When you decide to create your own experimental prototype community of tomorrow (EPCOT), it’s essential to have independence within your community. Thus, the Disney company petitioned Florida State Legislature for the creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, encompassing the entire Disney World property and allowing it most of the powers of a county, including …
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The character of money scavenger Scrooge McDuck was originally created by Carl Barks in a 1947 comic book story, but Scrooge didn’t make his theatrical debut until two decades later on this day in 1967 with the theatrical release of Scrooge McDuck and Money. When Scrooge appeared later in Mickey’s Christmas Carol and the television …
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With the opening of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction on this day in 1967, Disneyland guests could dine at the Blue Bayou with sounds of frogs and crickets, the water gently lapping on the shore, and the continuous passing of passenger boats. Gary Maggetti, once general manager in Disneyland’s Food and Beverage department, mentioned …
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The world’s most famous “bateau” ride — the inspiration behind one of the most successful series of films ever made — received exactly the kind of action-packed opening it deserved when Pirates of the Caribbean opened on this day in 1967 at Disneyland. A marauding group of pirates and scallywags climbed aboard the Columbia, disembarked …
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Disney Legend Dean Jones appeared in more than a dozen films for Disney. After his first two, That Darn Cat and The Ugly Dachshund, he impressed the right people and was quickly signed to star in Monkeys, Go Home! which swung into theaters on this day in 1967. As Hank Dussard, he inherits a large …
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Pictured Robert Random and Kurt Russell Willie Prentiss and Henry Jenkins must have realized that “a house divided cannot stand.” The two main characters in Disney’s Willie and the Yank, which takes place during the American Civil War, befriend each other despite the fact that Willie is a Confederate guard and Henry is his union …
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On this day in 1966, the news that Walt Disney had passed away utterly shocked the world. Over the years, D23’s Scott Wolf has spoken to many Cast Members who were with the Company at that time. They all remember that day vividly. Disney Legend X Atencio remembered: “December 15 was traditionally when I bought …
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Pictured left to right Kurt Russell, Fred MacMurray, and Ricky Kelman The heartwarming and humorous Follow Me, Boys! starred Disney Legend Fred MacMurray, who gave a sensitive performance as boy scout leader Lemuel Siddons. Disney scouted for great talent to make the film, and Follow Me, Boys! co-starred another Disney Legend in his very first …
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When New Orleans Square opened in Disneyland, it was the first new land built since the opening of the park in 1955. New Orleans Square also has the distinction of being the only land in the magic kingdom to debut with no attractions. There were shops and restaurants, but the land’s major attractions, Pirates of …
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On this day in 1966, people from all over the world joined together under the golden sun at Disneyland for the opening of it’s a small world. The group included young performing groups from America and abroad, and more than 50 consul generals, consuls, and vice consuls representing nations worldwide. Amongst the opening day festivities …
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