Post by Dave on May 8, 2014 8:45:08 GMT -5
1958: One of the most famous overage kids was former President of the United States Harry S Truman, who went on almost all the rides except Dumbo, during his Disneyland visit. Mr. Truman wanted nothing to do with any elephant, even Dumbo. When he decided to see the miniature fairy tale settings in Storybook Land, there was a slight delay. The canal boat was fully loaded, but, for some reason, the operator seemed unable to get it going. Finally, she turned to her noted guest -'Pardon me, Mr. Truman,' she said. 'If you would lift your foot off the brake, we could start.' "The former President of the United States instinctively lifted his right foot and the boat took off. He looked down at the brakeless floorboard; then joined the laughter at having fallen for this old joke that operators on many of the rides frequently pull on unsuspecting guests.
In 1972, rooms for Disney World's Polynesian Village Resort ranged from $29 to $44. The average yearly income in 1972 was $11,800. A new car would set you back about 3,850. A movie ticket was $1.75 and a gallon of gas ... just 55 cents!
Located in the Animation Courtyard Theater when the park was called Disney-MGM Studios, Here Come the Muppets opened in May of 1990. Featuring a cast of live actors in costume, it was a "temporary" show while the 3D Muppets attraction was being developed. Here Come the Muppets closed in September 1991 to make way for Voyage of the Little Mermaid (an abridged version of the 1989 film The Little Mermaid). Muppet*Vision 3D opened May 1991 in a 584-seat theater on New York Street.
Superstar Television, an opening day attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney-MGM Studios) was an interactive show experience where guests were placed in front of green screens to be put into scenes from well-known television series (such as I Love Lucy, The Golden Girls, Cheers, Empty Nest, & Gilligan's Island). The concept of the attraction was to show how green screens were used in the entertainment industry. Superstar Television was replaced by the Doug Live! show in the spring of 1999. Today the attraction's building is used for The American Idol Experience (although the theater is still called Superstar Television Theater).
The exteriors of both U.S. Star Tours attractions are different in their respective parks. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disney's Hollywood Studios is inspired by an Ewok village on the forest moon of Endor, whereas the California version is modeled after a Tomorrowland-esque space port.