Walt Disney World Timeline

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1964

• As part of the “Florida Project,” Walt Disney secretly starts purchasing 27,433 acres of swampland in Central Florida for approximately $180 an acre.
• The 1964-65 New York World’s Fair features the extensive use of Disney’s state-of-the-art audio-animatronic technology at exhibits such as Carousel of Progress, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and It’s a Small World.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Misadventures of Merlin Jones.

1965

• On October 20, the Orlando Sentinel reports that Walt Disney has been buying up thousands of acres of land in Orange and Osceola counties.
• During a press conference on November 15, Walt Disney (accompanied by his brother, Roy, and Florida Governor Haydon Burns) makes the first public announcement detailing his plans for the “Florida Project” at the Cherry Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
• Walt Disney Productions releases That Darn Cat!
  
• Walt Disney Productions releases Those Calloways.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Monkey’s Uncle.

1966

• A 24-minute preview of the “Florida Project,” including plans for EPCOT (“Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow”), is recorded by Walt Disney on October 27.
• Walt Disney dies of lung cancer at the age of 65 on December 15; Walt’s brother, Roy, moves forward with the Disney World Project.
• Walt Disney Productions Releases Follow Me, Boys!

1967

• Legislation creating the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allows Walt Disney Productions to proceed with construction of Walt Disney World, passes both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate, and is signed into law on May 12.
• Site preparation begins for Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Jungle Book.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Happiest Millionaire.
  
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Gnome-Mobile.

1968

• A Florida Supreme Court ruling allows the Reedy Creek Improvement District to issue tax-free bonds to help finance the Disney World project.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Blackbeard’s Ghost.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.

1969

• Construction begins on Disney’s Magic Kingdom, including Main Street U.S.A. and the 189-foot-high Cinderella Castle.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Aristocats.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Love Bug.

1970

• The Walt Disney World Conservation Area, which encompasses 7,500 acres, is established by Walt Disney Productions.
• The Walt Disney World Preview Center opens in Lake Buena Vista in June.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Boatniks.

1971

• Disney’s Magic Kingdom first opens its doors on October 1 for approximately 10,000 visitors with the following attractions: Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, Country Bear Jamboree, Diamond Horseshoe Revue, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Frontier Shooting Gallery, Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Mickey Mouse Revue, Mike Fink Keel Boats, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Skyway, Snow White’s Adventures, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tiki Room, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and Walt Disney World Railroad.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat opens along the Rivers of America on October 2, the day after the grand opening of Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Adult admission to Disney’s Magic Kingdom costs $3.50, while a seven-ride attraction ticket book costs $4.75 and an 11-ride attraction ticket book costs $5.75.
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Walt Disney World Resort is officially dedicated by Roy O. Disney on October 23.
• NBC airs the Disney TV special, Grand Opening of Walt Disney World, on October 29.
• The Palm and Magnolia, two championship golf courses, open at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Jack Nicklaus becomes the first champion at the inaugural Walt Disney World Open Invitational.
• Several new attractions open at Disney’s Magic Kingdom before the end of the year such as Flight to the Moon and Circle-Vision 360.
• Roy O. Disney dies on December 20 and Donn Tatum becomes Chairman of the Board at Walt Disney Productions.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

1972

• If You Had Wings opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and features state-of-the-art OmniMover vehicles.
• The Walt Disney Story makes its debut in Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

1973

• The Carousel of Progress is moved from Disneyland, where it first opened in 1967, to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Tom Sawyer Island makes its debut in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Pirates of the Caribbean opens in Adventureland’s Caribbean Plaza at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Golf Resort opens its doors adjacent to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Walt Disney World Open Invitational changes its name to the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
• The Swan Boat ride opens in the Plaza at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Robin Hood.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The World’s Greatest Athlete.

1974

• Star Jets (later known as Astro Orbiter) opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Treasure Island (formerly known as Blackbeard’s Island and later known as Discovery Island) opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue makes its debut at Pioneer Hall in Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
• The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course opens at Lake Buena Vista Village.
• Disney President Card Walker announces plans for Epcot.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Herbie Rides Again.

1975

• The Carousel of Progress opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom with the new theme song, “The Best Time of Your Life.”
• Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin take the first ride during the grand opening of RCA’s Space Mountain.
• Flight to the Moon evolves into Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland.
• The WEDway People Mover makes its debut in Tomorrowland.
• Treehouse Village, a complex of 60 vacation townhouses, opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Attendance at Walt Disney World Resort surpasses 50 million guests.
• Walt Disney Productions announces plans for Epcot, its second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Lake Buena Vista Village (later to be known as Disney Village Marketplace) opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• “America the Beautiful” replaces “Magic Carpet ‘Round the World” at the Circle-Vision 360 theater at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney Productions releases One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Escape to Witch Mountain.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Apple Dumpling Gang.

1976

• River Country opens as Walt Disney World Resort’s first water park at Fort Wilderness Campground.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Gus.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Freaky Friday.

1977

• The Main Street Electrical Light Parade makes its debut at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and The Rescuers.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Pete’s Dragon.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo.

1978

• Treasure Island is renamed Discovery Island.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Candleshoe.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Cat from Outer Space.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Hot Lead and Cold Feet.

1979

• Construction begins on Epcot with an initial budget of $600 million.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Black Hole, Disney’s first PG-rated movie.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The North Avenue Irregulars.

1980

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a thrilling roller coaster in the form of a runaway train, opens in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Mickey Mouse Revue in Fantasyland closes and is shipped to Tokyo Disneyland.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Herbie Goes Bananas.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Midnight Madness.
• Walt Disney Productions and Paramount release Popeye.

1981

• Walt Disney World receives the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Fox and the Hound.
• Walt Disney Productions and Paramount release Dragonslayer.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Watcher in the Woods.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Devil and Max Devlin.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Condorman.

1982

• Epcot (originally known as EPCOT Center) opens on October 1 as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort with Future World pavilions that include The Land, Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy and World of Motion, as well as nine World Showcase pavilions (USA, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Germany, Italy, China and Japan.
• A four-mile stretch of the Walt Disney World Monorail System is completed from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Tron.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Tex.

1983

• The Horizons attraction opens in Future World at Epcot.
• The Plaza Swan Boats sail for the last time at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The first annual Night of Joy, a celebration of contemporary Christian music, takes place at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Journey into Imagination opens at Epcot.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Trenchcoat.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Never Cry Wolf.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Something Wicked This Way Comes.

1984

• Michael Eisner becomes chairman and chief executive officer and Frank Wells becomes president and chief operating officer of Walt Disney Productions.
• The Morocco Pavilion, which features the Restaurant Marrakesh, opens in the World Showcase at Epcot between the Japan and France pavilions.
• The Country Bear Christmas Special debuts at the Country Bear Jamboree at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The France Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase opens Bistro de Paris.
• “American Journeys” replaces “America the Beautiful” at the Circle-Vision 360 theater at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Tiger Town.

1985

• Walt Disney Productions signs a licensing agreement with MGM/UA Entertainment, paving the way for the development of a third Disney theme park, Disney-MGM Studios.
• RCA’s Home of Future Living closes within Space Mountain.
• Both the Nine Dragons Restaurant and Lotus Blossom Cafe open in the China Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase.
• Walt Disney Productions releases The Black Cauldron.
• Walt Disney Productions releases One Magic Christmas.
• Walt Disney Productions releases Return to Oz.

1986

• Sponsored by United Technologies, the Living Seas Pavilion opens in Future World at Epcot.
• The Captain EO 3-D film premieres at the Magic Eye Theater in Epcot’s Future World.
• The Golf Resort adds 150 new guestrooms and its name is changed to The Disney Inn.
• Construction begins on Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World’s third theme park.
• The Walt Disney Company announces plans for the construction of Pleasure Island.
• The Diamond Horseshoe Revue in Frontierland is renamed the Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Great Mouse Detective.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Flight of the Navigator.

1987

• Ground-breaking ceremonies are held for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Benji The Hunted.

1988

• Mickey’s Birthdayland (later known as Mickey’s Toontown Fair) opens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Norway Pavilion opens in the World Showcase at Epcot with specialty shops, eateries, live entertainment and the Maelstrom thrill ride.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
• IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Oliver & Company.

1989

• Disney-MGM Studios opens on May 1; Michael Eisner dedicates the new theme park to “Hollywood – not a place on a map but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic.”
• Typhoon Lagoon water park opens at Walt Disney World Resort with one of the world’s largest wave pools.
• Pleasure Island, an immense entertainment complex with eight eclectic nightclubs, opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Two new resorts, the Walt Disney World Dolphin and the Walt Disney World Swan, open at Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.
• The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular premieres at Disney-MGM Studios in September.
• Star Tours makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios in December.
• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant opens at Main Street, U.S.A. near the entrance to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Little Mermaid.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

1990

• Mickey’s Birthdayland changes its name to Mickey’s Starland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan all open at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
• The Cage nightclub opens at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island.
• Epcot adds a second entrance, the International Gateway, which allows entrance from Disney’s Boardwalk.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Rescuers Down Under.

1991

• Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D (later known simply as Muppet Vision 3-D) opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Main Street Electrical Light Parade is replaced with the SpectroMagic Parade.
• Walt Disney World Resort adds two new championship golf courses: Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines.
• The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Beauty and the Beast.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Rocketeer.

1992

• Splash Mountain, a thrill ride that combines the speed and adventure of a classic flume attraction with state-of-the-art Disney audio-animatronics, opens in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid opens in the Animation Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios.
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Walt Disney Story closes at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Cage nightclub closes at Pleasure Island and soon reopens as 8-Trax dance club.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Aladdin.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Newsies.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Mighty Ducks.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Muppet Christmas Carol.

1993

• The ATAS (Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) Hall of Fame Plaza opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
• The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square undergoes a major overhaul that includes the addition of an audio-animatronic Bill Clinton figure and new narration from poet Maya Angelou.
• Mission to Mars closes at Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Cool Runnings.

1994

• The WEDway People Mover in Tomorrowland is renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, an interactive 3-D adventure, opens in Epcot’s Future World, replacing Captain EO.
• The Timekeeper opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Innoventions East and West pavilions open in the former Communicore buildings at Epcot.
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror makes its debut along Sunset Boulevard at Disney-MGM Studios.
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes in Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge both open at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The first annual International Flower & Garden Festival takes place at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney World Marathon is run for the first time, drawing approximately 8,200 participants from around the globe.
• Holiday IllumiNations premieres at Epcot.
• Planet Hollywood, a movie-themed restaurant, opens in front of the entrance to Pleasure Island.
• The Kitchen Kabaret closes at Epcot’s Land Pavilion.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Lion King.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Angels in the Outfield.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Santa Clause.

1995

• Blizzard Beach, billed as the “ Coolest Water Park in Central Florida,” opens at Walt Disney World Resort on April Fool’s Day.
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The first annual International Food & Wine Festival takes place at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney World Company announces plans for the development of a fourth theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion opens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
• The Walt Disney World Speedway opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Pocahontas.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Man of the House.

1996

• Mickey’s Starland changes its name to Mickey’s Toontown Fair and adds two new attractions: The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm and Donald’s Boat. The track at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is shortened slightly to make room for the new Toontown attractions.
• The American Film Institute Showcase makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios to commemorate 100 years of American filmmaking.
• The first annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Disney-MGM Studios hosts the first annual ABC Super Soap Weekend.
• The Disney Institute makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is constructed between the Walt Disney Dolphin and the Walt Disney Swan resorts.
• Disney’s Boardwalk opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The former Disney Inn reopens as Shades of Green, an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
• The inaugural Indy 200 takes place at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Circle of Life and Ellen’s Energy Adventure attractions both premiere at Epcot’s Future World.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco.
• The Walt Disney Company releases 101 Dalmatians.
• The Walt Disney Company releases James and the Giant Peach.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves.

1997

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Richard Petty Driving Experience makes its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island are joined by Disney West Side and the entire complex is renamed “Downtown Disney.”
• Disney’s 220-acre Wide World of Sports Complex opens with a dozen baseball and softball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, a track-and-field complex, six basketball courts, a golf driving range and six sand volleyball courts.
• The Mike Fink Keel Boats attraction closes in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney World Resort celebrates its 25th anniversary.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Hercules.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
• The Walt Disney Company releases George of the Jungle.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo.

1998

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens as the fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort on April 22.
• The Tiki Room in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom changes its name to “The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management.”
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Sponsored by General Motors, Test Track makes its debut at the former site of World of Motion in Future World at Epcot.
• Fantasmic! premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closes in Fantasyland, much to the dismay of its many fans, who soon organize a futile “Save the Toad” campaign.
• The Main Street Cinema along Main Street, U.S.A. is converted into a retail store.
• DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park, opens its doors at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
• Cirque du Soleil La Nouba premieres at Disney West Side in Downtown Disney.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Mulan.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Parent Trap.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Summer of the Monkeys.

1999

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opens in Fantasyland at the former site of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
  
  
• The Rock ‘n Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
• Disney’s Winter Summerland miniature golf course opens adjacent to Blizzard Beach water park.
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Discovery Island closes to guests as an attraction.
• Walt Disney World introduces FASTPASS, a free reservation system that allows guests to avoid crowds at the most popular theme park rides and attractions.
• The Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens with such attractions as Kali River Rapids, Flights of Wonder and Maharajah Jungle Trek.
• Huge Mickey Mouse arm and wand are added to Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Tarzan.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Inspector Gadget.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Straight Story.

2000

• DisneyQuest introduces the Pirates of the Caribbean interactive adventure.
• Journey into Your Imagination opens at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Fantasia 2000.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Emperor’s New Groove.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Kid.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Remember the Titans.
• The Walt Disney Company releases 102 Dalmatians.

2001

• Walt Disney World Resort launches its 100 Years of Magic Celebration, which includes the debut of the Share A Dream Come True Parade.
• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration, a musical extravaganza that takes place directly in front of Cinderella Castle, makes its debut at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream opens at Disney-MGM Studios as part of Walt Disney World’s 100 Years of Magic Celebration.
• Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It! opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin kiddie ride debuts in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage premieres at Disney-MGM Studios.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Princess Diaries.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Max Keeble’s Big Move.

2002

• Disney’s Beach Club Villas opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Journey into Imagination with Figment opens at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Lilo & Stitch.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Treasure Planet.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Snow Dogs.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Rookie.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Country Bears.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Tuck Everlasting.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Santa Clause 2.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Inspector Gadget 2.

2003

• Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue closes and is replaced by Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree in Liberty Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter closes in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Mission: SPACE, a state-of-the-art thrill ride, opens at the site of the former Horizons attraction at Epcot.
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D “symfunny” of fun, opens in Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• The Disney Golf Classic changes its name to the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Wishes Nighttime Spectacular makes its debut at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort opens at Walt Disney World Resort.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Brother Bear.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Holes.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney’s first PG-13 rated movie.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Freaky Friday.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Haunted Mansion.
• The Walt Disney Company releases George of the Jungle 2.

2004

• Stitch’s Great Escape opens in Tomorrowland at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial.
• Turtle Talk with Crush! opens in The Living Seas at Epcot.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Home on the Range.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Miracle.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.
• Disney’s Touchstone Pictures releases Hidalgo.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Around the World in 80 Days.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Princess Diaries 2.
• The Walt Disney Company releases National Treasure.

2005

• Walt Disney World launches its “Happiest Celebration on Earth.”
• Soarin’, a “high-flying adventure,” opens in The Land Pavilion at Epcot.
• The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show opens at Disney-MGM Studios.
  
  
• The Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a series of three thrilling water roller coasters, opens at Typhoon Lagoon.
• Journey Into Narnia – Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe makes its debut at Disney-MGM Studios.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Chicken Little.
• The Walt Disney Company releases the IMAX film, Aliens of the Deep.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Pacifier.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Ice Princess.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Herbie: Fully Loaded.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Sky High.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

2006

• Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure, opens in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• Pirates of the Caribbean reopens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom after several months of renovations to coincide with the summer release of the Disney film, Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest.
• Disney launches its Year of a Million Dreams celebration on October 1 with new attractions and live entertainment, as well as the “Disney Dreams Giveaway” promotion.
• The Walt Disney Company releases High School Musical.
• The Walt Disney Company releases The Shaggy Dog.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

2007

• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club opens in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Huge Mickey Mouse arm and wand are removed from Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
• Night of Joy celebrates its 25th year at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
• Disney World raises its adult one-day, one-park pass from $67 to $71.
• Disney announces extension of “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration throughout 2008.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Meet the Robinsons.
• The Walt Disney Company releases Bridge to Terabithia.
• The Walt Disney Company releases High School Musical 2.

2008

• Disney-MGM Studios changes its name to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Yak & Yeti Restaurant opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• The Wave restaurant opens at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
• Toy Story Mania! opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Spaceship Earth “relaunches” at Epcot.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 22.
• Disney partners with Google Earth to create a virtual walk-through of Disney World.
• Walt Disney World Resort closes all nightclubs at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island – including BET Soundstage Club, Mannequins, 8Trax, Comedy Warehouse, Adventurer’s Club and Motion – to create a new “family-friendly environment” with new restaurants and specialty shops.
• T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover is scheduled to open at Downtown Disney Marketplace on October 14.
• The final ABC Super Soap Weekend set to take place November 15-16 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Disney World will end its Year of a Million Dreams Celebration on December 31.

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