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Monthly Archives: April 2018

April 10

April 10, 2005 – Princess Storybook Dining is Held All Day at Restaurant Akershus

“Join Disney Princesses for Storybook Dining inside a medieval castle with soaring archways and cathedral ceilings.”

On April 10, 2005, the formerly breakfast-only character dining experience Princess Storybook started being held at all meals at the Restaurant Akershus in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Guests can meet several of their favorite princesses, including Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, and Ariel, while they savor Norwegian-inspired dishes. The popularity of this breakfast-only dining experience necessitated opening it up for more meals to allow more guests the ability to dine with a princess.

April 9

April 9, 1978 – Ten Disney Animators are Honored by Delta Kappa Alpha

“This evening, we pay tribute to the achievements of Walt Disney Productions and the men who worked there. Delta Kappa Alpha is proud to present its Pioneer in Film Award to both the Disney Studio and the ten veteran animators who helped create many classics.”

On April 9, 1978, the 39th annual awards banquet for the Delta Kappa Alpha fraternity was held at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. The fraternity was founded in 1937 and was dedicated “to the furthering of the film arts and to the promotion of better relations between the academic and practicing members of the industry, both theatrical and non-theatrical.” This banquet honored ten animators from Walt Disney Productions: members of the Nine Old Men (Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Marc Davis, Ward Kimball, Woolie Reitherman, Les Clark, Eric Larson, and Milt Kahl), and Ken Anderson.

April 8

April 8, 1999 – Hook’s Pointe & Wine Cellar Opens in Disneyland

On April 8, 1999, the restaurant Hook’s Pointe & Wine Cellar opened in the Disneyland Hotel. Replacing the Shipyard Inn, this award-winning restaurant was well-known for seafood dishes, alongside an impressive wine cellar. It closed on July 25, 2010, due to a major makeover of the Disneyland Hotel, and was replaced by Tangaroa Terrace.

April 7

April 7, 2006 – The Shop Serka Zong Bazaar Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

“Descend from Mount Everest and admire Asian artifacts while acquiring Himalayan, Yeti and Disney character merchandise.”

On April 7, 2006, the merchandise stop Serka Zong Bazaar opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Located at the exit of the popular Expedition Everest attraction, it features several Yeti-themed gifts, along with Asian themed goods, and combination pieces featuring the Yeti interacting with Disney characters.

April 6

April 6, 2007 – The Attraction Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros Opens in Epcot

“Take in the sights of Mexico and the antics of the 3 feathered amigos on this gentle boat ride through the Mexico Pavilion.”

On April 6, 2007, the dark ride attraction Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros opened in the Mexico Pavilion of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. This attraction replaced the El Río del Tiempo attraction. Featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito from the feature films Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, this ride takes guests through the sights of Mexico as Panchito and José search for their missing friend, Donald.

April 5

April 5, 1998 – The Revamped Enchanted Tiki Room Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World

“Be forewarned, Iago: you cannot toy with the Enchanted Tiki Room.”

On April 5, 1998, the revamped version of the popular Enchanted Tiki Room Attraction, retitled The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management), opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction adds characters from Aladdin and The Lion King, with Iago and Zazu acting as the new owners of the Enchanted TIki Room. This “new ownership” was part of an extensive renovation of the attraction; this new version lasted until 2011, after a small fire broke out in the attraction. On August 15, 2011, the attraction returned to its original format, with an edited version of the show.

April 4

April 4, 2011 – The House of Good Fortune Opens in Epcot

“The shop contains an incredible assortment of goods including house wares, lamps, vases, tea sets, accessories, and decorative figurines.”

On April 4, 2011, the House of Good Fortune opened in the China Pavilion of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. Replacing Yong Feng Shangdian, the store sells authentic Chinese merchandise ranging from traditional Chinese clothing, housewares, and panda-related knick-knacks.

April 3

April 3, 1983 – The Shopping Gallery Yong Feng Shangdian Opens in Epcot

On April 3, 1983, the shopping gallery Yong Feng Shangdian opened in the China Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Similar to the department store Mitsukoshi in the Japan Pavilion, Yong Feng Shangdian offered many items from China, including scented oils, decorations, and specialty clothes. It was replaced in 2011 by the House of Good Fortune.

April 2

April 2, 1940 – The First Sales of Disney Common Stock are Offered

On April 2, 1940, the first common stocks of Walt Disney Productions were offered to the public. The offerings were released with 6% cumulative convertible preferred shares; common stock offerings were about $5 a share (almost $89 when adjusted for inflation). The sales of stocks went on to raise $3.5 million for the company. On November 12, 1957, the company would be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

April 1

April 1, 2011 – Box Office Gifts Opens in Magic Kingdom Park

On April 1, 2011, the camera supply shop Box Office Gifts opened in Town Square Theater, located in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The area sells gifts that help capture the memories of meeting Mickey Mouse, including MagicBands that keep track of guests’ photos. Guests can also use the kiosks to view their photos and ask for a special print out of their favorites.