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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

October 26

October 26, 2009 –Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee Premieres at Walt Disney World

TSJ

“Now, the riverside comes alive New Orleans style.”

On October 26, 2009, Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee premiered at Walt Disney World. The celebration was the first of its kind celebrating the 9th official Disney princess from The Princess and the Frog, and combined a parade in Liberty Square, followed by a showboat ride with a live jazz band. A similar celebration opened in Disneyland on November 6. The celebration lasted ten weeks, along with other surprises to celebrate the film, and the celebration ended on January 3, 2010.

October 25

October 25, 1971 – The Official Dedication of Walt Disney World Takes Place

WDW Dedication

“May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place.”

On October 25, 1971, the official dedication ceremonies of Walt Disney World took place in the heart of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. The special event was filmed for an NBC special that aired on October 29, and featured a dedication speech by Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney, a marching band led by Music Man creator Meredith Wilson, and special appearances by celebrities, such as Bob Hope. This day kicked off a three-day celebration for the park, which also included a performance by the World Symphony Orchestra in front of Cinderella Castle, conducted by Arthur Fiedler.

October 22

October 22, 2010 – The Rolling Stage Show “Disney Channel Rocks!” Premieres in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Channel Rocks

“Turn the beat up, party up!”

On October 22, 2010, the rolling stage show “Disney Channel Rocks!” premiered in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. The show traveled along Hollywood Boulevard before stopping for its main performance in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat. It was similar to its predecessor, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!” in its format and showcasing song structure. The show itself featured music from several popular Disney Channel films, including Camp Rock and StarStruck. It closed on April 6, 2013.

October 9

October 9, 2003 – The Dedication for the Epcot Attraction Mission: SPACE Takes Place

Mission Space

“…very much based in reality, it’s a mix of real science and thrill.”

On October 9, 2003, the dedication for the Epcot attraction Mission: SPACE took place with a special ceremony. The attraction, which had a soft opening in June of that year, was a collaboration between Disney and NASA five years in the making. The opening included appearances by astronauts from several notable missions, NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, and CEO Michael Eisner, among others.

October 6

October 6, 2014 – Memento Mori Opens in Walt Disney World

Memento Mori

“The Victorian-era phrase ‘Memento Mori’ reminded people of that age ‘to live life to the fullest as everyone is mortal.’”

On October 6, 2014, the Haunted Mansion themed store Memento Mori opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The store, located in Liberty Square, features special merchandise created to celebrate one of the park’s most popular attractions, including Dooney and Bourke purses, open edition pins, and special “spirit photography” that allows guests to transform into spirits that similar to the other 999 happy haunts.

October 3

October 3, 1971 – The Peter Pan’s Flight Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World

Peter Pan's Flight

“Fly over London with Peter Pan aboard a magical pirate ship to Never Land.”

On October 3, 1971, the Fantasyland attraction Peter Pan’s Flight opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Similar to the attraction of the same name that opened in Disneyland in 1955, the attraction is based on the 1953 animated feature film Peter Pan, and takes guests on flying pirate ships to join Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, and Michael in their adventures in Never Land. The attraction is highly popular, and in 2014 a new themed queue was designed to entertain guests during their wait.

September 23

September 23, 1980 – The Frontierland Attraction Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Opens in Walt Disney World

Big Thunder

“Streak through a haunted gold-mining town aboard a rollicking runaway mine train.”

On September 23, 1980, the Frontierland attraction Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park. It was based on the original Disneyland attraction, which opened on September 2, 1979. Unlike the Disneyland version, the Walt Disney World attraction is based on the scenery found in Monument Valley, Utah. The attraction also adds a “haunted” element to the attraction, with a backstory claiming that a supernatural force was awakened when gold was discovered on the mountain in the 1850s.

September 16

September 16, 1984 – Restaurant el Marrakesh Opens in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion

Marrakesh

“Stained-glass chandeliers bathe diners in a warm, dim glow, all while intricate tile mosaics evoke timeless majesty.”

On September 16, 1984, the Restaurant el Marrakesh opened in the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. This table service restaurant gives guests a taste of Moroccan cuisine, including Chicken Bastilla, Couscous M’Rouzia Fassi, and the Marrakesh Delight, which is a fruit salad topped with mint ice cream, toasted almonds, and orange blossom water. Guests are entertained while they dine by lively music and spirited belly dancers.

September 9

September 9, 2013 – The California Grill Reopens at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort

California Grill

“Savor the finest in Californian cooking, as you take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park.”

On September 9, 2013, the reimagined California Grill opened at the top of Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. The grill, which closed on February 1, 2013, was given a top to bottom overhaul from the menu to the décor. New popular dishes include the Pork Two Ways, the House-Made Charcuterie, and the Hot Banana Fritters. The view from the restaurant also gives diners a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks shows.

September 1

September 1, 2005 – The Playground Area Pooh’s Playful Spot Opens in Walt Disney World

Pooh's Playful Spot

“Pooh’s Playful Spot is intended for the enjoyment of children ages 2 to 5 years old.”

On September 1, 2005, the playground area Pooh’s Playful Spot was added to the Magic Kingdom park of Walt Disney World. The new playground area took the place of the closed 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction, which had closed in 1994. The area served as a spot for children ages 2 to 5 to play safely and included several popular elements from the successful film franchise. There are also some slides and logs to crawl through, as well as a couple of spilled hunny pots for kids to crawl around. The area was closed in 2010 to make way for the New Fantasyland expansion.