The Walt Disney Company has a rich and lengthy history with decades of amazing movies, shows and park experiences. To commemorate Disney’s 100th birthday this year, I am spotlighting the company’s history year by year in this new ‘Disney by the Years’ series.
Here is a quick rundown of everything that happened in the world of Disney in the year 1996. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.
Disney 1996 Company Headlines:
1996 was a relatively quiet year for the Walt Disney company. Michael Eisner was still chugging along as CEO, on his own now to lead the company two years after his partner, Frank Wells, died in a tragic accident. A few notable occurrences for the company include:
- Radio Disney launched in November 1996.
- The Disney Store online launched in November 1996.
- Michael Orvits resigned as President of the Walt Disney Company on December 12.
Disney 1996 Movies Headlines:
In 1996, Disney, Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures released several movies, including:
- February 2 – White Squall
- February 16 – Muppet Treasure Island
- February 23 – Before and After
- March 1 – Up Close and Personal
- March 8 – Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco
- April 12 – James and the Giant Peach
- April 19 – Celtic Pride
- May 3 – Last Dance
- May 24 – Spy Hard
- May 31 – Eddie
- June 7 – The Rock
- June 21 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- July 3 – Phenomenon
- August 9 – Jack
- August 20 – Mr Wrong
- August 30 – First Kid
- September 13 – The Rich Man’s Wife
- October 4 – D3: The Mighty Ducks
- October 25 – The Associate
- November 8 – Ransom
- November 22 – The War at Home
- November 27 – 101 Dalmatians (live action)
- December 12 – The Preacher’s Wife
- December 25 – Evita
As was custom at this time, Disney also re-released a classic movie to theaters in 1989:
- March 29 – Oliver & Company
Also in 1996, Disney won the following Oscars:
- Best Original Score – Pocahontas
- Best Original Song – Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)
- Special Achievement Award – Toy Story
Disney 1996 Parks Headlines:
Disneyland Headlines:
- On November 25, the Main Street Electrical Parade makes its final performance.
Disney World Headlines:
- On January 2, World of Motion closes at Epcot
- On June 29, Mickey’s Starland at the Magic Kingdom is renamed Mickey’s Toontown Fair.
- On July 1, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn opens along with a number of boardwalk attractions like the Trattoria al Forna, Flying Fish, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, and Ample Hills Creamery. Nightclubs: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance Club and ESPN Club.
- On September 15, The Universe of Energy reopens with its new “Ellen” overlay
- On September 25, the Grand Prix Raceway in the Magic Kingdom becomes the Tomorrowland Speedway
- On October 1, The Barnstormer opens at the Magic Kingdom
That’s all for 1996 . Stay tuned for in-depth looks at additional years in the very near future!
