What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2023

The 'Mandalorian's' third season is coming to end on Wednesday, April 19 with the season finale. The other highlights for the month of April include the premiere of 'Rennervations', an original four-part series that ebraces Jeremy Renner's passion to give back to communitoes around the world by reimagining vehicles. The latest Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short film comes to Disney+ on Friday, April 14. At the end of the month, the premiere of the live-action 'Peter Pan & Wendy' launches.

Sunday, April 2

'The Ghost and Molly McGee' (Season 2, 5 Episodes)
'Spring Shorts-Tacular' with the Ghost and Molly McGee

Wednesday, April 5
'The Crossover' (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

'Journey to the Center of the Earth' (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

'Star Wars: The Mandalorian' (Chapter 22)

'Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown' (Season 1)

Sunday, April 9

'The Owl House' (Season 3, 1 Episode)

Wednesday, April 12

'Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet' (Season 11)

'Kiff' (Season 1, 5 Episodes)

'It’s All Right!' (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

'Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' (Season 1, 5 Episodes)

'Rennervations' (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

'Star Wars: The Mandalorian' (Chapter 23)

Friday, April 14

'Oswald the Lucky Rabbit'

Wednesday, April 19

'Big City Greens' (Season 3, 4 Episodes)

'Hamster & Gretel' (Season 1, 4 Episodes)

'PJ Masks: Power Heroes' (Season 1, 7 Episodes)

'Star Wars: The Mandalorian' (Chapter 24) (Season 3 Finale)

Saturday, April 22

'Secrets of the Elephants'

Wednesday, April 26

'Dino Ranch' (Season 2, 5 Episodes)

'Going Fur Gold' (Season 1)

'Saturdays' (Season 1, 5 Episodes)

'Matildas: The World at Our Feet' (Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

'Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures' (Season 1 Premiere) (All Episodes Streaming)

Friday, April 28

'Peter Pan & Wendy' (Premiere)

Mount Rushmore of Disney Movies

On the last episode of the Talking Disney Podcast, during the Cody’s Corner segment, Cody issued James and I a challenge to come up with our Mount Rushmore of Disney movies. The only rule, the movie had to be produced by Disney (or distributed by Disney) or one of its subsidiaries during the time Disney owned them. So no LucasFilms or 20th Century Fox prior to Disney buying them. 

Here are my Mount Rushmore of Disney Movies - 

1. Steamboat Willie (1928) - Premiered at Universal’s Colony Theater in New York City on November 18, 1928. It was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon to be released (but not the first to be made - Plane Crazy was first) and the first to be released with synchronized sound. The soundtrack was recorded with a 15-piece band and squeaks for Mickey Mouse provided by Walt Disney. The release date for Steamboat Willie is used for the birthday of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. In 1998, the United States Library of Congress deemed “Steamboat Willie” as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry. Cost to produce: $4,986 (estimated), Lifetime earnings: Unknown.

Walt "Quote" Wednesday

Welcome to Walt "Quote" Wednesday on the Walking Down Main Street, U.S.A. blog. Each Wednesday, I’ll share a random quote from Walt Disney from various sources such as books, websites, etc. Great care will be taken to ensure the sources are reliable and the quote is accurate and real.

"Television is opening new avenues for me. You see, it's giving me new freedom, a freedom of producing things I feel we can do well, rather than having to hew down the lines of some title that somebody thinks is a prestige story . . . that the distribution people feel will sell, but maybe it is a bad story for us to fool with."

This quote came from a interview of Walt Disney by Peter Martin in 1956.

Today in Disney History: Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade Opens

On this day in 1985, the world Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade in Frontierland at Disneyland re-opened. Originally opened on July 12, 1957 as the Frontierland Shooting Gallery it was completely rebuilt and became entirely electronic using infared beams. Prior to the renovation the guns fired pellets which were oftentimes dangerous to cast members and guests due to ricochets and the gallery was high maintenance with the targets having to be repainted every night.

Source: Shooting Gallery (D23.com)

New “Peter Pan & Wendy” Character Posters

Check out new character posters for “Peter Pan & Wendy” coming to Disney+ on April 28, 2023.

Disney•Pixar Released New Trailer For Elemental

Disney•Pixar released a new trailer for the upcoming original feature film, “Elemental.” In the new trailer we learn a little more about the elements of air, earth, water and fire and what sets them apart according to Ember, who always stays close to her home in Firetown. 

The movie is set to be released to theaters on June 16, 2023. Along with the film is a new short by Pixar Animation Studios, “Carl’s Date.” In the short, Carl agrees to go on a date and Dug helps him get over pre-date jitters. 

For more information, check out the ARTICLE on the Walt Disney Company website. 

Jason’s Disney Movie Review: 'Mr. Magoo' (1997)

The next movie in my quest to watch and review all the movies and films made by Disney is the 1997 movie “MR. MAGOO.” Not sure how long this will take or if I will be able to complete it but I am going to have some fun trying and hopefully watch some some great movies! All the movies and films will be chosen at random and right now come from the Walt Disney Pictures library which will include Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar movies as well as the True-Life Adventure movies. It will not include at this time movies and films from Touchstone Pictures or Hollywood Pictures or from any of the studios that were acquired by The Walt Disney Company such as Marvel Studios, LucasFilms and 20th Century Studios to name a few. Those may come later. My goal is to post at last one review a week and possibly more in some weeks. For each movie I review I will include some basic information such as release dates, synopsis, cast and crew as well as my thoughts and a rating or score that can be used to put together my all-time favorite Disney movie list.

Today in Disney History: Plans Announced for Walt Disney’s Make-Believe Land

On this date in 1952, the Burbank Daily Review published an article about Walt Disney’s plan to build an amusement park. The headline read, “Walt Disney’s Make-Believe Land Project Planned Here,” and highlighted his plan to build a $1.5 million park next to the Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Some of the original ideas for that park, including scenes from a small midwestern town at the turn of the century, an old Mississippi paddle wheeler and a frontier western town eventually made their way into Disneyland in Anaheim, California but the amusement park in Burbank never got off the ground.

Jason's Disney Movie Review: 'The Love Bug' (1969)

The first movie in my quest to watch and review all the movies and films made by Disney starts with the 1969 movie 'THE LOVE BUG.' Not sure how long this will take or if I will be able to complete it but I am going to have some fun trying and hopefully watch some some great movies! All the movies and films will be chosen at random and right now come from the Walt Disney Pictures library which will include Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar movies as well as the True-Life Adventure movies. It will not include at this time movies and films from Touchstone Pictures or Hollywood Pictures or from any of the studios that were acquired by The Walt Disney Company such as Marvel Studios, LucasFilms and 20th Century Studios to name a few. Those may come later. My goal is to post at last one review a week and possibly more in some weeks. For each movie I review I will include some basic information such as release dates, synopsis, cast and crew as well as my thoughts and a rating or score that can be used to put together my all-time favorite Disney movie list. 

Today in Disney History: Love Bug Day at Disneyland

On this day in 1969, Love Bug Day was held at Disneyland. To celebrate the release of Disney’s “The Love Bug,” the story of an anthropomorphic 1963 Volkswagen Bug over 100 decorated Bug’s gathered at the park for a parade. The cars were judged in categories such as most psychedelic, toylike, comical and best personality. Morton and Barbara Allen of Studio City, California, won the grand prize of a brand new 1969 Volkswagen Bug. The prize was presented by “The Love Bug” stars Dean Jones and Michele Lee. Other prizes included portable color televisions, Kodak Super-8 movie cameras and projectors, and Polaroid cameras. 

Walt “Quote” Wednesday

Welcome to Walt "Quote" Wednesday on the Walking Down Main Street, U.S.A. blog. Each Wednesday, I’ll share a random quote from Walt Disney from various sources such as books, websites, etc. Great care will be taken to ensure the sources are reliable and the quote is accurate and real.

"I just want to leave you with this thought, that it's just been a sort of dress rehearsal and that we're just getting started. So if any of you start to rest on your laurels, I mean just forget it, because . . . we are just getting started."

This quote came from a speech given by Walt Disney at the Disneyland Hotel on July, 18, 1965 for Disneyland's Tencennial Awards Presentation. 

Today in Disney History: Milt Kahl Born in California

Milt Kahl was born on this day in 1909, in San Francisco, California.

Milt joined Disney in June of 1934 as an animator. He worked on various animated short films as well as most if not all of the classic animated feature films between 1937, with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" through 1986, with "The Great Mouse Detective. He also worked on live-action / animated classics such as "The Song of the South", "So Dear to my Heart," and "Mary Poppins. Milt was one of Walt's most trusted animators and part of the group Disney dubbed his "Nine Old Men." 

Milt passed away on April 19, 1987 in Mill Valley, California due to pneumonia. He was 78 years old. He was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 1989, in the Animation category.

Source(s): Disney Legends (D23.com), Disney A to Z (D23.com) and Milt Kahl (IMDB.com

Today in Disney History: Mission to Mars Opens at Disneyland

The Mission to Mars attraction officially opened (updated) on this date in 1975. Previously known as Rocket to the Moon (July 17, 1955 - September 5, 1966) and the Flight to the Moon (August 12, 1967 - January 5, 1975). After man landed on the moon in 1969, Disneyland was looking for a new mission. The sponsorship of McDonnell Douglas remained as did the actual attraction with the exception of now going to Mars instead of the Moon. The attraction consisted of around 100 passengers that sat in a circular theater with screens on the floor and ceiling to show them where they had been and where they were going. The attraction closed on November 2, 1992 and was supposed to be the new location of an attraction called Alien Encounter but it is believed the space was too small. After the remodel of Tomorrowland in 1998, Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port occupied the old location.

Source(s): Rocket to the Moon (Yesterland.com), Mission to Mars (D23.com), Mission to Mars Opens at Disneyland (D23.com)

Today in Disney History: Pirates of the Caribbean Opens at Disneyland

The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland opened on this day in 1967. Located in New Orleans Square, it was originally envisioned as a walk-through wax museum style attraction. After the success of the boat ride concept of it’s a small world at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair the attraction plans were changed. Set in the bayou of Louisiana, guests travel by boat through scenes of treasure, ships and a Caribbean town being plundered by Pirates to the song, “Yo Ho (A Pirates Life For Me).” Although refurbishments have been done throughout the years with some things added or updated the ride is essentially the same today as it was back when it opened. 

“Strike yer colors! Your adventure begins in a shadowy bayou, where you’ll board a weathered barge. Plunge down a waterfall in the dark and float through the spectral world of Pirates Grotto. Dead men tell no tales—but they guard their treasure for all eternity. 

Navigate cannon fire between a fort and a 12-gun galleon. Glide into port and behold brazen buccaneers drunk on pillaged plunder. Skulk past the well-armed lass who commands a colorful auction of villagers’ goods. 

Sing along as sea roving scalawags serenade you with their classic shanty, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” Witness flames engulf the town and pass prisoners trapped in their jail cell, doggedly trying to escape. 

Keep a spry eye out for sly Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, as he schemes to get his hands on the spoils. 

If ye be seekin’ adventure, ay—you’ve come to the proper place!” - Disneyland website

On the same day as the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Blue Bayou Restaurant opened in the same building as the attraction. 

A Pirates of the Caribbean attraction can also be found at Walt Disney World (1973), Tokyo Disneyland (1983) and Disneyland Paris (1992). A new version based on the films opened at Shanghai Disneyland in 2016. 

Go for a ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland - 

Video by DocumentDisney (YouTube)

Source(s): Pirates of the Caribbean (D23.com), Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction (Disneyland.disney.go.com)

Today in Disney History: Plane Crazy (With Sound!) Is Released

Plane Crazy premiered at the Mark Strand Theater on this day in 1929. It was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon made but the third one to be released. It was test screened on May 15, 1928 as a silent film, but not generally released until 10 months with sound added. A Walt Disney Studio production and distributed by Celebrity Productions. 

Inspired by Charles Lindbergh's exploits. Mickey Mouse along with his friends, build a plane and go on an adventure with Minnie Mouse. 

Directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. Produced by Walt Disney. Music by Carl Stalling. Animated by Ben Clopton (Assistant Animator), Edna Disney (Ink Artist), Lillian Disney (Ink Artist), Hugh Harman (Animator), Rudolf Ising (Animator), Ub Iwerks (Animator), Carman Maxwell (Animator), Hazel Sewell (Ink Artist). Starring the voice of Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.)

The animated short film has a running time of 5 minutes and 53 seconds.

Check out Plane Crazy below:

Source(s): Plane Crazy (IMDB.com), Plane Crazy (D23.com)

Today in Disney History: Harper Goff Born In Colorado

Harper Goff born on this day in 1911, in Fort Collins, Colorado. He studied art at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, California. After school he moved to New York City, New York where he worked as a magazine illustrator. After World War II where he advised the U.S. Army on camouflage, he moved to California and worked as a set designer for Warner Bros. 

Harper was a train enthusiast and that is what got him in the door at Walt Disney Productions. On a trip to London in 1951 he happened to be visiting a model train store, the same store Walt Disney was visiting. They were both interested in the same train set, and when Walt heard Harper was an artist he told him to contact him when he returned the United States.

Harper was initially hired to sketch storyboards for a True-Life Adventure short called "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." After seeing Harper's designs, Walt decided to make it into a feature film which won an Oscar for Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Color and Best Effects, Special Effects.

Harper also helped with much of the conceptualization and design of Disneyland. Many of the Main Street, U.S.A. buildings and layout take inspiration from his birthplace of Fort Collins, Colorado. He also had a big influence on the Jungle Cruise attraction as well as Adventureland. Later on he would contribute to several areas of Walt Disney World. 

In his spare time Harper liked trains and played the banjo in the Dixieland band Firehouse Five Plus Two, with other Disney staff, led by Ward Kimball. 

Harper passed away on March 3, 1993 in Palm Springs, California due to heart failure. He was 81 years old.

Harper was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 1993, in the Film and Imagineering category. He was also honored with a window above The Bazaar in Adventureland at Disneyland. It reads, "Oriental Tattooing By Prof Harper Goff - Banjo Lessons."   

Source(s): Disney Legends (D23.com), Disney A to Z (D23.com) and Harper Goff: The "Second" Imagineer (The Walt Disney Family Museum)

Walt “Quote” Wednesday

Welcome to Walt "Quote" Wednesday on the Walking Down Main Street, U.S.A. blog. Each Wednesday, I’ll share a random quote from Walt Disney from various sources such as books, websites, etc. Great care will be taken to ensure the sources are reliable and the quote is accurate and real.

"I hope we never lose some of the things of the past . . . I love the nostalgic myself"

This quote came from remarks by Walt Disney at Florida Press Conference on November 15, 1965 in Orlando, Florida. 

Today in Disney History: Jack Lindquist Born In Illinois

Jack Lindquist was born on this day in 1927, in Chicago Illinois. After graduating high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force for a couple years before attending the University of Southern California. He was working in the advertising business in Los Angeles, California when he received a call from Milt Albright asking for suggestions of an available advertising manager and he suggested himself. So just about two months after the opening of Disneyland he was now an employee.

He started as Disneyland’s first Advertising Manager and held various positions over his career including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment, overseeing the parks in the United States as well as Tokyo Disneyland and then Euro Disney, now Disneyland Paris. He ended his career as the first President of Disneyland from 1990-1993. Jack retired from The Walt Disney Company on November 18, 1993 after 38 years with the company. 

Some of his contributions to Disneyland and The Walt Disney Company through the years included, advance ticket sales for New Years Eve events, Grad Nite at Disneyland, park anniversary tie-ins and giveaways, “I’m Going to Disneyland” ad campaign and Disney Dollars just to mention a few. 

Jack was honored with a window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland on the second story of City Hall that reads, “J.B. Lindquist Honorary Mayor of Disneyland - Jack of all trades - Master of Fun.” He was named a Disney Legend in 1994, in the Attractions category. 

In 2010, Jack published his autobiography, “In Service to the Mouse: My Unexpected Journey to Becoming Disneyland’s First President: A Memoir.”

Jack passed away on February 28, 2016 in Anaheim, California from natural causes. He was 88 years old. 

Source(s): Disney Legends (D23.com), Remembering Disney Legend Jack Lindquist (Disney Parks Blog), Jack Lindquist, First President of Disneyland, Dies at 88 (Variety.com)

Today in Disney History: Howard Ashman Passes Away in New York

Howard Ashman passed away on this day in 1991, in New  York City, New York, from complications due to AIDS. He was 40 years old. He was born on May 17, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating from Indiana University, he moved to New York and worked as an editor and began writing plays.

In 1986, Ashman joined Walt Disney Feature Animation to work on music for the animated feature film "Oliver & Company" (1988.) For "The Little Mermaid" (1989), Ashman along with Alan Menken wrote all the songs for the film. They received Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song for "Kiss the Girl" and "Under the Sea," winning for the latter. He was the Executive Producer on "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) along with writing songs, winning the Academy Award posthumously for Best Original Song for "Beauty and the Beast." "Beauty and the Beast" was released after Ashman's death and was dedicated in his honor. Prior to his death he also wrote songs for the upcoming feature film "Aladdin" (1992) including "Arabian Nights," "Friend Like Me," and "Prince Ali."

Ashman was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 2001, in the Music category. In 2020, Disney + released a documentary on Howard Ashman, directed by Don Hahn titled “Howard.”

NEWS: Disney Legend Rolly Crump Passes Away at 93

Came across this sad news a few moments ago. Disney Legend Rolly Crump passed away yesterday morning (March 12, 2023) at his in Carlsbad, California. I was just looking on Amazon last week for his books, It’s Kind Of A Cute Story to add to my Disney library, I have a couple of them digitally on Kindle but want physical copies. 

From the It’s Kind Of A Cute Story Facebook page:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Roland “Rolly” Fargo Crump passed away peacefully yesterday morning at his home in Carlsbad, CA. He was 93 years old. 

A truly one-of-a-kind individual, Rolly’s whimsical work has been featured all over the world. Whether it was his numerous contributions to the Walt Disney films & theme parks, his work for various pop culture luminaries (like Ernie Ball and Jacques Cousteau), or his own personal artwork, Rolly’s incredible style was uniquely his and instantly recognizable to many. 

Rolly’s most notable work for The Walt Disney Company has profoundly impacted the theme park industry over the years. His designs contributed to the company’s most famous attractions, such as The Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, and more. His work went well beyond Disney, too, as he went on to create iconic work for Knott’s Berry Farm, Busch Gardens, the Sultan of Oman, and many more. 

He leaves behind a legacy that can never be matched, and the magic he crafted for countless people worldwide will never be forgotten. 

Rolly and his family would like to thank the fans for supporting his work over the years. His entire life was filled with one “kind of a cute story” after the next, and he will be remembered with lots of love.

Rolly Crump

February 27, 1930 - March 12, 2023”

Today in Disney History: Disney Loses Oswald and Mickey is Born

On March 13, 1928, Walt Disney and his wife Lillian were returning to California from New York after negotiations on the future of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit with Charles Mintz failed. Disney sent a Western Union telegram to his brother and business partner, Roy Disney - 

"ROY O DISNEY =

2491 LYRIC AVENUE  HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA = 

LEAVING TONITE STOPPING OVER KC ARRIVE HOME SUNDAY MORNING SEVEN THIRTY DON'T WORRY EVERYTHING OK WILL GIVE DETAILS WHEN ARRIVE =

WALT."

Walt seemed very optimistic in the telegram to his brother. Legend has it that Walt came up with the idea for Mickey Mouse on that train ride home but there is no proof of that. The idea was briefly mentioned in an article about Mickey Mouse in the Winter 1956 issue of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club Magazine. Although we do not know the exact date Mickey was conceived, we do know on May 15, 1928, the first Mickey Mouse short was previewed, "Plane Crazy," but it was not generally released. The public would have to wait until November 18, 1928 when "Steamboat Willie" was released. 

Disney The Little Mermaid (Live-Action) Official Trailer and Poster

Tonight at the 95th Academy Awards, Disney debuted the first official trailer for the upcoming live-action remake of Disney's classic animated feature film, The Little Mermaid which was loosely based on the 1837 fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Disney had previously released two teaser trailers which are below with the new trailer. Along with the new official trailer, Walt Disney Studios also released a new The Little Mermaid poster (pictured on the right.)

Directed by Rob Marshall and written by David Magee, Rob Marshall and John DeLuca. The film stars Halle Bailey (Ariel), Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Javier Bardem (King Triton), Jude Akuwudike (Joshua), Noma Dumezweni (Queen Selina), Kajsa Mohammar (Karina), Lorena Andrea (Perla), Daveed Diggs (voice of Sebastian), Jacob Tremblay (voice of Flounder) and Awkwafina (voice of Scuttle).

Disney The Little Mermaid is set to be released in theaters on May 26, 2023.

The Little Mermaid Official Trailer (March 12, 2023) from Walt Disney Studios (YouTube)

The Little Mermaid Teaser Trailer #2 (February 15, 2023) from Walt Disney Studios (YouTube)

The Little Mermaid Teaser Trailer #1 (September 9, 2022) from Walt Disney Studios (YouTube)

Today in Disney History: Flying Jalopy is Released

Flying Jalopy was released on this day in 1943. A Walt Disney Productions film and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.

Donald Duck buys a used plane from Ben Buzzard who attempts to sabotage it in order to collect on a forged insurance policy. 

Directed by Dick Lundy. Produced by Walt Disney. Written by Norma Ree. Animated by Art Babbit (Animator), Bob Carlson (Animator), Bill Melendez (Animator), Al Stetter (Effects Animator). Starring the voices of Clarence Nash (Donald Duck) and Nestor Paiva (Ben Buzzard).

The animated short film has a running time of 7 minutes. 

Check out Flying Jalopy below:

Video from Cartoons (YouTube).

Source(s): Flying Jalopy (IMDB.com) and Flying Jalopy (D23.com)

Today in Disney History: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is Released

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was released on this day in 1977. It was the 22nd Disney animated feature film. A Walt Disney Productions film and distributed by Buena Vista Distribution. The film joins three previously released Winnie the Pooh animated featurettes based on the original works of A.A. Milne : Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too (1974) along with a short scene to close the film.

Directed by John Lounsbery and Wolfgang Reitherman. Produced by Wolfgang Reiterman. Story adaptation by Ken Anderson, Xavier Atencio, Ted Berman, Larry Clemmons, Eric Cleworth, Vance Gerry, Julius Svendsen and Ralph Wright. Music by Buddy Baker. Animated by Hal Ambro, Dale Baer, Don Bluth, Eric Cleworth, Gary Goldman, Fred Hellmich, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Bill Keil, Hal King, Eric LArson, John Lounsbery, Burny Mattinson, Cliff Nordberg, John Pomeroy, Dick Sebast, John Sibley, Walt Stanchfield, Art Stevens, Frank Thomas and Chuck Williams.

Starring the voices of Sebastian Cabot (Narrator), John Fiedler (Piglet), Sterling Holloway (Winnie the Pooh), Clint Howard (Roo), Barbara Luddy (Kanga), Junius Matthews (Rabbit), Howard Morris (Gopher), Bruce Reitherman (Christopher Robin), Hal Smith (Owl), Timothy Turner (Christopher Robin), John Walmsley (Christopher Robin), Dori Whitaker (Roo), Paul Winchell (Tigger) and Ralph Wright (Eeyore). 

The animated feature film has a running time of 74 minutes and is available on Disney +. 

Check out the trailer below: 

Video from Trailer Chan (YouTube)

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - The Story Behind the Masterpiece"

Video from Sean Dudley (YouTube)

Today in Disney History: Disney Officially Launches D23

On this date in 2009, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was announced by Bob Iger during the company’s annual meeting. For the casual Disney fans the D stands for Disney and the 23 for 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company (then the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio) was founded. Free and paid memberships are available. The fan club puts on events during the year such as the D23 Expo (biennial event), Destination D (biennial event), advance screenings, studio tours, just to name a few. They also produce a quarterly fan club magazine, Disney: twenty•three that is free for Gold Members.

First issue of Disney: twenty•three.

Latest issue of Disney: twenty•three.

You can visit D23.com for information on D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

Walking Down Main Street, U.S.A. - Disney Photo Album

Richfield Autopia

(Click on photo to view larger version.)

This is the Richfield Autopia in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The Autopia is one of the original attractions from Disneyland's opening day on July 17, 1955. This photo was taken sometime between 1955 and 1962, the TWA Moonliner is in the background and after 1962 it was sponsored by Douglas Airlines. Richfield Oil sponsored the Autopia from 1955-1970.  (Photo source unknown.)

NOTE - From time to time I will share photos that are related to Disney in some way, such as theme parks, people, etc.

Today in Disney History: John Lounsbery Born in Ohio

John Lounsbery was born on this day in 1911, in Cincinnati, Ohio and was raised in Colorado. While attending the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, California, an instructor sent him to Walt Disney Productions to interview.

He joined Disney on July 2, 1935 as an animator. He worked on classic animated films such as ‘Dumbo,’ ‘The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad,’ ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ ‘Peter Pan,’ ‘Lady and the Tramp,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘One Hundred and One Dalmatians,’ ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Robin Hood’ to name just a few. He was one of Walt's most trusted animators and part of the group Disney dubbed his "Nine Old Men." 

Lounsbery passed away on February 13, 1976, in Los Angeles, California from heart failure. He was 64 years old. At the time of his death, he was working on ‘The Rescuers’ as one of the directors. Lounsbery was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 1989, in the Animation category.

Walt "Quote" Wednesday

Welcome to Walt "Quote" Wednesday on the Walking Down Main Street, U.S.A. blog. Each Wednesday, I’ll share a random quote from Walt Disney from various sources such as books, websites, etc. Great care will be taken to ensure the sources are reliable and the quote is accurate and real. 

I find this quote interesting with the recent announcements of Frozen III, Toy Story 5 and Zootopia 2 at Disney's 2023 first quarter earnings call in February.

"I've never believed in doing sequels. I didn't want to waste the time I had doing a sequel. I'd rather be using that time doing something new and different."

This quote came from an interview of Walt Disney by Pete Martin for the Saturday Evening Post in the June-July 1956 issue.

Today in Disney History: Marvin Davis Passes Away in California

Marvin Davis passed away on this day in 1998 in Santa Monica, California following a brief illness. He was 87 years old. He was born on December 21, 1910 in Clovis, New Mexico. About two years after graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in architecture he was hired by 20th Century Fox. During his time with 20th Century Fox he worked as an art director on such films as “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” and “The Asphalt Jungle.” 

Davis joined Walt Disney Productions’ (now known as known as The Walt Disney Company) WED Enterprises (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. or Imagineering for short) in 1953 thanks to an invitation by good friend Dick Irvine. Davis was instrumental in bringing Walt Disney’s idea of Disneyland to life. For two years prior to the opening, Davis worked on more than 100 different versions of the park and designed many of the building exteriors. 

After Disneyland opened, Davis returned to art directing and scenic design in films such as Moon Pilot, Babes in Toyland and Big Red as well as television series’ such as Zorro and Mickey Mouse Club. 

In 1965, Davis returned to WED as a project designer on The Florida Project which became Walt Disney World in Florida. He devised the master plan for the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. 

Davis retired from Walt Disney Productions in 1975. He was named a Disney Legend in 1994, in the Film and Imagineering category.