This Week in Disney History: April 19-25

April 22, 1964 - The New York World's Fair opens
Held in Flushing Meadows Park in the borough of Queens, the 1964 World's Fair was emblematic of the can-do spirit of the Space Age and the promise of tomorrow. But theme park aficionados know it as the place where Walt Disney perfected ride and show technology that still amazes guests to this day, as evidenced in the four attractions he built for the fair. "it's a small world" was a hopeful salute to the children of the world, while the Carousel of Progress followed a family embracing modern conveniences from the turn of the century through the present. The PeopleMover ride system debuted in the Magic Skyway attraction, where riders took a spin through time in a Ford automobile; while at the Illinois pavilion, guests marveled at Disney's most sophisticated Audio-Animatronic yet in "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln." Three of the four found their way to Disneyland Park (and two later to Magic Kingdom Park) after the fair closed in 1965.

April 22, 1998 - Disney's Animal Kingdom opens
After wandering through the dense canopy of the Oasis, the enormous Tree of Life welcomes guests to Disney's largest theme park, where seven distinct lands covering more than 500 acres feature animal exhibits, attractions and entertainment underscoring the importance of wildlife conservation. Whether enjoying a rugged African photo trek aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, thrilling through time while narrowly evading a Carnotaurus aboard DINOSAUR, or laughing with the insects from "A Bug's Life" in It's Tough to be a Bug, visitors can explore the world of creatures real, extinct and imaginary. Disney's Animal Kingdom continues adding to its unique array of experiences, opening the hair-raising roller coaster Expedition Everest in 2006 and the innovative Finding Nemo - The Musical in 2007.

April 19:
1999 - Sales of tobacco products are discontinued at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, and smoking is prohibited except in designated areas

April 20:
1946 - Walt Disney Pictures premieres Make Mine Music in New York City
1991 - The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios
2000 - Walt Disney World announces plans for Mission: Space at Epcot

April 21:
1930 - The animated short "Just Mickey" (aka "Fiddlin' Around") debuts
2009 - Characters in Flight opens in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World

April 22:
2002 - Primeval Whirl opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom
2009 - Disneynature releases Earth

April 23:
1957 - Midget Autopia opens at Disneyland Park
1986 - Leaders host the groundbreaking ceremony for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1990 - Mickey's Birthdayland closes at Magic Kingdom Park

April 24:
1989 - "The All New Mickey Mouse Club," taped at the Disney-MGM Studios, debuts on Disney Channel
2009 - Imagineer and Disney Legend Marty Sklar announces his retirement, effective July 17

April 25:
1930 - "Wild Waves" (Mickey Mouse animated short) debuts
1952 - "Let's Stick Together" (Donald Duck animated short) debuts
1997 - Touchstone Pictures releases Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
2003 - The 10th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival begins