Today in Disney History 8/26
Aug. 26, 2003 – Disney’s “Stitch! The Movie” was released on DVD and VHS.
Aug. 26, 2003 - A special pre-parade celebration took place in the Magic Kingdom before “Share a Dream Come True Parade” in honor of the Sept. 9, 2003 release of “Sleeping Beauty” special addition starring Aurora, Princess Phillip, Flora, Fuana, Merry Weather, as well as the evil Maleficent.
Aug. 26, 2005 – Fred Joerger, a master model maker who helped create Disneyland’s look by molding “Sleeping Beauty Castle” and other attractions in miniature, passed away at age 91. (Walt Disney handpicked Joerger in 1953 to become one of his first three model makers.)
Aug. 26, 2006 – Thousands of fans, along actor Kyle Massey of “That’s So Raven,” gathered at Toonfest 2006 held at Disney Studios in Burbank, Ca. The first official fan fest dedicated to the family-friendly game – Disney’s Toontown Online – featured contests, games, and a parade.
Aug. 26, 2007 – Hollywood Records recording artist & actress Hilary Duff co-hosted the annual Teen Choice Awards, broadcast on FOX-TV. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” won for Choice Movie: Action Adventure, and “High School Musical 2” scored for Choice TV: Movie.
Aug. 26, 2007 – The Disney Channel debuted “First Days of High School,” the 75th episode of “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.” Also premiering were two episodes of “As the Bell Rings.”
Aug. 26, 2008 – Disney’s “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning” was released on DVD.
Aug. 26, 2008 – Disney opened its newest exhibit, a hurricane simulator at Epcot which aims to teach visitors how to better protect their homes ahead of dangerous storms.
Aug. 26, 2009 – A keel laying ceremony was held for the “Disney Dream” in Papensburg, Germany, where the new ship is starting to come to life after a lengthy design phase. (The “Disney Dream” is expected to set sail in 2011).
Aug. 26, 2010 – As of today, “Toy Story 3 “ has tallied more than $592.9 million internationally, Disney’s largest international animated release.
