February 14, 2012 – Paula Abdul Visits Walt Disney World
On February 14, 2012, entertainer and judge of American Idol Paula Abdul visited Walt Disney World. Abdul helped celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special photo shoot with none other than Minnie Mouse in Hollywood Studios, who wore a special heart-shaped polka dot dress to honor the day. Abdul had visited the park back in 2009, when the American Idol Experience attraction opened in Hollywood Studios.
February 13, 2017 – The Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill Opens in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
“Stake your claim at a poolside eatery featuring explorer-worthy bites, trails-end spirits and stunning views of Bay Lake.”
On February 13, 2017, the restaurant and bar Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill opened in Walt Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge. Located near the outer deck of the resort, guests can order a variety of burgers, salads, desserts, and alcoholic beverages with a selection of small plates. The design of the restaurant and bar is designed in invoke the atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest.
February 11, 2011 – Mickey’s Toontown Fair Closes in Walt Disney World
On February 11, 2011, the Mickey’s Toontown Fair area of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park officially closed. The area had first opened as Mickey’s Birthdayland to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, and was remodeled as Mickey’s Starland on May 26, 1990. It eventually became Mickey’s Toontown Fair and opened on June 29, 1996. The area was closed to make way for the Fantasyland expansion, with the area’s attraction The Barnstormer being included in the new Storybook Circus area.
February 10, 2003 – The Partners Statue is Installed at the Disney Studios
On February 10, 2003, the fifth copy of the iconic Partners statue was installed at the Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The original statue, created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson, was installed in the central hub of Disneyland on November 18, 1993, with the other three copies placed in Disney Parks. The idea of Walt holding Mickey’s hand was inspired by a scene from the animated feature film Fantasia, where Mickey shakes the hand of famed conductor Leopold Stokowski.
February 8, 2001 – The Pacific Wharf Café Opens in Disney California Adventure
“Drop anchor and take a peaceful waterfront break with breads by Boudin, San Francisco’s world-famous artisanal bakery.”
On February 8, 2001, the counter-service restaurant Pacific Wharf Café opened in Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf area. Guests are treated to California cuisine, such as Chinese Chicken Salad and Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl. Guests can also check out the Bakery Tour by the Boudin Bakery, a popular bakery from San Francisco.
February 6, 2001 – The Restaurant Rancho del Zocalo Opens in Disneyland
“Round up all your amigos and head to the hacienda for classic Mexican cuisine on a bonita bougainvillea-shaded patio.”
On February 6, 2001, the Mexican restaurant Rancho del Zocalo opened in Disneyland’s Frontierland. It opened on the site of the former Casa Mexicana, and offered a menu with Mexican and barbecue courses. However, in 2004, the menu changed to an all-Mexican offering, featuring dishes such as Chilaquiles, Chile Verde, and Burrito Guadalajara.
February 5, 1996 – Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe Opens in Walt Disney World
“Feel free to celebrate Christmas any day at this Liberty Square shop selling Disney ornaments, stockings, toys and more.”
On February 5, 1996, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe opened in Walt Disney World’s Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. The store replaced the Olde World Antiques and the Silversmith, and features Christmas and Hanukkah decorations and ornaments with the Disney touch. There is also a small Christmas tree that is decorated by a chosen guest once a day.
February 4, 2017 – The Restaurant Paddlefish Opens in Disney Springs
“Board an iconic paddleboat anchored on Lake Buena Vista to feast on fresh seafood and savory steaks.”
On February 4, 2017, the contemporary seafood restaurant Paddlefish opened at The Landing in Disney Springs. It replaced the former Fulton’s Crab House (which itself was a replacement of the Empress Lilly riverboat). Keeping the former’s paddleboat motif, guests board the boat and are treated to a mix of traditional and innovative dishes ranging from a lobster roll, crab ceviche, and tableside lobster guacamole. The restaurant is also known for its build-your-own seafood boil, where they can choose from king crab, lobster, snow crab, clams and mussels, or gulf shrimp.
February 3, 1989 – New Versions of Disney Dollars are Released in Disney Parks
“May be used as legal tender only at Disneyland Park, Walt Disney World Resort and The Disney Stores.”
On February 3, 1989, updated versions of the $1 and $5 Disney Dollar bills were released into circulation within Disney Parks. The 1989 version of the $1 has Mickey Mouse waving to guests from the front, with Sleeping Beauty Castle featured on the backside; the $5 has Goofy looking proud on the front, with a representation of Walt Disney World’s parks (Epcot and Magic Kingdom at the time) on the back.
February 1, 1995 – The Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Opens in Walt Disney World
On February 1, 1995, the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. merchandise stop and arcade opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, just at the exit of the popular Space Mountain attraction. The shop provides general merchandise, and was one of the first spots within Walt Disney World to provide personalized retail MagicBands, where guests could customize their MagicBands, or cell-phone cases with Disney-related designs.
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