This Day in Disney History: December 20
Welcome back to our continuing journey through the history of the Walt Disney Company! Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- December 20.
December 20th was an all in all eventful day. It featured the debut of a classic Disney character, the release of the final Star Wars film, and the loss of Roy O. Disney. Let’s see what additionally happened!
Double Dribble Released (1946)
On this day in 1946, the Goofy cartoon Double Dribble was released.
Directed by Jack Hannah, this short featured the Goofies of P.U. taking on the Goofies of U.U. in an especially zany basketball game.
Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day Premieres (1968)
On this day in 1968 Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day was released.
The company’s second Pooh short, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day also featured the first appearance of Tigger.
Photo: IMDB
The cartoon was released in front of Disney’s newest live-action feature film, The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit.
Roy O. Disney Passes Away (1971)
On this day in 1971, Roy O. Disney passed away.
Walt Disney’s older brother, and co-founder of the Walt Disney Company, Roy served as the company’s chief executive officer from 1921 until 1971 and president from 194 until 1971.
Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse at the Oct. 25, 1971, dedication ceremony for Walt Disney World Resort on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney) (Roy O. Disney and Mickey Mouse at the Oct. 25, 1971, dedication cer
When Walt Disney died in 1966, Roy further asserted himself to ensure that Walt Disney World was built.
The Black Hole Released (1979)
On this day in 1979, the Disney film The Black Hole debuted in theaters.
The science fiction adventure was the first Disney film to receive a PG rating.
Disney Cartoons Come to the Fantasy Theater (1980)
On this day in 1980, Disney began showing classic Disney cartoons inside Walt Disney World’s Fantasy Theater.
Since the closure of the Mickey Mouse Revue, the building had been unused. The theater would eventually house a relocated Magic Journeys attraction.
Disney Vacation Club (1991)
On this day in 1991, the Disney Vacation Club opened at Walt Disney World.
The company’s new timeshare program would eventually allow guests to buy real estate interest in a DVC resort via a membership system.
Photo: DVC
Disneyland Gets New Monorails (2007)
On this day in 2007, the first Mark VII monorail was installed at Disneyland. The all new monorail fleet will eventually start running in February of 2008.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Finally, on this day in 2019, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was released in theaters.
The final installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker features Rey, Poe and Finn leading the Resistance against Kylo Ren and the First Order. Furthermore, the galaxy must deal with a resurrected Emperor Palpatine!
At last, that’s it for this day in Disney history- December 20! So, be sure to come back tomorrow as we continue our look at Disney’s past!
