This Day in Disney History- March 17
Welcome back to our magical trip through the history of the Walt Disney Company. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- March 17.
March 17th featured the release of live action Disney film, the debut of an Epcot classic, and the beginning of a Disney tradition. So, let’s get started!
Plane Crazy Debuts (1929)
On this day in 1929, the Mickey Mouse short Plane Crazy debuted at the Mark Strand Theater in New York City.
Photo: wikipedia
The short was originally released as a silent cartoon before being reworked following the release of Steamboat Willie.
Goofy and Wilbur Released (1939)
On this day in 1939, the short Goofy and Wilbur was released.
Photo: D23
In the film, Goofy enlists his friend Wilbur, a grasshopper to help him on a fishing expedition.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Held at Disneyland (1968)
On this day in 1968, a St. Patrick’s Day was heled at Disneyland for the first time.
The Barefoot Executive Released (1971)
On this day in 1971, The Barefoot Executive was released.
Photo: Disney +
The film starred Kurt Russell as an employee at a production company who learns that his girlfriend’s chimpanzee can predict which shows will have the best.
Herbie, The Love Bug Premieres (1982)
On this day in 1982, the television show Herbie, the Love Bug premiered.
Photo: Also IMDB
Based on the popular Love Bug Movies, the new series premiered with episode “Herbie the Matchmaker”. The series would only last 5 episodes.
Test Track Opens (1999)
On this day in 1999, Test Track officially opened at Epcot.
Photo: Also Disney
Sponsored by General Motors, the attraction was the fastest ride ever designed by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Exxon Mobile Ends Sponsorship (2004)
On this day in 2004, Exxon Mobile ended its sponsorship of the Universe of Energy pavilion at Epcot.
Photo: RetroWDW
The pavilion would remain sponsor-less until it closed in 2013.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Opens (2005)
On this day in 2005, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters opened in Disneyland.
Photo: Also Disney
Th new attraction allowed guests to join Star Command and fight as Space Rangers against the Evil Emperor Zurg.
On the ride, guests shoot laser beams to score points, competing against other riders.
Beauty and the Beast Released (2017)
Finally, on this day in 2017 Disney released their live action version of Beauty and the Beast.
Photo: Disney +
Based on the 1991 animated classic, the film starred Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.
That concludes this day in Disney history- March 17. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next
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