This Day in Disney History- July 26
Welcome back to our continuing foray through the history of the Walt Disney Company! Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- July 26.
July 26th was a solemn day in Disney’s history with the loss of three Disney Legends, but it also featured the release of a live-action movie and the premiere of an animated classic. So, let’s get started!
Alice in Wonderland Premieres (1951)
On this day in 1951, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland had its premiere in England.
Based on the Lewis Carroll books “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass” the film was Disney’s 13th animated feature film. Walt Disney himself attended the premiere.
Mary Blair Passes Away (1979)
On this day in 1979, Disney Legend Mary Blair passed away at age 66.
A master of color, Blair worked on Disney films including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Song of the South, and Cinderella. She also was the art supervisor for animated classics Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros.
Blair would eventually make the transition to WED Enterprises, where she was the driving force behind the design of its a small world and the fiesta scene in EPCOT’s El Rio Del Tiempo. Blair also created the enormous mosaic located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Unidentified Flying Oddball Released (1979)
On this day in 1979, Unidentified Flying Oddball was released.
Loosely based on the Mark Twain story A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, the film told the story of an astronaut and his android who travel back to the time of King Arthur.
The Parent Trap II Premeires (1986)
On this day in 1986, The Parent Trap II premiered on the Disney Channel.
The film was a made-for-TV sequel to The Parent Trap and starred Hayley Mills as Sharon and Susan.
The Country Bears Released (2002)
On this day in 2002, Disney’s The Country Bears was released.
Based on the popular Disney Parks attraction, the film told the story of Beary Barrinson, a ten-year-old bear cub who sets out to reunite his favorite band- The Country Bears.
Buddy Baker Passes Away (2002)
Also on this day in 2002, Disney Legend Buddy Baker passed away at age 84.
Baker was the composer and arranger for almost 200 Disney films, shows and theme park attractions.
Disneyland’s Original Star Tours Closes (2010)
On this day in 2010, the original Star Tours closed.
The attraction would eventually reopen, with scenes from the Star Wars prequels, as Star Tours: The Adventure Continues.
Russi Taylor Passes Away (2019)
On this day in 2019, Russi Taylor, the longtime voice of Minnie Mouse passed away.
Taylor assumed the role of Minnie following a 1986 audtion, and would perform the charactrs voice in hundreds of Diseny projects.
That concludes this day in Disney history- July 26. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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