ON THIS DAY IN DISNEY HISTORY ...
OCT . 5 , 1955
Just three months after Disneyland ’ s opening day , the Disneyland Hotel opened to guests , but back then , it had just 104 guest rooms . Today ? Nearly 1,000 . On the blog , see how this hotel has grown in the last 65 + years , including the addition of the two monorail-themed slides .
OCT . 14 , 1971
Shortly after WDW ’ s grand opening , guests could enjoy 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea : Submarine Voyage .
The landmark attraction stayed open until 1994 . But do you know what attraction is now built on the spot of this former must-ride ?
Mickey ’ s Toontown Fair in 1996 at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista , Fla . PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY
Fair was the addition of The Barnstormer at Goofy ' s Wiseacre Farm . This was built on the site of Grandma ’ s Duck ’ s Petting Farm ( and repurposed the same barn ), but fear not , Minnie Moo was moved to a petting zoo at Fort Wilderness Campground where she lived out her days as likely the Most Spoiled Cow on Earth . The coaster was similar to Gadget ’ s Go- Coaster at Disneyland , but in this version , excited guests in the queue would come close to the ride vehicles as they roared through the barn .
The character stage show was not continued at Mickey ’ s Toontown Fair . The County Bounty gift shop took over the main stage tent , and a Hall of Fame character meet-and-greet moved into the former post-show tent . To meet Mickey , guests would head to the Judge ’ s Tent , located in the former pre-show tent for Mickey ’ s Magical TV World stage show .
TODAY — STORYBOOK CIRCUS Mickey ’ s Toontown Fair closed in 2011 to make room for Storybook Circus , part of the highly anticipated Fantasyland expansion . While some may consider that the downfall of Mickey ’ s Birthdayland , we think 23 years is a pretty good run for a birthday party . This area was actually intended to have a Pixie Hollow greeting area , but that was scrapped alongside a few other ideas for New Fantasyland that you can discover in our August 2021 issue . Storybook Circus is a not-so-far-fetched evolution of the original , with huge circus tents , lots of fun for smaller kids , and Goofy still storming barns . He needed some more room to spread his wings at The Great Goofini , so Donald ’ s Boat had to leave for other shores . The water-squirting hedge maze is gone , but kids can get a more intense experience at the Casey Jr . Splash ‘ N ’ Soak .
Fans of Mickey ’ s Toontown Fair can still visit Mickey ’ s Toontown at Disneyland or Tokyo Disneyland , though each has evolved since their original opening ( for example , the beloved Jolly Trolley does not currently run at either park ). Mickey ’ s Birthdayland and Mickey ’ s Starland are always available via your hazy memories ( and grainy YouTube videos , check that QR code ).
OCT . 19 , 1989
On this day , Wonders of Life in
EPCOT was the last pavilion to open without replacing another . For decades , it entertained and educated guests with attractions about health and the human body , including Body Wars . How might you have spent an afternoon here ? Check out the blog for a trip back in time .
OCT . 27 , 1979
Long before Mickey ’ s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party , Magic Kingdom hosted a one-night event called Halloween Hysteria . The park stayed open until 1:30 AM , and a little band called The Police performed for the crowds . Head to the blog to learn more about this spookiest of celebrations .
You may have known these dates , but do you know the details ? Visit
WDW-MAGAZINE . COM / THE-BLOG to find out more .