The Disney Look... to the Past! (August 9-15)

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: August 9-15

Aug. 13, 1942 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Bambi"

The young deer Bambi is destined to one day become the Great Prince of the Forest, but first, the precocious fawn has some growing up to do. While learning about life in the woods with his companions Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk, Bambi will endure heartbreaking tragedy but also find love, friendship, family and his place in the world. Based on a book by Austrian writer Felix Salten, "Bambi" entered production shortly after "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" wrapped, but ended up becoming Disney's fifth animated film released. The slow, meticulous production process had animators studying extensive nature footage and taking research trips to the Los Angeles Zoo, but the gorgeous finished product and attention to detail throughout the film pleased Walt Disney greatly. "Bambi" received three Academy Award nominations including best sound, best original music score and best song for "Love is a Song," but perhaps more likely to stick in your head (especially on rainy days) is "Little April Showers."

Aug. 15, 2003 - Mission: SPACE soft-opens for Guests at Epcot

Florida has been the launch site of every manned NASA mission, from the Mercury program through the Space Shuttle. That tradition continues now in Future World, home to the International Space Training Center, where plans for man's most ambitious exploration yet are taking shape: the first mission to Mars. Everyone plays a role in your crew's thrilling simulator ride aboard the prototype X-2 Deep Space Shuttle. Whether you're the pilot, navigator, commander or engineer, you'll activate controls along the way that will slingshot your spacecraft around the moon, or activate the wings for a smooth landing on Martian terrain. The four-person shuttle capsules are built into a spinning centrifuge, simulating the powerful forces of liftoff ? but you may also choose a less intense version with no spinning, if you'd prefer it. Mission: SPACE replaced the beloved attraction Horizons, which also explored what might be possible in space in the 21st century. A gravity wheel is a prominent element of both attractions. Look closely at the one in the Mission: SPACE queue and see if you can spot the Horizons logo.

Also this week in Disney history:

Aug. 9

1940 - "Donald's Vacation" (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

1946 - "Wet Paint" (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

1955 - The Aunt Jemima Pancake House opens at Disneyland Park

1969 - The Haunted Mansion opens at Disneyland Park

2004 - Donald Duck receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Aug. 10

1960 - "Jungle Cat," the final installment of the True-Life Adventures series, debuts 

1994 - The Concourse Steakhouse opens at Disney's Contemporary Resort

2011 - Touchstone Pictures releases "The Help"

Aug. 11

1934 - "Orphan's Benefit" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts, featuring Donald Duck and Goofy together for the first time 

1955 - The Casa de Fritos restaurant opens at Disneyland Park 

1995 - Hollywood Pictures releases "Dangerous Minds"

Aug. 12

1965 - Disneyland Park welcomes its 50 millionth Guest

1967 - Flight to the Moon opens at Disneyland Park

1989 - Disney's Hollywood Studios hosts its first fireworks display

2000 - The Disney Magic begins its first seven-day cruise

Aug. 13

1932 - "Mickey's Nightmare" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

Aug. 14

1942 - "T-Bone for Two" (Pluto cartoon short) debuts 

2001 - "According to Jim" (television series) debuts on ABC

2007 - The world premiere of Disney Channel's "High School Musical 2" is held at AMC Downtown Disney 12 at the Disneyland Resort

Aug. 15

1946 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Make Mine Music"

1999 - The Disney Wonder sets sail on its maiden voyage

2009 - Kouzzina by Cat Cora opens on the BoardWalk at the Walt Disney World Resort

2011 - The original version of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (formerly called Tropical Serenade) reopens at Magic Kingdom Park

2012 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Odd Life of Timothy Green"

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

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