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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

May 26

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May 26, 1990 – The Merchandise Spot Calling Dick Tracy Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“Starring YOU…in your screen test debut.”

On May 26, the themed merchandise spot Calling Dick Tracy opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the store was created to promote the live-action feature film Dick Tracy, which opened on June 15, 1990. The store gave guests a chance to star in their own Dick Tracy adventure and take home a video version. The store eventually closed on January 12, 1991, and was replaced with Legends of Hollywood.

May 23

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May 23, 2015 – The Harambe Market Area Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

“Savor African-inspired fare at an open-air plaza featuring 4 unique walk-up windows.”

May 23, 2015, the Harambe Market area opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. Nestled in the Africa area of the park, the market is designed to resemble a street market in Africa, complete with Colonial-era train depot design. The market contains not only a few shops to buy merchandise and sweets, but four separate food stations: Kitamu Grill, Famous Sausages, Chef Mwanga’s, and Wanjohi Refreshments. These four quick-service restaurants give guests the opportunity to enjoy something akin to street food, eating African-inspired dishes while they meander around the park.

May 22

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May 22, 2015 – Walt Disney World Kicks Off “Coolest Summer Ever” 24-Hour Event

“I can’t wait to kick-off the ‘Coolest Summer Ever’ in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!”

On May 22, 2015, the 24-hour even “Coolest Summer Ever” kicked off at 6 a.m. in the Magic Kingdom Park of Walt Disney World. Using Olaf from the animated feature Frozen as the event’s mascot, the event was filled with special shows and treats for guests, including a pajama party as the park stays open through the night, special appearances by the characters from Frozen at the Welcome Show, and appearances from Disney Channel Stars in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

May 19

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May 19, 2010 – Turtle Day is Celebrated in Animal Kingdom Park

“May is a fantastic month to celebrate turtles and tortoises.”

On May 19, 2010, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park held a special day of events to celebrate Turtle Day, which sought to bring awareness to turtles and tortoises and what guests can do to protect them. Activities that day included sessions to teach guests what threatens turtle habitats, interactive ways of using “turtle sight” to find food, and up-close-and-personal looks at some of the turtle and tortoise species that the park conservationists protect. 2010 was a particularly important year to highlight conservation efforts for turtles and tortoises, as Disney worked in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to offer assistance and resources to those animals hurt by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

May 17

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May 17, 1991 – The Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Opens in Walt Disney World

“Revel in the romance and pageantry of New Orleans’s historic French Quarter at this Moderate Resort hotel…”

On May 17, 1991, the Walt Disney World hotel Port Orleans French Quarter opened. Themed around the lively atmosphere of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, the hotel has 1,008 rooms complete with gold, green, and purple accents. The hotel also features the quick service restaurant Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court, along with two lounges: Scat Cat’s Club and Mardi Grogs. Another popular amenity is the swimming pool Doubloon Lagoon, which features a sea serpent. In 2001, the Dixie Landings resort combined with Port Orleans, and eventually split off to become Port Orleans Riverside.

May 15

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May 15, 2016 – The Quick Service Restaurant D-Luxe Burger Opens in Disney Springs

“Satisfy gourmet cravings at this ranch-inspired eatery overlooking the springs.”

On May 15, 2016, the quick service casual restaurant D-Luxe Burger opened in Disney Springs, Walt Disney World. As its name suggests, the restaurant serves gourmet burgers, including the El Diablo Burger that features chorizo, fried banana peppers, and chipotle mayonnaise. The restaurant is also known for its gelato milkshakes, with flavors such as smoked bourbon and s’mores.

May 12

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May 12, 1967 – Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. Signs Disney Bill

On May 12, 1967, then-Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. signed special legislation that allowed Walt Disney Productions’ the ability to run the operations for Walt Disney World. Before the legislation, there were concerns that Florida taxpayers would have to pay for the construction of the new Disney park. This legislation allowed the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District with two cities: Bay Lake and Reedy Creek (now known as Lake Buena Vista). The creation of these cities allowed Disney to issue tax-free bonds, as well as remain unaffected by any current or future state land-use laws.

May 6

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May 6, 1990 – The Muppets at Walt Disney World Premieres on ABC

On May 6, 1990, the television special The Muppets at Walt Disney World premiered on NBC under the “Magical World of Disney” programming banner. The special featured the classic Jim Henson-created characters exploring the Florida theme park, and was the last Muppet feature that Henson would work on before his untimely passing. It was created to help highlight the merger between The Walt Disney Company and the Jim Henson Company, a merger that wouldn’t fully take place until 2004. The episode also starred Charles Grodin, Raven-Symoné, and Michael Eisner.

May 5

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May 5, 2005 – The Attraction Soarin’ Opens in Epcot

“An exhilarating international adventure”

On May 5, 2005, the film attraction Soarin’ opened in Epcot’s The Land pavilion. Similar to the original Soarin’ Over California attraction that opened in Disneyland in 2001, the attraction seats guests in a contraption that gives the illusion that they are “soaring” over majestic views of California that they view on an 80-foot IMAX projection screen. The attraction was changed in 2016 to show guests views of the world rather than just California, including views of the Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, or the Great Wall of China.

May 2

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May 2, 2014 – The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Attraction has Dedication Ceremony

“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is both literally and figuratively the centerpiece of New Fantasyland, so we knew it had to be something special.”

On May 2, 2014, a special dedication ceremony was held for the newest attraction in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Known as the “crowning jewel” of New Fantasyland, the long-awaited attraction was introduced by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, along with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. At the ceremony, Staggs announced that the official opening date to the public would be May 28th, but invited everyone to celebrate that the final component had been added to the ride. The ride features the latest in Audio-Animatronics and special effects, and the coaster itself features the novelty of swinging cars that rock as the coaster travels down the track.