Disney Celebrates Donald Duck’s 90th with Global Celebration

June 7, 2024

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Disney launches a months-long celebration for Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary, featuring new merchandise and a surprise party for Donald. Festivities will span Walt Disney Animation Studios, consumer products, Disney parks, and more. A brand new spot highlighting Donald’s storytelling magic will debut on June 9, commemorating his 1934 debut in Walt Disney’s Silly Symphony short, The Wise Little Hen.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Good Morning America segment revealed over 70 Donald Duck products from brands like American Tourister, Casetify, and Loungefly, with more from Cakeworthy, Citizen, Forever 21, GAP, PEZ, Simple Modern, and others coming throughout the summer.

This campaign celebrates Donald’s iconic journey and his role in Disney’s storytelling legacy. His relatable frustrations have made him a global icon, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and immortalized footprints outside the Chinese Theatre.

Donald has starred in over 150 short films, more than any other Disney character. On June 9, two newly restored classic shorts will stream on Disney+, along with a new short, D.I.Y. Duck, the first Donald Duck-starring short since 1961. This short, debuting on Disney+, YouTube, Disney Channel, and Freeform, features Donald’s comedic home repair attempts, directed by Disney Legend Mark Henn.

The short is produced by Emmy Award-winner Dorothy McKim and was created by the hand-drawn animation team at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Jennifer Lee, Disney Animation’s chief creative officer, executive produced. 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.

Tokyo Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will also host Donald-themed celebrations with decorations, merchandise, food, and special events.

At the Walt Disney Studios lot, Donald’s birthday is marked with “quack-tastic” changes, including a reimagined Walt Disney Archives logo and “Donald” Avenue.