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Tag Archives: Magic Kingdom

October 11

October 11, 2003 – The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Attraction Closes

“A world with so many eager customers is always worth our greatest effort.”

On October 11, 2003, the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter attraction officially closed in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. A joint attraction between Disney and George Lucas that opened on June 20, 1995, it featured the story of an alien that was accidentally transported into the X-S Tech laboratory. A dark sci-fi themed interactive sensory adventure, it featured binaural sound and other effects to enhance what came to be known as a “4D” experience. The attraction was replaced with Stitch’s Great Escape!, which used a majority of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter’s technology.

October 5

October 5, 1977 – Kikkoman Begins Sponsorship of Adventureland Veranda

“Welcome from KIKKOMAN”

On October 5, 1977, the Japanese food manufacturer Kikkoman began their sponsorship of the Adventureland Veranda, located in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The Veranda served tropical-themed fast food dishes, including a burger with a ring of pineapple. Kikkoman’s corporate sponsorship ended in 1994 when the Adventureland Veranda closed.

September 28

September 28, 1982 – Annual Passports are Offered at Walt Disney World

“Enjoy a year of magic as a Walt Disney World Passholder and get discounts on dining, merchandise, recreation and tours.”

On September 28, 1982, the first annual passports are offered in Walt Disney World. Annual passports allow guests unlimited admission to the parks for a year, along with a variety of other perks, including a percentage off merchandising, select dining, and special PhotoPass downloads. They were then introduced to Disneyland in June 1983, followed by Hong Kong Disneyland on September 29, 2006. A special offering known as the Premier Passport was offered on March 11, 2010, which gave guests access to all Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks.

August 23

August 23, 2013 – The Princess Fairytale Hall Marquee is Unveiled in New Fantasyland

“The hall, which is set to open this fall, will welcome princess fans into a positively regal character greeting area.”

On August 23, 2013, the marquee for the new Princess Fairytale Hall, a meet-and-greet area, was unveiled in the New Fantasyland expansion of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. This marked a major milestone in the creation of the expansion, with it set to be opened that fall. In the announcement about the hall, it was revealed that guests would be able to meet princesses Cinderella and Rapunzel, with each accompanied by another special princess that would change every so often.

June 28

June 28, 1991 – Mickey’s Star Traders Opens in Walt Disney World

“Journey with Mickey to the future for a cosmos of character goods at one of the largest shops at Magic Kingdom park.”

On June 28, 1991, the merchandise shop Mickey’s Star Traders opened in Walt Disney World. Located in Tomorrowland, the store replaced the former Mickey’s Mart. It is one of the largest merchandise stores within Magic Kingdom, and features a variety of merchandise ranging from the Star Wars franchise, to characters from classic Disney film characters.

June 4

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June 4, 1994 – The Surprise Celebration Parade Ends Run in Walt Disney World

“Beginning in September 1991, Magic Kingdom Park kicked off its 20th anniversary celebration early with the debut of a new parade – the “Surprise Celebration Parade.”

On June 4, 1994, the Surprise Celebration Parade had its final run in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Beginning on September 22, 1991, the parade was created to celebrate the park’s 20th anniversary. It was based on the Party Gras Parade that was held exclusively in Disneyland, with several of the floats being repurposed for the Walt Disney World parade. The parade featured 35 to 40 feet balloons of several popular characters, including Roger Rabbit, Goofy, and, of course, Mickey Mouse. It was preceded by Mickey Mania.

June 1

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June 1, 1993 -The Photo Shop Splashdown Photos Opens in Walt Disney World

“Take home a photo memory of your ride on Splash Mountain or pick up a rugged western-themed souvenir.”

On June 1, 1993, the photo shop Splashdown Photos opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Located at the end of the Splash Mountain attraction, it gave guests the opportunity to capture the moment that they went down the flume of the popular attraction. The area has expanded a bit to sell attraction-themed and general Frontierland merchandise. This shop is similar to the Professor Barnaby Owl’s Photographic Art Studio that opened in Disneyland on January 31, 1992.

May 28

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May 28, 1999 – The Main Street Electrical Parade Moves to Walt Disney World

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls…”

On May 28, 1999, the popular Main Street Electrical Parade began its run in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. In moving this popular nighttime parade to the East Coast, the parade’s floats underwent a complete refurbishment. The parade ran in Walt Disney World until April 1, 2001, when it was moved back to Disney California Adventure Park. The parade would return to Walt Disney World on June 5, 2010 before concluding again on October 9, 2016, and moving back to Disneyland Park for a limited engagement.

May 20

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May 20, 1973 – The Plaza Swan Boats Attraction Opens

“Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Magic Kingdom’s inland waterways.”

On May 20, 1973, the Plaza Swan Boats attraction opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction, a free-floating swan boat, sailed around Cinderella Castle in a specially built moat, and provided guests an opportunity to leisurely view the Magic Kingdom. The attraction was used during peak periods of attendance until August 1983, when they were shut down permanently. The boats have since been auctioned off to collectors.

April 5

April 5, 1998 – The Revamped Enchanted Tiki Room Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World

“Be forewarned, Iago: you cannot toy with the Enchanted Tiki Room.”

On April 5, 1998, the revamped version of the popular Enchanted Tiki Room Attraction, retitled The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management), opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction adds characters from Aladdin and The Lion King, with Iago and Zazu acting as the new owners of the Enchanted TIki Room. This “new ownership” was part of an extensive renovation of the attraction; this new version lasted until 2011, after a small fire broke out in the attraction. On August 15, 2011, the attraction returned to its original format, with an edited version of the show.