June 10, 1958 – The People and Places Featurette Wales is Released to Theaters
On June 10, 1958, the People & Places Featurette Wales was released to theaters. It was the eleventh featurette in the series to be released, and was filmed in CinemaScope. Directed by Geoffrey Foot, the featurette takes a look at the country of Wales, including its rich history and folklore, along with its factories and natural resources.
June 9, 2007 – Crush’s Coaster Attraction Opens in Disneyland Paris
“Spin, dive and fight against the current as you get swept up in a whirlpool of adventure.”
On June 9, 2007, the attraction Crush’s Coaster opened in the Toon Studio area of Disneyland Paris. Based on the Pixar film Finding Nemo, guests board a turtle shell before diving into the ocean and reliving the best parts of the film, including the journey through the East Australian Current. Guests also have the opportunity to play a game on their phones while waiting in the queue, where they must catch starfish and avoid obstacles.
June 8, 1962 – McDonnell Douglas Begins Rocket to the Moon Attraction Sponsorship
On June 8, 1962, the aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor McDonnell Douglas took over the sponsorship of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland attraction Rocket to the Moon. McDonnell Douglas succeeded TWA, who ended their sponsorship in 1961. The sponsorship was a big deal for the company, as it had just been formed in 1967, after a merger between McDonnell Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft Company. This sponsorship ended in 1966, when the attraction would then become Flight to the Moon. McDonnell Douglas sponsored the succeeding attraction until January 5, 1975.
June 7, 1975 – The Mission to Mars Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World
“Our Mission to Mars takes place sometime in the future, when a sightseeing trip to the red planet is an everyday adventure.”
On June 7, 1975, the Mission to Mars attraction opened in Walt Disney World. Similar to the original attraction that opened in Disneyland on March 21, 1975, the Walt Disney World attraction gave guests an idea of how it would be if humans could travel to Mars. Both park versions were updated from the original Flight to the Moon attraction, which had become outdated after man had made it to the moon in 1969. The Walt Disney World attraction closed on October 4, 1993.
June 6, 1993 – Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin Attraction Opens in Disneyland Paris
On June 6, 1993, the attraction Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin opened in Disneyland Paris’ Fantasyland. The attraction was a Ferris wheel that was inspired by the windmill from the Disney short film The Old Mill. The attraction was closed a few years later due to low interest among guests, but the structure still remains in the park.
June 5, 1998 – Mulan Premieres at the Hollywood Bowl
“We wanted to get the message of the movie out there first, before you start selling it as an ancillary product.” – Disney Feature Animation President Peter Schneider
On June 5, 1998, Disney’s newest animated feature film Mulan premiered at the Hollywood Bowl in California. The premiere had little fanfare compared to past animated features Pocahontas, which premiered in Central Park, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which had a parade in New Orleans. The cast of the film, including Ming-Na Wen (voice of Mulan) and George Takei (voice of First Ancestor), as well as pop band 98 Degrees, were on hand for the film premiere.
June 4, 1994 – The Surprise Celebration Parade Ends Run in Walt Disney World
“Beginning in September 1991, Magic Kingdom Park kicked off its 20th anniversary celebration early with the debut of a new parade – the “Surprise Celebration Parade.”
On June 4, 1994, the Surprise Celebration Parade had its final run in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Beginning on September 22, 1991, the parade was created to celebrate the park’s 20th anniversary. It was based on the Party Gras Parade that was held exclusively in Disneyland, with several of the floats being repurposed for the Walt Disney World parade. The parade featured 35 to 40 feet balloons of several popular characters, including Roger Rabbit, Goofy, and, of course, Mickey Mouse. It was preceded by Mickey Mania.
June 3, 1960 – The Puffin Bakery Closes in Disneyland
On June 3, 1960, the Puffin Bakery, located on Disneyland’s Main Street, closed. The bakery opened on July 18, 1955, and featured several types of pastries and snacks. When it closed, it was quickly replaced by the Sunkist Citrus House, which would close in 1989.
June 2, 1998 – The Soundtrack for Mulan is Released Through Walt Disney Records
“Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me, why is my reflection someone I don’t know?”
On June 2, 1998, the album Mulan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack was released. The album features the songs, and part of the score, that was used in Disney’s animated feature film, along with a pop recording of the song “Reflection” by Christina Aguilera; this pop version was released as a promotional single. The album also featured a duet called “True to Your Heart” featuring Stevie Wonder and 98°. The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200, with “Reflection” hitting 19 on the Adult Contemporary charts.
June 1, 1993 -The Photo Shop Splashdown Photos Opens in Walt Disney World
“Take home a photo memory of your ride on Splash Mountain or pick up a rugged western-themed souvenir.”
On June 1, 1993, the photo shop Splashdown Photos opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Located at the end of the Splash Mountain attraction, it gave guests the opportunity to capture the moment that they went down the flume of the popular attraction. The area has expanded a bit to sell attraction-themed and general Frontierland merchandise. This shop is similar to the Professor Barnaby Owl’s Photographic Art Studio that opened in Disneyland on January 31, 1992.
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