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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

May 15

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May 15, 2016 – Morimoto Asia Street Food Opens in Disney Springs

“Celebrate your senses as our chefs bring a timeless staple of Pan-Asian food culture to life with their unique culinary sensibilities.”

On May 15, 2016, the counter-service restaurant Morimoto Asia Street Food opened in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs area. A spin-off of the popular Morimoto Asia restaurant, this service provides guests with upscale Pan-Asian street foods, including Bao Tacos, octopus fritters, and a selection of sushi rolls. Guests can also purchase specialty drinks, such as the non-alcoholic South Seas Slush.

May 14

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May 14, 2009 – Characters from Up Appear in Hollywood Studios

“Adventure is out there!”

On May 14, 2009, characters from the upcoming Pixar animated feature Up made their first appearance in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios Park. The characters – Carl Fredericksen, Russell, and Dug – were on hand to greet guests near the Sorcerer’s Hat before moving to their regular location the following day in the Magic of Disney Animation attraction. After the film’s promotions ended, the characters were moved to Animal Kingdom.

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.

May 6

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May 6, 1988 – The Kringla Bakeri og Kafe Opens in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

“Then ready yourself for conquest with Viking coffee!”

On May 6, 1988, the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe opened in Epcot’s World Showcase’s newest pavilion Norway. The café serves traditional Norwegian snacks, including a kjøttkake entrée (Norwegian meatballs), a sweet pretzel with chocolate, and a park favorite known as School Bread, which is a sweet cardamom bun filled with a vanilla custard and covered with toasted coconut. The café also serves coffee, Scandanavian beer, and wine.

May 2

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May 2, 1993 – The Theater of the Stars Temporarily Closes

On May 2, 1993, the Theater of the Stars closed at its location on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney-MGM Studios. The amphitheater area, known for its showings of the live stage show of Beauty and the Beast, had been open since the park’s opening on May 1, 1989. It closed to make way for the expansion of Sunset Boulevard; it eventually moved to its current location in the expanded Sunset Boulevard area.

April 27

April 27, 2015 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Opens in Walt Disney World

“You grotto check out this tropical tiki bar that captures the romance of the South Seas through unique food and drinks.”

On April 27, 2015, the lounge Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto opened in the lobby of Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort. Named for the character in the Jungle Cruise attraction, the grotto provides guests a place to unwind and relax with a specialty cocktail and appetizer, which includes the Headhunter Sushi Roll, Hawaiian Poke, and the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum cocktail. The grotto is similar to the Trader Sam’s Enchanted TIki Bar that opened in Disneyland in 2011.

April 24

April 24, 2017 – The Disney Springs Restaurant Portobello Closes

“Country Italian Trattoria”

On April 24, 2017, the Italian restaurant Portobello officially closed. The restaurant, operated by Levy Restaurants, originally opened as Portobello Yacht Club on May 1, 1989. The restaurant was renamed on October 12, 2008, becoming Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. A star feature of the restaurant was its waterfront patio. The restaurant was eventually closed to make room for the new Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant.

April 17

April 17, 2009 – Fantasia Market Opens in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

On April 17, 2009, the sundries shop Fantasia Market opened in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, located in Walt Disney World. A complimentary shop to the resort’s Fantasia Shop, it provides an assortment of snacks and treats, along with postcards, keychains, other small gifts, and anything else one would need to enjoy their stay at the resort.

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.

April 14

April 14, 2016 – Groundbreaking Takes Place for Star Wars Land

“This is the theme park you’re looking for.”

On April 14, 2016, the groundbreaking for the new Star Wars-themed lands took place at the Disneyland Resort and in Walt Disney World. This expansion of the park is the largest single-themed land expansion for the American Disney parks, spanning 14-acres. To celebrate this event, a 360-degree photo was released online to give guests an immersive experience in the building of the park, complete with appearances by R2-D2 and BB-8.