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Tag Archives: Downtown Disney

August 19

August 19, 2014 – The Marketplace Boat Dock and Saratoga Bridge Open in Downtown Disney

“A beautiful day to debut a new bridge and boat dock at Downtown Disney.”

On August 19, 2014, the Marketplace Boat Dock and Saratoga Bridge opened in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace area. Part of the expansion project of the area, the bridge offered a connection between Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and the shopping area, while the boat dock provided guests ease of access to the West Side and Pleasure Island. The ceremony for the opening was held early that morning, with Keith Bradford, Vice President of Downtown Disney, on hand for the ceremonies.

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April 7

April 7, 1990 – The Nightclub Cage Opens in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island

On April 7, 1990, the nightclub Cage opened in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney. Pleasure Island was an evening entertainment area that featured a variety of attractions that would keep guests in the resort rather than traveling to downtown Orlando. Cage was the second incarnation of the nightclub, replacing Videopolis East, and featured progressive music as its selling point. Similar to its predecessor, the club also featured music videos showing on at least 170 monitors. The club closed in 1992, only to be replaced by 8 TRAX.

February 14

February 14, 2018 – The Specialty Shop Disney Home Opens in Disneyland

“Bring the magic home by adding a dash of pixie dust of pixie dust to every room in your castle.”

On February 14, 2018, the Disney-themed home goods store Disney Home opened in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area. The store’s offerings range from dishware to art, as well as decorative and seasonal décor, covering a range of Disney characters and franchises. The store also changes its offerings over the seasons.

December 22

December 22, 2009 – 500 Tuba Players Gather is Disneyland’s Downtown Disney

“The fact that it is held at the Happiest Place on Earth helps bring out a lot of tuba players. There’s a lot of magic brought about by it.” – Richard Dean, vice president of San Dimas High’s music program

On December 22, 2009, the 36th annual Tuba Christmas took place, this time in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney shopping area. This was the fifth appearance for the tuba players in Disneyland, and the largest gathering of all the Tuba Christmas events, with over 500 taking place worldwide. Although the group hadn’t met before this event, they were able to serenade Disney park shoppers with several familiar songs, including “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

November 12

November 12, 2006 – Disney Vault 28 has Grand Opening

“Picture a red-carpet grand opening of Orange County’s hippest new upscale boutique that offers funky, fashionable merchandise uniquely targeted to the fashion-savvy shopper who follows the current trends.”

On November 12, 2006, the boutique Disney Vault 28 had its red carpet grand opening in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District, although it had already been open since October 11. Several celebrities and designers were on hand for the celebration, including Nicole Richie, Josh Henderson, and Tim Salmon of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The store sold a variety of designer-brand clothing and accessories, many in collaboration with Disney; designers included Dooney & Bourke, Tarina Tarantino, and HARVEYS for Disney Couture. The store was officially closed on September 24, 2017.

October 25

October 25, 1985 – Mickey’s Character Shop Opens in Walt Disney World’s Disney Village Marketplace

On October 25, 1985, the merchandise store Mickey’s Character Shop opened in the Disney Village Marketplace, Walt Disney World’s precursor to Downtown Disney. At the time, it was the largest Disney merchandise store in the park, and was originally founded as the only place that was devoted to Disney merchandise in the whole of the Village Marketplace. The store was also known for its large mechanical airship, which featured several Disney characters including Mickey, Donald, and Figment. Once World of Disney’s construction was completed, Mickey’s Character Shop was closed on October 2, 1996.

July 3

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July 3, 2017 – The Animation Academy Closes

“Learn to draw your favorite Disney characters!”

On July 3, 2017, the Animation Academy, located in Walt Disney World’s DisneyQuest, closed. Opening on June 19, 1998, his was an instructor-led activity where guests could learn how to draw classic Disney characters on a digital screen, and purchase their sheets to take home as a souvenir. This was the first version of the Animation Academy, with similar ones opening in L’Art de l’Animation Disney of Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios Park, Disney California Adventure, and Hong Kong Disneyland’s Town Square.

May 12

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May 12, 2001 – The Dance Club Motion Opens in Walt Disney World

On May 12, 2001, the dance club Motion opened in the Pleasure Island area of Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney. The club replaced the Wildhorse Saloon, which was a country music-themed club, and featured Top 40 music videos. Motion was closed on September 27, 2008, when most of the Pleasure Island nightclubs were closed due to a “reimagining” of the area.

April 16

April 16, 2010 – The Clothing Shop D Street Opens in Downtown Disney

“…where urban inspired product ‘intersects’ with a Disney creative edge.”

On April 16, 2010, the clothing shop D Street opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney shopping area. Located on the West Side, the shop featured unique clothing featuring classic Disney characters, as well as a selection of Vinylmation figures and other collectibles. While the store did transfer over to the Disney Springs expansion, it eventually closed in 2015.

March 23

March 23, 1992 – Harrington Bay Clothiers Opens in Downtown Disney

“…keeping you in style with perfect resortware.”

On March 23, 1992, the store Harrington Bay Clothiers opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney area. The store specialized in men’s fashions, featuring popular brands Polo, Nautica, and Tommy Hilfiger. The store was designed in the style of Bermuda, with the fashions featuring a beach theme. The store was eventually closed on July 15, 2001.