September 17, 2019 – The New Tomorrowland Marquee is Installed in Walt Disney World
On September 17, 2019, the new Tomorrowland marquee was installed in Walt Disney World. The old sign had been taken down in July, and the new sign is a simple, sleek design evoking the styles seen in modern-day innovative hubs, such as Google or Apple.
September 14, 1980 – The Audio-Animatronic Show Mickey Mouse Revue Closes
On September 14, 1980, the audio-animatronic musical show, Mickey Mouse Revue, closed. Opening when Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, the show was located in Fantasyland of Magic Kingdom Park. It featured audio-animatronic versions of popular Disney characters, such as Winnie the Pooh and Snow White, performing classic Disney songs, conducted by Mickey Mouse. After it was removed from the theater, the location was used for seasonal events and known as the Fantasyland Theater. The attraction was moved to Tokyo Disneyland, where it opened on April 15, 1983, and closed on May 25, 2009.
September 12, 2013 – The Princess Fairytale Hall Opens in Walt Disney World
“Enjoy a dazzling encounter with Cinderella and Elena in an enchanting royal setting.”
On September 12, 2013, the meet-and-greet area Princess Fairytale Hall opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, in Fantasyland’s Castle Courtyard. Guests enter what appears to be a secret part of the castle, and are able to see special stained glass windows of Cinderella and the Royal Gallery before being escorted to meet Cinderella and a special guest; the special guest has been permanently selected as Princess Elena from Elena of Avalor. The attraction took the place of the Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction.
August 29, 2008 – Olympian Michael Phelps Celebrates in Walt Disney World
“To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible.”
On August 29, 2008, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated his triumphant return from the Beijing Olympics by being featured in the “America’s Homecoming Parade” through Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Traveling in a red Corvette amongst red, white, and blue confetti, Phelps was joined by Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
July 12, 1983 – The Stage Show Show Biz Is Begins in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park
Image credit: https://waltdatedworld.com/
On July 12, 1983, the Tomorrowland live stage show Show Biz Is began in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Featuring the Kids of the Kingdom, a group of young singers and dancers that began performing at the park in 1974, the show was a revue of standards from Broadway and movies. The show ended its run on September 27, 1985.
May 22, 1999 – The Nighttime Parade SpectroMagic Ends Original Run
“And now, the Magic Kingdom proudly presents, in a million points of musical light, the magic words of Disney…in SpectroMagic!”
On May 22, 1999, the Magic Kingdom nighttime parade SpectroMagic ended its run. It began on October 1, 1991, as part of the park’s 20th anniversary celebrations, replacing the Main Street Electrical Parade (which had been sent to Disneyland Paris). SpectroMagic took the lights of Main Street Electrical Parade and multiplied it, adding more fiber optic elements and including over 45 Disney characters, such as Roger Rabbit, Chernabog, and the Three Little Pigs. The parade also featured a new song: “On This Magic Night.” The parade was brought back to the park on March 26, 2001, and officially ended its run in 2010.
May 19, 1995 – The Fantasy Faire Shop Opens in Walt Disney World
“Suit your every fancy at this convenient stop near the exit of Mickey’s PhilharMagic, where you’ll find an array of whimsically themed hats and headwear – including the ever-popular Mickey Ears, which you can even have personalized!”
On May 19, 1995, the Fantasyland shop Fantasy Faire opened in Walt Disney World. Opening to replace The Mad Hatter, this shop features a variety of merchandise, including hats, apparel, and pins. After Mickey’s PhilharMagic opened next door, elements of the attraction were added to the shop’s overall design.
May 11, 2017 – The Nighttime Fireworks Show Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Ends
“Wishes, dream a dream; Wishes, set it free…”
On May 11, 2017, the nighttime fireworks show Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams ended its run at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. It was narrated by Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio. Replacing the Fantasy in the Sky in 2003, the show became popular with guests, with a variation of the show opening in Disneyland Paris on July 16, 2005. Special variations of the show were created to celebrate specific holidays, including Happy HalloWishes: A Grim Grinning Ghost Spooktacular in the Sky; Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season; and Fantasy in the Sky: New Year’s Eve Countdown. The show was replaced by the Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular, which focused heavily on projection mapping on Cinderella Castle.
March 19, 1995 – The House of Magic Closes in Magic Kingdom Park
Image credit: http://www.parkeology.com
“Magic Tricks, Monster Masks, Sleights of Hand”
On March 19, 1995, the House of Magic shop, located in Magic Kingdom Park’s Main Street, officially closed. Open since Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, the store specialized in magic tricks and special gags, with several cast members on hand to perform several of the more popular illusions. It was closed to make room for the Main Street Athletic Club (which also required the closing of the Penny Arcade and the Main Street Book Shop).
March 17, 2005 – The Live Show Cinderellabration Opens in Walt Disney World
“Of course we all know that Cinderella married the prince and became princess of the kingdom, but would you like to see how it all happened? Would you like to see Cinderella crowned a princess?”
On March 17, 2005, the live show Cinderellabration began performances in front of Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. This was a revised version of the stage show that was created for the 20th anniversary celebration of Tokyo Disneyland, which told the story of Cinderella’s coronation; it was also included as an aspect of the “Happiest Celebration of Earth” festivities. Cinderella is joined by several other beloved Disney Princesses, including Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, and Belle. The stage show closed on September 16, 2006, and was replaced with Dream Along with Mickey.
disneydetail 