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Tag Archives: 2000s

May 24

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May 24, 2007 – The Disney Magic Arrives in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Disney Magic

“It was important to add new surprises for our guests during out first-ever European adventure.” – Jim Urry, Vice President of Entertainment and Shore Excursions

On May 24, 2007, the new cruise liner, the Disney Magic, pulled into the Port of Barcelona, which was to become the ship’s home port during its Mediterranean cruises. The ship, which had been operating since 1998, had already had lines to Castaway Cay and the Caribbean, and was now making its European debut. The ship was greeted in the port by over 2,000 fireworks and thousands of anxious greeters waiting to join in on the celebration. The first cruise in the area featured a carnival-style deck party called Party Paradiso, complete with special effects and special characters.

May 23

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May 23, 2009 – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

HKDHBBB

“Pamper your fairy tale fantasies during a most enchanting transformation – from young Guest to Disney Princess!”

On May 23, 2009, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique made its way to Hong Kong Disneyland, opening in the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. This is the fourth version of the store to open in a Disney park, with the other three opening in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. When it first opened, it opened under the name My Little Princess before switching back to the well-known moniker. The packages offered include the Crown Package, with hair styling, crown, sash, make-up, manicure, and a photo, and the Castle Package, including many of the Crown Package features along with costume, wand, and ring set.

May 20

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May 20, 2003 – The Soundtrack for Finding Nemo is Released Through Walt Disney Records

Finding Nemo Soundtrack

“Somewhere beyond the sea…”

On May 20, 2003, the soundtrack to Pixar’s fifth animated feature Finding Nemo was released through Walt Disney Records. This was the first Pixar feature not to be scored by Randy Newman, and the first collaboration between Pixar and Thomas Newman, who would go on to work with Andrew Stanton on the score for WALL-E. The score would go on to be nominated for Original Music Score at the Academy Awards, but lost to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

May 18

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May 18, 2004 – The Soundtrack for That’s So Raven is Released Through Walt Disney Records

TSR_S

“It’s the future I can see, it’s so mysterious to me.”

On May 18, 2004, the soundtrack for the Disney Channel Original Series That’s So Raven was released through Walt Disney Records. Featuring songs sung by the cast and a collection of other pop songs, the album peaked at number 44 on the Billboard 200. Artists included lead actress Raven-Symoné, Jesse McCartney, Chaka Khan, and Kool & the Gang. The album would eventually be certified gold by the RIAA.

May 17

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May 17, 2005 – The Compilation Album Best of the Muppets Featuring the Muppets’ Wizard of Oz is Released

BoMMWoO

“Sometimes, you gotta get out of Kansas.”

On May 17, 2005, the special compilation album Best of the Muppets Featuring the Muppets’ Wizard of Oz was released through Walt Disney Records. This was the first album released through Disney after their acquisition of the Muppets in February 2004. The album mainly featured songs from the television movie The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz, starring Ashanti and Queen Latifah. A song from the film, “When I’m With You,” was nominated for an Emmy award, but lost to “Mary Jane/Mary Lane” from Reefer Madness. The album also featured standards from the Muppet catalogue, including “Mahna Mahna” and “Rainbow Connection.”

May 14

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May 14, 2007 – Walt Disney World Makes a Donation to Orlando’s Performing Arts Center

DPAC Check

“Disney Cast Members take great pride in supporting our community and making Central Florida a better place to live, work, and play.” – Meg Crofton, President, Walt Disney World Resort

On May 14, 2007, the Walt Disney World Resort announced its plans to make three significant donations to the Central Florida area, beginning with a $12.5 million commitment to the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center. Disney’s contributions to the area trace back to 1989, when they contributed $425,000 to build the amphitheater for community events. By 2007, Disney’s contributions to the amphitheater totaled more than $1 million.

May 9

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May 9, 2008 – The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra Hosts The Magical Music of Disney

MMoD

“‘Be Our Guest’ as you ‘Step in Time’ to the Magical Music of Disney.”

On May 9, 2008, a special performance by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra entitled The Magical Music of Disney was presented. The special orchestration, held from May 9 through May 11, featured pieces from Disney classics both new and old, ranging from Mary Poppins to Beauty and the Beast. The orchestra was joined by singers and dancers to accompany the popular pieces. Similar performances have been held at other concert halls, adding more popular pieces through the years, including instrumentals from Pirates of the Caribbean to the hit songs from Frozen.

May 8

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May 8, 2006 – The Leads for the Broadway Version of the Mary Poppins Musical Are Announced

Mary Poppins ABGL

“We are delighted that Ashley and Gavin will bring these two legendary characters to life at the New Amsterdam Theater.”

On May 8, 2006, the American production of Mary Poppins officially announced its leads: Ashley Brown as Mary, and Gavin Lee as Bert. Brown had previous experience with Disney Theatrical, starring in the touring show On the Record, and making her Broadway debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Lee had originated the role of Bert in the West End Production, and was brought to Broadway thanks to his charming interpretation of the character. It was also announced that the official Broadway production would open November 16.

May 5

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May 5, 2004 – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Attraction Opens in Disney’s California Adventure

DCAToT

“Hold on tight for a thrilling journey into another realm of sight and sound you’re sure to never forget.”

On May 5, 2004, the thrill attraction The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened in Disney California Adventure Park (DCA). Based on the hit attraction that opened in Disney-MGM Studios in 1994, the DCA version is 183 feet tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city of Anaheim. The attraction differs from the Walt Disney World attraction significantly in terms of technology, particularly in the setup of three separate shafts for the ride, which results in fewer breakdowns; this advancement in the ride system was then replicated in the original Florida attraction, and added to the Tokyo DisneySea’s version, Tokyo DisneySea’s Hotel Hightower. The backstory of the attraction, however, is still the same as the Florida attraction, where five unlucky souls got lost in another dimension when lightning struck the Hollywood Tower Hotel on Halloween night, 1939.

May 3

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May 3, 2005 – The Compilation Album Disney Wishes! Is Released Through Walt Disney Records

Wishes

“When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”

On May 3, 2005, the special compilation album Disney Wishes! was released through Walt Disney Records. All proceeds from sales of the album went to the Make A Wish Foundation, with which Disney has a long-standing partnership with through the Disney Worldwide Outreach Program. The album features covers of classic Disney songs, performed by such artists as Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Bette Midler.