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Monthly Archives: April 2017

April 10

April 10, 2003 – Disneyland’s Space Mountain Attraction Closes for Refurbishment

“Journey throughout the cosmos to the furthest reaches of the galaxy and back!”

On April 10, 2003, the Disneyland version of the popular thrill ride attraction Space Mountain closed for refurbishments. The attraction, along with most of Tomorrowland, had been repainted in 1998 to a new color scheme that included metal tones; the 2003 refurbishment was necessary to return Space Mountain’s exterior to its original white color, as well as to update some of the ride mechanics inside. The attraction was closed for a little over two years during this rebuild, opening once again on July 16, 2005.

April 9

April 9, 2005 – The Thrill Attraction Space Mountain: Mission 2 Opens in Disneyland Paris


On April 9, 2005, the thrill ride attraction Space Mountain: Mission Open officially opened in Disneyland Paris. The attraction originally opened as Space Mountain: De la Terre a la Lune on June 1, 1995, but was closed for a carefully timed refurbishment to coincide with the attraction’s tenth anniversary. It is the fourth version of the popular Space Mountain attraction, which had opened in Walt Disney World in 1975. The Disneyland Paris attraction has since been closed for another refurbishment giving it a new Star Wars theme, which is planned to open in May, 2017.

April 8

April 8, 1974 – The Nature Preserve Treasure Island Opens in Walt Disney World

On April 8, 1974, the nature preserve Treasure Island opened in Walt Disney World. Renamed Discovery Island in 1977, it was an 11.5-acre wildlife sanctuary to several types of exotic and engendered animals and birds. It was originally planned to have a theme based on the live action film Treasure Island; although that idea was quickly scrapped, some remnants of the idea remained, including a wrecked ship on one of the area’s shores. The area was closed on April 8, 1999 and has been left abandoned. The area is not to be confused with the part of Animal Kingdom also known as Discovery Island, though Animal Kingdom has since taken over Disney’s animal conservation activities.

April 7

April 7, 2001 – The Interactive Attraction Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

“Where in the world can YOU get into the hot seat?”

On April 7, 2001, the interactive attraction Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It opened in Disney-MGM Studios in Walt Disney World. Based on the hit ABC game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, hosted by Disney Legend Regis Philbin, contestants could compete to win points that could be redeemed for special prizes, including the top prize of a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The attraction proved popular enough to be replicated in Disney’s California Adventure, opening on September 14, 2001. The original version of the attraction lasted longer than the DCA version, with the Disney-MGM attraction closing on August 19, 2006.

April 6

April 6, 1990 – The Blue Ribbon Bakery Opens in Disneyland

“Delicious coffee and world famous fresh baked goods.”

On April 6, 1990, the Blue Ribbon Bakery quick service shop opened in Disneyland on Main Street. The shop took the place of the long-running Sunkist Citrus House, which had opened on July 31, 1960, and closed on January 3, 1989. The bakery served several kinds of pastries with coffee for breakfast, and a variety of sandwiches for lunch, along with several Disneyland-famous desserts for any time of day. The bakery was moved to where the former Carnation Ice Cream Parlor was located in 1997, and eventually was closed on January 5, 2012.

April 5

April 5, 1956 – The Display Attraction Crane Company Bathroom of Tomorrow Opens in Disneyland

Image credit: http://waltdisney.org

“This fabulous bathroom, actually designed for the future, is available for your home today!”

On April 5, 1956, the display attraction Bathroom of Tomorrow opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Sponsored by the Crane Plumbing Company, the attraction featured the newest ideas in designs for the bathroom, though was only meant to be viewed rather than used. Several notable designers were involved in the creation of the attraction, including Henry Dreyfuss, best known for the designs of the Hoover vacuum cleaner and the John Deere tractors. The attraction boasted many ideas deemed commonplace today, including air conditioning. Part of the attraction was interactive: guests were able to play with some faucets activated by larger wheels near the opening of the exhibit. The attraction was officially closed on August 31, 1960.

April 4

April 4, 1927 – The Alice Comedy Alice’s Auto Race is Released to Theaters

On April 4, 1927, the Alice Comedy Alice’s Auto Race premiered in theaters. It was the 47th Alice Comedy produced, and the 31st to star second Alice actress Margie Gay. The short has since become classified as a lost film.

April 3

April 3, 1953 – Walt Disney Signs Legal License for Use of His Name

“Disney’s name as used herein, includes all forms and variations of his name…”

On April 3, 1953, Walt Disney signed a legal license that would grant him all commercial uses of his name to Walt Disney, Incorporated; this was the first step in ensuring that Disney would be able to control his films, televisions shows, and eventually the parks. This was a historic event in entertainment history, as this contract paved the way for Disney to become the global empire it is today. This agreement also helped pave the way for Disney to create his own distribution company, Buena Vista Distribution, as RKO was crumbling quickly after being acquired by Howard Hughes.

April 2

April 2, 1928 – The Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Short Film Sagebrush Sadie is Released to Theaters

On April 12, 1928, the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit short film Sagebrush Sadie premiered in theaters. Although the film is considered a lost film, some scenes in pencil drawings from the film survive in the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. The short was animated by Ub Iwerks, Hugh Harman, and Rollin Hamilton.

 

April 1

April 1, 1974 – Pioneer Hall Opens in Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness

“Here tonight: the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue! Fun for All!”

On April 1, 1974, Pioneer Hall was built in Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The hall is the resort’s home to its dining facilities, as well as the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. A buffet is offered during the musical revue, with reservations filling up rather quickly for the two-hour show. Also included in the building is P & J’s Southern Takeout, Trail’s End Restaurant, and Crockett’s Tavern.