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 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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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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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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“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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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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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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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is no ordinary hotel… it’s grand! On this day in 2001, the lavish resort hotel opened its golden gates for the first time, allowing guests to stay within Disney’s California Adventure park. The hotel celebrates California’s turn-of-the-century Craftsman movement, capturing the artistic exploration of California’s coastline, its Monterey pines and redwood …
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On this day in 2000, the Riverside Building at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, was dedicated. This $95 million project, designed by renowned architect Aldo Rossi, remains home to ABC West-Coast operations. Rossi’s work includes everything from schools and studios to museums and shopping centers. Although Aldo designed hundreds of buildings, in 1997, …
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A sophisticated evening theatrical spectacular, an all-new themed approach to adult programming, and unique dining experiences for tastes of all ages headlined Disney’s newest seven-night eastern Caribbean cruise vacation, which first departed on this day in 2000. Matt Ouimet, then Disney Cruise Line president, said at the time, “This [itinerary] is a direct result of …
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