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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 5d

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights transformed Disney’s Hollywood Studios into a holiday wonderland each winter. Originating from Jennings Osborne’s home display in Arkansas, the lights became a beloved tradition on the Streets of America(1995-2016)

(📸@Tom_Bricker)

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 6d

Maelstrom (1988-2014) took guests on a voyage through Norway’s myths and landscapes, from trolls and polar bears to oil rigs and fishing villages. Opening in World Showcase’s Norway pavilion, it blended folklore with industry before its transformation into Frozen Ever After.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 7d

The Rivers of America (1971-2025) at the Magic Kingdom circled Tom Sawyer Island and served as the backdrop for the Liberty Square Riverboat. Inspired by Mark Twain’s Mississippi, the waterway was engineered to create the illusion of a winding river within the park.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 8d

SpectroMagic (1991-2010) transformed nights at the Magic Kingdom with over half a million lights, fiber optics, and a custom score. Hosted by Mickey, the parade blended fantasy and technology, replacing the Main Street Electrical Parade before returning years later.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 9d

Today we also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Vero Beach opened as the first DVC property beyond Walt Disney World. Blending classic Disney storytelling with Florida’s Atlantic coast, it offered a new kind of escape while expanding the DVC legacy.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 9d

Happy 43rd birthday to the park that redefined themed entertainment, EPCOT Center! Showcasing a vision of innovation and world culture. From Future World’s original pavilions to World Showcase’s global celebration, the park continues to evolve while honoring its legacy.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 9d

On this day, 54 years ago, the Vacation Kingdom of the World (also known as the Walt Disney World Resort) opened to the public for the very first time.

Happy birthday to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 9d

TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand U.S.A. brought a prehistoric twist to the classic spinner ride. Inspired by carnival attractions, guests soared in four passenger triceratops vehicles, lifting and tilting high above Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 10d

World of Motion at EPCOT Center took guests on a journey through the history of transportation, from foot power to futuristic travel. Housed in a striking circular pavilion, it combined humor, elaborate sets, and Audio-Animatronics to tell its story.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 11d

The Contemporary Resort’s construction was unlike anything seen before at Walt Disney World. Its steel A-frame was built first, with prefabricated guest rooms then slid into place, creating one of the resort’s most iconic landmarks.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 18d

Rare color image of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank featuring the backlot of the studio where Zorro and other features were filmed over the years.

Note the original silver look of the water tower as well as the original Animation Building near the top of the image.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 19d

Publicity photo for the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney-MGM Studios

What I love about this photo is that the Backlot Tour teams were not up and running yet so they brought in some parking lot trams from either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot for the photo.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 20d

Citizens of Hollywood street performers as seen on Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 21d

Entrance to EPCOT Center during the 25th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in 1996.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 22d

Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show as seen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 2005-2016

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 23d

Construction in the original entrance and marquee to the Wonders of Life pavilion at EPCOT Center.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 24d

Concept art for the now cancelled Festival Pavilion building as part of World Celebration at EPCOT Center.

This multi-story pavilion was to be the host for the various events and festivals featured at EPCOT throughout the year and would have featured the best fireworks views.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 25d

Rhine River Cruise attraction concept art for the Germany Pavilion in World Showcase.

What is interesting about this failed project is that you can still see the proposed entrance to the attraction today which is hidden behind the large mural within the Germany Pavilion

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 26d

Meet the World grand opening at Tokyo Disneyland in 1983.

This attraction explored the history of Japan in a rotating theater similar to the Carousel of Progress and operated until 2002.

A version of the attraction was slated to come to EPCOT Center but was ultimately cut.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · 27d

Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom decorated as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth as part of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · Sep 9

The Mickey Mouse Revue opened with the Magic Kingdom, featuring dozens of Audio Animatronic characters in a musical stage show hosted by Mickey Mouse. After delighting guests for nearly a decade, it closed and was later relocated to Tokyo Disneyland where it ran until 2009.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · Sep 8

The Fantasyland Skyway station sat near It’s a Small World, designed like a Swiss chalet to match the area’s alpine theme. Part of the Skyway that linked Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, it closed in 1999, with the chalet removed years later to make way for the Tangled restrooms.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · Sep 7

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in their rainbow outfits at EPCOT Center.

Did you ever get the chance to see these characters in their iconic costumes?

If not, do you think they should bring them back?!

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · Sep 6

Construction of Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom of the Walt Disney World Resort

It blended a classic log flume with Audio Animatronics from Song of the South. Featuring a five story drop, it became a guest favorite before closing to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

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History@Disney @historyatdisney.bsky.social · Sep 4

Warden Wilson Matua of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (1998-2020)

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