Robert Moses, the planner of
the 1964-1965 World's Fair in
New York, wanted Walt
Disney to take over the
fairgrounds as a "Disneyland
East" when the
show closed. Moses,
accustomed to getting his
way, was politely told "no."
2005:
At sunset, an advertisement for Disney's landmark production of The Lion King becomes the first imagery on a new 2,500-square-foot electronic display in New York City. The sign, located at the top of the western facade of the Durst Organization's 48-story flagship tower at 4 Times Square, incorporates a revolutionary high-resolution, energy saving technology. The Lion King (now in its 8th year on Broadway) will occupy the display, which is readable to viewers as far away as the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, for several weeks.
1915:
Lloyd Richardson, who will contribute his editing skills to many Disney animated and live-action motion pictures - including the Academy Award-winning The Vanishing Prairie - is born in Portland, Oregon.
1920:
Cartoonist, animator and Disney Legend Bob Moore is born in Los Angeles,
California. He will join Disney as an apprentice in 1940 and work on such classics as Dumbo and The
Reluctant Dragon. In 1951 Moore will head the one-man art department for publicity (which he will run for 3
decades) single-handedly developing clever promotional art concepts for Disney films and later its theme parks.
1930:
Disney's 7-minute cartoon Just Mickey is released. Mickey gives a rousing violin
performance (complete with a Hungarian dance) of "Traumerei," the finale to the William Tell Overture.
1938:
Disney animator Bill Tytla marries Adrienne le Clerc, a 22-year-old actress and fashion model from Seattle. They met while she posed for a Disney art class!
1965:
The World's Fair in New York City, opens for the 1965 and final season.
The fair includes four Disney attractions for Ford, General Electric, Pepsi-Cola, and the State of Illinois.
1983:
"Believe You Can ... and You Can!" a TV special on the new Fantasyland at Disneyland, airs.
2000:
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Walt Disney World's next big attraction, billed as a "one-of-a-kind astronaut experience," will lift off at Epcot in 2003. The attraction (in
the former Horizons Pavilion next to Test Track) will feature a
5-minute ride that simulates space flight 20 to 30 years in the future.
2001:
Disney's House of Mouse airs "Daisy's Debut".
At Walt Disney World, the Main Street Bake Shop and Plaza Ice Cream Parlour
will close for the first major renovation in 30 years after close of business on this day (they are scheduled to reopen late in July). Over in Tomorrowland, The
Timekeeper begins seasonal operation.
In celebration of the opening of Disney's California Adventure, a special
commemorative lithograph signing featuring Senior Concept Designer Rennie
Marquez takes place at Off the Page in Disney's newest park.
2002:
The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society hosts "Imagineering Appreciation Day," a gathering of past and present Imagineers at Walt's Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park, California.
2003:
Actress Hilary Duff appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno promoting her new Disney feature The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
2004:
The New York City production of Beauty and the Beast performs its 4,093rd show,
making it the sixth longest running musical in Broadway history.
The ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards are held at the Beverly Hilton in
Los Angeles, California. Among the winners for Top Box Office Films are
Brother Bear and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
2006:
The U.S. Postal Service unveils new 39-cent stamps (featuring Disney characters) at Epcot - the same day the park's Flower & Garden Festival begins. The new stamps, which feature Cinderella & Prince Charming, Belle & the Beast, Lady & the Tramp and Mickey & Minnie Mouse, will be available at post offices the following day. They are illustrated by Peter Emmerich, a teacher who worked as a Character Artist for the Walt Disney Company for a little over six years. Nelson launches the Flower Power concert series at America Gardens Theatre.
Disney Live! Mickey's Magic Show (the second touring production produced by Field Entertainment) premieres in Columbia, South Carolina.
In celebration of the 10th Marc Davis Lecture on Animation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents the Brothers Quay in their first speaking engagement in the U.S., at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The evening features a discussion with Stephen and Timothy Quay accompanied by screenings of several of their animated short films, including the Street of Crocodiles (1986) and The Comb (1990). (Disney Legend Marc Davis was one of Walt's "Nine Old Men.")
The Hannah Montana episode "It's My Party, And I'll Lie If I Want To" airs for the first time on Disney Channel. It is the 5th episode of the new series starring Miley Cyrus.
1995:
Telarc releases the CD Erich Kunzel & Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: The Magical Music Of Disney.
1970:
Actress, voice actress and comedian Nicole Sullivan is born in Manhattan, New York. She is the voice of Shego for Kim Possible, Princess Mira Nova for Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and Franny in Meet The Robinsons. (Television fans will recognize Sullivan from MADtv and The King of Queens.)
Bringing the prehistoric world to "life" was achieved by Mr. Disney and his WED Enterprises staff by developing a remarkable technique called "Audio-Animatronics" - animation powered by sound and controlled by electronics. -1964/65 World's Fair souvenir book
2008:
In a press release, Disney announces the
launching of Disneynature; "a prestigious new
production banner that will literally go to the ends of the earth to produce major big
screen nature documentaries." In the tradition of the old "True-Life Adventures" series, the first film to
be released domestically under Disneynature will be EARTH, in April 2009.
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APRIL 21
APRIL 21
THIS DAY MADE IN THE USA
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Disneynature announced
The day before Animal Kingdom's 10th anniversary, Josh Gates, host
of the Sci-Fi Channel series “Destination Truth,” presents a cast of
what is believed to be a “yeti” footprint to Joe Rohde vice
president/executive designer of Walt Disney Imagineering, at Disney
World. Gates and his expedition team found the footprint while filming an episode of “Destination
Truth” in Nepal in November 2007. The cast will soon be placed on display at DAK's Expedition Everest attraction.
2009:
Although heavy morning winds prevent guests from taking part, Disney World's
newest attraction Characters in Flight, a tethered helium filled balloon ride (operated
by Aerophile - a company specializing in tethered helium balloons) has an official
opening ceremony at Downtown Disney. The balloon, which can hold up to 30 guests
(depending on weather conditions), rises 400 feet above Disney World for a 360-degree breathtaking view!
Disney holds an "Open Mouse" for Cast Members to get a look at their newest
resort, Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Kidani Village, which opens
May 1, is part of the Disney Vacation Club.
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NY World's Fair opens for 1965 season
