The Disney Look... to the Past! (April 6-12)

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: April 6-12

April 10, 1992 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Newsies”

Extra, extra! Read all about it! It’s turn of the 20th century New York City, and the Pulitzer and Hearst newspapers are raising their prices, making it even tougher on the young newsboys who sell them on the streets to scratch out a living. Among them is Jack Kelly (Christian Bale), who decides he’s not going to take it. Lining up support from rival newsboy groups across the city, and with help from reporter Bryan Denton (Bill Pullman), he organizes a strike and galvanizes thousands of child workers against the rich publishers. Based on the real Newsboys Strike of 1899, “Newsies” also starred Robert Duvall and Ann-Margaret, with music by Alan Menken. It was the directorial debut for Kenny Ortega, whose later “High School Musical” films struck a chord with kids worldwide. Disney Theatrical Productions’ “Newsies: The Musical,” now on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre, brings the “kings of New York” from the screen to the stage.

April 12, 1995 – ‘Ohana opens at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

“Lilo & Stitch” taught moviegoers that “‘ohana” means family, but on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, ‘Ohana began serving Polynesian-influenced family style meals years before Experiment 626 landed in our galaxy. Stroll past the tikis, tropical greenery and an 18-foot oak fire pit where skewers of grilled chicken, pork loin, sirloin steak and shrimp are being prepared just for you. Try them in the chimichurri, pineapple sweet and sour or house-made peanut sauces, but save room for stir-fried veggies and the famous ‘Ohana bread pudding. With a dining room overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, it’s a great spot to watch the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. But if a morning alien encounter is a must, come in early for ‘Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch.

Also this week in Disney history:

April 6
1990 – Blue Ribbon Bakery opens at Disneyland Park
1991 – “Darkwing Duck” debuts on Disney Channel
1998 – The new Walt Disney Studios Animation Florida building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens
2007 – Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros! opens in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot

April 7
1939 – Disney’s final Silly Symphony cartoon, “The Ugly Duckling,” debuts
1983 – The 150 millionth Guest visits the Walt Disney World Resort
1995 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “A Goofy Movie”
1997 – The original run of “Captain EO” ends at Disneyland Park
2001 – “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!” opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
2006 – Expedition Everest opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
2011 – Groundbreaking takes place for the Shanghai Disney Resort in China

April 8
1973 – The Walt Disney Story opens at Disneyland Park
1974 – Treasure Island in Bay Lake (later Discovery Island) opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
2006 – Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast opens at Disneyland Paris

April 9
1961 – Walt Disney dedicates the grotto and wishing well adjacent to Sleeping Beauty Castle, with donations benefitting children’s charities worldwide
2005 – Space Mountain: Mission 2 debuts at Disneyland Paris

April 10
1930 – “The Barnyard Concert” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1988 – “America Sings”closes at Disneyland Park

April 11
1997 – Hollywood Pictures releases “Grosse Point Blank”
2003 – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens at Disneyland Park
2003 – “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!”opens at Disney California Adventure Park
2009 – Yamabuki, a Japanese restaurant, closes at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

April 12
1946 – The cartoon short “Pluto’s Kid Brother” debuts
1992 – Disneyland Paris opens
1996 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “James and the Giant Peach”

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

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