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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

November 22

November 22, 1994 – The Resort Shop Maestro Mickey’s Opens in Disney’s All Star Music Resort

“Disney-themed merchandise, swim accessories, sundries and snacks offer the shopping equivalent of music to your ears.”

On November 22, 1994, the resort shop Maestro Mickey’s opened in Disney’s All Star Music Resort in Walt Disney World. The name and signage from the store is inspired by the 1942 short film Symphony Hour. Like many resort stores, it features a variety of Disney merchandise ranging from clothes to toys, along with snacks and supplies for resort guests (including toiletries and magazines).

November 21

November 21, 2007 – The What’s Next? Café Opened in Disney’s Wide World of Sports

On November 21, 2007, the casual dining restaurant What’s Next? Café opened in Disney’s Wide World of Sports, located in Walt Disney World. It replaced the All Star Café, which had closed on September 30, 2007. The café closed in 2010, only to reopen as ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Grille the same year.

November 19

November 19, 1990 – The Restaurant Ariel’s Opens in Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort

“From the moment you step through the fish-adorned ironwork gate, you’ll be immersed in a delightful deep-sea setting made for mermaids.”

On November 19, 1990, the themed restaurant Ariel’s opened in the Beach Club Resort in Walt Disney World. The seafood restaurant was designed to keep the resort’s nautical theme; it was eventually closed on May 3, 1997. The restaurant has since been reserved as a reception venue for those holding their weddings in Walt Disney World, and was briefly reopened as a full-service restaurant when the Captain’s Grille was being refurbished.

November 18

November 18, 2001 – The TriceraTop Spin Attraction Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Fly high on a dinosaur around a twirling tin-toy top at this delightful carnival-inspired attraction.”

On November 18, 2001, the TriceraTop Spin attraction opened in the DinoLand U.S.A. area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Similar to the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction in Magic Kingdom, and designed to fit the dinosaur carnival atmosphere, guests can board dinosaur shaped gondolas as they ride around and around, controlling how high or low they wish to soar. Surprises also lie in store for guests during the ride’s operation.

November 15

November 15, 2010 – The Merchandise Shop Hundred Acre Goods Opens in Walt Disney World

“Forage for all things Pooh and friends at this popular shop next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction.”

On November 15, 2010, the themed merchandise store Hundred Acre Goods opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Featuring Winnie the Pooh merchandise, the store is near the attraction The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Merchandise available includes apparel, plush toys, and mugs. The store replaced a similar spot called Pooh’s Thotful Shop. Hundred Acre Goods is also the name of a store in Shanghai Disneyland.

November 14

November 14, 2007 – The Yak & Yeti Restaurant Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Travelers can relax and replenish with a pan-Asian feast in this beautiful Nepalese-style restaurant.”

On November 14, 2007, the Yak & Yeti Restaurant opened in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Styled like a village home turned restaurant, this table service restaurant features a variety of dishes from several Asian regions. The menu includes delicacies such as dim sum baskets, chicken tikka masala, and fried wontons for dessert. The restaurant location also features the Yak & Yeti Bhaktapur Market, where guests can buy regional items ranging from incense to saris.

November 12

November 12, 1993 – The Village Traders Shop Opens in Epcot

“Discover an open-air marketplace featuring African-themed musical instruments, wood carvings and soapstone sculptures.”

On November 12, 1993, the Village Traders specialty shop opened in Epcot’s World Showcase area. This store is the only representation of Africa within the World Showcase; though talks and potential plans for an African Pavilion have taken place, nothing further than this store has come to fruition. The space is an open-air market and features several African-themed pieces of merchandise.

November 10

November 10, 1993 – The Green Thumb Emporium Opens in Epcot


On November 10, 1993, the specialty shop The Green Thumb Emporium opened in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion. Replacing Broccoli & Co, the new store featured a variety of items related to the theme of gardening, including mini Mickey gardens, Mickey garden gnomes, and wind chimes. The store also featured a variety of merchandise used to promote the attraction Soarin’. It closed on April 25, 2004.

November 9

November 9, 1993 – The Sunshine Season Food Fair Food Court Opens in Epcot

“Harvest the goodness of the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion!”

On November 9, 1993, the fast-food court Sunshine Season Food Fair opened in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion. The area, formerly known as Farmers Market, features a variety of cuisines, including sandwiches, grilled fish, and vegan options; the area also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Walt Disney World guests. The area is now known as simply Sunshine Season.

November 8

November 8, 2004 – The First Gift Cards are Available in Disneyland

“Use a Disney Gift Card for practically all things Disney – from Theme Park tickets to Mickey Mouse merchandise.”

On November 8, 2004, Disney made available their first gift cards in Disneyland Park. Selling for amounts ranging from $5 to $1,500, the gift cards were made available at a variety of merchandise stands within the park. The gift card option was subsequently added to the Disney Store in-person locations, Walt Disney World, and Disney Store online.; they are now available in a variety of styles featuring favorite Disney characters.