This week in Disney History: Jan. 20-26

There’s always a great big, beautiful tomorrow here at Imagineering Parks, because every day is tied to a milestone in Disney heritage and history! This ongoing series is published every Monday and features highlights for each day of the week. You can use these to hone your Disney trivia, strike up conversations with Guests, or even relive the nostalgia of yesteryear.

Home is where the heart is – and Toontown is where the art lives!

According to Disneyland legend, after Mickey Mouse became a star in 1928, he found a home in the picturesque toon suburbs outside of Hollywood. Soon several of his friends snatched up real-estate in the neighborhood and it “ka-boomed” in popularity among famous animated idols in the biz. The colorful neighborhood remained a secret to your more 3-D inclined folks, and the only non-toon “in the know” was Walt Disney himself.

Years later on January 24, 1993, these 2-D denizens decided to open their hideaway gates to everyone, including honorary non-toons. Since then, Guests have flocked to the quirky streets of Mickey Mouse’s home town to zip through zany attractions and meet some of their favorite residents! 

Jan. 20, 2006 – High School Musical (Disney Channel Original Movie) premieres

Jan. 21, 1995 – Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable opens in The Land at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort

Jan. 22, 1964 – Walt Disney Productions releases The Misadventures of Merlin Jones

Jan. 23, 2006 – A grand opening is held for Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort

Jan. 24, 1993 – Mickey’s Toontown opens at Disneyland Park

Jan. 25, 1961 – Walt Disney Productions releases One Hundred and One Dalmatians

Jan. 26, 2016  – Freeform television premieres the series Recovery Road