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Tag Archives: Disney Park

August 5

August 5, 2000 – The Port Orleans Resort Restaurant Bonfamille’s Café Closes

“Bonfamille’s Café is Port Orleans’ charming courtyard restaurant café established in the early 1900s by the Bonfamille family where visitors are invited to sample soft of the best of Port Orleans’ cuisine.”

On August 5, 2000, the resort restaurant Bonfamille’s Café closed in Disney’s Port Orleans Resort in Walt Disney World.  This full-service restaurant opened on May 17, 1991 when Port Orleans Resort opened (which eventually became Port Orleans French Quarter), with Boatwright’s Dining Hall serving the Dixie Landings Resort (now known as Port Orleans Riverside). The restaurant featured Southern fishes, such as Bayou Crawfish Pasta, Chicken ‘n’ Sausage Creole, and Jambalaya.

August 1

August 1, 1997 – Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries Opens in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

“Chase down Disney souvenirs, native crafts, and more at this Three Caballeros-themed store named for the Mexican charro rooster.”

On August 1, 1997, the gift shop and general goods store Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries opened in Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort. Named for the character from Saludos Amigos, the store features a variety of Disney apparel, pins, and general snacks and amenities.

July 29

July 29, 2000 – Disney Celebrates First Anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

On July 29, 2000, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the popular roller coaster Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Disney created a guitar in the parking lot of Disney-MGM Studios Park out of 80 Corvettes, the signature car of the attraction. Using red, white, black, and silver cars, the formation resembled that of the Stratocaster, the guitar that covers the front of the attraction.

July 27

July 27, 2010 – The Star Tours Attraction Closes in Disneyland

“From the creative forces of Disney and George Lucas.”

On July 27, 2010, the Disneyland version of the popular attraction Star Tours closed. The attraction was closed to make way for a revamped, prequel version of the attraction, later known as Star Tours – The  Adventures Continue. The new attraction included locations and characters from the prequel trilogy (Episode I through Episode III). The improved version of the attraction opened on June 3, 2011.

July 21

July 21, 2018 – The Confectionary Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Opens in Disney’s California Adventure

“Visit this special shop featuring Bing Bong’s sweet candy tears – and feast on the sweet stuff you love!”

On July 21, 2018, the confectionary Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff opened in the Pixar Pier area of Disney’s California Adventure. Named after the character from the Pixar film Inside Out, the shop features sweet treats of all sorts, including saltwater taffy and rainbow cotton candy. The shop also features Pixar merchandise, including apparel and toys.

July 19

July 19, 2011 – Lightning McQueen Joins Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

“We just received word that Disney’s famous racecar is revved up and ready to make his debut performance in the show beginning today.”

On July 19, 2011, the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show attraction welcomed the Pixar character Lightning McQueen as its newest member of the show in Hollywood Studios Park. This cameo performance was part of the promotions for the Pixar film Cars 2, where Lightning and pal Mater are joined by secret agent Finn McMissile. After enjoying this themed performance, guests could meet Lightning and Mater at the Winner’s Circle area nearby. The attraction completely closed on April 2, 2016.

July 18

July 18, 1978 – Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza Opens

On July 18, 1978, the Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza opened in Walt Disney World. Also known as the Sun Bank Building and the SunTrust Building, the office was shared by Sun Bank (currently known as SunTrust), which operates the ground floor, and Disney, who keeps their offices on the upper floors. This building was Disney’s attempt to build many office complexes in the Lake Buena Vista area.

July 17

July 17, 1955 – The Fire-Wagon Begins Operations in Disneyland

On July 17, 1955, the horse-drawn fire-wagon began operating in Disneyland’s Main Street area. Reminiscent of the fire vehicles of the turn-of-the-century, guests were able to hop in the wagon and ride down Main Street, with the wagon pulled by two horses named Bess and Jess. The wagon was retired from operation in 1960, and has since been on display in the Disneyland Fire Department ever since.

July 16

July 16, 2005 – Space Mountain Reopens After Major Rebuild

On July 16, 2005, the Disneyland version of the attraction Space Mountain reopened after a two-year major refurbishment. This rebuild included replacing the entire track, new special effects, and a completely revamped queue line. This reopening coincided with the park’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and featured a brand new storyline. The next major revamp of the attraction would occur in 2015, with the Star Wars-themed overlay called Hyperspace Mountain.

June 15

July 15, 2005 – Disney Announces Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Attraction

“The submarines are coming back to Disneyland in an all-new adventure.” – President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Jay Rasulo

On July 15, 2005, Disney officially announced that the attraction Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was going to be built in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. This was one of the first major theme park projects for the then-new CEO Bob Iger, and was a reimagining of the popular Submarine Voyage attraction built in 1959. The attraction was notable for bringing the world of Finding Nemo to the attraction, combining 3D animation with the reality of the underwater world. The attraction would officially open on June 11, 2007.