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Tag Archives: 1990s

January 13

January 13, 1990 – The Official Dedication of the Attraction Star Tours is Held at Disney-MGM Studios Park

On January 13, 1990, though the attraction had been open since December 15, 1989, an official dedication ceremony was held for the Star Tours attraction in Disney-MGM Studios Park. This was the second version of the attraction to open in a Disney park (with Disneyland receiving the first version on January 9, 1987), but this was the first version to receive a Hollywood treatment, complete with the recreation of the Ewok Village from Return of the Jedi for the queueing area, along with a 35-foot Imperial All-Terrain Armored Transport Walker. On hand for the ceremony were Star Wars creator George Lucas, film actors Mark Hammil and Carrie Fisher, and then-CEO Michael Eisner.

January 8

January 8, 1998 – McDonald’s Opens in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney

On January 8, 1998, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant on a Disney property, opening in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney. Disney had partnered with McDonald’s for several years at the time of its opening, with the children’s meals featuring toys promoting the upcoming Disney animated features and series. Before the restaurant, kiosks featuring the restaurant’s famous fries were placed within Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park. The restaurant was closed in 2004, as part of the end of Disney’s exclusive partnership with the fast food chain.

January 6

January 6, 1997 – The Attraction Rocket Jets Closes

On January 6, 1997, the long-lasting attraction Rocket Jets closed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Replacing the Astro-Jets in 1967, the attraction allowed guests to soar over the park as they circled around a towering rocket; the attraction was similar to the popular Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction. When Tomorrowland underwent a renovation in 1997, the Rocket Jets were closed, and were replaced with the Astro Orbiter in 1998.

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 23

December 23, 1999 –Restaurant Agrabah Café Opens in Disneyland Paris

“Follow in the footsteps of Aladdin for an enticing buffet in the heart of a colorful, bustling Agrabah.”

On December 23, 1999, the all-you-can-eat buffet Restaurant Agrabah Café opened in Adventureland at Disneyland Paris. The menu includes dishes from Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine, and guests are able to spot Aladdin at points during their meal. The restaurant is highly popular, and reservations are highly recommended months in advance.

December 20

December 20, 1998 – ­­The Lion King Musical Opens in Tokyo’s Shiki Theater HARU

ミュージカル『ライオンキング』が日本中を生命の歓喜に包みこむ!”

On December 20, 1998, the first international version of the hit Broadway musical The Lion King opened at the Shiki Theater HARU. Translated into Japanese, the production proved to be successful overseas and opened the doors for more international productions. As of 2017, the production is still running, having celebrated its 10,000th production on July 15, 2015. An original cast recording was also released.

December 18

December 18, 1992 – The It’s a Small World Toy Shoppe Opens in Disneyland

On December 18, 1992, the specialty shop It’s a Small World Toy Shoppe opened in Disneyland’s Fantasyland. The shop, sponsored by Mattel, was opened at the exit of the famous it’s a small world attraction and features several toys and games, along with attraction-themed merchandise such as apparel and cell-phone cases.

December 5

December 5, 1990 – Espace Euro Disney Opens

“When the dream becomes reality.”

On December 5, 1990, the preview center for Euro Disney, known as Espace Euro Disney, opened. At the time, the concept of Euro Disney was under intense pressure and scrutiny by the French, and this preview center was opened to introduce the French to the park. It was built to drum up interest and act as a marketing center, showing off concept art and small models of coming attractions. by the time the park opened in 1992, the space was no longer needed, and the main Disney elements of the building were taken down. The center officially closed on March 22, 1992.