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Tag Archives: Disney Park

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 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 10

January 10, 2014 – Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie Opens in Epcot

“Sample delectable treats and tempting delicacies at this traditional French bakery – from soups and salads to fresh baguette sandwiches and pastries.”

On January 10, 2014, the new Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie opened in Ecpot’s France Pavilion. Previously known as Boulangerie Patisserie, the quick service restaurant serves a variety of French delicacies, ranging from sandwiches, to quiche, to pastries. The original pastry shop had needed an overhaul, as the French pastries had such a good reputation that there wasn’t enough room to accommodate all the guests.

January 9

January 9, 2013 – George Kalogridis is Announced as New Walt Disney World President

“Walt Disney World has a new president: George Kalogridis will take over the top job at the Florida resort on Feb. 1.”

On January 9, 2013, The Walt Disney Company announced that George Kalogridis would take over as the new president of Walt Disney World, starting February 1. Kalogridis had been running the Disneyland Resort previously, and was brought in to oversee the construction of the Avatar-themed land in the Animal Kingdom park, along with the upgrade of the MyMagic+ digital management service.

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.