RSS Feed

Tag Archives: 2010s

August 10

August 10, 2010 – High School Musical: China Premieres

“For these six friends, anything is possible when you follow your dreams.”

On August 10, 2010, the Chinese version of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical, entitled High School Musical: China, was released. Set in an international college in Shanghai, the film follows six students as they compete for a cash prize in an inter-school singing competition. The film was a joint production between Disney, Shanghai Media Group, and Huayi Bros. It starred Zhang Junning, Liu Yanchen, Ma Zihan, Gu Xuan, and Yuan Chengjie.

August 9

August 9, 2015 – The Walt Disney World Speedway Closes

“Live out your racing fantasy at the Disney Speedway!”

On August 9, 2015, after operating for almost twenty years, the Walt Disney World Speedway closed. Located in a corner near Magic Kingdom Park, the racetrack was used for speed racing events, including a Formula Ford 2000 support race; the track was also used for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which gave guests the chance to sit behind the wheel of a stock car and race down the track. The track has since been demolished to make way for transportation upgrades for Magic Kingdom Park guests.

August 3

August 3, 2012 – The Special Studio DC: Almost Live Premieres on Disney Channel

“Dylan, Cole, take five. Pepe, Rizzo, take a hike!”

On August 3, 2012, the special variety show Studio DC: Almost Live premiered on Disney Channel. The special featured The Muppets alongside a variety of Disney Channel stars, including stars of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Jokes were interspersed throughout the program referencing other Disney Channel shows and Muppet ventures. A second special premiered on October 5, 2008; neither episode has been released on home video in the United States.

August 2

August 2, 2012 – American Idol Phillip Phillips Visits Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“…have fun with it, don’t let the nerves get to you, like I’m nervous right now.”

On August 12, 2012, the newest American Idol Phillip Phillips surprised guests by visiting the American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Phillips was joined by a string of season 13 contestants, including Hollie Cavannaugh, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ladet. Phillips also took pictures outside the attraction with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

July 27

July 27, 2014 – The Yankee Trader Store in Walt Disney World Closes

On July 27, 2014, the Magic Kingdom Park store The Yankee Trader closed its doors. Located in Liberty Square, the store specialized in supplies for the kitchen, including pot holders, Disney character-shaped pasta, and glassware. The store was replaced by Memento Mori, a shop dedicated to the nearby attraction The Haunted Mansion.

July 25

July 25, 2013 – The Spa Senses Opens at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

“A full-service spa and health club inspired by the 19th century wellness retreats of upstate New York.”

On July 25, 2013, the Disney spa Senses opened in Walt Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort. This was the second version of the spa to open, as the original Senses opened in the Grand Floridian Resort in late 2012. Guests can treat themselves to a relaxing day with several different spa treatments, including facials, massages, manicures, and special packages.

July 23

July 23, 2016 – The Cocktail Lounge AbracadaBar Opens on Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk

“Once a secret lounge of illusion, there’s magic in every concoction at this sophisticated social club.”

On July 23, 2016, the cocktail lounge AbracadaBar opened in Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk area. The bar is styled to bring guests back to the 1930s, when magicians illuminated the stage. According to legend, the bar was a hot spot in the 30s, where magicians would go after they performed to show off their tricks and out-show each other, but one day the bar simply vanished, only to mysteriously return years later. Guests can peruse the varied cocktail menu, featuring the likes of the Magic Hattan, Collin’s Double, and the Parlor Trick, along with various wines and beers.

July 12

July 12, 2015 – The Magic of Disney Animation Area Closes in Hollywood Studios

“Work is underway on a new experience, and we look forward to sharing more information in the future.”

On July 12, 2015, the attraction area The Magic of Disney Animation closed in Hollywood Studios to make way for the new Star Wars-themed area. It was one of the original attractions from the park’s opening in 1989, and originally explained animation to guests while working as an active animation studio. The animation studio closed in 2003, but the area still featured explanations of the process of animation, along with special character meet and greets. The area now is home to the Star Wars Launch Bay.

July 9

Posted on

July 9, 2014 – The Interactive Activity Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush! Begins in Disneyland

“It’s time to choose your alliance in the fight for Frontierland!”

On July 9, 2014, the interactive park activity Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush! began in Disneyland. Similar to the interactive experiences in Walt Disney World, guests were able to play a character and explore the park to play a part in the story set in the Frontierland area of Disneyland. Guests could choose to either be a lawful citizen, or plan an outlaw to outwit them all. Guests also earn “bits” – the currency of the game – to help influence the story and gather needed information. This interactive game ended its run on September 27, 2014.

June 25

June 25, 2010 – The Documentary Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Magic Premieres

“We’re excited to honor Dave [Smith] and the Archives, and to give our members a close-up look at some rarely seen ‘jewels in the crown’ of Disney history.” – Head of D23, Steven Clark

On June 25, 2010, the documentary film Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Magic premiered at a special D23 event at the Disney Studios. The film, honoring the Walt Disney Archives’ 40th anniversary, took a look at how founder Dave Smith started the archives, and the impact it has on the Disney legacy. The premiere event also featured appearances by Disney President and CEO Bob Iger, as well as film historian Leonard Maltin to honor Smith and his contributions.