This Week in Disney History: July 9-15

There’s always a great, big, beautiful tomorrow at The Walt Disney Company, because every day is tied to a milestone in the heritage and rich history of a company that has been entertaining millions of people every year. Published every week, this interesting series features highlights from all the divisions of The Walt Disney Company. Let's see what happened this week:

This week: On July 14, 2002, Hong Kong Disneyland welcomed Guests to Grizzly Gulch, a themed area in the park where Guests enter the era of the California Gold Rush, visiting the boomtown of Grizzly Gulch, founded on August 8, 1888, the luckiest day of the luckiest month of the luckiest year. Towering over the town is Big Grizzly Mountain, standing more than 88 feet tall. Rocketing through the mountain and around the entire land is a multidirectional coaster, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, based on the Expedition Everest ride system at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There is also Geyser Gulch, a water-based play area, and food and beverage offerings at the Lucky Nugget Saloon.

July 9

1932 – The Silly Symphony short “The Bears and the Bees” debuts

1982 – Walt Disney Productions releases “Tron”

2003 – Walt Disney Pictures’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” opens in theatres

2012 – Toy Story Midway Mania opens at Tokyo DisneySea

July 10

1981 – Walt Disney Productions releases “The Fox and the Hound”

2014 – “Ratatouille the Adventure” attraction opens in Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris

July 11

1953 – The Goofy cartoon short “How to Dance” debuts

1986 – Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour opens at Tokyo Disneyland

1987 – The Disney Gallery debuts at Disneyland Park

July 12

1989 – Star Tours opens at Tokyo Disneyland

2016 – Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ opens at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World

July 13

1925 – Walt Disney and Lillian Bounds are married in Lewiston, Idaho

1935 – The animated short “Mickey’s Garden” debuts

1955 – Walt and Lillian celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary aboard the Mark Twain at Disneyland Park, followed by dinner at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon

July 14

1934 – The Silly Symphony short “The Flying Mouse” debuts

1975 – Disney leaders announce plans for World Showcase

1978 – American Egg House restaurant opens at Disneyland Park

2012 – Grizzly Gulch opens at Hong Kong Disneyland

July 15

1994 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Angels in the Outfield”

1995 – The Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World opens near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

2005 – Space Mountain reopens at Disneyland Park with enhanced elements and a new sound track by Michael Giacchino

2005 – Turtle Talk with Crush opens at Disney California Adventure

2011 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Winnie the Pooh”

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