Videopolis (Disneyland)
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Videopolis was the name of a 5,000 square foot amphitheater and all ages Dance Club that operated from 1985 - 1995 in Disneyland's Fantasyland, located in Anaheim California.
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[edit] History
Opening in 1985 Videopolis was 5000 square foot outdoor dance amphitheater located just west of the "It's a Small World" attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim California. During the day the theater was used for theme park shows but in the evening Videopolis sprang to life as a vibrant 1980's dance club where the only media played was Music Videos not the traditional LP's as in other dance clubs. Videopolis featured 70 video monitors and big screens which displayed music videos and/or live feeds that allowed guests to watch themselves.
Videopolis was also a popular television program [1]on the Disney Channel. Filmed live at Videopolis Disneyland, the show featured in concert performances from an array of Top 40 bands and singers including Debbie Gibson, New Kids on the Block, Tiffany, Glenn Medeiros, New Edition, Pebbles, Janet Jackson, The Jets and many others. For the price of admission to Disneyland you could head over to Videopolis that evening and you just might catch one of the biggest pop stars of the 80's performing live and also get a chance to be on TV.
Videopolis was also the location of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon from 1987 - 1995 The show’s hosts included John Schneider from Dukes of Hazard and country music fame, Marie Osmond, Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart, Las Vegas impressionist Rich Little, Olympic Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton, NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen and from the Fifth Dimension, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
Guests fondly recall that Videopolis was the best place in the park to view fireworks as the shells would explode directly overhead as you danced the night away. This area beyond "It's a Small World" is now off limits for fireworks viewing. Videopolis also featured it's own snack bar style dining location called "Yumz".
In 1995 Videopolis was dismantled and renamed the Fantasyland Theater and is now used for theme park shows only, and is closed to guests after the last show, usually early in the evening.
[edit] Previous Shows
- Sing'in' Dance'in' Heigh Ho (1987)
- Circus Fantasy (1988)
- One Man's Dream (December 16, 1989 - April 29, 1990)
- Dick Tracy starring in Diamond Double Cross (June 15, 1990 - December 31, 1990)
- Plane Crazy (March 15, 1991 - September 1991)
- Mickey's Nutcracker (Christmas Seasons 1991 & 1992)
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (April 12, 1992 - April 30, 1995)
- The Spirit of Pocahontas (June 23, 1995 - September 4, 1997)
- Disney's Animazment - The Musical (June 18, 1998 - October 21, 2001)
- Mickey's Detective School (2002 - 2003)
- Minnie's Christmas Party (Christmas 2002)
- Snow White: An Enchanting Musical (February 2004 - September 2006)
[edit] Current Show
- Disney Princess Fantasy Fair (October 2006 - present)
