December 2, 1988 – The First Company D Store Opens in Disneyland
On December 2, 1988, the first cast member store, known as Company D, opened in Disneyland. The store offers deals on Disney merchandise to those with a Disney company badge; they also provide special merchandise created just for cast members, including pins, t-shirts, and watches. Two other Company D stores were opened in Walt Disney World: in the Team Disney Building on June 4, 1991; and in Epcot on April 1, 1992.
December 1, 1955 – The Maxwell House Coffee House Opens in Disneyland
“Famous Disneyland serves Maxwell House coffee exclusively”
On December 1, 1955, the Maxwell House Coffee House opened in Disneyland’s Town Square. Sponsored by Maxwell House coffee, the restaurant served a variety of beverages and pastries, and was in a prime location where guests could drink coffee and watch other guests meander through Main Street. Maxwell House ended their sponsorship on October 8, 1957. Once the sponsorship ended, however, the coffee house stayed open and was given new sponsorship from the Hills Brothers coffee company.
November 28, 1991 – The Live Stage Show The Enchanted Book Shoppe Premieres in Disneyland
On November 28, 1991, the live stage show The Enchanted Book Shoppe premiered in Disneyland’s Plaza Gardens. The show told the story of Beauty and the Beast, though it was a small production. It closed on April 26, 1992, as an upgraded version of the shoe had started performing at Videopolis on April 11, 1992. Both productions helped to eventually lead into the creation of the Beauty and the Beast Broadway musical.
November 27, 2006 – The Restaurant Steakhouse 55 Opens in the Disneyland Hotel
“For classic steakhouse fare or a delicious breakfast in an upscale setting, visit this Disneyland Hotel restaurant.”
On November 27, 2006, the fine dining restaurant Steakhouse 55 opened in Disneyland Hotel. Taking its name from the year Disneyland opened, the restaurant replaced the Granville’s Steak House that had been open since 1983. The restaurant’s décor takes its cue from Old Hollywood, including black-and-white photos of the stars of the Golden Age and dark-wood furniture. Its food and wine offerings have won numerous distinctions, including a Golden Bacchus award by the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association. Offerings include a tiger prawn cocktail, Mishima Ranch wagyu flat iron steak frites, and a fried New York-style cheesecake.
November 26, 2008 – The Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Reopens
“Step into a storybook.”
On November 26, 2008, the walking attraction Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough reopened in Disneyland. The walkthrough was originally opened on April 29, 1957; it was expanded in 1968 and redesigned in 1977, before being closed again for refurbishment in 2008. In 1977, the attraction was designed to resemble the figures shown in the Main Street dioramas, but in 2008, it was decided that the attraction would go back to the version resembling Eyvind Earles’s designs for the animated film, along with some technical modifications. A brand new addition was the CGI walkthrough for those guests who were unable to climb stairs but wanted to walk through virtually.
November 24, 1991 – The Celebration U.S.A. Parade Ends its Disneyland Run
“Do you feel the spirit that’s on the street in America today?”
On November 24, 1991, the daytime parade Celebration U.S.A. ended its run in Disneyland. Preceded by the Party Gras Parade, the Celebration U.S.A. parade was a humorous display of life in America while also celebrating patriotism and America’s diversity. The parade began on June 21, 1991, and was succeeded by the Livin’ in the USA Parade.
November 23, 1988 – The Merchandise Shop Crocodile Mercantile Opens in Critter Country
On November 23, 1988, the merchandise shop Crocodile Mercantile opened in Disneyland’s Critter Country. The store, originally known as Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost, sold items related to the famous Critter Country attraction Splash Mountain, along with some other small items. To go with the store’s name, a giant crocodile figure was suspended from the ceiling. The store was closed in 1995 to become the store Pooh Corner.
November 8, 2004 – The First Gift Cards are Available in Disneyland
“Use a Disney Gift Card for practically all things Disney – from Theme Park tickets to Mickey Mouse merchandise.”
On November 8, 2004, Disney made available their first gift cards in Disneyland Park. Selling for amounts ranging from $5 to $1,500, the gift cards were made available at a variety of merchandise stands within the park. The gift card option was subsequently added to the Disney Store in-person locations, Walt Disney World, and Disney Store online.; they are now available in a variety of styles featuring favorite Disney characters.
November 6, 2012 – Filming for Saving Mr. Banks Begins in Disneyland
“In addition to Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, the stars of the soon-to-be released Saving Mr. Banks, there’s a supporting role that shares the spotlight – Disneyland park.”
On November 6, 2012, filming within Disneyland began for the upcoming film Saving Mr. Banks. Based on the story of how Walt Disney got the rights to Mary Poppins from author P.L. Travers, the filming featured Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers. The area was roped off and closed, as the filmmakers couldn’t risk having people in modern clothing show up in the shot. Several attractions were also closed during the filming session, including Indiana Jones Adventure and Storybook Land. Extras, dressed in the fashions of the early 1960s, were brought in at 11:30 to help bring back the feel of Fantasyland during that time.
November 3, 2000 – The Fireworks Show Believe…in Holiday Magic Debuts
“Does your heart hold the magic of the holidays?”
On November 3, 2000, the special fireworks show Believe…in Holiday Magic debuted in Disneyland. It was a spinoff of the 45th anniversary show Believe…There’s Magic in the Stars, and featured a variety of fireworks accompanied by a medley of holiday music. As the show ends, a simulated snow flurry starts falling in various areas within the park. The 13-minute show has been running in Disneyland almost every holiday season since its premiere.
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