The Disney Look... to the Past (September 24-30)

It is time to check out our weekly feature - The Disney Look... to the Past! Enjoy this week's historic events:
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This Week in Disney History: September 24-30

Sept. 29, 1994 — Innoventions opens at Epcot

Located at the heart of Future World, Innoventions is devoted to new technology and science that could change the way we live. A combination of the words “innovate” and “invention,” Innoventions expands upon the theme of Communicore, the original pavilion tenant, which introduced Guests to the world of computers. Built for constant refreshment, the exhibits of Innoventions can be changed to reflect the latest and greatest ideas and products. Spread across two circular buildings to the east and west, the interactive showcases range from enlightening (“The Great Piggy Bank Adventure,” devoted to personal finance) to moving (Segway Central allows Guests to test drive the two-wheeled personal transporter) and even exhilarating (“Sum of All Thrills,” where Guests create and experience their own virtual thrill ride.) In 1997, Innoventions opened at Disneyland Park in the former home of another beloved look at the future, the Carousel of Progress.

Sept. 24, 1961 — “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” debuts on NBC

The original “Disneyland” television show in 1954 was one of the considerations presented to ABC in exchange for helping financing the first Disney theme park in Anaheim. By 1960, Disneyland had turned enough of a profit  for the company to buy out ABC’s stake in the park, and Walt Disney wanted to take advantage of the latest technology for the television medium. General Electric’s NBC network had the ability to broadcast in color, and many episodes of “Walt Disney Presents” had been shot in color for ABC, which broadcasted in  black and white at the time. In 1961, Walt relaunched the show on the peacock network, featuring the classic kaleidoscopic title sequence and theme music penned by Richard and Robert Sherman. The program, which continued through 1969, is now the namesake of the “World of Color” nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park, which also features the original Sherman brothers theme.

Also this week in Disney history:

Sept. 24
1984 — The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade opens at Magic Kingdom Park
1993 — “Boy Meets World” debuts on ABC
1995 — The first wedding within a Disneyland attraction takes place aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat

Sept. 25
1959 — “Mickey Mouse Club” concludes its regular run on ABC
1999 — Tapestry of Nations soft-opens at Epcot
2009 — The final performance at the Adventurers Club takes place during a private event on Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

Sept. 26
1936 — The Silly Symphony short “Three Blind Mouseketeers” debuts
2001 — The television series “According to Jim” debuts on ABC

Sept. 27
1947 — Walt Disney Pictures releases “Fun and Fancy Free”
1998 — SuperStar Television closes at the Disney-MGM Studios
2008 — The first Expedition Everest Challenge is held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
2008 — The nightclubs of Downtown Disney Pleasure Island officially close; 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 Magic Kingdom Park, putting the entire west side of Main Street U.S.A., under one roof
2009 — The Disney Parks Blog debuts

Sept. 29
2009 — Disney announces the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” volunteer program

Sept. 30
1983 — Last day the American Egg House restaurant is open 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 retires from The Walt Disney Company
2006 — The Happiest Celebration on Earth (commemorating the 50th anniversary of Disneyland Park) ends

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Thanks for reading, and enjoy the rest of your day!