The Disney Look... to the Past! (November 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: November 15 - 21

Nov. 18, 1928 - Mickey Mouse debuts in "Steamboat Willie"

Although Mickey Mouse appeared in two prior cartoons, "Steamboat Willie" holds the title of being the first to showcase a synchronized soundtrack and the first to be publically distributed. During the 1920s, silent films were a popular form of on-screen entertainment. Dialogue was silently transmitted via muted gestures, miming and title cards but the concept of having sound to accompany a motion picture was an area of filmmaking that had just started to take form. After coming up with the idea for the character Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney knew that he needed something revolutionary to get his new character off the ground - the addition of sound effects. "Steamboat Willie" was the first cartoon to feature a fully post-produced soundtrack, which set it apart from other cartoons of its time. Wilfred Jackson and Bert Lewis arranged the music for the cartoon, and Walt provided the voice behind the beloved mouse.

Nov. 20, 1998 - Disney Pixar releases "A Bugs Life"

"A Bugs Life" is the second Disney Pixar film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and was directed by John Lasseter and co-directed by Andrew Stanton. This comedic tale of a misfit ant trying to save his colony from a hoard of greedy grasshoppers, is the unique adaptation of Aesop's fable The Ant and the Grasshopper. The original soundtrack to "A Bug's Life" includes the track "The Time of Your Life" which was written and performed by Randy Newman, who has also composed a variety of film scores for other Pixar animated classics, including "Toy Story," "Toy Story 2," "Cars," "Monsters Inc." and more. A brand-new song was added this year during the 3D re-release of the film in October. This epic tale of miniature proportions has also inspired attractions and entertainment across Disney Parks, including 3D shows and immersive lands.

Also this week Disney history:

Nov. 15

1932 - The first class of Disney Art School is held on a Walt Disney Studio sound stage to train animators

1965 - Walt, Roy O. Disney and Florida Gov. Haydon Burns announce the Disney World project during a press 

conference at the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

1993 - The Garden Grill Restaurant opens in The Land pavilion at Epcot

Nov. 16

1990 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Rescuers Down Under" and the featurette "The Prince and the Pauper"

2004 - Stitch's Great Escape! officially opens at Magic Kingdom Park

2004 - Turtle Talk with Crush officially opens in The Living Seas at Epcot

2006 - Disney Theatrical Productions' "Mary Poppins" opens at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway

Nov. 17

1990 - Resort leaders begin a two-day grand opening for Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort

1993 - An interactive fountain between Future World and World Showcase opens at Epcot

1989 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Little Mermaid"

1997 - Leaders dedicate the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at Port Canaveral

Nov. 18

1928 - "Steamboat Willie" (first cartoon with synchronized sound and the debut of Mickey Mouse) premieres 

1962 - Swiss Family Robinson Tree House opens at Disneyland Park

1978 - Mickey Mouse becomes the first animated character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

1988 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Oliver & Company"

1993 - The Partners statue is dedicated at Disneyland Park

2001 - Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama featuring TriceraTop Spin opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom

2011 - Toy Story Playland opens at Hong Kong Disneyland

2011 - Regis Philbin ends his run as co-host of "Live with Regis and Kelly"

Nov. 19

1932 - "Babes in the Woods" (Silly Symphony) debuts

1971 - Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground officially opens

1993 - President Bill Clinton is added to the Hall of Presidents attraction at Magic Kingdom Park

1999 - "it's a small world" becomes the first Disneyland Park attraction to offer Disney's FASTPASS

Nov. 20

1942 - "Pluto at the Zoo" (Pluto cartoon short) debuts

1963 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Incredible Journey"

1989 - The first $10 bill in Disney Dollars is released, featuring Minnie Mouse 

1993 - Splashtacular, a live show centered around the interactive fountain in Future World, debuts at Epcot

1998 - Disney•Pixar release "A Bug's Life"

Nov. 21

1994 - "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" opens at Epcot

1994 - The Timekeeper, a Circle-Vision 360 film, opens in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park

2007 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Enchanted"

2008 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Bolt"

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

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