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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

May 24

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May 24, 2013 – The Monstrous Summer 24 Hour Event Starts at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

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“Three Disney theme parks celebrate the beginning of summer with a ‘Monstrous’ bi-coastal All-Nighter.”

On May 24, 2013, to celebrate the release of the Pixar film Monsters University, the three American Disney Parks held an event called “Monstrous Summer,” where the parks were open for a full 24-hours of fun and exciting events. There were limited pieces of merchandise available only during this event, along with special character greetings, parades, and dance parties. A distinctive nighttime spectacular called “Celebrate the Magic” also began during this celebration, and lasted all summer, lighting Cinderella’s Castle with summer-themed images from Disney movies Lilo and Stitch and The Little Mermaid, with a few others. Sweet monster-themed treats were available as part of the celebration, including a Mike Wazowski cake-pop.

May 20

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May 20, 1996 – Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Garden Pavilion Opens

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“Putt your way through 5 whimsical scenes featuring tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks, and pirouetting ostriches.”

On May 20, 1996, the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Garden Pavilion opened in Walt Disney World, near the Swan and Dolphin hotels. The miniature golf course features scenes from the animated feature film Fantasia, including the two most well-known segments: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Dance of the Hours. The pavilion holds two 18-hole courses, along with a putting course and a meeting facility. The course is located close enough to Hollywood Studios that guests are able to have a great view of the Tower of Terror attraction.

May 5

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May 5, 2005 – Disney’s Magical Express Service Begins at Walt Disney World

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“Be magically whisked away!”

On May 5, 2005, the special service Disney’s Magical Express began running in Walt Disney World. The complimentary motorcoach picks up guests and their luggage at Orlando International Airport and takes them to their hotels on the Disney property. Guests can sign up for the service when they book their vacation package. A perk of this package allows to skip baggage claim by attaching special tags on their bags; their bags are then claimed by Disney representatives and are taken directly to guests rooms. The service also gives guests a complimentary ride back to the airport at the end of their Disney vacation.

May 31

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May 31, 2008 – The Attraction Toy Story Midway Mania! Opens in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

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“Ride and shoot moving targets at this midway-style, 4D shootin’ game starring your favorite Toy Story characters.”

On May 31, 2008, the 4-D attraction Toy Story Midway Mania! opened in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Inspired by the Toy Story franchise, guests board spinning vehicles while wearing 3-D glasses, and enter Andy’s room to play five carnival midway games. It is one of the most technologically advanced and expensive attractions created for the park, costing about $80 million. The host of the attraction is an Audio-Animatronic Mr. Potato Head, decked out as 1920s barker, who tells jokes and identifies people in the audience to talk to. The five games of skill are: Hamm & Eggs (shooting down barnyard animals and hardboiled eggs), Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts (launching darts and popping balloons), Green Army Men Shoot Camp (baseball toss at plates), Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers (a ring toss on the Little Green Men), and Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery (suction-cup darts shot at mine0cart targets). Each game has an Easter egg that triggers gameplay changes or additional targets.

May 20

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May 20, 1973 – Tom Sawyer Island Opens in Walt Disney World

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“Brave an adventure all your own at this rustic, secret hideaway inspired by the stories of Mark Twain.”

On May 20, 1973, the Frontierland attraction Tom Sawyer Island opened in Walt Disney World. It was based on the original attraction in Disneyland, which opened on June 16, 1956. At the Florida attraction, the fort is named Fort Langhorne, although was originally called Fort Sam Clemens. Visitors can explore the fort, which includes a watch tower, a blacksmith shop, and an escape tunnel; visitors can also travel through Injun Joe’s Cave, with rocky passageways and strange fossils. There is also a refreshments stand called Aunt Polly’s Landing, which sells mainly ice cream and drinks.