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Tag Archives: Character

October 14

October 14, 2010 – Duffy the Disney Bear Makes Official Debut in American Disney Parks

“He’s Mickey’s very own teddy bear…made with love by Minnie herself.”

On October 14, 2010, the character of Duffy the Disney Bear made his official debut in the North American Disney Parks, particularly Epcot in Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure. A popular character in Tokyo DisneySea, the character was introduced as Mickey’s special bear given to him by Minnie before he set off on a long adventure; the bear originated in Wat Disney World’s Once Upon a Toy as a Disney-themed teddy bear, but was given a backstory when he was brought over to Japan. Duffy, in his character meet-and-greets, wears a special sailor suit. In addition to being added to parks as a meet-and-greet and in merchandise, Duffy got a special program in Epcot where younger guests could take a Duffy mask from country to country, where they could learn about the countries in the World Showcase and earn special Duffy stamps.

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September 26

September 26, 1947 – The Character Eega Beeva First Appears in the Mickey Mouse Comics

               Image courtesy of D23

“We can use my interdimensional travel ring to go watch!”

On September 26, 1947, the character Eega Beeva, known as a “highly evolved human,” made his first appearance in the Mickey Mouse comic strip; he was featured in the storyline Mickey Mouse and the Man from Tomorrow. He was originally proposed to premiere in a 1947 ad campaign which tried to introduce the character on Mickey’s twentieth anniversary (although this was erroneous, as Mickey was first introduced in 1928), but was simply introduced as part of a new storyline. Eega’s real name is Pittisborum Psercy Pystachi Pseter Psersimmon Plummer-Push, and he was a tech guru from 2447 that accidentally stumbled into Mickey’s era and life. He was created by Bill Walsh and Floyd Gottfredson, and they completed working on his story until 1950. Although he’s considered a rare character in the American comics, Eega Beeva found great success in Italy, and ended up starring in his own comic; his backstory changed, however, as they claimed he was from 2000 and was an alien.

September 19

September 19, 2010 – Duffy the Disney Bear Premieres in Disney California Adventure

“Together, Duffy and Mickey travel the world sharing adventures and making friends along the way.”

On September 19, 2010, the character Duffy made his first U.S. appearance in Disney California Adventure for Annual Passholders. A popular figure in Japan’s Tokyo DisneySea, the character was introduced as Mickey’s special bear given to him by Minnie before he set off on a long adventure. Duffy, in his character meet-and-greets, wears a special sailor suit; guests can buy their own Duffy and customize his outfits in a variety of ways. Duffy would officially premiere at all U.S. Disney Parks on October 14, 2010.

September 18

September 18, 1932 – Mickey’s Nephews Ferdy and Morty Premiere in the Mickey Mouse Comic Strip

“Just wait’ll I catch those kids! I’ll make ‘em wish they hadn’t!”

On September 18, 1932, the twin characters Ferdy and Morty, Mickey’s nephews, officially premiered in the Mickey Mouse comic strip (although in this first appearance, Ferdy was spelled “Ferdie;” the spelling was subsequently changed). They first appeared in the comic Mickey’s Nephews, where the twins are left with Mickey and cause havoc for their poor uncle, until he ties them to the bed and reads them a bedtime story, which he has been told calms them down. The characters only made one appearance in an animated short film: the 1934 short film Mickey’s Steam Roller.

August 28

August 28, 2003 – Lucky the Dinosaur is Introduced in Disney California Adventure

“If you’re not familiar with Lucky, he’s a free-roaming, people-loving, 12-foot-long, 450-pound dinosaur who has occasionally appeared at Disney Parks.”

On August 28, 2003, the first audio-animatronic figure to walk freely and interact with guests, known as Lucky the Dinosaur, was introduced in Disney California Adventure park. It took Imagineers five years to create the nine feet tall, 450-pound figure. Lucky is also notable for walking on two legs and pushing a cart of flowers, as well as personally interacting with passing guests. After working in Disney California Adventure, Lucky was moved to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2005, and then was relocated to Hong Kong Disneyland.

June 21

June 21, 2016 – The Royal Sommerhus Opens in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

“You are cordially invited to the Royal Sommerhus to meet the beloved sisters from Arendelle.”

On June 21, 2016, the Royal Sommerhus meet and greet area opened in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion, located in the World Showcase. Here, guests can meet characters Anna and Elsa from the popular animated feature film Frozen, complete with a photo session with the princess and queen of the Norway-based country. The character greet experience is so popular that guests have waited hours to get a chance to meet Anna and Elsa.

March 30

March 30, 2011 – Town Square Theater Opens in Magic Kingdom Park

“Go backstage as a special guest of your pal, Mickey.”

On March 30, 2011, the Town Square Theater opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Located within the Town Square, guests can enter and meet Mickey Mouse as he acts as the Master Magician, performing magic tricks. The Town Square Theater replaced the Town Square Exposition Hall, and features references to several characters and films from the classic days. After guests meet Mickey Mouse, they can enter Box Office Gifts, where they can buy specialty park merchandise.

June 18

June 18, 1988 – The Meet-and-Greet Area Mickey’s Hollywood Theater Opens in Walt Disney World

On June 18, 1988, the special meet-and-greet area Mickey’s Hollywood Theater opened in the Mickey’s Birthdayland area of Magic Kingdom Park. It was designed to look like Mickey’s dressing room, so as to give guests the impression that they are meeting Mickey after his live show. Mickey’s Hollywood Theater remained after the area became Mickey’s Starland, but closed on March 11, 1996, when the area was remodeled to become Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

November 18

November 18, 1978 – Mickey Mouse Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

mickey-mouse-hwof

“With his unfailing good cheer, Mickey Mouse appears to be one of the last dependable figures in a world beset by turmoil and confusion.” – Charles Solomon, L.A. Times Reporter

On November 18, 1978, Mickey Mouse was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first cartoon character with this distinction. Located on 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey’s star was a culmination of his popularity and his presence as the face of the Walt Disney Company. The honor also coincided with the official announcement from the Disney Archives that November 18, the day that Steamboat Willie first premiered in 1928, would be officially known as Mickey’s birthday.

November 14

November 14, 2002 – Kermit the Frog is Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

kermit-wof

“And now, as you may know, frogs aren’t usually very comfortable being so close to busy roads. It kind of gives us a run-down feeling. That’s a Fozzie Bear joke.”

On November 14, 2002, Jim Henson’s creation Kermit the Frog was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kermit was given the walk’s 2,208th star, placed in front of the Kodak Theater. On hand for the ceremony was Jane Henson, David Arquette, Steve Whitmire, and president of the Jim Henson Company Charlie Rivkin. Honorary mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant also proclaimed it as Kermit the Frog Day.