Disney in 1961
Last Updated on: February 20th, 2023
The Walt Disney Company has a rich and lengthy history with decades of amazing movies, shows and park experiences.
Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened in the world of Disney in the year 1961. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.
Disney 1961 Company Headlines:
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was found in 1961.
- Disney bought the rights to the Winnie the Pooh franchise.
Disney 1961 Movies Headlines:
In 1961, Disney released several movies, including:
- January 25 – One Hundred and One Dalmatians
- March 16 – The Absent-Minded Professor
- June 12 – The Parent Trap
- July 12 – Nikki, Wild Dog of the North
- July 17 – Greyfriars Bobby
- December 14 – Babes in Toyland
Also in 1961, Disney received two Oscars for the documentary The Horse with the Flying Tail and the film Pollyanna.
Overall, although the year produced an animated classic, the headliners of 1961 were the live-action releases. Some of Disney’s most iconic live films were released in the year as Disney really started to hit its stride balancing between animated and live productions.
Disney 1961 Parks Headlines:
Disneyland Headlines:
Notable changes at Disneyland include:
- The Disneyland Monorail was extended to the Disneyland Hotel.
- The Snow White Wishing Well and Grotto opens.
- The Flying Saucers ride opens.
- The Holidayland area closes.
Disney 1961 Television Headlines:
There was a big shift in the Television division of Disney in 1961 as the seven year run of the Disney anthology series, Walt Disney Presents, on ABC came to an end and moved to NBC. The show was retooled and renamed to Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. The name change was, in part, to spotlight the groundbreaking colorization of the show. The show would run on NBC for eight years.
A notable character debut in 1961 was Ludwig Von Drake, who was created to introduce the new concept of color television shows for the new Wonderful World of Color show.
1961 Archive
Below is the Internet’s largest rundown of all the Disney movies, TV shows, park attractions and more released or opened in the year 1961. New entries added daily, so be sure to check back often.
Disney Movies Released in 1961
Aquamania
The Parent Trap (1961)
Greyfriars Bobby
Nikki Wild Dog Of The North
One Hundred And One Dalmatians
The Absent-Minded Professor
Babes In Toyland
Disney Shows Released in 1961
Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color
Disney Songs Released in 1961
Cruella De Vil (Song)
“Cruella De Vil” is a song from the 1961 Disney animated film “One Hundred and One Dalmatians“. The song was written by Mel Leven and…
Dalmatian Plantation (Song)
“Dalmatian Plantation” is a song from the 1961 Disney animated film “One Hundred and One Dalmatians“. The song was written by Mel Leven and was…
Kanine Krunchies (Song)
“Kanine Krunchies” is a jingle from the 1961 Disney animated film “One Hundred and One Dalmatians“. The song was written by Mel Leven and is…
Let’s Get Together (Song)
“Let’s Get Together” is a song from the 1961 Disney film “The Parent Trap,” starring Hayley Mills. The song was written by Richard M. Sherman…
Disney Attractions Opened in 1961
Flying Saucers | Disneyland
Here is everything you need to know about the extinct Flying Saucers attraction at Disneyland including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
