This Day in Disney History- May 15
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 15.
May 15th featured the opening of a popular Walt Disney World restaurant, the opening of a new section of Disney Springs, and the start of a new Disney initiative. So, let’s get started!
![Walt, Lillian and Diane Disney on Disneyland teacups July 17 1955](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Walt-Disney-Disneyland-teacups-1955-1017x1024.jpg)
![Walt, Lillian and Diane Disney on Disneyland teacups July 17 1955](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Walt-Disney-Disneyland-teacups-1955-1017x1024.jpg)
Image: Gene Lester/Getty Images
The Cactus Kid Released (1930)
On this day in 1930, the Mickey Mouse short The Cactus Kid was released.
![The Cactus Kid](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Cactus-Kid.gif)
![The Cactus Kid](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Cactus-Kid.gif)
Photo: Disney
Riding in on Horace, Mickey must save Minnie from Pegleg Pedro. The short was also the last Mickey cartoon to be animated by Ub Iwerks.
Little Hiawatha Released (1937)
On this day in 1937, the Silly Symphony cartoon Little Hiawatha was released.
![Little Hiawatha](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Hiawatha-1024x576.jpg)
![Little Hiawatha](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Little-Hiawatha-1024x576.jpg)
Photo: IMDB
In the cartoon, a young Indian brave sets off into the forest to prove his worth by hunting big game.
An EPCOT Update (1974)
On this day in 1974, Card Walker announced that Disney was still moving ahead with plans for EPCOT.
![EPCOT 1974](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/EPCOT-1974-1024x411.jpg)
![EPCOT 1974](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/EPCOT-1974-1024x411.jpg)
Photo: Also Disney
EPCOT Center would eventually open to the public on October 1, 1982.
California Grill Opens (1995)
On this day in 1995, The California Grill opened on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort.
Located on the resort’s top floor, the restaurant provides a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
The Thirteenth Year Released (1999)
On this day in 1999, the Disney Channel Original Movie The Thirteenth Year aired.
![The Thirteenth Year](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Thirteenth-Year-1024x576.jpg)
![The Thirteenth Year](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Thirteenth-Year-1024x576.jpg)
Photo:Also Disney+
In the film, a teen learns that his birth mother is a mermaid after he begins to grow fins.
Disney Launches Friends For Change: Project Green (2009)
On this day in 2009, the Walt Disney Company launched Disney’s Friends For Change: Project Green.
![Project Green](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Project-Green.jpg)
![Project Green](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Project-Green.jpg)
Photo: Also Disney
The new multi-platform environmental initiative was designed to help kids help the planet.
Town Center Opens At Disney Springs (2016)
On this day in 2016, the Town Center section of DIsney Springs opened to the public.
The new area featured the debut of 23 stores and a handful of eateries.
The Ample Hills Creamery Opens (2016)
Also on this day in 2016, the Ample Hills Creamery opened at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.
![Best Bites](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ample-Hills.jpg)
![Best Bites](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ample-Hills.jpg)
Photo: Also Disney
The new eatery was themed as a turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor.
It’s A Dog’s Life Premiers (2020)
On this day in 2020, It’s a Dog’s Life premiered on DIsney+.
![A Dog's Life](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A-Dogs-Life-DIsney-1024x576.jpg)
![A Dog's Life](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A-Dogs-Life-DIsney-1024x576.jpg)
Photo: Also Disney+
The new series told the stories of working dogs across the United States.
That concludes this day in Disney history- May 15. 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! Thanks for reading!