The Disney Look... to the Past! (Sept. 27-Oct. 4)

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: Sept. 27 - Oct. 4

October 1, 1991 - SpectroMagic debuts at Magic Kingdom Park

SpectroMagic first debuted inside the Magic Kingdom in 1991, dazzling audiences with brightly lit floats and magical scenes from some of Disney’s most beloved animated films.  This cavalcade of lighting effects and fiber optics, featuring characters like Ariel, Genie and of course Mickey Mouse, was presented over an array of 204 speakers with 72,000 watts of power. Donning an amber and purple grand magician’s cape, Mickey played the role of a light controller in the parade, altering colors, brilliance and types of lighting effects that cascaded across a total of 31 floats. In addition to the lighting affects and characters, the parade also included a Cast of nearly 188 performers, float drivers and coordinators. SpectroMagic garnered legions of fans throughout the years, and although this visual spectacle officially retired in 2010, Guests can still enjoy evening entertainment at Magic Kingdom Park.

Sept 28, 2009 - The Disney Parks Blog Debuts
Social Media outlets have become a pivotal tool in the communication processes of our culture, with people from across the globe sharing their stories instantly via their favorite digital platforms. In 2009, the Walt Disney Company introduced the first Disney-branded corporate blog. Since then, the Disney Parks Blog, has been offering readers a way to connect with Disney Parks like never before. With each new blog post, fans are able to immerse themselves inside the Walt Disney Company’s rich culture of storytelling. The blog began with two authors, Heather Hust Rivera and Tom Smith, and has since expanded to over 100, with more than 6,000 total posts since its launch. The audience reach continues to expand as well, as other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are used to transmit stories out to the world. “In the beginning, we talked in thousands,” says Tom Smith, Social Media Director, referring to the number of fans who follow the blog. “Now, we talk millions!”  The Disney Parks Blog has become the go-to source for Disney Parks and Resorts news and information and it is always growing and moving forward. “What will continue to set us apart will be our focus on what’s best about Disney Parks - the people, storytelling and experiences,” says Tom.

Also this week in Disney History:

Sept. 27

1947 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “Fun and Fancy Free”

1998 - SuperStar Television closes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

2008 - The first Expedition Everest Challenge is held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

2008 - The six nightclubs of Pleasure Island close in Downtown Disney; private performances at The Adventurers Club continued into 2009

Sept. 28

1997 - “The Wonderful World of Disney” premieres on ABC

2001 - The expanded Emporium opens at the Magic Kingdom Park, putting the entire west side of Main Street, U.S.A. under one roof

2006 - “Ugly Betty” debuts on ABC

2009 - The Disney Parks Blog debuts

Sept. 29

1994 - Innoventions officially opens at Epcot

2000 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “Remember the Titans”

2009 - Disney announces the “Give a Day, Get A Disney Day.” volunteer program

2012 - The inaugural Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler race takes place at the Walt Disney World Resort

Sept. 30

1983 - The American Egg House restaurant is open for the last day at Disneyland Park 

1999 - Millennium Village opens at Epcot

2001 - “Alias” debuts on ABC

2003 - Mickey’s PhilharMagic soft-opens at Magic Kingdom Park

2005 - Michael Eisner officially retires from The Walt Disney Company

2006 - The Happiest Celebration on Earth (commemorating Disneyland Park’s 50th anniversary) ends

Oct. 1

1971 - The Walt Disney World Resort officially opens, including Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

1982 - Epcot opens at the Walt Disney World Resort

1988 - Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort officially opens

1991 - SpectroMagic debuts at Magic Kingdom Park

1992 - Critter Country, including Splash Mountain and the Beaver Bros. Canoes, opens at Tokyo Disneyland Park

1993 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “Cool Runnings”

1994 - Euro Disneyland Paris becomes Disneyland Paris

1996 - Disney’s BoardWalk officially opens

1999 - The Millennium Celebration officially begins at the Walt Disney World Resort

1999 - The “Leave a Legacy” program begins in the entrance plaza at Epcot

2000 - Conservation Station becomes Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

2005 - Robert A. Iger becomes Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company

2009 - The Walt Disney Family Museum opens in San Francisco, Calif.

Oct. 2

1971 - Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat opens at Magic Kingdom Park

1983 - Epcot leaders host groundbreaking ceremonies for The Living Seas and Morocco

1992 - Walt Disney Pictures releases “The Mighty Ducks”

1992 - Splash Mountain officially opens at Magic Kingdom Park

1996 - World of Disney opens at the Downtown Disney Marketplace in Walt Disney World

1999 - The first Disney’s FASTPASS is offered at Disneyland Paris on Indiana Jones et le Tempil de Peril

2011 - The inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon takes place at the Walt Disney World Resort

Oct. 3

1955 - “Mickey Mouse Club” debuts on ABC

2002 - Le Bat en Rouge opens at Disneyland Park

2004 - “Desperate Housewives” debuts on ABC 

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

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