August 11: Mike Douglas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.