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Tag Archives: Closed

January 19

January 19, 2011 – The Nighttime Show The Magic, The Memories, and You! Premieres

“[Producers] weaved music, story, photography, video and animation into a new kind of nighttime entertainment.” – Alan Bruun, Disneyland Resort Creative Director

On January 19, 2011, the nighttime show The Magic, The Memories, and You! premiered at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. It was announced as part of Disney Parks’ “Let the Memories Begin” campaign. The show featured a kaleidoscope-style visual of Disney characters and scenes broadcast on Cinderella Castle alongside music, special effects, and fireworks. A smaller version of this production was created for Disneyland to be projected on the it’s a small world attraction. It was replaced in November 2012 with the Celebrate the Magic nighttime show.

January 14

January 14, 1990 – The Person of the Century Event Kicks Off in Epcot

On January 14, 1990, a new experience called Person of the Century began running in Epcot’s CommuniCore West area. The idea was to give guests a chance to vote on who they believe was the most influential person of the century from a list of 89 nominees; some of these nominees include Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, and of course, Walt Disney. The voting was supposed to last until January 1, 2000, but the voting was pulled from Epcot a little over a year after the machines were put in place. Rumor has it that the machines were pulled due to cast members tampering with the voting and making one of their own of the main nominees.

January 8

January 8, 1998 – McDonald’s Opens in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney

On January 8, 1998, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant on a Disney property, opening in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney. Disney had partnered with McDonald’s for several years at the time of its opening, with the children’s meals featuring toys promoting the upcoming Disney animated features and series. Before the restaurant, kiosks featuring the restaurant’s famous fries were placed within Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park. The restaurant was closed in 2004, as part of the end of Disney’s exclusive partnership with the fast food chain.

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 5

January 5, 1986 – Country Manor Opens in Epcot’s England Pavilion

On January 5, 1986, the store Country Manor opened in Epcot’s England Pavilion within the World Showcase. The store replaced the former Biscuit Barrel, though it kept the same kinds of British merchandise as its predecessor. The store was eventually renamed the Magic of Wales, and featured new merchandise.

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 31

December 31, 1992 – The Club 8TRAX Opens in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island

“Those looking to return to the disco era of spinning balls, lighted dance floors and groovy atmosphere will definitely want to check out 8TRAX.”

On December 31, 1992, the club 8TRAX opened in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney. Replacing the former club Cage, it was a 1970s-themed club, featuring music from that era playing until midnight, with lighted dance floors and dancers accompanying the music. The club closed on September 27, 2008.

December 28

December 28, 1972 – Walt Disney World’s Airport Closes

“Shawnee Airlines now serving Sarasota, Miami, Tampa and Walt Disney World”

On December 28, 1972, Walt Disney World’s personal STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing) airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, closed permanently. The airport had opened in 1971 to be a private airfield for the park, shuttling guests and cast members between the park and the two nearby airports: Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport. When the airport closed, it was considered a failed experiment by Disney; it was closed thanks to low customer participation and rising debt.

December 22

December 22, 1982 – Power Goes Out in Disneyland

On December 22, 1982, hurricane-force winds continued to blast through the West Coast, and at 4:34 pm, the power goes out in Anaheim, including Disneyland Park; the force winds had knocked over a Northern California powerline. Almost 8,000 guests were escorted from the park by cast members with flashlights, with many guests having been stranded on rides. The power returned to the park almost a few hours later, but the park had been safely evacuated and closed at that point.

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.