The Disney Look... to the Past! (September 6-19)

Today we have a special edition of our weekly feature to share with you! We hope you will enjoy it:
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This Week in Disney History: September 6 - 19

Sept. 7, 1984 - Morocco opens in World Showcase at Epcot

A strong smell of incense floats through the courtyards, the sound of North African rhythms and traditional Moroccan folksongs echoes through the narrow alleys, arched passageways lead to a bazaar with vendors selling brassware, jewelry and hand-woven carpet, all of these pieces build the atmosphere of the Morocco pavilion, the first country added to the World Showcase at Epcot following the theme park opening in 1982. Islamic heritage is very evident in the huge pavilion with decorative artwork including geometric forms, painstakingly hand painted on thousands of small colorful tiles. In order to duplicate the exact art forms used in Moroccan mosques, Disney executives brought over 19 Moroccan artists who worked on the pavilion for five months. Two emissaries were also sent to Morocco to hunt down bargains on leather goods, ceramics, brassware, carpets and jewelry to furnish the pavilions seven shops with genuine crafts. The pair returned to Florida with more than two tons of goods - making the pavilion, at the time, one of America's largest importers of Moroccan handicrafts. Morocco's Minister of Tourism attended the opening ceremony, calling the pavilion a dream fulfilled.

Sept. 11, 2009 - A Buzz Lightyear action figure completes his journey with the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery, landing safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California

Disney Parks and NASA sent the Buzz Lightyear toy into space in 2008 as part of an educational initiative to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. After more than 15 months, the toy returned from the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128, and headed to Walt Disney World Resort where he was celebrated as the longest tenured Space Ranger in space. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin joined the 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear toy for a "homecoming" parade in front of thousands of Guests at Magic Kingdom Park. To infinity and back, Buzz Lightyear returns mission completed.

Sept. 14, 1985 - “The Golden Girls” debuts on NBC 

The Golden Girls is based on the lives and interactions of four older women whom have all been divorced/widowed, and are now roommates. Bea Arthur (Dorothy), Betty White (Rose Nylund), Rue McClanahan (Blanche) and Estelle Getty (Sophia) starred in the comedy that aired for seven seasons from 1985 - 1992. All four actresses won Emmys for their performances. Dorothy's main goal during the series is to find a companion she can relate to while her mother Sophia adds her comical outlook and frequents "Picture This" stories. Rose's St. Olaf-ness makes her a little corny but lovable. One thing that changes nearly every episode is whom Blanche is courting. The show was a hit in 60 countries and was remade in England, Greece and Russia. It can still be found airing today in reruns.

Sept. 15, 2006 - The first annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend begins

runDisney is a series of seven event weekends providing runners unique opportunities to run various distances through Disney theme parks. Kicking off in 2006, The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend has grown to include more than 25,000 runners, including 17,500 registered for the Disneyland Half Marathon, 8,000 for the Disneyland 10K and 5,000 for the Dumbo Double Dare. All three events sold out in a little more than 26 hours. This year’s participants included runners from all 50 states and 15 countries. Celebrities and inspirational runners are among the storylines within the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, including Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, Goonies) and Alison Sweeney (The Biggest Loser). The 13.1-mile half marathon course goes through Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure Park, the streets of Anaheim and Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

More Disney history:

Sept. 6

1976 - "America on Parade" entertains Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park Guests for the last time

1993 - The television series "Adventures in Wonderland" debuts on Disney Channel

2010 - The Maliboomer attraction closes at Disney California Adventure Park

Sept. 7

1991 - "Darkwing Duck" (animated television series) debuts on ABC and in syndication

1992 - "Goof Troop" (animated television series) debuts in syndication

1998 - Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closes at Magic Kingdom Park

2008 - "Golden Dreams" closes at Disney California Adventure

Sept. 8

1968 - The Surrey vehicle closes at Disneyland Park

1998 - Submarine Voyage closes at Disneyland Park

Sept. 9

1973 - Carousel of Progress closes at Disneyland Park

1990 - "The Magical World of Disney" airs for the final time on NBC

Sept. 10

1932 - "King Neptune" (Silly Symphony) debuts

1988 - "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" (television series) debuts on ABC

1990 - "Tale Spin" (television series) debuts in syndication 

1993 - "Bill Nye - The Science Guy" (television series) debuts in syndication

2009 - The first ever D23 Expo begins at the Anaheim Convention Center

2010 - Bountiful Valley Farm closes at Disney California Adventure Park

Sept. 11

1968 - The United States Postal Service issues a six-cent U.S. postage stamp featuring Walt Disney's portrait

2001 - All Walt Disney World theme parks and recreation areas close shortly after opening due to terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. The Disneyland Resort announces the closure of its theme parks prior to their scheduled opening.

Sept. 12

1986 - "Captain EO," a 3D film starring Michael Jackson, opens at Epcot

2001 - All Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort theme parks reopen following the September 11th terrorist attacks, accommodating all resort Guests whose travel plans are affected

2005 - Hong Kong Disneyland Park opens

2009 - A reboot of the Star Tours attraction is announced at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif.

Sept. 13

1997 - The second season of “Muppets Tonight” premieres on Disney Channel

2009 - The first D23 Expo concludes in Anaheim, Calif.

Sept. 14

1964 - President Lyndon Johnson presents Walt Disney with the Medal of Freedom at the White House

1980 - The Mickey Mouse Revue closes at Magic Kingdom Park

Sept. 15

1944 - The Goofy cartoon short “How to Play Football” debuts

1958 ? The Viewliner miniature train closes at Disneyland Park

1996 - Ellen’s Energy Adventure officially opens at Epcot

2009 - The documentary “Waking Sleeping Beauty” debuts at the Toronto International Film Festival

Sept. 16

1933 - The Silly Symphony short “Pied Piper” debuts

1984 - Restaurant el Marrakesh opens in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot

2008 - Disney announces Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Sept. 17

1932 - The Mickey Mouse cartoon short “The Whoopee Party” debuts

1991 ? “Home Improvement” (television series) debuts on ABC

2006 - Former Cast Member Kevin Broady wins the first Disneyland Half Marathon

Sept. 18

1986 - “Captain EO” officially opens at Disneyland Park

1986 - “Siskel & Ebert at the Movies” (television series) debuts 

1989 - “Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers” (television series) debuts

Sept. 19

1952 - The cartoon short “Pluto’s Party” debuts

1989 - “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”is selected for preservation by the National Film Registry

2001 - “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” opens for Guest previews at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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And this is all! See you again soom with a new edition of "The Disney Look... to the Past!"

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