This Day in Disney History: December 16
Welcome back to our continuing trip through the history of the Walt Disney Company. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- December 16.
December 16 was unquestionably a jam-packed day. This day was unlike any other. It saw the founding of a new company, the release of a Christmas classic, a new Star Wars film and more! Let’s get going.
Toy Tinkers Released (1949)
On this day in 1949, the Donald Duck cartoon Toy Tinkers was released.
Directed by Jack Hannah, this Christmas themed short featured Donald and Chip and Dale battling over Donald’s Christmas presents.
WED Enterprises Founded (1952)
On this day in 1952, WED Enterprises was founded.
The precursor to Walt Disney Imagineering, WED Enterprises was owned solely by Walt Disney. Henceforth, the company was used to create and design Disneyland.
WED’s first three employees were Harriet Burns, Fred Joerger and Wathel Rogers.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol Released (1983)
On this day in 1983, Mickey’s Christmas Carol was released.
The animated version of Charles Dickens classic story, featured Scrooge McDuck as (obviously) Ebeneezer Scrooge. The short was also notable for being the final performance of Clarence Nash as Donald Duck.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Debuts (1983)
Also on this day in 1983, the very first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party took place at Walt Disney World.
The holiday party would eventually become a Christmas staple for Disney fans from around the world.
Snow White’s Scary Adventures Opens (1994)
On this day in 1994, Snow White’s Adventures reopened as Snow White’s Scary Adventures at the Magic Kingdom.
During the renovation, Snow White herself was finally added to the attraction and an new finale was constructed.
Lillian Disney Passes Away (1997)
On this day in 1997, Lillian Disney passed away.
Walt Disney’s widow died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 98.
Roy E. Disney Passes Away (2009)
On this day in 2009, Roy E. Disney passed away.
The son of Roy. O Disney and nephew of Walt, Roy E. Disney served as the vice president of the Disney’s board of directors and also as chairman of Walt Disney Animation.
Rouge One: A Star Wars Story Opens (2016)
On this day in 2016, Rouge One: A Star Wars Story opened in theaters.
The first stand-alone film in the Star Wars Anthology, Rouge One told the group of a rag-tag team of heroes who are on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.
Rouge One was set between the events in Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
Disney’s Riviera Resort Opens (2019)
Finally, on this Day in 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort opened.
The newest Disney Vacation Club resort, the Rivera Resort was said to be inspired by Walt and Lillian’s travels throughout Europe.
In order to facilitate the construction of the Rivera Resort, Disney demolished the Barbados section of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, along with the Customs House and half of the village of Martinique.
That’s all for today. This has been this day in Disney history- December 16. Until tomorrow, have a magical day!