This Day In Disney History- January 31
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- January 31.
January 31st featured the retirement of two Disney Legends, the closure of an original EPCOT Center pavilion, and also the beginning of a new Disney Parks promotion. So, let’s get started!
Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas Retire (1978)
On this day in 1978, famed Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas retired together.
Two of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, the duo worked on such animated classics as Pinocchio, Bambi, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty.
After their retirement, Johnston and Thomas would give lectures on animation, consult on films, and also write the reference book Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life.
Delta and Disney Reach Agreement (1987)
On this day in 1987, Delta Airlines became the official airline of Walt Disney World.
Per the 10 year, $18 million deal, Delta replaced Eastern Airlines as the resort’s airline. As part of the deal, If You Had Wings would eventually become Delta Dreamflight.
Professor Barnaby Owl Photographic Art Studio Opens (1992)
On this day in 1992, Professor Barnaby Owl Photographic Art Studio opened in Disneyland.
Located at the end of Splash Mountain, Professor Barnaby’s was the idea of Disney CEO Michel Eisner. In tandem with the gift shop, Splash Mountain became the first Disney attraction to allow guests to purchase an on-ride photo.
CommuniCore Closes (1994)
On this day in 1994, CommuniCore closed.
A staple of EPCOT Center since 1982, the CommuniCore pavilions featured interactive exhibits that brought together the themes of the other Future World pavilions.
CommuniCore would be replaced by Innoventions, which featured similar interactive exhibits.
Cinderella Castle Restored (1998)
On this day in 1998, Cinderella Caste returned to its traditional look.
The Magic Kingdom’s icon had previously been decorated like a giant birthday cake for the park’s 25th anniversary.
First Year of a Million Dreams Winner Chosen (2008)
On this day in 2008, the first Year of a Million Dreams winner was chosen to spend the night in Disneyland.
As part of the year long celebration, each day, a guest was randomly chosen to stay in the “Dream Suite”. The suite was was originally an apartment conceived by Walt Disney, and also the former location of the Disney Gallery.
Animagique Ends (2016)
Finally, on this day in 2016, Animagique had its final performance at Disneyland Paris.
Located in the Walt Disney Studios Park, the live show was replaced by Mickey and the Magician.
That concludes this day in Disney history- January 31. So, be sure to come back again tomorrow to see what happens next!
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