The Disney Look... to the Past! (Jan. 27 - Feb. 2)

Here is the latest edition of this special weekly feature that gives us a glimpse of the Disney Company's past:

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This Week in Disney History: Jan. 27 - Feb. 2

  
Jan. 30, 1998 – “IllumiNations” debuts at Epcot
The original “IllumiNations” was the fourth nighttime show in Epcot’s history, surrounding Guests in a spectacular celebration of the countries in World Showcase. This 14-minute program choreographed water fountains, lighting effects, lasers and pyrotechnics to classical works of composers stretching from Beethoven to George Gershwin. After a successful eight-year run, followed by a special edition commemorating Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary, the show was overhauled for the Millennium Celebration. “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” debuted in 1999, telling the story of planet Earth and its inhabitants through the phases of chaos, order and ultimately, meaning.

Feb. 1, 2008 – “Phineas and Ferb” officially debuts on Disney Channel

Phineas Flynn is the red-haired, smooth-talking brains of the operation. Ferb Fletcher is the tall, soft-spoken can-do man. And these devoted stepbrothers’ summer plans are way more ambitious than building bunk beds. They’re going to make roller coasters, raise mummies from the dead, reunite ‘80s hair metal bands and possibly give a monkey a shower. That is, if their older sister Candace doesn’t bust them. And hey, where’s Perry? Their pet platypus leads a double life as Agent P, protecting the Tri-State Area from the nefarious Dr. Doofenshmirtz. First previewed on Disney Channel in summer 2007, “Phineas and Ferb” was created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, who previously worked together on multiple cartoons including “Family Guy” and “Rocko’s Modern Life.”

Also this week in Disney history:

Jan. 27
1996 – The first Indy 200 race is held at the Walt Disney World Speedway

Jan. 28
1932 – “The Duck Hunt” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1944 – “How to Be a Sailor” (Goofy cartoon short) debuts
1982 – Wally Boag gives his final performance in the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland Park
2010 –The ESPN Wide World of Sports facility is relaunched at the Walt Disney World Resort

Jan. 29
1943 – “Donald’s Tire Trouble” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts
1959 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Sleeping Beauty”
1959 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Grand Canyon” (featurette)
1998 – The Southern Seas makes its last cruise on Seven Seas Lagoon at the Walt Disney World Resort

Jan. 30
1998 – Hollywood Pictures releases “Deep Rising”

Jan. 31
1986−Touchstone Pictures releases “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”
1996−Olde World Antiques and Silversmith Shop closes in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park

Feb. 1
1994 – The Disney Inn reopens as Shades of Green, a military recreation resort at the Walt Disney World Resort
1995 – Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. (arcade) opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2003 – The Diamond Horseshoe Revue closes at Magic Kingdom Park

Feb. 2
1967 – Roy O. Disney holds a press conference in Winter Park, Fla., outlining specific plans for construction of the Walt Disney World Resort
1986 – “The Disney Sunday Movie” debuts on ABC
1992 – Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort (now the Riverside portion of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort) opens at the Walt Disney World Resort

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Thank you for reading, and have a great rest of your day!

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