This Day in Disney History- March 15
Welcome back to our tour through the Walt Disney Company’s past. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- March 15.
March 15th featured the opening of a new Disneyland land, the closure of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, and the official debut of Disney’s first “water coaster”. So, let’s get going!
The Riveter Released (1940)
On this day in 1940, the Donald Duck short The Riveter was released.
In the cartoon, Donald gets a job working as a riveter under construction foreman Pete.
America the Beautiful Opens (1975)
On this day in 1975, America the Beautiful opened in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.
The Circle-Vision 360 film initially opened in the Magic Kingdom on November 25, 1971 before it closed on March 15, 1974.
Disney Afternoon Avenue Opens (1991)
On this day in 1991, Disney Afternoon Avenue opened in Disneyland.
The miniature land was dedicated to the characters of the Disney Afternoon. Here, guests could meet Baloo from Talespin, the Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, and Launchpad McQuack.
PB&J Ottter Premieres (1998)
On this day in 1998, PB&J Otter premiered on Playhouse Disney.
The show would eventually run for 65 episodes over the course of three seasons.
Crush ‘N’ Gusher Opens (2005)
On this day in 2005, Crush ‘N’ Gusher officially opened at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney’s first “water coaster”, the attraction had been open to guests since March 13. On hand for the festivities was Days of Our Lives’ star Kirsten Storms.
High School Musical Makes History (2006)
On this day in 2006, High School Musical became the first full length movie to be sold on iTunes.
Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years Closes (2009)
On this day in 2009, Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years exhibit closed at Disneyland.
Located in the Main Street U.S.A. Opera House, the exhibit was hosted by Steve Martin and Donald Duck.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris Close (2020)
On this day in 2020, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris closed do to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Walt Disney World was closed for only the second time in the resort’s history.
Primeval Whirl Closes (2020)
Also on this day in 2020, Primeval Whirl closed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The attraction had been seasonal since June 2019 and would not reopen with the rest of the resort following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DuckTales Ends (2021)
Finally, on this day in 2021, the series finale of DuckTales aired.
Titled “The Last Adventure!” the 67-minute finale was the last episode of the DuckTales reboot spearheaded by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones.
That concludes this day in Disney history- March 15. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!