The Disney Look... to the Past! (May 4-10)

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 4-10

May 5, 2005 – The “Happiest Celebration on Earth” begins at Disney parks

Tracing the roots of five resorts, 11 theme parks and countless memories back to Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom, the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” was a worldwide 18-month party commemorating the 50th anniversary of opening day of the Disneyland Park on July 17, 1955.

Highlighting the “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” kickoff was Walt Disney’s “Parade of Dreams,” a high-energy, character-filled salute to the dreamer who envisioned this “happy place” in the orange groves of Anaheim, Calif., and Remember … Dreams Come True, a fireworks spectacular weaving together music from classic Disneyland attractions and shows. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, a “Toy Story 2”-inspired laser battle debuted in the park’s Tomorrowland area. Comedy legend Steve Martin, who spent his teens working in the Main Street Magic Shop, returned to the park in “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” telling the park’s story through never-before-seen footage. Sleeping Beauty Castle and the 17 opening-day attractions received golden overlays, and “Happiest Faces on Earth” photo mosaics could be found throughout the resort featuring Guest-submitted snapshots of their favorite Disneyland moments.

Disney parks and resorts across the globe shared in the moment, exchanging beloved shows and attractions as gifts. Epcot debuted Soarin’, the hang glider simulator ride from Disney California Adventure Park, while Magic Kingdom Park welcomed the new show “Cinderellabration,” imported from Tokyo Disneyland Park. Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened the high-octane Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show direct from Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, which celebrated by launching Space Mountain: Mission 2, a revamp of the Discoveryland favorite. Disney Cruise Line joined the festivities by offering its first West Coast itinerary as the Disney Magic sailed to Los Angeles to offer voyages to the Mexican Riviera beginning in June.

Also this week in Disney history:

May 4
1949 – “Seal Island,” the first True-Life Adventure film, debuts
2005 – Disneyland Park closes to the public for a media event prior to launching its 50th anniversary celebration

May 5
1986 – Country Bear Vacation Hoe-Down, a new version of the Country Bear Jamboree, opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2004 – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opens at Disney California Adventure Park

May 6
1940 – The Walt Disney Studios moves from Hyperion Avenue in Los Angeles to its current location in Burbank, Calif.
1973 – Lillian Disney helps dedicate “The Walt Disney Story” at Magic Kingdom Park
1988 – Norway opens as the 11th World Showcase pavilion at Epcot
1990 – The final episode of “DuckTales” airs on television
1991 – The Walt Disney Company becomes part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average

May 7
1950 – The first engine runs on the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, a model train line in the backyard of Walt Disney’s home in California (later providing inspiration for Disneyland Park)
2011 – Disneyland Park plays host to the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
2011 – The final Walt Disney World Grad Nite event is held at Magic Kingdom Park

May 8
1998 – Lagoona Gator, a new character to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, is introduced to Guests
2000 – The Millennium Dreamers Celebration, featuring 2,000 kids from more than 90 countries, begins at the Walt Disney World Resort

May 9
1947 – “Sleepy Time Donald” (cartoon short) debuts
1953 – “For Whom the Bulls Toil” (Goofy cartoon short) debuts
1991 – Disney announces plans to build WESTCOT at Disneyland Park

May 10
1929 – “Skeleton Dance,” the first Silly Symphony cartoon, debuts
2006 – The musical “Tarzan” opens in New York at the Richard Rogers Theatre

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

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