Happy Mickey Mouse Day! Celebrating 97 Years of the Mouse That Started It All

Melisa Kennedy
3 days ago
2 min read

November 18, 2025 – Put on your red shorts, slip into some oversized yellow shoes, and get ready to whistle “Steamboat Bill,” because today is officially Mickey Mouse Day!

Ninety-seven years ago, on November 18, 1928, a plucky little mouse with big round ears made his public debut in the short film Steamboat Willie at the Colony Theatre in New York City. That seven-minute black-and-white cartoon wasn’t just the first Disney short with synchronized sound; it was the moment the world fell in love with Mickey Mouse, and in many ways, the moment modern animation was born.Why November 18?Although Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks had been tinkering with the character (originally named Mortimer) earlier in 1928, Steamboat Willie marks Mickey’s first appearance in front of an audience. Walt Disney himself always considered this date Mickey’s “birthday,” and ever since, fans around the globe have celebrated November 18 as Mickey Mouse Day.

From Steamboat Deck to Global Icon

In less than a decade, Mickey went from a scrappy riverboat pilot to the face of an entertainment empire:

1930s: Became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression with his boundless optimism.
1940: Starred in the groundbreaking Fantasia segment “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”
1955: Opened Disneyland as the park’s official host.
1978: Became the first cartoon character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today: Still the most recognizable fictional character on the planet, appearing on everything from luxury fashion runways to hospital walls bringing comfort to kids.

Fun fact: Walt Disney himself provided Mickey’s original falsetto voice from 1928 until 1947 (and again briefly in a few later projects). When you hear that cheerful “Ha-ha!” in Steamboat Willie, that’s Walt!

How We Celebrated Mickey Mouse Day 2025 and How You Can Too!

We spent the day at the Walt Disney World Resort today of course. But if you can't physically come to the parks, you can do these from home:

Watch Steamboat Willie – It’s only 7 minutes long and still utterly charming. (You can find restored versions on Disney+ or YouTube.)
Wear Mickey ears – Bonus points if they’re the classic red-and-black ones.
Bake Mickey-shaped cookies or pancakes.
Share your favorite Mickey memory on social media with #MickeyMouseDay.
Visit a Disney park if you can – cast members usually wear special “Happy Birthday Mickey” buttons on November 18.

Looking Ahead to the Big 100

In just three short years, on November 18, 2028, Mickey will turn 100. Disney has already started teasing a worldwide celebration that promises to be spectacular.

Until then, every November 18 is a perfect reminder that a little mouse with a big heart can truly change the world.

So here’s to you, Mickey – thanks for 97 years of laughter, courage, and that irresistible “Hot dog!” spirit. We all love you here at FOUR Theme Parks Magazine!

Happy Mickey Mouse Day, everyone! See ya real soon!