The Disney Look... to the Past! (09/06-12)

Here you are this week's look.... at the history of all things related to Disney (parks, resorts and more!):

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This Week in Disney History: September 6-12

September 7, 1984 - Morocco opens in World Showcase at Epcot

With styling that recalls the streets of Casablanca and Marrakesh, Morocco was both the first new pavilion added to World Showcase after Epcot's opening and the first pavilion to be sponsored by its country's government. The king of Morocco, Hassan II, even sent his own craftsmen to lay the pavilion's intricate tile mosaics. Morocco is divided into two distinct sections: the Medina (old city) and Ville Nouvelle (new city), linked by the Bab Boujouloud gate, based on one in the city of Fez. The Ville Nouvele contains Fez House, modeled after a typical Moroccan home, and the Koutoubia Minaret, a prayer tower visible from all of Epcot. Besides getting an introduction to Moroccan culture, visitors can shop the pavillion's six merchandise locations, eat at two restaurants, and meet the characters from Disney's Aladdin.

September 10, 2009 - The first-ever D23 Expo begins in Anaheim, Calif.

Disney fans lined up early in the morning to enter the Anaheim Convention Center for day one of the first official fan expo in Disney history. Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, kicked off the festivities by treating the D23 Arena crowd to a sneak preview of the first 30 minutes of The Princess and the Frog, and then a live performance from Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana. This was followed by the 2009 Disney Legends Ceremony, which included the induction of Robin Williams, the ladies of "The Golden Girls," and Disney voice actors Bill Farmer (Goofy) and Tony Anselmo (Donald). The convention floor featured exhibits from nearly every division of the company, including Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, where Walt Disney Imagineering shared scale models of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure as part of its sprawling pavilion. The D23 Expo returns to Anaheim from August 19-21, 2011 - look for Cast discount tickets next May.

Also this week in Disney history:

September 6  

1976 - "America on Parade" entertains Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park guests for the last time

1993 - The television series "Adventures in Wonderland" debuts on Disney Channel

   

September 7  

1991 - "Darkwing Duck" (television series) debuts on ABC and in syndication

1992 - "Goof Troop" (television series) debuts in syndication

1998 - Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closes at Magic Kingdom Park 

2008 - Golden Dreams closes at Disney California Adventure 

   

September 8  

1968 - The Surrey vehicle closes at Disneyland Park

1998 - Submarine Voyage closes at Disneyland Park 

   

September 9  

1973 - Carousel of Progress closes at Disneyland Park

1990 - "The Magical World of Disney" airs for the final time on NBC 

   

September 10  

1932 - "King Neptune" (Silly Symphony) debuts

1988 - "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" (television series) debuts on ABC

1990 - "Tale Spin" (television series) debuts in syndication 

1993 - "Bill Nye - The Science Guy" (television series) debuts in syndication

   

September 11  

1968 - The United States Postal Service issues a six-cent U.S. postage stamp featuring Walt Disney's portrait

2001 - All Walt Disney World theme parks and recreation areas close shortly after opening due to terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. The Disneyland Resort announces the closure of its theme parks prior to their scheduled opening.

2008 - A Buzz Lightyear action figure completes his journey with the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery, landing safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California 

   

September 12  

1986 - Captain EO, a 3D film starring Michael Jackson, opens at Epcot

2001 - All Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort theme parks reopen following the September 11th terrorist attacks, accommodating all resort guests whose travel plans are affected 

2005 - Hong Kong Disneyland opens on Lantau Island, Hong Kong

2009 - A reboot of the Star Tours attraction is announced at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA

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