This Day in Disney History- August 17
Welcome back to our magical foray through the history of The Walt Disney Company. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- August 17.
August 17th was a busy day in Disney history, with the end of the line for a Disney Chairman, the debut of popular Disney Channel original film, and the debut of the first ever Toy Story Land. So, let’s get started!
Image: Gene Lester/Getty Images
Walt Arrives in Latin America (1941)
On this day in 1941, Walt Disney began a goodwill tour of Latin America.
Photo: NPR
For the trip, Walt was joined by his wife Lillian, and a group of studio employees including Mary Blair and Frank Thomas.
A WEDWay PeopleMover Opens in Houston (1981)
On this day in 1981, a WEDWay PeopleMover opened at the Houston International Airport.
Photo: Your Mileage May Vary
The transportation system was constructed by Disney’s Community Transportation Services division and was the first use of a Disney system outside of the theme parks.
Disney Asks For Ron Miller’s Resignation (1984)
On this day in 1984, The Walt Disney Board of Directors informed chairman Ron Miller that they wanted his resignation.
Miller, who was Walt’s son-in-law had overseen the creation of EPCOT Center among other projects. Unfortunately, DIsney had fallen to 14th at the box-office under his leadership.
Luxo Jr. Premieres (1986)
On this day in 1986, Luxo Jr. premiered in Dallas, Texas.
Photo: IMDB
The computer-animated short was the first cartoon created by Pixar. The short would eventually lead to Luxo Jr. becoming Pixar’s logo.
The Little Kidnappers Debuts (1990)
On this day in 1990, the DIsney Channel Premiere Film The Little Kidnappers debuted.
Photo: Also IMDB
The film told the story of two young orphan boys who travel from the “old country” to join their father’s family in Canada.
Belle’s Tales of Friendship Released (1999)
On this day in 1999, Belle’s Tales of Friendship was released direct-to-video.
Photo: The Geeky Waffle
In the live action/animated midquel, Belle works at her own music and bookstore in France where she entertains children with classic stories.
Jumping Ship Premieres (2001)
On this day in 2001, the Disney Channel Original Movie Jumping Ship premiered.
Photo: Also IMDB
The film starred Joey, Andrew, and Matthew Lawrence, and was a sequel to the 1999 film Horse Sense.
Meg Crofton Named President of Walt Disney World (2006)
On this day in 2006, Meg Crofton was named the new President of Walt DIsney World.
Photo: Disney
The fourth executive to lead Disney World since in opened in 1971, Crofton was a 27-year veteran of the Walt Disney Company.
High School Musical 2 Debuts (2006)
On this day in 2006, High School Musical 2 debuted on the Disney Channel.
Photo: Disney+
The film followed the adventures of Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez and the rest of the East High Wildcats as they go on summer vacation. An astounding 17.2 million viewers tuned in to see the film’s debut.
Disney Gives A Phineas and Ferb Sneak Peak (2006)
Also on this day in 2006, Disney aired the first episode of Phineas and Ferb.
Photo:Also Disney
While the episode “Rollercoaster” would debut on this day in 2007, the show would not properly debut until February 2008.
Toy Story Playground Opens (2010)
Finally, on this day in 2010, Toy Story Playground opened at Disneyland Paris.
Image Credit: Also Disney
The new land was the first Toy Story land to debut inside a Disney Park. Toy Story Playground featured the RC Racer, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, and Toy Soldiers Parachute attractions.
That concludes this day in Disney history- August 17. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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