July 18, 1978 – Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza Opens
On July 18, 1978, the Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza opened in Walt Disney World. Also known as the Sun Bank Building and the SunTrust Building, the office was shared by Sun Bank (currently known as SunTrust), which operates the ground floor, and Disney, who keeps their offices on the upper floors. This building was Disney’s attempt to build many office complexes in the Lake Buena Vista area.
July 17, 1955 – The Fire-Wagon Begins Operations in Disneyland
On July 17, 1955, the horse-drawn fire-wagon began operating in Disneyland’s Main Street area. Reminiscent of the fire vehicles of the turn-of-the-century, guests were able to hop in the wagon and ride down Main Street, with the wagon pulled by two horses named Bess and Jess. The wagon was retired from operation in 1960, and has since been on display in the Disneyland Fire Department ever since.
July 16, 2005 – Space Mountain Reopens After Major Rebuild
On July 16, 2005, the Disneyland version of the attraction Space Mountain reopened after a two-year major refurbishment. This rebuild included replacing the entire track, new special effects, and a completely revamped queue line. This reopening coincided with the park’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and featured a brand new storyline. The next major revamp of the attraction would occur in 2015, with the Star Wars-themed overlay called Hyperspace Mountain.
July 15, 2005 – Disney Announces Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Attraction
“The submarines are coming back to Disneyland in an all-new adventure.” – President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Jay Rasulo
On July 15, 2005, Disney officially announced that the attraction Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was going to be built in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. This was one of the first major theme park projects for the then-new CEO Bob Iger, and was a reimagining of the popular Submarine Voyage attraction built in 1959. The attraction was notable for bringing the world of Finding Nemo to the attraction, combining 3D animation with the reality of the underwater world. The attraction would officially open on June 11, 2007.
July 14, 2012 – The Restaurant Lucky Nugget Saloon Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland
“If your stomach is growling like a grizzly bear, grab some Wild West flavor with a hearty meal or a quick snack.”
On July 14, 2012, the quick service restaurant Lucky Nugget Saloon opened in the Grizzly Gulch area of Hong Kong Disneyland. The restaurant serves such meals as fish and chips, chicken nuggets, and Disney character pasta salad.
July 13, 2006 – The Attraction Autopia Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland
On July 13, 2006, the Tomorrowland attraction Autopia opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. It was the fifth version of the original race track attraction, with the first Autopia opening in Disneyland on July 17, 1955. The Hong Kong Disneyland version opened as part of the park’s first expansion, featuring electric cars and special lighting effects. The attraction closed on June 11, 2016, to make way for a new Marvel-themed attraction.
July 12, 1983 – The Stage Show Show Biz Is Begins in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park
Image credit: https://waltdatedworld.com/
On July 12, 1983, the Tomorrowland live stage show Show Biz Is began in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Featuring the Kids of the Kingdom, a group of young singers and dancers that began performing at the park in 1974, the show was a revue of standards from Broadway and movies. The show ended its run on September 27, 1985.
July 11, 2008 – Lea Salonga Performs at Disney Concert Hall
“Best known for originating the role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, Lea Salonga is also a bona fide ‘Disney Princess.’”
On July 11, 2008, singer, actress, and Disney Legend Lea Salonga performed a solo concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. Salonga, an acclaimed veteran of the Broadway stage, performed as a singer in Disney animated feature films Mulan and Aladdin; she performed these songs, along with a variety of songs from her Broadway performances and Tagalog favorites, during this concert. This one-night-only concert, much like her debut at Carnegie Hall, was a sold-out show.
July 10, 2015 – The Legacy Collection: Toy Story is Released Through Walt Disney Records
“And as the years go by our friendship will never die, you’re gonna see it’s our destiny, you’ve got a friend in me.”
On July 10, 2015, the tenth entry in Walt Disney Records’ Legacy Collection, featuring the music from the Pixar animated feature Toy Story, was released. This two-disc album was released to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary; the first disc featured the entire score and songs from the film, while the second disc featured demos, instrumental versions of the songs, and a special thank you to the orchestra. The release also features special art honoring the film, as well as liner notes explaining the score and songs.
July 9, 1958 – The People and Places Featurette Ama Girls is Released to Theaters
On July 9, 1958, the 13th People and Places Featurette, Ama Girls, was released to theaters. Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, the featurette explores the life of a family of fishers in Japan, particularly the eldest daughter who is an ama diver, or pearl diver; the women in this film also dive for a mineral-rich seaweed known as “heaven grass.”. The film is also released as Japan Harvests the Sea. It would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 31st Academy Awards.
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