Disney Day in History: Happy 25th birthday to The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

June 20th, 1995 something full of Terror made it's way to the Magic Kingdom and I'm not talking about Steve Urkel who also visited that same year. That's a joke for all you 90's kids out there. No, it was the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Arguably the most fighting attraction to ever come to a Disney park. Part of Michael Eisners Plan to bring more teens and young adults to the parks. It was a work of master craftsmanship between Disney Imagineering and  Lucasfilms. I want to do a deep dive into this amazing attraction very soon but for now here are some promotional pieces from the attraction.

Disney Day in History: Today We Return To Space!

As we wait for the "go for launch" let us remember some other Disney moments in space history.

Neil Armstrong visits Disneyland

Guests watch the Apollo 11 landing from Tomorrowland

Buzz rides on the Space Shuttle

Woody and some fans watch Buzz take off for infinity and beyond

Disney Day in History: The Crowning of a Princess

On this day in 2013 Merida's Coronation Ceremony took place at the Magic Kingdom making her the 11th Disney Princess. I was in the park that day by coincidence and took these pictures of the event. 

Disney Day in History: The Empress Lilly is christened

Today in 1972 the Empress Lilly is opens at the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. She is christened by none other then Lillian Disney Walt's wife whom the boat was named after. When she opened she had three restaurants. Fisherman's Deck served breakfast and was one of the first character dinning options on property. Steerman's Quarters was only open for dinner as was the Empress Room. the Empress Room was one of the most elegant places to dine at Walt Disney World holding on to that title till the 90's when Victoria and Albert's would open at the Grand Floridian.

Disney Day in History: Groundbreaking on the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

April 23 1986, Groundbreaking began on what would be called the new flagship resort of Walt Disney World, The Grand Floridian. I however believe the Contemporary will all ways hold that title as it has always had a special place in Disney fandom and in our hearts, but this is about the Grand so I digress. It would take two years and two months to build the Grand Floridian, opening on June 28 1988. One fun fact is that the land she was built on was already cleared before construction began. This was because it was reserved from opening day for the Asian Resort that never came to be. I have Included some images of the land that was cleared and a concept piece of what the Asian would look like.

This Square of land was made for the Asian Resort but later used for the Grand Floridian Resort.

Concept art of what the Asian Resort would look like.

The top of this early concept art map show the Asian Resort. Later home to the Grand.

April 22 2020 - A lot to Celebrate!

Today is a great day to celebrate! Sure we are are all going crazy as we sit in lock down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But today is a very special day for many reasons.

Happy Birthday Animal Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom turns 22 today. Being the first park I worked at Animal Kingdom has always held a special place in my heart and I always look forward to celebrating it's creation and the impact and message it shares with the world.

50th Anniversary of Earth Day!
Why did Animal Kingdom open on April 22? Because it's earth day! A great day when plants and trees are blooming after a long winter to really look at and appreciate Mother Nature. Living a rural wood portion of our great land I plan on taking in some of that beauty today just by looking out my window. In fact as i'm writing this we have a light frost on the ground and two rabbits are grazing on grass about 15 feet in front of me.

25th Anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund!
What a great Idea! When Walt planed on building Walt Disney World he always planed on having a large area set a side for conservation. Later Disney would give it's guest the chance to meet some of these wonders of nature up close on Discovery Island. And then in 1995 with Animal Kingdom already in the works the Disney Company took it a step further by creating the Disney Conservation Fund. In the past 25 years Disney with the help of all of us who have donated has raised over a $100 million and protected over 315 million acres of habitat Plus it's helped to save 1,000 species world wide.

On A Personal Note
Today is a special day in my family as well. Today is my mom's birthday. A wonderful woman that gives everything she can for everyone she knows. A more selfless and caring person in my opinion does not exist. She is also one of the main contributors to my Disney obsession and for that I can't thank her enough.

Disney Day in History: Characters in Flight Takes Off

Today in 2009 "Characters in Flight" the Tethered Balloon ride at Disney Springs Opens. The morning grand opening was hindered by strong winds but later in the day she was flying high.

Disney Day in History: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Turns 29

On this day in 1991 the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater opens at Disney's MGM Studios. Sit in a vintage convertible and enjoy your meal under the stars at the drive-in. Watch classic drive-in adds and trailers and clips from classic sci-fi films from the '50s and '60s.

Disney Day in History: Tax Day in 1999

On this date in 1999 Guest could bring their taxes to Pleasure Island and drop them off right up to midnight. I.R.S. representatives were on-site to offer tax advice and you got a special entrance price to Pleasure Island of $10.40. For our international readers 1040 is the most common tax form Americans fill out.