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Tag Archives: Disney Park

October 29

Posted on October 29, 2016 by disneydetail

October 29, 1998 – Disney and Chevron Announce Partnership for Autopia Attraction

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“Autopia is a simple and magical experience that allows both children and adults to get behind the wheel of a car, some of them for the very first time, and go for a cruise along the highways of Tomorrowland.” – Disneyland President Paul Pressler

On October 29, 1998, the Disneyland Resort and Chevron announced a 13-year partnership, with Chevron sponsoring the park’s Autopia attraction. As part of the agreement, Chevron was to update and improve the original attraction; they announced tentative plans at the announcement of pre-show entertainment area, combination of the Tomorrowland and Fantasyland Autopia roadways, and new designs for the cars. Chevron would work with Disneyland Imagineers to give the ride a 21st century loo to it, taking cues from Tomorrowland for its sleek new design. Autopia originally opened on July 17, 1955, with Richfield sponsoring it from opening to 1970. Chevron’s sponsorship lasted until 2012; Honda would take over sponsorship in 2016.

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October 24

Posted on October 24, 2016 by disneydetail

October 24, 2008 – Pixie Hollow Opens in Walt Disney World

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“[Tinker Bell] and four of her fairy friends…will have a permanent home in a new location called Pixie Hollow which will be located in Toontown.”

On October 24, 2008, the meet-and-greet area Pixie Hollow opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, just outside of Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Guests can be greeted by Tinker Bell and her four fairy friends Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, and Fawn, who were introduced in the Tinker Bell series of movies, with the first one being released four days after this attraction opened. The attraction also featured interactive experiences and storytelling times for younger guests. An outdoor version of this meet-and-greet opened in Disneyland in November.

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October 23

Posted on October 23, 2016 by disneydetail

October 23, 1985 – The Nine Dragons Restaurant Opens in Epcot’s China Pavilion

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“Savor contemporary Chinese cuisine amid ornate wood carvings, traditional lanterns, and exquisite glass artwork.”

On October 23, 1985, the Nine Dragons Restaurant opened in the China Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Opening three years after the Chinese pavilion opened, the restaurant is a sit-down gourmet dining experience. The restaurant spotlights several styles of Chinese cuisine from many provinces, including Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan, and Kiangche. Popular features on the menu include General Tso’s Dumplings, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Coconut Rice Pudding.

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October 22

Posted on October 22, 2016 by disneydetail

October 22, 1997 – The Orlando Sentinel Publishes Updates for Walt Disney World

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“It may be goodbye to Mr. Toad and hello to Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear at the Magic Kingdom.”

On October 22, 1997, the Orlando Sentinel published an article that announced several changes that would be coming to the Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World at the end of the 25th anniversary celebrations. Among those listed was the breaking announcement of the likely plan to close the attraction Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, potentially replacing it with a Winnie the Pooh-themed attraction. This would prove true, and Mr. Toad was closed on September 7, 1998, replaced with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Other plans announced were the closing of Take Flight, which was to be replaced with Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, and the return of The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management.

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October 17

Posted on October 17, 2016 by disneydetail

October 17, 2007 – Disney Announces Overhaul of Disney’s California Adventure Park

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“They’re trying to give it some heart…right now, you go through California Adventure once, and that’s about it.”

On October 17, 2007, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to overhaul its California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. The park, barely six years old at the time of the announcement, was considered a disappointment from financial and anticipation standpoints, with crowd numbers well below expected. Attempts had already been added to make the park more of a draw, including the addition of the popular Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but the park still faced a host of criticisms. The overhaul, which would include elements of classic Hollywood, as well as a section dedicated to popular Pixar characters, was estimated to cost 1.1 billion, almost the same amount as it cost to build the park in the first place.

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October 16

Posted on October 16, 2016 by disneydetail

October 16, 1996 – Ten New Inductees Are Named Disney Legends

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“The Disney Legends award has three distinct elements that characterize the contributions made by each talented recipient.”

On October 16, 1996, ten new members of the Disney legacy were honored as Disney Legends in a special ceremony at the Walt Disney Studios in the Legends Plaza. Among those honored were former vice president of Walt Disney World, actor and narrator of Disney nature documentaries Rex Allen, animator and Imagineer X Atencio, voice actress for Cruella de Vil Betty Lou Gerson, animator and Imagineer Bill Justice, former executive vice president for Walt Disney World Bob Matheison, Imagineer Sam McKim, animator Bob Moore, story man Bill Peet, and one of the key designers of Walt Disney World, Joe Potter. Of those honored, Allen and Potter were honored posthumously.

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October 14

Posted on October 14, 2016 by disneydetail

October 14, 2009 – The Attraction Sum of All Thrills Opens in Epcot’s Innoventions

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“The Sum of All Thrills is a highly turbulent simulator-type thrill ride that is capable of sharp drops, sudden turns, and upside-down maneuvers.”

On October 14, 2009, the thrill attraction the Sum of All Thrills opened in the Innoventions area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. It was one of the first attractions built within the park, and was sponsored by Raytheon. The attraction was a simulation roller coaster ride, where guests can create their own thrill ride via a touchscreen, then board a robotic simulator that brings their roller coaster to life. Guests can let their imaginations run wild with their creation, including a series of loops, curves, and drops. The attraction closed on September 14, 2016.

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October 7

Posted on October 7, 2016 by disneydetail

October 7, 1991 – The Disney Vacation Club Preview Center Opens

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“We’re a vacation club. We’re calling ourself something different. We are different.” – Mark L. Pacala, Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Development, Inc.

On October 7, 1991, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Preview Center opened in Walt Disney World. The plan for the Disney resort inclusive time-share program had been in development since 1990, but with an added Disney twist to make sure that it didn’t attract the same negative attention that came with other time-share programs. To show off the perks of the program, the Preview Center was built, where interested guests could see a short video presentation about the points program before seeing a model of the buildings with a specific DVC Guide. Guests could also be escorted from their resorts to the Preview Center and back in a special DVC tour bus. The initial program provided many free perks to drive up interest, including free passes into the park. The program has since been considered a success, with  13 resorts worldwide part of the program.

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October 6

Posted on October 6, 2016 by disneydetail

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

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“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.

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October 5

Posted on October 5, 2016 by disneydetail

October 5, 2008 – A Male Giraffe is Born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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“The young males, who began nursing successfully soon after birth, are already feisty and very active.”

On October 5, 2008, the Disney Animal Programs team helped deliver a male giraffe calf within Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The giraffe, named Bruehler, was born to mother Aibuni, and weighed 166 pounds. Bruehler is the 13th giraffe born in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and was bred through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Plan. Another giraffe was born later that month, and was named Bolo.

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