October 26, 1986 – The Quick Service Restaurant Gurgi’s Munchies and Crunchies Opens
On October 26, 1986, the quick service restaurant Gurgi’s Munchies and Crunchies opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Located in Fantasyland, the restaurant was named after the character Gurgi from the animated feature film The Black Cauldron. It replaced the Lancer’s Inn, and when it closed on February 13, 1993, it itself was replaced by Lumiere’s Kitchen.
October 25, 2000 – The Shopping Center Val d’Europe Opens Next to Disneyland Paris
“Discover Val d’Europe where there are over 150 shops catering to your every need, giving you a shopping experience like no other!”
On October 25, 2000, the international shopping center Val d’Europe opened right next to Disneyland Paris. Leased to SEGECE, the factory outlet mall features stores ranging from the Apple Store to La Grand Récré. The shopping center also features the region’s largest aquarium, which is home to over 350 varieties of sea creature. The center is a mere five minute bus ride from Disneyland Paris park.
October 24, 2001 – Disney Acquires Fox Family Worldwide
“These assets are a perfect fit for our company. We paid approximately for a rare asset.” – Disney CEO Michael Eisner
On October 24, 2001, Disney completed the acquisition of Fox Family Worldwide, which they bought for $5.3 billion from News Corp. and Haim Saban. The announcement of the planned acquisition was presented by media outlets on July 23, 2001. The acquisition included several channels, such as Fox Family Channel and Fox Kids (rebranded as ABC Family and Jetix, respectfully). Upon the announcement of the acquisition, Disney began to shift content from ABC and other Disney broadcast channels to ABC Family, giving the channel enough programming to start off well.
October 23, 1982 – The Sunshine Terrace Restaurant Opens in Epcot
On October 23, 1982, the Sunshine Terrace Restaurant opened in Epcot’s Communicore West area. This quick service restaurant closed in May, 1994, and became the Pasta Piazza Risorante. The area no longer serves food, and acts as a character greeting spot.
October 22, 1969 – WED Enterprises Signs Deal with Florida Citrus Commission
On October 22, 1969, an official contract between WED Enterprises and the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) was signed, with FCC sponsoring an attraction within the upcoming Florida theme park. The FCC would go on to sponsor the pavilion in Adventureland that housed Walt Disney World’s version of The Enchanted Tiki Room, known as The Tropical Serenade, as well as the Sunshine Tree Terrace. To help advertise the deal, WED Enterprises created a mascot for the area known as the Orange Bird, which was also used by FCC to promote Florida citrus.
October 21, 2005 – Ragland Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Opens in Pleasure Island
“Enjoy a genuine Irish meal, complete with its own unique twists and a dash of Celtic creativity.”
On October 21, 2005, the Ragland Road Irish Pub and Restaurant opened in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island area (both now Disney Springs). The themed restaurant features an Ireland-inspired menu, with dishes such as the “Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do,” “Bangers & Booz,” and “Dunbrody Kiss;” the restaurant also features a variety of beers, ranging from domestic to those in the Emerald Isle. Guests are also entertained by Irish dancers every night in the Rhythms of Raglan dance show, along with various singer-songwriters and bands singing on the main stage daily.
October 20, 1993 – Ten New Inductees are Honored as Disney Legends
“The stuff Legends are made of…”
On October 20, 1993, ten new inductees were added as Disney Legends in a special ceremony held at the Walt Disney Studios. The ten inductees included Card Walker; former President of the Walt Disney Company; Donn Tatum, senior executive; Clarence Nash, original voice actor of Donald Duck; Jimmy MacDonald, sound effects wizard and second voice actor for Mickey Mouse; Pinto Colvig, original voice actor for Goofy; actor Buddy Ebsen, who was best known for his role as George Russel in the Davy Crockett series; Irving Ludwig, film distributor who helped form the Buena Vista Distribution Company; matte artist Peter Ellenshaw; Harper Goff, Imagineer and artist; and Blaine Gibson, Imagineer and sculptor, best known for the Partners statue in the Disney Parks. The ceremony was presided over by Michael Eisner and Roy E. Disney, and of those honored, Tatum, Nash, MacDonald, Colvig, and Goff were honored posthumously.
October 19, 2007 – Tokyo Dining Opens in Epcot
“Be transported into a true cultural experience through the harmony of traditional Japanese food and hospitality.”
On October 19, 2007, the restaurant Tokyo Dining opened in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Replacing Tempura Kiku and Matsu no Ma Lounge, the restaurant features modern takes on Japanese food, which includes bento boxes and sushi platters. Guests can also enjoy views of traditional taiko drummers or the nighttime fireworks display IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
October 18, 2004 – The Animation Academy Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“…guests can stop into the pavilion’s Animation Academy and learn how to draw a real Disney character from one of our character artists…”
On October 18, 2004, the Animation Academy opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. This instructor-led animation school was the third version to open, and the second in Walt Disney World (with the first opening in DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney). It was located in the Magic of Disney Animation area, featuring a film about how animation is done, along with some character meet-and-greets of characters not often seen in the park. The area closed on July 13, 2015, to become the Star Wars Launch Bay.
October 17, 2012 – Disney Announces Limited Time Magic
“We have 52 weeks of magical surprises planned for you at Disney Parks in 2013.”
On October 17, 2012, Disney announced a plan for unexpected surprises at Disney Parks for 2013 called “Limited Time Magic.” The announcement was kicked off with a special three-story ice palace built in the middle of Times Square in New York City. Some of the “Limited Time Magic” events announced included the True Love event for Valentine’s Day, featuring the Disney Princesses and their Princes as joint character meet-and-greets; Long Lost Friends Week, where guests can meet lesser-known and infrequently appearing Disney characters, such as Clarabelle Cow, Flik, and Robin Hood; and Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands, where the Dapper Dans added a medley of famous boy band songs to the end of their show.
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