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Tag Archives: 1980s

December 30

December 30, 1980 – The Selective Service System Contacts Mickey Mouse

“It may be that somebody is pulling our leg, but it was released on official stationary.” – Bob Roth, Disneyland Spokesperson

On December 30, 1980, senior Disneyland officials were amused when they received a letter from the Selective Service System regarding Mickey Mouse. The service was reminding 18-year-olds that they had to register for the draft, and wrote that Mickey had “not responded to our initial request for necessary date of birth information,” seemingly unaware that Mickey was a 52-year-old fictional mouse.

December 26

December 26, 1989 – The World Traveler Shop Opens in Epcot

“This shop at International Gateway is your passport to Epcot and Disney souvenirs plus cold beverages for your voyage.”

On December 26, 1989, the merchandise stop The World Traveler opened in Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. Located at the International Gateway near the World Showcase, this shop provides the first bit of merchandise to travelers taking the ferry to get to Epcot from certain Walt Disney World resorts. The shop provides a variety of merchandise ranging from pins to housewares. It also provides cold drinks for guests to take with them in the park, especially on hot Florida days.

December 22

December 22, 1982 – Power Goes Out in Disneyland

On December 22, 1982, hurricane-force winds continued to blast through the West Coast, and at 4:34 pm, the power goes out in Anaheim, including Disneyland Park; the force winds had knocked over a Northern California powerline. Almost 8,000 guests were escorted from the park by cast members with flashlights, with many guests having been stranded on rides. The power returned to the park almost a few hours later, but the park had been safely evacuated and closed at that point.

December 14

December 14, 1986 – Big Thunder Barbecue Opens in Disneyland

“All-you-can-eat barbecue & live country music are the draws to this cowboy-style spot in Disneyland.”

On December 14, 1986, the Big Thunder Barbecue outdoor restaurant opened in Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch. The restaurant added to the ranch’s overall feel of being a working horse ranch from the 1880s, serving barbecue chicken and beef from chuck wagons. On June 20, 1996, to help promote the then-newest animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Big Thunder Barbecue, along with Big Thunder Ranch, was transformed into a medieval French village, with Big Thunder Barbecue becoming the Festival of Fools; this closed on April 18, 1998, and the property was used simply for corporate gatherings. Both the ranch and Big Thunder Barbecue were brought back on April 2, 2004, originally to promote Home on the Range. Both the area and restaurant were closed on January 10, 2016 to make way for the new Star Wars area.

December 7

December 7, 1986 – The Disney Channel Starts Broadcasting 24 Hours

“You’re watching Disney Channel.”

On December 7, 1986, the Disney Channel changed its broadcasting hours to a full 24 hours. The channel began broadcasting on April 18, 1983, with an 18-hour programming block, featuring a mix of original programming and outside produced shows and movies. Listed as a premium cable channel, it reached over 35 million subscribers within its first ten years of its run, becoming one of the fastest-growing pay cable channels. The Disney Channel has grown in recent years from the one main channel to a series of 24-hour programming channels.

December 2

December 2, 1988 – The First Company D Store Opens in Disneyland

On December 2, 1988, the first cast member store, known as Company D, opened in Disneyland. The store offers deals on Disney merchandise to those with a Disney company badge; they also provide special merchandise created just for cast members, including pins, t-shirts, and watches. Two other Company D stores were opened in Walt Disney World: in the Team Disney Building on June 4, 1991; and in Epcot on April 1, 1992.

November 23

November 23, 1988 – The Merchandise Shop Crocodile Mercantile Opens in Critter Country

On November 23, 1988, the merchandise shop Crocodile Mercantile opened in Disneyland’s Critter Country. The store, originally known as Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost, sold items related to the famous Critter Country attraction Splash Mountain, along with some other small items. To go with the store’s name, a giant crocodile figure was suspended from the ceiling. The store was closed in 1995 to become the store Pooh Corner.

October 27

October 27, 1989 – The Disneyland Showcase Shop Opens in Disneyland

“Dress to impress with some of the latest and greatest Disney apparel and souvenirs for every season – from Halloween to the holidays!”

On October 27, 1989, the shop Disneyland Showcase (now simply known as Disney Showcase) opened on Main Street in Disneyland. Replacing the Wurlitzer Music Hall, the shop sells a variety of specialty apparel to match the holiday seasons and special events held at the park. The shop also sells Disney collectibles, plush toys, and other gifts.

October 26

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 23

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.