The Disney Look... to the Past! (May 25-31)

The Disney Look... to the Past (September 24-30)
Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the weekly feature known as "The Disney Look... to the Past!"
Enjoy reading all of the following interesting facts about the Walt Disney Parks, Resorts, Movies, and more:
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This Week in Disney History: May 25-31

May 27, 1977 – Space Mountain opens at Disneyland Park
Two years after the futuristic white spires designed by Imagineeer John Hench rose above Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, the out of this world thrill ride came to the park that Walt Disney originally envisioned it for. Both roller coasters follow the “space port” concept, but differences about between the two, most notably the size of their iconic show buildings. Spanning 200 feet across, Disneyland’s version of Space Mountain is more than 100 feet smaller in diameter than the Florida original, but its single track accommodates larger 12-seat rockets that ferry Guests across the farthest reaches of the galaxy. In 1996, a synchronized onboard audio track was added, composed by surf rock legend Dick Dale. Just in time for Disneyland Park’s 50th anniversary, Space Mountain received a two year refurbishment, reopening in 2005 with a completely replaced track, redesigned queue and a new soundtrack by “Ratatouille” and “Up” composer Michael Giacchino. At Halloween Time, Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy, with eerie music, projections and lighting adding a frightful edge to your intergalactic adventure.

May 28, 1994 – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opens at the Walt Disney World Resort
Located just down the trail from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a further reflection upon harmony with nature. Inspired by the National Park lodges of the American Northwest, homages are interspersed to the great American explorers, along with the Native American cultures they encountered. The 7-story lobby is built from Lodgepole Pine and features a vast 82-foot tall fireplace, and the 727 Guest rooms continue the celebration of American craftsmanship mixed with Native American design touches. The intricate design is also continued outside, where Guests can watch Fire Rock Geyser, inspired by Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park, erupt in 120-foot tall plumes of water. Springs, creeks and waterfalls feed into the two Guest swimming pools, but to get away from it all, pull up a chair on the white sand beach and gaze across Bay Lake into a true wilderness.

Also this week in Disney history:
May 25
1983 – Pinnochio’s Daring Journey opens at Disneyland Park
2007 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
2007 – Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island opens at Disneyland Park

May 26
1986 – Spaceship Earth reopens at Epcot featuring a new narration by Walter Cronkite
1990 – Mickey’s Starland (formerly Mickey’s Birthdayland) opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2006 – Disney-Pixar’s “Cars” premieres at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.

May 27
1933 – The Silly Symphony short “Three Little Pigs” debuts
1948 – Walt Disney Pictures releases “Melody Time”
1985 – Epcot hosts the Presidential Inaugural Parade for Ronald Reagan
1995 – Casey’s Corner opens at Magic Kingdom Park
2011 – Mickey’s Soundsational Parade debuts at Disneyland Park

May 28
1960 – Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland opens in Frontierland at Disneyland Park
1966 – “it’s a small world” opens at Disneyland Park
1999 – The Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Magic Kingdom Park

May 29
1990 – The Sorcery in the Sky fireworks show debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1991 – Tokyo Disneyland welcomes its 100 millionth guest
1992 – Touchstone Pictures releases “Sister Act”
2009 – Disney-Pixar releases “Up”
2011 – A new pool area featuring Monorail-themed water slides opens at the Disneyland Hotel

May 30
1936 – “Thru the Mirror” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1953 – “Don’s Fountain of Youth” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts
1967 – Groundbreaking is held for the construction of the Walt Disney World Resort
2003 – Disney-Pixar releases “Finding Nemo”

May 31
2008 – A Buzz Lightyear action figure joins the crew of space shuttle Discovery mission STS-124, blasting off to the International Space Station
2008 – Toy Story Midway Mania! opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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Thank you for reading, and have a great rest of your week!

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