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Tag Archives: 2010s

February 12

February 12, 2012 – “I See the Light” Wins a Grammy

“If she’s here it’s crystal clear, I’m where I’m meant to go.”

On February 12, 2012, the 54th Grammy Awards were held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Nominated for two awards, the Disney animated feature film Tangled received a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media; it was awarded to Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, songwriters for the song “I See the Light,” performed by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. The song beat out “Born to Be Somebody” from Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, “Christmastime Is Killing Us” from Family Guy, “So Long” from Winnie the Pooh, “Where the River Goes” from Footloose, and “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” from Burlesque.

January 11

February 11, 2011 – Mickey’s Toontown Fair Closes in Walt Disney World

On February 11, 2011, the Mickey’s Toontown Fair area of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park officially closed. The area had first opened as Mickey’s Birthdayland to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, and was remodeled as Mickey’s Starland on May 26, 1990. It eventually became Mickey’s Toontown Fair and opened on June 29, 1996. The area was closed to make way for the Fantasyland expansion, with the area’s attraction The Barnstormer being included in the new Storybook Circus area.

February 4

February 4, 2017 – The Restaurant Paddlefish Opens in Disney Springs

“Board an iconic paddleboat anchored on Lake Buena Vista to feast on fresh seafood and savory steaks.”

On February 4, 2017, the contemporary seafood restaurant Paddlefish opened at The Landing in Disney Springs. It replaced the former Fulton’s Crab House (which itself was a replacement of the Empress Lilly riverboat). Keeping the former’s paddleboat motif, guests board the boat and are treated to a mix of traditional and innovative dishes ranging from a lobster roll, crab ceviche, and tableside lobster guacamole. The restaurant is also known for its build-your-own seafood boil, where they can choose from king crab, lobster, snow crab, clams and mussels, or gulf shrimp.

 

January 31

January 31, 2016 – The Shop Seashore Sweets Closes

On January 31, 2016, the candy shop Seashore Sweets, located on Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World, closed. The shop was fashioned like an Atlantic shore-style candy shop, and featured bulk candy, alongside hand-scooped ice cream. The store was also known for showcasing special pieces from the Miss America Pageant. The area was soon replaced by the AbracadaBar, a specialty lounge.

January 29

January 29, 2011 – The Disney Dream Makes First Visit to Castaway Cay

“Disney Dream visits Castaway Cay for fun in the sun during ship’s maiden voyage.”

On January 29, 2011, the Disney Dream’s maiden voyage made its way to Castaway Cay, the Disney-owned island in the Bahamas. The area was bought in 1996, and was created to serve as a stop-over point for Disney Cruise Line ships. During the visit, guests were able to lounge on the beach, or stop at the newest addition to the island: Pelican Plunge, a 2,400-square-foot platform that contains two water slides.

January 27

January 27, 2017 – Planet Hollywood Reopens in Disney Springs

“Enter a realm where innovative cuisine, live entertainment and rare Hollywood memorabilia create a dazzling scene.”

On January 27, 2017, the Hollywood-themed restaurant Planet Hollywood reopened in Disney Springs. Originally opening in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island on December 18, 1994, it was structured to resemble an observatory. The renovated flagship store features four stories, along with a stargazing observatory and an outdoor terrace. A new menu was created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, featuring decadent desserts and over-the-top burgers.

January 20

January 20, 2017 – Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Disneyland for Limited Engagement

“Join us in January as we welcome the Main Street Electrical Parade home to Disneyland park for a limited time!”

On January 20, 2017, the Main Street Electrical Parade began a limited engagement run in Disneyland. Originally premiering on June 17, 1972, the floats and synthesizer music became a huge hit with park guests. A version of the parade was created for Walt Disney World, which premiered on June 11, 1977. The Disneyland version ended its run on November 25, 1996. With the limited engagement version, special merchandise and food offerings were offered to help guests enjoy the experience.

January 19

January 19, 2011 – The Nighttime Show The Magic, The Memories, and You! Premieres

“[Producers] weaved music, story, photography, video and animation into a new kind of nighttime entertainment.” – Alan Bruun, Disneyland Resort Creative Director

On January 19, 2011, the nighttime show The Magic, The Memories, and You! premiered at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. It was announced as part of Disney Parks’ “Let the Memories Begin” campaign. The show featured a kaleidoscope-style visual of Disney characters and scenes broadcast on Cinderella Castle alongside music, special effects, and fireworks. A smaller version of this production was created for Disneyland to be projected on the it’s a small world attraction. It was replaced in November 2012 with the Celebrate the Magic nighttime show.

January 18

January 18, 2011 – The Flights of Fantasy Parade Kicks Off in Hong Kong Disneyland

“Watch and cheer as Disney Characters join this sky-high celebration with music, dancing and excitement ‘in the air.’”

On January 18, 2011, the Flights of Fantasy Parade kicked off its run in Hong Kong Disneyland. The parade was created as part of the celebrations for Hong Kong Disneyland’s 5th anniversary. The parade was a collaboration project with cast members from Disney Parks around the world, and features several floats with themes ranging from Dumbo to Toy Story, accompanied by acrobats and aerialists. The twenty minute parade also features Cantonese and English versions of popular Disney songs, such as “You Can Fly” and “Heffalumps and Woozles.” The parade also features its own song, “Flights of Fantasy,” and a Cantonese version of the Jonas Brothers’ song “Fly With Me.”

January 17

January 17, 2010 – Endangered White Rhino is Born in Animal Kingdom

“We’re beginning the week with a celebration.”

On January 17, 2010, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed an addition to their park, as endangered white rhino Kendi gave birth to her third baby. Kendi was the first white rhino born at the park’s sanctuary, and her baby was the eighth. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has helped extensively with the conservation of this endangered species, with two of the white rhinos born in the park brought to the Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda to help reestablish the population that had been close to extinct since the 1980s.