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Tag Archives: Special Event

October 2

October 2, 2011 – Rapunzel is Named Official Disney Princess in Worldwide Celebration Ceremony

“Are you kidding? It’s going to be the best day ever!”

On October 2, 2011, the 10th member of the Disney Princess Royal Court, Rapunzel, was honored in a star-studded ceremony held at Kensington Palace in London, England. This ceremony included appearances by all the Disney Princesses, a processional through Hyde Park, and an official welcoming ceremony. 25,000 fans stood on the parade route to welcome the princesses, and were welcome to attend activities such as lantern making and storytelling.

September 10

September 10, 2007 – The Shuttle Crew of the Endeavour is Honored in Walt Disney World

“The seven space shuttle Endeavour astronauts who returned to Earth Aug. 21 will be honored in a day of ceremonies at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Sept. 10.”

On September 10, 2007, the seven astronauts that flew on the NASA flight Endeavour were honored in Walt Disney World with a whole slew of celebrations and events. This day included media interviews, a plaque dedication, and a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. An educational program within the series of events featured students from nearby schools, and was streamed live over NASA’s website.

September 3

September 3, 2018 – Pixar Fest Ends in Disneyland

“Celebrating friendship and beyond!”

On September 3, 2018, the biggest Pixar celebration to come to Disney parks, called Pixar Fest, ended its run. Beginning on April 13, 2018, the celebration featured tributes to the beloved Pixar films, such as the nighttime show Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, the new Pixar Play Parade, and a limited-engagement return of the popular Paint the Night Parade. Pixar short films were also on rotation at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Disney California Adventure, while guests could also enjoy the musical stylings of The Pixarmonic Orchestra in the Paradise Gardens area. Guests were also treated to special merchandise and food offerings during the event.

July 22

July 22, 2004 – Disney Hosts the DisneyHand Teacher Awards

“These teachers personify the excellence in the classroom, and we are pleased to recognize and award their creativity, commitment, and dedication to their profession, students and communities, and provide them an opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices.”

On July 22, 2004, the Walt Disney Company began their DisneyHand Teacher Awards celebration, honoring 39 teachers out of 150,000 nominees in a four-day VIP party and gala celebration. This celebration also included a parade down Main Street of Disneyland. The event culminated in a special gala in Anaheim, with four of the 39 selected as Outstanding Elementary School Teacher, Outstanding Middle School Teacher, Outstanding High School Teacher, and Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Each of the nominees won $10,000, and their schools were awarded with $5,000. The honorees were selected by a special national committee of distinguished educators.

March 1

March 1, 2012 – The Disney Fantasy is Christened During Star-Studded Event

“I christen thee the Disney Fantasy. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.”

On March 1, 2012, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet was christened during a star-studded event held in New York City. Named the Disney Fantasy, the ship carried on the maritime tradition of naming someone as the ship’s godmother, and Disney bestowed this honor on recording artist Mariah Carey. Her then-husband Nick Cannon joined Minnie Mouse to christen the ship with a bottle of champagne. A variety of stars were on hand to celebrate this ship, including Neil Patrick Harris, Alan Cumming, and Erin Andrews. Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Thomas Staggs were also on hand at the ceremony.

February 19

February 19, 2010 – The Alice in Wonderland Great Big Ultimate Fan Event is Held at Hollywood & Highland Center

“How is it you’re being so great big? ~ Tweedledee to Alice—she’s eaten far too much cake and grown to enormous heights”

On February 19, 2010, to promote the concept album inspired by the upcoming live action film Alice in Wonderland, Walt Disney Pictures and Buena Vista Records, in conjunction with Hot Topic, KIIS-FM, and MySpace, hosted the Great Big Ultimate Fan Event. Four musical artists featured on the album were on hand to perform, including 3OH!3, Metro Station, Kerli, and Never Shout Never. Actors from the film were also available for special meet-and-greets with fans, including Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter. Other special surprises were planned for guests, including a Wonderland-style makeover for the Hollywood Hot Topic store inside the facility where the event was held.

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.”

December 5

December 5, 1985 – The Skyfest Celebration is Held in Anaheim, California

“A million balloon salute to honor Walt Disney and Disneyland’s 30th year.”

On December 5, 1985, to honor Walt Disney’s birthday, the residents of Anaheim celebrated with a special event known as Skyfest. The event featured a release of 1,000,000 balloons, and seven thousand pounds of helium were used to send the balloons skybound. The event not only honored what would have been Walt Disney’s 84th birthday, but also the 30th anniversary of Walt’s dream, Disneyland. This event also set a world record, beating the previous record of 384,800 balloons.

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.

December 13

December 13, 2015 – Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 90th Birthday in Disneyland

“This is the cherry on top of my entire life.”

On December 13, 2015, a special celebration was held for actor and Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke, who was in the park to celebrate his 90th birthday. Best known for his role as Bert in the live-action feature film Mary Poppins, a special parade was held down Main Street featuring a troupe of chimney sweeps and penguins, along with a dedication of his silhouette in the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, with Mary Poppins by his side.