Disney This Day

On this day in 1994, former Disney president and Chief Operating Officer Frank Wells was tragically killed in a helicopter accident.

On this day in 1974, Pioneer Hall opened at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World. Pioneer Hall's design recreated a late 1800s lodge in the Northwest Territory. It was constructed using 1,283 Western White Pine logs transported from Montana and hand-fitted together, as well as 70 tons of ebony stone quarried in North Carolina. Pioneer Hall would become home to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue about two months later. [50 years ago in 2024]

On this day in 1999, ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ was released by Touchstone Pictures. It was a loose modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” set in a Seattle high school. Pretty and popular Bianca isn’t allowed to date until her disinterested older “shrew” sister, Kat does. Rebellious newcomer Patrick may be just the one to overcome Kat’s resistance. The film would launch the careers of its stars, Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. [25 years ago in 2024]

On this day in 2019, Jessie’s Critter Carousel debuted at Disney California Adventure as part of the transformation of Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier. It replaced the opening-day attraction King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea. Guests can take a ride with Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl atop one of her desert animal friends, inspired by the world of ‘Woody’s Roundup’ from ‘Toy Story 2.’ The ride is technically a merry-go-round since it includes animals other than horses. [5 years ago in 2024]

On this day in 1909, animator, director, and producer Jack Kinney was born. His 27-year career at Disney began in 1931 where he was an animator on several cartoon shorts, including ‘The Band Concert.’ By 1940, he was promoted to director for animated short films. Kinney was the primary director of the Goofy series of shorts, 39 in total between 1940 and 1953. He also directed the only Donald Duck cartoon to win an Oscar. [115 years ago in 2024]

On this day in 2002, the first action role-playing game in the ‘Kingdom Hearts’ series was released. It was a collaboration between Disney Interactive and Square Enix, led by character designer Tetsuya Nomura. The game places various Disney characters in a fictional universe. The main character, Sora is joined by Donald and Goofy on a quest across worlds to bring peace to the realms by overcoming darkness with light and friendship.

On this day in 1968, the classic film 'Planet of the Apes' was released by 20th Century Fox. In the film, three astronauts crash land on a planet where apes are the dominant intelligent species and humans are uncivilized and oppressed. The movie featured groundbreaking makeup effects that were developed by studying apes at the Los Angeles Zoo. About 17% of the film's budget went toward makeup, equaling $3 million today, setting a world record!

On this day in 1995, Disneyland hosted the inaugural (and only) Disneyland Marathon in celebration of the park's 40th anniversary. In all, 2,200 runners participated. The course made a double loop through Disneyland and then took to Anaheim area streets. The route had to be remeasured during the race when bicycle escorts turned left instead of right at a crucial juncture. The mistake resulted in a half-mile “shortcut” that had to be fixed in real time!