Today, The Walt Disney Company launched a special company-wide initiative commemorating 90 years of Donald Duck, with an exclusive preview on Good Morning America unveiling new Donald Duck-inspired merchandise and a surprise in-studio celebration for the beloved duck. This extensive celebration, spanning several months, will showcase various festivities and highlights from across the company, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, consumer products, Disney parks, and more. On June 9, Disney will premiere a new promotional video showcasing the enduring magic of Donald Duck, marking the anniversary of his debut in the 1934 Silly Symphony short cartoon, "The Wise Little Hen."
The Good Morning America segment featured over 70 enticing products themed around Donald Duck from more than 20 licensees, spotlighting renowned brands like American Tourister, Casetify, and Loungefly. Throughout the summer, fans will have the opportunity to explore additional merchandise from leading brands such as Cakeworthy, Citizen, Forever 21, GAP, PEZ, Simple Modern, and others.
This campaign will reflect on the remarkable journey of this iconic character and his significant role in Disney's storytelling legacy. Donald Duck's relatable experiences with life's everyday frustrations have propelled him to worldwide fame. His enduring popularity and contributions, both on and off screen, have garnered numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his footprints immortalized outside the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Donald Duck has starred in over 150 short films, surpassing any other Disney character. On June 9, The Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation Team will release two newly restored classic Donald Duck shorts directed by Disney Legend Jack Hannah, exclusively on Disney+. These include "Crazy Over Daisy" (1950), where Donald seeks revenge on Chip and Dale for damaging his bicycle, and "Out on a Limb" (1950), where he encounters the chipmunks in their tree home, resulting in chaos.
Furthermore, on June 9, Walt Disney Animation Studios will debut a new short starring Donald Duck, titled "D.I.Y. Duck," marking the studio's first Donald Duck-centric short since 1961. This short, directed by the incoming Disney Legend and esteemed animator Mark Henn, portrays Donald's comical misadventures while attempting home repairs. The short pays homage to Disney Legend Clarence "Ducky" Nash, the original voice of Donald, through archival voice recordings.
Throughout June at Tokyo Disney Resort, guests can partake in "Donald's Quacky Duck City" at Tokyo Disneyland, featuring themed decorations, merchandise, food and beverage offerings, and a special parade. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, visitors can join the festivities until July 7, enjoying activities such as "Donald's Birthday Duckling Dance" and a themed castle projection show titled "Donald's Quacktastic Surprise!"
At the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, Donald Duck's birthday celebrations have commenced with whimsical changes across the historic space, including a revamped Walt Disney Archives logo inspired by Donald Duck's designs, the transformation of the classic Mickey Avenue sign into "Donald" Avenue, and other unique overlays and activities.
Filed Under: walt disney animation studiosdonald duck, the walt disney company, 90 years of donald duck
