Today In Disney History

Feb 02: Born This Day

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Born in Chicago, Illinois on this day in 1923, this Disney Legend started her career as an actress. Making her film debut at age 9, she went on to appear in such features as Little Women, Anne of Green Gables and a string of Nancy Drew films during the late 1930s. Marrying a successful businessman in 1947, she gave up her career to focus on his expanding entertainment empire. Who was she and what is her connection to Disney history?

Click HERE to find out.

December 25: Holiday Greetings

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On this Christmas Day in 1950, Walt Disney's very first television special "One Hour in Wonderland" aired on NBC-TV.
Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the gang took viewers on a trip into the Hollywood magic land of Walt Disney Studios to attend a Yuletide party. Hosted by Walt himself, special guests included Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

Learn more about "One Hour in Wonderland" (and other December 25 events in Disney history) by clicking HERE.

December 15, 1966

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(1901-1966)

"I'm not Walt Disney anymore.

Walt Disney is a thing. It's grown to

become a whole different meaning than just one man."

Click HERE for more December 15 Disney history.

December 07: I Wanna Be Like You

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Singer, actor, songwriter, bandleader and trumpeter Louis Prima was born in New Orleans, on this day in 1910. Best known for his hit versions of "That Old Black Magic," "Just a Gigolo," and "Jump Jive an' Wail," Prima was the voice of King Louie the orangutan for Disney's animated The Jungle Book. His distinct voice can be heard on the film's song "I Wanna Be Like You."

Click HERE for much more about Louis "The King of the Swing" Prima and December 7 Disney history.

December 01: Volume 1, Number 1

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"The Disney News will take you behind the scenes for fascinating stories of people and places which make possible the kind of entertainment that you have come to expect from Walt Disney. This is Volume 1, Number 1 and we hope you like it."

With those printed words, the Disney News was first published on this day in 1965. Just 16 pages long, articles included:
Walt's cruise on the U.S. Coast Guard's training vessel, Eagle
Disneyland's new Miss Ambassador Connie Swanson
The return of Maurice Chevalier to the U.S. for his role in Monkeys Go Home!
Schedule of movie releases for 1966
New attractions that would debut in Disneyland the following year

A free benefit for members of the Magic Kingdom Club during the 1960s, the Disney News would become the Disney Magazine in 1994.

Click HERE for more December 01 Disney history.

For an in depth view of all the Disney publications, visit Tim's Disney News Archive.

November 18: Their Happiness Castle

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On this day in 1957, LIFE magazine ran this full-page color advertisement for Insurance By North America. Part of an ad campaign (running since Summer 1956), it features a vacationing family of four in front of Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. A nostalgic example of Disneyland's early days, travelers could actually purchase insurance at the Carefree Corner Information Center on Main Street, USA.
The ad campaign ran well into the 1960s, always featuring a happy American family standing in a different location at Disneyland.

Click HERE for more November 18 Disney history.

(Happy Birthday Mickey!)

October 28: Birth of a Character Actress

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Born this day in 1902, this actress (first known for her performance in the 1935 The Bride of Frankenstein) went on to appear in a handful of Disney live-action feature films and television episodes during the 1960s.

Who was she?

Just click HERE.

October 24: Home Movie Maven

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It was on this day in 1908 that Robbins Barstow was born in Vermont. An amateur filmmaker (since the age of 10) whose camera documented every aspect of his Connecticut family's life for decades, Disney fans know him best from his film Disneyland Dream.
By day Barstow was the director of professional development for the Connecticut Education Association ... but by night and in retirement he was the auteur of tenderly shot documentaries, many of them travelogues chronicling the ordinary doings of everyday people.
With more than one hundred films to his name, Barstow garnered an online following with his Disneyland Dream, first shot in the summer of 1956 and starting in 2008 - downloaded some 76,000 times.

Learn more about Robbins Barstow HERE.

October 23: Save Mr. Toad

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On this day in 1997 a new website to stop Mr. Toad's Wild Ride from being closed at Walt Disney World hit the Internet. Although no longer active (poor Mr. Toad was replaced with Winnie the Pooh) the website is still running ... get a blast from the past HERE.

Then click HERE for much more October 23 Disney history.

October 2: Disney World's First Riverboat

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On this day in 1971, the Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat left Liberty Square (the day after the park's debut) with Magic Kingdom guests for the very first time for a short trip on the Rivers of America. Walt Disney World's first riverboat, it was named after retired navy admiral Joe Fowler who was in charge of the construction for both Disneyland and Disney World. (Fowler was named a Disney Legend in 1990.)
The original Fowler Riverboat carried Disney World guests pass such attractions as Tom Sawyer Island and the Haunted Mansion for nearly ten years. When Fowler was damaged during refurbishment in 1980, the Richard F. Irvine Riverboat became the Magic Kingdom's second Liberty Square steam paddle boat. (It was later renamed the Liberty Belle Riverboat.)

Click HERE for more October 2 Disney history.

October 01: The New Biggest Show On Earth

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September 1: Born This Day

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On this day in 1875, Edgar Rice Burroughs, thecreator of Tarzan and one of the great

pioneers of modernscience fiction, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Burroughs was a soldier,business executive, gold miner, cowboy, storekeeper, and policeman before heturned to writing as a career. He wrote more than 20 novels depicting theadventures 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 creationinto an animated feature. His work eventually did become the inspiration forDisney's 1999 animated feature Tarzan and later a Disney produced Broadway stagemusical.

Burroughs also wrotepopular science fiction and fantasy stories involving Earthly adventurers andMartians. He began writing a series called the Barsoom books in thesecond half of 1911. (Barsoom was his fictional representation of the planetMars.) The final book in the series was titled John Carter of Mars (tobe released as a major motion picture by Disney in 2012). In the earlytwentieth century, Burroughs compiled a glossary of the terms used in thesenovels. In 1957, Walt Disney created an animated version of it for his "Mars and Beyond" TV episode. TodayBurroughs even has a large crater on Mars named for him!

Click HERE for much more September 1 Disney history.

August 11: Mike Douglas

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On this day in 1925 Mike Douglas, a singer, entertainer, and TV talk show host, was born in Chicago, Illinois. First singing as a choirboy, in his teens he worked as a singer on a dinner cruise ship on Lake Michigan. After briefly serving in the U.S. Navy, Douglas moved to Los Angeles and began performing on radio and as a vocalist for the big band of Kay Kyser (at the time a popular bandleader and radio personality).
This led to Douglas taking part in Disney's 1950 animated release Cinderella. Although William Phipps supplied the speaking voice for Prince Charming, it was Douglas who provided the character's singing voice.
Take a quick listen to Douglas on "So This is Love."

In 1961 Douglas began a local talk show in Cleveland, Ohio. The Mike Douglas Show became immensely popular and soon was seen coast-to-coast from studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His successful afternoon show went on to make 6,000 telecasts through 1982. Everyone and anyone in show business at some point made an appearance on The Mike Douglas Show including such musical acts as The Beach Boys, Herman's Hermits, Louis Armstrong and Billy Joel and such Hollywood stars as Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart and Paul Newman.

In 1983 Douglas co-hosted the very first broadcast of Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Day Parade. The 90-minute special was actually broadcast live from the Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day.

Sadly Mike Douglas passed away on his 81st birthday in 2006.

Click HERE for more August 11 Disney history.

August 9: Of Course, There's Always My Way

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On this day in 2009, Disneyland celebrated the 40th anniversary of one of its most popular attractions, The Haunted Mansion. First opening to the public on this day in 1969, the attraction's roots actually go back to even before Disneyland was built.

Click HERE foolish mortals for more Haunted Mansion and August 9 Disney history.

August 8: A Little House On A Little Hill

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On this day in 1952, the Disney animated short The Little House was released.

Take a little look at it here:

Click HERE for much more August 8 Disney history.

August 5: Under The Sea Exhibit

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On this day in 1955, the 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Exhibit opened in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The walk-through exhibit featured props and set pieces from Disney's 1954 blockbuster release 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Guests could view the exterior of the Nautilus, Professor Aronnax's cabin, the pump room, the chart room, the diving chamber, the wheelhouse and the famous organ (which would later reside in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion ballroom). The exhibit remained open until August 28, 1966 (with Disneyland's Submarine Voyage attraction opening in 1959). In 1967 the area that housed The Sea Exhibit was used for Adventure Thru Inner Space, which coincidentally opened on this day in 1967. (The spot is now used for Star Tours).

Click HERE for more August 5 Disney history.

July 29: Ride This Way

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On this day in 1999, rock legends Aerosmith attended the grand opening of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at the Disney-MGM Studios. The invitation-only party gave guests an opportunity to ride the enclosed steel coaster with a member of Aerosmith. The attraction opened to the general public the following day.

A year later on this same day, Disney World marked the anniversary of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster by forming the attraction's signature guitar in the Disney-MGM Studios' parking lot using 80 corvettes!

Click HERE for much more Coaster and July 29 Disney history.

July 28: Vero Beach Vacation Club

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On this day in 1994 a ground breaking took place for a new Disney Vacation Club in Vero Beach, Florida.

Disney's Vero Beach (which opened in October 1995) is the first Disney Vacation Club to be built outside of the Walt Disney World area.

Consisting of a main building (known as The Inn) and various Villas and Cottages, the resort sits along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, thus creating a "private beach" for guests.

Among the resort's offerings ... a Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool, a Peter Pan-themed miniature golf course, 3 restaurants and a quick-service food & beverage counter.

A volleyball court, soccer field, fishing pier, lighted tennis courts, and a basketball hoop are located across the street from the resort. Guests can safely cross the busy A1A highway via an

underground passage.

Click HERE for much more July 28 Disney history.

July 22: The Tower Is In Control

2011-07-22T09:24:00.001-04:00

On this day in 1994 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror officially opened at Walt Disney World. A drop tower thrill ride located in Disney's Hollywood Studios (back in 1994 called Disney-MGM Studios), it is based upon the television series The Twilight Zone.

Learn more about the Tower of Terror and July 22 Disney history by clicking HERE.

July 15: Disney's Wedding Pavilion

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On this day in 1995 Disney's Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World opened. Located south of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, the pavilion is located on a private island surrounded by the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Learn more about Disney's Wedding Pavilion and July 15 history by clicking HERE.

June 27: Born Today

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Character actor John McIntire was born on this day in 1907 in Spokane, Washington. Raised in Montana, he grew up around ranchers and cowboys - an experience that later influenced his performances in dozens of westerns.
First acting in radio and on the stage, McIntire didn't make his film debut until 1947 (at the age of 40) in a feature called The Hucksters. He went on to appear in about 65 more films (often playing western characters) and in the mid-1950s, began working in television on such series as Wagon Train and The Virginian.
He married actress Jeanette Nolan (who he would later work with) in 1935 and they had two children.
What is McIntire's connection to Disney?
Click HERE to find out.

June 14: Hoop-De-Doo!

2011-06-14T10:54:00.001-04:00

On this day in 1974, Walt Disney World's "Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue" debuted in Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
A dinner show that still runs today, the revue started life as part of the Walt Disney World College Fine Arts Workshop. A special summer program that allowed talented college kids from all over the country to perform at WDW, the workshop also included the All American Marching Band and the Kids of the Kingdom.
A Disney cast member named Bob Jani (at the time Vice President for Live Entertainment) wanted to put together something at a large restaurant that sat in Fort Wilderness. Used to serve meals to campers, Pioneer Hall (opened since April 1974) had a huge stage and Jani felt the facility was being under-utilized.
A western musical was put together, with the help of director Larry Billman and veteran songwriter Tom Adair, called Hoop-De-Doo. (Adair had helped write music for Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Revue.) The original college workshop company of enthusiastic performers included Marilyn Magness, Ted King, John Windsor, Jude Kothman, Kate Richards, Gary Kortemier, Leslie Norris, and Brad Gooding. The show's concept was simple - a group of performers would provide an evening's worth of song, dance and entertainment while the audience enjoyed an all-you-care-to-eat family style meal. The show was a smash hit.
But as the summer of 1974 came to an end, Disney management realized the cast would be returning to their respective colleges. Disney wanted to hire the performers full-time ... but wasn't in a position to persuade students to drop out of college to work at a campground. An all-pro cast was assembled and the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue continued.
Today it is one of the longest running shows in WDW history with over 35,000 performances!

Discover more June 14 Disney history HERE.

June 9: Acting Like A Dog

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On this day in 1961, the actor who supplied the voice for this dog (pictured left) in Disney's 1993 live-action Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, was born. Considered to be a sequel to the early 1960s film Homeward Bound, the film tells the story of 3 lost pets. Chance, a rambunctious bulldog pup, along with Shadow (an aging, wise dog); and Sassy (a snobby cat) are left behind when their family goes on vacation.
This Canadian-born actor who supplied the voice for Chance, also shares a birthday with a swash-buckling American actor and a certain famous duck.

Read all about it HERE.

June 1: Yehaa!

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Born today in 1953, Walt Disney World fans may recognize this familiar face. Who is he and where can he be seen 4 nights a week?

Click HERE to find out.

May 28: Florida Wilderness

2011-05-28T06:22:00.000-04:00

On this day in 1994 Disney's Wilderness Lodge opened at Walt Disney World. Borrowing elements from U.S. National Parks in the Pacific Northwest, the 700-plus room resort features an artificial geyser and hot springs. Located a mile east from the Magic Kingdom, the rustic lodge is surrounded by 56 acres of oaks and pines.

Discover more Wilderness Lodge and May 28 facts by clicking HERE.

May 17: Born Today

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Who is this and what is his connection to Disney?

Click HERE to find out.

May 11: Birthdays Galore

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Today (May 11) is a big day for Disney-related birthdays.

Born this day:

1883 Albert Hurter

1904 Salvador Dalí

1911 Phil Silvers

1912 Don Towsley

1913 Salvador "Tutti" Camarata

1920 Denver Pyle

1929 Margaret Kerry

1942 Terry McGovern

To learn more about these famous names in Disney history, just click HERE.

April 22: Two Grand Openings

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It was on this day in 1964 that the World's Fair opened in New York. It featured 4 Disney-designed attractions: Progressland, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, It's A Small World, and Ford's Magic Skyway.

Fast forward to April 22, 1998 ... it was on that day that Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney World's 4th theme park, made its debut in Florida.

Learn more about these great historical events by clicking HERE.

Happy Earth Day!

April 18: Be Our Guest

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On this day in 1994, Disney's first stage show Beauty and the Beast officially premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theater.

To learn more click HERE.

April 12: Euro Disney Opens

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On this day in 1992 Euro Disneyland (today known as Disneyland Paris) first opened to the general public.

Learn more about the park's opening attractions and other April 12

events by clicking HERE.

April 10: A Thousand Voices - A Single Dream

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On this day in 1992, the Disney musical feature Newsies hit theaters.

Learn more about Newsies and other events for April 10 by

clicking HERE.

March 05: "A Dream Can Be A Dream Come True"

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Journey Into Imagination, an Epcot attraction in The Imagination! pavilion opened on this day in 1983. (The pavilion itself had already opened with the rest of EPCOT the year before.)

Hosted by the Dreamfinder and Figment, guests ride in Omnimover vehicles to the tune of "One Little Spark" (written by the Sherman Brothers). Dreamfinder, a pilot with a red beard dressed in a blue suit and top hat (and voiced by veteran actor Chuck McCann) uses his Dream Mobile to catch and create dreams and idea. One of these creations is a purple dragon-like creature named Figment (first voiced by Billy Barty). Dreamfinder and Figment teach guests that Imagination is the key to unlocking the hidden wonders of the world.

The ride temporarily closed in October 1998 and was renovated to become Journey into YOUR Imagination. This second version, which debuted in 1999, also featured comic actor Eric Idle as Dr. Nigel Channing.

A third version (and the most current) debuted in 2002 as Journey into Imagination with Figment, with Figment playing a larger role and new verses added to "One Little Spark." As Billy Barty had passed away in 2000, Dave Goelz provided the voice for Figment.

Up until August 2010, Kodak had been the one and only sponsor of the attraction (and the pavilion).

Click HERE for more March 05 and Figment history.

February 21: The Voice of Stinky Pete

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On this day in 1955, Emmy-award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Toy Story 2 fans know him as the voice of Stinky Pete the Prospector, the doll who had never been opened and was still "mint in the box." Although Pete was the primary antagonist in Toy Story 2, he did not appear in the original Toy Story or Toy Story 3 ... but does appear in Toy Story 3: The Video Game.

Known for his TV character Dr. Frasier Crane on both hit sitcoms Cheers and Frasier, Grammer is also known to Disney fans for his voice work in Teacher's Pet, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, and Runaway Brain.

Click HERE for much more February 21 Disney history.

February 20: Passing of a Legend

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On this day in 1985 Clarence Nash, the voice of Donald Duck, passed away at age 80 in California. Known world-wide as the voice of the famous Disney duck, "Ducky Nash" first brought Donald to life in the 1934 short The Wise Little Hen.

But did you know Nash also lent his voice to a handful of non-duck projects?
101 Dalmatians - dog bark
Bambi - bullfrog
Cinderella - bird whistles
Enchanted Tiki Room - bird sounds
Pinocchio - Figaro the cat
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - various animated sounds
Song of the South - Mr. Bluebird

Click HERE for more Clarence Nash and Disney February 20 history.

February 17: Born Today

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A leading lady in Hollywood silents (starting in the 1920s) this actress had a career that thrived into the age of television. Born on this day in 1900 in Rhode Island, as a teenager she moved to California and began her career at age 15.

Who is she and what is her Disney connection?

Click HERE to find out.

February 14: The Sweetheart of the Ice

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Figure skater Donna Atwood was born on this day in Kansas in 1923. Her family moved to New Mexico before settling in Los Angeles, California by the time she was nine.

Inspired after seeing Olympic champion Sonja Henie's ice revue, a 13-year-old Atwood strapped on a pair of ice skates for the first time at the Polar Palace in Hollywood. By the time she was barely 16, she had won two medals at the 1941 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Within a year John H. Harris, operating owner of the touring Ice Capades Show, was scouting for new talent when he offered Atwood a contract. She quickly became the show's biggest star (and later married Harris.)

Disney used Atwood as one of two human models for the ice-skating sequence with Bambi and Thumper in the 1942 animated Bambi. She later appeared on a 1956 episode of Mickey Mouse Club, in which she skated with the seven dwarfs.

Described as a "graceful flash of light on the skating rink," Atwood left professional figure-skating behind at age 31 to start a family.

Click HERE for more February 14 Disney history.

February 11: The Closet Comedian

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Nielsen at Disneyland (1961)

Actor Leslie Nielsen was born on this day in 1926 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Although starting out as a dramatic actor (he appeared in such features as the 1972 The Poseidon Adventure), today he is best remembered for his comedic roles in Airplane!, The Naked Gun, and Scary Movie. Early in his career, Nielsen starred in the Disney mini-series Swamp Fox (airing on television between 1959-1961) portraying Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion.

Click HERE for more February 11 Disney history.

February 06: Russell Releases

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On this day in 1975 and 2004 Disney released two films both starring actor Kurt Russell.

The 1975 comedy The Strongest Man in the World starred Russell as Dexter Riley, a Medfield College student. A sequel to the 1972 Now You See Him, Now You Don't (and the 1969 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes), Russell returned to the role of the brainy but popular college student who accidentally discovers a chemical formula which gives anyone temporary superhuman strength. The film's all-star comedic cast included Joe Flynn as Dean Higgins, Cesar Romero as the villainous A.J. Arno, and Phil Silvers as Krinkle. Sadly this film was Joe Flynn's last - as he had passed away in July 1974.

The 2004 biographical sports film Miracle, starred Russell as Herb Brooks - the coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. The team's gold medal victory over the favored Soviet team had been dubbed the "Miracle on Ice". Herb's unconventional style and wisdom helped transform a young group of hockey players into national heroes. The real Herb Brooks sadly was killed in an automobile accident in August 2003 (right after the movie had wrapped).

Click HERE for more February 06 Disney history.

February 05: Born This Day

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Actor Jonathan Freeman was born on this day in 1950 in Ohio.
What's his Disney connection?

Click HERE to find out.

February 02: The Guy Looks Familiar

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You might not know his name ... but the guy looks familiar.

This comedian/actor was a regular on the Touchstone Television sitcoms Home Improvement (as Harry the hardware store owner) and Boy Meets World (as Chet Hunter, father of Shawn). He's also been frequently cast in Adam Sandler films such as The Waterboy, 50 First Dates and Bedtime Stories.

His name is Blake Clark and he was born on this day in 1946 in Macon, Georgia. He supplied the voice of Slinky Dog in Toy Story 3, a role originated by the late Jim Varney. The two were actually close friends and Clark's ability to mimic Varney's voice allowed the Toy Story character to live on in Pixar's third installment.

With a career filled with hundreds of television episodes, Blake also portrayed Uncle Mel in an episode of Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie.

A Vietnam Veteran (and decorated Infantry Platoon Leader), Blake recently traveled to Iraq for an extended USO Tour with fellow-comedian Drew Carey.

Click HERE for more February 02 Disney history.

January 31: Two For Giacchino

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Composer Michael Giacchino was awarded twice at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards for his contributions to Up on this day in 2010.

Known for his scores to such Pixar films as The Incredibles and Ratatouille, Giacchino's music for Up won Best Score Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television, Or Other Visual Media, and Best Instrumental Composition - for the song "Married Life."

Giacchino had already won a Golden Globe for Best Musical Score a few weeks earlier and a little more than a month later, his Up music would also win an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Click HERE for much more January 31 Disney history.

January 30: "I'm Going to Disney World!"

2011-01-30T08:53:00.001-05:00

Dallas Cowboy running back Emmitt Smith shouted the famous phrase "I'm going to Disney World!" on this day in 1994 at Super Bowl XXVIII played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Smith had good reason to shout ... the Dallas Cowboys won over the Buffalo Bills 30-13 and he was named the Super Bowl MVP. (It was the 8th television commercial by Disney to feature a Super Bowl athlete and Smith would appear in another just two years later.)

Click HERE for more January 30 Disney history.

January 29: Once Upon A Dream

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Disney's Princess Aurora awoke for the very first time when the animated Sleeping Beauty premiered in California on this day in 1959. Based on a fairy tale by Charles Perrault, Sleeping Beauty was the last fairy tale produced by Disney until 1989's The Little Mermaid.

Click HERE for more Sleeping Beauty and January 29 Disney history.

January 28: Cirque Comes to WDW

2011-01-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

It was on this day in 1999 that Cirque du Soleil first debuted in Florida at Downtown Disney West End.

A Canadian entertainment company which offers a mix of circus arts and street entertainment, its Central Florida home is located behind DisneyQuest and across from House of Blues.
Known for its shows all around the world, Cirque features acrobats, clowns, dancers and contortionists (but no animals) in a family-oriented family presentation.

Click HERE for more January 28 Disney history.

January 27: The Voice Behind Rémy

2011-01-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1969, comedian, actor & writer Patton Oswalt was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. Disney/Pixar fans know him as the voice of Rémy in the 2007 Ratatouille.

Click HERE for more January 27 Disney history.

January 26: Hop A Ride With Lenny

2011-01-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1994 Disneyland's Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin debuted in Mickey's Toontown.

A dark ride based on the 1988 Academy Award-winning Who Framed Roger Rabbit, guests board a yellow toon cab named Lenny (the twin cousin of Benny who is already "on the road" carrying Roger). With a steering wheel that is active, guests can spin to their hearts content for about 3 minutes through Toontown all while being surrounded by some pretty cool special effects.

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin features the voices of Charles Fleischer (as Roger, Benny, Greasy, and Psycho), Kathleen Turner (as Jessica Rabbit), David Lander (as Wiseguy), Fred Newman (as Stupid) and veteran voice actress June Foray (as Wheezy).

A first for Disneyland, a second Roger Rabbit opened at Tokyo Disneyland in 1996.

Click HERE for more January 26 Disney history.

January 25: An Historic First For Michigan Family

2011-01-25T06:47:00.000-05:00

On January 25, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. a family of four from Michigan boarded the Star Tours attraction at Disney-MGM Studios and got more than a ride to Endor.

When the Fouch family boarded Simulator 4, sixteen-year-old Brad Fouch had no idea he would be randomly selected to win a night's stay at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom as part of the ongoing Disney Dreams Giveaway during The Year of a Million Dreams campaign. "I was thinking I had the bad seat because I was sitting on the end," he later explained. But Brad was in the right seat at the right time ... seat 8 row 2 to be exact.

Jim and Lisa Fouch and their children Brad and (eight-year-old) Hannah were the first Walt Disney World guests to win a night's stay four stories above the surrounding Magic Kingdom. They were also honored in a special ceremony, served as grand marshals of the afternoon parade, dined at Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant, and given passes to skip lines at attractions for the day.

Click HERE for more magical January 25 Disney history.

January 24: Big News Out Of Burbank

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Catmull, Jobs, Iger & Lasseter

It was on this day in 2006 that Robert Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, announced that Disney had agreed to acquire Pixar (for $7.4 billion).

Iger stated, "With this transaction, we welcome and embrace Pixar's unique culture, which for two decades, has fostered some of the most innovative and successful films in history."

In this same announcement it was also revealed that Pixar President Ed Catmull would now serve as President of the new Pixar and Disney animation studios and Pixar Executive Vice President John Lasseter would be Chief Creative Officer of the animation studios, as well as Creative Principal Advisor at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Pixar Chairman and CEO Steve Jobs (of Apple fame) was also appointed to Disney's Board of Directors. The transaction catapulted Jobs to Disney's largest individual shareholder (and brought Disney closer to Apple). "Disney and Pixar can now collaborate without the barriers that come from two different companies with two different sets of shareholders," Jobs explained.

Disney had first entered into a feature film agreement with Pixar back in 1991 that resulted in Toy Story. This day's acquisition was officially completed on May 5, 2006.

Click HERE for more January 24 Disney history.

January 23: Disney Channel's Dave

2011-01-23T08:14:00.002-05:00

On this day in 2004, Disney Channel debuted a new animated series titled Dave the Barbarian.

Created by Doug Langdale (who had previously worked as a writer on Buzz Lightyear of Star Command) Dave the Barbarian centered on a powerful but cowardly barbarian who lived in the fictitious land of Udrogoth during the Middle Ages.

Dave was voiced by Danny Cooksey, an actor and musician best known in his younger years for his role of Sam on the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. Narrated by Jeff Bennett (today known as the voice of Johnny Bravo) the cast of Dave the Barbarian included such veteran voice actors as Tress MacNeille, Frank Welker, Kevin Michael Richardson and Estelle Harris.

Twenty-one episodes of Dave the Barbarian ran between 2004 and January 2005.

Click HERE for more January 23 Disney history.

January 22: Happy Birthday Actress Diane Lane

2011-01-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

Star of Disney's 2010 Secretariat, actress Diane Lane was born this day in 1965 in New York City.

Click HERE for more January 22 Disney history.

January 21: Freaky On A Friday

2011-01-21T06:25:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1977, Disney's live-action comedy Freaky Friday was generally released ... appropriately on an actual Friday, just like today (as the 1977 calendar is identical to 2011).

Based on a children's novel by Mary Rodgers (who also wrote the screenplay), it would be the first of 3 film adaptations by Disney. The original Freaky Friday (which had been playing in some select cities since December 1976) starred Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster as a mother and daughter whose personalities are switched. The cast also included such recognizable talent as John Astin, Dick Van Patten, and Ruth Buzzi.

Click HERE for more January 21 Disney history.

January 20: Happy Birthday Buzz

2011-01-20T07:25:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1930, astronaut Buzz was born ... not Lightyear ... but the astronuat who is the inspiration for the Toy Story space traveler: Buzz Aldrin.

Aldrin, born in Montclair, New Jersey, became the second human to ever set foot on the Moon back in July 1969 during the historic Apollo 11 flight.
The photo to the left (taken by fellow Apollo crew mate Neil Armstrong) is of Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface. But just how Mr. Lightyear got in there is a complete mystery.

Click HERE for much more January 20 Disney history.

January 19: In Memory Of

2011-01-19T08:08:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1997 Adriana Caselotti, the voice of Snow White, Disney's first feature-length cartoon heroine, passed away at the age of 80. A 1994 Disney Legend, she was just 18 when she supplied the speaking and singing voice for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

"I'd never worked in show business before ("Snow White"). I feel very blessed. Not everyone gets the chance to be part of a genuine classic." -Adriana Caselotti

Click HERE for more January 19 Disney history.

January 18: Winnie the Pooh Day

2011-01-18T07:32:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the birth of Pooh's creator A.A. Milne (born on this day

in 1882), we celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day.

Click HERE to learn more about Milne and other January 18

Disney events.

January 17: Happy Birthday Disney Legend Betty White

2011-01-17T16:36:00.000-05:00

See much more January 17 Disney history HERE.

January 12: Animators Born Today

2011-01-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

These 3 animators share a birthday on this January 12.

Hugh Hennesy in 1891 - an artist, animator, art director and layout artist whose credits include The Three Caballeros, Song of the South, So Dear To My Heart, Peter Pan, and Lady and the Tramp.

Ray Aragon in 1927 - an animation artist whose Disney credits include Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and Goofy's Freeway Troubles. (His post-Disney career includes such classics as Yellow Submarine and The Iron Giant.)

John Lasseter (pictured above) in 1957 - co-founder of Pixar who actually began working for Disney as a Jungle Cruise skipper at Disneyland. Famously known for his work on Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Toy Story 2, today he is chief creative officer at both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

On a sadder note, legendary animator Marc Davis (one of Walt's Nine Old Men) passed away on this day in 2000. Coincidentally he had recommended Ray Aragon for a job at Disney back in the 1950s.

Click HERE for more January 12 Disney history.

January 08: Double Dose of Swamp Fox

2011-01-08T08:51:00.000-05:00

Francis Marion was a military officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Due to his irregular methods of battle, Marion was given the nickname Swamp Fox and is today considered one of the fathers of modern guerrilla warfare. Between 1959-1961 Disney produced a series of live-action television shows based on Marion starring Leslie Nielsen as Swamp Fox.

On this day in 1960 and exactly a year later in 1961, Walt Disney Presents aired episodes 4 and 7 (of the 8-part mini-series).

Click HERE to learn about these episodes and more January 08 Disney history.

January 01: Let's Have a Parade!

2011-01-01T08:24:00.002-05:00

The Tournament of Roses Parade (also referred to as simply the Rose Parade) is a uniquely American New Year's Day event that features flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians, and a college football game. (Although if New Year's falls on a Sunday, it is held on January 2.) The annual parade was first held in 1890 in Pasadena, California and today is watched in person by hundreds of thousands of spectators (and many more on network television). Every year a Grand Marshal is chosen for the parade by the President of the Tournament.

On this day in 2000 Roy E. Disney (nephew of Walt Disney and son of Roy O. Disney) led the 111th Tournament of Roses as the Grand Marshal. This made him and Walt the first and only grand marshals in Tournament history who were from the same family (Walt served back in 1966).
Roy and his wife, along with Mickey Mouse (in his Fantasia outfit) and Donald Duck rode down the parade route in a decorated convertible.

A unique feature of that year's parade was a "human theme banner" made entirely of people. Presented by The Walt Disney Company, it featured 2000 colorfully costumed Southern California high school students creating a formation which spelled out - "Parade, Celebration 2000". The shape and color of the unit changed on musical cue to read "Fantasia 2000" (Disney's newest release at the time which opened in IMAX theaters on this same day).

"For my entire life, I've been associated with a company that makes dreams come true, and now I get to be on the receiving end. I think that every kid that grows up in Southern California dreams of being in the Rose Parade, and I certainly was no exception." -Roy E. Disney

Happy New Year!

Click HERE for more January 01 Disney history.

December 30: "Words are the most powerful drugs used by mankind"

2010-12-30T17:20:00.000-05:00

Joseph Rudyard Kipling - English author, poet and journalist - was born on this day in 1865 in Bombay, India (to British parents). Best known for writing The Jungle Book, he ranks among the greatest novelists and authors of the late 19th - early 20th century.

Although born in Bombay, Kipling spent most of his early life in England. Once married he and his wife Carrie moved to Vermont in the United States. A daughter was born in 1892, and it was then that Kipling began writing the 'Mowgli stories' which became The Jungle Book, first published two years later in 1894. A collection of fictional stories about the wilds of India, it was followed by The Second Jungle Book in 1895.

These stories became the basis for Disney's 1967 animated feature The Jungle Book (some 30 years after Rudyard Kipling's death).

Click HERE for much more December 30 Disney history.

December 29: And In The End ...

2010-12-29T08:06:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1974, it is widely believed that singer-songwriter John Lennon signed the paperwork that officially dissolved The Beatles. What makes this event part of Disney history? Lennon was staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World when he scrawled his name on the legal document.
Learn more about Lennon's stay and other December 29 history by clicking HERE.

December 27: Times Two

2010-12-27T18:39:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1937 and in 1954 Walt Disney appeared on the covers of TIME magazine.

Click HERE for much more December 27 Disney history.

December 26: A Very Good Year For a Youthful Scotsman

2010-12-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

This is Dave MacPherson and he was born on this day in 1932 in Ithaca, New York.
What's his famous Disney connection?
Click HERE to find out.

Then head on over HERE for more December 26 Disney history.

December 24: Christmas Eve Greetings

2010-12-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

On this Christmas Eve in 1972, The Wonderful World of Disney aired the episode "A Present For Donald" on NBC-TV. Originally aired back on December 22, 1954, it is a re-edited version of The Three Caballeros with a holiday theme.

View a portion of it below
through the magic of YouTube:

Click HERE for more December 24 Disney history.

December 23: America's Slowest Rising Comedian

2010-12-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

Fans of classic TV will recognize this actor-comedian for his role of Private Duke Slater on the 1960s Jim Neighbors sitcom Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. In case you don't ... his name is Ronnie Schell and he was born on this day in 1931 in Richmond, California.

Often referring to himself as "America's slowest-rising comic," Schell's Disney credits go back to the 1975 live-action comedy The Strongest Man in the World (in which he played a referee). In the midst of guest appearing on just about every 1970s sitcom, he was also cast in the Disney films Gus, The Shaggy D.A., and The Cat from Outer Space (as both the voice of Jake the cat and a character named Sgt. Duffy). During that decade he also appeared on episodes of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color and starred in the made-for-TV-movie The Mouseketeers at Walt Disney World.

Schell also provided voices for the 1987 DuckTales and the 1997 animated series Recess, and in 2004 appeared on an episode of Disney Channel's Phil of the Future (playing a 75-year-old Phil).

Still active, Schell continues to make use of his gifts as a voice artist on TV, radio, films and commercials.

Click HERE for much more December 23 Disney history.

December 21: The Fairest One Of All

2010-12-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1937, Disney's very first full-length cel-animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, had its gala premiere at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Based on a German fairy tale first written down by the Brothers Grimm, Snow White was adapted for the screen by storyboard artists Dorothy Ann Blank, Richard Creedon, Merrill De Maris, Otto Englander, Earl Hurd, Dick Rickard, Ted Sears and Webb Smith.

Development of the film can be traced back to 1934 when Walt Disney planned to expand his studio's prestige and revenues by moving into features. Walt had to fight to get the film made, as his brother and business partner Roy (and even Walt's wife Lilian) tried to talk him out of it.

But on this evening in 1937, Snow White debuted to a wildly receptive audience that included such Hollywood stars as Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Shirley Temple, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and Jack Benny.

RKO Radio Pictures generally released the film the following February 4.

Click HERE for much more December 21 Disney history.

Want more Snow White? Visit Filmic Light: A Snow White Sanctum.

December 19: Happy B-Day Mr Sherman

2010-12-19T09:34:00.003-05:00

Most Disney fans can sing the theme park songs "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," "it's a small world," and "One Little Spark," and be able to hum (at least some) of the film scores to The Parent Trap, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book ... all due to the talents of the great songwriting team of Richard and Robert Sherman. And it is on this day in 1925 that big brother Robert Bernard Sherman was born in New York City.

As a youngster, Robert excelled in music, painting and poetry ... all interests that would later serve him well. But before he and his younger brother Richard teamed up to become an award-winning songwriting duo, Robert served in the U.S. Army during World War II. A little known fact that most Disney fans might not know ... in April 1945 Richard led half a squad of men into Dachau concentration camp, the first Allied troops to enter the camp after it had been evacuated by the fleeing German military only hours earlier. An injury to his knee while in battle forced him to later walk with a cane. For his service to his country, he received an amazing collection of honors including two Battle Stars and a Sharpshooter badge.

Robert and his brother began crafting songs in the mid-1950s which led to forming their own publishing company in 1958. That same year they had their first hit with a pop song sung by Annette Funicello called "Tall Paul." The success of that single tune blew open the doors of success when Walt Disney himself hired the brothers as staff songwriters for his studio.

Their long list of Disney film scores include In Search of the Castaways, Summer Magic, The Happiest Millionaire, The Aristocats, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Their success with Disney's 1964 Mary Poppins was repeated when a stage musical about the British nanny opened on Broadway in 2006.

Robert and his brother have won two Academy Awards, a Grammy, and a Theater Museum Award, in addition to being inducted Disney Legends in 1990 and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. The brothers were also awarded the National Medal of Arts at a 2008 ceremony at the White House.

A lesser known aspect of Robert's life is his interest in painting. In 2002 an exhibition of his work was held for the first time in London, England (the same year he decided to leave California and live in the British capital).

Today a father and grandfather, Robert is still active and most recently was presented with a Window on Main Street at Disneyland. As of 2010, his candid autobiographical novel "Moose" is scheduled for worldwide release.

Click HERE for more December 19 Disney history.

December 18: "Four score and seven years ago ..."

2010-12-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

On this day in 2009 Mr. Lincoln returned to Anaheim in a new Disneyland attraction called "The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln." The previous version (a hydraulic-based audio-animatronic figure) was replaced with an electronic model which improves Lincoln's emotive capabilities.

The new show also features an abridged version of Lincoln's biography, the first two sentences from his Gettysburg Address, and a song titled "Two Brothers." At the end of the show, Lincoln actually stands and performs portions of the speech from the original attraction (which actor Royal Dano - the original voice of Lincoln - provided).

Walt Disney was always fascinated with President Lincoln - even as a young schoolboy Walt recited the Gettysburg Address to his class. In 1962 Disney was approached about contributing to the 1964 New York World's Fair. This led to Disney's first audio-animatronic human figure - an incredible simulation of the 16th U.S. President! The first Disneyland version opened in July 1965 in honor of the park's 10th anniversary. The show was later updated in the 1970s, 1980s, and in 2001. Great Moments temporarily closed in 2005 for the park's 50th anniversary.

Click HERE for more December 18 Disney history.

December 17: Double Dose of Van Patten

2010-12-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1976, two live-action Disney films were released - The Shaggy D.A. and Freaky Friday.

The Shaggy D.A. (a sequel to the 1959 The Shaggy Dog) was generally released to theaters, while Freaky Friday (Disney's very first version of Mary Rodgers' story) premiered in a few select cities. (It was generally released the following January.)

Odd enough that two live-action Disney comedies were released on the same day ... but both films featured actor Dick Van Patten!

Directed by Robert Stevenson (his final film for Disney after 20 years) The Shaggy D.A. starred Dean Jones as Wilby Daniels, an attorney who has a habit of turning into a dog. Dick Van Patten played Raymond, an agent of Wilby's rival.

In Freaky Friday, a tale of a mother and daughter whose personalities are switched, Van Patten portrayed Harold Jennings, a realty developer.

A year later Van Patten would be easily recognized for his role of Tom Bradford, the father on the hit television series Eight Is Enough (which ran through 1981). Van Patten was no stranger to Disney comedies, as prior to these two films he had also appeared in Gus, The Strongest Man in the World, and Superdad.

Born in New York in 1928, Van Patten started his career in showbiz as a child actor on Broadway before moving on to to films and television. He is also the author of several bestselling books including "Eighty Is Not Enough."

Click HERE for more December 17 Disney history.

December 16: Ironic & Somehow Fitting

2010-12-16T00:01:00.005-05:00

"This is really the end of an era for the Disneys, and it's ironic and somehow fitting that it should be at this time of the year ... Walt in 1966, my dad in 1971, my mother in 1984, and now Lily have all gone during the 10 days before Christmas."

Roy E. Disney spoke those words about his aunt, 98-year-old Lillian Bounds Disney, who passed away on this day in 1997. She had suffered a stroke the day before, December 15 ... the 31st anniversary of her husband Walt's passing.

Eerily Roy E. Disney later passed away on this day too ... twelve years later in 2009. Son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, Roy E. lost his battle with stomach cancer at the age of 79. A successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, he played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney's animation legacy.

Click HERE for more December 16 Disney history.

December 15: We Will Never See His Like Again

2010-12-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

"He was an original. Not just an American original, but an original, period. He was a happy accident, one of the happiest this century has experienced. And judging by the way it's behaving, in spite of all Disney tried to tell it about laughter, love, children, puppies, and sunrises, the century hardly deserved him."

Those words were spoken by news journalist Eric Sevareid on the CBS Evening News on this day in 1966 ... the day Walter Elias Disney passed away.

"He probably did more to heal -- or at least soothe -- troubled human spirits than all the psychiatrists in the world. There can’t be many adults in the allegedly civilized parts of the globe who did not inhabit Disney’s mind and imagination for at least for a few hours and feel better for the visitation.
It may be true, as somebody said, that while there is no highbrow in a lowbrow, there is some lowbrow in every highbrow. But what Disney seemed to know was that while there is very little grown-up in every child, there is a lot of child in every grown-up. To a child, this weary world is brand-new, gift wrapped. Disney tried to keep it that way for adults.
By the conventional wisdom, mighty mice, flying elephants, Snow White and Happy, Grumpy, Sneezy and Doc -- all these were fantasy, escapism from reality. It’s a question of whether they are any less real, any more fantastic than intercontinental missiles, poisoned air, defoliated forests, and scrap iron on the moon. This is the age of fantasy, however you look at it, but Disney’s fantasy wasn’t lethal.
People are saying we will never see his like again."

Click HERE for more December 15 Disney history.

December 14: Pop Goes The Century

2010-12-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

On this day in 2003 the first planned phase of Disney's Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World opened. A "value resort" themed around different decades of American pop culture, it features 10 motel-style buildings.

This first phase, known as the Classic Years, represents the 1950s through the 1990s with huge over-sized icons such as 45 rpm records, a peace symbol, 8-track tape staircases, Mr. Potato Head, and a giant laptop. Located at 1050 Century Drive, Pop Century is adjacent to the Wide World of Sports Complex and near Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Phase Two: the Legendary Years (representing 1900-1940) was to be built across the lake from the Classic Years - with a bridge connecting the two. The addition was never built, although some of the buildings were constructed. In May 2010, Disney announced that the area zoned for the Legendary Years would instead be used for a new resort called Disney's Art of Animation Resort (scheduled to open in 2012).

Click HERE for more December 14 Disney history.

December 13: Born Today

2010-12-13T06:34:00.000-05:00

"I think it's such a shame that Walt didn't live to see computer animation, because he would have had a good time with it. ... In those days it was before the blue screen. They used what was called yellow sulphur lighting -- the screen was yellow, and we worked with that all day, and by the time the day was over you couldn't see anything.
It was just an empty sound stage. And sometimes we didn't even have the music -- we would just dance to a click rhythm. But I think technically it (Mary Poppins) holds up today just as well as anything."

Those words belong to comedian, writer, producer, computer animation enthusiast and Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke, who was born on this day in 1925 in Missouri. He is best known to Disney fans for his role of the chimney sweep Bert and Mr. Dawes Senior, the chairman of the bank in Walt Disney's 1964 musical feature Mary Poppins.

Learn more about Dick Van Dyke's Disney connection (and more December 13 history) by clicking HERE.

December 11: "I do not make merry at Christmas"

2010-12-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

Gonzo: "Hello! Welcome to the Muppet Christmas Carol! I am here to tell the story."
Rizzo the Rat: "And I am here for the food."

With those words The Muppet Christmas Carol (the fourth feature film to star the Muppets) hit theaters on this day in 1992. A musical comedy retelling of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, the film was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.

Directed by Brain Henson (son of Jim Henson - who had passed away in May 1990) The Muppets Christmas Carol starred veteran actor Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Narrated by Gonzo the Great as Charles Dickens (voiced by David Goetz) and Rizzo the Rat (voiced by Steven Whitmire), the majority of the cast was comprised of puppets - although it was the first Muppet movie to mainly focus on characters played by humans. British actor Steven Mackintosh portrayed Fred, the nephew of Scrooge, and singer-actress Meredith Braun played Belle, Scrooge's former lover.

Braun also sang "When Love Is Gone" in a scene where she laments the end of her relationship with sour Ebenezer Scrooge - but the song was cut from the original theatrical version. The song was used at the end of the film - although that version featured the vocals of Martina McBride. "When Love Is Gone" was written by legendary songwriter Paul Williams who composed all of the film's songs with Miles Goodman supplying the score.

Despite the humorous spin on Dickens' tale (first published in 1843), it is a fairly close adaptation of the original story. Gonzo even recites many of Dickens' original words!

The film is filled with everyone's favorite Muppets including Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Bob's wife Emily, Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim, Statler as Jacob Marley, Waldorf as Robert Marley, and Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig.

Despite being a modest box office success, The Muppet Christmas Carol didn't make much of an impact during its original theatrical release (as it had to contend with the features Home Alone 2 and Disney's Aladdin).

The film was released to VHS the following November and on DVD in 2002.

Click HERE for more December 11 Disney history.

December 08: The Return of George Banks

2010-12-08T07:08:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1995, Disney's Touchstone Pictures released the comedy feature Father of the Bride II. A sequel to the 1991 hit Father of the Bride, it once again starred Steve Martin as anxious George Banks, who this time around has to deal with both his daughter and wife being pregnant at the same time!
Returning to their roles from the original film were Diane Keaton (as George's wife Nina), Kimberly Williams (as their daughter Annie), George Newbern (as Annie's husband Bryan), Kieran Culkin (as little brother Matty), and Martin Short (as Franck Eggelhoffer, the wedding/baby shower planner).

Interesting to note: Franck's Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World is named after Short's hilarious and eccentric character.

The film's soundtrack (in release since November 1995) featured a score by Alan Silvestri and vocal performances by Steve Tyrell (most notably on the standard "Give Me the Simple Life"), Etta James, and Fats Domino.

Father of the Bride II was released to DVD in May 2009.

Steve Martin, a playwright, producer, musician, and composer, first gained notoriety as a banjo strumming comedian in the 1970s. As a teen he was employed at Disneyland selling guidebooks and working at Main Street's Magic Shop.

Kimberly Williams went on to co-star in Touchstone's hit sitcom According to Jim (2001-2009). Today she is married to country singer Brad Paisley.

Click HERE for more December 08 Disney history.

November 30: The Greatest American Humorist of His Age

2010-11-30T06:52:00.000-05:00

Often regarded as the "Father of American Literature," Samuel Longhorne Clemens (better known by his pen name Mark Twain) was born on this day in 1835. An author and humorist, he is noted for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Twain was immensely popular during his lifetime and his wit and satire was praised by both critics and peers. His legacy lives on today as his namesake continues to multiply.

Admired by Walt Disney (as both a schoolboy and adult), Mark Twain's name, image and works appear throughout Disney theme parks. Click HERE to learn much more about Twain's Disney connection (and to discover more November 30 Disney history).

Novemebr 24: Carlo Collodi

2010-11-24T07:06:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1890, Carlo Lorenzini, better known by his pen name Carlo Collodi, was born in what is today Florence, Italy. He is best known for his fairy tale The Adventures of Pinocchio.

Collodi had won fame as early as 1856 with a novel and columns in political newspapers. It wasn't until 1875 that he began writing fairy tales. In 1880 he started writing Storia di un Burratino (The Story of a Marionette) - also called Le awenture di Pinocchio - which was published weekly in the first Italian newspaper for children. The first chapter, published July 1881, was an immediate hit. Two years later in 1883, Collodi's tale was published in book form.

Collodi passed away suddenly ten years later, never knowing the fame and popularity that awaited his little wooden character.

Disney released an animated version in February 1940, and today there is even a Pinocchio Park in Italy!

Experts and critics site Pinocchio for its complex web of moral questions. Collodi's work has an anti-authoritarian tone - showing a contrast between wealth and poverty and distaste for the judicial system. Collodi's Pinocchio is more selfish and aggressive than Disney's little wooden boy.

Click HERE for more November 24 Disney history.

November 20: Three Against The Wilderness

2010-11-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1963, Disney released the live-action feature
The Incredible Journey.

Based on a children's book by Sheila Burnford, the film (about a cat and 2 dogs who lose their owners) was narrated by Rex Allen.

Click HERE for more November 20 Disney history.

November 17: "I Am Not A Crook"

2010-11-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1973, U.S. President Richard Nixon - defending his record in the ongoing Watergate scandal - told newspaper reporters that he was "not a crook." The historic televised Q & A session took place at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort.

By August 1974, Nixon had resigned from the presidency.

Click HERE for much more November 17 Disney history.

November 15: Disney World Project Officially Launched

2010-11-15T06:02:00.002-05:00

On this day in 1965, Walt and Roy Disney along with Florida Governor Haydon Burns spoke to the press in the Egyptian Room of the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida and officially launched the Disney World project.

View a bit of that day's historic conference through the magic of the State Archives of Florida and flickr:

Walt actually visited the Disney World site the following day November 16.

For much more November 15, 1965 visit Florida Memory.

Click HERE for more November 15 Disney history.

November 11: What's Walt's Line?

2010-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

What's My Line was a weekly panel game show that originally ran in the U.S. from 1950 to 1967. The game tasked celebrity panelists in order to determine their occupations. Hosted by John Charles Daly, it was the longest running game show in the history of U.S. prime time network television.

On this day in 1956, Walt Disney himself appeared as a mystery guest ... view it below through the magic of YouTube:

Click HERE for more November 11 Disney history.

November 08: Guess the Actress

2010-11-08T09:10:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1872, this actress (known for her roles on the stage and the big screen) was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Her best known part is that of the voice of the Wicked Queen and her alter ego the old hag (who gives a poison apple to Snow White) in Disney's 1937 classic animated feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Who was she?
Click HERE to find out.

November 06: Bah! Humbug!

2010-11-06T07:08:00.000-04:00

On this day in 2009 Disney released A Christmas Carol in U.S. theaters.

An adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic 1843 story, it was written and directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Jim Carrey (his first Disney picture) in a multitude of roles.

The film was produced through a process called performance capture, a technique Zemeckis had used in the 2004 The Polar Express and the 2007 Beowulf.

Many members of the cast played more than one role in the film -
Carrey played Ebenezer Scrooge, and all 3 Christmas Ghosts - Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Actress Robin Penn portrayed Belle (Scrooge's fiance) and Fan (Scrooge's sister).
Gary Oldman was both Bob Cratchit and Jacob Marley.
Bob Hoskins portrayed Mr. Fezziwig and Old Joe.

Disney is set to release A Christmas Carol on DVD and Blu-ray on November 16, 2010.

"An exhilarating visual experience!" -film critic Roger Ebert

Click HERE for more November 06 Disney history.

November 03: Free Disneyland Tix for Benny

2010-11-03T00:01:00.005-04:00

On this day in 1965, The Jack Benny Hour aired on television. Benny, a comedian known for his timing and dead-pan facial expressions, started out on radio in the 1930s. His television shows (throughout the 1960s) were a foundational influence on the situation comedy genre.

After Benny's regular series ended, he had a string of specials including this one on November 3, 1965. Among the guests on The Jack Benny Hour ... Bob Hope, Elke Sommer, The Beach Boys, and Walt Disney.

Watch Walt take part in a comedy sketch with Benny playing his usual (but always funny) vain, cheap and self-congratulatory character.

Click HERE for more November 03 Disney history.

November 02: The Spruce Goose - Disney Connection

2010-11-02T07:28:00.001-04:00

On this day in 1947, a prototype heavy transport aircraft called the Hughes H-1 Hercules made its one and only flight over the waters of Long Beach, California.

Five years earlier the world was at war and famed industrialist and builder of "Liberty" ships Henry Kaiser saw a need for a fleet of giant flying transports that the U.S. could use to safely move troops and materials across the Atlantic. Kaiser approached one of the wealthiest men in the world, Howard Hughes, with his idea. Together they formed the Hughes Kaiser Corporation and obtained an $18,000,000 government contract to build three "flying boats."

Hughes, an oil and business man and movie producer, was also an aeronautical engineer and world-class aviator. His team set about designing a single hull flying boat capable of carrying 750 passengers. Their plans called for eight 3,000 horsepower engines and wings 20 feet longer than a football field! They called the prototype HK-1.

Adhering to the government mandate not to use material critical to the war effort, Hughes had to make the airplane completely out of wood. Because the research and development that went into the seaplane delayed actual construction, Kaiser withdrew from the project leaving Hughes totally in charge. He renamed the plane H-1.

After the war's end in 1945, criticism of the Hughes project mounted, as he had exceeded the government's funding allowance. Investing $7,000,000 of his own money, Hughes was determined to finish construction and later fly the H-1.

On this day in 1947 a crowd of observers and newsmen gathered to witness a demonstration of the Flying Boat (that critics had now come to call the Spruce Goose). With Hughes behind the controls, the seaplane lifted off the water and flew for little over a mile at an altitude of 70 feet. The short flight proved that the Spruce Goose could really fly!

After that one famous flight, the plane was placed in a custom-built hangar where it remained for 33 years. In 1976, after Hughes' death, his holding company donated the aircraft to the non-profit Aero Club of Southern California - who in turn leased it to the Wrather Corporation, headed by entrepreneur Jack Wrather (who at the time owned the Disneyland Hotel).

Wrather Corporation built a custom dome for the H-1 (near the RMS Queen Mary) and placed the seaplane on exhibit in 1983 on the Long Beach waterfront. After the death of Jack Wrather, Disney purchased his Disneyland Hotel and other holdings ... which included the dome in which the Flying Boat stood.

In March 1990, Disney informed the Aero Club that it wished to discontinue the domed exhibit. The Flying Boat found a new permanent home at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon.

Interesting to note - in Walt Disney Pictures' 1991 action feature The Rocketeer, the film's hero uses a large-scale model of the famous plane to escape federal agents and Howard Hughes!

Click HERE for much more November 2 Disney history.

October 31: Texas John Slaughter

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On this Halloween in 1958, Disney's weekly television series (at the time called Walt Disney Presents) debuted Texas John Slaughter, the first episode of a new 17-part series starring Tom Tryon in the title role.

Based on a real-life historical figure and symbol of the American west, John Horton Slaughter (who was born in Louisiana in 1841) was a cattleman, lawman, soldier, politician, and gambler. After serving during the American Civil War (in the Confederate Army), Slaughter became a member of the famed Texas Rangers (a law enforcement agency who functioned as a paramilitary force at the service of both the Republic and later the state of Texas).

This day's debut episode introduced Slaughter as a man attempting to live a simple life during the 1880s as a cattle rancher, despite problems with thieves and rustlers, who decides to join the Texas Rangers in order to pursue the criminals who stole his herd.

The popular mini-series ran for 3 seasons through 1961.

Click HERE for more October 31 Disney history.

October 27: And now, here's Walt Disney ...

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"Welcome to a little bit of Florida right here in California. This is where the early planning is taking place for our so-called Disney World project. Now the purpose of this film is to bring you up to date about some of the plans for Disney World. But before I go into any of the details, I want to just say a word about the site of our Florida project."

Those opening words were spoken by Walt Disney on this day in 1966 as he filmed a 25-minute presentation at his studio in California. With help from animation, models, and props, he outlined for the media and interest groups his plans for a Florida theme park and a real

community called EPCOT.

Unfortunately Walt Disney would pass away a little more than a month later and "Walt's last film" would eventually be shown in February 1967 to Florida business and government officials.

"As you can see on this map, we have a perfect location in Florida, almost in the very center of the state. In fact, we've selected this site because it's so easy for tourists and Florida residents to get here by automobile."

"Here in Florida we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland: the blessing of size. There's enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we could possibly imagine."

Click HERE for more October 27 Disney history.

October 26: Tower of Terror

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On this day in 1997 The Wonderful World of Disney aired a supernatural thriller film titled Tower of Terror. Based on the theme park attraction at Disney World (opened since 1994) the film actually has no connection to Rod Serling's television series The Twilight Zone.

Tower of Terror revolves around the fate of 5 people who are killed in 1939 when the elevator they are riding in is struck by a bolt of lightning at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Sixty years later newspaper reporter Buzzy Crocker (played by Steve Guttenberg) and his niece Anna (Kirsten Dunst) investigate the mystery of the hotel. They meet up with an elderly woman named Abigail Gregory (Amzie Strickland) who informs them that if they find a belonging of each person on the elevator ... they will unlock the mystery of the hotel and allow the ghosts of the elevator mishap to ascend to a better place.

Much of the film was shot at the Florida attraction (then located in the theme park called Disney-MGM Studios) with additional footage shot at a stage in Hollywood. It was Disney's very first attempt at turning a theme park ride into a film.

Click HERE for more October 26 Disney history.

October 25: WDW Formal Dedication

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"Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney ... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a magic kingdom where the young heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn ... together." -Roy O. Disney's

WDW dedication, Magic Kingdom Town Square, October 25, 1971

Click HERE to learn more about WDW's formal dedication

and other Disney events for October 25.

October 21: The Most Amazing Colorist of All Time

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"I knew Mary very well. She was an extraordinary artist, and Walt thought very highly of her. She was the most amazing colorist of all time." -Marc Davis (Disney Legend and one of Walt's Nine Old Men)

The "Mary" Marc Davis spoke of was Mary Blair and she was born Mary Browne Robinson in Oklahoma on this day in 1911.

Although born in McAlester, Oklahoma, her family first moved to Texas while she was still very young and by the age of 7 moved again to California. After studying at the San Jose State College she was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.
Soon marrying artist Lee Everett Blair, the couple began to work in the animation industry - actually first joining the Ub Iwerks Studio. Later Lee began to work for Walt Disney first with wife Mary joining him by 1940.

Working briefly on Dumbo (and an early version of Lady and the Tramp) Mary actually left Disney for a brief time in 1941. But she soon returned, just in time to take part in a trip to South America with Walt, his wife Lillian, and a group of Disney animators and writers. She worked on concept art for Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros.

By the 1950s, Mary Blair was an important member of Walt's staff - introducing modern art and vibrant colors to the studio while working on Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan. After completing Peter Pan, Mary once again left Disney and began working as a freelance graphic artist and illustrator.
Highly regarded by Walt, he convinced her to work on the It's a Small World attraction for the 1964 New York World's Fair. In 1967 she created mural art for Disneyland's Tomorrowland Promenade and prior to 1971 a 90-foot high mural for Disney World's Contemporary Resort.

Honored a Disney Legend in 1991 (13 years after her death) Mary Blair was one of the first women to be given the honor.

Click HERE for more October 21 Disney history.

October 18: Disney Celebrity of the Day

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Today we celebrate the birth of actor Peter Boyle - who was born on this day in 1935 in Norristown, Pennsylvania (located some 6 miles from Philadelphia).

Known for his role of cranky Frank Barone on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (for which he was nominated multiple times for an Emmy), Boyle's first professional acting job was playing Murray the cop in a touring version of The Odd Couple. But it was his starring role in the 1970 sleeper hit Joe that gained Boyle his first critical acclaim. Four years later he played a role that he would always be remembered for - the comical Monster in Mel Brooks' parody Young Frankenstein. Boyle went on to appear in such classics films as Taxi Driver, The Brink's Job, Outland, and While You Were Sleeping.

Boyle's Disney-connection involves The Santa Clause trilogy (starring Tim Allen as Scott Calvin/Santa). In the 1994 The Santa Clause, Boyle played Mr Whittle, Scott Calvin's boss. Eight years later he portrayed Father Time in The Santa Clause 2. In 2006 he returned to the role of Father Time in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (one of his last feature film appearances before his death). The ending credits of The Santa Clause 3 includes a dedication to his memory.

Sadly Peter Boyle passed away in 2006 at age 71 in New York City. In 2007 on what would have been his 72nd birthday, his friend Bruce Springsteen - during a concert at Madison Square Garden - dedicated the songs "Meeting Across the River" and "Jungleland" to him. Boyle was also good friends with singer-songwriter John Lennon .... the ex-Beatle had actually been the best man at Boyle's October 1977 wedding!

For more October 18 Disney history - click HERE.

October 16: Big Day For Disney Legends

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The Disney Legends awards are given annually by The Walt Disney Company to honor those who have made a notable contribution to the company. Ceremonies are typically (but not always) held sometime between September - November at the Disney Legends Plaza on the studio lot in Burbank.

On three separate occasions new Disney Legends were named on October 16.

In 1996 Bob Allen, Rex Allen, X Atencio, Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Justice, Sam McKim, Bob Matheison, Bob Moore, Bill Peet, and Joe Potter were recognized as Disney Legends.

The large Class of 1998 included 20 great names in Disney history like James Algar, Buddy Baker, Kathryn Beaumont, Virginia Davis, Roy E. Disney, Hayley Mills, Kurt Russell, and Dick Van Dyke.

Five years later in 2003 Neil Beckett, Tutti Camarata, Edna Francis Disney, Lillian Disney, Orlando Ferrante, Richard Fleischer, Floyd Gottfredson, Buddy Hackett, Harrison "Buzz" Price, Alfred Taliaferro, and Ilene Woods became Disney Legends.

To view a complete list of all Disney Legends click HERE.

For more October 16 Disney history ... please click HERE.

October 15: The New Site Is Florida - But The Air Is Pure Old Disney

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On this day in 1971, LIFE magazine featured a cover story on the newly opened Walt Disney World in Florida. Disney fans have seen the cover photo, of 1500 Cast Members proudly posing in front of Cinderella Castle, many times.

But did you know in the same issue a pull-out poster of the Magic Kingdom was included? The image to the left is a bit rough (as it is 39 years old) but worth taking a nostalgic look at. Click on it for a larger view.

Click HERE for more October 15 Disney nostalgia.

October 9: The Long and Winding Disney Road

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On this day in 1940, singer-songwriter John Lennon, who rose to worldwide fame as a founding member of The Beatles, was born in Liverpool, England. Along with Paul McCartney, Lennon formed one of the most successful songwriting teams of the 20th century. So what does the writer of such songs as "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance" have to do with Disney?
You'd be surprised ...

In August 1965 Walt Disney met with Beatles' manager Brian Epstein to discuss the possibility of the Fab Four performing songs for his upcoming animated feature The Jungle Book. The Beatles at this time were already worldwide stars with a string of top selling albums and two feature films to their credit. Supposedly Lennon himself nixed the idea of lending their songs (and or voices) to an animated feature and Walt (reportedly not really a big fan of their music) used semi-soundalikes to voice a group of vultures. In fact, Flaps the Vulture was voiced by Chad Stuart - of the English rock duo Chad & Jeremy whose early success came about during The Beatles rise to fame. (The Jungle Book was released in October 1967 ... unfortunately without The Beatles.)

In late 1973 Lennon visited Disneyland with his son Julian, girlfriend May, ex-wife Cynthia (the mother of Julian) and friends Mal Evans (once a Beatle roadie) and Jesse Ed Davis. At this time, The Beatles (still as popular as ever) had been broken up for some 3 years. Lennon, who had not seen Julian in 4 years, thought Disneyland would be a perfect place to re-connect with his 9-year-old son.

One year later Lennon along with Julian and May spent the last week of December in Central Florida - specifically at Disney's Polynesian Village Hotel (today known as Disney's Polynesian Resort). The trio enjoyed a wonderful vacation - even getting to ride in the front of the monorail on two separate occasions. But something significant took place at the Polynesian on December 29.
Although The Beatles hadn't been a band since 1970 it had taken some 4 years for the proper legal documents to be drawn-up dividing their massive earnings. The other three Beatles (Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr) had already signed the voluminous documents when copies were brought down to Florida by one of Apple's lawyers. (Apple Corps Ltd - a multi-armed multimedia corporation - was first founded in 1968 by The Beatles.) When Lennon picked up his pen and signed the document, he officially ended the greatest rock band in history ... at Walt Disney World.

In the early 1990s The Disney Channel (offering massively different programming than today) showed some Beatle-themed specials. One in particular, "The Making of Sgt. Pepper" was broadcast on September 27, 1992. The program featured interviews and rare footage of the making of the group's 8th studio album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (first released in 1967).
Two years later, The Disney Channel aired The Beatles' 1964 feature film "A Hard Day's Night" in honor of the 30th anniversary of the group first coming to the U.S.

The Beatles' Disney-ties don't end there ... take a visit to Epcot and you will find The British Invasion - a tribute band performing outside of the United Kingdom pavilion, and of course a slew of Beatle merchandise to purchase.

In August 2009 Robert Zemeckis and Disney announced that a remake of The Beatles' animated classic "Yellow Submarine" would be re-made in the same style as "Disney's A Christmas Carol." It is currently slotted for a 2012 release.

Sadly John Lennon was killed in December 1980 at age 40 - October 9, 2010 marks what would have been his 70th birthday.

Click HERE for more October 9 Disney history.

For a more in-depth look at The Beatles and Disney - visit the fabulous blog Disney and the Beatles.

October 5: Your Doorway to a Fascinating World of Enjoyment!

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The Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim wasn't always owned and operated by Disney. Although Walt himself dreamed of a "Disney hotel" where Disneyland guests could spend a night or two ... due to the high costs of constructing Disneyland, his company was in no financial situation in 1955 to be involved in lodging. So under an agreement with Disney, the Disneyland Hotel was built, operated and on this day in 1955 opened - by entrepreneur Jack Wrather.

Wrather, a petroleum millionaire from Texas, was also a television producer and investor in broadcast stations and resort properties. In addition to the Disneyland Hotel, he also owned lodges and hotels in Las Vegas and Palm Springs.

During Disneyland's construction, Walt negotiated a deal with Wrather and his business partner Maria Helen Avarez under which Wrather-Avarez would own and operate a hotel across the street from the theme park. Originally designed by the firm of Pereira & Luckman, the Disneyland Hotel was to open with the theme park, but various problems caused delays and ultimately postponed the debut until October 5, 1955.

Under Wrather's ownership, more rooms were added to the hotel over the years and even the Disneyland monorail was extended to its front door. The Disneyland Hotel was an obvious success.

In 1984, when Michael Eisner was first running the House of Mouse, he desperately wanted to get out of Disney's agreement with Wrather and have Disney own the hotel. But Wrather refused - as he had many times since the hotel first opened. In 1989 (five years after the death of Jack Wrather) Disney bought the entire Wrather company which not only included the Disneyland Hotel, but also the RMS Queen Mary and a domed exhibit that housed the famous Spruce Goose airplane (built by Howard Hughes).

Today none of the original parts of the Disneyland Hotel remain standing, as over the years the hotel has been remodeled and expanded numerous times.

Click HERE for more October 5 Disney history.

(Interested in more history about the hotel? Today in Disney History highly recommends Disneyland Hotel The Early Years by Donald Ballard.)

October 4: Family Gets Magic Kingdom to Themselves

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On this day in 2006, a family from Ohio took an early morning stroll down Disney World's quiet and completely deserted Main Street. The family of four walked alone along a red carpet laid down in the middle of the street until they came to the intersection of Center Street ...

Suddenly trumpets blared and an announcer's voice greeted them - "Good morning Tammy, Ray, Derick, and Ashley, and welcome to your Magic Kingdom!" At that moment the family was surrounded by over 1500 cheerful Cast Members and some 80 Disney characters!

The Spangler family from Randolph, Ohio were the winners of the online "Keys to the Magic Kingdom" sweepstakes - part of the "Year of a Million Dreams" campaign. They were the first in Disney history to have the park to themselves!

With their Disney VIP leading the way, the Spanglers rode their favorite attractions (with no lines to wait on), met their favorite characters and even appeared on a segment of ABC-TV's "Good Morning America." By noon they had experienced such attractions as Space Mountain, Dumbo, and the Jungle Cruise (where 11-year-old Ashley got to drive the boat).

The Magic Kingdom opened to the public in phases that day as the Spanglers completed their tour.
Later they enjoyed a Fairytale Lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table and were named grand marshals of the Disney Dreams Comes True parade.

"This is beyond the dream. This is something that you can't even think of dreaming of, yet we have it. It's unbelievable." -Ray Spangler

Click HERE for much more October 4 Disney history.

October 3: According to Jim

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On this day in 2001, According to Jim - a new sitcom from Disney's Touchstone Television - premiered on ABC with the "Pilot" episode.

The series starred Jim Belushi as Jim, a married suburban family man who is comically abrasive, a bit lazy, but always lovable. Actress Courtney Thorne-Smith (best known for her role on Melrose Place) played his wife Cheryl the mother of five children (2 girls and a boy for most of the series' run - though twin baby boys were added in the final season). Cheryl's jolly brother Andy - portrayed by Larry Joe Campbell - was also Jim's best buddy and business partner. Their wise-cracking sister Dana - played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley (best know for her breakout role in Touchstone's Father of the Bride) frequently teamed up with Cheryl against Jim.

According to Jim ran for 8 seasons and can be seen today in syndication.

Click HERE for more October 3 Disney history.

October 2: "Time Flies Like An Arrow ... Fruit Flies Like A Banana"

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He had a rapid-fire delivery of innuendo-laden patter and was famous for his work on stage, the big screen, radio and television. His name was Groucho Marx and he was born Julius Henry Marx in New York City on this day in 1890.

Groucho made a string of zany feature films along with the Marx Brothers (Chico, Harpo and sometimes Zeppo and Gummo) showcasing their unique appearances and comedic routines carried over from their days in vaudeville. Standing with an exaggerated stooped posture, Groucho's look was distinct as he appeared in thick greasepaint eyebrows and moustache, wearing glasses and always holding his trademark cigar.

All in all Grouch made 25 movies (13 with his brothers) before moving on to radio and ultimately television. But in the 1930s Groucho was easily one of the most recognized and popular characters in Hollywood ... and Walt Disney (a fan himself) knew it. Groucho was animated in at least 4 different Disney shorts.

In January 1932 Disney released the Silly Symphony cartoon The Bird Store featuring a wide variety of birds (some imaginative - some real). When a cat manages to enter the shop, the birds band together to defend their home. Among the caged birds ... the four Marx Brothers!

The following year Disney released the short Mickey's Gala Premiere in which Mickey and his pals attend the debut of the latest cartoon at Grauman's Chinese Theater. The premiere is filled with many Hollywood stars including the Marx Brothers!

In December 1938 Disney released Mother Goose Goes Hollywood, a cartoon short that takes viewers on a trip through famous rhymes with Hollywood Stars taking the place of the storybook characters. Playing the part of King Cole's Fiddlers Three ... Harpo, Chico and Groucho Marx!

Disney's The Autograph Hound was released in September 1939. This cartoon finds Donald Duck trying to collect autographs at a Hollywood Studio - while trying to avoid an angry security guard. This time it is just Groucho and his "silent" brother Harpo who make an appearance.

Fast-forward to March 18, 1954 ... Groucho's television quiz show You Bet Your Life is one of the most popular programs on the air. On that particular day Disney animator Ward Kimball (who ironically had worked on some of the shorts featuring Groucho) appeared as a contestant.

Awarded with an honorary Academy Award in 1974, Groucho passed away three years later (the last living brother of the popular trio - although Zeppo outlived all of them). Groucho's wit and style is still loved today as the Marx Brothers continue to make generations of film fans laugh.

"Although it is generally known, I think it's about time to announce that I was born at a very early age." -Groucho Marx

Click HERE for more October 2 Disney history.

October 1: Magical Day in Disney History

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October 1 has become synonymous with Disney park celebrations and debuts ever since 1971 - when Walt Disney World in Florida first opened.
Here's a quick rundown of famous events for October 1:

1971 - Magic Kingdom debuts in Florida
1981 - WDW begins its very first anniversary celebration
1982 - EPCOT Center first opens
1986 - WDW's second anniversary celebration in honor of its 15th anniversary kicks off
1988 - The Caribbean Beach Resort at WDW opens
1991 - WDW's 20th anniversary celebration begins
1996 - WDW begins its 25th anniversary celebration
2001 - WDW takes part in the global 100 Years of Magic celebration in honor of Walt's birth
2004 - Epcot's 9th Food & Wine Festival begins
2007 - Epcot celebrates its 25th anniversary
2009 - The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco first opens
2010 - The 15th Food & Wine Festival kicks off at Epcot

For a more detailed look at this day's events - click HERE.

September 27: A Musical Cartoon Feature

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On this day in 1947, RKO Radio Pictures released Walt Disney's Fun and Fancy Free. The animated film features two segments: "Bongo," the story of a circus bear cub who runs away, and "Mickey and the Beanstalk," an adaptation of the famous tale Jack and the Beanstalk.

The film opens with Jiminy Cricket (first introduced in Disney's 1940 Pinocchio) singing "I'm a Happy-Go-Lucky Fellow" while setting up a record player to play the story of "Bongo." In the original version of Fun and Fancy Free, singer Dinah Shore narrates "Bongo" - yet in later versions it is Cliff Edwards (the voice of Jiminy Cricket) who tells the story. "Bongo" is based on an original story by Sinclair Lewis (an American novelist and short-story writer) first titled "Little Bear Bongo."

The second segment, "Mickey and the Beanstalk" is narrated by Edgar Bergen (at the time a popular radio ventriloquist) who in live-action sequences tells the story to child actress Luana Patten (who made her debut the previous year in Disney's Song of the South). In this story, Mickey's voice is supplied by both Walt Disney and sound effects genius Jim Macdonald (who would later take over the role of Mickey until 1977). "Mickey and the Beanstalk" also features the voices of Clarence Nash (as Donald Duck) and Pinto Colvig (as Goofy).

The directing animators who worked on Fun and Fancy Free includes such great names in Disney history as Ward Kimball, Les Clark, John Lounsbery, Fred Moore, and Woolie Reitherman.

These two segments aired many times as individual television episodes on Disney's anthology series - but it wasn't until 2000 that Fun and Fancy Free was released in its entirety to VHS and DVD.

Click HERE for much more September 27 Disney history.

September 26: Brand New Year

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On this day in 2000, Christmas came early when the holiday-themed album Brand New Year by country music trio SHeDAISY was released on Lyric Street Records (at the time part of the Disney Music Group). Made up of sisters; Kristyn, Kelsi, and Kassidy Osborn, the group's name is derived from a Navajo term meaning "my little sister." Although a country act, their sound is a mix of pop, rock and funk featuring stellar vocals and harmonies.

SHeDAISY's s second overall album, Brand New Year is a collection of unique versions of traditional holiday songs as well as new tunes. The renditions of "Deck the Halls" and "Jingle Bells" both charted on the Billboard Country Charts. Produced by Dann Huff (a successful musician & singer-songwriter) Brand New Year also features new compositions by Richard Marx, Sammy Chan, James VanHuessen, Leslie Bricusse, and SHeDAISY sister Kristyn.

First signed to Lyric Street Records in 1999, SHeDAISY even appeared on the Disney Channel series So Weird and the ABC-TV sitcom The Drew Carey Show.

In 2010 it was announced that the group had left Lyric Street Records (which Disney later closed).

Click HERE for more September 26 Disney history.