The Disney Look.. to the Past! (10/23 - 10/29)

Here you are this week's look... to the Disney World (and land) past!

This is a special week, as Epcot is involved:

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This Week in Disney History: Oct. 23-29

Oct. 24, 1982 - Epcot is officially dedicated at the Walt Disney World Resort

When Walt Disney announced his Florida project in 1965, an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was a cornerstone of the original plans for Walt Disney World. Although this dream was ultimately deferred from the resort's 1971 opening, Walt Disney Productions president Card Walker and a determined army of Imagineers was determined to realize Walt's vision. Card announced plans for Epcot Center on Oct. 1, 1978; groundbreaking took place Oct. 24, 1979 at 9 a.m. 25 million man hours and almost precisely three years to the minute later, as he promised, Card stood in front of Spaceship Earth to lead its dedication ceremony. The 300-acre park is divided into two sections: Future World, which showcases new technology and the promise of tomorrow; and World Showcase, an international festival celebrating the history, culture, cuisine and beauty of nine countries. "Epcot Center is inspired by Walt Disney's creative genius," said Card in dedicating the park. "And, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere."

Also this week in Disney history:

Oct. 23  

1930 - "The Picnic" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

1941 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Dumbo

1982 - "EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration," hosted by Danny Kaye, airs on CBS

1985 - Nine Dragons Restaurant opens in the China pavilion at Epcot 

   

Oct. 24  

1929 - "Springtime" (first of four Silly Symphony cartoons based on the seasons) debuts

1971 - The Electrical Water Pageant debuts at the Walt Disney World Resort 

2001 - Disney completes acquisition of the Fox Family channel (which is renamed ABC Family)

2008 - Pixie Hollow opens at Magic Kingdom Park 

   

Oct. 25  

1971 - The Walt Disney World Resort is officially dedicated in Florida 

1985 - Helicopters fly dolphins in to The Living Seas at Epcot

1994 - Buena Vista Home Entertainment releases Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on video for the first time 

1999 - Magic Kingdom leaders unveil a statue of Roy O. Disney, Walt's brother, on Main Street, U.S.A

   

Oct. 26  

1945 - "Cured Duck" (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts 

1997 - Tower of Terror (made for TV movie) premieres on "The Wonderful World of Disney"

2009 - "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!" premieres at Magic Kingdom Park 

   

Oct. 27  

1954 - "Disneyland" (television series) debuts with "The Disneyland Story"

1966 - Walt Disney films a 25-minute preview of his "Florida Project," used later to showcase plans for Walt Disney World to state legislators and businessmen 

2002 - The Disney-owned Anaheim Angels defeat the San Francisco Giants to win the World Series

2007 - The first Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K and 6.5K are held at the Walt Disney World Resort 

   

Oct. 28  

1933 - "The Pet Store" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

1994 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Squanto: A Warrior's Tale

   

Oct. 29  

1966 - Walt Disney receives the American Forest Association Award for "Outstanding Service in Conservation of American Resources"

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