When is Mickey Mouse Day?

It is observed on November 18 each year.

How do people celebrate Mickey Mouse Day?

Watch a classic Mickey Mouse short, and consider that his name was almost 'Mortimer' until Walt Disney's wife stepped in.

Annual observance

Mickey Mouse Day

November 18 Cultural / community observance Updated 2026-07-08

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Overview

Mickey Mouse Day, celebrated annually on November 18th, commemorates the official debut of Mickey Mouse in the animated short film "Steamboat Willie" in 1928. This date is widely recognized as the iconic character's birthday, marking the beginning of his enduring legacy and profound cultural impact as a global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company.

Why it matters: Mickey Mouse Day, observed on November 18, celebrates the debut of Mickey Mouse in "Steamboat Willie" in 1928, marking the start of a cultural phenomenon that has shaped entertainment and childhood experiences for generations. This day honors Mickey's role as a beloved symbol of creativity, imagination, and the magic of storytelling.

Origin and story

Mickey Mouse's original name, proposed by Walt Disney, was Mortimer Mouse, but his wife Lillian reportedly convinced him to change it.

Walt Disney himself provided the voice for Mickey Mouse from 1928 until 1947, and intermittently thereafter.

Quick facts

DateNovember 18
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

The world's most famous mouse almost went by a different, much stuffier name — and the character who would have carried it instead ended up as Mickey's onscreen rival.

Celebrate the mouse

Celebrate by:

Watching a classic Mickey Mouse short instead of a modern one.
Wearing or displaying something Mickey-themed for the day.

See the real naming story

Helpful resources:

Was Mickey Mouse Originally Named "Mortimer"? (Snopes)

Did you know?

Walt Disney's wife Lillian talked him out of naming the character "Mortimer Mouse" during a 1928 train ride — and Disney later recycled the rejected name for Mickey's arrogant nemesis in a 1936 short.

Fun facts

Mickey Mouse's original name, proposed by Walt Disney, was Mortimer Mouse, but his wife Lillian reportedly convinced him to change it.
Walt Disney himself provided the voice for Mickey Mouse from 1928 until 1947, and intermittently thereafter.
Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded on November 18, 1978, coinciding with his 50th anniversary.

Sources and attribution

Was Mickey Mouse Originally Named "Mortimer"? (Snopes)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Mickey Mouse Day?: It is observed on November 18 each year.
What is Mickey Mouse Day?: Mickey Mouse Day, celebrated annually on November 18th, commemorates the official debut of Mickey Mouse in the animated short film "Steamboat Willie" in 1928. This date is widely recognized as the iconic character's birthday, marking the beginning of his enduring legacy and profound cultural impact as a global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company.
How do people celebrate Mickey Mouse Day?: Watch a classic Mickey Mouse short, and consider that his name was almost "Mortimer" until Walt Disney's wife stepped in.

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