The Disney Look.. to the Past! (January 31 - February 6)

Hello Orlando Theme Park News Readers, and welcome to the newest edition of the weekly feature known as "The Disney Look... to the Past!"

As always, we hope you will enjoy reading all of the following interesting facts about the Walt Disney Parks, Resorts, Movies, and more. If you have any questions about this material, feel free to contact us or leave a message at the end of this post. Thank you!:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

This Week in Disney History: January 31 - February 6


Feb. 3, 1993 — Walt Disney Pictures Releases "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey"
Three furry friends began the adventure of a lifetime for the world to see on Feb. 3, 1993. "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" tells the story of three house pets, two dogs and cat, who join together to escape from a ranch where they have been left while their family is away for vacation. Against all odds of survival, the animals bond together to endure the challenges of the wilderness to find their beloved owners. Based on the 1960 novel by Sheila Burnford, "The Incredible Journey" was first filmed as a motion picture by Walt Disney in 1963. Three decades later, Walt Disney Pictures decided to retell the story in this colorful updated version of the timeless classic. Author Sheila Burnford based her original novel of the three furry companions on her own three animals. They were her constant companions in England during the blackout hours of World War II, and despite their differences in species, the trio was inseparable. The movie was eagerly accepted by audiences thanks to the beautiful Oregon landscapes, lovable characters, tale of companionship, and voice contributions of Don Ameche, Sally Field and Michael J. Fox.


Feb. 1, 2007 – "Phineas and Ferb" officially debuts on Disney Channel
Phineas Flynn is the red haired, smooth talking brains of the operation, and Ferb Fletcher is the tall, soft-spoken can-do man. These devoted stepbrothers' summer plans are way more ambitious than making bunk beds – they're going to build roller coasters, raise mummies from the dead, reunite 80s hair metal bands and possibly give a monkey a shower, as long as their older sister Candace doesn't bust them. And hey, where's Perry? Their pet platypus leads a double life as Agent P, protecting the Tri-State Area from the nefarious Dr. Doofenshmirtz. First previewed on Disney Channel in summer 2007, "Phineas and Ferb" was created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, respectively the voices of Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram, Agent P's boss at O.W.C.A. (the Organization Without a Cool Acronym).

Also this week in Disney History:

Jan. 31 

1986 —Touchstone Pictures releases "Down and Out in Beverly Hills"

1996 — Olde World Antiques and Silversmith Shop closes in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park

Feb. 1 

1994 — The Disney Inn reopens as Shades of Green, a military recreation resort at the Walt Disney World Resort 

1995 — Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. (arcade) opens at Magic Kingdom Park 

2003 — The Diamond Horseshoe Revue closes at Magic Kingdom Park 

Feb. 2 

1967 — Roy O. Disney holds a press conference in Winter Park, Fla., outlining specific plans for construction of the Walt Disney World Resort 

1986 — "The Disney Sunday Movie" debuts on ABC 

1992 — Disney's Dixie Landings Resort (now the Riverside portion of Disney's Port Orleans Resort) opens at the Walt Disney World Resort

Feb. 3 

1931 — "Birds of a Feather" (Silly Symphony) debuts 

1939 — "Society Dog Show" (Mickey, Pluto cartoon short) debuts 

1945 — Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Three Caballeros" in the United States

Feb. 4 

1966 — Walt Disney Pictures releases "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree" 

1986 — The Walt Disney World Golf Resort becomes The Disney Inn (now called Shades of Green) 

1987 — Walt Disney World leaders host the groundbreaking ceremony of Typhoon Lagoon

Feb. 5 

1953 — Walt Disney Pictures releases "Peter Pan" 

1992 — "Beauty and the Beast" is nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture 

Feb. 6 

1859 — Elias Disney (Walt Disney's father) is born 

1943 — Walt Disney Pictures releases "Saludos Amigos" 

2009 — it's a small world reopens at Disneyland Park with 29 Disney and Pixar characters incorporated into the attraction

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

All photos and information subject to the copyright of the Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.