This Day in Disney History- October 1
Welcome back to our continuing trip through the history of The Walt Disney Company. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- October 1.
October 1st is perhaps the most important day in Disney history with the opening of Walt Disney World, the debut of EPCOT Center, and the advent of the Bob Iger era. So, let’s get started!
Mickey’s Choo Choo Released (1929)
On this day in 1929, the Mickey Mouse short Mickey’s Choo Choo was released.
Bugs in Love Released (1932)
On this day in 1932, Bugs in Love was released.
The Silly Symphony dove into the romantic lives of various bugs.
The Fighting Prince of Donegal Released (1966)
On this day in 1966, The Fighting Prince of Donegal was released.
The film was loosely based on the real-life exploits of the 16th-century Irish prince “Red” Hugh O’Donnell.
Walt Disney World Opens (1971)
On this day in 1971, Walt Disney World officially opened!
The Florida Project finally came to life with the opening of the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Winnie the Pooh Nominated For President
On this day in 1972, Winnie the Pooh was nominated for president.
Running on the Children’s Party ticket, Pooh was nominated by delegates representing all 50 states.
Sante Fe Railroad Renamed Disneyland Railroad (1974)
On this day in 1974, The Sante Fe Railroad was renamed the Disneyland Railroad.
The name change came about when the Santa Fe Railroad dropped its sponsorship of the attraction.
EPCOT Center Groundbreaking Takes Place (1979)
On this day in 1979, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for EPCOT Center.
On hand for the festivities were Disney CEO Card Walker and vice president of Walt Disney World Dick Nunis.
Walt Disney World Kicks Off 10th Anniversary
On this day in 1981, Walt Disney World kicked off its 10th anniversary celebration.
Debuting as part of the festivities was the Tencentenial parade!
EPCOT Center Opens (1982)
On this day in 1982, EPCOT Center had its grand opening.
Walt Disney World’s second part, EPCOT Center was made of Future World and World Showcase.
On hand for the festivities were 100 television crews from all over the world and Walt Disney’s widow Lilian Disney.
Horizons Opens (1983)
On this day in 1983, Horizons opened at EPCOT Center.
A spiritual sequel to the Carousel of Progress, Horizons was an Omnimover attraction that led guests to experience the future.
Walt Disney World’s 15th Anniversary Begins (1986)
On this day in 1986, Walt Disney World’s 15th anniversary kicked off.
Visitors to the Magic Kingdom were greeted with a giant Mickey Mouse clock outside of the turnstiles.
Daredevil Circus Spectacular Premieres (1987)
On this day in 1987, Daredevil Circus Spectacular premiered at EPCOT Center.
The new circus show was performed four times a day.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Opens (1988)
On this day in 1988, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort opened.
The first Disney moderate resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach lets guests relax in a tropical atmosphere.
Walt Disney World’s 20th Anniversary Kicks Off
On this day in 1991, Walt Disney World’s Surprise Celebration kicked off.
The festivities were a part of the resort’s 20th anniversary and included the new Surprise Celebration Parade.
Cool Runnings Released (1993)
On this day in 1993, Cool Runnings was released.
The film told the story of the Jamaica national bobsleigh team’s attempt to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Euro Disneyland Renamed (1994)
On this day in 1994, Euro Disneyland was officially renamed Disneyland Paris.
Disney’s Vero Beach Opens (1995)
On this day in 1995, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort opened.
The resort was the first off-site Disney Vacation Club Resort.
Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary Begins (1996)
On this day in 1996, Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary kicked off.
On hand for the festivities were Roy Disney, Michael Eisner, and then First Lady Hillary Clinton.
The Barnstormer Opens (1996)
Also on this day in 1996, The Barnstormer opened the Magic Kingdom.
The kid-friendly roller coaster was a hit in Mickey’s Toontown Fair.
25h Anniversary Celebrity Motorcade Takes Place (1996)
Also on this day in 1996, the 25th Anniversary Celebrity Mororcade cruised through the Disney-MGM Studios
The parade featured ABC stars from Boy Meets World, Home Improvement, Brotherly Love, and Spin City.
The Imagination! Pavilion Opens
On this day in 1999, the Imagination! pavilion opened at EPCOT.
The updated Journey Into Imagination pavilion featured the new Journey Int Your Imagination attraction in addition to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.
Roy O. Disney Statue Unveiled (1999)
Also on this day in 1999, a statue honoring Roy O. Disney was unveiled at the Magic Kingdom.
The new statue depicted Roy and Minnie Mouse sitting on a bench.
Bob Iger Takes Over as CEO (2005)
On this day in 2005, Bob Iger took over as CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Iger would continue to serve in that capacity until 2019. He would then return in 2002.
Epcot Celebrates 25th Anniversary Takes Place (2007)
On this day 2007, Epcot celebrated its 25th anniversary.
A rededication ceremony took place at the Fountain of Nations.
Walt Disney World Turns 40 (2011)
On this day in 2011, Walt Disney World turned 40.
In celebration of the occasion, a procession of Disney characters paraded their way to Cinderella Castle.
Paint the Night Premieres (2014)
On this day in 2014, Paint the Night premiered at Hong Kong Disneyland.
The new parade featured a version of the Main Street Electrical Parade’s “Baroque Hoedown”.
Vampirina Premieres (2017)
On this day in 2017, Vampirinapremiered on Disney Junior.
The new show followed the story of Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley who moved from Transylvania to Pennsylvania.
Epcot Forever Premieres (2019)
On this day in 2019, Epcot Forever premiered at Epcot.
The nighttime show was a temporary replacement for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth until HarmonioUS premiered in 2020.
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Kicks Off (2021)
On this day in 2021, Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary kicked off.
The World’s Most Magical Celebration would run for the next 18 months.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Opens (2021)
Finally, on this day in 2021, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened at Epcot.
Imported from Paris, the new dark ride takes guests through the world of Pixar’s Ratatouille.
That concludes this day in Disney history- October 1. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!