This Day in Disney History- September 30
Welcome back to our continuing journey through Disney’s past. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- September 30!
September 30 was a busy day in Disney history, with the exit of a longtime Disneyland sponsor, a visit from a US President, and the end of a nighttime spectacular. So, let’s get started!
The Steeplechase Released (1933)
On this day in 1933, the Mickey Mouse cartoon The Steeplechase was released.
In the cartoon, when his racehorse discovers a bottle of gin and drinks it, Mickey has to dress up two sable hands a horse and ride them in the big race.
Babes in Toyland Exhibit Closes (1963)
On this day in 1963, the Babes in Toyland exhibit closed in Disneyland.
The exhibit had operated on Main Street USA for two years.
Dad, Can I Borrow the Car? Released (1970)
On this day in 1970 Dad, Can I Borrow the Car? was released.
The live-action short was directed by Ward Kimball and narrated by Kurt Russell.
Walt Disney World Preview Center Closes (1971)
On this day in 1971, the Walt Disney World Preview Center closed.
Located on Buena Vista Boulevard, the preview center gave visitors a preview of Florida’s park before it opened.
Pepsi Ends Golden Horseshoe Sponsorship (1982)
On this day in 1982, Pepsi-Cola’s sponsorship of Disenyland’s Golden Horseshoe Revue ended.
The cola company had been a sponsor of the musical revue since 1955. Eastman Kodak would assume sponsorship the next day.
Arcata d’Antigiani Closes (1989)
On this day in 1989, Arcata d’Antigiani Shop closed in EPCOT Center.
The shop had been open since the park opened in 1982 and would be replaced by Delizie Italiane.
George Bush Visits EPCOT Center (1991)
On this day in 1991, President George Bush and his wife Barbara visited EPCOT Center.
While there, the President and First Lady spoke at the American Gardens theater.
General Electric Ends Sponsorship of Horizons (1993)
On this day in 1993 General Electric’s sponsorship of the Horizons pavilion ended.
Horizons would continue to operate without a sponsorship.
Top of the World Closes at the Contemporary (1993)
Also on this day in 1993, the Top of the World closed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The supper club has operated since the Contemporary opened in 1971.
Mickey’s Philharmagic Opens (2003)
On this day in 2003, Mickey’s Philharmagic opened at the Magic Kingdom.
The new 4D attraction brought together various Disney characters for a musical adventure.
The Greatest Game Ever Played Released (2005)
On this day in 2005, The Greatest Game Ever Played was released in theaters.
The film starred Shia LaBeouf as Francis Ouimet the first American to win the U.S. Open.
Michael Eisner Has Last Day as Disney CEO (2005)
On this day in 2005, Michael Eisner’s tenure as CEO of The Walt Disney Company ended.
Eisner had headed Disney since 1984. He was succeded by Bob Iger.
Dream Along With Mickey Debuts (2006)
On this day in 2006, Dream along with Mickey debuted at Walt Disney World.
The new stage show was performed daily at the Magic Kingdom.
Jessie Premieres (2011)
On this day in 2011, Jessie premiered on the Disney Channel.
The series starred Debby Ryan as Jessie Prescot, a small-town girl who leaves Texas to take a job as a nanny for a wealthy family in New York family.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Premieres (2019)
On this day in 2019, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil premiered at the El Capitan Theatre.
The film starred Angelina Jolie as the titular anti-hero.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Performed For the Final Time (2019)
Also on this day in 2019, IllumiNations: Reflections fo Earth was performed for the final time.
The Epcot nighttime spectacular would be replaced by Epcot Forever and eventually HarmonioUS.
That concludes this day in Disney history- September 30. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!