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This Week in Disney History: Week of April 16

by Candra Spirtoff and Megan Voisard

Did you Know?

April 16, 2001 – the Animal Kingdom Lodge, a luxury resort, opens in Walt Disney World

–        Guests of the Animal Kingdom Lodge can take part in the Wanyama Safari Resort Tour – a 12 person tour of the safari with dinner at Jiko – The Cooking Place following

–        The resort’s designer,  Peter Dominick, also designed  the Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World and  The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Disneyland

Other Notable Disney Dates:

April 15, 1964 – Robert Foster, an attorney representing Disney, leaves New York and heads to Florida to begin land purchases for a new theme park in Orlando (what we now know as Walt Disney World)

April 17, 1964 – the exhibit “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” is flown from California to New York for the World’s Fair. Sadly, this exhibit didn’t make it to the fair on time – it got stuck in traffic on its way from Queens to New York City because of the opening day game between the Mets and the Pirates at Shea Stadium

April 18, 1997 – The Carnival Castle, inspired by the current Disney animated movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, is revealed for the 5th anniversary of Disneyland Paris

April 19, 2009 – The beloved attraction, Space Mountain, temporarily closes in Walt Disney World for major renovations. This is the first time in over 30 years this attraction has closed for renovations

April 20, 1991 – Walt Disney World’s Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant opens in MGM Studios

April 21, 2001- The Main Street Bake Shop and Plaza Ice Cream Parlour temporarily close in Walt Disney World for major renovations. This is the first time in over 30 years this attraction has closed for renovations

 

Question of the Week:

How many different species of wildlife live and roam at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on its four savannahs?  Post your answer below!!

 

Candra Spirtoff and Megan Voisard are identical twins, born and raised in Cincinnati,  Ohio. They both graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Candra with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Assisting and Megan with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.  They currently work as a paralegals for a local law firm.  Their passion is anything and everything Disney, and they have visited WDW almost every year since 1988, at the age of four.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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