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Tag Archives: 2000s

March 16

March 16, 2002 – The Attraction Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux Opens in Disneyland Paris

“Rocket over to the Backlot for an explosive special effects experience in a spacecraft’s control room.”

On March 16, 2002, the backlot attraction Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux opened in the Walt Disney Studios Park of Disneyland Paris. Guests learn about the history and current techniques of special effects through an interaction with the crew of the Armageddon as the space station is caught in a meteor shower. As the story moves, guests will find themselves in a room where things explode and collapse.

March 13

March 13, 2009 – New Paradise Pier Sign is Added to California Screamin’

On March 13, 2009, as part of the new expansion and renovation of the Paradise Pier area of Disney California Adventure, the new Paradise Pier sign was added to the California Screamin’ attraction. This new sign replaced the former Mickey Mouse silhouette, and was added to change the look of the area from a modern seaside park to the feel of the seaside in the 1920s. The sign hangs above the loop of the roller coaster.

March 10

March 10, 2001 – The New Pool Nanea Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

“Make a splash at this pool which features a towering volcano, a waterfall, and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide.”

On March 10, 2001, the new recreational pool Nanea (meaning “tranquil” opened at Disney’ Polynesian Village Resort in Walt Disney World. This pool featured a volcano with a water slide inside; this volcano was set to go off in timed intervals, but this was a short-lasting venture. The slide inside the volcano measures 142 feet, and the volcano also features a beautiful waterfall.

February 26

February 26, 2008 – The Fantasia Shop Reopens in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

“If your fantasy is to find the ultimate collection of Disney souvenirs…you’ve found the right place.”

On February 26, 2008, the general merchandise stop Disney’s Fantasia Shop reopened in Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. Originally opening in 1971, the shop was moved to the center of the concourse for greater access, and taking the place of the Concourse Sundries. The shop features a large variety of Disney souvenirs, including clothes, snacks, and toys.

February 23

February 23, 2003 – Monsters, Inc. Wins Two Grammy Awards

“You and me together, that’s how it always should be, one without the other don’t mean nothing to me…”

On February 23, 2003, the 45th Grammy Awards were held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Pixar collaborator and musician Randy Newman won an award for his song “If I Didn’t Have You,” featured in the animated feature film Monsters, Inc. The song won for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media. Monsters, Inc. won again, winning Best Musical Album for Children for the compilation album Monsters, Inc. Scream Factory Favorites, with performances by Riders in the Sky.

February 15

February 15, 2005 – The Compilation Album Disneymania 3 is Released Through Walt Disney Records

“Wherever I wander, wherever I roam, I couldn’t be fonder of my big home.”

On February 15, 2005, the third album in the Disney cover compilation series Disneymania was released through Walt Disney Records. The album featured a variety of artists, ranging from Disney Channel stars The Cheetah Girls and Christy Carlson Romano, to American Idol stars Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke, to bands Bowling for Soup and Jump5. Five singles were released to promote the album and Disney animated features released on home video: “Under the Sea” by Raven-Symone, “A Whole New World” by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” by The Cheetah Girls, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” by Aly & AJ, “Cruella De Vil” by Lalaine, and “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” by Jump5. The album peaked at 30 on the Billboard 200, and was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA.

February 10

February 10, 2003 – The Partners Statue is Installed at the Disney Studios

On February 10, 2003, the fifth copy of the iconic Partners statue was installed at the Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The original statue, created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson, was installed in the central hub of Disneyland on November 18, 1993, with the other three copies placed in Disney Parks. The idea of Walt holding Mickey’s hand was inspired by a scene from the animated feature film Fantasia, where Mickey shakes the hand of famed conductor Leopold Stokowski.

February 9

February 9. 2009 – Disney Announces Distribution Deal with DreamWorks

“Disney is the birthplace of animation and has always been as close to the worldwide audience as any company ever has.” – Director Steven Spielberg

On February 9, 2009, Disney announced that they would enter in a long-term distribution deal with DreamWorks studio. The original deal DreamWorks was with Universal, but the plan fell through when DreamWorks had asked for cash to finance their movies under their contract with Reliance BIG Entertainment. Under the Disney deal, Disney agreed to market at least six of the films created under DreamWorks’ agreement with Reliance, a Bollywood producer.  The deal did not include the DreamWorks Animation company. The first film released under this deal was the film I Am Number Four, which was released under the Touchstone Banner on February 18, 2011.

February 8

February 8, 2001 – The Pacific Wharf Café Opens in Disney California Adventure

“Drop anchor and take a peaceful waterfront break with breads by Boudin, San Francisco’s world-famous artisanal bakery.”

On February 8, 2001, the counter-service restaurant Pacific Wharf Café opened in Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf area. Guests are treated to California cuisine, such as Chinese Chicken Salad and Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl. Guests can also check out the Bakery Tour by the Boudin Bakery, a popular bakery from San Francisco.

February 6

February 6, 2001 – The Restaurant Rancho del Zocalo Opens in Disneyland

“Round up all your amigos and head to the hacienda for classic Mexican cuisine on a bonita bougainvillea-shaded patio.”

On February 6, 2001, the Mexican restaurant Rancho del Zocalo opened in Disneyland’s Frontierland. It opened on the site of the former Casa Mexicana, and offered a menu with Mexican and barbecue courses. However, in 2004, the menu changed to an all-Mexican offering, featuring dishes such as Chilaquiles, Chile Verde, and Burrito Guadalajara.