This Day in Disney History: November 9th
Welcome back! Today we continue our trip down memory lane, and look at past events on this day in Disney History.
November 9th, was a heavy day in park news, with the closure of two classic attractions and the debut of a nighttime spectacular, this day really left its mark on Disney history.
So let’s get into it!
Disney Legend Ed Wynn Born
On this day in 1886, Disney Legend Ed Wynn was born Wynn.
Wynn would be best known to Disney fans for his roles in Mary Poppins, Babes in Toyland and That Darn Cat!
He was also immortalized as the voice of the Mad Hatter in Disney’s 1955 film Alice in Wonderland. Wynn would be posthumously named a Disney Legend on August 10, 2013.
Fountain View Expresso and Bakery
On this day in 1993, the Fountain View Expresso and Bakery opened at EPCOT.
Photo: Disney
The restaurant would eventually be converted to Epcot’s Starbucks location in 2013, before closing for good in 2019.
Disneyland Skyway Closed
On this day in 1994, the Skyway closed at Disneyland.
Photo: Disney
The Skyway opened in Disneyland in June of 1956 and became one of the park’s iconic attractions.
Taking guests on a leisurely trip from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland, the Skyway would later open in the Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.
Magic Kingdom Skyway Closed
On this day in 1999, the Magic Kingdom’s Skyway closed.
Photo: RetroWdw
Here’s a fun fact! Exactly five years after Disneyland’s Skyway closed, the Magic Kingdom’s version of the attraction’s also ceased to operate.
Like the Disneyland version of the attraction, the Magic Kingdom’s Skyway took guests on a trip from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland or vice versa. Both attractions were closed as a result of budget cuts.
Disney’s Luminaria Debuts
On this day in 2001, Disney’s Luminaria made its debut at Disney’s California Adventure. The nighttime holiday spectacular featured dazzling lights, pyrotechnics to entertain guests on the shores of Paradise Pier Lagoon.
Photo: Disney
The show would eventually run through January 6, 2002.
Disney Store Opens At 1540 Broadway
On this day in 2010, A new Disney Store opened at 1540 Broadway in New York City.
Disney’s newest flagship store, the New Work City Disney Store is a massive 20,000 square-foot store.
To celebrate the launch of the new retail center, Disney held a two-hour parade between West 45th and West 46th streets. Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella and Buzz Lightyear were all on hand for the festivities!
That’s it for this day in Disney history- November 9th! Be sure to come back tomorrow and for another blast from the past!
