The Disney Look... to the Past! (07/26 - 08/01)

Here's this week look... to the Disney Past!

This Week in Disney History: July 26 - August 1

July 28, 1951 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Alice in Wonderland

The classic Lewis Carroll tales of the English girl who fell down the rabbit hole always held a special place in the heart of Walt Disney. They inspired his early "Alice Comedies" from the 1920s, and even before Snow White and the Seven Dwarves entered production, Walt intended to develop the stories into a full-length animated feature. In true Carroll form, the production process saw most semblances of a "story" abandoned in favor of a series of loosely tied-together vignettes, depicting a colorful, humorous Wonderland inspired by the bold, Modernist concept artwork of Mary Blair. Though something of a box-office bust, audiences have warmed to Alice over the years, owing to the beautiful animation, classic score and occasional non-sensical line ("Mustard? Don't let's be silly!") Kathryn Beaumont landed the title role at age 10, and continues to provide her talents when needed, narrating both the Alice in Wonderland and Mad Tea Party attractions at Disneyland Park - although you'll find the teacups at five Disney Parks worldwide. Tim Burton's live-action spin on Wonderland grossed more than $330 million domestically this year. 

July 29, 1999 - Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios

You've scored a tour of G-Force Records, where the legendary rock band Aerosmith is in studio laying down some hot tracks. But just as you show up, their agent breaks up the recording session - they've got a concert to get to! Don't worry, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry wouldn't leave their fans hanging. They set you up with backstage passes, and a super-stretch limo to get to The Forum. SoCal natives know that's no traffic-free drive from any direction - but this is no ordinary limo. It's going to launch you from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 3 seconds, twisting through three inversions and zipping by L.A. landmarks like Beverly Hills and the Hollywood sign. You get to the show, where the band gives you a knowing wink upon arrival. Another ride in that limo? Wait a minute, we love that idea. Aerosmith worked with Walt Disney Imagineers to produce the soundtrack, contributing eight classic songs that pump through each limo's 125-speaker, 24-subwoofer, 32000-watt onboard audio system. Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster was also among the opening day attractions of Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris in 2002. 

Also this week in Disney history: 

July 26  

1951 - Walt Disney Pictures world premieres Alice in Wonderland in England 

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

2007 - Disney's stage musical The Little Mermaid premieres in Denver, CO

   

July 27  

1945 - The Pluto animated short "Canine Casanova" debuts 

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

   

July 28  

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

1998 - The Disney Magic cruise ship is christened at Port Canaveral

1998 - Roy O. Disney (Walt's brother) receives a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame directly 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

   

July 30  

1932 - The Silly Symphony short "Flowers and Trees," the first cartoon in Technicolor, debuts

1986 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Flight of the Navigator

1993 - Indiana Jones et le Temple du Peril opens at Disneyland Paris

1998 - The Disney Magic sets sail on its maiden voyage

   

July 31  

1929 - "The Karnival Kid," the first animated short in which Mickey Mouse speaks, is released (his first line: "Hot dogs!")

1955 - Casey Jr. Circus Train opens at Disneyland Park

1960 - Sunkist Citrus House opens at Disneyland Park

1995 - Disney announces the purchase of Capital Cities/ABC television network 

   

August 1  

1936 - The animated short "Mickey's Circus" debuts 

1958 - The animated short "Paul Bunyan" debuts 

1997 - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort opens at Walt Disney World 

1997 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Air Bud

Thanks for reading!

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