RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Special Event

March 29

March 29, 2012 – The Smithsonian Hosts To Infinity and Beyond: Buzz Lightyear’s Journey to the Smithsonian

“Be here when Buzz Lightyear arrives at the National Air and Space Museum!”

On March 29, 2012, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC hosted an event called To Infinity and Beyond: Buzz Lightyear’s Journey to the Smithsonian, celebrating the addition of a special Buzz Lightyear figurine to the museum’s collection. The figurine, presented jointly by NASA and Pixar Animation Studios, was a special guest on the Space Shuttle Discovery that flew to the International Space Station. John Lasseter was on hand for the presentation and a special panel discussion that looked at Buzz’s journey through space. The figurine was then made part of the “Moving Beyond Earth” exhibit.

February 25

February 25, 2012 – A Time Capsule is Buried in Disney California Adventure Park

timecapsule_dca

“It came from their hearts, all the pieces that are in here, and we’re really excited to be putting this in the ground right now to be opened in 25 years.” – Lisa Girolami, Senior Show Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering

On February 25, 2012, Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney cast members buried a special time capsule on Buena Vista Street in Disney’s California Adventure Park. The capsule, which is to be opened in 2037, featured several interesting items, including PhotoPass Cards, a Blackberry, and a Duffy bear. A special plaque was placed over the spot where the capsule was buried.

February 18

February 18, 2002 – Ceremony is Held for Walt Disney World’s Revised Hall of Presidents

gwb_hop

On February 18, 2002, to celebrate President’s Day and the revised version of the Hall of Presidents attraction, a special ceremony was held in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Planned as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebrations, the ceremony included fifty students from the nearby Lost Lake Elementary School leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Walt Disney World Philharmonic orchestra and the Voices of Liberty performing patriotic pieces, and a look at the newly revised Hall of Presidents attraction, featuring the new Audio-Animatronic figure of 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush.

February 14

February 14, 2013 – “A Celebration of True Love” Event is Held at Walt Disney World

tl_ltm

“On February 14, you’ll have a special chance to re-commit your promise of love with your significant other during ‘A Celebration of True Love’ at Magic Kingdom Park.”

On February 14, 2013, as part of the Limited Time Magic promotions at the Disney Parks, a special event called “A Celebration of True Love” was held at Walt Disney World. Fifty couples gathered at the steps of Cinderella Castle to renew their vows and celebrate the magic of love and Disney. There was a special appearance by Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora, along with their princes, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, to help the couples celebrate with fireworks and heart-shaped confetti.

January 30

January 30, 1971 – Disneyland Hosts Two-Day Alice in Wonderland Days Event

aiwd_d

“Meet Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Walrus and pose for pictures with them at Alpine Gardens…”

On January 30, 1971, Disneyland hosted the two-day event Alice in Wonderland Days. The event was a celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, complete with two parades that traveled from Main Street U.S.A. to the it’s a small world attraction in Fantasyland. Special photo ops were also available with characters Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Walrus, held in the Alpine Gardens area between Tomorrowland and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

August 3

August 3, 2000 – A Sing-Along Version of Mary Poppins Premieres at the El Capitan Theatre

MPSAEC

“It’s almost impossible to watch Mary Poppins without singing along so we thought we’d create a special version of the film that give fans a chance to really get involved.” – Richard Cook, then Chairman of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group

On August 3, 2000, guests attended a special sing-along screening of the classic Disney live-action film Mary Poppins. The digitally restored print premiere also featured appearances from cast and crew of the original film, including the Sherman Brothers. The special sing-along was limited in showings, as it only had 12 appearances in total between August 3 and September 1. Prizes were also given to those guests that showed up dressed as characters from the film. The sing-along has since been repeated at the El Capitan in limited engagements.

July 9

Posted on

July 9, 2010 – The Taste of Africa Street Party Takes Place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Taste Of Africa Street Party

“Our festival celebration brings nations from all over Africa together into the streets of Harambe.”

On July 9, 2010, the Taste of Africa Street Party took place in the Harambe Village area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. The party, taking place after the afternoon parade Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, was similar to the International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot, with guests able to partake in samples of African dishes thanks to Disney restaurants Tusker House, Boma, and Sanaa; guests are also (if they are of age) able to go on a beer and wine tour of different South African wines and African beers. Guests were also serenaded by a live band and were able to check out stalls that introduced aspects of African culture. The Street Party ran for a limited time, ending its run on July 24.

June 15

June 15, 1961 – The First Grad Nite is Held in Disneyland

“You only graduate once. So get your friends together, party with other high school seniors from all over the country and don’t miss this celebration of a lifetime!”

On June 15, 1961, the first Grad Nite celebration is held in Disneyland. Celebrating the graduation of high school seniors, the first event had 8,500 students congregating at the happiest place on earth. This number grew extensively in the decade, with 100,000 students soon going to celebrate all night at Disneyland. In 2009, over 5 million grads had come to celebrate at the park. Any school is able to participate, and students must adhere to a dress code. Walt Disney World had their own version of Grad Nite that began in 1972, but ended in 2011.

June 8

Posted on

June 8, 2005 – Disney Donates Two Park Attraction Parts to the Smithsonian

Dumbo

“During the parks’ 50th anniversary, it seemed a perfect time for Disneyland to officially join hands across the continent with the Smithsonian and bring these two great American institutions together.” – Michael Eisner, Former CEO of the Walt Disney Company

On June 8, 2005, the Walt Disney Company officially presented two new items for the collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History: a Dumbo from the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction, and a Tea Cup from the Mad Tea Party attraction. These two items were picked specifically to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, as both attractions have been in the park since it opened in 1955. The ceremony included an appearance by Michael Eisner and Mickey Mouse.

May 8

Posted on

May 8, 2000 – The Millennium Dreamers Global Gathering Takes Place in Epcot

MDE

“The glare of the headlines sometimes blinds us to the incredibly selfless acts performed daily by young people everywhere to make our world a better place. Disney and McDonald’s are proud to celebrate the millennium by honoring these leaders of the next century and showcasing their stories.” – Former Chairman and CEO of Disney Michael Eisner

On May 8, 2000, as part of many festivities planned to celebrate the millennium, a global gathering of 2,000 youths was held in Epcot for three days. Known as the Millennium Dreamers Global Children’s Summit, the event was sponsored by McDonalds and UNESCO. The children were chosen through an essay contest about philanthropy, and were taken around Epcot to for special workshops, network events, and behind-the-scenes tours of Epcot facilities. Representatives ranged from age 8 to 15, coming from over 90 countries around the world. In this event, children were able to share their remarkable stories of making a difference while participating in a global symposium hosted by the Disney Institute. The event ended on May 10.