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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

June 28

June 28, 1991 – Mickey’s Star Traders Opens in Walt Disney World

“Journey with Mickey to the future for a cosmos of character goods at one of the largest shops at Magic Kingdom park.”

On June 28, 1991, the merchandise shop Mickey’s Star Traders opened in Walt Disney World. Located in Tomorrowland, the store replaced the former Mickey’s Mart. It is one of the largest merchandise stores within Magic Kingdom, and features a variety of merchandise ranging from the Star Wars franchise, to characters from classic Disney film characters.

June 27

June 27, 2016 – Frontera Cocina Opens in Disney Springs

“This contemporary culinary experience is sure to please friends, family and food lovers alike.”

On June 27, 2016, the Mexican restaurant Frontera Cocina opened in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs area. Created by eight-time James Beard Award winning chef Rick Bayless, it features upscale, contemporary Mexican cuisine, starting from the chips and salsa, and featuring dishes such as the pepito torta, shrimp mojo de ajo, and coconut-lime cuatro leches. Guests of drinking age can also partake in specialty fresh-made margaritas.

June 25

June 25, 1995 – Le Cellier Reopens in Epcot

“Sensational Canadian Cuisine”

On June 25, 1995, the restaurant Le Cellier reopened in the Canada Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. The restaurant had opened on October 1, 1982, and featured Canadian-inspired dishes, including maple syrup pie. When it reopened, the restaurant had been closed for about nine months, and underwent an overhaul top-to-bottom, including a new menu featuring sandwiches and salads. This was only the first of the restaurant’s changes, as this would only last for about two years; this version of Le Cellier would end on July 20, 1997, when it became a steakhouse.

June 21

June 21, 2016 – The Royal Sommerhus Opens in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

“You are cordially invited to the Royal Sommerhus to meet the beloved sisters from Arendelle.”

On June 21, 2016, the Royal Sommerhus meet and greet area opened in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion, located in the World Showcase. Here, guests can meet characters Anna and Elsa from the popular animated feature film Frozen, complete with a photo session with the princess and queen of the Norway-based country. The character greet experience is so popular that guests have waited hours to get a chance to meet Anna and Elsa.

June 20

June 20, 1976 – River Country Water Park Opens in Walt Disney World

“The fun loving, carefree spirit of Huck Finn is alive in River Country.”

On June 20, 1976, the water park River Country opened in Walt Disney World, right next to Fort Wilderness. Designed to resemble an old-fashioned swimming hole the likes of Huckleberry Finn, Imagineers created a miniature mountain range for the five waterslides. Part of the nearby Bay Lake, the Bay Cove area was a half-acre lake with a sand-bottom, and held almost 330,000 gallons of water. The popularity of River Country led to Disney opening two more water parks: Typhoon Lagoon in 1989, and Blizzard Beach in 1995. River Country was permanently closed on September 1, 2001, and was left as an “abandoned” park within Walt Disney World’s property.

June 18

June 18, 1988 – The Live Show Minnie’s Surprise Birthday Party Begins

“Mickey Mouse! You are our hero! Mickey Mouse! You’re everyone’s friend!”

On June 18, 1988, the live stage show Minnie’s Surprise Birthday Party began in Mickey’s Birthdayland in Walt Disney World. Part of the birthday celebrations to honor Mickey’s 60th birthday, the show featured Minnie Mouse welcoming guests into a special area to surprise Mickey with a party. On hand to celebrate are Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, and Minnie’s next door neighbor Christy. Everyone sets to work to prepare for the party, with Goofy taking the task of baking the cake, with help from Pluto. Through a series of misadventures, everyone has a turn of baking the cake, adding stranger and stranger ingredients, with Pluto continually adding a dog bone. Finally, Mickey arrives, and is surprised by all of his friends, including the guests in the audience. The show ran until April 22, 1990, and was succeeded by Mickey’s Magical TV World on April 26, 1990.

June 17

June 17, 2015 – Zuri’s Sweets Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“After an amazing day of tracking animals and trekking forests, reward yourself with some homemade sweets and treasured treats!”

On June 17, 2015, the confectionary Zuri’s Sweets opened at the Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. As with many stores and attractions within Disney Parks, Zuri’s Sweets tells the story of Miss Zuri, the owner, who started her business decades earlier and is considered an inspiration to others in Harambe for her entrepreneurial and imaginative spirit. The shop features about 80 kinds of treats, including several kinds of candy apples, animal-themed sweets, and a gourmet cocoa set.

June 11

June 11, 1983 – Refreshment Outpost Opens in Epcot

“Need to chill?”

On June 11, 1983, the Refreshment Outpost opened in Epcot’s World Showcase section. Created as part of a planned Africa pavilion, the area serves as a snack bar, featuring soft-serve ice cream, alcoholic beverages, and a hot dog entrée.

June 7

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June 7, 1975 – The Mission to Mars Attraction Opens in Walt Disney World

“Our Mission to Mars takes place sometime in the future, when a sightseeing trip to the red planet is an everyday adventure.”

On June 7, 1975, the Mission to Mars attraction opened in Walt Disney World. Similar to the original attraction that opened in Disneyland on March 21, 1975, the Walt Disney World attraction gave guests an idea of how it would be if humans could travel to Mars. Both park versions were updated from the original Flight to the Moon attraction, which had become outdated after man had made it to the moon in 1969. The Walt Disney World attraction closed on October 4, 1993.

June 4

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June 4, 1994 – The Surprise Celebration Parade Ends Run in Walt Disney World

“Beginning in September 1991, Magic Kingdom Park kicked off its 20th anniversary celebration early with the debut of a new parade – the “Surprise Celebration Parade.”

On June 4, 1994, the Surprise Celebration Parade had its final run in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Beginning on September 22, 1991, the parade was created to celebrate the park’s 20th anniversary. It was based on the Party Gras Parade that was held exclusively in Disneyland, with several of the floats being repurposed for the Walt Disney World parade. The parade featured 35 to 40 feet balloons of several popular characters, including Roger Rabbit, Goofy, and, of course, Mickey Mouse. It was preceded by Mickey Mania.