RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Holiday

September 22

September 22, 2011 – The Walkthrough Attraction The Revenge of the Headless Horseman Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

“Get ready to ‘lose your head’ at Disney’s Haunted Halloween.”

On September 22, 2011, the walkthrough attraction The Revenge of the Headless Horseman opened in The Pavilion as part of Disney’s Haunted Halloween Event of Hong Kong Disneyland. The story behind the attraction is that a traveling sideshow is eager to feature its newest exhibit – the head of the Headless Horseman. Unfortunately, the Headless Horseman is also on hand to seek revenge and reclaim his head. The attraction was popular enough that it became a recurring attraction of the Halloween event until 2014.

Advertisement

December 25

December 25, 1999 – The Television Special Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade Premieres on ABC

On December 24, 1999, the holiday television special Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade premiered on ABC. This was the 17th annual holiday parade from the Florida parks. Although the parade had been a staple of holiday specials since the 1980s, this special was notable for deviating from the norm and airing at nighttime instead of the daytime. This parade was hosted by Mitchell Ryan, Susan Sullivan, and Wayne Brady, and featured musical performances by *NSYNC, 98 Degrees, Harry Connick Jr., SHeDAISY, and James Ingram.

December 22

December 22, 2009 – 500 Tuba Players Gather is Disneyland’s Downtown Disney

“The fact that it is held at the Happiest Place on Earth helps bring out a lot of tuba players. There’s a lot of magic brought about by it.” – Richard Dean, vice president of San Dimas High’s music program

On December 22, 2009, the 36th annual Tuba Christmas took place, this time in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney shopping area. This was the fifth appearance for the tuba players in Disneyland, and the largest gathering of all the Tuba Christmas events, with over 500 taking place worldwide. Although the group hadn’t met before this event, they were able to serenade Disney park shoppers with several familiar songs, including “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

November 29

November 29, 2009 – Sleigh Rides are Offered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

“…a fire-engine red sleigh with garland and holiday lights will take you through parts of the 700-acre backwoods resort.”

On November 29, 2009, the first sleigh rides were offered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World. Part of the park’s holiday offerings, the sleigh ride began from the Blacksmith’s Shop in the Settlement area and took guests through the scenic woods for a 25-minute ride. The ride cost $60 per group, and has become a popular holiday tradition for the resort.

November 24

November 24, 1995 – The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights Begins Showing in Walt Disney World

On November 24, 1995, the popular holiday display Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights began showing on the Residential Street Backlot area of Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios Park). This attraction began in 1986 as a neighborhood holiday light show by Jennings and Mitzi Osborne of Little Rock, Arkansas. The display grew bigger and bigger throughout the years, with more and more people stopping by to see the display; neighbors filed a lawsuit, and the light display was shut down by the Arkansas Supreme Court. This lawsuit caught the attention of Disney, who offered to set up the display in Disney-MGM rather than a residential neighborhood in Orlando. The attraction was a top draw for guests during the holiday season, especially with the addition of the “dancing lights,” which were timed along to a list of holiday music. The display ended its run on January 6, 2016.

October 27

October 27, 1979 – Walt Disney World Holds Halloween Hysteria Event

On October 27, 1979, Walt Disney World held one of its first Halloween-related events, known as Halloween Hysteria. It was a one-night ticketed event held in the Magic Kingdom, with tickets costing about $10 at the gate (about $37, adjusted for inflation in 2018), and running from park closing to 1:30 am. Musical guests at this event included Dr. Hook, Michael Johnson, and an up and coming band known as The Police. Another Halloween event wouldn’t be held at Magic Kingdom until the beginning of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 1995.

November 30

November 30, 2004 – Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade Kicks Off in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“It’s a jingle jungle joy with all the holiday fun!

On November 30, 2004, the special holiday parade Mickey’s Jingle Jungle kicked off its first performance in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The parade is a variation of the normally performing Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, with Christmas decorations added to the floats, along with holiday music mixed in with the original music. The parade has since been used every year, and lasts through the holiday season.

November 3

November 3, 2000 – The Fireworks Show Believe…in Holiday Magic Debuts

“Does your heart hold the magic of the holidays?”

On November 3, 2000, the special fireworks show Believe…in Holiday Magic debuted in Disneyland. It was a spinoff of the 45th anniversary show Believe…There’s Magic in the Stars, and featured a variety of fireworks accompanied by a medley of holiday music. As the show ends, a simulated snow flurry starts falling in various areas within the park. The 13-minute show has been running in Disneyland almost every holiday season since its premiere.

April 28

April 28, 2006 – The 2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Wins a Daytime Emmy

“The 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards is a presentation of the National Television Academy in cooperation with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.”

On April 28, 2006, the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. ABC won four awards, including one for Outstanding Special Class Special for The 2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. This was ABC’s first, and only, win in this category as of 2017. Among those recognized for their contribution to the parade were co-hosts Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa, and Ryan Seacrest.

November 27

November 27, 2009 – The Film Christmas with Walt Disney Premieres at the Walt Disney Family Museum

christmas-with-walt

“The quick cuts from Walt to Goofy did the trick and showed how much this man’s life became his art.” – Executive Producer Craig Murray

On November 27, 2009, the special seasonal film Christmas with Walt Disney premiered at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Directed by Don Hahn, the exclusive to the museum film gives guests a chance to see how Walt celebrated Christmas within his various works, and with his family. The film is a mix of home movies, vintage commercials, and never-before-seen clips that were cut from various projects. The film is narrated by Walt’s daughter Diane Disney Miller. It has since been shown seasonally at the museum through the month of December.