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Tag Archives: 1990s

October 2

October 2, 1999 – FastPass is Offered in Disneyland Paris

“Squeeze as much of the magic as possible into your stay by reducing the waiting time with a FASTPASS.”

On October 2, 1999, the first Disneyland Paris FastPass was offered, for the attraction Indiana Jones et le Temple de Péril. This addition to the park was created to help guests streamline their experience; guests would pick up a pass for a popular attraction, which would give them a set time to come back and bypass the lengthier queues. It was originally tested and offered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in July of the same year, and was later offered in Disneyland for the it’s a small world attraction on November 19.

September 30

September 30, 1999 – The Tangierine Café Opens in Epcot’s World Showcase

“Step into this charming Mediterranean eatery known for its authentic shawarma platters, tempting pastries and specialty coffee drinks.”

On September 30, 1999, the eatery Tangierine Café Opened in the Morocco Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. This quick service café provides simple Moroccan dishes, including a shawarma lamb platter, lentil salad, and marinated olives. The café also provides a special kids menu, which includes a hamburger and chicken nuggets.

September 24

September 24, 1991 – The Stage Show Hollywood’s Pretty Woman Begins in Disney-MGM Studios

On September 24, 1991, the Muppet stage show Hollywood’s Pretty Woman premiered in Disney-MGM Studios. It was the first show in the Disney Parks to feature the Muppet characters, and also featured the character of Roger Rabbit from the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. In the show, the characters are trying to impress Roger Rabbit, who serves as a producer for Maroon Studios; the characters perform tributes to classic stars such as Judy Garland and Ginger Rogers. The show ended on November 3, 1991.

September 17

September 17, 1991 – In the Meantime, In Between Time is Released by The Party

“In my dream it’s still the same, your love is strong, it still remains.”

On September 17, 1991, the second album by the pop group The Party, titled In the Meantime, In Between Time, was released through a joint production between Hollywood Records and Elektra Records. The group was formed by Disney, featuring five members of the 1989 revival of the Mickey Mouse Club (also known as the MMC): Albert Fields, Tiffini Hale, Chase Hampton, Deedee Magno Hall, and Damon Pampolina. The album fared better than its self-titled predecessor, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard chart. Two singles were released to promote the album: “In My Dreams,” and “Private Affair;” the former was a cover by the heavy metal band Dokken, and peaked at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

September 15

September 15, 1996 – Ellen’s Energy Adventure Attraction Opens in Epcot

“What is, ‘who is it?’”

On September 15, 1996, the attraction Ellen’s Energy Adventure opened in Epcot’s Universe of Energy. Originally replacing the Universe of Energy attraction, this updated attraction featured Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” Jamie Lee Curtis, Alex Trebek, and Johnny Gilbert, teaching guests about how energy is produced, the current sources of energy, and the search for new, renewable sources of energy. Guests sit in a special seating area and watch a series of films, as well as an audio-animatronic diorama featuring a primeval world; the seating sections split apart at this point to move through the diorama before reassembling for the final two films. The attraction was closed on August 13, 2017, to make way for a new Guardians of the Galaxy themed attraction.

September 14

September 14, 1998 – The Store Villains in Vogue Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

On September 14, 1998, the villains-themed store Villains in Vogue opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The store sold a variety of goods related to popular Disney villains, such as Maleficent and Ursula, as well as goods featuring the characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. In the summer of 2015, the store was revamped, removing the villain theme and turning it into a general merchandise stop named Reel Vogue.

September 3

September 3, 1990 – The Challengers Premieres on Television

On September 3, 1990, the syndicated game show The Challengers premiered on television. A joint production between Rob Greenberg Productions, Dick Clark Productions, and Disney’s Buena Vista Television. Presented by Dick Clark, the show featured three contestants – one being a returning champion – competing in a sprint round, two rounds of questions, a final challenge, and a bonus ultimate challenge. One of the things that made this show unique is the tie to current events, which necessitated the show being filmed shortly before their airdate. The show was cancelled on August 30, 1991.

August 29

August 29, 1992 – The Dinosaurs Live Parade Ends its Run

“I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!”

On August 29, 1992, the Disney-MGM Studios parade and show Dinosaurs Live! ended its run. Opening on September 26, 1991, the parade featured the cast of the ABC series Dinosaurs as the “Surprise Family of the Day.” The song for the parade was a rendition of the 1988 song “Walk the Dinosaur,” originally by Was (Not Was). The parade was considered the beginning of adding the characters from the show into a larger presence within Disney-MGM Studios, but after falling ratings, these plans were cancelled. After Dinosaurs Live! ended its run, it was followed by Aladdin’s Royal Caravan.

August 24

August 24, 1994 – Jeffrey Katzenberg Steps Down as Head of Walt Disney Studios

“With heartfelt thanks and obvious regret, I wish him well in his future endeavors.” – Walt Disney Company CEO Michael Eisner

On August 24, 1994, Jeffery Katzenberg, the head of Walt Disney Studios, announced that he had resigned from his position. Although this had caught most of Hollywood by surprise, Katzenberg’s position at Disney had been up in the air since the passing of President of the Walt Disney Company, Frank Wells; there had been some obvious tension between Katzenberg and CEO Michael Eisner, who had refused to promote Katzenberg to Wells’ position. Although Katzenberg had helped to make Disney one of the most profitable studios of the era, the profitability came at a cost. It was announced that Joe Roth, the former chairman of 20th Century Fox, would be taking Katzenberg’s position.

August 17

August 17, 1992 – Annette Funicello Appears on the Cover of People Magazine

“To the first wave of kiddies raised on TV, she was simply Annette – the name emblazoned in block letters across the front of her memorable Mouseketeers turtleneck.”

On August 17, 1992, famed Mouseketeer Annette Funicello appeared on the cover of People Magazine, announcing that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Funicello had been suffering from the disease since 1987, and told the interviewer that she history of how she discovered she had the disease, how quickly the disease flared up, and how the tabloids came looking for answers, thinking she had a drinking problem or worse. This interview was Funicello’s way of bringing attention to the disease, as well as clearing up any rumors of her personal life.