Thursday, August 12, 2010

August 12

On August 12, 1965 just ten years after Disneyland opened it welcomes its 50th million guest, Mary Adams of California. It would only seven more years until Disneyland welcomed it 100th million guest.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

August 11

On August 11, 1955 Richard Nixon (the then Vice President) visited the newly opened Disneyland with his wife Pat and their two daughters. The Vice President was presented to the Key to City Hall and met Fess Parker, who played Davy Crockett in the Disney films, in addition to riding many of the rides. The Nixon's would go on to visit several more times, including a visit in 1959 to open the new Disneyland Monorail.

Of his day at Disneyland, Vice President Nixon said, "A paradise for children - and for grown-ups, too. I don't know when I've had so much fun."

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

August 10

On August 10th, 1959, Walt Disney read an article in the New York Times about the upcoming World's Fair and sees an opportunity to bring some Disney "magic" to the Fair.

Disney created several attractions for the 1964 World's Fair including It's a Small World for Pepsi. The attraction was such a hit that after when the Fair closed, Walt had the attraction moved to Disneyland. Walt also brought the "Progressland" attraction that he designed for General Electric to Disneyland after the Fair where the attraction was renamed Carousel of Progress (and then subsequently moved to Walt Disney World in 1975).

Monday, August 9, 2010

August 9

On August 9, 1969 the Haunted Mansion opens in Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

The attraction and its 999 happy haunts was an instant hit and has been recreated in every Disneyland-style park around the globe.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

August 8

On August 8, 1942, Disney's Bambi has its world premiere in London, England.

The animated film, the fifth full length animated film from the Walt Disney Studios, premiered five days later in the US.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

August 7

On August 7, 1964, The Astro Jets attraction at Disneyland officially changed names to Tomorrowland Jets.

A precursor to the Astro Orbitor attraction that exists today at Disneyland (as well as other Disneyland style theme parks around the world), The Astro Jets name was changed when United Airlines took over sponsorship of The Enchanted Tiki Room contenting that "Astro Jets" was too similar to American Airlines' advertising at the time that touted it's "Astrojet" service coast to coast. The name lasted until the attraction closed in 1968 to make way for the new Tomorrowland.

Friday, August 6, 2010

August 6

On August 4, 2003, Freaky Friday starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan opens in theaters.

The film is a remake of the Disney film by the same name from 1976. The original film starred Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster.