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October 6

October 6, 1968 – The Disney Anthology Episode “Pacifically Peeking” Premieres on Television

“You know, a book be like a ship: it can take ye to places you’ve never seen before.”

On October 6, 1968, the episode of the Disney Anthology, entitled “Pacifically Peeking,” premiered on NBC. It was directed by Ward Kimball and Hamilton Luske, with story by Bill Berg, narration by Mel Leven, and featured Paul Frees as the voice of Moby Duck, the author of the titular book. Moby Duck takes viewers on a cruise of the Pacific Ocean, with the episode bringing together animation and education.

October 5

October 5, 2014 – The Maelstrom Boat Ride Closes in Epcot’s Norway

“Exploring Norway’s heritage isn’t going to be smooth sailing, so buck up like a Viking would!”

On October 5, 2014, the Maelstrom boat ride attraction officially closed in the Norway Pavilion within Epcot’s World Showcase. Guests explored Norway from past to present, riding in Viking-inspired longboats through scenery that changes from fjords to swamps, meeting trolls, polar bears, and pirates. The middle of the ride featured the boats plummeting backwards down rapids and narrowly missing a waterfall. After dodging all the obstacles, guests were treated to a five-minute film about the beauty of present-day Norway. The attraction was closed to make way for the Frozen Ever After attraction, which featured several of the Maelstrom’s ride elements, including the boats traveling backwards.

October 4

October 4, 1982 – Epcot Appears on Fortune Magazine

“The success of Epcot is critical to Dis­ney’s future prosperity, for the fabled ­entertainment company has recently suf­fered unaccustomed reverses.”

On October 4, 1982, the issue Fortune came out, with a cover story about the upcoming EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World called “Disney Gambles of Tomorrow.” The cover featured an image of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of the park. EPCOT was a risk for the Walt Disney Company; at this time in the company’s history, the future of Disney did not look bright, and the animated features were not able to reach the same heights as they had in their heyday. EPCOT, which stood for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, was one of the final projects Walt had worked on before his passing, and the company was placing heavy expectations on its success, as seen in the Fortune article.

October 3

October 3, 1998 – The Epcot Discovery Center Closes

“Information for Learners of All Ages”

On October 3, 1998, the Epcot Discovery Center (formally known as Epcot Outreach and Epcot Teacher’s Center) was officially closed. Opening on July 1, 1994, the area was another educational outpost where guests could ask questions about some of the subjects on display in the Epcot centers, or even questions about Walt Disney World in general. Guests were also able to take home a variety of informational resources.

October 2

October 2, 2011 – Rapunzel is Named Official Disney Princess in Worldwide Celebration Ceremony

“Are you kidding? It’s going to be the best day ever!”

On October 2, 2011, the 10th member of the Disney Princess Royal Court, Rapunzel, was honored in a star-studded ceremony held at Kensington Palace in London, England. This ceremony included appearances by all the Disney Princesses, a processional through Hyde Park, and an official welcoming ceremony. 25,000 fans stood on the parade route to welcome the princesses, and were welcome to attend activities such as lantern making and storytelling.

October 1

October 1, 1955 – Mickey Mouse Appears on the Cover of TV Guide

“Mickey And His Club”

On October 1, 1955, to promote the new show Mickey Mouse Club, a picture of Mickey in his bandleader outfit, along with some snapshots from the show, graced the cover of TV Guide. The guide covered the week of October 1 – October 7. The show was scheduled to premiere that week on October 3rd on ABC.

September 30

September 30, 2003 – The Lion King: Special Edition Soundtrack is Released Through Walt Disney Records

“It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best.”

On September 30, 2003, The Lion King: Special Edition version of the soundtrack was released through Walt Disney Records. This special edition version was released to promote the special edition release of the animated feature film; it featured the full soundtrack of the film, and a bonus remix of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as performed by Elton John.

September 29

September 29, 2015 – Downtown Disney is Officially Renamed Disney Springs

“It’s Official – ‘Downtown Disney’ is Now ‘Disney Springs’ at Walt Disney World Resort”

On September 29, 2010, the name change of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs was made official. The name change was confirmed with the new website disneysprings.com and the Twitter account @DisneySprings, and the opening of two dining experiences: The Landing: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Morimoto Asia. The area’s transformation was announced in 2013, which included a renovation and expansion of the entire area.

September 28

September 28, 2009 – The Disney Parks Blog Launches

“Walt Disney listened as he wandered the parks. We’ll listen here.”

On September 28, 2009, the Disney Parks Blog, the official blog for all things Disney parks, launched. It was noted as the official source of the latest information of all the parks worldwide, as well as tidbits of history from Imagineers and other cast members that make the parks magical. Guests can register for an account and comment on posts, providing feedback and questions for the panel of moderators.

September 27

September 27, 2014 – The Disneyland Interactive Activity Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush! Ends

“It’s time to choose your alliance in the fight for Frontierland!”

On September 27, 2014, the interactive park activity Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush! ended its run in Disneyland. Open since July 9, 2014, the game was similar to the interactive experiences in Walt Disney World (such as Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom), which gave guests a chance to enter a story set in the Frontierland area of Disneyland; guests could choose to either be a lawful citizen, or an outlaw, and earn “bits” to help them influence and further the story.