The Disney Look... to the Past! (October 22-28)

And here we are again, at the beginning of a new workweek. Let's take a look together at the past of the Walt Disney Company (including the grand opening of one of the world's greatest theme parks, EPCOT Center!):

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This Week in Disney History: October 22-28

Oct. 24, 1982 — EPCOT Center is 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 what was planned to be called 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 were 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. Approximately 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,” Card said during his dedication. “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.” The park later was renamed Epcot.

Oct. 23, 1941 — Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” is released in theaters

This story of a circus elephant who’s a little different from the rest was Walt Disney’s fourth animated feature and the first following the creative triumph but financial disappointment of “Fantasia.” Reflecting Walt’s desire to infuse simplicity and economy into his studio’s filmmaking, “Dumbo” cost less than all three of his previous animated films to produce, and at 64 minutes in length, was one of his shortest. Mocked for his huge ears, Dumbo is demoted to circus clown when he causes an elephant acrobatic stunt to go wrong. After unwittingly getting tipsy with his self-appointed confidant, Timothy J. Mouse, the two wake up in a tree. Timothy realizes Dumbo must be able to fly, and uses a “magic” feather to coax the talent out of his friend. But when Dumbo loses his feather during a performance, he realizes self-confidence occasionally trumps magic and ends up flying into the sunset as the circus’ new star performer. Guests can take off aboard Dumbo the Flying Elephant at five Disney theme parks, and the character will adorn the stern of the next Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Fantasy, when it  debuts in 2012.

Also this week in Disney history:

Oct. 22
1979 — The 100 millionth Guest visits Magic Kingdom Park
1998 – Company leaders lead a groundbreaking ceremony for Tokyo DisneySea and the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta

Oct. 23
1930 — “The Picnic” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1982 — “EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration” airs on TV with host Danny Kaye
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 —Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney’s brother and business partner, dedicates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
1985 — Helicopters fly dolphins 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 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 on ABC with “The Disneyland Story”
1966 — Walt Disney films a 25-minute preview of his “Florida Project,” used later to showcase Walt Disney World plans 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”

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Thank you very much for viewing, and have a great rest of the day!