This Week in Disney History: December 30-January 6

Hello OTPN Readers, and welcome to the newest edition of the weekly feature known as This Week in Disney History. This series highlights Disney milestones (both big and small) that occurred during this week in history. 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 just leave a message at the end of this post.

Dec. 30 

1890 – Raymond Arnold Disney (Walt's brother) is born

1928 – "Gallopin’ Gaucho" (Mickey short with sound) premieres in New York

Dec. 31 

1936 – Walt and Lillian Disney adopt their second daughter, Sharon Mae Disney 

1992 – 8TRAX nightclub opens at Pleasure Island

Jan. 1 

1888 – Elias Disney and Flora Call (Walt's parents) marry in Akron, Fla.

1943 – “Der Fuehrer's Face” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts 

1959 – Fantasyland Autopia opens at Disneyland Park 

2000 – Walt Disney Pictures releases "Fantasia 2000" 

2000 – Roy E. Disney is Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade

2005 – Mickey Mouse is Grand Marshal of the 116th Tournament of Roses Parade

Jan. 2, 2001 – Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcomes its first Guests

Providing a combination of luxury and rustic comfort, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort opened during this week in Disney history in 2001. The resort hotel features premium accommodations and a world-class spa with easy access to Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District.

Jan. 2 

1937 – "The Worm Turns" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

2001 – Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort welcomes its first Guests

Jan. 3 

1965 – "Disneyland's 10th Anniversary" TV special airs on "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" 

2001 – The Downtown Disney District soft opens at the Disneyland Resort

Jan. 4 

1936 – "Mickey's Polo Team" (cartoon short) released

1996 – Disney shareholders approve the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC

1999 – Disneyland Paris begins accepting the new euro currency (aka "E-day") in the form of credit cards, checks and travelers’ checks

Jan. 5 

1935 – "The Tortoise and the Hare" (Silly Symphony) is released

Jan. 6 

1950 – Pluto's Heart Throb (cartoon short) debuts

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