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Category Archives: Uncategorized

October 6

October 6, 2006 – The Princess Fantasy Faire Opens in Disneyland

“Where happily ever after happens every day!”

On October 6, 2006, the Princess Fantasy Faire opened in Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theater. The attraction replaced Snow White – An Enchanting Musical, and featured several Disney princesses, such as Belle, Aurora, and Mulan. The area provided guests with a chance to meet the Disney princesses, and was located right next to Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Guests were also able to participate in an interactive storytelling experience with a princess, and learn how to be a true princess or a knight in a coronation ceremony. The area closed on August 12, 2012.

October 5

October 5, 2009 – Rich Ross is Named Chairman of Walt Disney Studios

“Rich has an outstanding record of creating high-quality family entertainment that delights audiences around the world.” – Bob Iger, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

On October 5, 2009, The Walt Disney Company announced that Rich Ross would be taking the role of Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios. Ross, who was then serving as the President of Disney Channels Worldwide, saw that he would not only be overseeing the worldwide production of the company’s range of films (including Walt Disney Animation, Touchstone, Miramax, and Disney/Pixar), but would also be head of Disney’s theatrical and music ventures. Ross was chosen for the role based on his work in expanding the performance of Disney Channels Worldwide, as well as overseeing the growth of Radio Disney. He joined Disney in 1996 as the Senior Vice President, Programming and Production for Disney Channel, and was named President of Disney Channels Worldwide in 2004. Ross would remain in the role of Chairman until 2012.

October 4

October 4, 1993 – The Walt Disney World Mission to Mars Attraction Closes

On October 4, 1993, the Walt Disney World version of the Mission to Mars attraction closed. The ride was based on the attraction of the same name in Disneyland, which was a replacement of the Flight to the Moon attraction. Once man had actually been to the moon, the Flight to the Mon ride seemed dated, and an update was necessary to keep guests’ attention. The Walt Disney World attraction, located in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom Park, lasted a year longer than the original attraction, which closed on November 2, 1992.

October 3

October 3, 1996 – The Flying Fish Café Opens in Walt Disney World BoardWalk Resort

“Feast on premium sustainable seafood and prime steaks at this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk.”

On October 3, 1996, the Flying Fish Café opened in Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk Resort area. The fine dining restaurant serves elegant seafood meals, as well as a wagyu strip loin and a veal chop. The restaurant underwent and extensive redesign in 2016, including dropping “café” from the name of the restaurant. It still boasts an indulgent menus, including seasonal desserts such as the buttermilk panna cotta.

October 2

October 2, 1996 – The Coffee Shop Buy the Book Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

On October 2, 1996, the coffee and bookshop Buy the Book opened in Disney-MGM Studios’s New York Street, located in Walt Disney World. Based on the store of the same name from the ABC comedy Ellen, the shop was tucked into the corner of the street, with guests able to take a break with a cup of coffee and a good book. When the series ended in 1998, the store was revamped to become The Writer’s Stop, though it retained its service of selling coffee and books.

October 1

October 1, 1982 – The Tea Caddy Opens in Epcot

“Brew the perfect cuppa with Twinings tea and tea accessories, and browse British sweets, cookies and royal memorabilia.”

On October 1, 1982, the specialty shop The Tea Caddy opened in the United Kingdom pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. The store specializes in tea from the British brand Twinings, which has been selling tea since 1706; the store also sells a variety of tea biscuits and assorted sweets, ranging in brands from McVitie’s to Cadbury, along with everything one would need to brew the perfect cup of tea.

September 30

September 30, 2012 – The Store Big Top Souvenirs Opens in Storybook Circus

“Come one, come all and gather ‘round this three-ring extravaganza for a magical circus packed with zesty snacks, sweet treats and unforgettable souvenirs…”

On September 30, 2012, the themed merchandise stop Big Top Souvenirs opened in the Storybook Circus area of Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World. Replacing the County Bounty store of the old Mickey’s Toontown Fair area, the store is located just outside of Pete’s Silly Sideshow. The store is a mix of merchandise ranging from Mickey ears to kitchen goods; the store also sells a variety of sweet treats ranging from special drinks to designed candy apples.

September 29

September 29, 1991 – The Studio Showcase Attraction Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

On September 29, 1991, the Studio Showcase walkthrough attraction opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) Park in Walt Disney World. Hosted by the American Film Institute, the attraction gave guests a chance to see a variety of exhibits that featured costumes and props from famous films after going through the Studio Backlot Tour Guests also could buy items from a gift shop in the same location. The attraction closed on August 16, 2014.

September 28

September 28, 1996 – The Grand Prix Raceway Reopens as Tomorrowland Speedway

“Put the pedal to the metal in your very own hotrod and cruise along a scenic miniature motorway.”

On September 28, 1996, the Tomorrowland Speedway reopened with its new name in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Originally known as the Grand Prix Raceway, this new name would only last for three years, until it was renamed as the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway in 1999; the name has since been changed back to Tomorrowland Speedway. The attraction was still the same, with guests able to race in a gas-powered racecar down the scenic motorway.

September 27

September 27, 1991 – The Video Simply Mad About the Mouse is Released

“I’ll be safe and you’ll be sorry when the wolf comes through your door.”

On September 27, 1991, the music video Simply Mad About the Mouse was released on home video. This musical compilation featured clips from Disney movies and short films, along with some new animation for this compilation, with updated pieces of Disney music from artists such as Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jr., and LL Cool J. Songs from the music video range from Pinocchio’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid. An album of the music from the music video was released on October 1, 1991.