RSS Feed

Monthly Archives: June 2017

June 30

June 30, 2001 – Club Buzz – Lightyear’s Above the Rest Opens in Disneyland

“To infinity, and beyond!”

On June 30, 2001, the outdoor stage area Club Buzz – Lightyear’s Above the Rest opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Formerly Tomorrowland Terrace, the area was renamed and redone to feature a stage show and dance party featuring Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story franchise. The live show featured Buzz fighting his nemesis Emperor Zurg. The area closed in 2006, becoming Tomorrowland Terrace once again, and being used as a training ground for the Jedi Training Academy.

Advertisement

June 29

June 29, 1996 – Donald’s Boat Opens in Mickey’s Toontown Fair

“…Donald’s boat may make you never want to be a landlubber again!”

On June 29, 1996, the Donald’s Boat attraction opened in the Mickey’s Toontown Fair area of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction gave guests the opportunity to explore Donald Duck’s houseboat home, viewing his mementos and priceless treasures, as well as a few other surprises and activities along the way. The attraction was closed on February 11, 2011, but versions still exist in Disneyland’s Toontown and Tokyo Disneyland’s Toontown.

June 28

June 28, 1988 – The Grand Floridian Café Opens

“For casual American dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this elegant yet unpretentious eatery can’t be beat.”

On June 28, 1988, the Grand Floridian Café opened in Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The casual dining resort features upscale American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including lobster benedict, New York strip steak, and mocha pot de crème. As they sit in the Victorian-styled dining area, guests are given a view of the rose gardens and the nearby pool.

June 27

June 27, 1927 – The Alice Comedy Alice in the Klondike is Released to Theaters

On June 27, 1927, the Alice Comedy Alice in the Klondike was released to theaters. It was the 53rd Alice Comedy released, and the 6th to feature fourth and final Alice actress Lois Hardwick. Like many of the Alice Comedies starring Hardwick, the film has since been classified as a lost film.

June 26

June 26, 1956 – The Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules Attraction Opens in Disneyland

On June 26, 1956, the Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules attraction opened in Disneyland’s Frontierland. It was the second incarnation of a mule pack ride through Frontierland, with the Mule Pack attraction open before it from 1955 to 1956. Guests rode through Frontierland’s landscape on a ten-minute ride with a team of sometimes rather temperamental mules. The attraction ended on October 2, 1959, but reopened as Pack Mules Through Nature’s Wonderland in 1960.

June 25

June 25, 2010 – The Documentary Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Magic Premieres

“We’re excited to honor Dave [Smith] and the Archives, and to give our members a close-up look at some rarely seen ‘jewels in the crown’ of Disney history.” – Head of D23, Steven Clark

On June 25, 2010, the documentary film Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Magic premiered at a special D23 event at the Disney Studios. The film, honoring the Walt Disney Archives’ 40th anniversary, took a look at how founder Dave Smith started the archives, and the impact it has on the Disney legacy. The premiere event also featured appearances by Disney President and CEO Bob Iger, as well as film historian Leonard Maltin to honor Smith and his contributions.

June 24

June 24, 1972 – The Specialty Shop Crystal Arts Opens in Disneyland

“Etch marks the spot at this Main Street, U.S.A. mainstay!”

On June 24, 1972, the specialty shop Crystal Arts opened on Main Street in Disneyland. Presented by the Arribas Brothers, the store creates special pieces based on Disney characters and places, as well as glassware and tiaras that guests can have engraved. Versions of this store have also opened in Walt Disney World (opening in 1971) and Tokyo Disneyland (opening in 1986).

June 23

June 23, 1995 – The Quick Service Stand Meeko’s Opens in Disneyland

On June 23, 1995, the quick service stand Meeko’s opened in Disneyland. Originally called Yumz, the stand changed its name after The Spirit of Pocahontas live stage show premiered at Videopolis; the stand was named after the racoon character from the animated feature film Pocahontas. It served quick, basic food, such as nachos and pizza. It closed on September 5, 1997.

June 22

June 22, 1985 – Videopolis Opens in Disneyland

“Neon, flashing lights, special effects, live bands, and hot new videos combine in a musical kaleidoscope of sight and sound at Videopolis.”

On June 22, 1985, the building Videopolis opened in Disneyland, right next to Fantasyland. The area was originally conceived as a teen dance club, with a 5,000-square foot dance floor, screens showcasing the latest music videos, and cutting-edge special effects. The concept eventually changed, with seats taking the place of the dance floor, and the area being used to showcase outdoor stage shows, such as for Beauty and the Beast. On June 23, 1995, the area was renamed the Fantasyland Theater.

June 21

June 21, 1996 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure Stage Show Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

“A cast of medieval puppets and 21 live performers tell the story of the bell ringer Quasimodo in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Musical Adventure at Disney-MGM Studios.”

On June 21, 1996, the stage show Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure opened at the Backstage Theater in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World. Based on the animated feature film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the show promoted the film and was part of Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The show closed its run on September 28, 2002.