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Monthly Archives: March 2019

March 21

March 21, 1940 – The Disney Studio Commissary Opens

Image credit: D23.com

“Many a celebrity has enjoyed dining at the commissary at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, including Walt Disney himself.”

On March 21, 1940, the Walt Disney Studios Commissary opened. Most studios had a commissary where actors and staff could congregate and have a meal between takes, and the Disney Studio was no different. The Disney Commissary was popular among actors, with actress Cloris Leachman raving about it in a 1979 interview. The area has undergone several changes over the years, including new décor and new menu items, although Walt’s favorite chili dish is still a staple on the menu.

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March 20

March 20, 2007 – The Special Edition of the Hannah Montana Soundtrack is Released Through Walt Disney Records

“Nobody’s perfect! I gotta work it! Again and again till I get it right!”

On March 20, 2007, the special 2-disc edition of the soundtrack for the Disney Channel Original Series Hannah Montana was released through Walt Disney Records. The series had proved to be a runaway hit for the channel, and the original soundtrack was released on October 24, 2006. The special edition featured two new songs: “Nobody’s Perfect” (which was also released on the follow-up soundtrack), and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” both of which were performed by Miley Cyrus, who portrays the titular character. The second disc was a bonus DVD that featured a live performance of “Nobody’s Perfect,” as well as a short documentary called “Backstage Secrets.”

March 19

March 19, 1995 – The House of Magic Closes in Magic Kingdom Park

“Magic Tricks, Monster Masks, Sleights of Hand”

On March 19, 1995, the House of Magic shop, located in Magic Kingdom Park’s Main Street, officially closed. Open since Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, the store specialized in magic tricks and special gags, with several cast members on hand to perform several of the more popular illusions. It was closed to make room for the Main Street Athletic Club (which also required the closing of the Penny Arcade and the Main Street Book Shop).

March 18

March 18, 2003 – The Soundtrack for Piglet’s Big Movie is Released Through Walt Disney Records

“Can I walk around my shadow once before it disappears into the sun?”

On March 18, 2003, the soundtrack for the animated film Piglet’s Big Movie was released through Watl Disney Records. It featured seven new songs by singer-songwriter Carly Simon, as well as her cover of the “Winnie the Pooh” theme song originally written by the Sherman Brothers. The soundtrack also featured demo versions of the songs Simon wrote for the film, as well as pieces of the score by Carl Johnson.

March 17

March 17, 2005 – The Live Show Cinderellabration Opens in Walt Disney World

“Of course we all know that Cinderella married the prince and became princess of the kingdom, but would you like to see how it all happened? Would you like to see Cinderella crowned a princess?”

On March 17, 2005, the live show Cinderellabration began performances in front of Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. This was a revised version of the stage show that was created for the 20th anniversary celebration of Tokyo Disneyland, which told the story of Cinderella’s coronation; it was also included as an aspect of the “Happiest Celebration of Earth” festivities. Cinderella is joined by several other beloved Disney Princesses, including Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, and Belle. The stage show closed on September 16, 2006, and was replaced with Dream Along with Mickey.

March 16

March 16, 2002 – The Restaurant Backlot Express Opens in Walt Disney Studios Paris

“Dine amongst Disney blockbusters in this industrial props warehouse serving up a range of hot and cold dishes.”

On March 16, 2002, the quick-service restaurant Backlot Express opened in the Walt Disney Studios Paris park of Disneyland Paris. Similar to the original restaurant that opened in Walt Disney World’s Disney-MGM Studios park, it served fast versions of American dishes, including sandwiches and pizza. The restaurant was revised in June 2009, when it became the Backlot Express Restaurant, and was themed to be a props storage room.

March 15

March 15, 1987 – Pickett Suite Resort Opens in Walt Disney World

“Start the day with the bountiful breakfast buffet, then catch a complimentary shuttle to the Disney park of your choice!”

On March 15, 1987, the Pickett Suite Resort opened in Walt Disney World’s Lake Buena Vista area. Although not owned by Disney, it was one of several affordable options open in the area, such as the Doubletree Guest Suite Resort and the Courtyard by Marriott. The name was eventually changed from Pickett Suite to the Guest Quarters Suite Resort. The hotel has since been rebranded as the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, having been bought by Hilton Hotels, and is still in operation near Disney Springs.

March 14

March 14, 1975 – The Magic Carpet ‘Round the World Film Attraction Closes in Walt Disney World

On March 14, 1975, the film attraction Magic Carpet ‘Round the World, located in the Tomorrowland Circle-Vision Theatre, officially closed. Open since March 16, 1974, the 360-degree film gave guests majestic views of some of the world’s most beautiful places. After it was closed, it was replaced by an updated version of the attraction’s predecessor, America the Beautiful. The film would be revived in Tokyo Disneyland, opening on April 15, 1983, and closing on May 16, 1986.

March 13

March 13, 1998 – The ABC Television Series Hiller and Diller Airs Final Episode

On March 13, 1998, the final episode of the ABC television sitcom Hiller and Diller aired its final episode. Premiering on September 23, 1997, the series explored the lives of sitcom writers Ted Hiller and Neil Diller, and the relationship between the writing pair. Ted feels that he owes his success to Neil, and essentially becomes a pushover for Neil’s actions, while Neil’s neurotic tendencies have a habit of pushing everyone away. The series was cancelled after twelve episodes, with four episodes left unaired. It starred Kevin Nealon as Ted Hiller, Richard Lewis as Neil Diller, Jordan Baker as Jeanne Hiller, and Allison Mack as Brooke Diller.

March 12

March 12, 2011 – Tokyo Disney Parks Closes Due to Earthquake

On March 12, 2011, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Park closed to examine the damage caused by the Touhoku earthquake that occurred the day prior. When the earthquake hit, 69,000 people were reportedly stranded at the parks, with most guests able to vacate by the next day. As park operational calendars were updated with closings through the 21st of March, crews were brought in to assess the damage. Flooding and caved pavements were spotted throughout the park, and were subsequently fixed before the parks eventually reopened on April 28, 2011; this was the longest closing of any Disney park.