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November 26

November 26, 2009 – The Sailor Mickey Mouse Balloon Premieres at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Sailor Mickey

“Ahoy Sailor Mickey!”

On November 26, 2009, the Sailor Mickey Mouse balloon, celebrating the Disney Cruise Line, was added to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The 61-foot-tall, 600 pound balloon is the 4th version of Mickey to appear in the parade, with its previous incarnation Bandleader Mickey last appearing in 2000. The balloon takes 70 volunteers to walk with it along the parade route.

November 25

November 25, 1949 – The Donald Duck Short Film Slide, Donald, Slide is Released to Theaters

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“Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! World Series today!”

On November 25, 1949, the Donald Duck short film Slide, Donald, Slide was released to theaters. It was directed by Jack Hannah, with story by Nick George and Bill Berg.

It’s a beautiful day, with Spike the bee being serenaded by classical music on the radio. He pretends to conduct a full orchestra as the music plays, only to be interrupted by Donald switching to the World Series. Spike angrily switches back, and Donald spots the bee. He places Spike near the radio and blares the ball game in his ears, scaring him. Donald then acts out the game excitedly, but gets a rude interruption from Spike again. Spike doesn’t give up easily, and enters the radio itself to change the channel. Donald manages to capture the bee and uses him as the ball in his baseball game. Spike tries to sting Donald, but Donald safely stays inside. As Spike threatens him with his stinger and taunts him with snippets of the game. Donald in retaliation creates a fake radio that will blow up in Spike’s face, and Donald, in his excitement, doesn’t see Spike’s stinger waiting, and gets stung in the backside. As Donald heads inside, Spike locks him in the shower and changes the station to his classical music, with Donald unknowingly contributing to the piece.

November 24

November 24, 1955 – The Mickey Mouse Club Circus Opens in Disneyland

Mickey Mouse Club Circus

“All the girls were dressed like Tinkerbell…it was pretty dangerous, but it was fun.” – Mouseketeer Mary Espinosa

On November 24, 1955, the Mickey Mouse Club Circus opened in Disneyland; the attraction is considered one of Walt’s few failures. The circus, itself a way to get some publicity for the show, featured several of the popular cast members, including Annette Funicello and Doreen Tracey. The kids would perform various circus acts, but the failure of the circus came in attendance – Disneyland had so many things to explore, and people didn’t want to attend a circus while there. The show lasted one holiday season before it was closed on January 8, 1956.

November 23

November 23, 1951 – The Goofy Short Film No Smoking is Released to Theaters

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“Smoking became a new habit in the old world.”

On November 23, 1951, the Goofy short film No Smoking was released to theaters. It was directed by Jack Kinney, with story by Milt Schaffer and Dick Kinney.

The story begins with the history of smoking, beginning with the time of Columbus, and going through the ages. However, modern smoker George Geef has made it a rather filthy habit, with cigarette butts strewn everywhere and a cloud of smoke constantly around him. His schedule revolves around when to have his next cigarette, but Geef is also plagued by irritated eyes, coughing, and wheezing. He finally resolves to quit, only he finds it a bit tougher than he thought. He battles himself with his habit, finding temptation everywhere. He starts to go mad with the need for a smoke, but can find no relief. He finally gets a cigar, but it explodes in his face.

November 22

November 22, 1984 – The Donald Duck Balloon Appears in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Donald Balloon

“…old favorite Donald Duck, after years in the Macy’s warehouse, took another flight down the route in honor of this 50th birthday.”

On November 22, 1984, to continue the celebrations for Donald Duck’s 50th birthday, a special balloon of Donald flew in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Donald Duck balloon originally flew in 1935, with a new version created in 1962; he also appeared in the parade in 1972 alongside Mickey to mark the anniversary of the opening of Walt Disney World. This 1984 celebration was the first time the Donald balloon had been out of the warehouse in several years. Donald appeared in the parade right after the Tom Turkey float.

November 21

November 21, 2007 – Enchanted Actress Amy Adams and Walt Disney Studios Chairman Richard Cook Ring the Closing Bell of the New York Stock Exchange

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“I’ve been dreaming of a true love’s kiss…”

On November 21, 2007, actress Amy Adams and Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios Richard Cook were asked to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. Both were invited to promote the newest Disney feature Enchanted, opening the same day and starring Adams as Giselle, a fairytale character that finds herself in Manhattan. Adams and Cook spent time before the bell taking pictures and talking with traders on the floor.

November 20

November 20, 1993 – The Dedication Ceremony for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza is Held in Disney-MGM Studios

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“Stroll through this outdoor exhibit featuring bronze busts of beloved TV legends.”

On November 20, 1993, a dedication ceremony was held in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) to honor the installation of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza. Mirroring the hall of fame located in California, the area features busts of trailblazers and icons in the field of television that have been honored with the award, ranging from Oprah Winfrey to Lucille Ball, and of course featuring Walt Disney. The exhibit is outdoors, and open from park open to close.

November 19

November 19, 1990 – The Beach Club Resort Opens in Walt Disney World

Beach Club Resort

“Discover the casual elegance of this charming, New England-style Resort hotel.”

On November 19, 1990, the Beach Club Resort opened in Walt Disney World, next door to the Yacht Club Resort and near the International Gateway of Epcot’s World Showcase. The deluxe resort was designed by architect Robert Stern, and features a New-England coastal style. It features several special amenities, including a 750,000 gallon, three-acre swimming pool known as Stormalong Bay, as well as a special character dining experience at Cape May Café.

November 18

November 18, 1962 – The Swiss Family Treehouse Attraction Opens in Disneyland

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“Explore the ultimate treehouse.”

On November 18, 1962, the Swiss Family Treehouse attraction opened in Disneyland’s Adventureland. Based on the 1960 live action feature Swiss Family Robinson, the treehouse is entirely man-made, tree included. Thanks to this, the tree has also been given the tongue-in-cheek scientific name Disneyeodendron semperflorens grandis, meaning “large ever-blooming Disney tree.” The grand opening of the attraction featured an appearance by actor John Mills, who starred in the film, and his daughter, Disney Legend Hayley Mills. In 1999, the attraction closed, and soon reopened as Tarzan’s Treehouse. A version of the original attraction exists in Walt Disney World, opening in 1971, while another opened in Tokyo Disneyland in 1993.

November 17

November 17, 2001 – Build-a-Bear Workshop Opens in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney

BuildaBear

“Pick out a cuddly new plush pal and customize him or her with cute clothing, accessories, recorded sounds, and more.”

On November 17, 2001, the Build-a-Bear Workshop store opened in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area, across from the WonderGround Gallery. A special event was held for the opening, including a meet-and-greet with the store’s mascot Bearemy, a sweepstakes with the chance to win special store-related prizes, and a Stuffed with Hugs special event for the first 200 guests. The store features, along the usual Build-a-Bear selections, special Disney styles, which guests can take home as a souvenir.