On November 18, 1928, a lovable little mouse made his debut in an animated short film called Steamboat Willie, one of the first cartoons to feature synchronized sound. Since that time, Mickey Mouse has gone on to appear in over 130 films, both short and feature-length, winning over the hearts of many…WORLDWIDE.
I have to say, for a 90 year old, Mickey Mouse looks great and is still going strong! In 2013, Disney animators reached back to the style of the original 1930s cartoons to produce a new series of silly shorts that have won 7 Primetime Emmy Awards, and they’re still creating more! If you have a little person in your house, you’ve probably seen Mickey most recently in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Mickey and the Roadster Racers.
This year, Disney launched a worldwide celebration honoring 90 years of Mickey Mouse, which will culminate on November 18th at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the world with commemorative merchandise, special photo opportunities, food and beverage items, and more! If you’re lucky enough to join in the festivities, snap a pic (or twenty) for me! I haven’t seen Mickey myself since February, and I can’t believe I forgot to pass along an early birthday wish.
Celebrate at Home
If it isn’t in the game plan to take a big family trip to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s entry into his nonagenarian years, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate with the kids at home:
- On November 4th, at 7:00pm CST, ABC will air Mickey’s 90th Spectacular, a two-hour prime-time event studded with music, celebrity appearances, and never-before-seen short films. Make an appointment to watch as a family. We like to pile up on the couch with every blanket, pillow, and stuffed animal we can find.
- Take to the Internet and print out free Mickey Mouse coloring sheets. You can find a few of my favorites here. Get everyone in the family involved. You could even turn this into a friendly contest with prizes to make it even more fun!
- Bake Mickey Mouse a birthday cake. Fill up balloons, sing the birthday song, and have your own mini-party! If baking isn’t your “thing,” pick up some cupcakes at the bakery and add mini Oreos for instant mouse ears.
“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”
—Walt Disney
