This Day in Disney History- April 18
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- April 18.
April 18th was a big day in the history of the Walt Disney Company, with the debut of The Disney Channel, the opening of a new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the premiere of Disney’s first Broadway show. So, let’s get started!
Three Little Wolves Released (1936)
On this day in 1936, the Silly Symphony Three Little Wolves was released.
The cartoon was a take on “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and featured Fifer Pig and Fiddler Pig constantly setting off the wolf alarm. Little do they know, the Big Bad Wolf’s sons are actually lurking.
Baggage Buster Released (1941)
On this day in 1941, the Goofy short Baggage Buster was released.
In the short, Goofy is given the job of putting a magician’s trunk on a train. Unfortunately, things are never as simple as they seem.
The Simple Things Released (1953)
On this day in 1953, the Mickey Mouse short The Simple Things was released.
The cartoon featured Mickey and Pluto attempting to spend the day fishing. The short would be the last Mickey Mouse cartoon for over 30 years!
Guy Williams Auditions For Disney (1957)
On this day in 1957, the Disney Studio held a screen test for unknown actor Guy Williams.
When Walt saw the test, he was convinced that Williams was perfect for the role of Zorro.
The Disney Channel Debuts (1983)
On this day in 1983, The Disney Channel debuted!
The channel began airing programming at 7 a.m. with the program Good Morning Mickey.
Other programs debuting that day included Mousercise, Welcome to Pooh Corner, You and Me, Kid, and Contraption.
Beauty and the Beast Opens on Broadway
On this day in 1994, Disney’s first Broadway show, Beauty and the Beast: A New Musical, debuted on Broadway.
The original cast featured Tom Bosley as Maurice, Terrance Mann as the Beast, and Susan Egan as Belle.
Toon Disney Debuts (1998)
On this day in 1998, Toon Disney debuted!
The 24-hour cable station aired all kinds of Disney cartoons, including the company’s Disney Afternoon shows.
Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama Opens (2002)
On this day in 2002, Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama officially opened.
The mini-land featured Triceratop Spin, Primeval Whirl, and the Fossil Fun Games.
Holes Released In Theaters (2003)
On this day in 2003, Holes was released in theaters.
The film starred Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette, and Shia LaBeouf.
Disney’s Electrical Parade Ends California Adventure Run (2010)
On this day in 2010, Disney’s Electrical Parade ran for the last time at Disney California Adventure.
A version of the Main Street Electrical Parade, the procession would be shipped to the Magic Kingdom.
Disneynature Bears Released (2015)
On this day in 2015, the Disneynature film Bears was released.
The film told the story of a group of grizzly bears living in Alaska.
Doc McStuffins Ends (2020)
On this day in 2020, Doc McStuffins aired its final episode.
The series told the story of Doctor McStuffins, a young girl who can “fix” toys with the help of her friends.
That concludes this day in Disney history- April 18. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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