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Tag Archives: Renovation

September 8

September 8, 2014 – The Revamped Tokyo Disneyland Attraction Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions Opens

ゆかいな船長と一緒に、野生の動物たちが住む神秘的なジャングルを探険!

On September 8, 2014, the newly revamped Jungle Cruise attraction, renamed Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions opened in Tokyo Disneyland. Originally opening in the park on April 15, 1983, the attraction underwent a variety of changes, including new lighting and special effects, as well as original music to accompany the ride. Guests can also take a nighttime cruise with a “thrilling atmosphere” and special nighttime elements.

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July 27

July 27, 2010 – The Star Tours Attraction Closes in Disneyland

“From the creative forces of Disney and George Lucas.”

On July 27, 2010, the Disneyland version of the popular attraction Star Tours closed. The attraction was closed to make way for a revamped, prequel version of the attraction, later known as Star Tours – The  Adventures Continue. The new attraction included locations and characters from the prequel trilogy (Episode I through Episode III). The improved version of the attraction opened on June 3, 2011.

July 16

July 16, 2005 – Space Mountain Reopens After Major Rebuild

On July 16, 2005, the Disneyland version of the attraction Space Mountain reopened after a two-year major refurbishment. This rebuild included replacing the entire track, new special effects, and a completely revamped queue line. This reopening coincided with the park’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and featured a brand new storyline. The next major revamp of the attraction would occur in 2015, with the Star Wars-themed overlay called Hyperspace Mountain.

December 20

December 20, 2007 – The First Mark VII Monorail Train Arrives in Disneyland

“Ride the historic, high-speed zero-emission transportation system that rockets along a single rain through the Disneyland Resort.”

On December 20, 2007, the first Mark VII train arrived at Disneyland as part of the refurbishment of the monorail from Mark V to Mark VII. The trains had to follow a specific numbering system, with the Mark VI trains being used on the Walt Disney World monorail system. This new Mark VII train was red in color and nicknamed Monorail Red. The train would not begin operating until July 2008, due to issues in design and specific changes. There are three colors in the Mark VII fleet: Red, Blue, and Orange.

August 6

August 6, 2010 – The Third Redesigned Disney Store Opens in Santa Monica

“…you guys are going to be amazed at all of the Disney magic and innovation packed into one store.” – Jim Babcock, Disney Consumer Products Internal Communications Director

On August 6, 2010, the grand opening of the third redesigned Disney Store was held in Santa Monica, California. Attending the store opening were Jim Fielding, president of Disney Store Worldwide; Molly Adams, VP and General Manager or Marketing & Merchandising; Paul Gainer, VP of Disney Store Operations; and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Locate just blocks of Santa Monica Pier, the redesigned store features several new elements to make the store another entertaining point of the area.

July 7

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July 7, 2006 – The Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction Reopens

“Drink up me hearties, yo ho.”

On July 7, 2006, the popular attraction Pirates of the Caribbean reopened after an extensive refurbishment that added an audio-animatronic figures of the character Jack Sparrow from the franchise of the same name. The reopening of the attraction coincided with the release of the second film in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Jack Sparrow appears in a few scenes within the attraction, including hiding behind a dressmaker’s dummy, peering out of a barrel, and celebrating his good fortune after finding and collecting treasure.

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.

November 5

November 5, 1990 – The Shop Fittings & Fairings, Clothes & Notions Opens in Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort

On November 5, 1990, the specialty shop Fittings & Fairings, Clothes & Notions, opened in Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort. The store was set up to fit in with the resort’s nautical theme, including clothes by Nautica, sailing-themed prints, and specialty housewares. The store was closed for refurbishment in April, 2017, and will reopen as a marketplace, similar to the newer Beach Club Marketplace.

October 13

October 13, 2008 – The Sun Wheel Attraction Closes

“Hop inside a roomy gondola for a breeze, 9-minute jaunt above Paradise Bay.”

On October 13, 2008, the Ferris wheel thrill attraction Sun Wheel closed at Paradise Pier. The ride was designed to fit Disney California Adventure’s theme of the boardwalks in California around the turn of the century, but when the park went through an overhaul in 2008, it was deemed that this ride would be one of those to change. Although the swinging gondola aspect of the ride did not change, what did was the design, replacing the giant sun face on the wheel with a picture of Mickey Mouse.

April 19

April 19, 2009 – Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain Attraction Closes for Refurbishment

“When renovation work finishes on the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, it’ll be the same classic experience with a few new surprises.”

On April 19, 2009, the popular Walt Disney World attraction Space Mountain closed down for a much needed refurbishment. Although it was the first of all the Space Mountain attractions to be built, the Walt Disney World version’s rebuild was done after Disneyland Paris’ and Disneyland’s versions. Major changes to update the classic attraction included asteroid blasting games to play while in the queue, which extends the ride’s overall story to those waiting in line; the overall look of the attraction was updated to make it appear less dated and more 21st Century. The attraction was reopened to guests in November, 2009.