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, 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, 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, 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.
March 31, 1958 – Grand Canyon Diorama is Added in Disneyland
On March 31, 1958, the grand opening ceremony of the Grand Canyon Diorama, the “largest diorama in the world,” was held in Disneyland Park. The diorama was placed along the route of the Disneyland Railroad, and Walt Disney himself was the conductor of the train that passed by the scenes of the Grand Canyon. The soundtrack for the scenery is Ferde Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite,” which accompanies lush scenes of the landscape by scenic artist Delmer Yoakum. The diorama is 306 feet in length, and was restored in 2017 to how it would have appeared in 1958, with some subtle updates to add some “magic.”
March 30, 2011 – Town Square Theater Opens in Magic Kingdom Park
“Go backstage as a special guest of your pal, Mickey.”
On March 30, 2011, the Town Square Theater opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Located within the Town Square, guests can enter and meet Mickey Mouse as he acts as the Master Magician, performing magic tricks. The Town Square Theater replaced the Town Square Exposition Hall, and features references to several characters and films from the classic days. After guests meet Mickey Mouse, they can enter Box Office Gifts, where they can buy specialty park merchandise.
March 29, 1979 – Disney Sells the Celebrity Sports Center to Griffin, Leavitt, and the Writer Brothers
“…although Celebrity Center is a small part of the Disney enterprises it received a large share of [Disney’s] attention.” – Rocky Mountain News
On March 29, 1979, the Walt Disney Company sold the Celebrity Sports Center to the group of Griffin, Leavitt, and the Writer Brothers for an undisclosed sum. Located in Denver, Colorado, the center was opened in 1960, funded by several celebrity investors, including Walt Disney. The area was built to be a “huge play center,” featuring entertainments including bowling and swimming. After Disney’s death in 1966, the purpose of the center changed to that of a training ground for Walt Disney World employees. When it was sold, it was well known that Disney wasn’t sure what to do with the property, though it had been financially successful for the company. The area was closed entirely on June 15, 1994.
March 28, 1987 – The Merchandise Stop Port of Entry Opens in Epcot
“Before or after your trip around World Showcase, stop by for Disney-themed apparel, jewelry and other souvenirs.”
On March 28, 1987, the merchandise store Port of Entry opened in Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. Located at the opening of the World Showcase, the shop provides merchandise from all the countries represented in the area, along with specialty merchandise from other countries, and limited edition items from Epcot’s special events, such as the Food and Wine Festival.
March 27, 1957 – The 25-Millionth Mickey Mouse Watch is Presented in Disneyland
“Walt Disney receives the 25-millionth Mickey Mouse Watch to celebrate its success.”
On March 27, 1957, the Ingersoll-Waterbury Company celebrated a milestone with the 25–millionth watch featuring Mickey Mouse having been made. This watch was presented to Walt Disney in a special ceremony in Disneyland. The first Mickey Mouse watch created by the company started with a patent on May 22, 1933, with the first watches being built soon after.
March 26, 2009 – The Friar’s Nook Opens in Walt Disney World
“Tuck into tasty fare like loaded buffalo chicken tots, hot dogs and fried Twinkies…”
On March 26, 2009, the quick-service restaurant The Friar’s Nook opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park. Replacing the Village Fry Shoppe, the restaurant featured several kinds of loaded tator tots, along with assorted iced drinks. The name of the restaurant is derived from Friar Tuck, from the animated feature film Robin Hood.
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