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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

July 15

July 15, 1995 – The Wedding Pavilion Opens in Walt Disney World

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“Enchanting from afar and dazzling from within, this locale is our premier wedding destination, expressly made for matrimony and ensconced in a lush and tranquil garden setting.”

On July 15, 1995, the special Wedding Pavilion opened in Walt Disney World, on a private island in the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom. After the success of the Fairy Tale Weddings department, it was necessary to have a specific place for weddings within Walt Disney World; the first wedding held there was on June 18, 1995, and was featured on the Lifetime special Weddings of a Lifetime. The pavilion can accommodate up to 250 guests, and Cinderella’s Castle can be seen in the background of the garden area. The pavilion is still a highly sought after place for Disney-themed weddings.

July 12

July 12, 2011 – Jiko Named A Best Wine Restaurant by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Jiko Wine

“[Jiko] fuses the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine.”

On July 12, 2011, Jiko – The Cooking Place, one of Animal Kingdom’s restaurants, was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants. The restaurant was honored for having of the largest selections of South African vintages within the United States, a collection that boasts other prestigious honors.

July 9

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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.

July 4

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July 4, 2007 – Walt Disney World Hosts Naturalization Ceremony

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“Okay, so your seats are a little wet. Get over it! It’s still a beautiful day in America!”

On July 4, 2007, in honor of the American holiday of the 4th of July, Walt Disney World hosted a naturalization ceremony for 1,000 immigrants. Though the weather was less than pleasant, the ceremony was filled with excitement thanks to USCIC director Emilio Gonzalez, Senator Mel Martinez, and singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, who sang the national anthem. After the official swearing-in, the new citizens on the United States and their families were led down Main Street by the Walt Disney World marching band while F-15 jets flew overhead. This is one of many times that a naturalization ceremony has been held at the Magic Kingdom.

June 24

June 24, 1999 – The Quick Service Restaurant Electric Umbrella Opens in Epcot

Electric Umbrella

“Hide away beneath colorful canopies where you can sink your teeth into all kinds of classic fare…”

On June 24, 1999, the quick service restaurant Electric Umbrella in Epcot’s Future World area in Walt Disney World. The restaurant, serving lunch and dinner, features a mix of classic and healthy fare, including a French dip burger, an Energy Salad with roasted chicken, and a strawberry cheesecake. The restaurant is included in the Disney Dining Plan, and includes a courtyard where guests can eat while observing the sights of the park.

June 19

June 19, 1995 – The Partners Statue is Installed at Walt Disney World

Partners Statue

“We believe in our idea: a family park where parents and children could have fun – together.”

On June 19, 1995, the Partners statue was installed at Walt Disney World, in the hub of the Magic Kingdom Park. The statue was originally installed in Disneyland to celebrate the 65th birthday of Mickey Mouse, and was created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson, who had come out of retirement just for the project. The Walt Disney World statue is the second of five installations of the statue, with the others in Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Paris, and at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The

June 15

June 15, 1917 – Imagineer and Disney Legend Bill Martin is Born

Walt and Bill Martin

On June 15, 1917, Bill Martin was born in Marshalltown, Iowa. He and his family would move to Los Angeles, and in 1937, he graduated from Los Angeles Junior College after studying architecture. He continued his studies at the Chouinard Art Institute and the Art Center School of Design before landing a job at 20th Century Fox as a set designer. Like many men of the time, Martin left Hollywood to serve during World War II, servicing as a captain in the Air Force. He returned after the war to work at Panoramic Productions before rejoining Fox as an assistant art director. In 1953, Martin received a phone call from the Disney Studios, as Walt was looking for the best to help him create what would become Disneyland. He eagerly joined WED Enterprises, and would go on to develop the designs for some of the most beloved attractions, including Peter Pan’s Flight and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Eventually, Martin would be named the art director of Fantasyland, and not only developed many of the layouts of each Fantasyland attraction, but added design elements to other attractions across the park. In 1971, he was named the vice president of design at WED, and contributed his design expertise to the layout of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. He retired in 1977, after 24 years with the company; like many others, however, Martin continued to consult on many projects for various parks. He was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1994. In 2010, Martin passed away.

May 28

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May 28, 1994 – The Wilderness Lodge Resort Opens

Wilderness Lodge

“Soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek.”

On May 28, 1994, the Wilderness Lodge Resort opened in Walt Disney World near the Magic Kingdom Park. The resort was designed with the National Park hotels in mind, inspired by such buildings as the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. The resort itself has many amenities, including a campfire with activities, jogging trails, and a guided fishing excursion. The resort also features the Firerock Geyser, which erupts near the pool area on a regular schedule.

May 26

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May 26, 1990 – Mickey’s Starland Area Opens in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park

Starland

“I brought you friends from near and far, you’ll meet them now, each one’s a star.”

On May 26, 1990, the Mickey’s Starland area opened in the Magic Kingdom Park of Walt Disney World. The area replaced the Mickey’s Birthdayland area, which closed on April 22, 1990, at the conclusion of Mickey’s 60th birthday. Many special features from Mickey’s Birthdayland remained, and the new area included a live show called Mickey’s Magical TV World show, with several of the Disney Afternoon characters, including Darkwing Duck and Baloo from TaleSpin. In 1996, the area was revamped and turned into Mickey’s Toontown Fair.

May 25

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May 25, 1990 – The Stage Show Here Come the Muppets Premieres

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“The Muppets have arrived at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park!”

On May 25, 1990, the stage show Here Come the Muppets premiered in Disney-MGM Studios. This was the first show to feature the Muppets at the Disney Park, after purchasing negotiations had started between Disney and Jim Henson Associates (these negotiations would stall after Henson’s death, though Muppet*Vision 3D continued in the park). The show was performed until September 2, 1991, and was replaced by Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

The show begins with Kermit panicking when he can’t find anyone and the show is about to start. Mickey calls to find how well the show is going, but while Kermit manages to stall, he decides to call his friends to find out where they are. Kermit reaches Miss Piggy on the video phone, and she is alarmed when everyone can see her at home. Kermit then calls Fozzie, who is very lost. However, Kermit manages to guide Fozzie onto the stage, and Fozzie tells Kermit that the others are coming on the monorail. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem crash into the building before Gonzo and Buster Bunny arrive to help Fozzie and Kermit sing a rendition of “Make ‘Em Laugh.” Miss Piggy performs next a rousing rendition of Lloyd Price’s “Personality.” To kill time between sets (and covering for Animal eating one of the amplifiers), Kermit sings  “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green.” Finally, Electric Mayhem performs Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” followed by the finale number “Shout!”