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Tag Archives: Attraction

June 12

June 12, 1957 – The Monsanto House of the Future Attraction Opens in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland

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“The Home of the Future was always a great one. You’d go in and see all the things that you wondered why you didn’t have them in your home.” – Dick Cook, Former Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios

On June 12, 1957, the Monsanto House of the Future attraction opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Like many attractions at this time, it was meant to be a view of the future; it was built with plastic, and featured many appliances and furniture pieces that were uncommon in homes at the time. In 1967, like many pieces of Tomorrowland, the house began to look dated thanks to advances in technology at the time, and was scheduled to be torn down. However, the house was so well built that it wasn’t able to be destroyed in the regular fashion, as the wrecking ball just bounced off the house; crews had to take the place apart piece by piece. The home was completely demolished by December of 1967.

June 11

June 11, 2010 – The Nighttime Show World of Color Premieres in Disneyland’s California Adventure

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“Watch images of characters come to life on a veil of mist, while water forms fanciful shapes in time to memorable music.”

On June 11, 2010, the nighttime show World of Color premiered at Disneyland’s California Adventure park. The show takes place at Paradise Bay in the Paradise Pier area, and is an outdoor light and music extravaganza, with over 1,000 fountains shooting enough water to create a 19,000 square-foot screen, where 28 projectors display clips from classic Disney movies. Music plays in time with the projected clips, ranging from all across Disney film history. The show has become immensely popular, and is frequently updated for special events or holidays. Special “Glow with the Show” ear hats are also available for guests to purchase, and the ears glow to match the rhythm of the show.

June 10

June 10, 1998 – The BET Soundstage Club Opens in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island

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“The best in urban contemporary music and entertainment.”

On June 10, 1998, the BET Soundstage Club opened in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island Area. As the only nightclub that bore the name of Black Entertainment Television (BET), it replaced the Neon Armadillo Music Saloon, a nightclub that featured a country-western theme. The nightclub featured music by popular R&B, hip-hop, and rap artists, as well as various Caribbean-style appetizers and drinks. The nightclub closed on September 27, 2008.

May 31

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May 31, 2013 – The Interactive Game A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas Begins in Walt Disney World

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“Discover hidden treasures, fend off enemies, and join Captain Jack on an interactive adventure of a lifetime.”

On May 31, the interactive park game A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas began in Walt Disney World. Similar to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, guests first go to an area called The Crow’s Nest and are given a map to find spots hidden in Adventureland of the Magic Kingdom on one of five searches for treasure: Heads You Lose, Guardian’s Curse, Haven Defense, A King’s Ransom, and Blackbeard. The adventures are based on the Pirates of the Caribbean series of films, including the characters of Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa. Any guest is able to play the game, and each mission takes about twenty minutes, although guests can stop and resume at any time.

May 25

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May 25, 1983 – The Pinocchio’s Daring Journey Attraction Opens in Disneyland

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“Board a woodcarver’s cart and take off on a fantastic journey that revisits the beloved tale of Pinocchio and his conscience, Jiminy Cricket.”

On May 25, 1983, the Disneyland attraction Pinocchio’s Daring Journey opened in Disneyland. A Pinocchio-themed attraction had long been in the works at WED Enterprises, but it wasn’t until the opening of the new Fantasyland on this very day that the attraction became a reality. Surprisingly, this attraction opened in Tokyo Disneyland a month before the Disneyland version, as the timeline for Tokyo Disneyland’s grand opening resulted in the attraction opening before Fantasyland’s revamp was finished. The attraction takes guests through the events of the classic film, beginning at Stromboli’s Puppet Theater. Known as a “dark ride,” the attraction involves show lighting with the figures painted in black light paint, illuminated with ultraviolet light, along with several other special effects.

May 24

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May 24, 2013 – The Monstrous Summer 24 Hour Event Starts at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

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“Three Disney theme parks celebrate the beginning of summer with a ‘Monstrous’ bi-coastal All-Nighter.”

On May 24, 2013, to celebrate the release of the Pixar film Monsters University, the three American Disney Parks held an event called “Monstrous Summer,” where the parks were open for a full 24-hours of fun and exciting events. There were limited pieces of merchandise available only during this event, along with special character greetings, parades, and dance parties. A distinctive nighttime spectacular called “Celebrate the Magic” also began during this celebration, and lasted all summer, lighting Cinderella’s Castle with summer-themed images from Disney movies Lilo and Stitch and The Little Mermaid, with a few others. Sweet monster-themed treats were available as part of the celebration, including a Mike Wazowski cake-pop.

May 20

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May 20, 1996 – Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Garden Pavilion Opens

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“Putt your way through 5 whimsical scenes featuring tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks, and pirouetting ostriches.”

On May 20, 1996, the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Garden Pavilion opened in Walt Disney World, near the Swan and Dolphin hotels. The miniature golf course features scenes from the animated feature film Fantasia, including the two most well-known segments: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Dance of the Hours. The pavilion holds two 18-hole courses, along with a putting course and a meeting facility. The course is located close enough to Hollywood Studios that guests are able to have a great view of the Tower of Terror attraction.

May 19

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May 19, 1971 – The Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes Attraction Opens in Disneyland’s Critter Country

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“Travel back to a time when water was the fastest mode of transportation.”

On May 19, 1971, the Critter Country attraction Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes opened. Originally a Frontierland attraction called Indian War Canoes, the attraction was closed in 1971 and moved to Critter Country. The dock of the attraction has moved several times due to the natural changes of the banks of the Rivers of America. This is one of the only attractions that requires a large amount of guest participation, as guests must use the paddles to move the 35-foot long canoes around Tom Sawyer Island. The Disneyland version has been replicated in other parks, including Walt Disney World (the attraction closed in 1993) and Tokyo Disneyland (the attraction was renamed the Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes in 1992).

May 17

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May 17, 2013 – Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Point Land Opens

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“You will be invited to ride in [Lord Henry Mystic’s] latest invention the ‘Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage,’ and treated to a front row experience of the precious collection!”

On May 17, 2013, the third and final land of Hong Kong Disneyland’s land expansion project, Mystic Point, opened to the public. The area includes Mystic Manor, a Haunted Mansion-style attraction; Garden of Wonders, a garden area filled with 3D illusionary sculptures; and Mystic Point Freight Depot, where guests can take pictures with recreations of famous antiquities from around the world. The Explorer’s Club Restaurant gives guests a chance to dine on Korean, Japanese, and South East Asian delicacies, while being surrounded by décor from Egypt, Russia, Morocco, India, and China. Guests can also buy very special souvenirs at the Archive Shop, including an explorer’s hat with Mickey Mouse ears.

May 6

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May 6, 1988 – The Norway Pavilion Opens in Epcot’s World Showcase

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“Norway all the way!”

On May 6, 1988, the Norway Pavilion opened in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. This is the most recent country to be added to the showcase. The area features the Maelstrom attraction, a boat ride that explores the heritage of Norway, as well as the myth of the trolls; also featured is the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, a quick service bakery filled with Norwegian delicacies, including the famous “School Bread” – a sweet bun filled with vanilla crème custard and topped with toasted coconut. Norway is represented by the Stave Church Gallery, which features an exhibit of the culture and history of the country that inspired the animated film Frozen. Norway also houses the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, which features a special character dining experience of breakfast with the Disney Princesses.