June 30, 1984 – The Merchandise Shop South Seas Traders Opens in Disneyland
On June 30, 1984, the merchandise stop South Seas Traders opened in Disneyland’s Adventureland. The shop, located near the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost and the Adventureland Bazaar, featured varieties of clothing, including South Seas-themed clothes. It was closed in 2017 as a part of the Adventureland renovations.
June 26, 1956 – The Attraction Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches Opens in Disneyland
On June 26, 1956, the Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches attraction opened in Disneyland’s Frontierland. Guests could board a stagecoach and travel around Frontierland, particularly through the Living Desert and other updates to the area. This attraction would share a road with the Conestoga Wagons, another attraction where guests are taken en masse down the Frontierland trails. Unfortunately, the attraction had many issues, including the horses often getting spooked by the Disneyland Railroad as it passed by, and the attraction was closed on September 13, 1959.
June 22, 2005 – Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store Opens
On June 22, 2005, Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store opened right next to the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. Created like an old-fashioned soda fountain, it was a combination ice cream shop and Disney Store, where guests could eat specialty sundaes promoting Disney movies and events, while purchasing limited edition pins and merchandise. It turned into a Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop on November 15, 2013; part of the space was redesigned to be a Disney Studio Store.
June 20, 1976 – River Country Water Park Opens in Walt Disney World
“The fun loving, carefree spirit of Huck Finn is alive in River Country.”
On June 20, 1976, the water park River Country opened in Walt Disney World, right next to Fort Wilderness. Designed to resemble an old-fashioned swimming hole the likes of Huckleberry Finn, Imagineers created a miniature mountain range for the five waterslides. Part of the nearby Bay Lake, the Bay Cove area was a half-acre lake with a sand-bottom, and held almost 330,000 gallons of water. The popularity of River Country led to Disney opening two more water parks: Typhoon Lagoon in 1989, and Blizzard Beach in 1995. River Country was permanently closed on September 1, 2001, and was left as an “abandoned” park within Walt Disney World’s property.
June 12, 1975 – America on Parade Begins in Disneyland
“Floats throughout America on Parade represented historical, cultural and scientific achievements throughout the first 200 years of our nation.”
On June 12, 1975, the daytime parade America on Parade began its run in Disneyland. Celebrating the bicentennial of the United States of America, the parade featured special floats and character costumes that celebrated the history, culture, and heroes of the country, accompanied by a medley of popular songs. The parade was also led by Mickey, Goofy, and Donald, dressed in the “Spirit of ‘76” costumes. This parade was the first time that the parks on both coasts jointly worked on a production, which was viewed by over 25 million guests. The Disneyland version of the parade ran for 678 productions, ending on September 12, 1976.
June 8, 1962 – McDonnell Douglas Begins Rocket to the Moon Attraction Sponsorship
On June 8, 1962, the aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor McDonnell Douglas took over the sponsorship of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland attraction Rocket to the Moon. McDonnell Douglas succeeded TWA, who ended their sponsorship in 1961. The sponsorship was a big deal for the company, as it had just been formed in 1967, after a merger between McDonnell Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft Company. This sponsorship ended in 1966, when the attraction would then become Flight to the Moon. McDonnell Douglas sponsored the succeeding attraction until January 5, 1975.
June 7, 1975 – The Mission to Mars Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World
“Our Mission to Mars takes place sometime in the future, when a sightseeing trip to the red planet is an everyday adventure.”
On June 7, 1975, the Mission to Mars attraction opened in Walt Disney World. Similar to the original attraction that opened in Disneyland on March 21, 1975, the Walt Disney World attraction gave guests an idea of how it would be if humans could travel to Mars. Both park versions were updated from the original Flight to the Moon attraction, which had become outdated after man had made it to the moon in 1969. The Walt Disney World attraction closed on October 4, 1993.
June 6, 1993 – Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin Attraction Opens in Disneyland Paris
On June 6, 1993, the attraction Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin opened in Disneyland Paris’ Fantasyland. The attraction was a Ferris wheel that was inspired by the windmill from the Disney short film The Old Mill. The attraction was closed a few years later due to low interest among guests, but the structure still remains in the park.
June 4, 1994 – The Surprise Celebration Parade Ends Run in Walt Disney World
“Beginning in September 1991, Magic Kingdom Park kicked off its 20th anniversary celebration early with the debut of a new parade – the “Surprise Celebration Parade.”
On June 4, 1994, the Surprise Celebration Parade had its final run in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Beginning on September 22, 1991, the parade was created to celebrate the park’s 20th anniversary. It was based on the Party Gras Parade that was held exclusively in Disneyland, with several of the floats being repurposed for the Walt Disney World parade. The parade featured 35 to 40 feet balloons of several popular characters, including Roger Rabbit, Goofy, and, of course, Mickey Mouse. It was preceded by Mickey Mania.
June 3, 1960 – The Puffin Bakery Closes in Disneyland
On June 3, 1960, the Puffin Bakery, located on Disneyland’s Main Street, closed. The bakery opened on July 18, 1955, and featured several types of pastries and snacks. When it closed, it was quickly replaced by the Sunkist Citrus House, which would close in 1989.
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