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Tag Archives: Disney Park

May 9

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May 9, 2015 – The World Premiere for Tomorrowland is Held in Disneyland

“Are you excited to come in and see the movie?”

On May 9, 2015, a special world premiere for the new live-action feature film Tomorrowland was held in Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The “blue carpet” premiere featured a variety of stars, including actor and star of the film George Clooney, director Brad Bird, and Disney Legend Richard Sherman. A special afterparty was held in the Tomorrowland section of the park after the film premiere, attended by several of the stars and Disney CEO Bob Iger. The film was generally released to audiences on May 22.

May 6

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May 6, 1990 – The Muppets at Walt Disney World Premieres on ABC

On May 6, 1990, the television special The Muppets at Walt Disney World premiered on NBC under the “Magical World of Disney” programming banner. The special featured the classic Jim Henson-created characters exploring the Florida theme park, and was the last Muppet feature that Henson would work on before his untimely passing. It was created to help highlight the merger between The Walt Disney Company and the Jim Henson Company, a merger that wouldn’t fully take place until 2004. The episode also starred Charles Grodin, Raven-Symoné, and Michael Eisner.

May 5

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May 5, 2005 – The Attraction Soarin’ Opens in Epcot

“An exhilarating international adventure”

On May 5, 2005, the film attraction Soarin’ opened in Epcot’s The Land pavilion. Similar to the original Soarin’ Over California attraction that opened in Disneyland in 2001, the attraction seats guests in a contraption that gives the illusion that they are “soaring” over majestic views of California that they view on an 80-foot IMAX projection screen. The attraction was changed in 2016 to show guests views of the world rather than just California, including views of the Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, or the Great Wall of China.

May 2

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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.

April 30

April 30, 2008 – The Jonas Brothers Try the New Toy Story Mania Attraction

On April 30, 2008, Disney Channel stars and popular band The Jonas Brothers took a spin on the new Toy Story Mania attraction in Walt Disney World, which was set to open on May 31, 2008. The band was in the park filming Disney Channel Games, an Olympic-style event for Disney Channel stars to compete against each other. Along with the Jonas Brothers, stars Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and the Cheetah Girls were also on hand to film the show and check out the attractions in Hollywood Studios.

April 26

April 26, 1958 – The First Zorro Days Event Kicks Off in Disneyland

“Yes – all of your ZORRO favorites – in person – for the first time.”

On April 26, 1958, the first event featuring the cast of the popular show Zorro, advertised as “Zorro Days,” kicked off in Disneyland. The two-day event featured appearances by the entire cast of the show, including Guy Williams, who played the titular character. The show had been an incredible success for Disney, with this live event certainly emphasizing this. The event had the cast march in parades, as well as perform in live shows in Frontierland and sign autographs. This event went on to be the first of five total events: the other events were held on May 30 through June 1, 1958; November 27 through November 30, 1958; November 26 through November 29, 1959; and November 11 through November 13, 1960.

April 22

April 22, 1998 – The Merchandise Stop Ziwani Traders Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“There’s no telling the treasures you might discover.”

On April 22, 1998, the shop Ziwani Traders opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This specialty merchandise store offers items off the beaten track than regular Disney merchandise stores, as it gives guests a chance to see and purchase authentic African imports, as well as animal toys and other interesting items. The shop shares its space with the Mombasa Marketplace, and are both located near the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

April 19

April 19, 2009 – Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain Attraction Closes for Refurbishment

“When renovation work finishes on the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, it’ll be the same classic experience with a few new surprises.”

On April 19, 2009, the popular Walt Disney World attraction Space Mountain closed down for a much needed refurbishment. Although it was the first of all the Space Mountain attractions to be built, the Walt Disney World version’s rebuild was done after Disneyland Paris’ and Disneyland’s versions. Major changes to update the classic attraction included asteroid blasting games to play while in the queue, which extends the ride’s overall story to those waiting in line; the overall look of the attraction was updated to make it appear less dated and more 21st Century. The attraction was reopened to guests in November, 2009.

April 17

April 17, 2016 – The Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon is Held in Walt Disney World

“Follow Your Dark Side”

On April 17, 2016, the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon was held in Walt Disney World. The celebration weekend kicked off on April 14, with the half marathon taking place on the 17th. This event, themed after the classic Star Wars series of films, was designed to be half of a Star Wars challenge, with Disneyland hosting the “Light Side” while Walt Disney World would host the “Dark Side.”  Plenty of guests dressed up in Star Wars-themed outfits and met characters from the franchise, including Stormtroopers. Jason Ryf from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, won the race with a time of 1:13:39, while Katie McGrath from Oakdale, New York, was the female finisher with a time of 1:24:05.

April 15

April 15, 1996 – The Attraction Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

トゥーンタウンの裏通りや路地をキャブに乗ってドライブ。でも気をつけて!”

On April 15, 1996, the dark ride attraction Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin opened in Tokyo Disneyland’s Toontown area. Based on the hit film Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and derived from the original Disneyland attraction that opened in 1994, the attraction takes guests through the back alleys of Toontown via Lenny the Cab. Seated two to a car, guests can turn the cab to face all sorts of directions, even riding the attraction backwards if they so wish.