Category: History
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Sunday Spotlight: Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Voyage of The Little Mermaid was a show that could be seen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This show opened in 1992 and continued until 2020 in the Animation Courtyard. It closed when Walt Disney World Resort closed down and then never reopened when the parks did after the pandemic. The show was a shorter version…
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Sunday Spotlight: Lightning at Oogie Boogie Bash
There have been many magical moments through the nearly two decades of Daps Magic that are core memories. As I sit here thinking about them, I think of meeting Richard Sherman for the first time, the first day of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, my first press event. All of these moments were absolutely magical and I…
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Sunday Spotlight: Jake the Droid
Jake the Droid (officially J4-K3) was a friendly and inquisitive droid that was occasionally be found in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. He was (or perhaps still is) a prototype droid. Basically this means he was still under development. When he appeared at Disneyland, he was always learning and growing, and loved to interact with guests. Jake…
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Sunday Spotlight: Olaf in Fantasyland
There was a time when you could find Olaf in Fantasyland at Disneyland. This goes back about ten years ago when Olaf arrived on the roof of a building where Anna and Elsa were meeting. He arrived in November 2013 and immediately began delighting guests throughout the day and the night as they waited to…
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Sunday Spotlight: Frozen – Live at the Hyperion
Welcome back to another Sunday Spotlight! This week we take a look back at Frozen – Live at the Hyperion. This theatrical recreation of Frozen was presented at Disney California Adventure from May 2016 through March 2020. The show basically followed the plotline that was seen in Frozen, the musical movie that was released by…
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Celebrating 60 Years of Tropical Magic: The Enchanting History of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland
Today, let’s raise our glasses filled with tropical cocktails (or our Dole Whips) and embark on a journey to the heart of the enchanted Polynesian paradise that is Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. As the Tiki Room celebrates its 60th anniversary, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history and enduring charm…
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“Animazement – The Musical” – 25 Years Later
25 years ago today Animazement – The Musical debuted in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland. This magical musical began with a new theme song written for the show itself called It Starts with a Sketch and then went on a musical adventure through several different Disney stories. This included The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast,…
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Check Out the History of the Dapper Dans at Disney Parks on National Barbershop Quartet Day!
Today is National Barbershop Quartet Day. For this annual holiday, it is only appropriate to recognize and honor the Disney Parks very own Barbershop Quarter, the Dapper Dans. Since 1959, the Dapper Dans have been making melodies at Disney Parks starting at Disneyland and then expanding to Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. To celebrate…
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Remembering the Last Show of Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple Four Years Later
On November 4, 2018 Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple had its final training show in Tomorrowland. This show, which taught younglings, the ways of the Jedi inspired guests young and old during its run at the Disneyland Resort. During the process, the Padawans would learn to face their fears as they found themselves facing…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…