The Disney Look.. to the Past! (11/13-19)

Here you are our weekly look.... to the past of Walt Disney World and the whole company!

This week, many, many things happened:

________________________________

This Week in Disney History: Nov. 13-19

Nov. 18, 1928 - "Steamboat Willie" premieres in New York 

Walt Disney was fond of saying that it all started with a mouse, but many mistakenly believe this was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon produced. "Plane Crazy" and "The Galloping Gaucho" were both made earlier, but "Steamboat Willie" was the first animated film to include a synchronized soundtrack, explaining why its debut at the Colony Theatre (now the Broadway Theatre) in Manhattan is regarded as the birth of Mickey. Walt provided the voice of Mickey, who whistles, laughs and yelps his way through the action on screen. The dialogue had to be kept to a minimum, as the sound technology used - a bootlegged version of another audio system - was far from perfected. The initial orchestra recording session was a disaster, as the musicians were unable to keep up with the timing of the film. Walt sold his Moon roadster to finance a second session, which went far better. More than a critical and commercial success, the seven-minute "Steamboat Willie" was a breakthrough triumph for the fledgling Disney Studios, and the use of sound was one of many innovations that paved the way for the first full-length animated feature nine years later.

Nov. 19, 1990 - Disney's Yacht &  Beach Club Resorts officially opens

Designed by modern traditionalist architect Robert A.M. Stern, who also worked on Disney's BoardWalk Inn and the master plan for the city of Celebration, Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts evoke the look and feel of turn-of-the-century seaside resorts in New England. The nautical-themed Yacht Club Resort, first to open Nov. 5, is reminiscent of the sprawling shingle-style inns of summer getaway towns like Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The Beach Club Resort opened two weeks later with a lighter, airier feel more reflective of Victorian-influenced settings like Cape May. Set on Crescent Lake, the resort is a short walk from World Showcase at Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios is a quick boat ride away. The resorts share Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre swimming area with its own lazy river and a water slide that snakes through the remnants of a shipwreck. Nearby is the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop - if you've never heard of it, your homework assignment is to head over and try the Kitchen Sink. Oh, and bring friends. Learn more about Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in the Nov. 4 issue of Eyes and Ears.

Also this week in Disney history: 

Nov. 13

1940 - Walt Disney Pictures premieres "Fantasia" at the Broadway Theater in New York

1997 - Disney Theatrical Productions' "The Lion King" opens at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway

Nov. 14

1941 - "The Art of Skiing" (Goofy cartoon short) debuts

1947 - "Mail Dog" (Pluto cartoon short) debuts

1995 - Disney Magic is announced as name of first Disney Cruise Line ship

 

Nov. 15

 

1932 - The first class of Disney Art School is held on a Walt Disney Studio sound stage to train animators

1965 - Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney  announce Disney's Florida project

1993 - The Garden Grill Restaurant opens in The Land pavilion at Epcot

1980 - Leaders host the grand opening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park

Nov. 16

 

 1990 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Rescuers Down Under"

2004 -

 Stitch's Great Escape! officially opens at Magic Kingdom Park

2004 - Turtle Talk with Crush officially opens in The Living Seas at Epcot

2006 - Disney Theatrical Productions' "Mary Poppins" opens at Disney's New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway in New York

Nov. 17

 

1989 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Little Mermaid" 

1993 - An interactive fountain between Future World and World Showcase opens at Epcot

1997 - Leaders dedicate the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at Port Canaveral, Fla.

Nov. 18

 

1962 - Swiss Family Robinson Tree House opens at Disneyland Park

1978 - Mickey Mouse becomes the first animated character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

1988 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Oliver & Company" 

1993 - The Partners statue in Central Plaza is dedicated at Disneyland Park 

2001 - Chester & Hester's Dinorama! featuring TriceraTop Spin opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

 

Nov. 19

 

1932 - "Babes in the Woods" (Silly Symphony) debuts

1971 - Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground officially opens

1993 - President Bill Clinton is added to the Hall of Presidents attraction at Magic Kingdom Park

1999 - "it's a small world" becomes the first Disneyland attraction to offer Disney's FASTPASS Service

________________________________

All pictures and information are subject to the copyright of the Walt Disney® Company. All rights reserved.