This Day in Disney History- July 17
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- July 17.
July 17th was a massive day in the history of the Walt Disney Company, with the opening of Disneyland in 1955. So, let’s get started!
Victory Through Air Power Released (1943)
On this day in 1943, Victory Through Air Power released.
The propaganda film combined live action and animation to promote the idea that only long-range airpower can win WWII.
Disneyland Opens! (1955)
On this day in 1955, Disneyland officially opened.
The groundbreaking theme park was the culmination of Walt’s dream to create a place where families could enjoy the day together. The park opened with five themed lands- Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Main Street USA
On hand for the festivities were Art Linkletter, Ronald Reagan and Bob Cummings who hosted the opening broadcast on ABC!
Greyfriars Bobby Released (1961)
On this day in 1961, Greyfriars Bobby was released.
The film told the story of a Sky Terrier named Bobby who travels to Edinburgh with his master.
Savage Sam Released (1963)
On this day in 1963, Savage Sam was released.
The film was a sequel to Old Yeller.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Debuts (1965)
On this day in 1965, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln debuted at Disneyland.
The groundbreaking Audio-Animatronic show had originally debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair.
Disneyland Introduces Bicentennial Entertainment (1975)
On this day in 1975, in conjunction with Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, the park debuted its Bicentennial procession “America on Parade” and a new fireworks show “Fantasy in the Sky”.
Disneyland Celebrates its 25th Anniversary (1980)
On this day in 1980, Disneyland celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special 2-hour party.
Guests in attendance were given birthday buttons that read “I was there!”
Splash Mountain Dedicated (1989)
On this day in 1989, Splash Mountain was dedicated at Disneyland.
On hand for the festivities were Michael Eisner, Jon Varney and Nick Stewart, who voiced Brer Bear in Song of the South.
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid Released (1992)
On this day in 1992, Disney released Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.
The film was a sequel to the popular 1989 film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
Disney Announces Disney’s California Adventure (1996)
On this day 1996, Disney announced plans to construct a second gate in Disneyland- Disney’s California Adventure.
The new park would eventually open on
Planet Hollywood Opens in Paris (1996)
Also on this day in 1996, Planet Hollywood opened at Disneyland Paris’ Disney Village.
The star-studded opening featured an appearance by Lion King star Whoopi Goldberg.
45 Years of Magic Parade (2000)
On this day in 2000, Disneyland debuted the 45 Years of Magic Parade.
The special parade commemorated 45 years of Disney magic at Disneyland.
BraviSEAmo Debuts (2004)
On this day in 2004, BraviSEAmo! A nighttime water show debuted at Tokyo Disneyland.
Performed in the lagoon of Mediterranean Harbor, the show would run through November 2010.
Disneyland Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary (2005)
On this day in 2005, Disneyland celebrated its 50th anniversary!
On hand for the festivities were Art Linkletter (who helped open the park in 1955), Bob Iger, Michael Eisner, Diane Disney Miller, and California Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Marty Skylar Honored With Disneyland Window (2009)
On this day in 2009, Marty Skylar was honored with a window on Disneyland.
Officially retiring on this day, Sklar capped off a legendary Disney career by receiving the company’s highest honor.
Ant-Man Released (2015)
On this day in 2015, Ant-Man was released.
Marvel’s newest superhero movies tarred Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, a burglar who must become a hero to save the world.
Mickey’s Soundsational Parade Ends (2019)
On this day in 2019, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade was performed for the final time at Disneyland.
The daytime parade had been running since 2011.
New Philharmagic Scene Debtus (2021)
On this day in 2021, a new scene debuted in the Disneyland and Disneyland Paris’ version of Mickey’s Philhamagic!
The new scene takes the audiance into the world of Pixar’s Coco, where they enter the “land of the dead” and hear a performance of Un Poco Loco.
That concludes this day in Disney history- July 17. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next.
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