucho, a film first released in November 1927. Due to a lack of interest, Gallopin' Gaucho won't be fully released till after both Steamboat Willie and Plane Crazy have been released, making it the third Mickey Mouse short (released with sound on December 30, 1928).

1929:
The Mickey Mouse short Mickey's Follies is released. Mickey and the barnyard animals put on a show that includes dancing ducks, opera singing by Patricia Pig, and Mickey's own rendition of his theme song, "Minnie's Yoo Hoo." Written by Walt Disney and Carl Stalling, it is the first performance of "Minnie's Yoo-Hoo."

1957:
Disney's animated 15-minute film The Truth About Mother Goose is released along with the family film Perri. Based on Felix Salten's 1938 book of the same name, Perri is Disney's fifth feature entry in their True Life Adventures series, and the only one to be labeled a True Life Fantasy. The film tells the story of a young female squirrel who learns about forest life, and finds a mate in Porro, a male squirrel.

Mother Goose takes viewers behind the scenes of 3 classic rhymes - "Little Jack Horner," "Mary Mary Quite Contrary," and "London Bridge." It will be nominated for an Academy Award.

Click to watch: Part 1 or Part 2

1982:
Grammy Award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes, who was chosen to sing "Remember When" Disneyland's anthem song for its 50th Anniversary Celebration, is born Margaret LeAnn Rimes in Jackson, Mississippi. The song was featured as part of the "Remember … Dreams Come True" fireworks spectacular presented throughout the 18-month anniversary celebration.

"Remember When," written by Richard Marx, also appears on The Official Album of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. A country pop singer and songwriter, Rimes' debut single "Blue" was released when she was only 13 years old. By the age of 24 she had sold over 37 million albums!

YouTube Video

1989:
At Disney-MGM Studios Jim Henson (who is making a special appearance to announce his pending partnership with the Walt Disney Company) and Kermit the Frog leave their imprints & signatures on the courtyard of The Great Movie Ride.

1990:
Mother Goose Stories, a television show combining live-action child actors with elaborate puppets from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, debuts in the U.S. on the Disney Channel. It is the company's first new television series to debut after the death of Jim Henson.

1991:
Actor & rapper Kyle Massey - Cory Baxter of Disney Channel's That's So Raven and Cory in the House - is born in Atlanta, Georgia.
He is also known for starring in the Disney Channel Original Movie Life is Ruff. As a rapper, Massey has released several songs for Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records including "Underdog Raps" which charted and "It's A Dog" for the Life is Ruff soundtrack.

1994:
The Art of Disney shop opens in the Disney Village Marketplace at Walt Disney World.

2001:
Disney releases The Hunchback of Notre Dame II, direct-to-video and DVD.

Disney's Broadway show Beauty and the Beast celebrates its 3000th performance in New York City.

2003:
A test run of the Magic Kingdom's newest attraction Mickey's Philharmagic takes place at Walt Disney World.

Lucky the Dinosaur, the first Audio-Animatronic figure to walk freely and interact with park guests, is introduced at Disney's California Adventure as a test.

2005:
The comedy film Bob the Butler premieres on Disney Channel. Tom Green plays Bob, an incompetent man, who decides to get a job as a manservant.

2007:
The Walt Disney World Resort contributes $1 million to the Downtown Orlando Entrepreneur Center, which has been renamed The Disney Entrepreneur Center.
(First founded in 2003, the center provides a single location where small businesses can access a variety of business resources, technology, and research tools.)

2009:
Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show kicks off an 8-month tour in Canton, Ohio.

Disney Channel debuts Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie. Some 11 million viewers tune in, making the film the most-watched show on any network, broadcast or cable, during its two-hour run.

August 27

2010-08-27T06:33:59.364Z

August 27, 1943
Reason and Emotion is Released
During World War II, Walt Disney Productions published "Dispatch From Disney's" for Disney employees in the military. In the first issue, Walt wrote, "Here is news of our effort to back you up, along with glimpses of familiar faces and happenings." He explained how Disney's animated war film work on behalf of U.S. forces was proving the important role it could play to help solve major problems. It was also in this publication that animators Joe Grant and Dick Huemer wrote an article that discussed some of the war films, including the Academy Award-nominated Reason and Emotion, which was released on this day in 1943. The article explains, "We set out to show the importance of submitting enemy alarmist propaganda to the powers of reason within our minds, rather than allowing the emotion to be swayed and thrown into subsequent panic. According to this reasoning, if the German people had not allowed themselves to be overwhelmed by diabolical Nazi appeals to their primitive emotions and had only permitted their reasoning power full sway, there probably would be no Nazi party today. " The cartoon humorously demonstrates this theory and takes viewers inside the animated heads of various people, to depict the primitive and caveman-like "Emotion" and the proper and intellectual "Reason." Inside the man, we see Emotion literally get behind the wheel of the driver's seat when he sees a pretty woman. Inside the woman, we see Emotion take the driver's seat when she sees some appealing food. We also see Emotion take the driver's seat in the head of a German man listening to Hitler. The film concludes that Reason and Emotion can work together and will work best with Reason seated firmly in the driver's seat. As Joe and Dick wrote, "But if we can get people to think about those two little fellows up there in their heads, and have them ask themselves, 'Wait a minute — who's driving?' Whenever a crisis comes along, we will again feel that we have contributed something to the war effort. Perhaps something that no other medium could have managed so well."

1908:
Lyndon Baines Johnson, the thirty-sixth United States President, is born near Stonewall, Texas. In 1964 he will present Walt Disney with the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil honor. Four years later Johnson will present a Congressional Gold Medal to Walt's widow in honor of his distinguished public service. Visit President Johnson and all the U.S. Chief Executives at Disney World's The Hall of Presidents.

1934:
Fifteen months after its release, Disney's short Three Little Pigs has grossed $150,000.

1943:
The Disney short Reason and Emotion is released. A World War II propaganda short, it studies the conflict in the mind between Reason, shown to be sensible, and Emotion - shown to be primitive and out of control. Animated by Ward Kimball and Ollie Johnson, It will be nominated for an Oscar.

1948:
The Donald Duck short Inferior Decorator, directed by Jack Hannah, is released. It features the debut appearance of a bee named Spike (also known as Buzz-Buzz).

1950:
Funnyman/actor Charles Fleischer - best known as the voice of Roger Rabbit - is born in Washington, D.C. Actually, he is the voice of both Roger Rabbit and Benny The Cab in Disney & Amblin Entertainment's 1988 live action/animated hybrid film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Fleischer also portrays Crazy Larry who can be spotted on the TV monitors as you wait in line for Walt Disney World's Space Mountain. His Disney TV credits include House of Mouse, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and the Disney Channel movie Genius. Fleischer also supplied the voice of Quiz Challenge Host for "Walt Disney World Explorer," a 1996 interactive computer game.

1952:
Paul Reubens (a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman), the voice of REX the Star Tours pilot for the Star Tours theme park attractions, is born in Peekskill, New York. Reubens' credits also include the voices of Fife for Disney's animated feature Beauty and the Beast, Dennis in Teacher's Pet and Lock in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

1955:
The Mickey Mouse Club Theatre opens in Disneyland's Fantasyland.
The theatre will present various Disney cartoons, and at one point be the home to the 3D Jamboree featuring the multi-dimensional Mouseketeers in color. (In 1964, it will be renamed the Fantasyland Theatre.)

1963:
Harry James (popular band leader & trumpet virtuoso) and his orchestra perform at Disneyland for the first of a six-day engagement.

1964:
Disney's live-action and animated film Mary Poppins has a lavish world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The comedy-musical stars Julie Andrews (who will win an Academy Award for Best Actress) and Dick Van Dyke. (The film will also win Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Song, and Best Special Visual Effect.) Some of Hollywood's biggest stars, like Angie Dickinson, George Hamilton, Angela Lansbury, Carl Reiner, and Debbie Reynolds are in attendance. After the screening (and a 5-minute standing ovation) the audience moves on to an elegant party hosted by the Technicolor Corporation.

"Practically perfect people never permit sentiment to muddle their thinking."
-Mary Poppins (World Premiere This Day in Disney History 1964)

1968:
Disney turns down the final attempt of master animator Bill Tytla (noted for his animation of Grumpy in Snow White) to get his old job back. Tytla even offers to work on spec on a test to get back in - but unfortunately there isn't enough work at this time for even the current animators at Disney. He had resigned from the Disney Studio back on February 24, 1943. (Sadly, Tytla will pass away in December at age 64.)

1993:
Disney's Hollywood Studios releases Father Hood a comedy-drama starring Patrick Swayze and Halle Berry.

1998:
Town Square Exhibition Hall - which houses the Camera Center (hosted by Kodak) - opens in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

2002:
Walt Disney Records releases Monsters Inc. Scream Factory Favorites, featuring Riders in the Sky.

2006:
The top 10 water parks in the U.S. are announced. Disney World's Blizzard Beach (at number 6) and Typhoon Lagoon (at number 9) are included on the select list.

2009:
After beating out hundreds of applicants from more than a dozen countries, Kyle Post and Stacey Doornbos (from New York City) begin the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 67 Days of Smiles. Named Orlando’s Smile Ambassadors, the duo are awarded $25,000, put up in a luxury condo at The Paramount on Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, and are provided with a Dollar Rent A Car. Kyle and Stacey will experiene more than 120 Orlando attractions and events; produce hundreds of tweets, Facebook updates & pictures, and write more than 160 blog posts before serving as Grand Marshalls in a parade at the Magic Kingdom on November 1. (The Orlando CVB created the Smile Ambassador positions to launch their social media sites and showcase the diversity of experiences Orlando has to offer.)

August 26

2010-08-26T08:26:46.500Z

August 26, 1949
Tennis Racquet is Released
It was on this day in 1949 that movie theaters first served the Goofy cartoon short Tennis Racquet. Throughout the years, Goofy has been depicted in many styles and sporting different looks, including the married Mr. Geef. Tennis Racquet featured a brown, earless version of Goofy as announcer, spectators, players and the maintenance man. The "Goofy" look is different, the voice is different, yet it was enough to qualify this featurette as a "Goofy" cartoon short. However, if you listen closely to the beginning of the short, you'll hear one of the Goofys, in his original voice, singing the song that had become his theme, "The World Owes Me a Living."

1918:
A young Walt Disney forges his parents' signatures to enlist in the American Ambulance Corps (part of the Red Cross). He changes his birth from 1901 to 1900.

The summer of 1918 was the best that Walt had known. His hours for the post office were long, but there was no drudgery to the work, and he was outdoors most of the time. At night he took girls from McKinley High School to movies and vaudeville shows.

For the first time in his life, Walt had enough money to indulge himself, and he contemplated buying a movie camera or a canoe. A girl friend urged him to buy a canoe, but he decided on the camera. He mounted it on a tripod in an alley and photographed himself in imitations of Charlie Chaplin. To please his friend, he joined another boy in buying an inexpensive canoe; it was so small and unwieldy that he and the girl were swept out into the lake on a windy Sunday.

By late summer, the Allies had stopped the Germans in the second battle of the Marne, and Marshal Foch bad ordered a counterattack. Walt grew more impatient to get in uniform, telling his parents, "I don't want my grandchildren asking me, 'Why weren't you in the war? Were you a slacker?' " The Navy had transferred Roy to Charleston, South Carolina, then assigned him to voyages between New York and France. Ray Disney had joined the Army. Walt wanted to take part in the same adventure; he couldn't conceive of returning to high school for another year. A friend at the post office, Russell Maas, shared his feelings. They decided to cross the border and enlist in the Canadian Army, which accepted younger recruits. Their plot was thwarted when Russell's mother discovered his packed suitcase; her son admitted the plan and she warned Flora Disney. One day Russell arrived at the post office and told Walt excitedly. "There' s something forming here that you and I can get into. It's a volunteer group called the American Ambulance Corps, part of the Red Cross. They need drivers, and they're not fussy about how old you are."

At noon, the two young men hurried to the headquarters of the American Red Cross. They learned the age limit for ambulance unit volunteers was seventeen. Both were sixteen, but they falsified their ages and applied as the St. John brothers, Russell and Walter. The ruse succeeded until the applications for passports which required their parents' signatures. Walt was forced to disclose his plan to his parents. "I will not sign any permission" Elias Disney declared. "It's signing a death warrant for my son."

Flora Disney argued that three of their sons had left the family home by stealth and she didn't want Walter to go the same way. "The boy is determined," she said "I would rather sign this and know where he is than have him run off."

"Well, you can sign it for me---I won't!" Elias replied, and he stalked from the room. Flora forged his name on the passport application, and Walt altered his birth date to read "1900." He and Russell Maas returned to the Red Cross, and their applications were accepted. The two boys received uniforms and reported to a tent encampment at a burned-down amusement park near the University of Chicago. Mechanics from the Yellow Cab Company taught them how to repair motors and drive cars over rough terrain.

Click here to read the complete story or visit: http://tinyurl.com/2vouzaj

1940:
Voice actor Don LaFontaine is born in Duluth, Minnesota. During his career, La Fontaine will recording over 5,000 movie trailers and over 350,000 television commercials, network promotions, and video game trailers. His Disney credits will include the animated series Fillmore! and the feature Meet the Robinsons.

1948:
Walt Disney and animator Ward Kimball (both railroad enthusiasts) return to the Studio after a 10-day trip visiting the Chicago Railroad Fair and Henry Ford's Greenfield Village. The Railroad Fair in Illinois, an event celebrating 100 years of railroad history west of Chicago, features locomotives, and various lands including - Vacationland, an Indian Village, a New Orleans section, a Gold Gulch (frontier section) with a haunted house and opera house, as well as shows and a nightly fireworks display. Henry Ford's Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, features four centuries of historic buildings (moved from their original locations) and laid out in an old fashioned Main Street design. The Wright Brothers' bicycle shop and Thomas Edison's laboratory are part of the impressive collection of buildings that Ford has assembled. Walt will be greatly influenced by what he has experienced on this trip. (The Chicago Railroad Fair was a one-time event, but Greenfield Village continues to offer visitors a trip back to the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s past.)

1951:
Walt Disney tells journalist & animation historian John Culhane: "The most important aim of any of the fine arts, is to get a purely emotional response from the beholder."

1979:
The Wonderful World of Disney airs part 1 of "The Sky's the Limit" on NBC.

1990:
Retta Scott, the first woman to receive screen credit as an animator at Walt Disney Studios, passes away in Foster City, California. First hired in 1938, her Bambi work includes the vicious hunting dogs in the sequence where the dogs pursue Faline and fight with Bambi. Scott also worked on Fantasia, Dumbo, and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. She will be named a Disney Legend in 2000.

"Retta had an astounding ability to draw powerful animals. She seemed to have a keen understanding of their moods and attitudes."
-animator Frank Thomas

"Retta had been a student at Chouinard’s and she used to go with us on our drawing trips. She could draw as well as any man. One of the things she did on Bambi was a bunch of hound dogs which was very powerful and frightening."
-animator Marc Davis

1994:
Disney's Hollywood Pictures releases the comedy Camp Nowhere starring Jonathan Jackson, Christopher Lloyd, Melody Kay, Andrew Keegan, Marne Patterson, and Jessica Alba (in her first film role).

2003:
Buena Vista Records/Hollywood Records releases Hilary Duff's second album Metamorphosis - which features the single "So Yesterday."

2005:
Disney Legend Fred Joerger, a master model maker who helped create Disneyland's look by molding three-dimensional models of the Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Haunted Mansion, and other attractions, passes away at age 91. Walt Disney handpicked Joerger back in 1953 to become one of his first three model makers. Joerger also built miniature sets and props for Disney motion pictures, including Mary Poppins, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

" Guys like Fred (Joerger) were kind of the heroes of the next generation of Imagineers."
-Kevin Rafferty (senior show writer and director at Walt Disney Imagineering)

2006:
Thousands of fans, along actor with Kyle Massey of That's So Raven, gather at Toonfest 2006 held at Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The first official fan fest dedicated to the family-friendly game - Disney's Toontown Online - features contests, games and a parade.

2007:
Hollywood Records recording artist & actress Hilary Duff co-hosts the seventh annual Teen Choice Awards, broadcast on FOX-TV.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End wins for Choice Movie: Action Adventure, and High School Musical 2 scores for Choice TV: Movie.

Disney Channel debuts "First Day of High School," the 75th episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Also premiering - two episodes of As the Bell Rings (based on Quelli dell'Intervallo, a series that airs in Italy) about the lives of six friends and their tween issues.

2008:
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning is released on DVD, as is Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD.

Disney opens its newest exhibit - a hurricane simulator at Epcot which aims to teach visitors how to better protect their homes ahead of dangerous storms. Meteorologists and emergency management experts are among the first to experience the exhibit in the morning before it is opened to the public later in the afternoon.

2009:
A keel laying ceremony is held for the Disney Dream in Papenburg, Germany, where the new ship is starting to come to life after a lengthy design phase. The keel laying ceremony - attended by Donald Duck - is a maritime tradition in which the first block of the ship is lowered into the building dock. Builders then place a coin under the keel for good luck. The Disney Dream is expected to set sail in 2011.

August 25

2010-08-25T18:03:17.233Z

August 25, 2006
Invincible is Released
On this day in 2006, the football film Invincible kicked off in theaters, telling the true story of coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) of the powerhouse Philadelphia Eagles, and an aspiring pro football player, Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a down-on-his-luck 30-year-old substitute teacher and bartender. When Coach Vermeil hosted an unprecedented open team tryout, the public couldn't imagine that any worthy players would be found. Nevertheless, Vince found himself on the team, inspiring them to break their 11-season losing streak. For Invincible, the NFL partnered with Disney to aid in the production and promotion of the film and to keep it as realistic as possible, and throughout the production the filmmakers consulted with the real-life Dick Vermeil and Vince Papale, who called the film "a second dream."

August 24

2010-08-24T05:56:01.964Z

August 24, 1945
The Legend of Coyote Rock is Released
Howdy folks. On this date in 1945, one of the dad-gummest legends came to the big screen in the Pluto cartoon short The Legend of Coyote Rock. Now this here tale took our hero Pluto to the great canyons to portray "man's faithful and trusted friend… the sheepdog," to watch over and protect the flock. Well, folks, nearby a certain lamb chop eating varmint was on the prowl… an old coyote named Bent-Tail. In the end, the critter's sheep-eating attempts are thwarted and the coyote met an early demise. But shucks, this is just a cartoon, so don't be feeling too sorry for old Bent-Tail, he went on to appear in a total of four cartoon shorts as well as Disney Comics.

1914:
Lieutenant Harry Colebourn (a Veterinary Officer) stops at White River Ontario, Canada, on his way to fight the ongoing war in Europe. There he purchases a small black female Canadian bear cub (for $20) and names her Winnie, after his home town of Winnipeg.

In October, his regiment will be sent to England (and ultimately France) and Colebourn will leave Winnie in the care of the London Zoo. Mascots and pets are not uncommon among the Canadian soldiers. (Writer A.A. Milne and his son Christopher will later visit the zoo ... and become fond of the bear - later known as Winnie the Pooh.)

1916:
Voice artist, writer, and actor Hal Smith is born in Petoskey, Michigan. His Disney voice credits include Philippe the horse in Beauty and the Beast, Owl in in many of the Winnie the Pooh shorts and feature films, and Goofy in countless TV cartoons. (TV fans will recognize him from his role as Otis Campbell on the classic series The Andy Griffith Show. One of the most sought after voice actors in the 1960s, Smith was the original voice of Barney Rubble!)

1942:
Disney's 6th animated feature film Saludos Amigos has its world premiere in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Set in Latin America, the film is made up of four different segments featuring Donald Duck, Goofy, and José Carioca. It also includes live-action segments showing members of the Disney staff touring South America and recording their impressions in sketches. (The film's U.S. release the following February will make it the first Disney animated feature to be shown in South America before it is screened in the USA.)

1958:
Actor Steve Guttenberg, star of the 1997 TV movie Tower of Terror - based on the Disney World attraction - is born in New York. (Film fans will know him from such classics as Diner, Cocoon, and the Police Academy series.)

1963:
Film director, animator and writer Kirk Wise is born in San Francisco, California. He's directed such Disney movies as Atlantis: The Lost Empire, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Beauty and the Beast (along with Gary Trousdale). He also co-directed Cranium Command, a short film for the Wonders of Life pavilion at Epcot.

1975:
Actor and singer Drew Sarich is born in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1999, Sarich will move to Berlin, Germany to star as Quasimodo in Disney's stage musical Der Glöckner von Notre Dame (for over 580 performances).

1978:
Trumpeter, bandleader, singer and composer Louis Prima, known for his memorable contribution to Disney's The Jungle Book, passes away in a New Orleans nursing home at age 67. Prima provided the voice of the orangutan King Louie in the Disney animated feature, and sang the film's hit song, "I Wanna Be Like You." In 1974, shortly after the release of Disney's animated Robin Hood, Prima was asked to record the Disnyland Records release Let's "Hear It" for Robin Hood. Prima narrated as well as sang two covers and six new songs. (In 1975, following headaches and episodes of memory loss, Prima sought medical attention, and sadly found out he had a stem brain tumor. His tombstone reads: "When the end comes I know they'll say just a gigolo and life goes on without me.")

1989:
In Florida, the Ewok Village opens at the entrance to the Star Tours attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

1992:
Tokyo Disneyland welcomes its 120-millionth Guest!

1994:
After months of rumors that Jeffrey Katzenberg will exit as chairman of Walt Disney Studios, the company announces he will step down in September, at the end of his contract, and that Caravan Pictures producer Joe Roth will take over.

2002:
Disney's California Adventure hosts the first ever "ABC Primetime Preview Weekend." The 2-day event inaugurates the new ABC-TV fall line-up. Actors John Ritter and Kaley Cuoco (of ABC's new show "8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter") brave a roller coaster ride together.

2004:
Actress Brooke Tansley begins rehearsals as the new Belle for Disney's Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast. She will make her debut September 14, taking over the lead role from current Belle Christy Carlson Romano.

2005:
Aly & AJ, Hollywood Records recording artists, begin a 5-day run at Disneyland. The sister pop duo will perform at the Club Buzz Stage in Tomorrowland 4 times a day.

2006:
It is reported that two white rhinos have taken their first steps on African soil after being flown into the country from Disney's Animal Kingdom to boost stocks. (The two bring the number of endangered white hinos in the country to just eight.) They were released in the Ziwa RhinoSanctuary in Nakasongola district, about 110 miles northwest of Uganda's capital Kampala after a four-day journey from their home in Florida.

August 21

2010-08-21T08:03:15.572Z

August 21, 2004
Brandy & Mr. Whiskers Animated TV Series Premieres on Disney Channel
"Who's a little like water and oil?" Well, according to the theme song, it's the title characters in Brandy & Mr. Whiskers, an animated series that premiered on the Disney Channel on this day in 2004. The series tells the tales of one silly rabbit and a pampered pooch, who fell from a plane with no parachutes and end up living together in the jungle. Mr. Whiskers is a happy-go-lucky bunny who wants to explore nature, meet other animals and sing loudly in the jungle, and is voiced by veteran voice actor and director Charlie Adler, who, according to his official bio, can be heard an average of 20 times a day all over the world. He's been a Smurf, a G.I. Joe and a Transformer, and provided the voices of Buster Bunny in Steven Spielberg's Tiny Toon Adventures, Ickis in AAAHH!!! Real Monsters and Ed and Bev Bighead in Rocko's Modern Life. Brandy is Brandy Harrington of the Florida Harringtons, a dog who only knows the finest things in the human world. Brandy's real-life voice is Kaley Cuoco, who played Bridget in the ABC comedy 8 Simple Rules and today appears as Penny in The Big Bang Theory.

1920:
In London, Daphne Milne, wife of writer A.A. Milne, gives birth to a son who the couple name Christopher Robin. (Christopher will be immortalized in his father's books
Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner.)

1921:
An 18" high Alpha Farnell teddy bear from Harrod's in London, England is given to Christopher Robin Milne on his first birthday. The bear will first be named Edward Bear before being known as Winnie-the-Pooh. (This is the exact bear that in 1987 will be put on display at The New York Public Library.)

1929:
Vance Gerry - a writer, story artist, character designer, & layout artist for Disney - is born in Pasadena, California. Gerry will study art at the Chouinard Art Institute before being hired at Walt Disney Studios in 1955 as an assistant in-betweener. His early work will include such classics as Oliver & Company, The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective, The Fox and the Hound, and The Jungle Book. In the 1990s he will work on Pocahontas, Hercules, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, and Tarzan.

"Even though he had retired from the Walt Disney Company, Vance (Gerry) continued to come into work one day a week. I do not kid you when I say Vance accomplished more in one day than the rest of us did in a week."
-Animator Floyd Norman

1931:
Disney's SIlly Symphony Egyptian Melodies is released. When a curious spider explores the creepy interior of an Egyptian tomb, it causes mummies and strange wall paintings to suddenly spring to life!

1956:
Actress Kim Cattrall, who appears in Disney's 2005 Ice Princess, is born in Liverpool, England. She is best known for role of Samantha Jones in the HBO comedy/romance series Sex and the City.

1989:
Actress Hayden Panettiere - who appears in the Disney 2005 feature Ice Princess - is born in Palisades, New York. She also supplies the voice of Suri for the Disney animated Dinosaur and the voice of Dot for Disney/Pixar's A Bug's Life.

1995:
The PeopleMover (sponsored by Goodyear) closes at Disneyland. Running since July 1967 (as part of the New Tomorrowland) guests could board small trains that ran on elevated tracks for a "grand circle tour" above Tomorrowland. The PeopleMover will be replaced by a faster new attraction called Rocket Rods on May 22, 1998.

2007:
The "Muppet Mobile Lab," featuring robotic Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his able assistant Beaker riding a two-wheeled rocket-ship, interact with guests at Epcot. The Lab is part of a play test that Walt Disney Imagineering is running for the next few weeks, giving the research and development staff a chance to try out more advanced robotic, interactive and transportation technologies, mixed with human comedy talent.

August 20

2010-08-20T08:27:32.984Z

August 20, 1928
Hot Dog is Released
Before there was Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney created Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit, who appeared in a total of 26 cartoons between 1927 and 1928. The films were made for Charles Mintz, who contracted with Universal to handle distribution. Walt, however, would lose the rights to his rabbit character, and on this day in 1928, the last Oswald cartoon short, Hot Dog, was released. Although the loss of the lucky rabbit was a terrible loss to Walt, it led to his next success, a little mouse named Mickey. More than three quarters of a century after Oswald's departure from Disney, the Company reacquired him in 2006, upon which occasion Bob Iger said, "As the forerunner to Mickey Mouse and an important part of Walt Disney's creative legacy, the fun and mischievous Oswald is back where he belongs, at the home of his creator and among the stable of beloved characters created by Walt himself."

1833:
Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third United States President, is born on a farm in North Bend, Hamilton County, Ohio. Visit him and all the U.S. Chief Executives at Disney World's The Hall of Presidents.

1907:
Actor and voice artist Alan Reed, the voice of Boris in Disney's 1955 classic Lady and the Tramp, is born in New York City. Cartoon fans may know him as the original voice of Fred Flintstone. Reed is credited with the catchphrase "Yabba dabba doo!"

1917:
Roy O. Disney (one of Walt's older brothers) begins his naval training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, located north of Chicago, Illinois.
(He had enlised in the Navy back on June 22.)

1928:
Disney's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon Hot Dog is released.
It is the final Oswald short produced.

Imagineer and Disney Legend Harriet Burns is born Harriet Tapp in San Antonio, Texas. Burns will be the first woman ever hired by Walt Disney Imagineering in a creative rather than an office capacity. She will begin working at Disney Studios in 1955 as a prop and set painter for the Mickey Mouse Club. Burns will go on to help create Sleeping Beauty Castle, New Orleans Square, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many other theme park and World's Fair attractions.

1932:
Disney's black & white Mickey Mouse cartoon Trader Mickey is released. A spoof of the 1931 MGM film Trader Horn, it is directed by David Hand. While taking a shipload of musical instruments along the African coast, Mickey and Pluto are captured by cannibals!

1933:
United States political leader George Mitchell is born in Waterville, Maine. A member since 1995 of the Walt Disney Company board of directors, he became Disney’s board chairman in 2004.

1974:
Actress Amy Lou Adams is born in Vicenza, Italy to American parents. She appears as Princess Giselle in the 2007 Walt Disney Pictures fantasy animated-live action film Enchanted.

1989:
Lionel Hampton and his Big Band perform at Disneyland for the first of a seven-day engagement. A jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, bandleader and actor, Hampton ranks among the great names in jazz history.

1992:
Actress and singer/songwriter Demi Lovato is born in Dallas, Texas. Best known to Disney Channel fans as Mitchie Torres in Camp Rock, she also appeared in the series As The Bell Rings (as Charlotte Adams) and stars in Sonny With a Chance (as Sonny Monroe).
Lovato's debut album Don't Forget was released on Disney's Hollywood Records in 2008 and Here I Go Again in 2009.

2005:
Conductor John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra pay tribute to Walt Disney with a performance of Walt Disney: 75 Years of Music. Special guests include Dick Van Dyke, Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, and Alan Menken.

2009:
Variety reports that director Robert Zemeckis is in talks with Disney for a remake of the 1968 animated Beatles film Yellow Submarine. Zemeckis plans to make the new Yellow Submarine in the same cutting-edge 3-D process he has used for other films like The Polar Express and his upcoming version of A Christmas Carol.