[IndyandMarion]

OK, so I figured I would start up this little thread (Maybe even become a column at some point for the site? If it's not all ready and I jut don't see it). Update it on a weekly basis (On Monday's)
Here's some history from the Parks, Animation/Live Action and important "Walt Disney" dates.

August 25th
1989 -- Leaders dedicate The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and the Ewok Village at Disney-MGM Studios

August 26th
2003 -- Stitch! The Movie, the direct-to-video sequel to Lilo & Stitch
is released
2008 -- The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, a prequel to The Little Mermaid debuts on DVD
2008 -- the Nightmare Before Christmas: Collector's Edition is released on DVD for the first time

August 27th
1964 -- Mary Poppins debuts at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA
1995 -- Aladdin's Royal Caravan closes at the Disney-MGM Studios
1996 -- The last first-run episode of "Disney's Aladdin" airs on CBS
1998 -- Camera Center on Main Street, U.S.A. moves to Town Square Exposition Hall

August 28th
1966 -- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea exhibit closes at Disneyland Park
2003 -- Lucky the dinosaur debuts at Disney's California Adventure

August 29th
1964 -- Walt Disney Pictures releases Mary Poppins nationwide

August 30th
1995 -- Leaders preside over the ground-breaking of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

August 31st
1938 -- Walt and Roy O. Disney make a $10,000 deposit on 51 acres in Burbank, CA for a new studio
1948 -- Walt outlines ideas for his "Mickey Mouse Park" in a memo. These ideas became Disneyland Park

See you next week here on This Day in Disney History

[QuickGold]

I like the idea....hope you can keep up with it!

[HDLady]

Indy-
I LOVE this idea!!!! What a great way to "snapshot" Disney history in small chucks!

[Blixzit]

Awesome idea, don't know why this wasn't done sooner. Although the one thing I question is if it's covering the whole week, why not call it "This Week in Disney History" ? Other than that, awesome!

[IndyandMarion]

Sorry, Sorry, Im late:

September 1
1939 -- The Autograph Hound (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts
1985 -- The Disney characters officially find residence at Epcot
2001 -- River Country closes at Walt Disney World Resort

September 2

1979 -- Big Thunder Mountain opens at Disneyland Park
1985 -- Adventure Thru Inner Space closes at Disneyland Park

September 3
1928 -- Walt arrives in New York to find a firm to record the soundtrack for "Steamboat Willie"
1988 -- "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" (television series) debuts in syndication
1990 -- "The Challengers" (television series) debuts in syndication

September 4
1983 -- The five millionth Guest visits Tokyo Disneyland Park
2001 -- Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta officially open
2001 -- DisneyQuest in Chicago closes


September 5
1966 -- Flying Saucers, Astro-Jets, Rocket to the Moon and Art of Animation close at Disneyland Park
1994 -- "Disney's Aladdin," an animated series based on the film Aladdin, debuts in syndication
1994 -- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes at the Magic Kingdom Park
1999 -- Beauty and the Beast - The Musical ends its run at the Palace Theatre on Broadway


September 6
1976 -- "America on Parade" entertains Guests at the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park for the last time
1993 -- "Disney's Adventures in Wonderland" (television series) debuts in syndication
1993 -- "Bonkers" (television series) debuts in syndication
1994 -- Spain's first Disney Store opens in Barcelona
1996 -- The Disney Fair debuts at the Puyallup Fair in Puyallup, WA

September 7
1984 -- Morocco opens in World Showcase at Epcot, the first country to be added since the theme park opened in 1982
1991 -- "Darkwing Duck" (television series) debuts on ABC and in syndication
1992 -- "Goof Troop" (television series) debuts in syndication
1996 -- "Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles" (television series) debuts on ABC
1997 -- The Fireworks Factory restaurant closes at Pleasure Islandn

[HDLady]

WOW... Fireworks Factory has been closed 11 years? I used to love eating there.... Very cool atmospgere!

[IndyandMarion]

Sept 5th, 94: 20K closes. That was an important day in my (at the time) 8 year old life because apparently I turned to my grandparents and told them to take me home and I never wanted to go to Disney again because they closed my favorite attraction.

Oct 18th, 1998-Grandfather and I bought Annual Passes to Disney World, Saw Fantasmic! that night.
May 23, 2003-Began working at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost.

[HDLady]

IndyandMarion said:

Sept 5th, 94: 20K closes. That was an important day in my (at the time) 8 year old life because apparently I turned to my grandparents and told them to take me home and I never wanted to go to Disney again because they closed my favorite attraction.

Great significant dates in Indy's life! They put a smile on my face BUT you make me feel REALLY old!!!! MY first visit to WDW was in August 1985 at the age of 34!!!!!! :roll:

[IndyandMarion]

Oh don't worry. Couple of my friends think I'm a government program and that I'm really older than I say I am (Don't tell them but I'm really 34 like my friends think I am. . . not really).

You sit there and name an attraction or show at any Disney park, hell for that matter, anything, and I'm sure I can hold my own in the conversation.

[HDLady]

IndyandMarion said:

You sit there and name an attraction or show at any Disney park, hell for that matter, anything, and I'm sure I can hold my own in the conversation.

Heck, given you've been a CM for years and been going to WDW your whole life I'm sure you can more than hold your own with anyone! I just wiah I had "discovered" WDW before I did. Being behind the scenes also helps give you a unique perspective and the workings of Disney! While every large company has its faults and weaknesses, Disney does do a whole heck of a lot of things right!

[IndyandMarion]

Hold my own against someone, yes. Hold my own against the underground that doesn't exist at MK, not a chance. Thats why I was going to adventureland to meet my (at the time) g/f, and ended up in the TimeKeeper building (Post TK, Pre MI). It's the only place I still get lost in.

[HDLady]

IndyandMarion said:

...It's the only place I still get lost in.

Frankly, after taking the Behind the Scenes Tour where they take guests through the Utilidors/underground, I'm amazed that EVERYONE down there isn't lost in that maze! It is definitely another world down there - surreal but very cool in a weird way! Amazing from a construction standpoint for sure...

[IndyandMarion]

And were back for another week. Lots going on this week in history.

September 8

1991 -- Baloo's Dressing Room, a character meet and greet area, closes at Disneyland Park
1995 -- "The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa" (television series) debuts in syndication
1998 -- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closes at the Magic Kingdom Park


September 9
1956 -- Keller's Jungle Killers closes at Disneyland Park
1973 -- Carousel of Progress closes at Disneyland Park
1979 -- "The Wonderful World of Disney" television series becomes "Disney's Wonderful World."
1984 -- America the Beautiful (revised version) closes at the Magic Kingdom Park
1998 -- The submarines of the Submarine Voyage at Disneyland Park are decommissioned in a Cast-exclusive ceremony

September 10
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

September 11
1957 -- "4th Anniversary Show" airs on "Disneyland" (television series)
1960 -- The Fire Horse Drawn Wagon closes at Disneyland Park
1968 -- The United States Postal Service issues a six-cent U.S. postage stamp featuring Walt Disney's portrait
1992 -- Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes closes at Tokyo Disneyland Park
2001 -- Walt Disney World theme parks and recreation areas close in the morning due to terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania

September 12
1958 -- The "Disneyland" television series becomes "Walt Disney Presents"
1986 -- Captain EO, a 3D film starring Michael Jackson, opens at Epcot
1992 -- "Goof Troop" (television series) debuts on ABC
1992 -- "Disney's The Little Mermaid" (television series) debuts on CBS
2005 -- Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opens on Lantau Island, Hong Kong

September 13
1991 -- The Walt Disney Company acquires Discover magazine
1991 -- The baby manatee CHESTER, which stands for Children Helping Endangered Species To Eventually Recover, is born at Epcot.
1996 -- Ellen's Energy Adventure, the updated Universe of Energy attraction starring Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye, soft-opens at Epcot
1997 -- Downtown Disney West Side soft-opens for Guests
1998 -- Winnie the Pooh's Gala Premiere shop opens at Disney-MGM Studios

September 14
1964 -- President Lyndon Johnson gives Walt Disney the Medal of Freedom at the White House
1969 -- The "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" television series becomes "The Wonderful World of Disney"
1980 -- The Mickey Mouse Revue closes at the Magic Kingdom Park
1985 -- "The Golden Girls" debuts on NBC
1985 -- "Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears" debuts on NBC
1991 -- The Main Street Electrical Parade makes a final fun at Magic Kingdom Park
1994 -- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror photo location opens at the Disney-MGM Studios
1998 -- New villain shops Scary Apothecary, Villains in Vogue and Sweet Spells open at Disney-MGM Studios

[QuickGold]

I loved Tale Spin

[IndyandMarion]

Here we go again. From now on, I'm going to stick to mostly the theme parks. If it's an important date with the company (ex: Walt buys such and such area of land for this project), then I'll add it as well.

September 15
1984 -- "American Journeys" opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1995 -- Café des Visionnaires, a restaurant in Discoveryland, closes at Disneyland Paris
1996 -- Ellen's Energy Adventure officially opens at Epcot
1997 -- Downtown Disney West Side officially opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
1999 -- Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios, along with several other attractions and recreation areas close due to Hurricane Floyd's approach


September 16
Nothing of importance.

September 17
1994 -- "Disney's Aladdin," an animated series based on the film, debuts on CBS
1998 -- The American Zoological Association announces that Disney's Animal Kingdom is an accredited zoological institution

September 18
1986 -- Captain EO officially opens at Disneyland Park
1989 -- "Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers" (television series) debuts in syndication

September 19
2001 -- "Walt Disney: One Man's Dream" opens for Guest previews at Disney-MGM Studios

September 20
1994 -- "Heavens to Betsy," a television series starring Dolly Parton, begins taping at Disney-MGM Studios
1996 -- The "Remember the Magic" parade soft opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1998 -- "Secrets of the Animal Kingdom," a children's wildlife program, premieres on ABC
1999 -- Mouse Gear, the largest in-park merchandise shop at the Walt Disney World Resort, opens at Epcot

September 21
1987 -- "Ducktales" debuts in syndication
2001 -- The "Share a Dream Come True" parade soft-opens at Magic Kingdom Park

[COH#1fan]

How come I don't remember Secrets of the Animal Kingdom? Was it a one-shot special or was it an ongoing wildlife series?

[IndyandMarion]

It was a one shot publicity show for the park.

[IndyandMarion]

A LOT happened in the parks this week. Lot of last generation parades opening. Also, click on the link under the Tapestry of Nations note, seriously, you'll LOL for a while.

September 22nd
1984 -- The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors elects Michael Eisner chairman of the board and chief executive officer, and Frank Wells is elected president
1999 -- "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth" soft opens at Epcot
2004 -- "Lost" (television series) debuts on ABC


September 23
1938 -- The Brave Little Tailor (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1980 -- Big Thunder Mountain soft opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1990 -- "The Magical World of Disney" moves to the Disney Channel
2001 -- Tapestry of Dreams, Disney Stars and Motor Cars and Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade soft-open at Epcot, the Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom, respectively
2004 -- Castle-topping ceremony takes place at Hong Kong Disneyland
2007 -- High School Musical 2: School's Out! debuts at Disney-MGM Studios


September 24
1961 -- "Walt Disney Presents" becomes "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" and premieres (along with Ludwig Von Drake) on NBC
1984 -- Michael Eisner and Frank Wells officially begin their roles in The Walt Disney Company
1993 -- "Boy Meets World" (television series) debuts on ABC
1995 -- The Mark Twain Riverboat is the setting for the first wedding on a Disneyland attraction

September 25
1931 -- Fishin' Around (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1945 -- Walt Disney steps down as President of Walt Disney Productions. Walt's brother, Roy Oliver Disney, fills the position
1959 -- "Mickey Mouse Club" concludes its regular run on ABC
1999 -- "Tapestry of Nations" soft opens at Epcot
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=63f7hTSjuyE

September 26
1991 -- Dinosaurs Live parade debuts at the Disney-MGM Studios
1997 -- Disney's Wilderness Lodge begins offering horseback riding

September 27
1947 -- Walt Disney Pictures releases Fun and Fancy Free
1993 -- Listen to the Land closes at Epcot
1998 -- SuperStar Television attraction closes at the Disney-MGM Studios
2008 -- The Adventurers Club and Pleasure Island officially close (KUNGALOOSH!)

September 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

[HDLady]

OMG, Indy, I loved Tapestry of Nations/Dreams and that video from the AC was a riot!!! Thanks for sharing!

[IndyandMarion]

I was at the closing night of ToD. Was a hell of a show. Myself and others were lining up at Step off around 3pm. On the second performance, everyone that was following the parade was singing the song and doing the lines for the Dreamseekers. At step down. The Dreamseekers just stood there and we did the lines for them.