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Tag Archives: Attraction

June 26

June 26, 1957 – The Viewliner Opens in Disneyland

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“The Viewliner: The Train of Tomorrow.”

On June 26, 1957, the Viewliner train attraction opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Based on Walt’s love of model trains, the Viewliner was a modernistic mini-monorail that ran alongside the Disneyland Railroad. This was Walt’s first attempt at a mass –transit system within the park, but was overtaken a little over a year later by the Monorail, which was inspired by the transit systems found in Germany. The Viewliner was closed on September 15, 1958; the Monorail opened the following year.

June 25

June 25, 1967 – The Circle-Vision 360 Film America the Beautiful Opens in Disneyland

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“She is a rich land, and a rare land. A fresh, and fair, land.”

On June 25, 1967, the Circle-Vision 360 film America the Beautiful opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. The film, originally known as a Circarama film, opened at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 before being brought to Disneyland in 1960. This 1967 version is a reshot version of the original film, and was revised again in 1975 for the American Bicentennial celebrations. Shot with nine cameras on a circular stand, the film gives guests a 360 experience of important American landscapes and American ways of life. It was closed on January 3, 1984, and was replaced by American Journeys. A 16mm version of the film was created for educational purposes in 1980.

June 23

June 23, 1956 – The Skyway to Fantasyland and the Skyway to Tomorrowland Open in Disneyland

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“See Disneyland from the air!”

On June 23, 1956, the Skyway to Fantasyland and the Skyway to Tomorrowland transportation attraction opened in Disneyland. The system of four-person gondolas gave guests an overhead view of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, with guests able to purchase either a one-way or round-trip ticket. Eventually, the system was relegated to a one-way trip only. The design of the system was different in Tomorrowland versus Fantasyland, with Fantasyland looking more like a ski chalet, and Tomorrowland keeping with its futuristic theme. The attraction ended its run on November 10, 1994. Similar versions have also been installed in Walt Disney World (from 1971 to 1999) and in Tokyo Disneyland (from 1983 to 1998).

June 16

June 16, 1984 – The Film Attraction Magic Journeys Premieres in Disneyland

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“Just an ordinary day, all at once you’re on your way to a place that cannot be no one knows what turns the key.”

On June 16, 1984, the 3-D film attraction Magic Journeys opened in Disneyland, first premiering at the Space Stage outdoor area; the area was then replaced with the indoor Magic Eye Theater. The film, considered an impressionistic view of the world through a child’s imagination, first premiered in Walt Disney World on October 1, 1982, with Disneyland being the second park in which the film played. The film stopped showing in Disneyland in 1986, and was replaced by Captain EO.

June 11

June 11, 2010 – The Silly Symphony Swings Attraction Opens in Disney’s California Adventure

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“You’re in for a whirlwind of fun as you swing above Paradise Bay to the dramatic score of ‘The William Tell Overture.'”

On June 11, 2010, the Silly Symphony Swings attraction opened in the Disney’s California Adventure Park. The attraction, known as a “wave swinger,” is themed after the Mickey Mouse short film The Band Concert, particularly the scene where the orchestra is tossed about by a whirlwind. The attraction replaced the Orange Stinger, another type of wave swinger attraction that had several problems during its operation.

June 6

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June 6, 1959 – The Submarine Voyage Attraction Opens in Disneyland

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“Secure ship for sea, make all preparations for getting underway.”

On June 6, 1959, the Submarine Voyage opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland area. The attraction was part of a major expansion of the park, which also included the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Monorail. Originally painted grey, the submarines seated 38 guests and took them through a tour of underwater curiosities, including mermaids and the city of Atlantis. The attraction was overhauled in 1980, with the submarines being painted yellow to reflect a focus on scientific research. The attraction closed in 1998, but was revamped and reopened as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in 2007.

May 30

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May 30, 1932 – Former Chairman of Walt Disney Attractions and Disney Legend Dick Nunis is Born

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“Disney is successful because we are dealing with people. And the words quality and pride, that is really what it is all about.”

On May 30, 1932, Dick Nunis was born in Cedartown, Georgia. He attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship, where he met Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s eventual son-in-law. After graduating from USC with a degree in education, he applied for a summer job at the new Disneyland Park, and ended up working with Van France in developing a training program for Disneyland employees. Nunis used his education degree to his advantage, moving up the ladder to become the attractions supervisor and develop standard operating procedures for all of the attractions. In 1961, he became the director of park operations and was given larger task: helping to develop the new Walt Disney World Park. Nunis continued to move upwards, eventually becoming the executive vice president of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. He continued to work in a large capacity in the development of the parks, including Epcot, Disney-MGM, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. Nunis retired in 1999, serving with the Walt Disney Company for 44 years. He was awarded as a Disney Legend the same year.

May 25

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May 25, 1990 – The Stage Show Here Come the Muppets Premieres

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“The Muppets have arrived at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park!”

On May 25, 1990, the stage show Here Come the Muppets premiered in Disney-MGM Studios. This was the first show to feature the Muppets at the Disney Park, after purchasing negotiations had started between Disney and Jim Henson Associates (these negotiations would stall after Henson’s death, though Muppet*Vision 3D continued in the park). The show was performed until September 2, 1991, and was replaced by Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

The show begins with Kermit panicking when he can’t find anyone and the show is about to start. Mickey calls to find how well the show is going, but while Kermit manages to stall, he decides to call his friends to find out where they are. Kermit reaches Miss Piggy on the video phone, and she is alarmed when everyone can see her at home. Kermit then calls Fozzie, who is very lost. However, Kermit manages to guide Fozzie onto the stage, and Fozzie tells Kermit that the others are coming on the monorail. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem crash into the building before Gonzo and Buster Bunny arrive to help Fozzie and Kermit sing a rendition of “Make ‘Em Laugh.” Miss Piggy performs next a rousing rendition of Lloyd Price’s “Personality.” To kill time between sets (and covering for Animal eating one of the amplifiers), Kermit sings  “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green.” Finally, Electric Mayhem performs Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” followed by the finale number “Shout!”

May 12

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May 12, 1956 – The First Main Street Horseless Carriage Operates in Disneyland

Take a ride in the yellow automobile. Or more appropriately, the Yellow Horseless Carriage. This vehicle, designed by Disney Legend Bob Gurr, first appeared on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland on December 6, 1956, and was the second of two Horseless Carriages to ride up and down the street carrying park guests. The first was the Red Horseless Carriage, which appeared May 12, 1956. The motorized Fire Engine appeared August 16, 1958. Prior to its appearance, there was a horse-drawn fire wagon that would carry park guests that debuted on the park's opening day, July 17, 1955. The fire wagon is now on permanent display inside the Disneyland Fire Department fire station.

“Travel back in time during a breezy, one-way drive down Main Street, U.S.A in a charming turn-of-the-century vehicle.”

On May 12, 1956, the first Main Street Horseless Carriage began operating in Disneyland. The vehicles, designed by Imagineers to match the turn-of-the-century look of Main Street, take guests around Main Street all the way up to Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Horseless Carriages were also placed in Walt Disney World (starting operation on October 1, 1971), as well as Tokyo Disneyland (starting operation on April 15, 1983).

May 5

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

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“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.