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Tag Archives: Attraction

January 22

January 22, 2006 – A Blue Carpet Premiere is Held for Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!

“This delightful new adventure continues our tradition of creating memorable, immersive storytelling attractions.” – Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Jay Rasulo

On January 22, 2006, a special ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of the new Disneyland attraction Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!. Called a “blue carpet” premiere (in honor of Sulley’s blue fur), several celebrities were on hand to experience the new attraction, including Disney Channel star Ashley Tisdale, actress Lisa Kudrow, and actor Patrick Warburton. Located in Disney’s California Adventure, the attraction was meant to provide more family-friendly entertainment, alongside other Pixar-themed attractions and entertainment.

January 13

January 13, 1990 – The Official Dedication of the Attraction Star Tours is Held at Disney-MGM Studios Park

On January 13, 1990, though the attraction had been open since December 15, 1989, an official dedication ceremony was held for the Star Tours attraction in Disney-MGM Studios Park. This was the second version of the attraction to open in a Disney park (with Disneyland receiving the first version on January 9, 1987), but this was the first version to receive a Hollywood treatment, complete with the recreation of the Ewok Village from Return of the Jedi for the queueing area, along with a 35-foot Imperial All-Terrain Armored Transport Walker. On hand for the ceremony were Star Wars creator George Lucas, film actors Mark Hammil and Carrie Fisher, and then-CEO Michael Eisner.

January 11

January 11, 2017 – The Iron Man Experience Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

“One of the world’s greatest super heroes is among us.”

On January 11, 2017, the Marvel-themed attraction Iron Man Experience opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. The first Marvel-themed attraction to open in a Disney park, the experience gave guests the opportunity to explore the inventions of Tony Stark, along with a chance to meet Iron Man himself and play in the interactive game Become Iron Man. The area is split into four sections: Stark Expo, Take Flight with Iron Man Above Hong Kong, Heroic Encounter with Iron Man, and Become Iron Man at The Stark Expo. Guests are also able to shop for special Iron Man themed merchandise, as well as eat and drink Iron Man themed food and beverages, such as an Iron Man Waffle.

January 6

January 6, 1997 – The Attraction Rocket Jets Closes

On January 6, 1997, the long-lasting attraction Rocket Jets closed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Replacing the Astro-Jets in 1967, the attraction allowed guests to soar over the park as they circled around a towering rocket; the attraction was similar to the popular Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction. When Tomorrowland underwent a renovation in 1997, the Rocket Jets were closed, and were replaced with the Astro Orbiter in 1998.

January 2

January 2, 1996 – The World of Motion Pavilion Closes

“It’s fun to be free, to be on the move, to go anywhere with ever a care to.”

On January 2, 1996, the World of Motion Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World officially closed. Sponsored by General Motors, the pavilion provided guests a look at the history of automobiles, with a section called the Transcenter serving as a look at the future of cars. The attraction was replaced by the new General Motors attraction Test Track, which began soft openings in December, 1998.

December 17

December 17, 1961 – The Babes in Toyland Exhibit Opens in Disneyland

On December 17, 1961, the Babes in Toyland exhibit attraction opened in Disneyland’s Opera House. It was a similar concept to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea exhibit, where elaborate sets from the live-action feature were put on display for guests to walk through and experience. The Babes in Toyland exhibit, however, did not match the previous success of its predecessor. It was closed on September 30, 1963. Although the attraction closed and the sets were removed, thenmovie, however, did contain an element that would become a lasting part of Disney Parks: the toy soldiers from the film would eventually become the toy soldiers in the Disney Park holiday parades.

December 6

December 6, 2012 – The After Market Shop Opens in Epcot

“After your wild ride, slow down and rubberneck tons of Test Track merchandise: toy cars, pit crew caps, pins and more.”

On December 6, 2012, the After Market Shop opened in Epcot, in the exit area of the Test Track attraction. The new name for the gift shop in the Inside Track exhibit area, the area sells Chevrolet-themed items, such as attire and model cars. The store was part of the refurbishment that was done on the Test Track attraction, and has since been renamed the Test Track SIMporium.

December 3

December 3, 2013 – it’s a Small World: the animated series Premieres on Disney.com


On December 3, 2013, the animated series it’s a Small World: the animated series premiered on Disney.com. The series is derived from the attraction of the same name in the Disney theme parks, and included original songs by composer and Disney Legend Richard Sherman. The art style for the series was inspired by the original concept art and attraction design by artist Mary Blair. The series ran for eight episodes.

November 26

November 26, 2008 – The Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Reopens

“Step into a storybook.”

On November 26, 2008, the walking attraction Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough reopened in Disneyland. The walkthrough was originally opened on April 29, 1957; it was expanded in 1968 and redesigned in 1977, before being closed again for refurbishment in 2008. In 1977, the attraction was designed to resemble the figures shown in the Main Street dioramas, but in 2008, it was decided that the attraction would go back to the version resembling Eyvind Earles’s designs for the animated film, along with some technical modifications. A brand new addition was the CGI walkthrough for those guests who were unable to climb stairs but wanted to walk through virtually.

November 18

November 18, 2001 – The TriceraTop Spin Attraction Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Fly high on a dinosaur around a twirling tin-toy top at this delightful carnival-inspired attraction.”

On November 18, 2001, the TriceraTop Spin attraction opened in the DinoLand U.S.A. area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Similar to the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction in Magic Kingdom, and designed to fit the dinosaur carnival atmosphere, guests can board dinosaur shaped gondolas as they ride around and around, controlling how high or low they wish to soar. Surprises also lie in store for guests during the ride’s operation.