This Day in Disney History: December 14
Welcome back to our magical journey through the history of the Walt Disney Company. Today, we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- December 14.
December 14th featured the release of Disney’s first live-action musical, the debut of a new Disney resort and a major purchase by the company. Let’s get going.
Broken Toys Released (1935)
On this day in 1935, the Silly Symphony short Broken Toys was released.
Disney’s newest cartoon, Broken Toys features a motley crew of previously discarded toys at the city dump. Eventually, the group decides to repair themselves.
Bee on Guard Debuts (1951)
On this day in 1951, the Donald Duck short Bee on Guard premiered.
The new short features Buzz-Buzz, an especially confrontational bee who must protect his hive from Donald, who is after their honey.
Babes in Toyland Released (1961)
On this day in 1961, Disney released Babes in Toyland.
The company’s first live-action musical, Babes in Toyland starred Ray Bolger, Tommy Sands. Ed Wynn and Annette Funicello.
Babes in Toyland told the store of Mary Contray and Tom Piper who were set to wed in Mother Goose Village. Unfortunately, the villainous Barnaby has other ideas.
Frankenweenie
On this day in 1984, Disney released the feature Frankenweenie.
In this take on the classic Frankenstein story, Victor Frankenstein is re-imagined as young boy who brings his pet dog back to life.
Frankenweenie, which was directed by Tim Burton, would eventually be remade into a full length film in 2012.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort Opens (2003)
On this day in 2003, Disney’s Pop Century Resort opened.
The newest value resort on Walt Disney World property, Pop Century pays homage to the popular culture of the 20th century.
Disney Buys Fox (2017)
Finally, on this day in 2017, the Walt Disney Company announced that they were purchasing 21st Century Fox.
As part of the $52.4 billion dollar purchase, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox’s film and TV studios, the Fox Television Group, National Geographic and finally, an extra 30% stake in Hulu.
That concludes our trip through this day in Disney history- December 14. So be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!