Good day to ye. On this eighth day of the month of November in 1973, the much-heralded animated feature Robin Hood was released, retelling the classic olde tale of thy well-intentioned outlaw. This film holds a special place in the heart of Huston Huddleston, whose parents were both involved in its production. “My mother, Nancy …
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It was on this day in 1973, that Walt Disney World guests could explore an all new island in the Magic Kingdom, thanks to the opening of the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts. To join in the opening-day festivities were Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher themselves! Almost. In reality, it was two teenagers, Steve Pierceall and …
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The Main Street, U.S.A. attraction opened on this day in the Opera House, taking the place of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. In addition to a movie, narrated by Walt himself, there was a dazzling array of archival treasures on display, including awards, letters, and, in the foyer, an exact reproduction of his offices from …
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The World’s Greatest Athlete raced onto screens for the first time on this day in 1973, telling the story of Nanu (Jan-Michael Vincent), a boy raised by natives in the jungles of Africa after the death of his parents. When a coach and his assistant (portrayed by John Amos and Tim Conway) discover the athletic …
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The year was 1972, and the candidates in the presidential election were Richard M. Nixon and George McGovern. That was unless you were visiting Disneyland, where beginning on this day that year, there was a new contender. The three-day Winnie the Pooh for President event featured a ticker tape parade and stage show with America’s …
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It was a day of deep tension and nerves for those involved in the premiere of Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade, because just two weeks earlier the parade was on the fritz. Disney engaged a company in Chicago to build the floats and most were not complete, and work on some hadn’t even begun! Disneyland’s …
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The attraction If You Had Wings was exclusive to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Disney animator turned Imagineer X Atencio, a Disney Legend, wrote the lyrics to the theme song. “The premise of If You Had Wings was that if you had wings you could fly to some exciting destinations illustrated by the song and …
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Howdy folks. “Bear” with me as I tell you about what happened at Disneyland on this day in 1972. It was the opening of the one and only original Country Bear Jamboree. Host Henry the Bear invited audiences to “clap your hands and stomp your feet” as the show kicked off with the “Bear Band …
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Long before Aladdin took Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, Julie Andrews took TV viewers on a tour of a whole new world with new fantastic things to see when “The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World” debuted on The Wonderful World of Disney. After a song from Glen Campbell, Julie rides the Monorail into …
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Among Disney enthusiasts, it’s common knowledge that Walt Disney World Resort opened on this day in 1971, featuring the Magic Kingdom, two hotels, lakes, lagoons, golf courses, and a campground. What’s not as well known is that October 1 was not officially the grand opening. When Disneyland opened in 1955, things did not run smoothly, …
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