November 10, 1993 – The Green Thumb Emporium Opens in Epcot
On November 10, 1993, the specialty shop The Green Thumb Emporium opened in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion. Replacing Broccoli & Co, the new store featured a variety of items related to the theme of gardening, including mini Mickey gardens, Mickey garden gnomes, and wind chimes. The store also featured a variety of merchandise used to promote the attraction Soarin’. It closed on April 25, 2004.
November 9, 1993 – The Sunshine Season Food Fair Food Court Opens in Epcot
“Harvest the goodness of the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion!”
On November 9, 1993, the fast-food court Sunshine Season Food Fair opened in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion. The area, formerly known as Farmers Market, features a variety of cuisines, including sandwiches, grilled fish, and vegan options; the area also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Walt Disney World guests. The area is now known as simply Sunshine Season.
November 8, 2004 – The First Gift Cards are Available in Disneyland
“Use a Disney Gift Card for practically all things Disney – from Theme Park tickets to Mickey Mouse merchandise.”
On November 8, 2004, Disney made available their first gift cards in Disneyland Park. Selling for amounts ranging from $5 to $1,500, the gift cards were made available at a variety of merchandise stands within the park. The gift card option was subsequently added to the Disney Store in-person locations, Walt Disney World, and Disney Store online.; they are now available in a variety of styles featuring favorite Disney characters.
November 7, 2011 – Disney and YouTube Announce Partnership Deal
“…[we need to] bring Disney’s legacy of storytelling to a new generation of families and Disney enthusiasts on the platforms they prefer.” – Co-President of Disney Interactive, James A. Pitaro
On November 7, 2011, Disney and YouTube announced a new partnership to help both companies grow in electronic prominence. The $10-15 million dollar deal would feature Disney Interactive Media creating an original digital video series, with the first planned series being based on the popular app “Where’s My Water?” YouTube was looking for credibility with parents, while Disney was looking to boost web traffic and sales through their own website as well as the joint channel. YouTube also announced that their plan was to act as a neutral distributor and not move into the role of a production company.
November 6, 2012 – Filming for Saving Mr. Banks Begins in Disneyland
“In addition to Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, the stars of the soon-to-be released Saving Mr. Banks, there’s a supporting role that shares the spotlight – Disneyland park.”
On November 6, 2012, filming within Disneyland began for the upcoming film Saving Mr. Banks. Based on the story of how Walt Disney got the rights to Mary Poppins from author P.L. Travers, the filming featured Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers. The area was roped off and closed, as the filmmakers couldn’t risk having people in modern clothing show up in the shot. Several attractions were also closed during the filming session, including Indiana Jones Adventure and Storybook Land. Extras, dressed in the fashions of the early 1960s, were brought in at 11:30 to help bring back the feel of Fantasyland during that time.
November 5, 1990 – The Shop Fittings & Fairings, Clothes & Notions Opens in Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort
On November 5, 1990, the specialty shop Fittings & Fairings, Clothes & Notions, opened in Walt Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort. The store was set up to fit in with the resort’s nautical theme, including clothes by Nautica, sailing-themed prints, and specialty housewares. The store was closed for refurbishment in April, 2017, and will reopen as a marketplace, similar to the newer Beach Club Marketplace.
November 4, 1990 – The American Teacher Awards Begin Airing on The Disney Channel
“[Teachers] are probably the best-educated people in our country, who make the most sacrifices, do the most interesting things and should receive the same kind of adulation others in our society get.” – Walt Disney Company CEO Michael Eisner
On November 4, 1990, the American Teacher Awards were kicked off and began airing on The Disney Channel. The idea originally started from a Disney Channel series The Disney Channel Salutes the American Teacher that aired in 1989. Up to 12 awards are given to deserving teachers across the country, with cash awards totaling $250,000. The nominees are chosen by the Educational Steering Committee, an independent group of representatives from several educational organizations. After the awards are given, the honorees vote together for the Outstanding Teacher; the first Outstanding Teacher was Sylvia Anne Washburn from Toledo, Ohio.
November 3, 2000 – The Fireworks Show Believe…in Holiday Magic Debuts
“Does your heart hold the magic of the holidays?”
On November 3, 2000, the special fireworks show Believe…in Holiday Magic debuted in Disneyland. It was a spinoff of the 45th anniversary show Believe…There’s Magic in the Stars, and featured a variety of fireworks accompanied by a medley of holiday music. As the show ends, a simulated snow flurry starts falling in various areas within the park. The 13-minute show has been running in Disneyland almost every holiday season since its premiere.
November 2, 1954 – Look Magazine Publishes “Here’s Your First View of Disneyland”
“Walt Disney’s imagination is running wild again.”
On November 2, 1954, Look Magazine published one of the first articles about Walt’s pet project, Disneyland. Aptly titled “Here’s Your First View of Disneyland,” the article featured an early version of the map of Disneyland, along with an explanation of the Disneyland program on ABC and some of the proposed areas of the park. Some of the projects that were listed never materialized in Disneyland, but the ideas were repurposed for other Disney theme parks.
November 1, 1999 – The Disney Wilderness Preserve Opens to the Public
“At The Disney Wilderness Preserve, nature offers you a front-row seat to conservation at its best.”
On November 1, 1999, the Disney Wilderness Preserve opened to the public, almost seven years after its initial purchase. Disney acquired the 12,000-acre area of the Walker Ranch in 1992 with the plan to turn the land into an expansion area of Walt Disney World, but instead gave the land to the Nature Conservancy with the intent of turning it into a preservation. When it opened in 1999, it featured a special Conservation Learning Center, along with nature trails that guests can walk at their leisure, a lab in conjunction with the University of Central Florida and the National Ecological Observatory, and wood stork rookery. Overall, the area is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals.
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