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Tag Archives: Disney Park

December 29

December 29, 2013 – Downton Abbey Actress Elizabeth McGovern Visits Walt Disney World

Downton at Disney?”

On December 29, 2013, Walt Disney World caught Downton Abbey fever when actress Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora Crawley, visited the parks. McGovern notably visited Epcot and took a photo with several cast members from the United Kingdom Pavilion, spoofing the iconic cast photo in front of Highclere Castle, with the pavilion’s landscape subbing for the castle. On hand for the photo was Goofy, dressed in top hat and tails, while McGovern posed in a casual outfit.

December 28

December 28, 1972 – Walt Disney World’s Airport Closes

“Shawnee Airlines now serving Sarasota, Miami, Tampa and Walt Disney World”

On December 28, 1972, Walt Disney World’s personal STOLport (Short Take-Off and Landing) airport, also known as Lake Buena Vista Airport, closed permanently. The airport had opened in 1971 to be a private airfield for the park, shuttling guests and cast members between the park and the two nearby airports: Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport. When the airport closed, it was considered a failed experiment by Disney; it was closed thanks to low customer participation and rising debt.

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 23

December 23, 1999 –Restaurant Agrabah Café Opens in Disneyland Paris

“Follow in the footsteps of Aladdin for an enticing buffet in the heart of a colorful, bustling Agrabah.”

On December 23, 1999, the all-you-can-eat buffet Restaurant Agrabah Café opened in Adventureland at Disneyland Paris. The menu includes dishes from Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine, and guests are able to spot Aladdin at points during their meal. The restaurant is highly popular, and reservations are highly recommended months in advance.

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 19

December 19, 2012 – Splitsville Luxury Lanes Opens in Downtown Disney

“Enjoy an upscale new spin on a classic American pastime at this modern take on a bowling alley.”

On December 19, 2012, the bowling alley Splitsville Luxury Lanes opened in Downtown Disney, on the West Side. Now a part of Disney Springs, this two-story deluxe bowling alley includes 30 bowling lanes, five bars, and a restaurant that features a variety of upscale dishes, including sushi and filet sliders, designed by celebrity chef Tim Cushman. Splitsville also features live music and dancing, along with billiards. It replaced the former Ridemakerz area of the Virgin Megastore.

December 18

December 18, 1992 – The It’s a Small World Toy Shoppe Opens in Disneyland

On December 18, 1992, the specialty shop It’s a Small World Toy Shoppe opened in Disneyland’s Fantasyland. The shop, sponsored by Mattel, was opened at the exit of the famous it’s a small world attraction and features several toys and games, along with attraction-themed merchandise such as apparel and cell-phone cases.

December 17

December 17, 1961 – The Babes in Toyland Exhibit Opens in Disneyland

On December 17, 1961, the Babes in Toyland exhibit attraction opened in Disneyland’s Opera House. It was a similar concept to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea exhibit, where elaborate sets from the live-action feature were put on display for guests to walk through and experience. The Babes in Toyland exhibit, however, did not match the previous success of its predecessor. It was closed on September 30, 1963. Although the attraction closed and the sets were removed, thenmovie, however, did contain an element that would become a lasting part of Disney Parks: the toy soldiers from the film would eventually become the toy soldiers in the Disney Park holiday parades.

December 16

December 16, 2015 – The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen Opens in Walt Disney World

“Hungry for adventure? Savor the tropical cuisine of this exotic outpost.”

On December 16, 2015, the restaurant Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Replacing the Adventureland Veranda, this restaurant brings the punny humor of the Jungle Cruise to dining, including small details to bring the feel of the attraction to every room. The cuisine features flavors from Asia, South America, and Africa, featuring dishes such as shiriki noodle salad; “A Lot at Steak” salad; and Kungaloosh!, and African-inspired dessert cake.

December 15

December 15, 2015 – The Ganachery Opens in Disney Springs

“…a jewel box of a shop that showcases the beauty of chocolate with an experience much like a wine tasting.”

On December 15, 2015, the gourmet chocolatier The Ganachery opened in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs area. The store sells chocolate with Disney’s own special recipe for ganache, and sells it with a Disney flair, thanks to some help from the Walt Disney Imagineers. There are a variety of specialty treats, including crispy chocolate pearls, handmade chocolate truffles, and bars with flavors to match Disney Parks or Disney characters.