December 15, 1997 – Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop Opens in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney

“The world-famous chocolatier delivers decadent sundaes smothered with hot, house-made fudge as well as chocolate treats and drinks.”
On December 15, 1997, Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop opened in the Downtown Disney area of Walt Disney World. The quick-service store features chocolate by the famous chocolate company, with special San Francisco themed sundaes, including the Golden Gate Banana Split: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams topped with pineapple, strawberries, hot fudge, bananas, whipped crème, chopped almonds, and a cherry. A version of this store was opened in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area on June 7, 2012.