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September 16

September 16, 1918 – Walt Disney is Accepted for the Red Cross

On September 16, 1918, Walt Disney was officially accepted into the Red Cross for service during World War I. Disney’s brothers were serving in the Army and Navy, and while Walt wanted to serve, he was too young to do so, being only 16. However, after finding out that the Red Cross accepted people as young as 17, he forged his application to make it appear he was of age. After acceptance, Walt attended training in Sound Beach, Connecticut, and was sent to France, stationed in St. Cyr. Walt was originally assigned to drive ambulances for the Evacuation Hospital No. 5, but was later assigned to a motor pool. Walt officially ended his service in September, 1919.

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September 15

September 15, 1967 – LIFE Magazine Publishes Article on Pirates of the Caribbean

“The Disneyland cutthroats are a brawling band of computerized robots that look and move about like real people but lack even the spark of human decency that pirates are supposed to have had.”

On September 15, 1967, an article in the issue of LIFE Magazine covering the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction was released. Entitled “Anyone for Yo-ho-ho?,” the article featured pictures of the audio-animatronic pirates (and the jail guard dog), with an explanation of how the attraction came to be, as well as an explanation of audio-animatronics.

September 14

September 14, 1980 – The Audio-Animatronic Show Mickey Mouse Revue Closes

On September 14, 1980, the audio-animatronic musical show, Mickey Mouse Revue, closed. Opening when Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, the show was located in Fantasyland of Magic Kingdom Park. It featured audio-animatronic versions of popular Disney characters, such as Winnie the Pooh and Snow White, performing classic Disney songs, conducted by Mickey Mouse. After it was removed from the theater, the location was used for seasonal events and known as the Fantasyland Theater. The attraction was moved to Tokyo Disneyland, where it opened on April 15, 1983, and closed on May 25, 2009.

September 13

September 13, 1997 – The Animated Series 101 Dalmatians: The Series Premieres on ABC

“I’m seeing lots of spots, plenty of polka dots. Get those puppies!”

On September 13, 1997, animated series 101 Dalmatians: The Series premiered on ABC as part of the One Saturday Morning programming block. Based on the 1961 animated feature film One Hundred and One Dalmatians and the original book The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, the series features the pups living on the “Dalmatian Plantation,” specifically looking at three pups: Lucky, Rolly, and Cadpig. The series lasted for two seasons with a total of 65 episodes. It featured Pam Segall and Debi Mae West as Lucky; Kath Soucie as Anita, Rolly, and Cadpig; Jeff Bennett as Roger; Tara Charendoff as Spot; April Winchell as Cruella De Vil; David Lander as Horace; Michael McKean as Jasper; Charlotte Rae as Nanny; Kevin Schon as Pongo; and Pam Dawber as Perdita.

September 12

September 12, 2013 – The Princess Fairytale Hall Opens in Walt Disney World

“Enjoy a dazzling encounter with Cinderella and Elena in an enchanting royal setting.”

On September 12, 2013, the meet-and-greet area Princess Fairytale Hall opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, in Fantasyland’s Castle Courtyard. Guests enter what appears to be a secret part of the castle, and are able to see special stained glass windows of Cinderella and the Royal Gallery before being escorted to meet Cinderella and a special guest; the special guest has been permanently selected as Princess Elena from Elena of Avalor. The attraction took the place of the Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction.

September 11

September 11, 2013 – Monsters University Announced as Hollywood Film Award Honoree

“…presented annually ‘to an individual who has – or individuals who have – made outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.’”

On September 11, 2013, it was announced that the Pixar film Monsters University would be the recipient of the Hollywood Animation Award at the 17th annual Hollywood Film Awards on October 21. There, director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae would be honored and on hand to accept the award on behalf of Pixar.

September 10

September 10, 2007 – The Shuttle Crew of the Endeavour is Honored in Walt Disney World

“The seven space shuttle Endeavour astronauts who returned to Earth Aug. 21 will be honored in a day of ceremonies at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Sept. 10.”

On September 10, 2007, the seven astronauts that flew on the NASA flight Endeavour were honored in Walt Disney World with a whole slew of celebrations and events. This day included media interviews, a plaque dedication, and a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. An educational program within the series of events featured students from nearby schools, and was streamed live over NASA’s website.

September 9

September 9, 2004 – CEO Michael Eisner Releases Letter Announcing Retirement

“We are different from companies not in the entertainment field. We are a creative company, and as a result, we are so much more.”

On September 9, 2004, Michael Eisner, then-CEO of the Walt Disney Company, released a statement stating his intention to retire from his role upon the conclusion of his contract on September 30, 2006. Eisner joined the company in 1984 alongside Frank Wells, and the two were able to bring the Walt Disney Company to a new level of success and resurgence. The letter also alluded to certain issues the board had been facing in the recent years, but Eisner assured stakeholders that the board would remain committed to its goals, and Eisner would never lose his love for Disney.

September 8

September 8, 2014 – The Revamped Tokyo Disneyland Attraction Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions Opens

ゆかいな船長と一緒に、野生の動物たちが住む神秘的なジャングルを探険!

On September 8, 2014, the newly revamped Jungle Cruise attraction, renamed Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions opened in Tokyo Disneyland. Originally opening in the park on April 15, 1983, the attraction underwent a variety of changes, including new lighting and special effects, as well as original music to accompany the ride. Guests can also take a nighttime cruise with a “thrilling atmosphere” and special nighttime elements.

September 7

September 7, 1984 – Tangier Traders Opens in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion

On September 7, 1984, the clothing store Tangier Traders opened in the Morocco Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. It features traditional Moroccan clothing, including tunics, dresses, and shoes; it also features a variety of trinkets and Moroccan treats.