Today in Disney History 7/31

[vizsla]

July 31, 1967 – Animator Tom Bancroft was born. After studying at the California Institute of Arts, he would move to Florida to work for Walt Disney Feature Animation at the Disney/MGM Studios. Over the next 12 years Bancroft would work on such features as “The Rescuers Down Under,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,”
“Pocahontas,” “Mulan,” and “Tarzan.”
July 31, 1974 – The Disney film “The Bears and I” was released.
July 31, 1982 – The 30-minute Disney television show “Pluto and His Friends” aired.
July 31, 1994 – The Disney Channel Premiere film “The Whipping Box” aired.
July 31, 1995 – Disney announced the acquisition of Capital Cities/ ABC. As a result of the $19-billion merger, Disney would add the entire ABC-TV network, affiliates, radio networks, and publishing enterprises. (The merger was completed Feb. 6, 1996)
July 31, 1997 – Bob Penfield, who began working at Disney at the age of 18 on opening day in 1955, and was the last original Disneyland cast member, put in his last day of work since he would be retiring.
July 31, 2004 – ESPN celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special event at Disney-MGM Studios. During “ESPN: The Weekend” some sports figures made appearances: NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath; decathlete Bruce Jenner; Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill, and gymnast Mary Lou Retton. (2-day event)
July 31, 2005 – Disney’s “On The Record” had its final performance in Denver.
July 31, 2005 – The “Hong Kong Economic Times” reported that Disney plans to open a theme park in Shanghai in 2012.
July 31, 2005 – Disney’s “On The Record” had its final performance in Denver, Co.

[alpro2]

Thanks Vince!

[pogo]

Thanks Vince.

[Maleficent's Dad]

Hey! I was at that first "ESPN, The Weekend!" Didn't realize it was the 3rd anniversary already.

Thanks, Vince!

[GrmGrninGost]

Cool info!

[Caroleh]

Thanks, Vince!!!!

[Jeff]

[CanadianWDWFan]

Thanks Vince!

[Iago]

Thanks, Vince!

[droopy d.]

Thanks, Vince!

[pdrlkr]

Thanks Vince!

[Bethis26fan]

Thanks

[Damon18]

Thanks Vince!

[ibrowse17]

Cool, thanks

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

Thanks Vince.