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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

October 9

October 9, 2015 – Interstate 4 Ramp Connecting to Disney Springs Opens

“Central Florida motorists heading to Disney Springs have a new option.”

On October 9, 2015, a new ramp on Florida’s Interstate 4 that connected directly to the Disney Springs parking garage officially opened. Labelled as Exit 67, guests can drive straight into the 4,000 spot parking structure to access the then-unfinished shopping district. This new ramp, along with some other road improvements, was part of the effort to revamp not only Downtown Disney into its new Disney Springs design, but was also done to help alleviate some of the traffic for guests who want to reach the parks.

October 4

October 4, 1993 – The Walt Disney World Mission to Mars Attraction Closes

On October 4, 1993, the Walt Disney World version of the Mission to Mars attraction closed. The ride was based on the attraction of the same name in Disneyland, which was a replacement of the Flight to the Moon attraction. Once man had actually been to the moon, the Flight to the Mon ride seemed dated, and an update was necessary to keep guests’ attention. The Walt Disney World attraction, located in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom Park, lasted a year longer than the original attraction, which closed on November 2, 1992.

October 3

October 3, 1996 – The Flying Fish Café Opens in Walt Disney World BoardWalk Resort

“Feast on premium sustainable seafood and prime steaks at this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk.”

On October 3, 1996, the Flying Fish Café opened in Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk Resort area. The fine dining restaurant serves elegant seafood meals, as well as a wagyu strip loin and a veal chop. The restaurant underwent and extensive redesign in 2016, including dropping “café” from the name of the restaurant. It still boasts an indulgent menus, including seasonal desserts such as the buttermilk panna cotta.

October 2

October 2, 1996 – The Coffee Shop Buy the Book Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

On October 2, 1996, the coffee and bookshop Buy the Book opened in Disney-MGM Studios’s New York Street, located in Walt Disney World. Based on the store of the same name from the ABC comedy Ellen, the shop was tucked into the corner of the street, with guests able to take a break with a cup of coffee and a good book. When the series ended in 1998, the store was revamped to become The Writer’s Stop, though it retained its service of selling coffee and books.

October 1

October 1, 1982 – The Tea Caddy Opens in Epcot

“Brew the perfect cuppa with Twinings tea and tea accessories, and browse British sweets, cookies and royal memorabilia.”

On October 1, 1982, the specialty shop The Tea Caddy opened in the United Kingdom pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. The store specializes in tea from the British brand Twinings, which has been selling tea since 1706; the store also sells a variety of tea biscuits and assorted sweets, ranging in brands from McVitie’s to Cadbury, along with everything one would need to brew the perfect cup of tea.

September 30

September 30, 2012 – The Store Big Top Souvenirs Opens in Storybook Circus

“Come one, come all and gather ‘round this three-ring extravaganza for a magical circus packed with zesty snacks, sweet treats and unforgettable souvenirs…”

On September 30, 2012, the themed merchandise stop Big Top Souvenirs opened in the Storybook Circus area of Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World. Replacing the County Bounty store of the old Mickey’s Toontown Fair area, the store is located just outside of Pete’s Silly Sideshow. The store is a mix of merchandise ranging from Mickey ears to kitchen goods; the store also sells a variety of sweet treats ranging from special drinks to designed candy apples.

September 29

September 29, 1991 – The Studio Showcase Attraction Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

On September 29, 1991, the Studio Showcase walkthrough attraction opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) Park in Walt Disney World. Hosted by the American Film Institute, the attraction gave guests a chance to see a variety of exhibits that featured costumes and props from famous films after going through the Studio Backlot Tour Guests also could buy items from a gift shop in the same location. The attraction closed on August 16, 2014.

September 28

September 28, 1996 – The Grand Prix Raceway Reopens as Tomorrowland Speedway

“Put the pedal to the metal in your very own hotrod and cruise along a scenic miniature motorway.”

On September 28, 1996, the Tomorrowland Speedway reopened with its new name in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Originally known as the Grand Prix Raceway, this new name would only last for three years, until it was renamed as the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway in 1999; the name has since been changed back to Tomorrowland Speedway. The attraction was still the same, with guests able to race in a gas-powered racecar down the scenic motorway.

September 26

September 26, 1991 – The Restaurant Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

“Once upon a time, a young girl from a small Sicilian village moved from Hollywood to become a star.”

On September 26, 1991, the casual dining restaurant Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios) in Walt Disney World. To fit with the theme of the glamor of Hollywood, the backstory of the restaurant is that a young girl came to Hollywood to make it big, but ended up creating a restaurant that caught the attention of the top industry insiders. The restaurant features Italian-themed favorites such as fried calamari, four-cheese baked macaroni, and tiramisu.

September 24

September 24, 1986 – The Shop La Boutique des Provinces Opens in Epcot

On September 24, 1986, the specialty shop La Boutique des Provinces opened in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. It sold special upscale gifts, such as jewelry, perfume, and ornaments, from French Canada. It was located within the Hôtel du Canada, the main structure used to represent the Canadian pavilion. The store closed around 2005.