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Published in: Archives
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Published on Monday, 28 May 2012 16:30
Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the weekly feature known as "The Disney Look... to the Past!"
Enjoy reading all of the following interesting facts about the Walt Disney Parks, Resorts, Movies, and more:
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This Week in Disney History: May 25-31
May 27, 1977 – Space Mountain opens at Disneyland
Park
Two years after the futuristic white spires designed by
Imagineeer John Hench rose above Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, the out of
this world thrill ride came to the park that Walt Disney originally envisioned
it for. Both roller coasters follow the “space port” concept, but differences
about between the two, most notably the size of their iconic show buildings.
Spanning 200 feet across, Disneyland’s version of Space Mountain is more than
100 feet smaller in diameter than the Florida original, but its single track
accommodates larger 12-seat rockets that ferry Guests across the farthest
reaches of the galaxy. In 1996, a synchronized onboard audio track was added,
composed by surf rock legend Dick Dale. Just in time for Disneyland Park’s 50th
anniversary, Space Mountain received a two year refurbishment, reopening in 2005
with a completely replaced track, redesigned queue and a new soundtrack by
“Ratatouille” and “Up” composer Michael Giacchino. At Halloween Time, Space
Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy, with eerie music, projections and lighting adding
a frightful edge to your intergalactic adventure.
May 28, 1994 – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opens at the Walt Disney
World Resort
Located just down the trail from Disney’s Fort
Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a further
reflection upon harmony with nature. Inspired by the National Park lodges of the
American Northwest, homages are interspersed to the great American explorers,
along with the Native American cultures they encountered. The 7-story lobby is
built from Lodgepole Pine and features a vast 82-foot tall fireplace, and the
727 Guest rooms continue the celebration of American craftsmanship mixed with
Native American design touches. The intricate design is also continued outside,
where Guests can watch Fire Rock Geyser, inspired by Old Faithful at Yellowstone
National Park, erupt in 120-foot tall plumes of water. Springs, creeks and
waterfalls feed into the two Guest swimming pools, but to get away from it all,
pull up a chair on the white sand beach and gaze across Bay Lake into a true
wilderness.
Also this week in Disney history:
May 25
1983 – Pinnochio’s Daring Journey opens at
Disneyland Park
2007 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Pirates of the
Caribbean: At World’s End”
2007 – Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island opens at
Disneyland Park
May 26
1986 – Spaceship Earth reopens at Epcot featuring
a new narration by Walter Cronkite
1990 – Mickey’s Starland (formerly
Mickey’s Birthdayland) opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2006 – Disney-Pixar’s
“Cars” premieres at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
May 27
1933 – The Silly Symphony short “Three Little
Pigs” debuts
1948 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Melody Time”
1985 –
Epcot hosts the Presidential Inaugural Parade for Ronald Reagan
1995 –
Casey’s Corner opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2011 – Mickey’s Soundsational
Parade debuts at Disneyland Park
May 28
1960 – Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland
opens in Frontierland at Disneyland Park
1966 – “it’s a small world” opens at
Disneyland Park
1999 – The Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Magic
Kingdom Park
May 29
1990 – The Sorcery in the Sky fireworks show
debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1991 – Tokyo Disneyland welcomes its 100
millionth guest
1992 – Touchstone Pictures releases “Sister Act”
2009 –
Disney-Pixar releases “Up”
2011 – A new pool area featuring Monorail-themed
water slides opens at the Disneyland Hotel
May 30
1936 – “Thru the Mirror” (Mickey Mouse cartoon
short) debuts
1953 – “Don’s Fountain of Youth” (Donald Duck cartoon short)
debuts
1967 – Groundbreaking is held for the construction of the Walt Disney
World Resort
2003 – Disney-Pixar releases “Finding Nemo”
May 31
2008 – A Buzz Lightyear action figure joins the
crew of space shuttle Discovery mission STS-124, blasting off to the
International Space Station
2008 – Toy Story Midway Mania! opens at Disney’s
Hollywood Studios
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Thank you for reading, and have a great rest of your week!
All photos and information subject to the copyright of the Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.
