Category: History
-
Halloween Time Mad T Party – Daps From the Past
The Mad T Party began its run at Disney California Adventure on June 15, 2012. This was the same day that Disney California Adventure was rededicated. This began a run that continued until November 30, 2014. It would return On May 22, 2015, through March 30, 2016, as part of Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration. The…
-
ElecTRONica – DAPS From the Past
ElecTRONica made its debut at Disney California Adventure on October 8, 2010 in Hollywood Land. This nighttime offering celebrated the world of TRON in conjunction with the arrival of TRON: Legacy in theaters. It included entertainment, Laserman, a DJ playing electronic dance music, a preview of TRON: Legacy (in the MuppetVision 3D Theater), a recreation…
-
Great Patriotic Moments in History… in the Disney Parks
Happy 4th of July! As we come together today to celebrate the Declaration of Independence in the United States of America it seems only appropriate to look back at a few great patriotic moments in history… in the Disney Parks… that DAPS MAGIC has captured on camera! These are some of the DAPS MAGIC team’s…
-
Drawn to the Magic at Disney California Adventure – DAPS from the Past
On May 7, 2004, a new show called Drawn to the Magic debuted at Disney California Adventure. The show was about three animators who brought Disney animated stories to life with music and some Disney magic. It culminated with the arrival of three Disney characters. Frequently the characters were Sorcerer Mickey, Cinderella, and either Woody…
-
Easter Eggs at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree – DAPS From the Past
Happy Easter! A few years ago Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree was the place to be for some special offerings at Disneyland throughout the year. In the spring, it was a great time to see some characters, entertainment, food, and Easter eggs! These eggs were specially decorated by Disney artists and were themed to various Disney,…
-
The Grand Opening of Disney’s California Adventure: A Personal Memoir
Can you recall, precisely, where you were in the early morning hours of February 8, 2001? I certainly recall where I was. I was at the Happiest Place on Earth, trying to get some sleep on the freezing cold pavement of the parade route between Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Matterhorn. As I shifted from…
-
Live From the Space Stage: A Halyx Story is a Beautiful Journey into Forgotten Disney History
In 1981, there was one rock band that took over the Tomorrowland stage and took over Disneyland at night. This Star Wars-inspired rock band took hold of many fan’s hearts and lived on for the last almost 40 years. While many fans remember Halyx fondly, you’ll find that even more Disneyland fans have never heard the…
-
The Evolution of “it’s a small world”: From the World’s Fair to Disneyland
Prep for the 1964 World’s Fair In 1963, WED Enterprises was knee deep in projects; not only for Disneyland, but pavilions for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York. They were working on Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln for the State of Illinois Pavilion, Magic Skyway for Ford, and Carousel of Progress for General Electric.…
-
DAPS from the Past – Sharing the Magic From Days Gone By
There are so many magical memories to be had at the various Disney Parks. The DAPS MAGIC team recently realized that a lot of them have been captured throughout the years. Some of them have been uploaded, others will be. They are all going into a new playlist called “DAPS from the Past.” There, we…
-
The History of Figment at EPCOT Center in Walt Disney World (1983 – Present)
The world can always use a little bit more imagination! In 1955, Disneyland was founded on the imagination that lived in the world and the possibilities that could happen when we believe in our dreams. When EPCOT Center opened to the public in 1982, they opened the Imagination! pavilion alongside it, which explored the exact ideas…
-
The Power Rangers Disney Connection – DAPs From the Past
There is a new Power Rangers movie that is premiering in theaters this weekend. It’s not a Disney produced movie, BUT there is a Power Rangers Disney connection from the past. Disney actually owned the Power Rangers franchise from 2001 to 2010. It was part of a deal that got Fox Family to become ABC…
-
Fantasy Waters at the Disneyland Hotel – DAPs from the Past
Before there was World of Color, Disney Dreams, or Rivers of Light, there was Fantasy Waters. This water and light show ran at the Disneyland Hotel from 1992 to 2007. Hosted by the voice of Jack Wagner, it was a montage of Disney musical moments in a show that ran nearly 20 minutes. If you…
-
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at DCA – A Reflection
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has shut its doors at Disney California Adventure. The popular and terrifying attraction brought a large crowd to the park on January 2nd – the last day to ride. Many were repeat visitors eager to drop in one last time. Many have fond memories from riding the falling elevator.…
-
Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People
On a recent Sunday afternoon at Disneyland after grabbing coffee, I made my way over to the Hyperion Theater to see Frozen – Live at the Hyperion. This time I found myself sitting in the front row, nearly perfectly centered. This created a very different experience and also a much different photography experience. The cast…
-
A Frozen Sunday
Frozen – Live at the Hyperion continues to perform daily at the Disneyland Resort. On Sunday June 5th, watching this new show at the Disneyland Resort was an enjoyable part of the day that included celebrating my birthday. It was the first time I was able to try photographing this show and I look forward…
-
Disney Dollars – DAPs From the Past
Disney Dollars first came to be in 1987 and began at the US parks on May 5. The currency which could only be used at Disney owned properties in the US were equal to the value of the US dollar. Originally Mickey Mouse appeared on the $1 bill, and Goofy on the $5. Minnie was…
-
Mr. DAPs Goes to Walt Disney World – Be Our Guest at Epcot!
Epcot is one of my favorite places to visit period. It is an absolutely beautiful park in so many different ways. I love all the different places that are beautiful to take photos. I love all the different foods and drinks. Most of all, I love getting to experience all the different cultures that can…
-
Mr. DAPs Goes to Walt Disney World – A Magical Day at the Magic Kingdom
A beautiful morning overlooking a peaceful body of water is one of the nicest ways to get a day started. By the second day at Walt Disney World I had decided that, while the pirate themed rooms might be a bit much, I really liked the overall experience of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Our second day was…
-
Mr. DAPs Goes to Walt Disney World – The First 30 Hours
Recently I was able to return to the Walt Disney World Resort for a week long vacation. Caribbean Beach Resort was my home base for this trip that was full of magic and memories. In the coming days, I will be posting photos and memories of my trip. It really was a blast. The first…
-
A Random Springtime Sunday at Disneyland
Disneyland is absolutely stunning when the blossoms begin to bloom and spring descends upon the happiest place on Earth! The magic of the Disneyland Resort seems to just get amplified as trees and flowers proclaim the coming of spring. The Hub turns into a vibrant pink frame surrounding the Partners Statue and Sleeping Beauty Castle. The…
-
A Christmas Fantasy at the Disneyland Resort
A Christmas Fantasy Parade is always a highlight of the Holiday Time season at the Disneyland Resort for me. Though there are changes it seems each year, it is a tradition that returns each year and is generally loved by guests. Because of this, I really don’t watch it that many times as it is…
-
Ringing in the Christmas Season at the Disneyland Resort
One fun part of Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort is the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers. This ensemble sings and rings handbells on Buena Vista Street throughout the Christmas season and really is a lot of fun to watch. They are residents of Buena Vista Street who come together to share the musical…
-
A Day of Trials – Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Those visiting Tomorrowland at Disneyland may notice that there are some changes to be found. One of these revolve around the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage which no longer is the home of Jedi Training Academy. Instead, children get to face their fears as they experience Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. This new experience draws heavily from…
-
Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 90th Birthday at Disneyland
A jolly holiday was had at Disneyland on Sunday as Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 90th birthday at the happiest place on Earth! Throughout the day Dick Van Dyke had special moments celebrating this Disney Legend. The moments culminated with a cavalcade before A Christmas Fantasy Parade and a happy birthday moment in Town Square. Dick Van…