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Tag Archives: 2000s

October 29

October 29, 2005 – Laura Michelle Kelly Plays Final Performance as Mary Poppins

“After [performing in Mary Poppins] for two years in London, I just needed a break.”

On October 29, 2005, after 400 performances, actress Laura Michelle Kelly played her final performance as the titular character in the West End musical Mary Poppins. It was announced that the role would then be portrayed by Scarlet Strallen; Kelly traveled to Singapore to star in a production of A Twist of Fate. Kelly would return to the role of Mary Poppins in October, 2009, this time at the New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway.

October 25

October 25, 2000 – The Shopping Center Val d’Europe Opens Next to Disneyland Paris

“Discover Val d’Europe where there are over 150 shops catering to your every need, giving you a shopping experience like no other!”

On October 25, 2000, the international shopping center Val d’Europe opened right next to Disneyland Paris. Leased to SEGECE, the factory outlet mall features stores ranging from the Apple Store to La Grand Récré. The shopping center also features the region’s largest aquarium, which is home to over 350 varieties of sea creature. The center is a mere five minute bus ride from Disneyland Paris park.

October 24

October 24, 2001 – Disney Acquires Fox Family Worldwide

“These assets are a perfect fit for our company. We paid approximately for a rare asset.” – Disney CEO Michael Eisner

On October 24, 2001, Disney completed the acquisition of Fox Family Worldwide, which they bought for $5.3 billion from News Corp. and Haim Saban. The announcement of the planned acquisition was presented by media outlets on July 23, 2001. The acquisition included several channels, such as Fox Family Channel and Fox Kids (rebranded as ABC Family and Jetix, respectfully). Upon the announcement of the acquisition, Disney began to shift content from ABC and other Disney broadcast channels to ABC Family, giving the channel enough programming to start off well.

October 21

October 21, 2005 – Ragland Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Opens in Pleasure Island

“Enjoy a genuine Irish meal, complete with its own unique twists and a dash of Celtic creativity.”

On October 21, 2005, the Ragland Road Irish Pub and Restaurant opened in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island area (both now Disney Springs). The themed restaurant features an Ireland-inspired menu, with dishes such as the “Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do,” “Bangers & Booz,” and “Dunbrody Kiss;” the restaurant also features a variety of beers, ranging from domestic to those in the Emerald Isle. Guests are also entertained by Irish dancers every night in the Rhythms of Raglan dance show, along with various singer-songwriters and bands singing on the main stage daily.

October 19

October 19, 2007 – Tokyo Dining Opens in Epcot

“Be transported into a true cultural experience through the harmony of traditional Japanese food and hospitality.”

On October 19, 2007, the restaurant Tokyo Dining opened in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Replacing Tempura Kiku and Matsu no Ma Lounge, the restaurant features modern takes on Japanese food, which includes bento boxes and sushi platters. Guests can also enjoy views of traditional taiko drummers or the nighttime fireworks display IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

October 18

October 18, 2004 – The Animation Academy Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“…guests can stop into the pavilion’s Animation Academy and learn how to draw a real Disney character from one of our character artists…”

On October 18, 2004, the Animation Academy opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. This instructor-led animation school was the third version to open, and the second in Walt Disney World (with the first opening in DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney). It was located in the Magic of Disney Animation area, featuring a film about how animation is done, along with some character meet-and-greets of characters not often seen in the park. The area closed on July 13, 2015, to become the Star Wars Launch Bay.

October 16

October 16, 2003 – Eleven Inductees are Honored as Disney Legends

“Today, the Walt Disney Company will celebrate, recognize and reward those who have contributed their creativity and imagination to the Disney heritage in the 2003 Disney Legends ceremony.”

On October 16, 2003, eleven members of Disney history were inducted as Disney Legends. Among those honored were comic publisher Al Taliaferro; Disney representative to New Zealand, Neil Beckett; actor Buddy Hackett; director Richard Fleischer; wife of Disney and supporter of the Disney Company, Edna Disney; advisor and trustee of the California Institute of the Arts, Harrison “Buzz” Price; former Vice President of Engineering, Design, and Production, Orlando Ferrante; composer and co-founder of Disneyland Records, Tutti Camarata; comic strip artist Floyd Gottfredson; voice actress for Cinderella, Ilene Woods; and last but not least, Lillian Disney, who performed many behind-the-scenes acts to keep the company, and her husband’s legacy, alive. Among the eleven honored, only five were alive at the time of the ceremony: Richard Fleischer, Harrison Price, Orlando Ferrante, Tutti Camarata, and Ilene Woods.

October 14

October 14, 2006 – Previews Begin for Mary Poppins on Broadway

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

On October 14, 2006, the Broadway version of the musical Mary Poppins began previews at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The musical, a joint production between Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Macintosh, had Gavin Lee reprising his role as Bert, while Ashley Brown took over the role of Mary Poppins. The show would officially debut on November 16, 2006, and would go on to be nominated for seven Tony Awards, winning one for Best Scenic Design.

October 13

October 13, 2008 – The Sun Wheel Attraction Closes

“Hop inside a roomy gondola for a breeze, 9-minute jaunt above Paradise Bay.”

On October 13, 2008, the Ferris wheel thrill attraction Sun Wheel closed at Paradise Pier. The ride was designed to fit Disney California Adventure’s theme of the boardwalks in California around the turn of the century, but when the park went through an overhaul in 2008, it was deemed that this ride would be one of those to change. Although the swinging gondola aspect of the ride did not change, what did was the design, replacing the giant sun face on the wheel with a picture of Mickey Mouse.

October 12

October 12, 2008 – Portobello Country Italian Trattoria Opens in Downtown Disney

“Simple flavors of Italy”

On October 12, 2008, the restaurant Portobello Country Italian Trattoria opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney area (now known as Disney Springs). Originally opening in May 1, 1989, and known as Portobello Yacht Club, the restaurant went under refurbishment; this included a new menu with a focus more on Italian cuisine. The restaurant was closed on April 24, 2017, and will be replaced by the Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant.