March 17, 1991 – The World News Center Opens in Epcot
On March 17, 1991, the World News Center opened in the Communicore East area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. The area, originally part of a preshow for the Electronic Forum (a special polling area where guests could voice their opinion on current affairs), it was a place where guests could watch the top news stories on a multitude of television monitors. The area was spun off from the Electronic Forum when it closed on March 16, 1991.
March 14, 2013 – Walt Disney World Announces Disney Springs
“Our fundamental goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable space where families can enjoy time together and instantaneously feel right at home.”
On March 14, 2013, Walt Disney World, and Walt Disney Company COO Tom Staggs, officially announced the revamp of the former Downtown Disney area, now known as Disney Springs. The shopping area was to be expanded significantly, with the number of stores jumping from 75 to over 150. Staggs announced that this would be a massive undertaking that would open in phases, and the whole area would consist of four districts: Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace, and West Side.
March 11, 2010 – The First Disney Premier Passports are Offered
“It’s called ‘Disney Premier Passport’ and it’ll feature the same benefits you get with the ‘premium’ annual passes for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts…”
On March 11, 2010, the Disney Premier Passports were officially offered for guests. These special annual passes give guests the annual pass perks for all American Disney parks. Guests area able to not only get unlimited admission to the six Florida parks (including the two water parks) and two California parks, but are able to get free parking and special Disney publication subscriptions.
March 10, 2001 – The New Pool Nanea Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
“Make a splash at this pool which features a towering volcano, a waterfall, and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide.”
On March 10, 2001, the new recreational pool Nanea (meaning “tranquil” opened at Disney’ Polynesian Village Resort in Walt Disney World. This pool featured a volcano with a water slide inside; this volcano was set to go off in timed intervals, but this was a short-lasting venture. The slide inside the volcano measures 142 feet, and the volcano also features a beautiful waterfall.
March 4, 2011 – The Updated Disney Junior – Live on Stage Show Opens in Walt Disney World
“Enchanting puppets, whimsical scenery and catchy songs invite preschoolers to sign, dance and play.”
On March 4, 2011, the updated version of the Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage show, now called Disney Junior – Live on Stage, premiered in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios park within Walt Disney World. The show featured characters from popular Disney Junior Shows, such as Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, and Sofia the First. The 24-minute show features elaborate puppets of the characters, entertaining guests as they try to solve problems and go on adventures.
March 3, 1983 – The Buena Vista Palace Opens in Walt Disney World
“Discover what’s new at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.”
On March 3, 1983, the Buena Vista Palace hotel opened in Walt Disney World’s Lake Buena Vista. An official Walt Disney World Hotel, it is currently operated by the Hilton chain of resorts. On November 1, 1998, the resort became the Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa, but reverted back to its original name in mid-2005. Currently, the resort is walking distance from the Disney Springs shopping area, allowing guests to spend a night out dining and shopping, or to quickly catch a bus to any of the four Walt Disney World parks.
February 26, 2008 – The Fantasia Shop Reopens in Disney’s Contemporary Resort
“If your fantasy is to find the ultimate collection of Disney souvenirs…you’ve found the right place.”
On February 26, 2008, the general merchandise stop Disney’s Fantasia Shop reopened in Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. Originally opening in 1971, the shop was moved to the center of the concourse for greater access, and taking the place of the Concourse Sundries. The shop features a large variety of Disney souvenirs, including clothes, snacks, and toys.
February 25, 1991 – The Frontierland Shop Bearly Country Closes
On February 25, 1991, the store Bearly Country, located in Walt Disney World’s Frontierland in Magic Kingdom Park, closed. Open since June 6, 1985, the shop specialized in merchandise that featured the Country Bears from the Country Bear Jamboree. After closing in 1991, the store then became the Prairie Outpost Supply, and changed its wares to a more generic Southwestern theme.
February 19, 1967 – The New York Times Publishes Article About Walt Disney World
“In Mr. Disney’s words, however, the ‘most exciting and most important part’ of Disney World will be the planned community, which ‘will take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry.’”
On February 19, 1967, the New York Times published an article entitled “Florida’s Disney World Aims at ’70 Opening,” which gave the public some new insight into the highly publicized “Florida Project” which would become Walt Disney World. The article went into detail about how large the planned park would be (“bigger than Manhattan”), the planned community EPCOT, and several plans in the area to provide a suitable living space for those who will live in the community, including a drainage survey and an interchange. It estimated, based on reports from Disney executives, that the park would open in 1970; Walt Disney World would go on to open on October 1, 1971.
February 17, 2017 – The Nighttime Show Rivers of Light Premieres in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“Embrace the magic of nature during a nighttime scene awash with captivating special effects, music and animal folklore.”
On February 17, 2017, the new nighttime show Rivers of Light premiered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Discovery River. The show was part of an overall evolution of the park, turning it to a day-to-night park, and features several floating sets, live performances, and water effects, celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature. The show also features scenes from the Disneynature series of films, as well as technology never-before-seen in a Disney nighttime show.
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