This Day in Disney History- May 1
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- May 1.
May 1st was a massive day in Disney history, with the debut of a new Donald series, the opening of a Walt Disney World park, and the release of a cinematic event. So, lets get started!
Trolley Troubles Released (1927)
On this day in 1927, the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short Trolley Troubles was released.
Donald Gets Drafted Released (1942)
On this day in 1942, the Donald Duck cartoon Donald Gets Drafted was released.
The cartoon saw Donald Duck joining the United States military to help fight WWII. It was the first of a series of Donald Duck WWII shorts.
Frontierland Train Station Opens (1972)
On this day in 1972, the Frontierland Train Station opened in the Magic Kingdom.
Guests on the Walt Disney World Railroad now had the opportunity to disembark in Frontierland. Prior to that, the attraction was a round-trip experience.
The Empress Lilly Christened (1977)
On this day in 1977, The Empress Lilly was christened by Lillian Disney at the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village.
The steamship would be the home to three new restaurants, Fisherman’s Deck, Steerman’s Quarters, and the Empress Room.
Card Walker Steps Down (1983)
On this day in 1983, Card Waler stepped down as chairman of the Walt Disney Company.
He turned the job over to Ray Watson.
The Good Turn Restaurant Closes (1986)
On this day in 1986, The Good Turn Restaurant closed at EPCOT.
The dining location would eventually reopen as the Garden Grill Restaurant.
The Disney MGM-Studios Opens (1989)
On this day in 1989, the Disney-MGM Studios opened to the public.
Walt Disney World’s third theme park, the new park was themed after the Golden Age of Hollywood. Opening day attractions included The Great Movie Ride, The Studio Backlot Tour, The Monster Sound Show, and SuperStar television.
On hand for the festivities were Hollywood legends, Geroge Burns and Bob Hope.
Pleasure Island Opens (1989)
Also on this day in 1989, Disney’s Pleasure Island opened.
The new nightclub district had been welcoming guests since April 28.
Mickey Mouse Works Debuts (1999)
On this day in 1999, Mickey Mouse Works debuted on ABC’s One Saturday Morning.
Each half-hour episode of the show included both old and new Disney shorts.
Countdown to Extinction Changes Its Name (2001)
On this day in 2001, Countdown to Extinction was officially renamed Dinosaur.
The name change was done to emphasize the attraction’s tie-ins to the 2000 Disney film.
Kidani Village Opens (2009)
On this day in 2009, the Kidani Village section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opened.
The newest DVC extension of the resort, the name of the village comes from the Swahili word for “necklace”.
Princess Merida Debuts (2012)
On this day in 2012, Princess Merida debuted at Walt Disney World.
Although officially scheduled to begin meeting guests at the Magic Kingdom on May 15, the princess surprised guests at EPCOT.
Avengers: Age of Ultron Released (2015)
On this day in 2015, Avengers: Age of Ultron was released.
The second Avengers film, Age of Ultron saw Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Hawkeye, and Black Widow reunite to battle Ultron.
Wonderful World of Animation Opens (2019)
On this day in 2019, the Worldful World of Animation debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Created for the park’s 30th anniversary, the show was a collaboration between Disney and Pixar.
That concludes this day in Disney history- May 1. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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