RSS Feed

Category Archives: Uncategorized

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.

January 1

January 1, 1990 – Hollywood Records Begins Operations

On January 1, 1990, Disney’s record label Hollywood Records began operations. The label was created by then-CEO Michael Eisner, who wanted to expand Disney’s music operations into the more mainstream music scene rather than just soundtracks. The label had its first success when it was able to acquire the rock band Queen’s entre catalogue for $10 million. The groups currently under the label range from rock bands (Breaking Benjamin, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals), to pop artists (Bea Miller, Sofia Carson), to R&B singers (Jordan Fisher). Several artists have starred on Disney Channel in movies and shows, transitioning to a music career under the Hollywood Records label. The label also features soundtrack and compilation albums for the Marvel films in a joint production with Marvel Music.

December 31

December 31, 1992 – The Club 8TRAX Opens in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island

“Those looking to return to the disco era of spinning balls, lighted dance floors and groovy atmosphere will definitely want to check out 8TRAX.”

On December 31, 1992, the club 8TRAX opened in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney. Replacing the former club Cage, it was a 1970s-themed club, featuring music from that era playing until midnight, with lighted dance floors and dancers accompanying the music. The club closed on September 27, 2008.

December 30

December 30, 1980 – The Selective Service System Contacts Mickey Mouse

“It may be that somebody is pulling our leg, but it was released on official stationary.” – Bob Roth, Disneyland Spokesperson

On December 30, 1980, senior Disneyland officials were amused when they received a letter from the Selective Service System regarding Mickey Mouse. The service was reminding 18-year-olds that they had to register for the draft, and wrote that Mickey had “not responded to our initial request for necessary date of birth information,” seemingly unaware that Mickey was a 52-year-old fictional mouse.

December 29

December 29, 2013 – Downton Abbey Actress Elizabeth McGovern Visits Walt Disney World

Downton at Disney?”

On December 29, 2013, Walt Disney World caught Downton Abbey fever when actress Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora Crawley, visited the parks. McGovern notably visited Epcot and took a photo with several cast members from the United Kingdom Pavilion, spoofing the iconic cast photo in front of Highclere Castle, with the pavilion’s landscape subbing for the castle. On hand for the photo was Goofy, dressed in top hat and tails, while McGovern posed in a casual outfit.

December 28

December 28, 1972 – Walt Disney World’s Airport Closes

“Shawnee Airlines now serving Sarasota, Miami, Tampa and Walt Disney World”

On December 28, 1972, Walt Disney World’s personal STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing) airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, closed permanently. The airport had opened in 1971 to be a private airfield for the park, shuttling guests and cast members between the park and the two nearby airports: Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport. When the airport closed, it was considered a failed experiment by Disney; it was closed thanks to low customer participation and rising debt.

December 27

December 27, 1954 – Walt Disney Appears on the Cover of Time

“To enchanted worlds on electronic wings.”

On December 27, 1954, Walt Disney appeared on the cover of Time Magazine for the second time (coincidentally, the first time was on December 27, 1937, celebrating the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs). The cover was painted by Boris Chaliapin, and the cover story featured Walt’s role in shaping television content with his television series, which had premiered nine weeks earlier. The story also touched on Walt’s upcoming dream in development, which would become Disneyland.

December 26

December 26, 1989 – The World Traveler Shop Opens in Epcot

“This shop at International Gateway is your passport to Epcot and Disney souvenirs plus cold beverages for your voyage.”

On December 26, 1989, the merchandise stop The World Traveler opened in Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. Located at the International Gateway near the World Showcase, this shop provides the first bit of merchandise to travelers taking the ferry to get to Epcot from certain Walt Disney World resorts. The shop provides a variety of merchandise ranging from pins to housewares. It also provides cold drinks for guests to take with them in the park, especially on hot Florida days.