August 1, 1997 – The Pepper Market Food Court Opens in Walt Disney World
“Find something for everyone at this food court.”
On August 1, 1997, the food court Pepper Market opened in Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort. With a menu featuring American and Mexican-inspired dishes, the restaurant is styled with Central American décor, including towering statues of Central American deities. Dishes range from Mexican specialties, chef specials, and pizza.
July 20, 1997 – Le Cellier Becomes a Steakhouse
“Descend into the cozy cellar of a Canadian château for exquisite steaks and seafood specialties.”
On July 20, 1997, the restaurant Le Cellier, located in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion in the World Showcase, underwent a massive change to become a full-fledged steakhouse. Le Cellier was opened on October 1, 1982, and was a buffet and cafeteria-style restaurant; it underwent its first overhaul in 1995, featuring deli-style sandwiches and salads. The 1997 update gave the restaurant a new name (Le Cellier Steakhouse), a new menu, and a new status as a signature restaurant within Walt Disney World. It was an immediate success, and to this day it is still difficult to gain a reservation. The menu features such dishes as the Maple-brined Kurobuta Pork Porterhouse, a black angus rib-eye, and Skuna Bay Canadian salmon.
July 17, 2017 – The Copper Creek Villas & Cabins Opens in Walt Disney World
“Consider this your new go-to vacation base camp when pining for serene surroundings located just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom park.”
On July 17, 2017, the Disney Vacation Club Resort Copper Creek Villas & Cabins opened in Walt Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. With décor inspired by the history of the Pacific Northwest, the resort features several kinds of accommodations, including 26 waterfront cabins. Located on Bay Lake, the resort features two kinds of pools for guests to enjoy: the Copper Creek Springs heated pool, and the Boulder Ridge Cove pool. The resort also features several dining options, including the Artist Point restaurant and the Whispering Canyon Café.
July 12, 2016 – Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Opens in Disney Springs
“Dig into farm-to-form cuisine showcasing Florida’s freshest flavors – all crafted from recipes by this award-winning celebrity chef!”
On July 12, 2016, the restaurant Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ opened in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs area. Created by celebrity chef Art Smith, the restaurant features Southern cooking, Florida style, including such dishes as Church Lady Deviled Eggs, Art’s Famous Fried Chicken, and Fried Chicken & Doughnuts. The restaurant also features a special brunch menu every Sunday from 10am until 2pm.
July 7, 2006 – The Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction Reopens
“Drink up me hearties, yo ho.”
On July 7, 2006, the popular attraction Pirates of the Caribbean reopened after an extensive refurbishment that added an audio-animatronic figures of the character Jack Sparrow from the franchise of the same name. The reopening of the attraction coincided with the release of the second film in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Jack Sparrow appears in a few scenes within the attraction, including hiding behind a dressmaker’s dummy, peering out of a barrel, and celebrating his good fortune after finding and collecting treasure.
July 6, 1994 – The Captain EO Attraction Closes
“We are here to change the world.”
On July 6, 1994, the 3D musical film attraction Captain EO closed in Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. Opening on September 12, 1986, the attraction featured pop star Michael Jackson in a science fiction musical adventure, with Jackson playing the titular role and fighting against the Supreme Leader (played by Anjelica Huston) and her army of darkness. The film was popular enough to become an attraction in the other Disney Parks, including Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland. The last version of the attraction was officially closed in 1998; after Jackson’s death in 2009, the attraction was brought back to the parks for a limited time.
July 5, 2007 – Disney Announces Removal of Epcot Sign on Spaceship Earth
“We think the timing of the removal is right.”
On July 5, 2007, Epcot’s Vice President Jim MacPhee announced that the Epcot letting, Mickey Mouse arm, and wand attached to the Spaceship Earth attraction would be removed, with the removal date to be before October 1st. The removal of the structure coincided with the park’s 25th anniversary, with Spaceship Earth itself once again becoming the sole icon of the park. The arm holding the wand was, at the time, the tallest structure in all of Walt Disney World, at a height of 257 feet.
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.
July 2, 2016 – The Coca-Cola Store Orlando Opens in Disney Springs
“Pop inside to browse exclusive merchandise, meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and savor views from the rooftop beverage bar.”
On July 2, 2016, the Coca-Cola Store Orlando opened in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs area. Designed to resemble a 1920s bottling plant, the store is several stories and features a rooftop bar where guests can relax with a drink and view the entire Disney Springs. The partnership between Coca-Cola and Disney goes back to 1942, and the store is a culmination of the best of both brands joining forces.
July 1, 1996 – The BoardWalk Bakery Opens in Walt Disney World
“Stroll along the seashore till you stumble upon this quaint stop where you can entice your palate with a host of freshly made house favorites…”
On July 1, 1996, the BoardWalk Bakery opened in Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk Resort. Guests can enjoy a selection of pastries and sweet treats from morning until evening, as well as a special BoardWalk breakfast, as well as a variety of sandwiches for lunch and dinner.
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