This Day in Disney History- May 20
Welcome back to our continuing journey through Disney’s past. Today we are looking at the events on this day in Disney history- May 20.
May 20th featured the opening of three Walt Disney World attractions, the release of a popular sequel, and the debut of a new Disney World mini golf course. So, let’s get started!


Photo: D23
Tom Sawyer Island and the Richard F. Irvine Open (1973)
On this day in 1973, Tom Sawyer Island and the Richard F. Irvine steamboat opened in the Magic Kingdom.
Tom Sawyer island was inspired by the famous works of Mark Twain. On the island, guests can explore Injun Joe’s Cave, Harper’s Mill and old Fort Sam Clemens.


Photo: Also Disney
The Richard F. Irvine on the other hand was the Magic Kingdom’s second steamboat. It was named for Disney Legend Richard Irvine.
The Plaza Swan Boats Open (1973)
Also on this day in 1973 The Plaza Swan Boats opened in the Magic Kingdom.


Photo: Also D23
The 12 swan shaped boats took guests on a pleasurably trip around the Magic Kingdom’s hub. The attraction would close in August 1983.
Aladdin: The Return of Jafar Released (1994)
On this day in 1994, Aladdin: The Return of Jafar was released direct-to-VHS.


Photo: Also Disney+
A sequel to Disney’s Aladdin, the film saw Jafar break free of his imprisonment in the magic lamp.
Fantasia Gardens Opens (1996)
On this day in 1996, the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf park opened at Walt DIsney World.
Fantasia Gardens features two different mini golf courses- the Fantasia Gardens and the Fantasia Fairways.
Pirates of the Caribbean Celebration Takes Place (2000)
On this day in 2000, The Pirates of the Caribbean Celebration was held at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland.
The event was held in honor of the 33rd anniversary of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
On this day in 2011, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was released.


Photo: Also Disney+
The fourth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the film starred Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, and Geoffrey Rush.
Disney Store Shanghai Opens (2015)
On this day in 2015, the flagship Disney story opened in Pudong, Shanghai, China.


Photo: Business Wire
The landmark store has the largest retail space of any Disney Store in the world, covering 9,537 feet.
Fantasy In The Sky Ends (2015)
Finally, on this day in 2015, Fantasy in the Sky ended its second run at Disneyland.


Credit: Disney
The fireworks show originally ran from 1958-1996. It returned again to the park beginning in January 2015.


Cinderella Castle
That concludes this day in Disney history- May 20. So, be sure to come back tomorrow to see what happens next!
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