February 8, 2001 – The Quick-Service Restaurant Award Wieners Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Introducing an all-star ensemble of gourmet, street-style hot dogs and sausages.”
On February 8, 2001, the quick-service restaurant Award Wieners opened in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of Disney California Adventure. The restaurant sells gourmet hot dogs, such as the BBQ Crunch Dog, and the Spicy City Dog, as well as specialty fries and seasonal offerings.
February 6, 2011 – The Quick Service Restaurant Tortuga Tavern Opens in Walt Disney World
“Steal away to this delightful pirate haunt and prepare for the tastiest grub this side of Port Royal!”
On February 6, 2011, the quick service restaurant Tortuga Tavern opened in the Magic Kingdom Park of Walt Disney World, near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Replacing the former El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante, the restaurant’s theme was updated to fit the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The restaurant features a variety of entrees, such as a chipotle barbecue short rib, short-rib topped hot dog, and a turkey leg.
February 5, 2017 – The Starring Rolls Café Closes in Hollywood Studios
On February 5, 2017, the Starring Rolls Café officially closed in Hollywood Studios. Open since May 1, 1989, the café served as a beloved pastry shop within the park, featuring guest favorites such as the Butterfinger Cupcake, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake, and the pastrami sandwich. Many of Starring Rolls’ delicacies were moved to the new Trolley Car Café and sold alongside Starbucks products.
January 31, 2016 – The Show Animagique Closes
On January 31, 2016, the black light show Animagique officially closed. Located in Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Paris, the show was an homage to beloved scenes from Disney animated features, ranging from Dumbo to The Lion King, and featured Mickey and Donald as the main characters. The show has Mickey and Donald teaching a drawing class, and Mickey warning Donald not to enter an area called the Cinematheque; Donald disobeys this and, upon entering the magical film vault, is thrown into scenes of the Disney films. This live show featured a variety of effects, including puppetry. After closing, the show was then replaced by Mickey and the Magician.
January 27, 2011 – The Nighttime Show The Magic, The Memories, and You! Premieres in Disneyland
“It turns [it’s a small world] into an animated, coloring pad; it coaxes the singing dolls from inside the attraction to appear outside in the show; and it weaves hundreds of guest photos into a giant, surprise mosaic.”
On January 27, 2011, the new nighttime show The Magic, The Memories, and You! premiered in Disneyland, after a January 19 premiere in Walt Disney World. This show was created as part of the “Let the Memories Begin” year-long promotion. Although this kaleidoscope-style visual was intended to be broadcast on Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World, the effects were brought to a smaller stage for Disneyland, where it was broadcast on the it’s a small world attraction. The ten-minute show uses technology to change the attraction’s outside façade, and also features around 500 photos and videos that guests submitted to the “Let the Memories Begin” online repository.
January 25, 2017 – 21 Royal Opens for Reservations
“Dine in an ambiance of luxury, inspiration and innovation.”
On January 25, 2017, the newest exclusive restaurant 21 Royal opened for reservations. Located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction on Royal Street in New Orleans Square of Disneyland Park, it was designed in the opulence of the Empire style that was made popular in 19th century New Orleans. Parties of up to 12 guests can attend this exclusive dinner event, and are given a VIP escort of the restaurant; guests are also taken to a private balcony for desert and a special view of the park’s nighttime entertainment.
January 24, 1993 – The Gag Factory – Toontown Five and Dime Shop Opens in Disneyland
“Chortle through this toon-tastic portal to discover the wackiest merchandise in all of Disneyland Park!”
On January 24, 1993, the merchandise store Gag Factory – Toontown Five & Dime opened in Disneyland’s Toontown area. It specializes in general park merchandise, including ear hats, autograph books, apparel, and snacks; it also provides a variety of seasonal souvenirs. The store is decorated to fit the “toon” theme of the park area, with the factory elements heightened to comedic proportions.
January 21, 1988 – Disney Acquires The Wrather Corporation
“Disney has great capabilities and will take our properties onto greater heights.” – Bonita Granville Wrather
On January 21, 1988, Disney finished the $152.3 million dollar acquisition process of the Wrather Corporation, which included the acquisition of the Disneyland Hotel. The relationship between The Walt Disney Company and The Wrather Corporation began back in 1955; Walt had realized the need for a hotel near the new theme park, but did not have the funds to create it, and convinced his friend Jack Wrather to build a hotel across the street. The hotel continued to grow through the years, eventually having three towers (originally named the Bonita, Marina, and Sierra). Throughout the years, Disney attempted to purchase the hotel, as it was seen as awkward that Disney did not own something with its name attached. When the deal was finalized in 1988, Disney not only acquired the hotel, but acres of land for potential expansion, and the lease to operate the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California
January 20, 1995 – Courtyard by Marriott Opens in Walt Disney World
On January 20, 1995, the hotel Courtyard by Marriott opened in the Lake Buena Vista area of Walt Disney World. This hotel occupied the spot that had been held by the Howard Johnson Resort Hotel, and had undergone extensive remodeling. It operated under the Marriott banner until 2003, when the resort was purchased by Holiday Inn.
January 17, 2003 – The Stage Show Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular Officially Debuts in Disney California Adventure
“Must I yearn forever to be free?”
On January 17, 2003, the Broadway-style stage show Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular made its officially debut on January 17, 2003, at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater. Based on the hit 1992 animated feature film Aladdin, this stage show would become a precursor to the hit Broadway musical. The show generally follows the plot of the film; however, composer Alan Menken added one new song for the show: “To Be Free,” a song for Jasmine. “To Be Free” is a reworked song that was originally created as a ballad for Genie, but was inevitably cut from the film. The show ended its run on January 10, 2016, and was replaced by Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.
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