The Disney Look... to the Past! (Nov. 29-Dec. 5)

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 29-December 5

Dec. 5, 2001 - The Sorcerer’s Hat icon is dedicated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Although most know the iconic hat as a symbol for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey Hat was originally erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of our visionary founder, Walt Disney, who was born on Dec. 5, 1901. The hat served as a centerpiece during the celebration, which ultimately came to a close on March 1, 2003. The entire icon, including the hat, brim, extending ears and support structure, weighs in at an impressive 156 tons. Its exterior is painted with a custom technique called “chameleon paint” which causes the hat to change colors as Guests shift to different locations around it. The faces of the ears were created using a new special effect called “Light Ribbons” by the Walt Disney Imagineering team. There are 13,493 bolts holding the structure together, and if filled to the top it could hold 444,744 gallons of water.

Also this week in Disney History:

Nov. 29

1971 - The Walt Disney World Resort hosts its first major golf tournament, a $150,000 championship on the Magnolia & Palm courses, won by Jack Nicklaus

Nov. 30

1931 - “Mickey Cuts Up” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

2010 - “Epic Mickey” is released for Nintendo Wii by Disney Interactive Studios and Junction Point Studios

Dec. 1

1955 - Maxwell House Coffee House opens at Disneyland Park (now the location of Disney Showcase)

1971 - The Roy O. Disney engine begins service on the Walt Disney World Railroad

1994 - Parasailing becomes an offering at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Dec. 2

1929 - “Haunted House” (Mickey Mouse short) is released

1935 - Marc Davis (animator and one of Walt’s “Nine Old Men”) joins The Walt Disney Studios

1965 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “That Darn Cat”

Dec. 3

1948 - “Mickey and the Seal” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

1980 - Leaders host the ground-breaking and dedication ceremonies of Tokyo Disneyland Park

Dec. 4

1942 - “How to Fish” (Goofy cartoon short) debuts

2001 - Disneyland Resort Paris becomes the official name of the Euro Disney property

2001 - Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is dedicated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2001 - Touchstone Pictures releases “The Royal Tennenbaums”

Dec. 5 

1901 - Walt Disney is born in Chicago, Ill.

1930 - “Pioneer Days” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

2001 - Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, MO celebrates his 100th birthday

2001 - The Sorcerer’s Hat icon is dedicated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2001 - Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama is dedicated at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

2011 - The animated holiday special “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice” debuts on ABC

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

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