The Disney Look... to the Past! (August 24-30)

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: August 24-30

Aug. 30, 1995 – Groundbreaking is held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Built around the 22-acre Lake Dorado, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers a taste of Spanish Colonial-era Mexico in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort. Located near Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resort is named for famed conquistador Don Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who discovered Arizona’s Grand Canyon and explored much of New Mexico during the 16th century. Water is a recurring theme throughout the resort, from the spring-fed Fountain of the Doves near the entrance to the Mayan-themed “Dig Site” pool, which features a 123-foot long jaguar-themed water slide. The 1,900 guest rooms are split into three distinct sections that reflect American Southwest architecture, including the terra-cotta Casitas, pueblo-style Ranchos and the beachfront Cabanas. In addition to the popular Maya Grill and Pepper Market Food Court, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort boasts one of Walt Disney World’s most popular convention spaces. At 60,214 square feet, the Coronado Ballroom is the largest in the entire resort.

Aug. 29, 2011 – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, opens in Hawai’i

This beachfront family paradise on the island of O’ahu was created by Walt Disney Imagineering as an immersive celebration of Hawaiian culture, history and traditions, with just a touch of Disney magic. Imagineers worked with local cultural advisors on nearly every facet of Aulani, developing a design that reflects Hawaiian architecture and symbols decorated with one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Hawaiian art. Located on the pristine shores of Ko Olina, its two 15-story towers offer 359 hotel rooms and 481 Disney Vacation Club villas, centered around the Waikolohe Valley pools and lazy river. Aulani offers sensational dining experiences like ‘AMA ‘AMA, with contemporary interpretations of classic Hawaiian cuisine, and Makahiki, a buffet featuring sustainable seafood and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Aulani is a perfect home base for countless activities around the Aloha State, including rainforest hikes, horseback riding and catamaran trips. But for lazy days on the beach, Aulani has its own private, secluded cove on the Pacific Ocean within easy walking distance.

Also this week in Disney history:

Aug. 24
1942 – The animated film “Saludos Amigos” world premieres in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
1956 – Omnibus opens at Disneyland Park
2002 – Disney California Adventure Park hosts the first ABC Primetime Preview Weekend

Aug. 25
1985 – Disneyland Park welcomes its 250 millionth Guest
1989 – Leaders dedicate The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Aug. 26
1949 – “Tennis Racquet” (Goofy cartoon short) debuts
2009 – The keel laying ceremony for the Disney Dream cruise ship is held in Papenburg, Germany

Aug. 27
1958 – Fire Engine opens at Disneyland Park
1964 – “Mary Poppins” debuts at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Calif.
1995 – Aladdin’s Royal Caravan closes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Aug. 28
1929 – The animated short “Mickey’s Follies” (featuring the song “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo”) debuts
1966 – “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” movie set exhibit closes at Disneyland Park
1995 – The Pleasure Island Hess station opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
2003 – Lucky the Dinosaur debuts at Disney California Adventure Park

Aug. 29
1955 – The Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant opens at Disneyland Park
1964 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Mary Poppins”
1998 – “Brink,” a Disney Channel original movie, debuts

Aug. 30
1940 – The animated short “Pluto’s Dream House” debuts

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

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