May 31, 2008 – Pixar Place Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“The stars of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story films are ‘ready on set’ at Woody’s Picture Shootin’ Corral.”
On May 31, 2008, the Pixar-themed area Pixar Place opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. The area features the popular attraction Toy Story Midway Mania, along with a meet and greet with Toy Story characters Woody and Buzz, and the Toy Story Dept. merchandise store.
May 30, 1927 – The Alice Comedy Alice’s Picnic is Released to Theaters
On May 30, 1927, the Alice Comedy Alice’s Picnic was released to theaters. It was the 51st Alice Comedy produced, and the fourth to star fourth and final Alice actress Lois Hardwick. Though not considered a lost film, it has not been released on home video.
May 29, 1986 – New Narration is Added to the Spaceship Earth Attraction
On May 29, 1986, a new script for the Spaceship Earth attraction was added, with narration performed by broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite. Cronkite’s narration would last until the attraction’s major rebuild in 1994. The attraction, at the time, took guests through a journey through how communication evolved, making Cronkite the perfect narrator for the subject matter. Jeremy Irons would supersede Cronkite in 1994, with Dame Just Dench following after another revamp in the attraction in 2007.
May 28, 2014 – The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Attraction Officially Opens
“Rock around like never before.”
On May 28, 2014, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction officially opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, after it was dedicated on May 2. Considered the crown jewel of the New Fantasyland area of the park, the ride features never-seen-before Audio-Animatronic technology, as well as an innovative ride system that allows each car to swing individually as it races around the track through the dwarfs’ mine shaft. As the ride can have a wait time up to over two hours long, an interactive queue was added to entertain guests so they can “sort jewels” as they wait to board the mine train. Several of the pieces of the old attraction Snow White’s Scary Adventures were reused in this attraction.
May 27, 2016 – The Live Show Frozen – Live at the Hyperion Opens in Disney’s California Adventure
“Delight in the magic of Frozen like never before in an all-new, larger-than-life stage production.”
On May 27, 2016, the live musical show Frozen – Live at the Hyperion premiered at the Hyperion Theater in Disney’s California Adventure Park. The show, based on the animated feature film Frozen, follows the legacy of other animated films becoming live stage shows, such as the show Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. The hour-long show features the musical numbers from the film, complete with intricate costumes and sets, including puppetry for characters Olaf and Sven akin to the puppetry used in the Broadway production of The Lion King. The show was directed by Liesl Tommy.
May 26, 1990 – The Merchandise Spot Calling Dick Tracy Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“Starring YOU…in your screen test debut.”
On May 26, the themed merchandise spot Calling Dick Tracy opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the store was created to promote the live-action feature film Dick Tracy, which opened on June 15, 1990. The store gave guests a chance to star in their own Dick Tracy adventure and take home a video version. The store eventually closed on January 12, 1991, and was replaced with Legends of Hollywood.
May 25, 2011 – Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Opens in the Disneyland Hotel
“Mystery, romance, and adventure await you at this bewitching tiki bar inspired by the world-famous Jungle Cruise.”
On May 25, 2011, the specialized bar Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar opened in the Disneyland Hotel. Based on the Disney park ride Jungle Cruise – particularly the character of Trader Sam, the “head” salesman – the bar features artifacts from many of his “adventures” and exploits. The bar features a variety of specialty drinks, including the Uh Oa!, a concoction of light and dark rums, and several types of fruit. The bar also releases certain special effects when certain cocktails are ordered. There are also Polynesian-inspired appetizers, including a slow-roasted kālua-style pork sandwich. A similar version of the bar, known as Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, opened in Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort.
May 24, 1968 – Walt Disney is Posthumously Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal
“Whereas Walt Disney’s life personified the American dream and his rags-to-riches story demonstrated that the United States of America remains the land of opportunity…”
On May 24, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Walt Disney’s widow, Lillian Disney. Walt, who had passed away on December 15, 1966, had previously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. In the joint resolution to issue the medal, it honored Walt’s contributions, his humanitarian efforts, his help with the war effort during World War II, and “his belief that good will ultimately triumphs over evil.”
May 23, 2015 – The Harambe Market Area Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“Savor African-inspired fare at an open-air plaza featuring 4 unique walk-up windows.”
May 23, 2015, the Harambe Market area opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. Nestled in the Africa area of the park, the market is designed to resemble a street market in Africa, complete with Colonial-era train depot design. The market contains not only a few shops to buy merchandise and sweets, but four separate food stations: Kitamu Grill, Famous Sausages, Chef Mwanga’s, and Wanjohi Refreshments. These four quick-service restaurants give guests the opportunity to enjoy something akin to street food, eating African-inspired dishes while they meander around the park.
May 22, 2015 – Walt Disney World Kicks Off “Coolest Summer Ever” 24-Hour Event
“I can’t wait to kick-off the ‘Coolest Summer Ever’ in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!”
On May 22, 2015, the 24-hour even “Coolest Summer Ever” kicked off at 6 a.m. in the Magic Kingdom Park of Walt Disney World. Using Olaf from the animated feature Frozen as the event’s mascot, the event was filled with special shows and treats for guests, including a pajama party as the park stays open through the night, special appearances by the characters from Frozen at the Welcome Show, and appearances from Disney Channel Stars in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.
disneydetail 