Happy anniversary, Donald Duck! The iconic character celebrates his 90th year as part of the Walt Disney Company this year. So, Disney is gearing up to celebrate this summer.
Since 1934, Donald Duck has appeared in over 150 short films – more than any other Disney character. He even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his webbed footprints can be seen outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
During a first look on Good Morning America, Disney unveiled plans to release new Donald Duck-inspired products, media, and Disney park events in the coming months. Check out the plans for the special anniversary below.
New Donald Duck Media
Disney will release a new spot highlighting the storytelling magic behind the beloved character to commemorate the anniversary of Donald’s 1934 debut in Walt Disney’s Silly Symphony short cartoon, The Wise Little Hen, releasing June 9.
Additionally on June 9, Disney will release a new short, “D.I.Y Duck,” the first Donald Duck-starring short since 1961. The short finds Donald trying his hand at some home repairs, which begins with the replacement of a light bulb and quickly turn into a series of comic catastrophes. His temper flares and his frustration grows as things spiral out of control and lead to an explosive finale.
Incoming Disney Legend and renowned animator Mark Henn wrote and directed “D.I.Y. Duck” as his last project before retiring from the company last December. The short also pays tribute to Disney Legend Clarence “Ducky” Nash, who originated the voice of Donald for his first 50 years, and who delivers the character’s vocal gestures and assorted wise quacks by way of archival voice recordings. Emmy Award-winner Dorothy McKim produced the short, which was created by the hand-drawn animation team at Walt Disney Animation Studios. “D.I.Y. Duck” will debut on Disney+, the Walt Disney Animation YouTube channel, Disney Channel, and Freeform.
Besides these new projects, the Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation Team will also release two newly restored classic Donald Duck shorts on Disney+. In Crazy Over Daisy (1950), Donald attempts to get back at Chip and Dale for wrecking his bicycle while on his way to Daisy’s house. In Out on a Limb (1950), Donald discovers the tree home of the chipmunks – disrupting it with a tree pruner which they believe to be a monster.
90th Anniversary Donald Duck Merch
Donald fans will be able to rep their favorite character with a wide range of new products, apparel, and merch. Disney has partnered with over 20 different licensees, including brands like Loungefly, American Tourister, and Casetify, to debut over 70 new Donald Duck products. You can shop these from retailers like BoxLunch, Cakeworthy, Citizen, Forever 21, GAP, PEZ, Simple Modern, and more.
The 90th Anniversary collection includes a wide range of products, from apparel and accessories to luggage and kitchenware. Keep an eye out in your favorite stores this summer – you never know where he might pop up!
90 Years of Donald Duck at Disney Parks & Studios
Tokyo Disney Resort – Throughout June, guests can enjoy even more fun during “Donald’s Quacky Duck City”, a celebration featuring limited-time themed decorations, merchandise, food and beverage offerings, and the “Quacky Celebration: Donald the Legend!” parade.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – Limited-time offerings through July 7, including “Donald’s Birthday Duckling Dance” (where guests will have the chance to walk and twirl alongside Donald); specialty outfits for Donald as he walks around the park and hotels; and themed merchandise, food, and beverage items. The park will also host a themed castle projection show, “Donald’s Quacktastic Surprise!”, on the evening of June 9 only.
Walt Disney Studios Burbank – The studio lot gets a Donald-centric makeover with special overlays and activities.
For more Donald Duck updates and Disney news, check back to THS.
