Videopolis (Disneyland)

Videopolis dance stage in Fantasyland.

Videopolis was the name of a 5,000-square-foot (460 m²) outdoor amphitheater that operated from 1985 to 1995 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Located in Fantasyland, it functioned as a venue for various shows and, in the evenings, as an all-ages dance club. As of 2009, the location was renamed to Fantasyland Theater.

History

Videopolis opened in 1985, a short distance to the west of It's a Small World. During the day, the theater was used for theme-park shows, but in the evening, it transformed into a dance club where music videos played. Videopolis featured 70 video monitors that displayed music videos and/or live feeds that allowed guests to watch themselves. The venue included a snack bar called "Yumz".

Videopolis was featured in the television program of the same name on the Disney Channel. Filmed live at Videopolis, the show broadcast 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, and The Jets.

The Children's Miracle Network Telethon also made use of Videopolis from 1987 to 1995. The show's hosts included singer and The Dukes of Hazard actor John Schneider, Marie Osmond, Entertainment Tonight co-host Mary Hart, impressionist Rich Little, Olympic Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton, NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, and the 5th Dimension's Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.

In 1995, Videopolis was dismantled. The Fantasyland Theater subsequently occupied that area.

Disneyland Paris

Main article: Videopolis (Disneyland Paris)

In Discoveryland at Disneyland Park, stands Videopolis; a large complex housing the Videopolis Theatre and the Hyperion Café counter service restaurant. It features one of the largest props in the resort: the Hyperion airship.

Shows

• Sing'in' Dance'in' Heigh Ho (1987)
• Circus Fantasy (1988)
• Show Biz Is (1989)
• 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 Seasons 2001 & 2002)
• Snow White: An Enchanting Musical (February 2004 - September 2006)
• Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (October 2006–present)