19 major Disney anniversaries to commemorate in May 2023
May has been an eventful month for Disney over the years, with a number of significant events taking place across the company’s theme parks, films, and the company itself.
From the opening of Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the kickoff of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the 50th anniversary of a Magic Kingdom attraction, May has seen its fair share of unforgettable Disney moments. Additionally, the month has been a popular time for celebrations of beloved franchises like Star Wars, with special events and experiences drawing fans from around the world.
Here’s a look at some of the most memorable Disney events that have taken place in May.
May 1, 1989: Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, which is later renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Pleasure Island at the former Downtown Disney, which later closed in September 2008 , both open at the Walt Disney World.
May 2, 2008: “Iron Man,” the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is released. (15th anniversary)
May 3, 2013: “Iron Man 3″ is released. (10th anniversary)
May 5, 2006: Disney purchases Pixar Animation Studios for $7.4 billion. (17th anniversary)
May 6, 1940: The Disney Company has grown so much in California that it needs more space, so the studio moves to Burbank. In January 1940, construction of the new studio was finished, but the move wasn’t complete until May 6. (83rd anniversary)
May 6, 1991: The Walt Disney Company joins the Dow Jones Industrial Average. (32nd anniversary)
May 9, 1955: Kermit the Frog first appears in the premiere of Sam and Friends on local Washington, D.C., television station WRC-TV. (68th anniversary)
May 18, 1995: Disney agrees to purchase 25% of the California Angels baseball team from Gene Autry. In 1999, Disney becomes the sole owner of the team, before selling it just four years later. (28th anniversary)
May 22, 2003: Reflections of China debuts at EPCOT. (10th anniversary)
May 24, 1998: Astro Orbitor opens at Disneyland. (25th anniversary)
May 24, 1998: Discovery Island Trails open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (25th anniversary)
May 25, 1983: Pinocchio’s Daring Journey opens at Disneyland. (40th anniversary)
May 25, 2018: “Solo: A Star Wars Story” premieres. (5th anniversary)
May 26, 1988: Disney acquires the Childcraft Education Corporation from Grolier Inc. for $52 million, a move that will significantly expand Disney’s mail-order business. (35th anniversary)
May 27, 1933: “Three Little Pigs,” Academy Award winner, is released. (90th anniversary)
May 27, 2002: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens to guests. (1st anniversary)
May 29, 1973: Tom Sawyer Island opens at Magic Kingdom (50th anniversary)
May 30, 2003: “Finding Nemo” is released. (20th anniversary)
May 31, 2008: Toy Story Mania! opens at Walt Disney World. (15th anniversary)
