February 14, 2012 – Paula Abdul Visits Walt Disney World
On February 14, 2012, entertainer and judge of American Idol Paula Abdul visited Walt Disney World. Abdul helped celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special photo shoot with none other than Minnie Mouse in Hollywood Studios, who wore a special heart-shaped polka dot dress to honor the day. Abdul had visited the park back in 2009, when the American Idol Experience attraction opened in Hollywood Studios.
August 2, 2012 – American Idol Phillip Phillips Visits Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“…have fun with it, don’t let the nerves get to you, like I’m nervous right now.”
On August 12, 2012, the newest American Idol Phillip Phillips surprised guests by visiting the American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Phillips was joined by a string of season 13 contestants, including Hollie Cavannaugh, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ladet. Phillips also took pictures outside the attraction with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
August 11, 1955 – Vice President Nixon and Family Visit Disneyland
“I don’t know when I’ve had so much fun.” – Richard M. Nixon
On August 11, 1955, a few weeks after its opening, Vice President Richard M. Nixon and his family visited Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The Nixons were welcomed into the park and brought to City Hall along with actor Fess Parker, with Parker awarding Nixon the “Key to City Hall.” After several photographs (including a few in front of the castle), the Nixons are taken on a tour of the park, with the family able to ride several of the attractions, including the Mark Twain Riverboat and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. The Nixons would be on hand again at the park in 1959 to help with the inauguration of the monorail.
April 27, 2010 – Hideki Matsui of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Visits Disneyland
“It just tells how huge of an impact Hideki has, not only in Japan, but California.” – Go Egawa, Journalist for NHK TV
On April 27, 2010, baseball player Hideki Matsui of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim visited Disneyland for the first time. After joining the Angels in December of 2009, Disney officials in Japan arraigned for Hideki to travel to the California park, located two miles away from the Angel Stadium. A group of 40 Japanese journalists followed Hideki around the park, documenting his first visit. Hideki posed for pictures with Mickey Mouse (dressed in a baseball uniform) before setting off on the “it’s a small world” attraction. It was also noted that the timing couldn’t have been more appropriate: Hideki’s jersey number is 55, and he was visiting on the 55th anniversary of the park.
March 8, 1983 – President Ronald Reagan Visits Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center
“We can see the benefits of this revolution already. Many of the advantages you can view right here at EPCOT Center, which itself is a celebration of tomorrow.”
On March 8, 1983, President Ronald Reagan visited Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center with his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan. The Reagans began with a visit to the American Adventure attraction, and afterward they met with students that participated in the World Showcase Fellowship Program. This program, which unfortunately no longer exists at Disney, was a one-year exchange program for outstanding students all over the world to represent their countries in the World Showcase. After greeting these students, President Reagan gave a speech in the amphitheater outside of the American Adventure to the program’s students, select outstanding students in math and science from the Central Florida area, and other guests. His speech detailed how happy he was to see so many young people at EPCOT, and how the students will be able to bring change to not only the nation, but also to the world.
If you haven’t read the speech, I would highly recommend it. EPCOT is one of those places that thrive on cultural understanding, and reading Reagan’s words just hits that point home.
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