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Tag Archives: 1990s

July 27

July 27, 1994 – The Disney Live Action Feature Blank Check is Released on VHS

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“This morning, Preston Waters got something that’s going to change his life.”

On July 27, 1994, the live-action Disney feature Blank Check was released on VHS. The film, which had done reasonably well in theaters, was Walt Disney Pictures’ only release through the month of July. The movie has since been released on other formats. It starred Brian Bonsall as Preston Waters, Karen Duffy as Shay Stanley, Miguel Ferrer as Quigley, James Rebhorn as Fred Waters, Tone Loc as Juice, Jayne Atkinson as Sandra Waters, and Michael Lerner as Biderman. The film was directed by Rupert Wainwright.

July 15

July 15, 1995 – The Wedding Pavilion Opens in Walt Disney World

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“Enchanting from afar and dazzling from within, this locale is our premier wedding destination, expressly made for matrimony and ensconced in a lush and tranquil garden setting.”

On July 15, 1995, the special Wedding Pavilion opened in Walt Disney World, on a private island in the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom. After the success of the Fairy Tale Weddings department, it was necessary to have a specific place for weddings within Walt Disney World; the first wedding held there was on June 18, 1995, and was featured on the Lifetime special Weddings of a Lifetime. The pavilion can accommodate up to 250 guests, and Cinderella’s Castle can be seen in the background of the garden area. The pavilion is still a highly sought after place for Disney-themed weddings.

July 10

July 10, 1999 – The Special Backstreet Boys in Concert Premieres on Disney Channel

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“What’s up? We’re the Backstreet Boys – obviously – and we’re hanging in New York City…”

On July 10, 1999, as part of the Disney Channel in Concert series, the episode Backstreet Boys in Concert premiered. The special was filmed during the boy band’s Into the Millennium tour, specifically at the New Amsterdam theatre in New York City, which was filmed on May 11, 1999 as part of the pre-tour. In between sets within the concert, there are special one-on-one moments with each member of the group as they explore the city.

July 5

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July 5, 1996 – The 500th Disney Store Opens in Phoenix, Arizona

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“The Disney Store has been enthusiastically received everywhere we’ve opened, and we see many additional opportunities in a variety of markets worldwide.” – Thomas A. Heymann, then President of The Disney Store Worldwide

On July 5, 1996, the 500th Disney Store opened in Phoenix, Arizona, making it the state’s sixth Disney Store location overall. Since opening in 1987, the growth of the chain exploded, with stores located in four continents; 100 stores alone were opened in the previous year. In 1996, the Disney Store was Japan’s largest foreign retailer without a Japanese partner, and many stores located oversees were built in popular and prestigious locations, such as Regent Street in London and the Champs Ellysees in Paris.

June 24

June 24, 1999 – The Quick Service Restaurant Electric Umbrella Opens in Epcot

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“Hide away beneath colorful canopies where you can sink your teeth into all kinds of classic fare…”

On June 24, 1999, the quick service restaurant Electric Umbrella in Epcot’s Future World area in Walt Disney World. The restaurant, serving lunch and dinner, features a mix of classic and healthy fare, including a French dip burger, an Energy Salad with roasted chicken, and a strawberry cheesecake. The restaurant is included in the Disney Dining Plan, and includes a courtyard where guests can eat while observing the sights of the park.

June 21

June 21, 1991 – The Celebration U.S.A. Parade Begins in Disneyland

Disneyland 1991

On June 21, 1999, the Celebration U.S.A. Parade began its run in Disneyland. It replaced the Disney’s Party Gras Parade, and took a rather humorous look at American life while celebrating the diversity that makes up the country and honoring the pride of Americans. The parade lasted only until November 24, and was replaced by The World According to Goofy Parade, celebrating the character’s 60th birthday.

June 19

June 19, 1995 – The Partners Statue is Installed at Walt Disney World

Partners Statue

“We believe in our idea: a family park where parents and children could have fun – together.”

On June 19, 1995, the Partners statue was installed at Walt Disney World, in the hub of the Magic Kingdom Park. The statue was originally installed in Disneyland to celebrate the 65th birthday of Mickey Mouse, and was created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson, who had come out of retirement just for the project. The Walt Disney World statue is the second of five installations of the statue, with the others in Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Paris, and at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The

June 12

June 12, 1999 – Tarzan Premieres at the El Capitan Theatre

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“…Walt Disney Pictures’ exciting new animated feature Tarzan takes moviegoers on an imaginative fun-filled jungle excursion unlike any other.”

On June 12, 1999, Disney’s 37th animated feature Tarzan premiered at the El Capitan Theatre, one week before its general United States release. The theatre had just undergone some drastic renovations, including the new Wurlitzer organ. The presentation of the film included a 20-minute live show, as well as a performance by singer/songwriter Phil Collins. Celebrities at the event included Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, and Brian Blessed.

May 28

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May 28, 1994 – The Wilderness Lodge Resort Opens

Wilderness Lodge

“Soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek.”

On May 28, 1994, the Wilderness Lodge Resort opened in Walt Disney World near the Magic Kingdom Park. The resort was designed with the National Park hotels in mind, inspired by such buildings as the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. The resort itself has many amenities, including a campfire with activities, jogging trails, and a guided fishing excursion. The resort also features the Firerock Geyser, which erupts near the pool area on a regular schedule.

May 27

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May 27, 1997 – The Soundtrack to Hercules is Released Through Walt Disney Records

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“I will find my way, I can go the distance, I’ll be there someday, if I can be strong.”

On May 27, 1997, the album Hercules: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack was released. The album features music from the animated feature film, written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. Performers on the album include Lillas White, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Roger Bart, Danny DeVito, Susan Egan, and Michael Bolton singing the pop version of “Go the Distance.” The music for the movie is heavily inspired by gospel and R&B, which fit in well with the idea of the muses telling the story of the hero Hercules. The Michael Bolton version of “Go the Distance” was released as a promotional single for the album. The song would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic.