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Monthly Archives: January 2018

January 11

January 11, 2017 – The Iron Man Experience Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

“One of the world’s greatest super heroes is among us.”

On January 11, 2017, the Marvel-themed attraction Iron Man Experience opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. The first Marvel-themed attraction to open in a Disney park, the experience gave guests the opportunity to explore the inventions of Tony Stark, along with a chance to meet Iron Man himself and play in the interactive game Become Iron Man. The area is split into four sections: Stark Expo, Take Flight with Iron Man Above Hong Kong, Heroic Encounter with Iron Man, and Become Iron Man at The Stark Expo. Guests are also able to shop for special Iron Man themed merchandise, as well as eat and drink Iron Man themed food and beverages, such as an Iron Man Waffle.

January 10

January 10, 2014 – Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie Opens in Epcot

“Sample delectable treats and tempting delicacies at this traditional French bakery – from soups and salads to fresh baguette sandwiches and pastries.”

On January 10, 2014, the new Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie opened in Ecpot’s France Pavilion. Previously known as Boulangerie Patisserie, the quick service restaurant serves a variety of French delicacies, ranging from sandwiches, to quiche, to pastries. The original pastry shop had needed an overhaul, as the French pastries had such a good reputation that there wasn’t enough room to accommodate all the guests.

January 9

January 9, 2013 – George Kalogridis is Announced as New Walt Disney World President

“Walt Disney World has a new president: George Kalogridis will take over the top job at the Florida resort on Feb. 1.”

On January 9, 2013, The Walt Disney Company announced that George Kalogridis would take over as the new president of Walt Disney World, starting February 1. Kalogridis had been running the Disneyland Resort previously, and was brought in to oversee the construction of the Avatar-themed land in the Animal Kingdom park, along with the upgrade of the MyMagic+ digital management service.

January 8

January 8, 1998 – McDonald’s Opens in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney

On January 8, 1998, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant on a Disney property, opening in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney. Disney had partnered with McDonald’s for several years at the time of its opening, with the children’s meals featuring toys promoting the upcoming Disney animated features and series. Before the restaurant, kiosks featuring the restaurant’s famous fries were placed within Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park. The restaurant was closed in 2004, as part of the end of Disney’s exclusive partnership with the fast food chain.

January 7

January 7, 2001 – The Disney Channel Original Series Totally Hoops Premieres

Totally Hoops is really a mosaic about teenage life told through the eyes of these fiercely determined, uniquely talented girls.” – Gary Marsh, Executive Vice President of Original Programming for Disney Channel

On January 7, 2001, the Disney Channel Original Series Totally Hoops premiered. It was a reality program that focused on the lives of the eleven girls of the Lady Hoopsters basketball team from Dayton, Ohio. The team moved through this series from the tryouts to the state championships, and finally to the national tournament. The only season had 16 episodes.

January 6

January 6, 1997 – The Attraction Rocket Jets Closes

On January 6, 1997, the long-lasting attraction Rocket Jets closed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Replacing the Astro-Jets in 1967, the attraction allowed guests to soar over the park as they circled around a towering rocket; the attraction was similar to the popular Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction. When Tomorrowland underwent a renovation in 1997, the Rocket Jets were closed, and were replaced with the Astro Orbiter in 1998.

January 5

January 5, 1986 – Country Manor Opens in Epcot’s England Pavilion

On January 5, 1986, the store Country Manor opened in Epcot’s England Pavilion within the World Showcase. The store replaced the former Biscuit Barrel, though it kept the same kinds of British merchandise as its predecessor. The store was eventually renamed the Magic of Wales, and featured new merchandise.

January 4

January 4, 2016 – The Musical Comedy Series Galavant Premieres on ABC

“Yay! He ruled in every way! A fairytale cliché! And people called him Galavant!”

On January 4, 2016, the musical comedy series Galavant premiered on ABC. Serving as the mid-season replacement for the series Once Upon a Time, the series followed the musical adventures of the knight Galavant as he seeks to reclaim his honor after his love Madalena jilts him for the evil King Richard. Aided by Princess Isabella, who wishes to reclaim her kingdom from Richard, and his squire Sid, Galavant journeys to the Kingdom of Valencia to take on the king. The series lasted for two seasons with 18 episodes, before it was cancelled in 2016. It starred Joshua Sasse as Galavant, Timothy Omundson as King Richard, Vinnie Jones as Gareth, Karen David as Princess Isabella, and Luke Youngblood as Sid. Music for the show was written by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.

January 3

January 3, 2007 – The Live-Action Sitcom Series In Case of Emergency Premieres on ABC

“When life doesn’t go as planned, who would you call in case of emergency?”

On January 3, 2007, the live-action sitcom series In Case of Emergency premiered on ABC. The series followed a group of former classmates reunited through a series of personal emergencies, whose lives did not go according to their high school plans. The series was cancelled after only 12 episodes aired of the 13 season order; the 13th episode was later released in international broadcasts. The series was notable for having Jon Favreau directing the pilot episode. It starred Jonathan Silverman as Harry Kennison, David Arquette as Jason Ventress, Greg Germann as Sherman Yablonsky, Kelly Hu as Kelly Lee, Lori Loughlin as Dr. Joanna Lupone, and Jackson Bond as Dylan Kennison.

January 2

January 2, 1996 – The World of Motion Pavilion Closes

“It’s fun to be free, to be on the move, to go anywhere with ever a care to.”

On January 2, 1996, the World of Motion Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World officially closed. Sponsored by General Motors, the pavilion provided guests a look at the history of automobiles, with a section called the Transcenter serving as a look at the future of cars. The attraction was replaced by the new General Motors attraction Test Track, which began soft openings in December, 1998.