June 23, 1995 – The Quick Service Stand Meeko’s Opens in Disneyland
On June 23, 1995, the quick service stand Meeko’s opened in Disneyland. Originally called Yumz, the stand changed its name after The Spirit of Pocahontas live stage show premiered at Videopolis; the stand was named after the racoon character from the animated feature film Pocahontas. It served quick, basic food, such as nachos and pizza. It closed on September 5, 1997.
June 21, 1996 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure Stage Show Opens in Disney-MGM Studios
“A cast of medieval puppets and 21 live performers tell the story of the bell ringer Quasimodo in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Musical Adventure at Disney-MGM Studios.”
On June 21, 1996, the stage show Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure opened at the Backstage Theater in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World. Based on the animated feature film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the show promoted the film and was part of Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The show closed its run on September 28, 2002.
June 20, 1995 – The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World
“If something can’t be done with X-S, then it shouldn’t be done at all.”
On June 20, 1995, the Tomorrowland attraction The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. A joint production between Disney and George Lucas, it was a dark sci-fi themed interactive sensory adventure, using binaural sound and other effects to enhance the experience. The attraction’s story takes place in the laboratory for X-S Tech, which is giving guests a demonstration of their new interplanetary teleportation device; this goes awry when an alien is accidentally transported into the lab and terrorizes the guests. The attraction was officially closed on October 11, 2003. On November 16, 2004, Stitch’s Great Escape! opened in its place, using most of the technology from the previous attraction.
June 19, 1992 – The World According to Goofy Parade Kicks Off in Disneyland
“From the pyramids to politics, Goofy brought the hyucks to history.”
On June 19, 1992, the celebration parade The World According to Goofy kicked off in Disneyland. Celebrating the character’s 60th birthday, the parade takes important events in history and gives them a “Goofy” twist, including Cleopatra’s Egypt and the 4th of July. The parade ended its run on November 15, 1992.
June 12, 1994 – The Merchandise Store Legends of Hollywood Opens in Hollywood Studios
“Star Wars fans, your shop has come in!”
On June 12, 1994, the specialty merchandise store opened in Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Located on Sunset Boulevard, the store changes often to fit a popular theme; as of 2017, the store focuses on special merchandise from the Star Wars franchise, including kitchenware, ear hats, and “creations from top designers.”
May 26, 1990 – The Merchandise Spot Calling Dick Tracy Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“Starring YOU…in your screen test debut.”
On May 26, the themed merchandise spot Calling Dick Tracy opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the store was created to promote the live-action feature film Dick Tracy, which opened on June 15, 1990. The store gave guests a chance to star in their own Dick Tracy adventure and take home a video version. The store eventually closed on January 12, 1991, and was replaced with Legends of Hollywood.
May 21, 1999 – Bill Nye the Science Guy Wins Four Daytime Emmy Awards
“Science rules.”
On May 21, 1999, the 26th Daytime Emmy Awards were held at The Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York City. At this ceremony, the science program Bill Nye the Science Guy walked away with four awards: Outstanding Sound Editing, Outstanding Single-Camera Editing, Outstanding Directing for a Children’s Series, and Outstanding Children’s Series. This would be the first year that the show would win Outstanding Children’s Series, and would win it again in 2000.
May 17, 1991 – The Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Opens in Walt Disney World
“Revel in the romance and pageantry of New Orleans’s historic French Quarter at this Moderate Resort hotel…”
On May 17, 1991, the Walt Disney World hotel Port Orleans French Quarter opened. Themed around the lively atmosphere of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, the hotel has 1,008 rooms complete with gold, green, and purple accents. The hotel also features the quick service restaurant Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court, along with two lounges: Scat Cat’s Club and Mardi Grogs. Another popular amenity is the swimming pool Doubloon Lagoon, which features a sea serpent. In 2001, the Dixie Landings resort combined with Port Orleans, and eventually split off to become Port Orleans Riverside.
May 6, 1990 – The Muppets at Walt Disney World Premieres on ABC
On May 6, 1990, the television special The Muppets at Walt Disney World premiered on NBC under the “Magical World of Disney” programming banner. The special featured the classic Jim Henson-created characters exploring the Florida theme park, and was the last Muppet feature that Henson would work on before his untimely passing. It was created to help highlight the merger between The Walt Disney Company and the Jim Henson Company, a merger that wouldn’t fully take place until 2004. The episode also starred Charles Grodin, Raven-Symoné, and Michael Eisner.
May 3, 1994 – Disney Announces Intention to Start a Cruise Line
“Operating our own cruise line will allow us to bring a new dimension of entertainment to our guests.” – Michael Eisner, then-Disney CEO
On May 3, 1994, the Walt Disney Company publicly announced their intention to create a cruise line, with their first ship estimated to be ready to sail in 1998. This announcement came on the heels of some recent announcements of expansions of the Disney brand, including the renovation of the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City, plans to build a historical theme park in Virginia, and the first professional season of the Mighty Ducks hockey team. Disney had licensed its characters to be a part of the Florida-based Premiere Cruise Lines, but had recently ceased the eight-year agreement with the company. The first ship in the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Magic, sailed out on its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998.
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