January 4
Main Street, U.S.A.:
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor closes
Blue Ribbon Bakery closes in preparation for move to former Carnation Ice Cream Parlor (reopened in new location, March 21, 1997; area replaced by Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, March 21, 1997)
-January 6
New Orleans Square:
Pirates of the Caribbean closes for 30th Anniversary renovation (reopens and is rededicated, March 7, 1997)
Tomorrowland:
Rocket Jets close
-February
Fantasyland:
The Sanctuary of Quasimodo closes (replaced by Knight Shop, August 16, 1997)
-March 7
New Orleans Square:
Pirates of the Caribbean reopens from 30th Anniversary renovation and is rededicated
-March 21
Main Street, U.S.A.:
Blue Ribbon Bakery
Carnation Cafe
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
Penny Arcade reopened as extension of Candy Palace
-April
Fantasyland:
Le Petit Chalet Gifts
Tomorrowland:
All scaffolding removed from the Carousel Theater (replaced by Innoventions, Spring, 1998)
-April 7
Tomorrowland:
Captain EO closes
-May
Frontierland:
Festival of Foods renamed Big Thunder Barbecue
Gullywhumper keel boat tips over
-May 13
Light Magic Annual Passholder Party
-May 23
Light Magic debuts
“Light Magic: A Spectacular Journey” airs
-June 1
Final day of The Lion King Celebration
-June 14
Disney’s Hercules Victory Parade (New York City)
-June 27
Hercules Victory Parade debuts
-July 7
Tomorrowland:
Monorail begins operating in one direction only due to Disney’s California Adventure construction
-July 11
New Orleans Square:
“Looking at the Future – Tomorrowland: 1955-1998” debuts in honor of the Disney Gallery’s 10th Anniversary
-July 25
Tomorrowland:
Rocket Rods begin testing
-July 31
Last original cast member (Bob Penfield) retires, and is honored with a window on Main Street
-August 4
Tomorrowland:
Star Tours new indoor queue opened
Space Mountain speedramps closed
-August 6
Tomorrowland:
Space Mountain speedramp catches fire before Park opens as demolition continues
-August 16
Fantasyland:
Knight Shop
-August 25
Tomorrowland:
Alpine Gardens closes
-September 1
Light Magic’s final day in its original form
-September 4
Fantasyland:
Spirit of Pocahontas’ final day
-September 8
Tomorrowland:
Circle-Vision closes
-September 11
Tomorrowland:
Astro-Orbitor installed
-November 14
Main Street, U.S.A.:
Disneyland Railroad rededicated by Michael Broggie
“The Little Mermaid and Her Secret Grotto” premiers at Carnation Plaza Gardens
-November 25
Fantasyland:
“it’s a small world holiday” Lighting Ceremony
-November 27
Fantasyland:
“it’s a small world holiday” (removed, January 25, 1998; “it’s a small world” reopens, ? ?, 1998)
-December 13
Mickey’s Toontown:
Toon-Up Treats
-December 20
Tomorrowland:
Walls around entrance removed, allowing for a clear view of the Astro-Orbitor
