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Monthly Archives: April 2018

April 30

April 30, 2017 – The Disney Explorers Lodge Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

“Take a break from your exciting adventures and join fellow explorers in this respite surrounded by the wonders of nature and diverse cultures.”

On April 30, 2017, the Disney Explorers Lodge resort opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. The resort is designed to represent several cultures and the spirit of exploration, and features 750-rooms that represent four climates from four areas: Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa. The resort features three restaurants (Dragon Wind, World of Color, and Chart Room Café) that feature cuisines from the five continents.

April 29

April 29, 1990 – The Pendleton Woolen Mills Dry Goods Store Closes in Disneyland

On April 29, 1990, the Frontierland shop Pendleton Woolen Mills Dry Goods Store closed in Disneyland. It was one of the longest-running original shops and sponsor participant in the park, having opened on July 18, 1955. The shop was popular amongst guests, particularly for its selection of leather and woolen goods that fit the theme of the area. The store eventually became Bonanza Outfitters, which specializes in Western-themed clothing; the store also continues to carry Pendleton button down shirts.

April 28

April 28, 2008 – Abu’s Bazaar Opens in Tokyo DisneySea

成功したご褒美はアブーの宝物!”

On April 28, 2008, the specialty shop Abu’s Bazaar opened in Tokyo DisneySea’s Arabian Coast area. The shop, much like the area around it, is based on elements from the hit animated feature film Aladdin. The store has several arcade games set up, where guests can win Abu’s treasure, such as plush figures.

April 27

April 27, 2015 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Opens in Walt Disney World

“You grotto check out this tropical tiki bar that captures the romance of the South Seas through unique food and drinks.”

On April 27, 2015, the lounge Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto opened in the lobby of Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort. Named for the character in the Jungle Cruise attraction, the grotto provides guests a place to unwind and relax with a specialty cocktail and appetizer, which includes the Headhunter Sushi Roll, Hawaiian Poke, and the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum cocktail. The grotto is similar to the Trader Sam’s Enchanted TIki Bar that opened in Disneyland in 2011.

April 26

April 26, 2005 – The Album Disney Channel Hits: Take 2 is Released Through Walt Disney Records

“Our spots are different, different colors. We make each other stronger, that ain’t never gonna change.”

On April 26, 2005, the compilation album Disney Channel Hits: Take 2 was released through Walt Disney Records. The album compiled songs from popular Disney Channel shows and Disney Channel Original Movies, including Stuck in the Suburbs, The Cheetah Girls, and Halloweentown High. Artists featured on the album include Hayden Panettiere, Jesse McCartney, and The Cheetah Girls.

April 25

April 25, 1988 – Michael Eisner and Mickey Mouse Appear on the Cover of Time Magazine

“Why is this mouse smiling?”

On April 25, 1988, the cover of Time magazine featured Mickey Mouse and then-CEO Michael Eisner, along with the cover story about how Eisner had taken the company and turned it into a $3 billion dollar empire.  Eisner, who had been CEO since 1984, grew Disney holdings significantly, including expansions of Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

April 24

April 24, 2017 – The Disney Springs Restaurant Portobello Closes

“Country Italian Trattoria”

On April 24, 2017, the Italian restaurant Portobello officially closed. The restaurant, operated by Levy Restaurants, originally opened as Portobello Yacht Club on May 1, 1989. The restaurant was renamed on October 12, 2008, becoming Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. A star feature of the restaurant was its waterfront patio. The restaurant was eventually closed to make room for the new Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant.

April 23

April 23, 2015 – Doc McStuffins Wins Peabody Award

“Charming, sweet and gently humorous, this animated series, featuring an African-American physician’s daughter who attends to damaged stuffed animals and other broken toys, allays children’s fears about doctor visits even as it promotes medicine as a profession.”

On April 23, 2015 ,the 74th Peabody Awards were held, and the Disney Junior show Doc McStuffins won the award in the Children/Youth category. The show has won several accolades in addition to this, including an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Program.

April 22

April 22, 1998 – The Restaurant Pizzafari Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Make your appetite extinct with pizzas, salads, pasta, desserts, and more…”

On April 22, 1998, the quick service restaurant Pizzafari opened on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The restaurant features five themed rooms where guests can enjoy their single-serve pizzas, salads, and a variety of drinks.

April 21

April 21, 2004 – Apple and Disney Announce Deal for Buena Vista Music Group Catalog

“Now iTunes users can add these timeless Disney songs to their music libraries and enjoy them wherever they go on their iPods.”

On April 21, 2004, Apple announced that they had teamed up with Disney’s Buena Vista Music Group, with Apple getting exclusive rights to the Walt Disney Records catalog, ranging from the animated feature films to featured artists in the Hollywood Records label. The catalog was added to its own genre page within the iTunes music store, labeled as “Disney.” Disney chose to work with Apple, as Apple was the leading global online music store, and provided Buena Vista Music Group another avenue to make Disney’s music accessible to consumers.