February 17, 1960 – The Space Station X-1 Exhibit Closes in Disneyland
“See America from Outer Space”
On February 17, 1960, the Space Station X-1 exhibit, located in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, officially closed. One of the park’s original opening day attractions, the exhibit gave guests a view of the Earth from what was eventually called the “Satellite View of America.” This scenic painting of the Earth was created by artist Peter Ellenshaw.
February 14, 2018 – The Specialty Shop Disney Home Opens in Disneyland
“Bring the magic home by adding a dash of pixie dust of pixie dust to every room in your castle.”
On February 14, 2018, the Disney-themed home goods store Disney Home opened in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area. The store’s offerings range from dishware to art, as well as decorative and seasonal décor, covering a range of Disney characters and franchises. The store also changes its offerings over the seasons.
February 8, 2001 – The Quick-Service Restaurant Award Wieners Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Introducing an all-star ensemble of gourmet, street-style hot dogs and sausages.”
On February 8, 2001, the quick-service restaurant Award Wieners opened in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of Disney California Adventure. The restaurant sells gourmet hot dogs, such as the BBQ Crunch Dog, and the Spicy City Dog, as well as specialty fries and seasonal offerings.
February 2, 2013 – The Turtle Talk with Crush Attraction Opens in CHOC Children’s Hospital
“Located in the new Disneyland Resort lobby, this interactive experience gives patients and families a chance to have live conversations with Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney-Pixar film Finding Nemo.”
On February 2, 2013, thanks to a $5 million donation from the Disneyland Resort, a new tower was dedicated at the CHOC Children’s Hospital. Themed after the Pixar film Finding Nemo, the tower featured several intricate elements, including a version of the attraction Turtle Talk with Crush, where patients would be able to interact with the popular character through an animated show done twice a done. An interactive orientation was built in conjunction with his new tower to help CHOC employees understanding the new offerings in an engaging manner, based on the Cast Showcase that Disneyland created for it cast members to introduce them to the offerings of Disney California Park.
January 27, 2011 – The Nighttime Show The Magic, The Memories, and You! Premieres in Disneyland
“It turns [it’s a small world] into an animated, coloring pad; it coaxes the singing dolls from inside the attraction to appear outside in the show; and it weaves hundreds of guest photos into a giant, surprise mosaic.”
On January 27, 2011, the new nighttime show The Magic, The Memories, and You! premiered in Disneyland, after a January 19 premiere in Walt Disney World. This show was created as part of the “Let the Memories Begin” year-long promotion. Although this kaleidoscope-style visual was intended to be broadcast on Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World, the effects were brought to a smaller stage for Disneyland, where it was broadcast on the it’s a small world attraction. The ten-minute show uses technology to change the attraction’s outside façade, and also features around 500 photos and videos that guests submitted to the “Let the Memories Begin” online repository.
January 25, 2017 – 21 Royal Opens for Reservations
“Dine in an ambiance of luxury, inspiration and innovation.”
On January 25, 2017, the newest exclusive restaurant 21 Royal opened for reservations. Located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction on Royal Street in New Orleans Square of Disneyland Park, it was designed in the opulence of the Empire style that was made popular in 19th century New Orleans. Parties of up to 12 guests can attend this exclusive dinner event, and are given a VIP escort of the restaurant; guests are also taken to a private balcony for desert and a special view of the park’s nighttime entertainment.
January 24, 1993 – The Gag Factory – Toontown Five and Dime Shop Opens in Disneyland
“Chortle through this toon-tastic portal to discover the wackiest merchandise in all of Disneyland Park!”
On January 24, 1993, the merchandise store Gag Factory – Toontown Five & Dime opened in Disneyland’s Toontown area. It specializes in general park merchandise, including ear hats, autograph books, apparel, and snacks; it also provides a variety of seasonal souvenirs. The store is decorated to fit the “toon” theme of the park area, with the factory elements heightened to comedic proportions.
January 21, 1988 – Disney Acquires The Wrather Corporation
“Disney has great capabilities and will take our properties onto greater heights.” – Bonita Granville Wrather
On January 21, 1988, Disney finished the $152.3 million dollar acquisition process of the Wrather Corporation, which included the acquisition of the Disneyland Hotel. The relationship between The Walt Disney Company and The Wrather Corporation began back in 1955; Walt had realized the need for a hotel near the new theme park, but did not have the funds to create it, and convinced his friend Jack Wrather to build a hotel across the street. The hotel continued to grow through the years, eventually having three towers (originally named the Bonita, Marina, and Sierra). Throughout the years, Disney attempted to purchase the hotel, as it was seen as awkward that Disney did not own something with its name attached. When the deal was finalized in 1988, Disney not only acquired the hotel, but acres of land for potential expansion, and the lease to operate the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California
January 8, 2010 – The Muppets Appear in the Disney’s Honorary VoluntEars Cavalcade Parade at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
“…the cavalcade celebrates volunteerism and features Kermit, Miss Piggy, along with special floats and vehicles festooned with bright balloons and flanked by parade dancers.”
On January 8, 2010, a special parade kicked off in Disneyland and Walt Disney World, known as Disney’s Honorary VoluntEars Cavalcade Parade. This parade ties in with the new “Give a Disney Day, Get a Disney Day” program set up by Disney, where guests can get a free Disney Theme Park ticket after performing a day of volunteer service with a participating organization; this promotion featured the Muppets as the ambassador characters. This was also the first time that Kermit and Miss Piggy appeared daily in Disneyland. This parade occurred once a day, alongside the Celebrate! A Street Party parade, and pulled guests who had volunteered through the program to be part of the parade.
December 28, 2010 – Disneyland Suspends Ticket Sales After Filling to Capacity
“Certainly we want all of our guests to have the best guest experience, so we have measures in place to make sure that we deliver the best time.” – Betty Sanchez, Disneyland Park Spokesperson
On December 28, 2010, two hours after opening, Disneyland suspended ticket sales, as the park was filled to capacity. Although guests were directed to California Adventure, that park was soon filled to capacity as well. According to park officials, it was common for the parks to fill up in the holiday season, especially if the California weather was cooperating.
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