May 2, 1993 – The Theater of the Stars Temporarily Closes
On May 2, 1993, the Theater of the Stars closed at its location on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney-MGM Studios. The amphitheater area, known for its showings of the live stage show of Beauty and the Beast, had been open since the park’s opening on May 1, 1989. It closed to make way for the expansion of Sunset Boulevard; it eventually moved to its current location in the expanded Sunset Boulevard area.
April 29, 1990 – The Pendleton Woolen Mills Dry Goods Store Closes in Disneyland
On April 29, 1990, the Frontierland shop Pendleton Woolen Mills Dry Goods Store closed in Disneyland. It was one of the longest-running original shops and sponsor participant in the park, having opened on July 18, 1955. The shop was popular amongst guests, particularly for its selection of leather and woolen goods that fit the theme of the area. The store eventually became Bonanza Outfitters, which specializes in Western-themed clothing; the store also continues to carry Pendleton button down shirts.
April 22, 1998 – The Restaurant Pizzafari Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“Make your appetite extinct with pizzas, salads, pasta, desserts, and more…”
On April 22, 1998, the quick service restaurant Pizzafari opened on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The restaurant features five themed rooms where guests can enjoy their single-serve pizzas, salads, and a variety of drinks.
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, 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 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 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.
March 23, 1992 – Harrington Bay Clothiers Opens in Downtown Disney
“…keeping you in style with perfect resortware.”
On March 23, 1992, the store Harrington Bay Clothiers opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney area. The store specialized in men’s fashions, featuring popular brands Polo, Nautica, and Tommy Hilfiger. The store was designed in the style of Bermuda, with the fashions featuring a beach theme. The store was eventually closed on July 15, 2001.
March 17, 1991 – The World News Center Opens in Epcot
On March 17, 1991, the World News Center opened in the Communicore East area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. The area, originally part of a preshow for the Electronic Forum (a special polling area where guests could voice their opinion on current affairs), it was a place where guests could watch the top news stories on a multitude of television monitors. The area was spun off from the Electronic Forum when it closed on March 16, 1991.
March 15, 1991 – The Rescue Rangers Raceway Opens in Disneyland
On March 15, 1991, the Rescue Rangers Raceway opened in Disneyland. As part of a promotion for the Disney Afternoon programming block, the attraction Fantasyland Autopia was redesigned to feature the characters from the hit show Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers in the form of cutouts and, sometimes, characters to meet-and-greet near the show if crowds were low. The attraction returned to its original Autopia form on November 10, 1991.
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