General History 1996

February 1996:
The Samba Carnival infused winter with the warm colours and rhythms of Brazil.

12^th April - 23^rd June 1996:
A Wild West Festival took place in Frontierland, with traditional cowboys and native-American indians. Attractions included music & dance, demonstrations of sharp-shooting, blacksmith work, etc.

April - September 1996:
The interactive "Totally Toy Story" Parade included Buzz Lightyear, Woody and all the other characters from the film. Guest children joined the parade in their own special costumes.

16^th May - 8^th September 1996:
Pocahontas made her debut at the outdoor Chapparal Theater in a colourful stage show based on a Hollywood film shoot. Audience members were invited to take a role in the action.

June 1996:
The Pocahontas Indian Village children's playground opened in Frontierland.

16^th June 1996:
The Los Angeles Sunday Times (Travel Section) reports, in an article about forthcoming Roller Coasters worldwide, that Disneyland Paris has plans to build a "Gadget's Go Coaster" ride. Other recent rumours indicate the possibility of a new attraction "La Maison de Mickey" (Mickey's Toontown?) at some stage, so perhaps the two are linked?

July 1996:
The first direct London to Disneyland Paris high-speed train service opened. A Eurostar train decorated with giant Mickey Mouse ears celebrated the occasion.

17^th July 1996:
Planet Hollywood receives a star-studded opening at Disney Village. Guests at the opening celebrations include Lion King voice artist Whoopi Goldberg.

August 1996:
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show celebrated its 3000^th performance. The newly renamed Disney Village (formerly Festival Disney) welcomed the Roadhouse Blues Festival, with big-name singers and musicians.

7^th September 1996:
A major fire damaged portions of the Sequoia Lodge hotel at 6.45am, forcing hundreds of groggy guests to flee. Nine people complained of smoke inhalation and four of them, including two pregnant women, were hospitalised for short-term observation. Thankfully, most guests were already awake ready for the park's Saturday opening, but about 100 people fled with little more than the pyjamas on their backs so Disney officials gave them a free spending spree in the park's shops to re-clothe themselves. The blaze was extinguished in three hours, but it gutted much of the roof of one section, and damaged dozens of rooms. The hotel was fully re-opened in time for Christmas.

30^th October 1996:
Pizza Planet restaurant opens in Discoveryland. Toy Story stars Buzz Lightyear and Woody, along with a squadron of Green Army Men, were joined by Disneyland Paris CEO Philippe Bourguignon and President Gilles Pelisson for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

24^th November 1996:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Carnival of Fools Parade premieres. Current show time is 3pm, but check with City Hall for more information.

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