Disney history: 30 big things that happened in April

It’s time to take a look at the wayback machine and go over some of the big events that took place in Disney history.

We go back and see what opened at Disneyland, Disney World and other parks, some Disney films that opened and a special Disney wedding event.

Here’s a day-by-day guide for April:

April 1: In 1995, Blizzard Beach opens at Walt Disney World.

April 2: In 1940, Walt Disney Productions offered shares of the company for the first time to the public in the over-the-counter market. The company issued 155,000 shares at $25 per share. This raised about $3.5 million for the company.

April 3: In 2001, the interchange between Osceola Parkway and Interstate 4 opened in Florida to help alleviate some of the congestion of getting to Walt Disney World. The cost to build the interchange was $33 million. Disney and Orange County shared the cost.

April 4: In 1990, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Club, a rock-theme dance club, opened at Disneys World’s Pleasure Island.

April 5: In 2008, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opens at Disneyland Paris, in France.

April 6: In 1990, the Blue Ribbon Bakery shop opens on
 Main Street in Disneyland replacing the Sunkist Citrus House.

April 7: In 1995, “A Goofy Movie” premieres.

April 8: In 1974, an 11.5-acre island on Bay Lake in Disney World opened and it was called Walt Disney World’s Treasure Island. It was later renamed Discovery Island. It featured wildlife (such as birds, reptiles, and mammals).

April 9: In 1991, Disneyland’s Dapper Dans sing “The Star Spangled Banner” as part of the Disney festivities before the California Angels home opener against the Seattle Mariners. 

April 10: In 1964, Walt Disney arrives in New York City to oversee his four exhibits at the soon to open New York World’s Fair.

April 11: In 1925, Roy O. Disney marries Edna Francis at their Uncle Robert Disney’s home in Los Angeles. It is the same house where Walt Disney lived and set up shop after first arriving in Hollywood from Kansas.

April 12: In 1992, the Euro Disney Resort opens in France. Inaugural ceremonies are broadcast to the entire continent. French people protest fearing their culture will be damaged by Disney. Power cables were vandalized which blacked out the highway road signs directing people to the new resort.

April 13: In 2015, The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats – located at Disney Spring in Walt Disney World Resort, officially opened its doors.

April 14: In 1934, The Silly Symphony film “The Big Bad Wolf” is released.

April 15: In 1983 – Tokyo Disneyland opens. It is operated by the Oriental Land Company under licence from Disney.

April 16: In 2001, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opens at Walt Disney World.

April 17: In 2012, the Orange Bird returned to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The character returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace signs and as drinking cups.

April 18: In 2015, Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival opens at Epcot.

April 19: In 1961, Disneyland welcomed guest number 25 million.

April 20: In 1991, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opens in Disney-MGM Studios.

April 21: In 2009, Characters in Flight, the tethered helium-filled balloon ride at Downtown Disney in Disney World (now Disney Springs) opens. The balloon rises 400-feet about Disney World.

April 22: In 1995, The Empress Lily, an authentic re-creation of an 1800s paddlewheel boat offering character breakfast dining options at Pleasure Island in Disney World closes. It reopens in 1996 at Fulton’s Crab House and in 2017 is again rethemed and named The Paddlefish.

April 23: In 1993, an 8,500-acre swath of land 15 miles south of Disney World is renamed from Walker Ranch to the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Disney purchased the area to mitigate construction on Disney property.

April 24: In 1989, The Disney Channel begins airing “The New Mickey Mouse Club” series”

April 25: In 1930, Mickey Mouse’s 15th short film “Wild Waves” is released to theaters.

April 26: In 2010, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic cruise ship makes its maiden call at the Valletta Waterfront, Malta.

April 27: In 2001, Rocket Rods in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland closes. The ride first opened in 1998.

April 28: In 1930, Silly Symphony short “Night” is released. The film was directed by Walt Disney. It was the first short made after animator Ub Iwerks left the company.

April 29: In 1994, the first phase of Disney World’s All-Star Sports Resort, Surf’s Up opens.

April 30: In 1969, a press conference is held at the Ramada Inn on Highway 50 in Ocoee, Florida where Donn Tatum, president of Walt Disney Productions, provides updated details to the press and public on the new vacation destination scheduled to open in just 28 months – Disney World.