The Disney Look... to the Past! (June 1-7)

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: June 1-7

June 6, 1959 – Submarine Voyage opens at Disneyland Park

This journey through “liquid space” gave Guests a glimpse at uncharted seas from the comfort of a 52-foot-long submarine. Special effects, including billowing bubbles, create the illusion that the subs are diving deep below the ocean surface, spotting rare creatures like sea turtles and giant squid. A hurricane on the surface forces the subs to venture even deeper underneath the polar ice caps and into the ruins of the lost continent of Atlantis. But after encounters with mermaids and sea serpents, you search for shallow waters. The fleet of gray subs both resembled and was named for America’s nuclear submarines. In 1987, they were rethemed and painted yellow to resemble oceanographic research vessels. The Submarine Voyage closed in 1998 but reopened in 2007 featuring new, fishy friends (not food!) as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, inspired by the Disney•Pixar film.

June 2, 2002 – Epcot leaders dedicate Journey into Imagination with Figment

Who doesn’t love an open house? Head to the Imagination! pavilion for a guided tour of the Imagination Institute, where you’ll see wild, whimsical creations that celebrate the five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste – and learn how they can energize your imagination. Institute president Dr. Nigel Channing leads the way, but the imagination-loving dragon Figment has flown along for the ride, and he delights in derailing the journey with every turn. Experience the world from Figment’s topsy-turvy worldview and you’ll agree, imagination works best when set free. The attraction features the classic Sherman Brothers song “One Little Spark,” written for the pavilion in 1983 and rearranged with new verses. Monty Python member Eric Idle reprises his “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” role as Dr. Channing.

Also this week in Disney history:

June 1
1987 – If You Had Wings closes at Magic Kingdom Park
1989 – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
1995 – Space Mountain: From the Earth to the Moon opens at Disneyland Paris
1997 – The final performance of “The Lion King Celebration” parade takes place at Disneyland Park

June 2
1984 – The Laserphonic Fantasy premieres on the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot
1989 – Touchstone Pictures releases “Dead Poets Society”

June 3
1949 – The Donald Duck/Chip ‘n’ Dale short “Winter Storage” debuts
1983 – Bistro de Paris restaurant opens at the France pavilion at Epcot
2011 – Star Tours – The Adventures Continue opens at Disneyland Park
2011 – The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure opens at Disney California Adventure Park
2011 – Wally Boag, Disney Legend and “Golden Horseshoe Revue” star at Disneyland Park, dies at age 90

June 4
1990 – The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel opens
1990 – Bengal Barbecue opens at Disneyland Park
1991 – Company D opens at the Walt Disney World Team Disney building
1997 – Magic Kingdom I ferryboat at the Walt Disney World Resort is renamed Admiral Joe Fowler
2011 – Betty Taylor, Disney Legend and “Slue Foot Sue” from Disneyland Park’s “Golden Horseshoe Revue,” dies at age 91

June 5
1972 – If You Had Wings opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1999 – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2000 – Touchstone Pictures releases “Gone in 60 Seconds”

June 6
1952 – The animated short “Susie, the Little Blue Coupe” debuts
1959 – Fantasyland Autopia opens at Disneyland Park
1959 – Submarine Voyage opens at Disneyland Park
1974 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Herbie Rides Again”
1987 – If You Could Fly opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1997 – Touchstone Pictures releases “Con Air”

June 7
1940 – “Mr. Duck Steps Out” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts
1946 – “Squatter’s Rights” (Mickey & Pluto cartoon short) debuts
1975 – Mission to Mars opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1988 – The Manatee Research Exhibit opens at The Living Seas at Epcot
2002 – The animated series “Kim Possible” debuts on Disney Channel

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

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