This Day In Disney History: December 31
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 31!
We have finally reached the end of the year, and things really picked up in Disney history. We had the closure of an iconic EPCOT Center pavilion, a new addition to the Disney family, the acquisition of a giant intellectual property and also the loss of the Timekeeper! So let’s get into it!
Sharon Mae Disney is Adopted (1936)
On this day in 1936, Walt and Lillian Disney adopted newborn infant Sharon Mae Disney. Sharon would use December 31 as her birthday for her entire life.
Sharon Disney would later serve on the board of directors for the Walt Disney Company and even had a small role in the 1957 film Johnny Tremain.
Disneyland Celebrates New Year’s (1957)
On this day in 1957, a New Year’s Eve party was held at Disneyland for the first time. An estimated 7,500 people attended the festivities.
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Released (1969)
On this day in 1969, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes was released.
Set in the fictional Medfield College, the film starred Kurt Russell as Dexter Riley. When the science student tries to replace a fuse, he accidentally acquires all of the knowledge stored in the college’s computer.
World of Motion closes
On this day in 1995, The World of Motion pavilion closed at Epcot.
A staple of the park since its opening day, the General Motor’s sponsored pavilion would eventually be replaced by Test Track.
Fantasia 2000 Released (1999)
On this day in 1999, Fantasia 2000 was released.
A sequel to the 1941 film Fantasia, Fantasia 2000 featured eight segments set to classical music.
Spaceship Earth’s AT&T Sponsorship Ends
On this day in 2002, AT&T’s sponsorship of Spaceship Earth ended.
The sponsorship of the attraction would eventually be assumed by Siemens. The end of the AT&T sponsorship would also necessitate a refurbishment of the attraction, which would lead to the removal of the Jeremy Irons’ narration.
The Timekeeper Closes (2005)
On this day in 2005, The Timekeeper was performed for the final time.
A Circle-Vision 360 show, the Timekeeper opened in Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland in 1994 and starred Robin Williams in the title role. Disney would not officially announce the Timekeepers closure until February 2006.
Marvel Shareholders Approve Disney Acquisition
Finally, on this day in 2009, Marvel shareholders approved the acquisition of Marvel by the Walt Disney Company.
The approval would lead to Disney’s acquisition of over 5000 comic book characters.
That concludes this day in Disney history- December 31! So be sure to come back tomorrow to see what the new year brings!