the history of disney told through disney license plates stephen garner
TRANSCRIPT
The History of Disney The History of Disney told throughtold through
Disney License PlatesDisney License Plates
Stephen GarnerStephen Garner
www.disneylicenseplates.comwww.disneylicenseplates.com
DLP HISTORYDLP HISTORY
Subjectivity of Information for Disney Subjectivity of Information for Disney License PlatesLicense Plates– No factual information exitsNo factual information exits– No data is maintained by the Disney Company No data is maintained by the Disney Company
or Disney Archivesor Disney Archives Information SourcesInformation Sources
– Cast MembersCast Members– Auction site sellersAuction site sellers– CollectorsCollectors
DLP HISTORY – 1923DLP HISTORY – 1923
Walt Disney ProductionsWalt Disney Productions is founded by Walt is founded by Walt and Roy Disney on October 16and Roy Disney on October 16thth – Originally know as the Originally know as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Disney Brothers Cartoon
StudioStudio – Copyright used on most license plates until Copyright used on most license plates until
19861986
DLP HISTORY – 1926DLP HISTORY – 1926
At Roy Disney’s suggestion, the company At Roy Disney’s suggestion, the company changed its name to the Walt Disney changed its name to the Walt Disney Studios shortly after moving into the new Studios shortly after moving into the new studio on Hyperion Avenue in Los Angelesstudio on Hyperion Avenue in Los Angeles
DLP HISTORY – 1929DLP HISTORY – 1929
The original partnership formed in 1923 is The original partnership formed in 1923 is replaced by replaced by Walt Disney Productions, LtdWalt Disney Productions, Ltd. .
– Three other companies, Walt Disney Three other companies, Walt Disney Enterprises, Disney Film Recording Company, Enterprises, Disney Film Recording Company, and Liled Realty and Investment Company, are and Liled Realty and Investment Company, are also formed. also formed.
DLP HISTORY – 1930’sDLP HISTORY – 1930’s
Walt Disney Enterprises Walt Disney Enterprises createdcreated– Entity of the Disney Entity of the Disney
Company handling the Company handling the licensing of merchandise licensing of merchandise during the 1930’sduring the 1930’s
– Consolidated into Walt Consolidated into Walt Disney Productions in 1938Disney Productions in 1938
DLP HISTORY – 1938DLP HISTORY – 1938
Walt Disney Enterprises, Disney Film Walt Disney Enterprises, Disney Film Recording Company, and Liled Realty and Recording Company, and Liled Realty and Investment Company are merged into Investment Company are merged into Walt Walt Disney Productions Disney Productions
DLP HISTORY – 1940DLP HISTORY – 1940 Disney corporate headDisney corporate head quarters, Walt quarters, Walt
Disney Studios, is built in Burbank, Disney Studios, is built in Burbank, CaliforniaCalifornia
DLP HISTORY – 1952DLP HISTORY – 1952
WEDWED (Walter Elias Disney) (Walter Elias Disney) EnterprisesEnterprises is is formedformed– Design and development organization founded Design and development organization founded
by Walt Disney to develop Disneylandby Walt Disney to develop Disneyland– Became Became Walt Disney ImagineeringWalt Disney Imagineering in 1986 in 1986
DLP HISTORY – 1955DLP HISTORY – 1955
DisneylandDisneyland opens opens– It wouldn’t be until the 1960’s that license plates It wouldn’t be until the 1960’s that license plates
are producedare produced Even then they were only bicycle plates!Even then they were only bicycle plates!
– The State of California requires both a front and The State of California requires both a front and rear license plate on vehicles, making souvenir rear license plate on vehicles, making souvenir plates unmarketable at the timeplates unmarketable at the time
DLP HISTORY – 1955DLP HISTORY – 1955
License Plate Frames were the only License Plate Frames were the only marketable items in the way of license plate marketable items in the way of license plate merchandise at merchandise at DisneylandDisneyland
DLP HISTORY – 1955DLP HISTORY – 1955
Disneyland HotelDisneyland Hotel opens opens– Formerly owned by the Wrather CorporationFormerly owned by the Wrather Corporation
Purchased by Disney in January 1988Purchased by Disney in January 1988
– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1960’sDLP HISTORY – 1960’s
First known license plates are producedFirst known license plates are produced– Series of 6 bicycle platesSeries of 6 bicycle plates
Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald & Snow WhiteMickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald & Snow White Produced by the Louis Marx CompanyProduced by the Louis Marx Company Walt Disney Productions copyrightWalt Disney Productions copyright
DLP HISTORY – 1966DLP HISTORY – 1966 Walt Disney diesWalt Disney dies
– Before his death, he was planning the Before his death, he was planning the Experimental Prototype Community of Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT) in FloridaTomorrow (EPCOT) in Florida EPCOT was to help solve the country’s urban EPCOT was to help solve the country’s urban
problemsproblems This would later become Walt Disney WorldThis would later become Walt Disney World
DLP HISTORY – 1967DLP HISTORY – 1967
The The Reedy Creek Improvement DistrictReedy Creek Improvement District is is created by the Florida legislature with created by the Florida legislature with certain governing powers, encompassing certain governing powers, encompassing the newly purchased property for the the newly purchased property for the planned Walt Disney World park.planned Walt Disney World park.
DLP HISTORY – 1970DLP HISTORY – 1970
First known full size (6” X 12”) plate is First known full size (6” X 12”) plate is producedproduced– Walt Disney World (WDW) pre-opening plateWalt Disney World (WDW) pre-opening plate– Sold at WDW Preview Center 1970-1971Sold at WDW Preview Center 1970-1971– Controversial release due to color and styleControversial release due to color and style
DLP HISTORY – 1970DLP HISTORY – 1970
– Plate was removed from sale and replaced due Plate was removed from sale and replaced due to its look-a-like appearance to the official State to its look-a-like appearance to the official State of Florida plateof Florida plate
DLP HISTORY – 1970DLP HISTORY – 1970
A color change eliminated the problemA color change eliminated the problem
WDW proves to be the starting point of WDW proves to be the starting point of producing license plates, as only one plate producing license plates, as only one plate is required on vehicles in the State of Floridais required on vehicles in the State of Florida
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971
Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World opens opens– First plate released after the park opened is a First plate released after the park opened is a
character plate featuring Mickey, Minnie, character plate featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Brer BearDonald, Goofy and Brer Bear
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971
WDW’s WDW’s Contemporary ResortContemporary Resort opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971
WDW’s WDW’s Polynesian ResortPolynesian Resort opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971
WDW’s WDW’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Fort Wilderness Resort & CampgroundCampground opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971 WDW’s WDW’s Disney Village ResortsDisney Village Resorts open open
– Vacation Villas (now demolished)Vacation Villas (now demolished) Later know as the Townhouses -1977Later know as the Townhouses -1977 Torn down to make way for Saratoga Springs Resort and SpaTorn down to make way for Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
– Treehouse VillasTreehouse Villas – 1975 – 1975– Fairway VillasFairway Villas -1978 -1978 (now demolished)(now demolished)– Club Lake VillasClub Lake Villas – 1980 – 1980 (now demolished)(now demolished)
Later know as Club Suites and the BungalowsLater know as Club Suites and the Bungalows
– Grand Vista Homes (now demolished)Grand Vista Homes (now demolished)– All Villas and the Homes became the All Villas and the Homes became the Villas at the Villas at the
Disney InstituteDisney Institute in 1996 in 1996– No plates have been produced for any of these resortsNo plates have been produced for any of these resorts
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971 The telephone service for WDW is started as the The telephone service for WDW is started as the
Vista-Florida Telephone SystemVista-Florida Telephone System and was operated and was operated by Disney and United Telephone System by Disney and United Telephone System – In February 2001 the In February 2001 the Vista-United TelecommunicationsVista-United Telecommunications
company was dissolved as it was purchased by the company was dissolved as it was purchased by the Smart City Telecommunications (SCT) NetworkSmart City Telecommunications (SCT) Network
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971
WDW holds its first WDW holds its first Golf ClassicGolf Classic tournament tournament – Tournaments have been held every year since Tournaments have been held every year since – License plates issued to identify tournament License plates issued to identify tournament
participants and membersparticipants and members– First use of plastic license platesFirst use of plastic license plates
DLP HISTORY – 1971DLP HISTORY – 1971
– WDW Golf Classic ClubWDW Golf Classic Club issues plates to its issues plates to its membersmembers Classic Club members can play along side of the Classic Club members can play along side of the
pros during major tournamentspros during major tournaments
DLP HISTORY – 1972-1975DLP HISTORY – 1972-1975
WDW produced only a few platesWDW produced only a few plates– Likely caused by the problems with the WDW Likely caused by the problems with the WDW
pre-opening platepre-opening plate– Plates were not yet popular souvenirs or Plates were not yet popular souvenirs or
collectible itemscollectible items
DLP HISTORY – 1973DLP HISTORY – 1973
WDW’s WDW’s Golf ResortGolf Resort opens opens– Became the Became the Disney InnDisney Inn in February 1986 in February 1986– Became the Became the Shades of Green ResortShades of Green Resort in in
February 1994February 1994 For military and DOD personnel onlyFor military and DOD personnel only
– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1974DLP HISTORY – 1974
Treasure IslandTreasure Island located in WDW’s Bay Lake located in WDW’s Bay Lake opensopens– Becomes Becomes Discovery IslandDiscovery Island in 1977 in 1977– Closed in 1999 after the opening of the Animal Closed in 1999 after the opening of the Animal
KingdomKingdom– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1975DLP HISTORY – 1975
WDW’s WDW’s Lake Buena Vista VillageLake Buena Vista Village opens opens– Shopping complexShopping complex
Became Became Walt Disney World VillageWalt Disney World Village - 1977 - 1977 BecameBecame Disney Village Marketplace Disney Village Marketplace - 1989- 1989 Became Became Downtown Disney MarketplaceDowntown Disney Marketplace – 1996 – 1996
– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1975DLP HISTORY – 1975
WDW’s WDW’s Treehouse VillasTreehouse Villas open open– Part of the Disney Village Resorts and the Part of the Disney Village Resorts and the
Vacation VillasVacation Villas– Integrated into the Disney Institute Villas in Integrated into the Disney Institute Villas in
19961996– Still in existence, but no longer available to the Still in existence, but no longer available to the
publicpublic– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1976DLP HISTORY – 1976
Disney celebrated the U.S. Bicentennial with Disney celebrated the U.S. Bicentennial with the America on Parade eventthe America on Parade event– Unique plate released at both Disney parks Unique plate released at both Disney parks
(Disneyland and Walt Disney World)(Disneyland and Walt Disney World)– Not park specific, this was the first souvenir full Not park specific, this was the first souvenir full
size plate sold at Disneylandsize plate sold at Disneyland
DLP HISTORY – 1976DLP HISTORY – 1976
River CountyRiver County, WDW’s first Water Park , WDW’s first Water Park opensopens– River Country closed in 2001 due to lack of River Country closed in 2001 due to lack of
popularity caused by the newer water parkspopularity caused by the newer water parks
DLP HISTORY – 1978DLP HISTORY – 1978
WDW’s WDW’s Fairway VillasFairway Villas open open– Part of the Disney Village Resorts and the Part of the Disney Village Resorts and the
Vacation VillasVacation Villas– Integrated into the Disney Institute Villas in Integrated into the Disney Institute Villas in
19961996– Demolished, no longer in existenceDemolished, no longer in existence– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1980DLP HISTORY – 1980
WDW’s WDW’s Club Lake VillasClub Lake Villas opens opens– Part of the Disney Village Resorts and the Part of the Disney Village Resorts and the
Vacation VillasVacation Villas– Became Became Club SuitesClub Suites in 1989 in 1989
Became the Became the Bungalows Bungalows when integrated into the when integrated into the Disney Institute Villas in 1996Disney Institute Villas in 1996
– Demolished, no longer in existenceDemolished, no longer in existence– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1981DLP HISTORY – 1981
WDW starts releasing plates on a regular WDW starts releasing plates on a regular basis, starting with the basis, starting with the EPCOT CenterEPCOT Center pre- pre-opening plateopening plate
DLP HISTORY – 1982DLP HISTORY – 1982
EPCOT CenterEPCOT Center, WDW’s second park opens, WDW’s second park opens
DLP HISTORY – 1983DLP HISTORY – 1983
Tokyo DisneylandTokyo Disneyland opens opens– No plate releases until 1988No plate releases until 1988– Japan has very strict regulations for license Japan has very strict regulations for license
plates used on vehiclesplates used on vehicles
DLP HISTORY – 1983DLP HISTORY – 1983 Premier Cruise LinePremier Cruise Line was the "official cruise was the "official cruise
line“ for Disneyline“ for Disney– Premier operated from 1983 to 2000Premier operated from 1983 to 2000– Marketed cruises as part of a land/sea vacation Marketed cruises as part of a land/sea vacation
package including visits to Walt Disney Worldpackage including visits to Walt Disney World– In 1995 Disney decided to start its own cruise In 1995 Disney decided to start its own cruise
line and ended its relationship with Premier. line and ended its relationship with Premier.
DLP HISTORY – 1985DLP HISTORY – 1985
DisneylandDisneyland turns 30 turns 30
DLP HISTORY – 1985DLP HISTORY – 1985
Disneyland’s first full size plate is releasedDisneyland’s first full size plate is released– First Disneyland park specific plateFirst Disneyland park specific plate– Celebrating the 30Celebrating the 30thth Anniversary of the park Anniversary of the park– Starts a series of yearly plates that feature Starts a series of yearly plates that feature
Mickey and Sleeping Beauty CastleMickey and Sleeping Beauty Castle
DLP HISTORY – 1985DLP HISTORY – 1985
– Disneyland license plates carried a Warning Disneyland license plates carried a Warning Notice on them regarding prohibited useNotice on them regarding prohibited use
– This warning can also be found on early WDW This warning can also be found on early WDW platesplates
DLP HISTORY – 1985DLP HISTORY – 1985
Oldsmobile becomes a sponsor of the Oldsmobile becomes a sponsor of the WDW WDW Golf ClassicGolf Classic– Remains a sponsor through 1997Remains a sponsor through 1997
DLP HISTORY – 1986DLP HISTORY – 1986
Walt Disney ProductionsWalt Disney Productions corporate name corporate name changes to changes to The Walt Disney CompanyThe Walt Disney Company on on February 6February 6thth
DLP HISTORY – 1986DLP HISTORY – 1986
WED EnterprisesWED Enterprises changes its name to changes its name to Walt Walt Disney ImagineeringDisney Imagineering
DLP HISTORY – 1986DLP HISTORY – 1986
WDWWDW celebrates its 15 celebrates its 15thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1988DLP HISTORY – 1988
Company D StoresCompany D Stores established established– Exclusive stores selling merchandise to Cast Exclusive stores selling merchandise to Cast
MembersMembers First store opens at Disneyland in 1988First store opens at Disneyland in 1988 Second store opens at Walt Disney World at the Second store opens at Walt Disney World at the
Team Disney building in 1991Team Disney building in 1991 Third store opens in Epcot in 1992Third store opens in Epcot in 1992
DLP HISTORY – 1988DLP HISTORY – 1988 WDW’s WDW’s Grand Floridian Resort & SpaGrand Floridian Resort & Spa opens opens
– Formerly known as the Formerly known as the Grand Floridian Beach Grand Floridian Beach ResortResort
– Name changed in 1997Name changed in 1997
DLP HISTORY – 1988DLP HISTORY – 1988
WDW’s WDW’s Caribbean Beach ResortCaribbean Beach Resort opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1988DLP HISTORY – 1988 Tokyo DisneylandTokyo Disneyland 5 5thth Anniversary Anniversary
– Unique item producedUnique item produced Is it a plate or serving tray?Is it a plate or serving tray?
– Embossed (stamped)Embossed (stamped)– No bolt holesNo bolt holes– ¼” lip border¼” lip border– 6½" X 13" in size 6½" X 13" in size
DLP HISTORY – 1989DLP HISTORY – 1989
Disney-MGM StudiosDisney-MGM Studios, WDW’s third park , WDW’s third park opensopens
DLP HISTORY – 1989DLP HISTORY – 1989
Pleasure IslandPleasure Island opens at WDW opens at WDW– Adult entertainment complexAdult entertainment complex– Becomes part of Downtown Disney in 1997Becomes part of Downtown Disney in 1997
DLP HISTORY – 1989DLP HISTORY – 1989
WDW’s WDW’s Swan ResortSwan Resort opens opens– Operated by Westin HotelsOperated by Westin Hotels
DLP HISTORY – 1989DLP HISTORY – 1989
WDW’s WDW’s Typhoon LagoonTyphoon Lagoon Water Park opens Water Park opens
DLP HISTORY – 1989DLP HISTORY – 1989
WDW issues its first Lodging Resort plateWDW issues its first Lodging Resort plate– Featuring the Featuring the Fort Wilderness ResortFort Wilderness Resort
DLP HISTORY – 1990DLP HISTORY – 1990
Last of the Disneyland year series is Last of the Disneyland year series is producedproduced
DLP HISTORY – 1990DLP HISTORY – 1990
DisneylandDisneyland celebrates its 35 celebrates its 35thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1990DLP HISTORY – 1990
WDW’s WDW’s Dolphin ResortDolphin Resort opens opens– Operated by Sheraton HotelsOperated by Sheraton Hotels
DLP HISTORY – 1990DLP HISTORY – 1990
WDW’s WDW’s Yacht Club ResortYacht Club Resort opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1990DLP HISTORY – 1990
WDW’s WDW’s Beach Club ResortBeach Club Resort opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1990DLP HISTORY – 1990
WDW issues its first WDW issues its first Cast MemberCast Member license license plateplate– Features the opening of the MGM Studios, Features the opening of the MGM Studios,
WDW’s third parkWDW’s third park
CM plates are distributed by Cast Activities CM plates are distributed by Cast Activities or the Company D Storesor the Company D Stores
DLP HISTORY – 1991DLP HISTORY – 1991
WDWWDW celebrates its 20 celebrates its 20thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1991DLP HISTORY – 1991
Star Spangled Celebration is held at Star Spangled Celebration is held at DisneylandDisneyland and and Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World– Both parks released a license plateBoth parks released a license plate
DLP HISTORY – 1991DLP HISTORY – 1991
WDW’s WDW’s Port Orleans ResortPort Orleans Resort opens opens– Merged with Merged with Dixie Landings ResortDixie Landings Resort in 2001 in 2001– The combined resorts became the Port Orleans The combined resorts became the Port Orleans
ResortResort
DLP HISTORY – 1991DLP HISTORY – 1991
Disney Vacation ClubDisney Vacation Club is started is started– A time-share vacation propertyA time-share vacation property
Since 1991, six DVC properties at WDW have Since 1991, six DVC properties at WDW have openedopened
Two other DVC properties, one in Vero Beach, Two other DVC properties, one in Vero Beach, Florida and one in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Florida and one in Hilton Head, South Carolina, brings the total number of DVC properties to eightbrings the total number of DVC properties to eight
DLP HISTORY – 1991DLP HISTORY – 1991
WDW’s WDW’s Disney Vacation Club ResortDisney Vacation Club Resort opens opens– 11stst DVC Resort at WDW DVC Resort at WDW– Renamed Renamed Old Key West ResortOld Key West Resort in 1996 in 1996
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro DisneylandEuro Disneyland opens opens– Now known as the Now known as the Disneyland Paris ResortDisneyland Paris Resort– Plate was sold in the U.S. ParksPlate was sold in the U.S. Parks– Most of the Euro Disney and Disneyland Paris Most of the Euro Disney and Disneyland Paris
plates produced have a “Made in the U.S.A.” plates produced have a “Made in the U.S.A.” markingmarking
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Hotel Hotel CheyenneCheyenne opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Hotel Hotel Santa Fe Santa Fe opensopens
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Hotel Hotel New YorkNew York opens opens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Newport Bay Club HotelNewport Bay Club Hotel opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Disneyland HotelDisneyland Hotel opens opens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992 Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Davy Davy
Crockett RanchCrockett Ranch opens opens– Formerly known as Formerly known as Camp Davy CrockettCamp Davy Crockett
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Sequoia LodgeSequoia Lodge opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Euro Disneyland’s (Disneyland Paris) Disney VillageDisney Village opens opens– A shopping, dining and entertainment complexA shopping, dining and entertainment complex– Formerly known as Formerly known as Festival DisneyFestival Disney– Name changed in 1996Name changed in 1996– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
EPCOT CenterEPCOT Center celebrates its 10 celebrates its 10thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1992DLP HISTORY – 1992
WDW’s WDW’s Dixie Landings ResortDixie Landings Resort opens opens– Merged with Port Orleans Resort in 2001Merged with Port Orleans Resort in 2001– Combined resort will be known as the Combined resort will be known as the Port Port
Orleans ResortOrleans Resort
HISTORY – 1993HISTORY – 1993
Tokyo DisneylandTokyo Disneyland celebrates its 10 celebrates its 10thth AnniversaryAnniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1993DLP HISTORY – 1993
Euro DisneyEuro Disney plate line expands plate line expands– Featuring themed lands and attractions within Featuring themed lands and attractions within
the parkthe park
DLP HISTORY – 1993DLP HISTORY – 1993
Disney Company forms Disney Company forms Anaheim Sports, Inc.Anaheim Sports, Inc.– Wanting to add sports to its entertainment Wanting to add sports to its entertainment
attractions in Californiaattractions in California– Mighty Ducks Hockey franchise is startedMighty Ducks Hockey franchise is started– First few plates issued carried a Disney copyrightFirst few plates issued carried a Disney copyright
Later issues were copyrighted by the NHLLater issues were copyrighted by the NHL
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994
EPCOT Center becomes EPCOT Center becomes EpcotEpcot– ““Center” is dropped from the nameCenter” is dropped from the name– Letters are lower casedLetters are lower cased
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994
WDW’s WDW’s Pleasure IslandPleasure Island celebrates its 5 celebrates its 5thth AnniversaryAnniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994 WDW’s WDW’s All-Star ResortAll-Star Resort opens opens
– All-Star Sports opened in AprilAll-Star Sports opened in April
– All-Star Music opened in NovemberAll-Star Music opened in November
– All-Star Movies opened January 1999All-Star Movies opened January 1999
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994
WDW’s WDW’s Wilderness LodgeWilderness Lodge opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994
The The Town of CelebrationTown of Celebration is established is established– First residents move in, 1996First residents move in, 1996
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994
The NFFC, a Disney Fan Club, releases a The NFFC, a Disney Fan Club, releases a 1010thth Anniversary plate honoring Disney Anniversary plate honoring Disney
DLP HISTORY – 1994DLP HISTORY – 1994
Euro Disney formally changes its name to Euro Disney formally changes its name to Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris Hotel Resort plates are Disneyland Paris Hotel Resort plates are issuedissued
DLP HISTORY – 1995DLP HISTORY – 1995
DisneylandDisneyland turns 40 and produces it last plate turns 40 and produces it last plate for the 1990’sfor the 1990’s
DLP HISTORY – 1995DLP HISTORY – 1995
Disneyland’s Disneyland’s Paradise Pier HotelParadise Pier Hotel opens opens– Built in 1984 as the Pan Pacific HotelBuilt in 1984 as the Pan Pacific Hotel– Purchased by Disney in 1995 and renamed the Purchased by Disney in 1995 and renamed the
Disneyland Pacific HotelDisneyland Pacific Hotel– Renamed to Paradise Pier Hotel in October Renamed to Paradise Pier Hotel in October
20002000– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1995DLP HISTORY – 1995
WDW’s WDW’s SpeedwaySpeedway opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1995DLP HISTORY – 1995
WDW’s WDW’s Blizzard BeachBlizzard Beach Water Park opens Water Park opens
DLP HISTORY – 1995DLP HISTORY – 1995
Vero Beach ResortVero Beach Resort in Florida opens in Florida opens– DVC ResortDVC Resort
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
WDWWDW celebrates its 25 celebrates its 25thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
The The Disney InstituteDisney Institute opens opens– A new type of resort offering enrichment classes A new type of resort offering enrichment classes
in the arts, culinary, sports and recreationin the arts, culinary, sports and recreation The resort closes in July 2003 due to lack of The resort closes in July 2003 due to lack of
popularitypopularity
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996 Villas at the Disney InstituteVillas at the Disney Institute in WDW open in WDW open
– Formerly the Disney Village Resorts and the Formerly the Disney Village Resorts and the Vacation VillasVacation Villas Included the Bungalows, The Townhouses, Included the Bungalows, The Townhouses,
Treehouse Villas, Fairway Villas and the Grand Vista Treehouse Villas, Fairway Villas and the Grand Vista HomesHomes
– Closed July 2003 to make way for the Saratoga Closed July 2003 to make way for the Saratoga Springs & Spa DVC ResortSprings & Spa DVC Resort
– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
WDW’s WDW’s Boardwalk InnBoardwalk Inn opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
WDW’s WDW’s Boardwalk VillasBoardwalk Villas open open– 22ndnd DVC Resort at WDW DVC Resort at WDW
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
Hilton Head ResortHilton Head Resort in South Carolina opens in South Carolina opens– DVC ResortDVC Resort
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
First known Specialty plate is producedFirst known Specialty plate is produced– Designed as a give-a-way to guests staying at Designed as a give-a-way to guests staying at
the the Polynesian ResortPolynesian Resort during its 25 during its 25thth AnniversaryAnniversary
– The Polynesian Resort was one of the two Hotel The Polynesian Resort was one of the two Hotel Resorts opened with the WDW park in 1971Resorts opened with the WDW park in 1971
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
Disney purchases Disney purchases Gorda CayGorda Cay, an uninhabited , an uninhabited island in the Bahamas island in the Bahamas – Will be used as a stop-over for Will be used as a stop-over for Disney Cruise Disney Cruise
LinesLines– Renamed Renamed Castaway CayCastaway Cay
““Cay” is pronounced “Key”Cay” is pronounced “Key”
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
Walt Disney ImagineeringWalt Disney Imagineering merges with the merges with the Disney Development Company, the Disney Disney Development Company, the Disney Company’s real estate development Company’s real estate development subsidiarysubsidiary
DLP HISTORY – 1996DLP HISTORY – 1996
Disney buys into the California Angels Disney buys into the California Angels Baseball franchiseBaseball franchise– As Disney took over controlling interest, they As Disney took over controlling interest, they
renamed the team, the Anaheim Angelsrenamed the team, the Anaheim Angels– Plates never carried a Disney copyright as MLB Plates never carried a Disney copyright as MLB
held those rightsheld those rights
DLP HISTORY – 1997DLP HISTORY – 1997
EpcotEpcot celebrates its 15 celebrates its 15thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1997DLP HISTORY – 1997
First WDW First WDW Magic KingdomMagic Kingdom plate is released plate is released
DLP HISTORY – 1997DLP HISTORY – 1997
Downtown Disney ComplexDowntown Disney Complex opens opens– Includes Pleasure Island, West End and the Includes Pleasure Island, West End and the
MarketplaceMarketplace
DLP HISTORY – 1997DLP HISTORY – 1997
WDW’s WDW’s Wide World of Sports ComplexWide World of Sports Complex opensopens
DLP HISTORY – 1997DLP HISTORY – 1997
WDW Hotel Resort license plate line WDW Hotel Resort license plate line expandsexpands– Creating Logo and Character plates for the Creating Logo and Character plates for the
resortsresorts
DLP HISTORY – 1997DLP HISTORY – 1997
WDW’s WDW’s Coronado Springs ResortCoronado Springs Resort opens opens
HISTORY – 1997HISTORY – 1997
Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris celebrates its 5 celebrates its 5thth AnniversaryAnniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1998DLP HISTORY – 1998
Animal KingdomAnimal Kingdom, WDW’s fourth park opens, WDW’s fourth park opens
DLP HISTORY – 1998DLP HISTORY – 1998
Disney Cruise LinesDisney Cruise Lines makes its maiden voyage makes its maiden voyage– Disney Disney MagicMagic sails July 1998 sails July 1998– Disney Disney WonderWonder sails August 1999 sails August 1999– Ships registry is the BahamasShips registry is the Bahamas
DLP HISTORY – 1998DLP HISTORY – 1998
Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris issues its last plate issues its last plate– Plates were not popular souvenir items and Plates were not popular souvenir items and
were discontinuedwere discontinued
DLP HISTORY – 1998DLP HISTORY – 1998
National Car Rental becomes the sponsor of National Car Rental becomes the sponsor of the the WDW Golf ClassicWDW Golf Classic
DLP HISTORY – 1999DLP HISTORY – 1999
Disney MGM StudiosDisney MGM Studios celebrates its 10 celebrates its 10thth AnniversaryAnniversary
DLP HISTORY – 1999DLP HISTORY – 1999
WDW starts replacing stamped aluminum WDW starts replacing stamped aluminum plates with plastic platesplates with plastic plates
DLP HISTORY – 2000DLP HISTORY – 2000
DisneylandDisneyland celebrates its 45 celebrates its 45thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 2000DLP HISTORY – 2000
WDW celebrates the MillenniumWDW celebrates the Millennium
DLP HISTORY – 2000DLP HISTORY – 2000
Tokyo Disneyland ResortTokyo Disneyland Resort releases it first releases it first true license platetrue license plate– Features “Mouse Ear” bolt holes to limit use Features “Mouse Ear” bolt holes to limit use – Carried a Warning Label on back of plateCarried a Warning Label on back of plate
DLP HISTORY – 2000DLP HISTORY – 2000
Tokyo Disneyland’s Tokyo Disneyland’s Disney Ambassador Disney Ambassador HotelHotel opens opens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2000DLP HISTORY – 2000
Tokyo Disneyland’s Tokyo Disneyland’s IKSPIARIIKSPIARI opens opens– A shopping, dining and entertainment complexA shopping, dining and entertainment complex– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
WDWWDW celebrates its 30 celebrates its 30thth Anniversary Anniversary
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
Disneyland’s Downtown DisneyDisneyland’s Downtown Disney opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
WDW’s WDW’s Villas at Wilderness LodgeVillas at Wilderness Lodge opens opens– 33rdrd DVC Resort at WDW DVC Resort at WDW– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
WDW’s WDW’s Animal Kingdom LodgeAnimal Kingdom Lodge opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
Disneyland’s Disneyland’s Grand Californian HotelGrand Californian Hotel opens opens– First Disney Hotel Resort to be located inside a First Disney Hotel Resort to be located inside a
theme parktheme park– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
Tokyo Disneyland’s Tokyo Disneyland’s Disney Sea Hotel Mira Disney Sea Hotel Mira CostaCosta opens opens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001 Celebrating the birth of Walt Disney in 1901 Celebrating the birth of Walt Disney in 1901
with the 100 Years of Magic eventwith the 100 Years of Magic event
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
Tokyo DisneylandTokyo Disneyland releases the “Party releases the “Party Express” plateExpress” plate– Commemorates Walt Disney’s love of locomotivesCommemorates Walt Disney’s love of locomotives
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
DisneylandDisneyland resumes limited plate releases resumes limited plate releases
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
Disneyland’s second park, Disneyland’s second park, California California AdventureAdventure opens opens
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
Tokyo Disneyland’s second park, Tokyo Disneyland’s second park, Disney Disney SeaSea, opens, opens– Twelve plates released, commemorating the Twelve plates released, commemorating the
opening, all seven lands and three areas within opening, all seven lands and three areas within the parkthe park
DLP HISTORY – 2001DLP HISTORY – 2001
The last WDW Golf Tournament license The last WDW Golf Tournament license plates are issuedplates are issued– In 2002 plates were replaced with window In 2002 plates were replaced with window
stickers, decals and placardsstickers, decals and placards
DLP HISTORY – 2002DLP HISTORY – 2002
Walt Disney Studios Park ParisWalt Disney Studios Park Paris opens opens– Second park for Disneyland ParisSecond park for Disneyland Paris– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2002DLP HISTORY – 2002
WDW’s WDW’s Beach Club VillasBeach Club Villas opens opens– 44thth DVC Resort at WDW DVC Resort at WDW– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2003DLP HISTORY – 2003
Mickey turns 75Mickey turns 75
DLP HISTORY – 2003DLP HISTORY – 2003
WDW’s WDW’s Pop Century ResortPop Century Resort opens opens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2003DLP HISTORY – 2003
Disney sells the Anaheim Angels Baseball Disney sells the Anaheim Angels Baseball franchisefranchise– A year after the Angels won the World SeriesA year after the Angels won the World Series
DLP HISTORY – 2004DLP HISTORY – 2004
WDW’s WDW’s Saratoga Springs Resort & SpaSaratoga Springs Resort & Spa opensopens– 55thth DVC Resort at WDW DVC Resort at WDW– Built on the former Disney Institute groundsBuilt on the former Disney Institute grounds– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2004DLP HISTORY – 2004
New York City World of Disney StoreNew York City World of Disney Store opens opens– Former Disney Gallery locationFormer Disney Gallery location
DLP HISTORY – 2005DLP HISTORY – 2005
DisneylandDisneyland turns 50 turns 50– July 17, 2005July 17, 2005
DLP HISTORY – 2005DLP HISTORY – 2005
Hong Kong DisneylandHong Kong Disneyland opens opens– 55thth Disney Theme Park Disney Theme Park– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2005DLP HISTORY – 2005
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Hong Kong Disneyland’s Disneyland HotelDisneyland Hotel opensopens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2005DLP HISTORY – 2005
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Hong Kong Disneyland’s Hollywood HotelHollywood Hotel opensopens– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2005DLP HISTORY – 2005
First Dual-Sided plate appearsFirst Dual-Sided plate appears
FRONT BACK
DLP HISTORY – 2005DLP HISTORY – 2005
Disney sells the Mighty Ducks Hockey Disney sells the Mighty Ducks Hockey franchisefranchise– Closing the door on Anaheim Sports, Inc.Closing the door on Anaheim Sports, Inc.
DLP HISTORY – 2006DLP HISTORY – 2006
Disney purchases Disney purchases Pixar Animation StudiosPixar Animation Studios
DLP HISTORY – 2006DLP HISTORY – 2006
First Lenticular plate appearsFirst Lenticular plate appears– Provides an optical 3-D effectProvides an optical 3-D effect
DLP HISTORY – 2006DLP HISTORY – 2006
First 3-D plate appearsFirst 3-D plate appears
DLP HISTORY – 2006DLP HISTORY – 2006
““Year Of A Million DreamsYear Of A Million Dreams” celebration” celebration– October 1, 2006 to September 2008October 1, 2006 to September 2008– Held at Held at Disneyland ResortDisneyland Resort and and Walt Disney Walt Disney
WorldWorld
DLP HISTORY – 2006DLP HISTORY – 2006
Disney Vacation ClubDisney Vacation Club turns 15 turns 15– DVC has grown to serve more than 350,000 DVC has grown to serve more than 350,000
individual members from more than 100 individual members from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states countries and all 50 U.S. states
DLP HISTORY – 2007DLP HISTORY – 2007
Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris turns 15 turns 15
DLP HISTORY – 2007DLP HISTORY – 2007
Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom LodgeVillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge openopen– 66thth DVC Resort at WDW DVC Resort at WDW– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2007DLP HISTORY – 2007
EpcotEpcot turns 25 turns 25
DLP HISTORY – 2008DLP HISTORY – 2008
Walt Disney World’sWalt Disney World’s Disney MGM Studios Disney MGM Studios becomes becomes Hollywood StudiosHollywood Studios on January 7, on January 7, 20082008– No plates have been producedNo plates have been produced
DLP HISTORY – 2008DLP HISTORY – 2008
As of January 2008 there are 591 As of January 2008 there are 591 catalogued license plates catalogued license plates – 383 plates were issued at Walt Disney World383 plates were issued at Walt Disney World
65% of total plates65% of total plates
– Only 23 plates were issued at DisneylandOnly 23 plates were issued at Disneyland .04% of the total plates.04% of the total plates
– 177 plates are made of plastic177 plates are made of plastic 30% of total plates30% of total plates