George Walsh and Pete Renoudet traveled to the moon and to Mars thousands of times. While that may sound extraordinary, it’s quite typical in the Disney theme parks. Each provided pre-recorded voices for the Flight to the Moon and Mission to Mars attractions which were at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. During their journey, …
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By 1975, it had been three years since astronauts had walked on the moon, and the Flight to the Moon attraction, which opened at Disneyland in 1955, needed a more distant itinerary. Mission to Mars opened that year in the place of Flight to the Moon, with the Audio-Animatronics® figure of Mr. Johnson serving as …
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Screen legend James Garner stars as Lincoln Costain, a mid-19th century Texan rancher who’s shanghaied placed aboard a ship bound for Hawaii. He escapes his fate by jumping off the ship near the coast of Kauai. Saved from drowning by a young boy, he decides to help the boy’s mother’s failing potato plantation by turning …
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Although the musical extravaganza America Sings opened officially on this day in 1974, the big press event was “conducted” the following day. At that time, 1974 Disneyland Ambassador Carol DeKeyser stated, “More than 110 Audio-Animatronics® animals star in this comical attraction which features 40 of America’s most popular songs. As you’ll see in just a …
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Sandy in Disneyland, which aired on this day in 1974, is a classic of the variety TV genre, which typically featured a star-studded cast singing, dancing, and generally doing things they had never done before on TV or the big screen—with often unintentionally hilarious results. For this special, Sandy Duncan, an acclaimed Broadway musical performer …
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Situated off the shore of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, the Treasure Island Nature Preserve became Discovery Island on April 8, 1977 and eventually closed on April 8, 1999. The 11-and-a-half-acre paradise was home to exotic birds and animals. Originally, the island was themed to the film Treasure Island and a wrecked ship inspired from the …
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It was on this day in 1975 that about 2,000 guests, including several astronauts, attended the dedication of the Walt Disney World Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, the first roller coaster of its kind, rocketing through the dark over nearly invisible tracks. The grand opening festivities included a band of 2,000 high school students, …
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Good day to ye. On this eighth day of the month of November in 1973, the much-heralded animated feature Robin Hood was released, retelling the classic olde tale of thy well-intentioned outlaw. This film holds a special place in the heart of Huston Huddleston, whose parents were both involved in its production. “My mother, Nancy …
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It was on this day in 1973, that Walt Disney World guests could explore an all new island in the Magic Kingdom, thanks to the opening of the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts. To join in the opening-day festivities were Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher themselves! Almost. In reality, it was two teenagers, Steve Pierceall and …
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The Main Street, U.S.A. attraction opened on this day in the Opera House, taking the place of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. In addition to a movie, narrated by Walt himself, there was a dazzling array of archival treasures on display, including awards, letters, and, in the foyer, an exact reproduction of his offices from …
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