The Disney Look... to the past! (July 2-8)

Let's take a look together at the past of the Disney Land, World and Company!:

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This Week in Disney History: July 2-8

July 5, 1988 - Maelstrom opens in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot

Who said exploring Norway's heritage would a boring history lesson? This family-friendly adventure on a Viking ship through a Norwegian fjord will test even the heartiest sea goers. On the stormy voyage through a murky swamp Viking passengers battle trolls, polar bears and pirates - you never know what's around the next bend! Just past the dangers of the voyage is the calm harbor, and a five-minute film that captures the beauty and personality of Norway and its culture. Welcome back, brave Vikings!

July 2, 1986 - Walt Disney Pictures releases ‘The Great Mouse Detective'

"The Great Mouse Detective" follows London's crime-fighting ace on his most baffling case. The creators of Disney masterpieces "Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid" tell the story of Olivia, the brave mouse daughter of a beloved London toymaker, desperate for help in finding her mysteriously disappeared father. She turns to Basil of Baker Street, a detective of the highest caliber, his lovable assistant Dr. Dawson and loyal dog Toby to crack the case. The caper leads to the cold and hard-hearted criminal Professor Ratigan, voiced by legendary actor Vincent Price, and then to an adventure much bigger than any of them had anticipated. Based on the children's books "Basil of Baker Street" by Eve Titus, Basil draws on the cunning wit and logic of classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

Also this week in Disney history:

July 2

1956 - Rainbow Caverns Mine Train debuts at Disneyland Park 

1967 - Carousel of Progress, Peoplemover, Rocket Jets and Tomorrowland Terrace open at Disneyland Park

1972 - Magic Kingdom I and II ferryboats debut at the Walt Disney World Resort

1993 - Aladdin's Oasis Dinner Show opens at Disneyland Park

2010 - "Captain EO" reopens at Epcot

July 3

1985 - Tinker Bell makes her first flight at the Walt Disney World Resort 

2008 - The Mark VII Monorail Red opens to guests at the Disneyland Resort

July 4

1956 - Indian War Canoes (now Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes) open at Disneyland Park

1975 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Apple Dumpling Gang"

1984 - "American Journeys" (Circle-Vision 360 film) debuts at Disneyland Park

1987 - Big Thunder Mountain opens at Tokyo Disneyland Park 

1996 - The town of Celebration, Fla. officially opens

2001 - Disney's Electrical Parade debuts at Disney California Adventure Park

2009 - The Hall of Presidents reopens at Magic Kingdom Park featuring a new Audio-Animatronic figure of President Barack Obama

July 5

1991 - The Rocketeer begins making flights during the "Sorcery in the Sky" show at the Disney-MGM Studios

July 6

1925 - Walt and Roy O. Disney make a $400 deposit on a lot at Hyperion Avenue to build a new animation studio

1994 - Groundbreaking held for the Disney Institute (now "Shades of Green") at the Walt Disney World Resort

1994 - The original run of "Captain EO" closes at Epcot

July 7

1931 - The animated short "Mickey Steps Out" debuts

1963 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Summer Magic"

2006 - "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" opens in theatres; Pirates of the Caribbean reopens at Magic Kingdom Park with Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa characters added to the attraction

July 8

1938 - The Donald Duck cartoon short "Good Scouts" debuts

1956 - The Donald Duck cartoon short "How to Have an Accident in the Home" debuts

1985 - Michael Eisner and Fla. Gov. Bob Graham announce plans for the Disney-MGM Studios

1994 - "Legend of the Lion King" opens at Magic Kingdom Park

1996 - "American Journeys" closes at Disneyland Park

1997 - "The Lion King" stage production debuts at Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis

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Interesting to see how many things happened, right? Don't miss next week's episode of "The Disney Look... to the Past!" for more interesting facts!

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