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August 4

Posted on August 4, 2014 by disneydetail

August 4, 1995 – The New Walt Disney World Park Animal Kingdom Has its Groundbreaking

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“With a combination of thrilling rides, exotic landscapes and close encounters with wild animals, we are creating an entirely new experience for our guests.” – Michael Eisner, former chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

On August 4, 1995, the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Resort, the Animal Kingdom Park, had its official groundbreaking. Plans were announced on June 21, 1995, with the park already called the largest theme park yet. The original name was the Wild Animal Kingdom, with the first word later dropped during production. Although many attractions were changed from 1995 to its opening in 1998, the centerpiece known as the Tree of Life was the one constant in its construction. The purpose of the park was to ramp up excitement about conservation with guests, as many members of the parks’ advisory board were conservationists and distinguished professors in the field of wildlife.

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July 22

Posted on July 22, 2014 by disneydetail

July 22, 1955 – Disneyland’s Candy Palace Opens on Main Street

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“…many of the Disneyland ‘homemade’ candies have their own fanbase.”

On July 22, 1955, the Disneyland candy shop Candy Palace opened on Main Street. The store is home to several exclusive treats, particularly around Christmas, when the candy makers make their own candy canes. The main draw of the shop is the large front window that gives guests a look at the confectioners creating sweet treats the likes of caramel turtles, decorative gourmet caramel apples, and peanut brittle. Overall, about 63 different treats are made year-round in the candy kitchen. Walt Disney World has a similar store called the Main Street Confectionery; Disneyland Paris’ version is known as the Boardwalk Candy Palace.

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July 18

Posted on July 18, 2014 by disneydetail

July 18, 1965 – The Audio-Animatronic Attraction Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Opens in Disneyland

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“Revel in the recitations of President Abraham Lincoln that changed history and helped shape a nation.”

On July 18, 1965, the Audio-Animatronic attraction Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opened in Disneyland’s Main Street area. The attraction was created for the New York World’s Fair, presented at the State of Illinois pavilion. Lincoln was a hero of Walt Disney’s when he was a boy, and was the perfect pick for a presidential tribute at the time. After the World’s Fair, the popularity of this and the other Disney-created attractions made way for these attractions to be placed within Disneyland. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was closed in 1973 to be replaced with The Walt Disney Story, but the popularity of the attraction demanded its return; it was brought back as The Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in 1975. The original voice of the attraction was actor Royal Dano, who had performed as Lincoln in several films due to his uncanny resemblance. In 2001, the attraction underwent a major restoration effort, with the voice actor changing to Warren Burton, and a few changes made to the story.

 

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July 4

Posted on July 4, 2014 by disneydetail

July 4, 1984 – The Circle-Vision Attraction American Journeys Opens in Disneyland

American Journeys

“A new vision of America’s people, heritage, and breathtaking beauty. A spectacular motion picture odyssey.”

On July 4, 1984, the Circle-Vision film attraction American Journeys opened in Disneyland. The film uses the Circle-Vision 360° technique, also used in Epcot’s O Canada! and Wonders of China; the technique includes nine screens arranged in a circle, with nine cameras used to film the scenery, giving the audience the perspective of really being in the scene. American Journeys, like its predecessor America the Beautiful, captured many highlights of the United States. A version of the film opened in Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland on September 15, 1984, as well as in Tokyo Disneyland on May 17, 1986. The Disneyland attraction ended its run on July 7, 1996.

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July 2

Posted on July 2, 2014 by disneydetail

July 2, 1993 – The Dinner Theater Area Aladdin’s Oasis Opens in Disneyland

Aladdin's Oasis

“…a whole new world of fun, food, and adventure at Aladdin’s Oasis – the newest dinner show at Disneyland.”

On July 2, 1993, the dinner theater-style entertainment area Aladdin’s Oasis opened in Disneyland, replacing the Tahitian Terrace. The show was released to capitalize on the success of the 1992 animated feature film. The area gave guests a show filled with songs and dances by characters from the film while they enjoyed Americanized-versions of Middle Eastern food, including papadam wafers and tabbouleh. The show was discontinued after a couple of years, but the restaurant was still in operation until 1997, when it became a storytelling area; it has since become a meet-and-greet area where guests can meet Aladdin and Jasmine.

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June 23

Posted on June 23, 2014 by disneydetail

June 23, 1999 – The Adventureland Attraction Tarzan’s Treehouse Opens in Disneyland

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“Tour Tarzan’s jungle home – built aloft in an 80-foot tall tree – and see what it’s like to live on the wild side!”

On June 23, 1999, the Adventureland attraction Tarzan’s Treehouse opened in Disneyland. It replaced the Swiss Family Treehouse that has been in Disneyland since 1962, and was based on the 1999 animated feature film. To recreate the feel of the film, the staircase was rebuilt to resemble parts of a shipwreck, and the houses include scenes from the life of the title character. At the top of the attraction, guests are able to view all of Adventureland; at the base of the attraction, an area is set up for children to play and interact. The attraction was also recreated at Hong Kong Disneyland, and opened on September 12, 2005.

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June 19

Posted on June 19, 2014 by disneydetail

June 19, 1998 – DisneyQuest Opens in Downtown Disney

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“Discover 5 floors of fun including virtual worlds, 3D encounters, and classic video games.”

On June 19, 1998, the interactive indoor attraction DisneyQuest opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney West Side. The area features five floors of activities, randing from virtual reality games, to animation instruction, to classic video games. Many of the games feature popular Disney characters, including Aladdin (Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride virtual game) and Buzz Lightyear (Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters). A second DisneyQuest opened in Chicago on June 16, 1999, but closed in 2001 due to low attendance. Although other attempts to take DisneyQuest outside the park were planned, the projects were shelved indefinitely due to the closing of the Chicago location.

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June 16

Posted on June 16, 2014 by disneydetail

June 16, 1957 – The Short-Lived Disneyland Area Holidayland Opens

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“I had the honor, or dishonor, of being the only manager of a land at Disneyland that failed.” – Disney Legend and Disneyland Opening Day Manager Milt Albright

On June 16, 1957, the short-lived area of Disneyland known as Holidayland opened. Walt wanted to make use of the tent that once housed the Mickey Mouse Circus, and decided to create an area for corporate events, including picnics. Guests could then enter the main park through a special entrance. The area had very little appeal, as it lacked any Disney “flavor,” and had several other problems. The area closed in 1961, and is now occupied by New Orleans Square.

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June 15

Posted on June 15, 2014 by disneydetail

June 15, 2012 – Cars Land Opens in Disney’s California Adventure

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“Zoom through the desert landscape of Cars Land, inspired by the Disney-Pixar movie Cars.”

On June 15, 2012, the themed expansion area of Disney’s California Adventure, Cars Land, opened. Designed to resemble Radiator Springs from the hit Disney-Pixar Movie, the 12-acre area features several attractions and dining options. One attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, takes guests through the area, letting them view all parts of Radiator Springs while racing against each other. Highlights include Luigi’s Flying Tires (similar to the Flying Saucers attraction from the early days of Disneyland), Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, and Flo’s V8 Café.

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June 14

Posted on June 14, 2014 by disneydetail

June 14, 1958 – The Fantasyland Attraction Alice in Wonderland Opens in Disneyland

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“Can you escape in time for a very ‘unbirthday party’ where you’re the guest of honor?”

On June 14, 1958, the Fantasyland attraction Alice in Wonderland opened in Disneyland. Based on the 1951 animated feature, the attraction is a dark ride, with parts of the ride illuminated using ultraviolet light and special paint. Guests board caterpillar-shaped boats and head into “Wonderland,” viewing several iconic scenes from the film, and meeting the beloved characters. The attraction was closed on September 6, 1982, for a major remodel, which included a re-recording of the voice of Alice by original actress Kathryn Beaumont. As of the date of this entry, the ride has been closed again for another remodel. This is one of the few attractions that exists only in Disneyland.

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