The Disney Look... to the Past! (March 15-21)

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: March 15-21

March 17, 1929 - The animated short “Plane Crazy” premieres

“Steamboat Willie” was the first Mickey Mouse short released in theatres, but it wasn’t the first one produced. That honor goes to “Plane Crazy,” which Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks hustled to make after the studio lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to the series’ distributor. Originally developed as a silent film, the six-minute short finds Mickey Mouse emulating the exploits of aviator Charles Lindbergh, while misguidedly trying to gain the affection of Minnie Mouse. A screening on May 15, 1928 failed to attract a distributor, as would the second Mickey short produced, “The Galloping Gaucho.” But the third, “Steamboat Willie,” was picked up for release and delighted audiences by combining silly sight gags with a synchronized musical soundtrack. It quickly paved the way for the earlier shorts’ release, once audio was added, and “Plane Crazy” bowed at the Mark Strand Theatre in New York City, becoming the fourth Mickey Mouse short to debut to moviegoers.

March 16, 2002 - Walt Disney Studios Park opens at Disneyland Resort Paris

Are you ready for your close-up? Report to Disney Studio 1, a hot set bathed in the glimmering lights and glowing neon of Hollywood. It’s the grand entrance into France’s second Disney theme park, a celebration of all things entertainment including movies, music and television. In the Production Courtyard, experience “CinéMagique,” a unique show that pays homage to some of the most magical moments from European and American cinema. Afterward, “drop in” to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, or drive into the Backlot for “Moteurs...Action! Stunt Show Spectacular,” where thrilling cars pull off high-speed maneuvers with explosive special effects. If you prefer your fun to be a little more animated, head to Toon Studio for some family playtime on the attractions of Toy Story Playland, or grab shell with the EAC’s most epic sea turtle on Crush’s Coaster. In 2014, Walt Disney Studios Park will (très appropriately) become home to the first Disney Parks attraction based on Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille.”

Also this week in Disney history:

March 15

1991 - Disney Afternoon Live debuts at Disneyland Park

1995 - Plans unveiled at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Disney Institute

March 16

1934 - “The Three Little Pigs” wins the Academy Award for Best Cartoon Short Subject

1961 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “The Absent-Minded Professor”

March 17

1939 - “Goofy and Wilbur” (the first Goofy cartoon short) debuts

1999 - The grand opening of Test Track is held at Epcot

2005 - Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters opens at Disneyland Park

March 18

1955 - Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim

1967 - Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Blue Bayou Restaurant open at Disneyland Park

March 19

1959 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “The Shaggy Dog”

2008 - Walt Disney World Boys & Girls Club opens in the Pine Hills area of Orlando, Fla.

March 20

1921 - The first Newman Laugh-O-Grams (animated by Walt Disney) premieres at Newman Theater in Kansas City

1987 - “Captain EO” opens at Tokyo Disneyland Park

1995 - Main Street Book Shop, Penny Arcade, and House of Magic close at Magic Kingdom Park

March 21

1975 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “Escape to Witch Mountain”

1975 - Mission to Mars (updated Flight to the Moon attraction) opens at Disneyland Park

1997 - The new Carnation Cafe, Blue Ribbon Bakery, and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor open on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park

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

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