RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Dedication

May 24

Posted on

May 24, 2017 – Pandora – The World of Avatar is Dedicated at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Now, anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting this extraordinary world can explore the astonishing landscape and ecosystem, soar on the back of a banshee and actually become part of the Avatar adventure.”

On May 24, 2017, the new area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, known as Pandora – The World of Avatar, was officially dedicated. Based on James Cameron’s hit film Avatar, the area brings the world of Pandora to life, where guests can explore the rainforests by sailing down the Na’vi River, hike among the Valley of Mo’ara, and fly across the sky on the back of a mountain banshee. This area covers 12-acres of the Walt Disney World Park, and took several years, and a collaboration between Disney and Lightstorm Entertainment, to come to life. The dedication ceremony featured James Cameron and Disney CEO Bob Iger as they introduced the park and opened it up to guests.

Advertisement

May 2

Posted on

May 2, 2014 – The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Attraction has Dedication Ceremony

“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is both literally and figuratively the centerpiece of New Fantasyland, so we knew it had to be something special.”

On May 2, 2014, a special dedication ceremony was held for the newest attraction in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Known as the “crowning jewel” of New Fantasyland, the long-awaited attraction was introduced by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, along with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. At the ceremony, Staggs announced that the official opening date to the public would be May 28th, but invited everyone to celebrate that the final component had been added to the ride. The ride features the latest in Audio-Animatronics and special effects, and the coaster itself features the novelty of swinging cars that rock as the coaster travels down the track.

November 28

November 28, 1995 – The Walt Disney World Speedway is Dedicated

wdws

“Get a dose of adult-style adrenaline behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car at Walt Disney World Speedway.”

On November 28, 1995, the Walt Disney World Speedway was officially dedicated. The ceremony for the track, built in a section of the Magic Kingdom parking lot, featured several famous Indy Racing League racers, including Davey Hamilton and Eliseo Salazar. The track was originally used for various racing events, starting with the Formula Ford 2000 support race on January 26, 1996. In 1997, the track was used for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which gave guests the opportunity to be behind-the-wheel in a real racing car and ride-along in stock cars. The Speedway was officially closed on August 9, 2015.

October 6

October 6, 1971 – The Sunshine Pavilion in Walt Disney World is Officially Dedicated

sp_wdw

“Millions in the years ahead will visit the Sunshine Pavilion, and they will appreciate the Citrus Commission for making this moment possible.” – President of Walt Disney Productions Donn B. Tatum

On October 6, 1971, the Adventureland area the Sunshine Pavilion was officially dedicated after being opened on October 1. This area featured the Walt Disney World version of the Enchanted Tiki Room, then known as The Tropical Serenade, and featured its own mascot: the Orange Bird. Singer Anita Bryant was on hand at the dedication to perform two songs especially for the area: “The Orange Bird Song” and “Orange Tree.” Reubin Askew, then-Governor of Florida, was also on hand to press a special button that formally opened the attraction; he was joined by several cabinet officers and members of the Florida Department of Citrus.

April 21

April 21, 1915 – Film Editor and Disney Legend Lloyd Richardson is Born

Lloyd Richardson

“Lloyd gave his all to the Disneyland series. His work was impeccable.” – Disney Legend Stormy Palmer

On April 21, 1915, Lloyd Richardson was born in Portland, Oregon. He attended the Los Angeles City College but, during the throes of the Depression, he dropped out to start working. He was able to score a job in traffic at the Disney Studios in 1937, and soon after joined the Editing Department, where he was able to flourish. Starting with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio, Richardson quickly learned the craft of film editing, and soon became an editor-at-large for a variety of projects, including foreign film editing that helped match foreign language tracks to the animation, and editing the training films by the studio during World War II. He continued to edit the animated features as he moved his skills to the True-Life Adventures series, eventually editing the Academy Award winning shorts Bear Country and The Vanishing Prairie. As the studio progressed into the television medium, Richardson moved into directing alongside editing, and eventually worked on over 50 different television projects. For his body of work, Richardson has won an American Cinema Editors Award for Chico, The Misunderstood Coyote, and an Academy Award with Ward Kimball for the short film It’s Tough to Be a Bird. He retired in 1980, after 40 years with the studio. He was honored as a Disney Legend in 1998. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 86.

October 25

October 25, 1971 – The Official Dedication of Walt Disney World Takes Place

WDW Dedication

“May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place.”

On October 25, 1971, the official dedication ceremonies of Walt Disney World took place in the heart of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. The special event was filmed for an NBC special that aired on October 29, and featured a dedication speech by Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney, a marching band led by Music Man creator Meredith Wilson, and special appearances by celebrities, such as Bob Hope. This day kicked off a three-day celebration for the park, which also included a performance by the World Symphony Orchestra in front of Cinderella Castle, conducted by Arthur Fiedler.

August 2

August 2, 2001 – Stage 2 of the Walt Disney Studios is Dedicated as the Julie Andrews Stage

mq_003

“I’m so pleased to be here today as we honor Julie, our great friend and family member, in a very special way.” – Roy E. Disney

On August 2, 2001, Stage 2 of the Walt Disney Studios was dedicated as the Julie Andrews Stage in a special ceremony. The stage itself, opening in April of 1949, is the second oldest stage on the studio lot, and one of the largest in the Los Angeles area. It has served many purposes, from filming of The Mickey Mouse Club, to hosting the building of Disneyland attractions. Two of Andrews’ films were filmed on this stage: Mary Poppins and The Princess Diaries. Attending the ceremony to honor Andrews were Roy Disney, Chairman of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Richard Cook, director of The Princess Diaries Gary Marshall and its star Anne Hathaway, Dick Van Dyke, and Richard Sherman of the Sherman Brothers songwriting team.

July 24

July 24, 1966 – New Orleans Square is Dedicated at Disneyland

vlcsnap-2013-07-24-05h25m58s244

“[New Orleans Square] is quite a project, it’s the way I’ve always wanted to see Disneyland built when you see all the buildings…it’s really a joy to see it done in the way we’ve done New Orleans Square.” – Walt Disney

On July 24, 1966, the new New Orleans Square land of Disneyland was dedicated at a special ceremony featuring Walt Disney and the mayor of New Orleans, Victor Schiro. An admirer of the unique look of New Orleans, Disney had believed that this style would add an ideal touch to the area alongside the banks of the Rivers of America. This area houses two of Disneyland’s most popular attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. As there is not a lot of space available in this area, Imagineers had to be very creative in their placement of the attractions and the various restaurants and shops. Walt had wanted to build an apartment there, but Roy Disney changed these plans after Walt passed away, and the area would later become the Disney Gallery. This dedication was also Walt’s last major public appearance at the park.

April 9

April 9, 1961 – Walt Disney Dedicates Snow White Grotto

SnowWhiteGrotto_D23

Stars from stage, screen, television and show business in general, as they visit the Park, are planning to make their contributions along with the public as they pass the Wishing Well and admire the beauty of the latest addition to the Disneyland scene.”

On April 9, 1961, Walt Disney dedicated the Snow White Grotto in Disneyland. The idea for the grotto came from a slight dilemma: Disney had received marble figures of the characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but the statues were all of the same size. Designer John Hench came up with a smart solution of proportions, using the illusion of height and distance by placing Snow White at the top of the scene, having her stand over the other characters. When the scene is viewed from the footbridge, Snow White appears to be perfectly in proportion with the dwarfs. Also featured is the Wishing Well, seen in the opening scenes of the film, inscribed with “Your wishes will help children everywhere.” In 1983, the original voice of Snow White, Adriana Castelotti, was asked to come in and rerecord “I’m Wishing” for the New Fantasyland opening. The song is heard over the waterfall, and echoing back from the well.