The Disney Look... to the Past! (December 7-13)

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: December 7-13

Dec. 10, 1993 - Living with the Land opens at Epcot

Go deep into The Land in Future World and board a boat to venture inside the pavilion's amazing greenhouses, where crops are being grown in fantastic new ways and the future of agriculture is being developed before your very eyes. Originally opened with the pavilion in 1982 as Listen to the Land, this renovation introduced a new opening scene exploring the powers that shape the land, both environmental and human, traveling through a dense rainforest and an American prairie. Inside the greenhouses, the sustainable agriculture being developed inside these living laboratories includes aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (farming without soil). Much of the produce and fish grown in these greenhouses will eventually be served in The Land's three restaurants. For a closer look at the exhibits of Living with the Land, take the Behind the Seeds at Epcot guided tour for an hour-long walk through the facility.

Dec. 12, 2000 - The Disneyland Pacific Hotel becomes Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

As the opening of Disney California Adventure Park drew near, the hotel just across Disneyland Drive from the beachfront boardwalk amusement area acquired a new name and underwent a complete retheming to complement its new neighbor. The Disneyland Pacific Hotel, opened as the Emerald of Anaheim in 1984 and purchased by Disney in 1995, received a complete exterior makeover with yellow paint, and blue-green and gold striping with rolling waves lining the roof. The 481 Guest rooms were later renovated and furnished with additional seaside touches, splashed with Disney characters and concept art. The rooftop swimming pool on the third floor includes the roller coaster-themed California Streamin' water slide. For dining, enjoy Disney's PCH Grill, featuring classic American fare with a California twist, plus the Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends.

Also this week in Disney history:

Dec. 7

1941 - Japanese planes attack U.S. ships in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; the U.S. Army moves onto the Disney Studio lot in Burbank, Calif., in an effort to protect nearby military interests

1945 - "Canine Patrol" (Pluto cartoon short) debuts

1986 - The Disney Channel begins 24-hour programming

2010 - The animated short "Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa" debuts on ABC

Dec. 8

1944 - "Donald's Off Day" (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

1989 - Monorail Blue becomes the first operational Mark VI monorail train at the Walt Disney World Resort

2006 - Touchstone Pictures releases "Apocalypto"

2009 - Walt Disney Animation Studios' holiday special "Prep & Landing" premieres on ABC

Dec. 9

1931 - "Mickey's Orphans" (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts

1973 - Pack Mules Thru Nature's Wonderland closes at Disneyland Park

1992 - The National Hockey League grants Disney an expansion franchise (would become the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim)

2010 - The Disney Dream is officially turned over from its builder, Meyer Werft, to Disney Cruise Line at a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany

Dec. 10

1932 - "Santa's Work Shop" (Silly Symphony) debuts

1937 - "Donald's Ostrich" (cartoon short) debuts

2000 - Safari Village, a land at Disney's Animal Kingdom, becomes Discovery Island

Dec. 11

1992 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Muppet Christmas Carol"

2009 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Princess and the Frog"

Dec. 12

1952 - "How to Be a Detective" (Goofy cartoon short) debuts

Dec. 13

1940 - "Fire Chief" (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

1971 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"

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

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