The Disney Look... to the Past! (January 18-24)

Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the weekly feature known as "The Disney Look... to the Past!"
Enjoy reading all of the following interesting facts about the Walt Disney Parks, Resorts, Movies, and more:
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This Week in Disney History: January 18-24

Jan. 21, 1977 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “Freaky Friday”

Annabel Andrews is stressed out by junior high, electric typewriters and her overbearing mother. Annabel's mom, Ellen, is stressed out by constant errands, housework and her frustrating daughter. After an argument one Friday the 13th, both simultaneously declare that they'd like to be the other for a day. Their wish is instantly fulfilled, and the two suddenly realize they're living literally in the other person's shoes - and at the end of this madcap Friday, their new perspective results in a newfound appreciation for each other. Based on thebook by Mary Rodgers and directed by Gary Nelson, veteran stage actress Barbara Harris starred as Ellen, and Jodie Foster, herself a film veteran at age 14, played Annabel. Both Harris and Foster received Golden Globe nominations for best actress in a musical or comedy.

Jan. 23, 2006 - Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! opens at Disney California Adventure Park

Welcome to Monstropolis! Hail a cab and take a ride around this beautiful city, populated by monsters and powered by kids’ screams. But Monstropolis is on edge as a human child has sneaked undetected through its bedroom closet door, the portal into the monster world. The Child Detection Agency is hot on the case, but no one suspects two of Monsters, Inc.’s finest employees, James “Sulley” Sullivan and Mike Wazowski, are harboring this dangerous toddler. Located in Hollywood Land, this attraction follows the storyline of the Disney-Pixar comedy, putting Guests in famous Monstropolis locales like Harryhausen’s Restaurant and the amazing door network at Monsters, Inc. You’ll even meet no-nonsense scare floor manager Roz, and she’s watching you, so be sure to file your paperwork. The attraction replaced Superstar Limo, repurposing its ride vehicles and transforming its southern California-themed facade into a collage of closet doors.

Also this week in Disney history:

Jan. 18

1952 - “Donald Applecore” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

1963 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “Son of Flubber”

1992 - “Beauty and the Beast” becomes the first animated film to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)

Jan. 19

1951 - “Chicken in the Rough” (Chip and Dale cartoon short) debuts

1996 - Hollywood Pictures releases “Mr. Holland’s Opus”

1997 - The first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race takes place at the Walt Disney World Speedway

2011 - The Disney Dream cruise ship is officially christened

2012 - President Barack Obama makes an official visit to Magic Kingdom Park, giving an address on tourism

Jan. 20

1950 - “Lion Around” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

2006 - “High School Musical” premieres on Disney Channel

2012 - The Disney Fantasy leaves the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany for the first time

Jan. 21

1933 - “The Mad Doctor” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

1955 - Wrather-Alvarez Hotels, Inc. announces the construction of the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif.

1960 - “Gala Day at Disneyland” (documentary featurette) debuts

1988 - Disney acquires the Wrather Corporation, owners of the Disneyland Hotel

1995 - “Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable" debuts at The Land at Epcot

1998 - The original Disneyland parking lot closes

2011 - The Disney Wonder arrives at the Port of Los Angeles, beginning a 2-year stay on the west coast

Jan. 22

1964 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones”

2001 - “The Book of Pooh” (television series) debuts on Disney Channel

Jan. 23

1948 - “They’re Off” (Goofy cartoon short) debuts

1987 - The Mark V trains debut on the Disneyland Monorail System

1999 - Cirque du Soleil opens in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort

Jan. 24

1941 - “Pluto’s Playmate” (short) debuts

1993 - Mickey's Toontown opens at Disneyland Park

2006 - Disney announces its acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios

2007 - “Finding Nemo - The Musical” officially opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

2007 - The Seas with Nemo and Friends officially opens in Future World at Epcot

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Thank you for reading, and have a great rest of your weekend!

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