History@Disney

From the early 1990s to mid 2000s, The Land pavilion at EPCOT Center was marked by its original facade, food court balloons, and iconic attractions like Food Rocks and Living with the Land, with a live narrator. It was a vibrant blend of edutainment before major updates arrived.

The Haunted Mansion as seen shortly after opening in 1971. Notice the lack of the awning in front of the queue and the unobstructed view of the Mansion with all of the vegetation being fairly young.

Load / Unload for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. One major difference between the Magic Kingdom attraction versus the Disneyland attraction is that the Magic Kingdom version had 2 mirrored tracks of one-another!

Original Test Track 1.0 entrance and marquee as seen at Epcot Center. Which version of Test Track is your favorite?

Discovery Island once welcomed guests to explore a lush wildlife sanctuary in the middle of Bay Lake. Opened in the 1974,, it was home to rare birds and exotic animals before closing in 1999, shortly after Disney’s Animal Kingdom took on its conservation mission.

The Mexico pavilion opened with EPCOT Center featuring El Río del Tiempo, a boat ride through Mexican history and culture. Guests floated past ancient ruins, colonial scenes, and a lively marketplace, all under the glow of an eternal twilight inside the pyramid.

When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened, Countdown to Extinction was one of its headlining attractions. Featuring intense thrills and a near collision with a Carnotaurus, the ride was later renamed DINOSAUR in connection with the 2000 film, but the original name still echoes for fans

Happy 100th wedding anniversary to Walt and Lillian Disney! Exactly 100 years ago Walt Disney married Lillian Bounds in a quiet ceremony at her brother’s home in Lewiston, Idaho on July 13, 1925.

The Barnstormer opened in Mickey’s Toontown Fair with Goofy as a rookie pilot flying through a barnyard mishap. When the area became Storybook Circus, the ride was rethemed to fit the world of The Great Goofini, though Goofy himself never appeared on the ride.

The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management was an updated version of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room which featured Iago and Zazu from Aladdin and the Lion King. It closed in 2011 after a mysterious small fire broke out in the attic of the attraction damaging the Iago AA.

Electric Umbrella opened in 1994 at EPCOT as a quick-service staple in Innoventions East. With its neon lighting and futuristic design, it became a go-to spot for park guests. It closed in 2020 to make way for Connections Café as part of EPCOT’s transformation.

Before Jedi Training Academy took over the space outside Star Tours at Disney-MGM Studios, guests could find a full-size snowspeeder and desert skiff on display. These props added cinematic flair and gave fans the chance to step right into the Star Wars galaxy.

The Wicked Witch in The Great Movie Ride was one of the most advanced animatronics of its time. Appearing in the Wizard of Oz scene she rose in a flash of smoke, pointed at guests, and delivered her lines with stunning realism. Did you ever get to see this groundbreaking figure?

Cranium Command debuted in EPCOT’s Wonders of Life, casting guests inside the mind of a 12 year old boy. Led by Buzzy, the show featured voice talent from comedy legends and blended education with humor to explain how the body navigates everyday life.

Hosted by Martin Short, The Making of Me opened in Epcot’s Wonders of Life pavilion and explored human reproduction with a mix of animation, live action, and heartfelt storytelling. It balanced science and sensitivity, making a complex topic approachable for families.

In 1994, Barbie took center stage at EPCOT with “The Magical World of Barbie,” a live show at the America Gardens Theatre. Celebrating her global adventures, the show featured music, dance, and fashion—and marked a rare collaboration between Disney and Mattel.

The Skyway at Magic Kingdom carried guests between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland from opening day until its closure in 1999. Suspended gondolas glided above the park, offering rare aerial views—part of a trio of Skyways that once connected early Disney parks around the world.

Muppet Vision 3D with the original signage and Hot-Air Balloon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Bisontennial Ben was a costumed bison character introduced during the U.S. Bicentennial of the Constitution. Wearing colonial garb, he appeared in parades and promotional materials as Disney’s patriotic mascot for a limited time.

Goofy, Pluto, and friends as seen at the Contemporary Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. During this time in the resorts history, the Contemporary Cafe hosted Character Dining during breakfast and dinner buffets. Chef Mickeys was not located at the resort at this time.