This Day in Disney History- January 24
Welcome back to our magical foray through the history of the Walt Disney Company! Today, we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- January 24.
January 24th featured the debut of a Pluto cartoon, a huge acquisition for Disney, and finally, it was a big day for Finding Nemo! So, let’s get started.
Pluto’s Playmate Released (1941)
On this day in 1941, the Pluto cartoon Pluto’s Playmate was released.
In the cartoon, Pluto fights with a baby seal during his visit to the beach. After the pooch is attacked by a squid however, the seal comes to his rescue!
Mickey’s Toontown Opens (1993)
On this day in 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened in Disneyland.
The new land was inspired by the “Toontown” from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. In Toontown, guests could visit the homes of their favorite characters and experience attractions such as Gadget’s Go Coaster, Goofy’s Bounce House and the Jolly Trolley.
Robert Iger Promoted (2000)
On this day in 2000, Robert Iger was named president and chief operating officer of the Walt Disney Company. At this time, he was also given a seat on the board of directors.
The promotion made Iger the company’s number two executive, under only CEO Michel Eisner.
Disney Buys Pixar (2006)
On this day in 2006, Bob Iger announced that The Walt Disney Company had acquired Pixar in an all stock transaction.
The agreement put to end the bad blood that had grown between Pixar and Disney, and gave Disney sole ownership of Pixar’s vast catalogue of characters .
Finding Nemo- The Musical Opens (2007)
On this day in 2007, Finding Nemo- The Musical had its grand opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The new Broadway style show debuted in the Theater of the Wild. The forty minute show marked the first time that Disney transformed a non-musical into a musical show for the parks.
The Seas with Nemo And Friends Opens (2007)
Also on this day in 2007, The Seas with Nemo and Friends had its grand opening in Epcot.
Formally known as The Living Seas, The Seas With Nemo and Friends features Sea Base, the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium, Turtle Talk with Crush and The Seas with Nemo and Friends (attraction).
Mickey’s PhilharMagic Opens in Tokyo (2011)
On this day in 2011, Mickey’s PhilharMagic opened in Tokyo Disneyland.
Originally created for Walt Disney World, Mickey’s PhilharMagic is 12 minute 4-D film featuring characters and scenes from classic Disney movies.
Dave Smith Receives Main Street Window (2022)
Finally, on this day in 2022, Disney Legend Dave Smith received a window on Main Street USA in Disneyland.
The founder and chief archivist of the Walt Disney Archives, Smith was given Disney’s highest honor three years after passing away. The new window reads “New Century Historical Society- Dave Smith Town Archivist”
That concludes this day in Disney history- January 24! So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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