RSS Feed

Category Archives: Uncategorized

April 14

April 14, 2016 – Groundbreaking Takes Place for Star Wars Land

“This is the theme park you’re looking for.”

On April 14, 2016, the groundbreaking for the new Star Wars-themed lands took place at the Disneyland Resort and in Walt Disney World. This expansion of the park is the largest single-themed land expansion for the American Disney parks, spanning 14-acres. To celebrate this event, a 360-degree photo was released online to give guests an immersive experience in the building of the park, complete with appearances by R2-D2 and BB-8.

April 13

April 13, 1996 – Goofy’s Bounce House Opens in Tokyo Disneyland

On April 13, 1996, the attraction Goofy’s Bounce House opened Tokyo Disneyland’s Toontown area. It was based on the Disneyland attraction of the same name, where kids under a certain height limit were allowed to bounce around Goofy’s house, as the house is made of a balloon-like substance. The Tokyo Disneyland attraction was eventually replaced by Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play House, which opened on August 24, 2012.

April 12

April 12, 1992 – Walt’s – an American Restaurant Opens in Disneyland Paris

“In this restaurant which bears his name, certain dishes are inspired by some of his favorite food.”

On April 12, 1992, the table service restaurant Walt’s – an American Restaurant opened on Main Street in Disneyland Paris. Honoring the work and life of Walt Disney, the Victorian-style restaurant serves upscale versions of Walt’s favorite dishes, including a cheeseburger with chili con carne. The rooms of the restaurant are themed after the six worlds of Disneyland Paris: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland, Disneyland Hotel, Grand Canyon, and Frontierland.

April 11

April 11, 1925 – Roy O. Disney Marries Edna Francis


On April 11, 1925, Roy O. Disney, brother of Walt Disney, married Edna Francis in Disney’s uncle’s house on Kingswell Avenue in Hollywood, California. The two had originally met as children in Kansas City, and were introduced by Francis’ younger brother, who was working with Roy as a bank teller. Their romance prevailed through Roy’s service in the Navy during World War I, as well as his recuperation period over the southwest of the country. After they got married, Francis helped the fledgling Disney Brothers Studio, doing office work, as well as helping ink and paint animation cels. Francis continued to support her husband and his brother through their animation venture throughout her life.

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.