The Disney Look... to the past! (July 23-29)

Today, it is time to take our time machine, to check out the history of the Walt Disney Company! Let's see what has happened during this same week... in the past!:

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This Week in Disney History: July 23-29

July 24, 1966 - New Orleans Square is dedicated at Disneyland Park

Geometry enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that the first land added to Disneyland Park after its opening is not actually square in shape, but despite the misnomer, this charming slice of the Crescent City is among the most intricate and unique sections of the theme park. With highly detailed belle epoch architecture reminiscent of the French Quarter, New Orleans Square rewards guests who peer into its window displays, sample taste sensations like the Monte Cristo at Café Orleans and clam chowder from the Royal Street Veranda, or find picturesque hidden nooks and corners like Le Court de Anges (the Court of Angels.) The land also has three classic Disney Parks attractions: the swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean, the grim-grinning ghosts of the Haunted Mansion and the Disneyland Railroad, where the park's opening-day dedication by Walt Disney can be heard at the station in Morse code.

July 28, 1998 - The Disney Magic cruise ship is christened at Port Canaveral, Fla.

With the flick of a switch by its godmother, Patty Disney (wife of Walt's nephew, Roy), a bottle of champagne crashed against the steel hull of the Disney Magic, officially inducting the inaugural ship of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Built at the legendary Fincantieri shipyards in Italy, the Disney Magic is more than a "Disneyfied" cruise ship - it was designed as a throwback to the "Golden Age" of ocean travel, when luxury liners were the primary mode of transit between Europe and America. Intricate, lavish design touches and an Art Deco interior meet modern, innovative technology throughout its 11 decks. With a cruising speed of 21.5 knots - nearly 40 mph - It has plenty of power to boot for 2,700 guests and 950 crew members. Registered in Nassau, Bahamas, but based out of Port Canaveral, the Disney Magichas sailed to dozens of exotic ports throughout the Atlantic and Pacific. In 2005, the ship repositioned to Los Angeles in commemoration of Disneyland Park's 50th anniversary, and in 2012 will offer itineraries from Galveston, Texas and New York City.

Also this week in Disney history:

July 23

1956 - Junior Autopia opens at Disneyland Park

1965 - Mapo, a division of Walt Disney Imagineering, is incorporated

1999 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Inspector Gadget"

July 24

1942 - The Donald Duck animated short "Donald's Gold Mine" debuts 

1985 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Black Cauldron"

2000 - Disneyland Resort parking garage opens

2009 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "G-Force"

July 25

1936 - Mickey Mouse animated short "Alpine Climbers" debuts

1996 - Rainforest Cafe soft-opens for guests at the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort

July 26

1999 - Goofy's Kitchen reopens in a new location at the Disneyland Hotel

2007 - Disney's stage musical "The Little Mermaid" premieres in Denver, Col.

2010 - The original Star Tours attraction closes at Disneyland Park

July 27

1945 - The Pluto animated short "Canine Casanova" debuts 

1987 - Disney leaders announce plans for the Wonders of Life pavilion at Epcot

July 28

1951 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Alice in Wonderland"

1994 - Disney leaders break ground at Disney's Vero Beach Resort 

1998 - Roy O. Disney (Walt's brother) receives a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the El Capitan Theatre

July 29

1930 - The Mickey Mouse animated short "The Shindig" debuts

1933 - The Silly Symphony short "Old King Cole" debuts 

1998 - Walt Disney Pictures releases a remake of "The Parent Trap"

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