This Day in Disney History- February 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- February 14.
Love was in the air for Valentine’s Day, as Disney debuted a new TV special. This day also featured the debut of a new Disney feature film, and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Disney hotel. So, let’s get started!
The Little Whirlwind Released (1941)
On this day in 1941, The Mickey Mouse cartoon The Little Whirlwind was released.
In the short, Minnie wants Mickey to clean up the yard, but every time he does, a pesky tornado ruins it.
Pirates Arcade Museum Opens (1967)
On this day in 1967, the Pirates Arcade Museum opened in Disneyland.
Located in New Orleans Square, the arcade featured one-of-a-kind arcade games with pirate themes.
The World’s Greatest Athlete Released (1973)
On this day in 1973, The World’s Greatest Athlete was released.
In the film, Sam Archer and his assistant Milo travel to Africa to discover the world’s greatest athlete, who is a Tarzan-like character named Nanu.
Disney’s D-TV Valentine Airs (1986)
On this day in 1986, Disney’s D-TV Valentine aired on NBC.
Hosted by Ludwig Von Drake, the special starred Mickey and his friends in classic “love-themed” shorts set to modern rock music.
Songs featured in the special included Lionel Richie: “Hello”, Huey Lewis and the News- “The Heart of Rock & Roll” and Whitney Houston- “You Give Good Love”.
That Darn Cat Released (1997)
On this day in 1997, Walt Disney Pictures released That Darn Cat.
A remake of the 1965 comedy, the later version starred Christina Ricci, Doug E. Doug and Dean Jones.
In the film, two petty criminals mistakenly kidnap a maid, who they think is the wife of a prominent business man. When an alley cat stumbles upon the victim, she ties a wristwatch with a plea for help around the cat’s neck.
The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop Opens (1998)
On this day in 1998, The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop opened at Downtown Disney in Florida.
The restaurant continues to operate at Disney Springs.
Tokyo Disneyland Hotel Groundbreaking Ceremony Takes Place (2006)
On this day in 2006, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel took place.
On hand for the events were Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Chip & Dale who appeared in a safety prayer ceremony.
The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel would eventually open in 2008.
Starstruck Debuted (2010)
On this day in 2010, Starstruck debuted.
The newest Disney Channel original movie starred Danielle Campbell as Jessica Olson, a Midwestern girl who runs into Hollywood teen star Christopher Wilder (Sterling Knight).
Jake and the Never Land Pirates Debuts (2011)
On this day in 2011, Jake and the Never Land Pirates debuted on Disney Junior.
The new animated show followed a group of children who were pirates in Never Land. The show took inspiration from Disney’s Peter Pan franchise.
Disney Home Opens
On this day in 2016, Disney Home opened at Downtown Disney in Anaheim.
The new boutique offered all kinds of kitchenware and coffee mugs.
Z-o-m-b-i-e-s 2 Premiers (2020)
Finally, on this day in 2020, Z-o-m-b-i-e-s 2 premiered on Disney +.
A sequel to Disney’s Z-o-m-b-i-e-s, the new film followed the adventures of Seabrook High students Addison and Zed who’s romance is threatened by werewolves.
That concludes this day in Disney history- February 14. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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