Monster's Inc.

Monsters Inc. Premieres

On this day in 2001, Pixar and Disney left audiences screaming with laughter with the release of Monsters, Inc. In 2002, the film became the second highest-grossing animated film of all time. Monsters, Inc. was also a technological breakthrough in the depiction of fur and hair. Faux llama and gorilla fur were all studied for …

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Jennifer Garner in Alias

Alias Debuts

On this day in 2001, Alias, also known as a breathtaking adventure of action-packed espionage and heart-wrenching drama, made its debut on ABC television. Jennifer Garner portrayed Sydney Bristow. Syd is not exactly your average grad student. Her life might appear normal, but she’s hiding a secret life working as a spy for the CIA. …

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photo of Toshio Kagami, Michael Eisner, Roy E. Disney, and Tokyo Disney Ambassador Satoko Shiyanagi

Tokyo DisneySea Opens

The second Japanese Disney theme park, Tokyo DisneySea, allowed guests to soak in the surroundings of a world inspired by the myths and legends of the sea. Built on the shores of Tokyo Bay, guests to the aquatic Disney Park can voyage into seven distinct “ports of call,” including Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, …

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Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries Premieres

Once upon a time in a town called San Francisco, lived the Princess of Genovia, Mia Thermopolis. Suddenly, the princess learns of her royalty for the first time and must begin a strange and wondrous journey into the proper behavior and etiquette of being the heir apparent to the crown. Anne Hathaway played Mia Thermopolis, …

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Soundstage 2 rededicated

Soundstage 2 at Walt Disney Studios is Rededicated

Soundstage 2 at The Walt Disney Studios has a rich history of magic created within its four walls. It was initially where the original Dragnet television series was filmed. Although not a Disney production, there was plenty of room at the time to “rent” the stage to Jack Webb. Many attractions for Disneyland were constructed …

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Disney's Animal Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Opens at Walt Disney World

The grand opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998 proved that it is possible to use the word “grand” as an understatement. After all, it’s Disney’s largest park, with more than 500 acres of lush landscape and 250 species of animals. When Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opened nearby on this day in 2001, it became …

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Walt Disney Studios Paris Opening Day

Walt Disney Studios Paris Opens

Before Disney·Pixar’s film Ratatouille said “Bonjour!” to theatergoers around the world Walt Disney Studios greeted park guests with a magical Parisian “Bienvenue.” Since its 1992 opening, Disney’s only European resort has become the continent’s leading tourist destination with over 200 million visits. The addition gives park guests a taste of Hollywood through exciting movie magic …

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450 Millionth Guest at Disneyland

Disneyland Welcomes its 450 Millionth Guest

“I’m completely stunned and speechless!” said Mark Ramirez of Texas, Disneyland’s 450 millionth guest to pass through the turnstiles and step into Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom. “I’m so excited, I’m shaking!” he laughed. “This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to us.” Ramirez was on vacation with his wife, Donna and …

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Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California

Downtown Disney Opens at Disneyland Resort

On January 12, 2001, the Downtown Disney District—an exciting dining, entertainment, and shopping promenade located adjacent to Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park—first opened to guests on space previously occupied by the original Disneyland parking lot and Disneyland Hotel. Downtown Disney was constructed as part of a larger Disneyland Resort expansion and was designed …

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O Brother, Where Art Thou? Premieres

After various limited releases, the Touchstone film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the story of three escapees from a Mississippi prison chain gang, ran into theaters on this day in 2001. Set in the Depression-era Deep South, the three shackled prisoners pursue their freedom and the return to their homes. Featuring George Clooney, John Turturro, …

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