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Tag Archives: 2010s

February 6

February 6, 2011 – The Quick Service Restaurant Tortuga Tavern Opens in Walt Disney World

“Steal away to this delightful pirate haunt and prepare for the tastiest grub this side of Port Royal!”

On February 6, 2011, the quick service restaurant Tortuga Tavern opened in the Magic Kingdom Park of Walt Disney World, near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Replacing the former El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante, the restaurant’s theme was updated to fit the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The restaurant features a variety of entrees, such as a chipotle barbecue short rib, short-rib topped hot dog, and a turkey leg.

February 5

February 5, 2017 – The Starring Rolls Café Closes in Hollywood Studios

On February 5, 2017, the Starring Rolls Café officially closed in Hollywood Studios. Open since May 1, 1989, the café served as a beloved pastry shop within the park, featuring guest favorites such as the Butterfinger Cupcake, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake, and the pastrami sandwich. Many of Starring Rolls’ delicacies were moved to the new Trolley Car Café and sold alongside Starbucks products.

February 3

February 3, 2014 – Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story Premieres at the El Capitan Theatre

“When you are born blank in a painted world, love can give you color.”

On February 3, 2014, the stop-motion short film Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The film would be released on the Google Play platform on February 10, and would continue to play at the El Capitan alongside a limited-time showing of Lady and the Tramp to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It was produced by Disney Interactive Entertainment, and was directed by Greg Shewchuk, Paul Foyder, Michael Ambs, Whitfield Scheidegger, and Regina Roy.

The short begins with the character Blank being released into the painted world, and soon spotting Bow, a similarly blank Vinyl. Bow gives Blank a bow tie, and the two watch the sunrise together, with Blank giving Bow a flower. The mood quickly changes when a strange creature arrives and takes Blank Minnie away on a train. Not wanting to lose his love, Blank Mickey hops on the top of the train as it rolls along, and sets off on an adventure to find her, making unlikely friendships, traveling through the woods at night, and doing whatever it takes to find her.

February 2

February 2, 2013 – The Turtle Talk with Crush Attraction Opens in CHOC Children’s Hospital

“Located in the new Disneyland Resort lobby, this interactive experience gives patients and families a chance to have live conversations with Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney-Pixar film Finding Nemo.

On February 2, 2013, thanks to a $5 million donation from the Disneyland Resort, a new tower was dedicated at the CHOC Children’s Hospital. Themed after the Pixar film Finding Nemo, the tower featured several intricate elements, including a version of the attraction Turtle Talk with Crush, where patients would be able to interact with the popular character through an animated show done twice a done. An interactive orientation was built in conjunction with his new tower to help CHOC employees understanding the new offerings in an engaging manner, based on the Cast Showcase that Disneyland created for it cast members to introduce them to the offerings of Disney California Park.

January 31

January 31, 2016 – The Show Animagique Closes

On January 31, 2016, the black light show Animagique officially closed. Located in Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Paris, the show was an homage to beloved scenes from Disney animated features, ranging from Dumbo to The Lion King, and featured Mickey and Donald as the main characters. The show has Mickey and Donald teaching a drawing class, and Mickey warning Donald not to enter an area called the Cinematheque; Donald disobeys this and, upon entering the magical film vault, is thrown into scenes of the Disney films. This live show featured a variety of effects, including puppetry. After closing, the show was then replaced by Mickey and the Magician.

January 28

January 28, 2018 – “How Far I’ll Go” From Moana Wins Grammy Award

“If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me one day I’ll know, if I go there’s just no telling how far I’ll go.”

On January 28, 2018, the 60th Annual Grammy Awards were held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The music from the animated feature film Moana was nominated for two awards (Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Best Song Written for Visual Media), and walked away with one: Best Song Written for Visual Media for “How Far I’ll Go,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

January 27

January 27, 2011 – The Nighttime Show The Magic, The Memories, and You! Premieres in Disneyland

“It turns [it’s a small world] into an animated, coloring pad; it coaxes the singing dolls from inside the attraction to appear outside in the show; and it weaves hundreds of guest photos into a giant, surprise mosaic.”

On January 27, 2011, the new nighttime show The Magic, The Memories, and You! premiered in Disneyland, after a January 19 premiere in Walt Disney World. This show was created as part of the “Let the Memories Begin” year-long promotion. Although this kaleidoscope-style visual was intended to be broadcast on Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World, the effects were brought to a smaller stage for Disneyland, where it was broadcast on the it’s a small world attraction. The ten-minute show uses technology to change the attraction’s outside façade, and also features around 500 photos and videos that guests submitted to the “Let the Memories Begin” online repository.

January 25

January 25, 2017 – 21 Royal Opens for Reservations

“Dine in an ambiance of luxury, inspiration and innovation.”

On January 25, 2017, the newest exclusive restaurant 21 Royal opened for reservations. Located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction on Royal Street in New Orleans Square of Disneyland Park, it was designed in the opulence of the Empire style that was made popular in 19th century New Orleans. Parties of up to 12 guests can attend this exclusive dinner event, and are given a VIP escort of the restaurant; guests are also taken to a private balcony for desert and a special view of the park’s nighttime entertainment.

January 22

January 22, 2018 – Minnie Mouse Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

“The star of more than 70 movies during her illustrious career, Minnie has entertained millions of people around the world, touching hearts and bringing joy wherever she goes.” – Disney CEO Bob Iger

On January 22, 2018, in conjunction with her 90th anniversary, the Disney character of Minnie Mouse was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the eighth character from the Disney catalogue to be given this honor; the first, Mickey Mouse, was awarded this on his 50th anniversary. Minnie was present to receive her star, joined by Disney CEO Bob Iger, pop star and then-American Idol judge Katy Perry, and, of course, her love Mickey Mouse. During the ceremony, Minnie Mouse was recognized not only for her film contributions, but also for her worldwide influence ranging from fashion to theme park appearances.

January 18

January 18, 2016 – The Quick-Service Restaurant Pizza Planet Arcade Closes

“Today…serving your local Star Cluster…”

On January 18, 2016, the quick-service restaurant Pizza Planet Arcade closed. Located on the Streets of America in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park, the restaurant was themed after the restaurant of the same name from the Toy Story series of films, and served pizza and salads. The area was originally slated to be a Muppet-themed restaurant, but this changed after the original deal between Jim Henson Productions and the Walt Disney Company fell through; after Pizza Planet Arcade closed in 2016, the place then became the quick-service pizza restaurant PizzeRizzo, themed after the Muppet character Rizzo the Rat.