The Disney Look... to the past! (April 2-8)

Let's take a look at what happened inside the Disney Company this same week... in the past!:

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This Week in Disney History: April 2-8

April 2, 1954 - Walt Disney announces Disneyland Park and television show plans

On a bench in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, Walt Disney dreamed of a place where parents and children could have fun together. Imagining it was one challenge, but financing it was quite another, forcing Walt to look for outside help. The ABC television network agreed to become a partner in financing the park in exchange for several considerations, including original programming. Once both boards finalized the arrangement, two "Disneylands" were announced - the park and a television series. ABC debuted its first episode Oct. 27, 1954, treating viewers to an exclusive look at the Disneyland Park under construction as well as production work on "Sleeping Beauty"and "Davy Crockett." The park opened in Anaheim, Calif., July 17, 1955. The "Disneyland" television series would continue under various names through 2008, including "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" and "The Magical World of Disney."

April 7, 2006 - Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

In the Himalayan village of Serka Zong, brave guests make final preparations for a train ride to the base of the world's tallest peak. Historical artifacts, writings and the tattered gear of those who've climbed it before bear witness to the creature locals fear - the snarling, ferocious yeti. As the train climbs high into the mountains, the journey stops abruptly as the tracks ahead have been ripped apart. But the only way out isn't exactly the same way you came in. Say, what's that snarling sound? Expedition Everest has a distant cousin in the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park but stands more than 50 feet higher, and at a top speed of 50 mph, travels nearly twice as fast.

Also this week in Disney history:

April 2

1940 -- Walt Disney Productions becomes a publically traded company, offering stock for the first time 

2007 -- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor opens at Magic Kingdom Park

April 3

1994 -- Frank G. Wells, president of The Walt Disney Company, dies in a helicopter accident

April 4

1994 -- Michael Eisner assumes the presidency of The Walt Disney Company following Frank Wells' death

April 5

1965-- "Mary Poppins" wins five Oscars at the 37th Academy Awards, including Best Actress honors for Julie Andrews 

1998 -- The Enchanted Tiki Room (under new management) opens at Magic Kingdom Park

1999 -- The Studio Costuming Company, the new costume issue building for Disney-MGM Studios cast, opens

2006 -- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opens at the Downtown Disney Area at the Walt Disney World Resort

April 6

1990 -- Blue Ribbon Bakery opens at Disneyland Park

1991 -- "Darkwing Duck" debuts on Disney Channel

1998 -- The new Walt Disney Studios Animation Florida building at Disney-MGM Studios opens

2007 -- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros! opens in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot

April 7

1939 -- Disney's final Silly Symphony cartoon, "The Ugly Duckling," debuts

1983 -- The 150 millionth guest visits the Walt Disney World Resort

1995 -- Walt Disney Pictures releases "A Goofy Movie"

1997 -- The original run of "Captain EO" ends at Disneyland Park

2001 -- "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It!" opens at Disney-MGM Studios

April 8

1973 -- The Walt Disney Story opens at Disneyland Park

1974 -- Treasure Island in Bay Lake (later Discovery Island) opens at the Walt Disney World Resort

2006 -- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast opens at Disneyland Paris

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