Welcome back to our journey through the Walt Disney Company’s past, and happy Star Wars Day! Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- May 4.
May 4th was a big day in Disney history, with the opening of a Disneyland classic attraction, the debut of a Marvel cinematic event, and the beginning of a Star Wars animated series. So, let’s get started!
Photo: Disney
Seal Island Released (1949)
On this day in 1949, Seal Island was released.
Photo: D23
Disney’s first True-Life Adventure, Seal Island would go on to be a commercial success and win an Academy Award.
Space Mountain Opens in Disneyland (1977)
On this day in 1977, Space Mountain opened in Disneyland.
Photo: Disney
Based on concepts by John Hench, Disneyland’s Space Mountain was designed by Bill Walkins. Opening along with the attraction was the Starcade arcade, Space Place Restaurant, and Tomorrowland Space Stage.
Bob Jackson Debuts At Port Orleans Riverside
On this day in 1997, Yeehaw Bob Jackson debuted his one-man show at Port Orleans Riverside’s River Roost Lounge.
The Moonliner Reopens (1998)
On this day in 1998, the Moonliner re-opened at Disneyland.
Photo Yesterland
The second version of the attraction debuted as part of Disneyland’s New Tomorrowland. On hand for the festivities were Buzz Aldrin and Buzz Lightyear.
Disney Announces The End of Aida (2004)
On this day in 2004, Disney announced that Aida would end its Broadway run on September 5, 2004.
Photo: Disney
The show debuted on March 23, 2000.
Disneyland Closes For the Day (2005)
On this day in 2005, Disneyland closed to the public for a VIP party.
The party was held to celebrate Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, which would kick off the next day.
Photo: Disneyland
On hand for the events were celebrities Steve Martin and Julie Andrews.
The Avengers Released (2012)
On this day in 2012, The Avengers was released.
Photo: Disney
A culmination of the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Avengers brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk, Hawkeye, and Black Widow to form Earth’s mightiest superhero team.
Disney Galley: Star Wars: The Mandalorian Debuts (2020)
On this day in 2020, Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian debuted on Disney+.
Photo: Disney+
The show looked at the making of the popular Disney+ series The Mandalorian.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Debuts (2021)
On this day in 2021, Star Wars: The Bad Batch debuted on Disney+.
Image: Disney+
A spin-off of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Bad Batch follows the adventures of a group of clones following the fall of the Republic.
Maggie Simpson in The Force Awakens From Its Nap Debuts (2021)
Finally, on this day in 2021, Maggie Simpson in The Force Awakens From Its Nap debuted on Disney+.
Photo: Disney
In the Star Wars parody, Maggie travels to recover her stolen pacifier.
Cinderella Castle
That concludes this day in Disney history- May 4. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
