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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

October 5

October 5, 2014 – The Maelstrom Boat Ride Closes in Epcot’s Norway

“Exploring Norway’s heritage isn’t going to be smooth sailing, so buck up like a Viking would!”

On October 5, 2014, the Maelstrom boat ride attraction officially closed in the Norway Pavilion within Epcot’s World Showcase. Guests explored Norway from past to present, riding in Viking-inspired longboats through scenery that changes from fjords to swamps, meeting trolls, polar bears, and pirates. The middle of the ride featured the boats plummeting backwards down rapids and narrowly missing a waterfall. After dodging all the obstacles, guests were treated to a five-minute film about the beauty of present-day Norway. The attraction was closed to make way for the Frozen Ever After attraction, which featured several of the Maelstrom’s ride elements, including the boats traveling backwards.

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October 4

October 4, 1982 – Epcot Appears on Fortune Magazine

“The success of Epcot is critical to Dis­ney’s future prosperity, for the fabled ­entertainment company has recently suf­fered unaccustomed reverses.”

On October 4, 1982, the issue Fortune came out, with a cover story about the upcoming EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World called “Disney Gambles of Tomorrow.” The cover featured an image of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of the park. EPCOT was a risk for the Walt Disney Company; at this time in the company’s history, the future of Disney did not look bright, and the animated features were not able to reach the same heights as they had in their heyday. EPCOT, which stood for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, was one of the final projects Walt had worked on before his passing, and the company was placing heavy expectations on its success, as seen in the Fortune article.

October 3

October 3, 1998 – The Epcot Discovery Center Closes

“Information for Learners of All Ages”

On October 3, 1998, the Epcot Discovery Center (formally known as Epcot Outreach and Epcot Teacher’s Center) was officially closed. Opening on July 1, 1994, the area was another educational outpost where guests could ask questions about some of the subjects on display in the Epcot centers, or even questions about Walt Disney World in general. Guests were also able to take home a variety of informational resources.

September 29

September 29, 2015 – Downtown Disney is Officially Renamed Disney Springs

“It’s Official – ‘Downtown Disney’ is Now ‘Disney Springs’ at Walt Disney World Resort”

On September 29, 2010, the name change of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs was made official. The name change was confirmed with the new website disneysprings.com and the Twitter account @DisneySprings, and the opening of two dining experiences: The Landing: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Morimoto Asia. The area’s transformation was announced in 2013, which included a renovation and expansion of the entire area.

September 28

September 28, 2009 – The Disney Parks Blog Launches

“Walt Disney listened as he wandered the parks. We’ll listen here.”

On September 28, 2009, the Disney Parks Blog, the official blog for all things Disney parks, launched. It was noted as the official source of the latest information of all the parks worldwide, as well as tidbits of history from Imagineers and other cast members that make the parks magical. Guests can register for an account and comment on posts, providing feedback and questions for the panel of moderators.

September 17

September 17, 2019 – The New Tomorrowland Marquee is Installed in Walt Disney World

On September 17, 2019, the new Tomorrowland marquee was installed in Walt Disney World. The old sign had been taken down in July, and the new sign is a simple, sleek design evoking the styles seen in modern-day innovative hubs, such as Google or Apple.

September 14

September 14, 1980 – The Audio-Animatronic Show Mickey Mouse Revue Closes

On September 14, 1980, the audio-animatronic musical show, Mickey Mouse Revue, closed. Opening when Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, the show was located in Fantasyland of Magic Kingdom Park. It featured audio-animatronic versions of popular Disney characters, such as Winnie the Pooh and Snow White, performing classic Disney songs, conducted by Mickey Mouse. After it was removed from the theater, the location was used for seasonal events and known as the Fantasyland Theater. The attraction was moved to Tokyo Disneyland, where it opened on April 15, 1983, and closed on May 25, 2009.

September 12

September 12, 2013 – The Princess Fairytale Hall Opens in Walt Disney World

“Enjoy a dazzling encounter with Cinderella and Elena in an enchanting royal setting.”

On September 12, 2013, the meet-and-greet area Princess Fairytale Hall opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, in Fantasyland’s Castle Courtyard. Guests enter what appears to be a secret part of the castle, and are able to see special stained glass windows of Cinderella and the Royal Gallery before being escorted to meet Cinderella and a special guest; the special guest has been permanently selected as Princess Elena from Elena of Avalor. The attraction took the place of the Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction.

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 7

September 7, 1984 – Tangier Traders Opens in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion

On September 7, 1984, the clothing store Tangier Traders opened in the Morocco Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. It features traditional Moroccan clothing, including tunics, dresses, and shoes; it also features a variety of trinkets and Moroccan treats.