The Disney Look... to the Past! (March 21-27)
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!:
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!:
This Week in Disney History: March 21 – 27
March 27, 1986 – Groundbreaking is held for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of Walt Disney's dreams was to build a theme park devoted to showcasing his true passion: the magic of movie making. It was for this reason that in the 1980’s, The Walt Disney Company found a way to make this dream into a reality. By utilizing the abundance of land at Walt Disney World, Imagineers began creating the then 100-acre Disney-MGM Studio and Studio Tour.
They began by channeling the glitz and glamour of 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood. The original plans included an animation building, where Guests could meet Disney artists and see the animation process in action, a backlot of streets and sets from different eras and places, craft and specialty shops and the ride-through adventure “Great Moments at the Movies.” The groundbreaking for this exciting new park was indeed a glamorous event, with Michael Eisner, Bob Hope, Louis B. and Mickey Mouse present to announce the location and schedule for the project. Disney-MGM Studios became Disney’s Hollywood Studios in January 2008.
March 23, 1969 - “Herbie Day” at Disneyland Resort
Herbie is known on screen for his grand entrances and magical mobility. It was no different for this energetic Love Bug during his “Herbie Day” debut in Disneyland in 1969. This special event was held to celebrate the release of Herbie’s new movie “The Love Bug,” which premiered March 13, 1969. Complete with a creative contest and colorful parade, the event was a great success.
Nearly 1,000 contestants competed in “The Most Lovable Bug” decorating contest. Contestants submitted photos of their Volkswagen beetles decked out from front to fender in psychedelic, toy-like or comical style. The top 100 finalists were then chosen to park on Main Street U.S.A. during the day and ride through the park for a unique parade led by Herbie in the afternoon. A similar event was held June 30, 1974, to promote the release of “Herbie Rides Again.”
Also this week in Disney History:
March 21
1975 — Walt Disney Pictures releases “Escape to Witch Mountain”
1975 — Mission to Mars (updated Flight to the Moon attraction) opens at Disneyland Park
1997 — The new Carnation Cafe, Blue Ribbon Bakery, and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor open on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park
March 22
1975 — Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (now called Downtown Disney Marketplace) opens
March 23
1969 — Disneyland Park hosts “Herbie Day,” featuring a parade of Volkswagen Beetles down Main Street, U.S.A. (promoting the film "The Love Bug")
1990 — Touchstone Pictures releases “Pretty Woman”
2000 — Disney's “Aida,” featuring music by Elton John and Tim Rice, opens in New York City
March 24
1956 — Astro-Jets opens at Disneyland Park
1972 — Country Bear Jamboree opens at Disneyland Park
1987 — Michael Eisner and French prime minister Jacques Chirac sign the Euro Disney protocol to bring the new Disneyland Resort Paris to France
2006 — “Hannah Montana” debuts on Disney Channel
March 25
1969 — President Nixon presents Lillian Disney with a special gold medal honoring Walt for “Distinguished Public Service and Outstanding Contributions to the Public and the World”
1990 — Disneyana Shop opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1994 — Walt Disney Pictures releases “D2: The Mighty Ducks”
1996 — John Lasseter is presented with an Academy Award for Special Achievement, recognizing “Toy Story” as the first fully computer-animated feature film
March 26
1994 — “Food Rocks” opens at The Land at Epcot
1995 — Disneyland Park hosts its first marathon and 5K run
March 27
1961 — Snow White Grotto opens at Disneyland Park
1986 — Bob Hope helps officiate the groundbreaking of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1989 — The new Walt Disney World Casting Center opens
2005 — “Grey’s Anatomy” debuts on ABC
2009 — “Celebrate! A Street Party” debuts at Disneyland Park
________________________________________________________________________________________________All photos and information subject to the copyright of the Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.
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