May 2, 1986 – The Circlevision Film Portraits of Canada Premieres at Expo ‘86
On May 2, 1986, the world fair Expo ’86 was held in Vancouver, Canada, and featured the circlevision film Portraits of Canada, done in a joint production by Disney and Telecom Canada. The film gives guests a 360 degree tour of Canada over nine screens, similar to the Disneyland film America the Beautiful. After the Expo was over, the film was briefly shown in the Canadian Pavilion of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park.
May 1, 1989 – The Adventures Club Opens in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island Area
“Marching along, we’re adventures, singing the song of adventurers, up or down, north, south, east or west, an adventurer’s life is best!”
On May 1, 1989, the Adventurers Club nightclub opened in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island area. It was one of eight clubs that existed in the area. The story of the club’s theme includes a 1937 New Years Eve party that doubles as an open house, looking for new membership. Guests are invited to be initiated as members, becoming members of the play within the club. The club overall was similar to being part of an interactive theater experience, with several actors playing parts of Adventurers Club members that interact with guests. The club closed on September 27, 2008.
April 24, 2013 – The Monsters University Themed Monorail Launches
“There’s a new monorail in town here at Walt Disney World Resort that you’ve just gotta see!”
On April 24, 2013, as part of the promotions for the Disney-Pixar film Monsters University, a Monsters University themed monorail launched in Walt Disney World. The monorail was covered in images of the characters from the film, with each car featuring a different fraternity or sorority. This monorail was the second in the line of advertising monorails for the year, with the first being one advertising Marvel’s Iron Man 3. The monorail was around long enough to be present at the “Monstrous All-Nighter” 24-hour event at the park.
April 22, 1999 – The Sound Effects Show Sounds Dangerous Opens in Hollywood Studios
“You will hear from us soon!”
On April 22, 1999, the audio sound effects show Sounds Dangerous opened in the ABC Sound Studio, located in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. The show was hosted by comedian Drew Carey, best known for ABC’s The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line is it Anyway?, playing the part of an undercover detective named Foster. Guests were given headphones and told they would be participating in a test pilot for a new show called Undercover Live. The attraction was altered in 2009, when it was told it would operate seasonally. On May 18, 2012, the attraction was officially closed; the space has since been used to show previews of new Disney films.
April 14, 1962 – The First Spring Fling is Held at Disneyland
“If you were a teen in Southern California during the 1960s, then Disneyland’s Spring Fling was the place to be and be seen.”
On April 14, 1962, the first dance event known as the Spring Fling took place in Disneyland. Teenagers dressed to the nines and came to the park to dance the night away to popular 60s sounds, with the occasional celebrity guest in attendance, including Annette Funicello. The first Spring Fling featured special prizes for guests, including the chance to win a new car, a trip to San Francisco, and Disneyland tickets. Tickets could cost up to $4.40.
April 12, 1992 – The Maze Attraction Alice’s Curious Labyrinth Opens in Disneyland Paris
“Can you make it to the Queen of Hearts’ Castle?”
On April 12, 1992, the maze attraction Alice’s Curious Labyrinth opened in Disneyland Paris. The giant maze is takes guests on an Alice in Wonderland journey, beginning with an entry through the White Rabbit’s hole and including special areas like the Tulgey Wood. Guests play the part of Alice, encountering characters like the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts’ soldiers around every corner as they work to reach Sleeping Beauty Castle.
April 11, 2003 – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Attraction Opens in Disneyland
“Travel through Hundred Acre Wood in an oversized beehive and immerse yourself in the stories of Winnie the Pooh.”
On April 11, 2003, the dark ride attraction The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in Disneyland’s Critter Country. The attraction is similar to the Walt Disney World version (which opened in 1999), with a few noticeable changes. Guests board giant beehives which takes them through several scenes of the well-beloved stories from the 1977 animated feature film. The attraction features all the characters from the film, and some of the songs, culminating in a four minute ride that is perfect for little kids. After exiting the ride, guests have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Pooh, Eeyore, or Tigger.
April 10, 2014 – Disney Parks Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of it’s a small world
“It’s a world that we share, and it’s time we’re aware, it’s a small world after all!”
On April 10, 2014, celebrations kicked off to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the popular attraction it’s a small world. The attraction, first premiering at the 1964 World’s Fair, has become a staple of any park visit around the world. The celebrations began with a sing-along featured on the ABC morning show Good Morning America, with global awareness through the website SmallWorld50.com. Conversations were also held with Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who wrote the attraction’s catchy song with his brother Robert. Each park had their own way of celebrating: In Walt Disney World, guests joined the sing-along before the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, with several park performers incorporating the song in their routines; in Disneyland, Richard Sherman appeared in Main Street, leading guests in their own sing-along; Hong Kong Disneyland featured their the Hong Kong Children’s Choir singing the song in Cantonese; Tokyo Disneyland had cast members and guests sing the song in Japanese; Disneyland Paris had a special event with students from the European International School leading guests in a multi-language version of the song.
April 8, 2006 – The Attraction Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast Opens in Disneyland Paris
“Blast off into space and help Buzz defeat Zurg in this intergalactic laser-shooting gallery.”
On April 8, 2006, the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast attraction opened in Disneyland Paris’ Discoveryland area. The attraction is similar to the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction that opened in Disneyland in 2005, itself based on the Walt Disney World attraction Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which opened in 1998. Guests spin around a course, using “space cannons” equipped with lasers to shoot various targets laid out by Buzz Lightyear’s nemesis, the evil Emperor Zurg. At the end, guests are given their Star Command ranking, ranging from Space Cadet to Galactic Hero.
April 6, 1990 – The Blue Ribbon Bakery Opens
“If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street, U.S.A., for an iced coffee or mocha (you can add a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie, that’s up to you).”
On April 6, 1990, the Blue Ribbon Bakery opened on Disneyland’s Main Street. The quick service bakery replaced the Sunkist Citrus House, which closed in early 1989 after opening in 1960. The bakery specialized in specialty pastries and coffee, including the Matterhorn Macaroon and the Soundsational Cupcake. In 1997, the bakery was moved to the location of the former Carnation Ice Cream Parlor; on January 5, 2012, the Blue Ribbon Bakery was officially closed, with its space being used as an expansion for the Carnation Café. Pastry lovers are now able to go to Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street.
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