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

Hello Orlando Theme Park News Readers, and welcome to the newest edition of the weekly feature known as "The Disney Look... to the Past!"

As always, we hope you will enjoy reading all of the following interesting facts about the Walt Disney Parks, Resorts, Movies, and more. If you have any questions about this material, feel free to contact us or leave a message at the end of this post. Thank you!:

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This Week in Disney History: February 7 - 13


Feb. 8, 2001 — Disney California Adventure park opens
When Disney opened its second park in Anaheim in 2001, guests came from near and far to be part of the unveiling of this 55-acre, $1.4 billion addition. The day of the grand opening, adult admission cost only $43 per person, 25 new rides and attractions premiered, and guests listened to a number of legendary celebrity speakers, including Roy Disney, Michael Eisner and TV host Art Linkletter, who was also at Disneyland's opening in 1955. Today, Disney California Adventure gives guests the opportunity to explore eight exciting lands throughout the park, including Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf, "a bug's land" and Hollywood Land. With all these enthralling attractions, many delectable dining options and the must-see World of Color nighttime spectacular, the park is a must-do Disney adventure.


Feb. 9, 1996 — The Disney Institute learning campus opens at Walt Disney World
Since its inception in 1996, Disney Institute has transformed organizations across the globe through the time-tested insights of The Walt Disney Company. When Disney Institute first opened its doors in 1996, it served as both a resort and learning center for guests and business professionals alike. This creative community provided guests with an educational and innovative way to spend a vacation, while providing business leaders with professional development and team-building programs. The classes taught guests about the magic of Disney and were taught by Disney Cast members. Guests could choose to learn about Disney animation, culinary, gardening, television and film, or "Disney Behind the Scenes," with programs lasting typically three to seven days. Today, Disney Institute focuses exclusively on business professionals by teaching them about Disney practices in leadership, customer service, experience, brand loyalty, and creativity and innovation.

Also this week in Disney History:

Feb. 7

1940 Walt Disney's "Pinocchio" premieres in New York City 

1997 – The Richard Petty Driving Experience debuts at the Walt Disney World Resort Speedway

Feb. 8

1952— The Disney animated short "Lambert, the Sheepish Lion" debuts 

2001 — Disney California Adventure Park opens 

2006 — Disney reacquires Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from NBC Universal

Feb. 9

1986 — The 3-D film "Magic Journeys" closes at Epcot 

1996— The Disney Institute learning campus opens at Walt Disney World 

2009 — Disney announces a distribution and marketing deal with Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studios

Feb. 10

1960 — The Stagecoach Line attraction closes at Disneyland Park

Feb. 11

2000— Walt Disney Pictures releases "The Tigger Movie" 

2003 — Disney receives 44 Academy Award nominations, including 13 for "Chicago" and 10 for "Gangs of New York" 

2012 — First Lady Michelle Obama visits ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as part of a physical fitness initiative

Feb. 12

1958 — The steel hull of Disneyland Park's Sailing Ship Columbia is completed at a shipyard in Long Beach, Calif.

Feb. 13

1993— Lumiere's Kitchen (formerly Gurgi's Munchies & Crunchies) opens at Magic Kingdom Park 

2000 — Pin Trading is officially introduced at the Disneyland Resort 

2004 — The Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee is lit for the first time on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure Park

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

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