This Day in Disney History- April 20
Welcome back to our continuing journey through the history of The Walt Disney Company. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- April 20.
April 20th was a slower day in Disney history, but it still featured the release of a classic animated film, the announcement of a new EPCOT pavilion, and a preview of a Disney Afternoon classic. So, let’s get started.
The Robber Kitten Released (1935)
On this day in 1935, the Silly Symphony cartoon The Robber Kitten was released.
The short told the story of a young kitten who runs away seeking adventure. After an encounter with a robber, however, he quickly returns home.
The African Diary Released (1945)
On this day in 1945, the Goofy short African Diary was released.
Directed by Jack Kinney, the film followed Goofy’s adventures in Africa. The short was narrated by Goofy himself.
Make Mine Music Premieres (1946)
On this day in 1946, Make Mine Music premiered in New York.
Disney’s 10th feature film, Make Mine Music featured 10 different animated segments. Among the more popular segments were “A Musical Recitation” which told the story of Casey at the Bat, “A Fary Tale with Music” which told the story of Peter and the Wolf” and “Opera Pathetique” which featured the debut of Willie the Whale.
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Opens (1991)
On this day in 1991, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opened at the Disney-MGM Studios.
The table service restaurant is themed like a 1950s drive-in theater and shows clips of old monster movies.
A Goofy Troop Preview Airs (1992)
On this day in 1992, a preview of Goof Troop aired on the Disney Channel.
The show followed the adventures of Goofy and his son Max, as well as their neighbor Pete and his family. The show would begin its regular run on September 5.
Mission: SPACE Announced (2000)
On this day in 2000, President of Walt Disney World Al Weiss and Michael Capellas (CEO of Compaq) announced plans to construct Mission: SPACE at EPCOT.
The pavilion would be built on the former location of Horizons.
Pixar Animation Opens Vancouver Studio (2010)
On this day in 2010, Pixar Animation Studios opened a new studio in downtown Vancouver.
The studio was named the Glenn McQueen Pixar Animation Center after Canadian-born Pixar animator Glenn McQueen, who passed away in 2002.
The studio would produce shorts and TV specials for Pixar, but would close in October 2013.
Disneynature Chimpanzee Opens (2012)
Finally, on this day in 2012, the Disneynature documentary Chimpanzee was released.
The film was narrated by Tim Allen and followed the adventures of a young chimpanzee named Oscar, who is adopted in the African forests.
That concludes this day in Disney history- April 20. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Also, thanks for reading!