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Monthly Archives: August 2018

August 21

August 21, 2011 – The Second D23 Expo Comes to a Close

“The Ultimate Disney Fan Event”

On August 21, 2011, the second biennial D23 Expo had its final day. Featured at the Anaheim Convention Center, the final day featured 15 exhibitions and panels for Disney fans to peruse, including a panel about the evolution of Marvel comics by Chief Creative Office Joe Quesada; a conversation with Steve Pilcher and Tia Kratter, called The Art of Brave; and a special discussion with film preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer and Disney Legend Tony Baxter, called MORE of the Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

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August 20

August 20, 2018 – The Quick Service Restaurant Dockside Diner Opens in Tokyo DisneySea

「ドックサイドダイナー」は、カジュアルなカウンターサービスのレストランで、にぎやかなアメリカンウォーターフロントにある貨物倉庫を改装して作られました。

On August 20, 2018, the quick service restaurant Dockside Diner opened in Tokyo DisneySea. Located in the American Waterfront area of the park, the restaurant features a variety of dishes ranging from roast beef sandwiches, to fried chicken and waffles.

August 19

August 19, 2011 – Rock Star Mickey is Unveiled at the D23 Expo

“It’s great to see how Rock Star Mickey can get kids rockin’ at an early age.” – Constantine Maroulis

On August 19, 2011, representatives from Fisher-Price and Disney Consumer Products, along with former American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis, and Mickey Mouse, were on hand at the D23 Expo to present the new Rock Star Mickey interactive plush toy. The toy, a sequel to the previous year’s Dance Star Mickey, features Mickey performing specialty rock moves, including the “Mickety-Split,” where he performs a split while playing the guitar with his nose. Mickey also performs a version of the classic rock song “You Really Got Me.” It was also announced at the event that the toy would be available at retailers nationwide starting September 6, and would retail for $54.99. Maroulis entertained crowds and performed with Mickey to promote the toy, while representatives showed the toy’s dance moves and answered questions.

August 18

August 18, 2011 – Betty Taylor and Wally Boag are Honored in Special Ceremony

“…will forever pay tribute to their legendary roles.”

On August 18, 2011, a special ceremony was held at the Golden Horseshoe to honor the contributions by Betty Taylor and Wally Boag, two entertainers whose names were synonymous with the saloon; both had passed away in June earlier that year. The celebration, known as “True Legends of The Golden Horseshoe: A Tribute to Wally Boag and Betty Taylor,” featured special performances by members of the Golden Horseshoe, as well as tributes by special guests, such as Taylor’s sister, Dorothy Fields, and Boag’s daughter, Heather Dinkins. Other special Disney guests were on hand to pay tribute, including Golden Horseshoe Revue choreographer Miriam Nelson; Disney Legends Rob Dominguez, Jack Lindquist, and Richard Sherman, Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess; actor Steve Martin; and Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney (the latter two guests gave tribute via video message). Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis was also on hand to honor the pair in his own way by donating $10,000 to the Orange County High School of the Arts in their memory.

August 17

August 17, 1992 – Annette Funicello Appears on the Cover of People Magazine

“To the first wave of kiddies raised on TV, she was simply Annette – the name emblazoned in block letters across the front of her memorable Mouseketeers turtleneck.”

On August 17, 1992, famed Mouseketeer Annette Funicello appeared on the cover of People Magazine, announcing that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Funicello had been suffering from the disease since 1987, and told the interviewer that she history of how she discovered she had the disease, how quickly the disease flared up, and how the tabloids came looking for answers, thinking she had a drinking problem or worse. This interview was Funicello’s way of bringing attention to the disease, as well as clearing up any rumors of her personal life.

August 16

August 16, 1958 – The Main Street Fire Truck Begins Operating in Disneyland

“Travel back in time during a breezy, one-way drive down Main Street, U.S.A. in a charming turn-of-the-century vehicle.”

On August 16, 1958, the Main Street Fire Truck began running in Disneyland. Based on the first fire engines that operated at the turn-of-the-century, guests are able to ride down Main Street and travel all the way to the front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Versions of the Fire Truck have also been added to Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World (added on October 1, 1971), World Bazaar in Tokyo Disneyland (added on April 15, 1983), and Main Street of Disneyland Paris (added April 12, 1992).

August 15

August 15, 1955 – Disneyland Appears in Life Magazine

Image Credit: http://vintagedisneylandtickets.blogspot.com/2008/05/disneyland-in-life-august-15-1955.html

“Uncle Walt packs his new park with the stuff children’s dreams are made on.”

On August 15, 1955, Life Magazine was released, featuring a four-page article on the opening of Disneyland, a few months after it had opened. The article featured pictures of early park attractions, and described the chaos that was opening day, with over 20,000 guests trying to mill about the park. The article covers the Golden Horseshoe (known as a “children’s saloon”), Casey Jr. as it passes by the canal, and a large image of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

August 14

August 14, 1958 – The Grand Opening of the Alice in Wonderland Attraction is Held

“Don’t be late, your adventure awaits.”

On August 14, 1958, two months after the opening of the attraction, the Grand Opening Ceremony for the Alice in Wonderland dark ride was held in Disneyland. The ceremony was a grand affair, featuring Walt Disney himself riding down Main Street in a horse-drawn carriage with Mouseketeer Karen Pendleton, who was selected by Walt to play Alice for the day. Joined by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as the White Rabbit, Karen was given the key to the attraction by Walt.

August 13

August 13, 2017 – The Great Movie Ride Attraction Closes

“A spectacular journey into the movies.”

On August 13, 2017, the Hollywood Studios attraction The Great Movie Ride officially closed. Open since May 1, 1989, the attraction was a ride-through tour that brought guests to the movies allowing them to venture into the scenes of some of the world’s most beloved films, including Alien, Mary Poppins, and Casablanca. The attraction was sponsored by Turner Classic Movies starting in 2014, featuring host and film historian Robert Osborne as the narrator through the films. The closing of this attraction makes it the final attraction from Hollywood Studios’ opening day to close.

August 12

August 12, 2000 – The Disney Magic Sets Sail on First Seven-Day Cruise

“Magic at sea.”

On August 12, 2000, the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic, set sail on its first seven-day cruise, traveling from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean, highlighting stops at St. Maarten, St. John, and St. Thomas. Originally, the Disney Magic did three- to four-day cruises to the Caribbean and Disney’s Castaway Cay island. Since then, the number of places where the ship docks has grown significantly, including stops in Mexico and the Mediterranean, as well as the length of time, as cruises last as long as 13 days.