This Day in Disney History- January 9
Welcome back to our magical journey through the history of the Walt Disney Company! Today we are looking at this day in Disney history- January 9.
January 9th was a massive day in Disney history, with debut of a iconic character, the opening of a Disneyland thrill ride, and the closure of an EPCOT Center classic. So, let’s get in into it!
Don Donald Released (1937)
On this day in 1937, the Donald Duck cartoon Don Donald was released.
The short was directed by Ben Sharpsteen and features a female duck named Donna Duck. Donna would later be renamed “Daisy Duck” and the rest is history!
The Disneyana Shop Opens (1976)
On this day in 1976, the Disneyana Shop opened in Disneyland.
Located on Main Street, the new store sold Disneyana merchandise including vintage collectables!
Star Tours Opens (1987)
On this day in 1987, Star Tours opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.
The new simulator attraction was based on the George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise, and was the park’s first non-Disney attraction.
In order to facilitate the large crowds who have come to experience Star Tours, Disneyland was open for 60 hours!
Claude Coats Passes Away (1992)
On this day in 1992, Disney Legend Claude Coats passed away.
Coates originally worked on classic Disney films including Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Peter Pan. Eventually, Coates went on to work at WED Enterprises, where he helped to create Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
Horizons Closes (1999)
On this day in 1999, Horizons closed at Epcot.
Originally opening in October of 1983, the Future World pavilion took guests on a tour through the 21st Century.
Horizons, which was the spiritual successor to the Carousel of Progress, would eventually be replaced by Mission: Space.
Disney Design-a-Tee Opens (2009)
On this day in 2009 Disney Design-a-Tee Presented by Hanes opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney.
The new apparel store allowed guests to design and then purchase their own tee shirts.
Michael Colglazier Named President of Disneyland (2013)
On this day in 2013, Michael Colglazier was named the president of the Disneyland Resort.
Colgazier began his career with Disney in 1971, when he worked as a busboy at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Over his storied career he also was the General Manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Vice President of Epcot.
Fantasy in the Sky Returns (2015)
On this day in 2015, Fantasy in the Sky returned to Disneyland.
The park’s original fireworks show, Fantasy in the Sky ran from 1958 until 1996. The show was briefly brought back in 2004, before returning again in 2015.
That’s all for this day in Disney history- January 9! So, be sure to come on back tomorrow to see what happens next!