Disney in 1976
Last Updated on: March 26th, 2024
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 1976. I hope you find this lookback in time helpful and entertaining.
Disney 1976 Company Headlines:
1976 was a transitional year for Disney as a group of new leaders were ushered in including new Disney CEO Card Walker and a new head of film production (future Disney CEO and Walt’s son-in-law) Ron Miller.
Disney 1976 Movies Headlines:
In 1976, Disney released several movies, including:
- February 5 – No Deposit, No Return
- March 26 – Ride a Wild Pony
- July 1 – Treasure of Matecumbe
- July 7 – Gus
- December 17 – The Shaggy DA
- December 17 – Freaky Friday
As was custom at this time, Disney also re-released a number of classic movies to theaters in 1976:
- March 26 – Dumbo
- June 18 – Peter Pan
- November 21 – Follow Me, Boys!
Overall, as was the case with much of the 1970’s, 1976 was not a particularly strong year at the box office for Disney. As we will see in the coming years, this theatrical slump won’t end for some time.
Disney 1976 Parks Headlines:
Disneyland Headlines:
Disneyland didn’t see a ton of change in 1976. A few notable changes include:
- The Hills Brothers Coffee House was renamed Maxwell House Coffee House to reflect a change in sponsors.
- The Jungle Cruise was expanded.
- The Town Square Café opened.
- The America on Parade ended its 2 year run.
Disney World Headlines:
With Disney World a very young five years old in 1976, there wasn’t a ton of change at the resort in 1976. The most notable move of the year was the opening of Disney’s River Country water park on Bay Lake.
Disney 1976 Television Headlines:
In September, The Muppet Show began its run in syndication. While the Muppets were not a Disney property at that point, they certainly played and still play a significant role in the history of Disney. This show was their first real introduction to a large number of people in the 70’s.
The Wonderful World of Disney continued its Sunday night superiority for NBC in 1976, showcasing Disney films, specials and vignettes.
In April, the America on Parade special ran on TV to commemorate the country’s bicentennial.
In December, another special titled Christmas in Disneyland with Art Carney on TV.
1976 Archives
Here is the Internet’s largest rundown of all the Disney movies, TV shows, park attractions and more released or opened in the year 1976. New entries added daily, so be sure to check back often.
Disney Movies Released in 1976
The Shaggy DA
Treasure Of Matecumbe
Escape From The Dark / The Littlest Horse Thieves
Freaky Friday (1976)
Gus
No Deposit No Return
Disney Shows Released in 1976
The Muppet Show
Disney Songs Released in 1976
The Glorious Fourth (Song)
Disney Attractions Opened in 1976
Town Square Cafe | Disneyland
Here is everything you need to know about the extinct Town Square Cafe restaurant at Disneyland including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
Disney’s River Country | Disney World
Here is everything you need to know about Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s extinct Disney’s River Country park including history, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!
