The Disney Look... to the Past! (February 3-9)

Hello, and welcome to a new edition of "The Disney Look... to the Past!" Enjoy:

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This Week in Disney History: February 3-9

Feb. 5, 1953: Walt Disney Pictures releases “Peter Pan”

From the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning, a boy who refuses to grow up flies through the window of the room of a London girl hanging onto her childhood, plunging her and two younger brothers into a fantasy world of Indians, mermaids, Lost Boys and pirates. Adapted from the J.M. Barrie play, Walt Disney’s version transformed the pixie Tinker Bell from a spotlight (in legit theater presentations) into a full-fledged character, modeled after actress Margaret Kerry. A 2002 sequel, “Return to Never Land,” plunged Wendy’s daughter Jane into Peter Pan’s fantastic world. Tinker Bell’s home of Pixie Hollow is also introduced in a series of computer-animated prequels. Guests can greet the sassy Miss Bell and friends at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.

Feb. 8, 2001: Disney California Adventure Park opens
After six years of planning and three years of construction, the first official Guests stepped through the turnstiles of Sunshine Plaza to experience three distinct lands inspired by the beauty and diversity of California: Golden State, featuring the breathtaking hang glider ride Soarin’ Over California; Hollywood Pictures Backlot, taking visitors into the magical world of Disney filmmaking; and Paradise Pier, a Victorian-inspired beachfront boardwalk anchored by the thrilling roller coaster California Screamin’. This summer, Disney California Adventure Park will complete a dynamic multi-year transformation including a new entry area, Buena Vista Street, reflecting the Los Angeles that Walt Disney experienced in the 1920s. Cars Land, based on the Disney-Pixar “Cars” films, will also open with three new attractions including the high-octane Radiator Springs Racers.

Also this week in Disney history:

Feb. 3
1931 − “Birds of a Feather” (Silly Symphony) debuts
1939 − “Society Dog Show” (Mickey, Pluto cartoon short) debuts
1945 − Walt Disney Pictures releases “The Three Caballeros” in the United States
1993 − Walt Disney Pictures releases “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”

Feb. 4
1966 − Walt Disney Pictures releases “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree”
1986 − The Walt Disney World Golf Resort becomes The Disney Inn (now called Shades of Green)
1987 − Walt Disney World leaders host the groundbreaking ceremony of Typhoon Lagoon

Feb. 5
1992 – “Beauty and the Beast” is nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture
1996 − Ye Olde Christmas Shop opens in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park

Feb. 6
1859 − Elias Disney (Walt Disney’s father) is born
1943 − Walt Disney Pictures releases “Saludos Amigos”
2009 – “it’s a small world” reopens at Disneyland Park with 29 Disney and Pixar characters incorporated into the attraction

Feb. 7
1940 − Walt Disney’s “Pinocchio” premieres in New York City
1997 − The Richard Petty Driving Experience debuts at the Walt Disney World Resort Speedway

Feb. 8
1952 – The Disney animated short, “Lambert, the Sheepish Lion,” debuts
2006 – Disney reacquires Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from NBC Universal

Feb. 9
1986 – The 3-D film “Magic Journeys” closes at Epcot
1996 – The Disney Institute learning campus opens at Walt Disney World
2009 – Disney announces a distribution and marketing deal with Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks Studios

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Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful rest of your day!

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