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Tag Archives: Disney Park

May 22

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May 22, 1998 – The Tomorrowland Restaurant Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port Opens in Disneyland

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“Come out of orbit and refuel at this futuristic quick-service ‘spaceport’ where you’ll find out of this world Italian fare.”

On May 22, 1998, the quick-service restaurant Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port opened in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. The restaurant was built in the location of the former attraction Mission to Mars, and retains some of the area’s early elements, including original posters of past Tomorrowland attractions, and a replica of the original Moonliner rocketship. Guests can stop at one of three stations for food: pizza, pasta, and salads, with menus featuring Orion Hawaiian Pizza and Countdown Chicken Fusilli.

May 20

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May 20, 1996 – Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Garden Pavilion Opens

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“Putt your way through 5 whimsical scenes featuring tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks, and pirouetting ostriches.”

On May 20, 1996, the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Garden Pavilion opened in Walt Disney World, near the Swan and Dolphin hotels. The miniature golf course features scenes from the animated feature film Fantasia, including the two most well-known segments: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Dance of the Hours. The pavilion holds two 18-hole courses, along with a putting course and a meeting facility. The course is located close enough to Hollywood Studios that guests are able to have a great view of the Tower of Terror attraction.

May 19

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May 19, 1971 – The Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes Attraction Opens in Disneyland’s Critter Country

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“Travel back to a time when water was the fastest mode of transportation.”

On May 19, 1971, the Critter Country attraction Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes opened. Originally a Frontierland attraction called Indian War Canoes, the attraction was closed in 1971 and moved to Critter Country. The dock of the attraction has moved several times due to the natural changes of the banks of the Rivers of America. This is one of the only attractions that requires a large amount of guest participation, as guests must use the paddles to move the 35-foot long canoes around Tom Sawyer Island. The Disneyland version has been replicated in other parks, including Walt Disney World (the attraction closed in 1993) and Tokyo Disneyland (the attraction was renamed the Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes in 1992).

May 17

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May 17, 2013 – Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Point Land Opens

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“You will be invited to ride in [Lord Henry Mystic’s] latest invention the ‘Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage,’ and treated to a front row experience of the precious collection!”

On May 17, 2013, the third and final land of Hong Kong Disneyland’s land expansion project, Mystic Point, opened to the public. The area includes Mystic Manor, a Haunted Mansion-style attraction; Garden of Wonders, a garden area filled with 3D illusionary sculptures; and Mystic Point Freight Depot, where guests can take pictures with recreations of famous antiquities from around the world. The Explorer’s Club Restaurant gives guests a chance to dine on Korean, Japanese, and South East Asian delicacies, while being surrounded by décor from Egypt, Russia, Morocco, India, and China. Guests can also buy very special souvenirs at the Archive Shop, including an explorer’s hat with Mickey Mouse ears.

May 11

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May 11, 2013 – Merida is Crowned as the Eleventh Disney Princess

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“Merida, in you, I see the best of our past, and the best of our future.”

On May 11, 2013, the character Merida from the Pixar film Brave was crowned as Disney’s eleventh official princess. The event took place at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World, which featured special guests Olympic Gold-Medal winner Gabby Douglas and her mother, as well as all ten princesses in the Disney lineup. Amidst hundreds of guests that were in attendance, Merida entered the Magic Kingdom on her horse Angus, accompanied by a traditional Scottish pipe and drum band, along with a troupe of Scottish dancers. Her mother, Queen Elinor, was on hand to crown her daughter in a touching ceremony that highlighted the bond between mother and daughter from the film.

May 7

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May 7, 2011 – The Premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Takes Place at Disneyland

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“Ye come seekin’ adventure with salty old pirates, eh?”

On May 7, the premiere of the live-action film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides took place at Disneyland. This premiere made history, as it was the first-ever 3D outdoor film premiere. While tickets were available for $1000 each, funds from ticket sales went directly to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. A limited number of park guests were able to attend the red carpet arrivals event for free, with hopes of catching a glimpse of the many celebrities invited, including the stars of the film. The “red carpet,” as it were, was a black carpet for the premiere, keeping with the dark tones of the film. The film would later be generally released on May 20th.

May 6

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May 6, 1988 – The Norway Pavilion Opens in Epcot’s World Showcase

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“Norway all the way!”

On May 6, 1988, the Norway Pavilion opened in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. This is the most recent country to be added to the showcase. The area features the Maelstrom attraction, a boat ride that explores the heritage of Norway, as well as the myth of the trolls; also featured is the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, a quick service bakery filled with Norwegian delicacies, including the famous “School Bread” – a sweet bun filled with vanilla crème custard and topped with toasted coconut. Norway is represented by the Stave Church Gallery, which features an exhibit of the culture and history of the country that inspired the animated film Frozen. Norway also houses the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, which features a special character dining experience of breakfast with the Disney Princesses.

May 5

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May 5, 2005 – Disney’s Magical Express Service Begins at Walt Disney World

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“Be magically whisked away!”

On May 5, 2005, the special service Disney’s Magical Express began running in Walt Disney World. The complimentary motorcoach picks up guests and their luggage at Orlando International Airport and takes them to their hotels on the Disney property. Guests can sign up for the service when they book their vacation package. A perk of this package allows to skip baggage claim by attaching special tags on their bags; their bags are then claimed by Disney representatives and are taken directly to guests rooms. The service also gives guests a complimentary ride back to the airport at the end of their Disney vacation.

May 4

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May 4, 2009 – The Mickey’s Fun Wheel Attraction Opens in Disney’s California Adventure

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“Sail up and over the beaming face of Mickey Mouse aboard this spin-sational Ferris wheel!”

On May 4, 2009, the Mickey’s Fun Wheel attraction opened in Disney’s California Adventure. The original attraction, named the Sun Wheel, was closed on October 13, 2008 for this remodeling. The attraction includes 24 gondolas: 8 that are stationary, and 16 that swing and glide on the rails. It is one of only two “wonder wheel” style of Ferris wheels still operating in the United States. Each gondola gives guests a view of Paradise Bay during the nine-minute ride.

May 1

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May 1, 1989 – The Quick-Service Shop Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction Opens

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“Dinosaur Gertie’s…was built as a tribute to ‘Gertie the Dinosaur,’ one of the first well-known animated cartoon stars.”

On May 1, 1989, the quick-service ice-cream shop Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction opened in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. The shop sells several well-known Disney park favorites, including a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar and a Waffle Cone. The shop was built as a tribute to Windsor McCay’s “Gertie the Trained Dinosaur,” one of the first popular characters in the history of animated film. Walt considered McCay and his creation to be pioneers in the field of the animated film. There are also dinosaur footprints in the concrete leading to the shop, attesting to the attention to detail each Imagineer brings to a project.