2005:
In this day's issue of Advertising Age (an ad-industry journal), Kellogg runs an ad commemorating the late Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Tony the Tiger. The headline reads: "Behind every great character is an even greater man." (Disney fans know Ravenscroft as the lead
vocalist on the Haunted Mansion theme song "Grim Grinning Ghosts.")
At Epcot, Ice Station Cool located in the Innoventions Pavilion closes. Offering
complimentary refreshments, it will re-open as Club Cool on November 14, 2005.
Actress, director, screenwriter, and singer Anne Bancroft passes away at age 73 in Manhattan, New York. Perhaps best known as the seductress, Mrs. Robinson, in The Graduate (1967), her
only Touchstone film credit was the 1997 G.I. Jane. Married to Mel Brooks since 1964, Bancroft's long list of film
credits include The Miracle Worker (1962), Blazing Saddles (1974), Silent Movie (1976), The Elephant Man (1980),
and Torch Song Trilogy (1988).
1944:
In the early morning hours, Allied forces (made up of
mostly soldiers from the U.S., United Kingdom, and
Canada) invade the Nazi-held Normandy coast of
France as D-Day (or the Normandy Invasion) begins. It has been often speculated that "Mickey Mouse" may have been used as a password for the invasion by the Allied forces. In particular - it is believed Naval officers gathering for a secret briefing at a southern port used "Mickey Mouse" as a password to gain entry. Taking part in D-Day was Solomon Hersh Frees (also known as voice actor Paul Frees of Disney's Haunted Mansion fame). He was wounded in action and returned home for a year of recuperation. D-Day was the greatest seaborne invasion mankind had ever seen and a major turning point in World War II.
1952:
The Disney cartoon Susie, the Little Blue Coupe is released by RKO. Based on a short story by Bill Peet (a children's book illustrator and currently a story writer for Disney), it is directed by Clyde Geronimi and features the voices of Sterling Holloway and Stan Freberg. About the eventful life of a little blue car, the short's method of anthropomorphizing the cars, using the windshield for the eyes and eyelids, will later serve as a stylistic
inspiration for the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated feature Cars.
1955:
Sandra Bernhard, the voice of Cassandra for Disney's TV version of Hercules, is
born in Flint, Michigan. She also appeared in the 1995 televison remake of Freaky Friday.
1959:
The Submarine Voyage attraction (inspired by the 1954 Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) opens in Disneyland's updated Tomorrowland. (It will be officially dedicated 8 days later.) The 8 vessels (not actual submarines as they do not submerge) are named Nautilus, Seawolf,
Skate, Skipjack, Triton, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Ethan Allen. Portholes along the sides allowed guests
to view the many underwater sights. It is one of the first rides to require an E-ticket.
Also on this day, the Autopia's original track is modified to accommodate the new Fantasyland Autopia.
1962:
The Disney live-action family film Big Red, starring Walter Pidgeon & Gilles Pyant, is
released. The film is about an Irish Setter named "Big Red" who would rather run through the woods than be the
perfectly-trained and groomed show dog his sportsman owner (Pidgeon) wants. Based on a 1945 novel by author
Jim Kjelgaard, it has been adapted to the screen by Louis Pelletier.
1964:
Allison Fonte, a member of the 1977-1978 TV series The New Mickey Mouse Club, is born in California.
1967:
Actor Max Casella, the original Timon in Disney's Broadway musical The Lion King,
and the voice of Tip in Disney's animated Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, is born in Washington, D.C. In 1998, Casella won a Theatre World Award for his role of Timon. His Disney film credits include Newsies (1992) as Racetrack Higgins and the 2000 Dinosaur as the voice of Zini. (TV fans know Casella as Vinnie Delpino from the series Doogie Howser, M.D. from 1989-1993, and as Benny Fazio on The Sopranos from 2001-07.)
Actor Paul Giamatti is born in New Haven, Connecticut.
His credits include Nilo (a crusty harbormaster) in Disney's 2021 Jungle Cruise, Ralph the chauffeur in Disney's 2013 release Saving Mr. Banks, Todd Woods in the 2000 Hollywood Pictures film Duets, and Carlo in the 1999 Touchstone Pictures release Cradle Will Rock.
1975:
America on Parade, a special American Bicentennial event, debuts at Walt
Disney World. Disney designers, led by entertainment head Bob Jani have created special floats and a series of costumes featuring oversized heads that tell the story of America’s history, culture, and achievements, from its pioneers to the present, all marching to a soundtrack of American popular songs. It will run through September 6, 1976. A similar version will run at Disneyland from June 12, 1975 to September 12, 1976.
1987:
The Delta sponsored If You Could Fly replaces the Eastern Airlines If You
Had Wings attraction in Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland.
1989:
Hulk Hogan appears as himself on Disney Channel's MMC. Today is Guest Day!
1997:
At Disneyland Paris, Festival Disney is officially renamed as Disney Village at a big party for hotel guests, cast members and 600 other invitees. The all-day party includes live
rock music and an evening fireworks display.
The action thriller Con Air is released by Touchstone Pictures. The film stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malkovich, with Steve Buscemi, Colm Meaney, Mykelti Williamson, Ving Rhames, Nick Chinlund, Jesse Borrego, Jose Zuniga, and Monica Potter in supporting roles. Just-paroled army ranger Cameron Poe (Cage) is headed back to his wife (Potter), but must fly home aboard a prison transport flight dubbed "Jailbird" with some of the worst criminals living. When a violent escape plot is unleashed mid-flight, Poe and U.S. Marshall Vince Larkin (Cusack) attempt to foil the plan.
2001:
Darkhorse Comics publishes Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire. The full
color 56-page comic book features a cover by Mike Mignola, whose artistic
vision inspired the Disney animated feature.
The soundtrack album to the romantic drama Crazy/Beautiful is released by Disney's Hollywood Records.
2002:
After a complete mechanical and exterior restoration, the Roy O. Disney steam locomotive is rededicated in a ceremony at the Main Street USA Train Station at Walt Disney World. His son, Roy E. Disney, who is vice chairman of The Walt Disney Company, participates in the ceremony along with Michael Campbell and Darrell Holmquist, members of the Board of Governors of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. (Named in honor of the co-founder of The Walt Disney
Company, the engine represents the only object in any Disney theme park to carry Roy O. Disney's name.)
Chip Young of Georgia wins the nose of an old Walt Disney World monorail cab
through an online auction.
2006:
Walt Disney Records' soundtrack for the Disney/Pixar animated film Cars is
released. The CD boasts a score from Randy Newman and new songs by Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow and James Taylor. The film will pull into theaters 3 days later.
Also released this day - Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks, a collection of all-time favorite driving songs
presented by Lightning McQueen.
1985:
Disney World's Bearly Asleep shop opens in Frontierland.
In Disneyland, there is a plaque at
the base of the flagpole in
Frontierland's stockade that reads:
"To Walt Disney, in recognition of
outstanding assistance and
cooperation in extending humane
ideals to peoples throughout the
world." It was presented by the
American Humane Association
in 1955.
1974:
Herbie Rides Again, the comedy sequel to the 1969 film The Love Bug, is released by Walt Disney Productions. Set in San Francisco, Herbie bonds with a female this time... a feisty elderly lady named Mrs. Steinmetz, played by actress Helen Hayes. The lovable Volkswagen Beetle comes to the rescue when an unscrupulous land developer schemes to take Mrs. Steinmetz's home. The cast includes Ken Berry, Stefanie Powers, John McIntire, Keenan Wynn, Huntz Hall, Vito Scotti, and Chuck McCann.
Actress Sonya Walger is born in London, England. Best known for her role as Penny Widmore in the ABC drama series Lost, she also portrayed Margot Bishop in the ABC comedy-drama The Catch.
1984:
Disney Chairman Ray Watson meets with Jack Wrather, owner of the Wrather
Corporation, which owns the Disneyland Hotel. They discuss the possibility of Wrather selling the
hotel to Disney.
2007:
A sneak peek for Annual Passholders begins for Disneyland's newest attraction
Finding Nemo: Submarine Voyage (based on the Disney/Pixar animated feature).
Built on the site of the 1959 Submarine Voyage attraction, Nemo will open to the general public June 11.
Disney's stage production The Lion King celebrates 10 triumphant years on Broadway
with a special anniversary performance in Johannesburg, South Africa (the cultural inspiration for the show).
Actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons is born in Santa Monica, California. She is known for her role as Lily Tucker-Pritchett on ABC-TV's Modern Family. She joined the cast of the hit sitcom in its third season in 2011, where she replaced Ella & Jaden Hiller in the role of Lily, a Vietnamese-born child adopted by a gay American couple.
JUNE
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THIS SITE MADE
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Disneyland's Submarine Voyage debuts
2008:
The first (of 4) Star Wars Weekends kick off at Disney' Hollywood
Studios. This weekend's guest celebrities include Jeremy Bulloch and Daniel Logan.
"After the making of Susie, my father bought a sky blue Studebaker convertible. It was one of those with a nose
that looked like it should have a propeller on the front. It was the first car I learned to drive." -Bill Peet, Jr
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1953:
The wrap party for the animated short Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom takes place at
Ward Kimball's house. Directed by Kimball and Charles A. Nichols, production had taken some 7-8 months.
The first animated cartoon to be filmed and released in widescreen CinemaScope, Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom will
win the 1954 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).
2003:
Disney's second international production of Aida debuts at an open-air
amphitheatre in Estonia, for the first of five performances.
Disney-MGM hosts the fourth (of 5) Star Wars Weekends. Celebrity guests include Peter
Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett).
2000:
Rascal Flatts, the debut album of American country music group Rascal Flatts, is
released on Lyric Street Records (a record label specializing in country music and part
of the Disney Music Group - owned by the Walt Disney Company).
It will sell over 2,300,000 in the U.S.
The 26th Saturn Awards, honoring the best in science fiction, fantasy and horror film and television in 1999, are held. Among the winners:
-Best Young Actor/Actress: Haley Joel Osment - The Sixth Sense
-Best Costumes: Trisha Biggar - Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
-Best Special Effects: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
-Best Horror Film: The Sixth Sense
-Best Single Television Presentation: Storm of the Century (ABC)
Make Mine Music, Melody Time, and Pocahontas are released on VHS and DVD under
the Walt Disney Gold Classic Collection banner.
1961:
Richard Nixon speaks at a Republican fundraiser at the Disneyland Hotel, during
an event sponsored by the Orange County Republican Central Committee. (He
and other Republicans are frequent visitors to the Disneyland Hotel for banquets and speeches.)
2011:
It is reported that newswoman Katie Couric has signed a deal with the Walt
Disney Company to develop and host a daytime syndicated talk show on
Disney-owned ABC.
My Yard Goes Disney, a new series on HGTV, premieres. Hosted by Brandon Johnson,
in this first episode the My Yard Goes Disney team transforms the Bradburns' neglected backyard into the
perfect spot for fun and relaxation.
Disney animation stalwart Andreas Deja debuts Deja View, a blog to share his
vast collection of vintage artwork and stories of working with the legends of
Disney animation.
1981:
A Night With The Golden Greats, a special Walt Disney World musical presentation
takes place on this evening at various locations throughout the Magic Kingdom.
Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Association perform on the Castle Forecourt Stage beginning at 9PM.
Over at the Tomorrowland Theater, The Four Tops and Mary Wells perform 3 shows.
The Ventures play their brand of instrumental surf rock on the Fantasy Faire Stage.
The Tomorrowland Terrace features Rob Grill & The Grass Roots, performing 3 shows starting at 9:30PM.
June 6
This Day in Disney History - THE FIRST - THE ORIGINAL
Traveling in time since 1999!
1999:
The rock band Styx is recorded live at the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World for
the Childrens Miracle Network. This will be singer/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung's final performance with
the band he helped start (as he has already been replaced by Canadian musician Lawrence Gowan). Hosted by Marie Osmond, the concert will later air on CBS.
2013:
Disney Fantasy is honored with the 2013 WAVE Award for Best New Ship by
TravelAge West at the WAVE Awards Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles.
2019:
Legendary singer-pianist Malcolm Rebennack, better known as Dr. John, passes away unexpectedly at age 77 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He recorded a version of "Cruella DeVil" (for the CD Classic Disney Volume 5) and a duet of "You've Got a Friend in Me" (for singer Steve Tyrell's Disney Standards CD). Dr. John can also be heard on the soundtrack for The Princess and the Frog, singing "Down in New Orleans" - written by Randy Newman and nominated for Best Song at the 53rd Grammy Awards. Dr. John also recorded a version of "Bare Necessities" for the 2016 The Jungle Book, and his song "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" was featured in Disney's 1992 live-action film The Mighty Ducks.
(Beginning in the late 1960s, Rebennack gained fame as a solo artist after adopting the persona of "Dr. John, The
Night Tripper." His act combined New Orleans-style rhythm and blues & boogie-woogie with funk and psychedelic rock.
The winner of six Grammy awards, Rebennack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.)
1951:
Video graphics designer, producer, and animation director Ralph Guggenheim is born in New Rochelle, New York. Working for Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Electronic Arts, he won a Producers Guild of America Award in 1995 for his contributions to the film Toy Story.
1907:
Film composer Edward H. Plumb is born in Streator, Illinois. He served as musical director of Fantasia and composed and or orchestrated music for such films as Bambi, Dumbo, Victory Through Air Power, Make Mine Music, Song of the South, Fun and Fancy Free, So Dear to My Heart, Peter Pan, and Lady and the Tramp. He also orchestrated a number of television programs for Walt Disney Presents, a number of Davy Crockett films and on Westward Ho, the Wagons!. His final film project was Johnny Tremain in 1957.
2010:
The Main Street Electrical Parade returns for a third time at Walt Disney World.
2004:
The 2004 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival ends.
