- July 18
- Capital Cities chairman Tom Murphy calls Michael Eisner, saying the shareholders would prefer to receive Disney stock, not cash, for shares of Capital Cities. [745.204]
- Disney releases the animated film compilation Winnie the Pooh: Learning Volume 2 on laserdisc for US$30. It includes Grown But Not Forgotten, Home is Where The Home Is, Owl's Well That Ends Well, A Very, Very Large Animal, Caws And Effect, To Dream the Impossible Scheme. [15]
- July 20
- The Walt Disney Company signs a 49-year lease with the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project to manage and operate the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. [232.59] [1005.96]
- July 21
- Disney and Westinghouse executives meet to discuss Disney buying the CBS TV network. The offer to sell is US$80 per share. [238.366]
- Michael Eisner meets with Capital Cities chairman Tom Murphy to discuss Disney buying the company. Eisner offers US$115 per share. [238.367] [745.205]
- Disney releases the Disney Sing Along Songs film compilation Pocahontas - Colors of the Wind on laserdisc in the US, for US$25. [15]
- Disney's Fantillusion! parade premieres at Tokyo Disneyland, replacing the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade. [91.42] [228.306]
- July 24
- The stage show Beauty and the Beast opens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. [745.205]
- July 25
- Disney releases the laserdisc Aladdin's Arabian Adventures for US$30. It includes Getting the Bugs Out, The Sands of Fate, Never say Nefir, The Citadel. [15]
- The last episode of the TV show Thunder Alley airs. [501.557]
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- July 26
- Tom Murphy of Capital Cities counters Disney's offer of US$115 per share for the company by asking one share of Disney stock plus US$65 cash per share. That is worth roughly US$120 per share. [238.368] (July 25 [745.205])
- July 27
- Disney agrees to buy Capital Cities / ABC for one Disney share plus US$65 cash per ABC share. Total value of the deal is about US$20 billion. [238.370] [745.205]
- July 28
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Walt Disney Pictures live-action feature film Operation Dumbo Drop to theaters in the US. [15] [228.374] [374.82]
- July 30
- The Disney board of directors approves the Capital Cities / ABC takeover deal. [238.374]
- July 31
- The Capital Cities / ABC board of directors votes to approve the company buyout by Disney. [238.374]
- The Walt Disney Company and Capital Cities/ABC Incorporated announce a US$19 billion merger. Included is 37.5 percent ownership of A&E Network. (The merger is completed February 9, 1996.) [33.A5] [1073.171] [1378.1,28]
- (month unknown)
- Hollywood Pictures Home Video releases the film Miami Rhapsody on laserdisc for US$39.99. [533.93]
- August 2
- In Aspen, Colorado, over three days, 36 Disney executives gather to brainstorm ideas for a second Anaheim-based theme park, next to Disneyland. The result is a plan for Disney's California Adventure. [321.36]
- Theme parks at Walt Disney World have a delayed opening, at 11:00 AM, due to Hurricane Erin threatening the area. [412.1]
- August 6
- Michael Eisner talks to the Disney board of directors about appointing Michael Ovitz as president of the company. The board approves the negotiated deal. [745.207]
- August 8
- Disney releases the film Man of the House on laserdisc in the US, for US$40. [15]
- August 11
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Dangerous Minds to theaters in the USA. The film is based on the book My Posse Don't Do Homework. [1378.169] [374.86] [532.99]
- Buena Vista releases the Mickey Mouse film Runaway Brain to theaters in the US. [501.479]
- Buena Vista releases the Walt Disney Pictures live-action feature film A Kid in King Arthur's Court to theaters in the USA. [15] [228.274] [374.182]
- August 12
- The Disney Channel airs the Disney Channel Premiere Film The Four Diamonds. [228.129,192]
- Michael Ovitz agrees to join Disney as president. [238.380]
- August 14
- Disney releases the film Dumbo on laserdisc, for US$37-50. [15]
- Disney releases the film The Sword in the Stone on laserdisc in the US, for US$37-50. [15]
- Michael Ovitz is appointed president of the Walt Disney Company. His contract is for five years, with base salary US$1 million per year, and options to purchase 5 million shares of the Disney company. [224.70] [228.377] [238.380] [745.215]
- August 15
- Disney releases the film Heavyweights on laserdisc in the US, for US$40. [15]
- Disney releases the film Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill on laserdisc in the US, for US$40. [15] [501.538] [567.96]
- August 21
- The PeopleMover attraction at Disneyland closes. [228.383]
- August 25
- The Alpine Gardens area closes in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. [1300.46]
- August 27
- The Aladdin's Royal Caravan parade at Disney-MGM Studios in Walt Disney World ends. [1378.16]
- August 28
- The last episode of Disney's The Shnookums and Meat Funny Cartoon Show airs. [501.497]
- The UPN TV network airs a preview of the TV show Nowhere Man. [228.363]
- (month unknown)
- Disney releases the film Man of the House on videocassette. [228.310] [567.97]
- Walt Disney Home Video releases the film Heavyweights on videocassette, and laserdisc for US$39.99. [228.231] [567.97]
- Buena Vista Home Video releases the film Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! on videocassette for US$12.99. [567.99]
- Panda America issues silver and gold medals to commemorate The Lion King. [634.30]
- Michael Davis at the Buena Vista television unit, with Charlie Parsons of England develop an idea for a reality TV show, a hybrid of game show and adventure about a group of contentestants on a desert island. ABC, CBS, and NBC all pass on the idea. The Fox TV network wants it, with Mark Burnett as producer. (Disney passes up what eventually emerges as Survivor.) [745.295]
- September 1
- The last show of the Darkwing Duck series airs in syndication. [1378.172]
- September 3
- The One Man's Dream show gives its last performance at Tokyo Disneyland. [228.373]
- September 4
- The UPN TV network premieres the Touchstone Television series Nowhere Man. [93.62] [228.363]
- September 7
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film The Tie that Binds to theaters in the USA. [374.184] [501.557]
- September 8
- The Buena Vista Television - Syndication TV series Disney's Sing Me A Story: With Belle premieres. [91.54] [228.141] (Belle's Bookstore [93.62])
- The animated TV series The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa premieres, part of The Disney Afternoon. [228.290]
- September 11
- The syndicated TV talk show Danny first airs. [1378.170]
- September 15
- The Café des Visionnaires restaurant in Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris closes. [1378.110]
- Buena Vista Pictures makes a limited release of the feature film Unstrung Heroes to theaters in the USA. [501.582]
- The ABC TV network previews the TV series Maybe This Time. [228.315]
- The Buena Vista Television - Syndication TV series The Stephanie Miller Show debuts. [93.62] [501.523]
- September 16
- The ABC TV network begins airing the Touchstone Television TV series Maybe This Time. [93.62] [228.315]
- The NBC TV network debuts the Touchstone Television TV series Brotherly Love. [93.62] [1378.101]
- September 18
- The CBS TV network debuts the Touchstone Television TV series If Not for You. [93.62] [228.250]
- September 19
- Disney releases the film The Lion King on laserdisc and videocassette in the UK. [87]
- Disney releases the film The Lion King on laserdisc in the US, for US$30-125. [15]
- September 22
- The TV series Land's End premieres. [228.281]
- Buena Vista Pictures generally releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Unstrung Heroes to theaters in the USA. [374.100] [501.582]
- September 26
- Michael Eisner recommends the Disney board approve the appointment of Michael Ovitz as president. The board unanimously approves. [745.222]
- September 29
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Walt Disney Pictures live-action feature film The Big Green to theaters in the USA. [15] [374.109] [1378.77]
- Disney releases the film The Lion King on laserdisc in Japan, for 4841 Yen. [15]
- Disney releases the animated film compilation Cartoon Classics: Celebrate with Mickey on laserdisc in Japan, for 3900 Yen. It includes: Mickey's Circus, Foul Hunting, Beach Picnic, Mickey's Birthday Party, Wide Open Spaces, Man's Best Friend. [15]
- Disney releases the animated film compilation Cartoon Classics: Mickey's Jungle Trouble on laserdisc in Japan, for 3900 Yen. It includes: Mickey's Elephant, Tea for Two Hundred, Frank Duck Brings 'Em Back Alive, Three Blind Mousketeers, Straight Shooters, Tiger Trouble. [15]
- Disney releases the animated film compilation Cartoon Classics: Mickey's Summer Madness on laserdisc in Japan, for 3900 Yen. It includes: Mickey Down Under, Mickey and the Seal, Mickey's Trailer, Donald's Golf Game, How to Play Baseball, Alpine Climbers. [15]
- September 30
- The Chef Mickey's restaurant at the Disney Village Marketplace at Walt Disney World closes. [1378.130]
- (month unknown)
- Hollywood Pictures Home Entertainment releases the film While You Were Sleeping on videocassette, and laserdisc for US$39.99. [93.62] [501.607] [556.132]
- Stu Bloomberg, chairman of ABC, tells Michael Davies to bring the proposed desert island TV game show (Survivor) back to ABC, allocating US$130,000 to further develop the idea. A sample set is constructed, with tribal council area, and a promotional video is made. Cost is estimated to be US$13 million for the first season. Bob Iger is not interested in putting the show into production. When ABC's development deal with Charlie Parsons expires, ABC does not renew, and Parsons sells the idea to a Swedish TV network, which airs it as Expedition: Robinson. Parsons later sells the rights to a US version to Mark Burnett. [745.295]
- Touchstone Home Video releases the film Jefferson in Paris on videocassette, and laserdisc for US$39.99. [93.62] [556.133]
- Hollywood Pictures Home Entertainment releases the film Roommates on videocassette, and laserdisc for US$39.99. [501.477] [556.134]
- Hollywood Pictures Home Video releases the film Funny Bones on laserdisc for US$39.99. [556.134]
- October 1
- The Disney Channel U.K. begins television broadcasting in the British Isles, as a subscription-only channel. [91.11]
- The Fox TV network begins airing the series Misery Loves Company. [228.335]
- Disney's Vero Beach Resort opens in Florida, part of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. This is Disney's first oceanfront resort, and first vacation destination not built at a theme park. [86.18] [501.584]
- October 2
- Grenada issues eight postage stamps depicting scenes from Mickey's High Sea Adventure. [653.432]
- Grenada Grenadines issues eight postage stamps depicting various Disney characters seeking pirate treasure. [653.463]
- October 3
- Walt Disney Home Video releases the film Cinderella in the US on videocassette for US$26.99, and on laserdisc for US$39.99. [15] [91.62] [556.134]
- Disney releases the animated film compilation Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too / Winnie the Pooh: Frankenpooh on laserdisc in the US, for US$30. It includes: Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too, The Monster Frankenpooh, Things that go Piglet in the Night, Pooh Moon. [15]
- October 4
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the film Dead Presidents to selected theaters. [1378.177]
- October 6
- Buena Vista Pictures generally releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Dead Presidents to theaters in the USA. [374.110] [1378.178]
- Disney releases the film One Hundred and One Dalmatians on laserdisc in Japan, for 4841 Yen. [15]
- October 9
- Guyana issues thirty postage stamps depicting scenes from the film Pocahontas. [653.559]
- The CBS TV network airs the last episode of If Not For You. [228.250]
- October 12
- Walt Disney World welcomes its 500-millionth guest, Michelle Davis. [259.28] [501.596] [1073.172] (October 13 [210.18])
- October 13
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Touchstone Pictures live-action feature film Feast of July to three theaters in New York, Los Angeles, and Montreal, Canada. [228.177]
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film The Scarlet Letter to theaters in the USA. [374.114] [501.487]
- October
- The Disney Channel airs the show Spin and Marty: The Movie, created from episodes of the serial from the Mickey Mouse Club during the 1955-56 season. [1378.11]
- October 16
- Bulgaria issues a postage stamp marking the 100 years of motion pictures, including Mickey Mouse. [629.1009]
- October 20
- Buena Vista Pictures generally releases the film Feast of July to theaters in the USA. [228.177] [374.220]
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Walt Disney Pictures feature film Frank and Ollie to theaters in the USA. The film is a documentary of the lives and careers of Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. [228.195] [374.188]
- October 24
- Disney releases the film Alice in Wonderland on laserdisc in the US, for US$100. [15]
- October 27
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Powder to theaters in the USA. [228.398] [374.128]
- October 29
- The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A character asks others "Did anybody see the movie Tron?". All twelve people present answer "No". [850]
- (month unknown)
- Hollywood Pictures Home Video releases the film Crimson Tide on videocassette, and laserdisc for US$39.99. [93.62] [538.98]
- Touchstone Home Video releases the film Mad Love on videocassette, and laserdisc for US$39.99. [228.303] [538.98]
- Hollywood Pictures Home Video releases the film A Pyromaniac's Love Story on laserdisc for US$39.99. [538.100]
- November 11
- The ABC TV network airs the two-hour movie The Barefoot Executive. [1378.59]
- November 17
- CBS TV airs the special Aladdin on Ice. [1378.16]
- November 18
- Disney releases the film Mickey's Christmas Carol on laserdisc in Japan, for 3900 Yen. It also includes the film The Small One. [15]
- Disney releases the film Prince and the Pauper on laserdisc in Japan, for 3900 Yen. It also includes the film The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. [15]
- At Celebration, Florida, a lottery amoung about 5000 people is held to determine who would have the chance to buy the first 474 houses and apartments in the new city. [371.29]
- November 22
- Disney releases the film Tron on laserdisc in the US, for US$100. [15]
- The Toy Story Parade premiers at the Disney-MGM Studios, in Walt Disney World in Florida. [91.39]
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Walt Disney Pictures - Pixar computer animated feature film Toy Story to theaters in the USA. This is the first feature film completely animated by computers. The film cost US$30 million to create. The film was created using 800,000 hours of computing time on 300 Sun Microsystems microprocessors. (North American theater gross receipts: US$191.8 million; world: US$360 million.) [25] [31.4] [374.140] [501.567] [552.42] [579.50] [610.46] [745] [1323.222]
- November 25
- Disney releases the laserdisc Mickey and the Beanstalk / The Reluctant Dragon in Japan for 3900 Yen. It includes Mickey and the Beanstalk, and The Reluctant Dragon. [15]
- Disney releases the film Peter and the Wolf on laserdisc in Japan, for 3900 Yen. It also includes them film Bongo. [15]
- November 28
- The Walt Disney World Speedway is dedicated at Walt Disney World. The one mile long track was built in a corner of the Magic Kingdom parking lot. [501.597]
- December 4
- Sierra Leone issues ten postage stamps depicting antique Disney toys. [656.988]
- December 5
- Walt Disney Home Video releases the film The Santa Clause in the US on videocassette, and on laserdisc for US$29.99. [15] [501.484] [538.99]
- December 10
- Disney releases the film The Lion King on laserdisc in Japan, for 15000 Yen. [15]
- Disney releases the animated film compilation Donald Duck: A Star is Born is on laserdisc in Japan, for 15,000 Yen. It includes: The Wise Little Hen, The Band Concert, Don Donald, Donald and Pluto, Modern Inventions, Boat Builders, Good Scouts, The Hockey Champ, Fire Chief, The Riveter, The Clock Watcher, Cured Duck, Mr. Duck Steps Out, Frank Duck Brings Em' Back Alive, Bee at the Beach, Rugged Bear, Chip an' Dale, Corn Chips, Out of Scale, Up a Tree. [15]
- December
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Touchstone Pictures live-action feature film Father of the Bride, Part II to theaters in the USA. [374.148]
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Nixon to theaters in the USA. [374.155]
- December 22
- The Chef Mickey's restaurant opens in the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World. Formerly the Contemporary Café. [1378.130]
- The Gambia issues sixteen postage stamps depicting various Disney characters as cowboys and indians. [653.48]
- Disney releases the animated short film Disney's Timon and Pumbaa in Stand by Me to theaters in the US. [501.561]
- Buena Vista Pictures releases the Walt Disney Pictures live-action feature film Tom and Huck to theaters in the US. The film is based on the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. [374.155] [501.561]
- December 24
- Disney releases the laserdisc Aladdin's Great Adventures, Volume 1 in Japan for 3900 Yen. [15]
- Disney releases the laserdisc Aladdin's Great Adventures, Volume 2 in Japan for 3900 Yen. [15]
- Disney releases the laserdisc Aladdin's Great Adventures, Volume 3 in Japan for 3900 Yen. [15]
- December 29
- Buena Vista Pictures premieres the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film Mr. Holland's Opus in Los Angeles, California. [228.336] [374.168]
- Year
- North American theater market share by ticket revenue: Disney is #1 with 19.0%. [461]
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