July 18, 1978 – Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza Opens
On July 18, 1978, the Lake Buena Vista Office Plaza opened in Walt Disney World. Also known as the Sun Bank Building and the SunTrust Building, the office was shared by Sun Bank (currently known as SunTrust), which operates the ground floor, and Disney, who keeps their offices on the upper floors. This building was Disney’s attempt to build many office complexes in the Lake Buena Vista area.
July 12, 1983 – The Stage Show Show Biz Is Begins in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park
Image credit: https://waltdatedworld.com/
On July 12, 1983, the Tomorrowland live stage show Show Biz Is began in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Featuring the Kids of the Kingdom, a group of young singers and dancers that began performing at the park in 1974, the show was a revue of standards from Broadway and movies. The show ended its run on September 27, 1985.
July 2, 2010 – The Film Captain EO Returns to Epcot
“We are here to change the world.”
On July 2, 2010, in remembrance of pop star Michael Jackson, the 3D musical film Captain EO returned to Epcot for a limited engagement, running until December 6, 2015. This was the film’s first return to Epcot after closing on July 6, 1994. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, written by Rusty Lemorande, and executively produced by George Lucas. It starred Michael Jackson as Captain EO, Anjelica Huston as the Supreme Leader, and Dick Shawn as Commander Bog.
June 29, 2018 – The Beverly Sunset Boutique Opens in Hollywood Studios
“Shop from a show-stopping selection of Pixar merchandise and pre-packaged, tasty treats inside this whimsical ‘theater.’”
On June 29, 2018, the Beverly Sunset Boutique merchandise store opened in the Beverly Sunset Theater within Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park. Replacing the confectionery Sweet Spells, the shop sells Pixar-related merchandise, with its opening coinciding with the opening of Toy Story Land. Guests can also purchase a variety of packaged sweets.
June 28, 1988 – The Shop M. Mouse Mercantile Opens
“Enter the house of the mouse for all things Mickey: apparel, toys, jewelry and more – plus princess wear and pin trading!”
On June 28, 1988, the resort souvenir shop M. Mouse Mercantile opened in Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort. Located on the resort’s mezzanine level, this shop sells a variety of toys, apparel, and park essentials, such as pins.
June 21, 2016 – The Frozen Ever After Attraction Opens in Epcot
“Voyage to Arendelle aboard an ancient Nordic vessel as you take a musical tour of the wintery world of Frozen.”
On June 21, 2016, the attraction Frozen Ever After opened in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase. Replacing the Maelstrom attraction, the ride has guests boarding a boat and sailing through the story of Frozen and Frozen Fever, complete with appearances from Elsa, Anna, and Marshmellow. The ride also features music from the hit animated feature film.
June 18, 1988 – The Petting Zoo Grandma Duck’s Farm Opens in Walt Disney World
“Minnie Moo, who lives at Grandma Duck’s Farm at Mickey’s Starland, was born sporting the familiar Disney corporate symbol as a ‘birthmark’ on her hide.”
On June 18, 1988, the petting zoo area Grandma Duck’s Farm opened in Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Birthdayland area. Sponsored by Friskies, the area was best known for being the home of Minnie Moo, a cow with a Mickey Mouse-shaped mark on her hide. The name Grandma Duck came from the comic book character of Donald Duck’s grandmother. The area closed on March 11, 1996, and Minnie Moo was moved to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
June 6, 2014 – The Marketplace Co-Op Opens in Downtown Disney
“Discover unique new shops, products, and retail concepts being tested in this shopper’s paradise in Disney Springs.”
On June 6, 2014, the Marketplace Co-Op area opened in Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs). The area serves as a merchandise hub where several boutiques come together to sell their wares. The current lineup includes Cherry Tree Lane (a Disney-inspired designer line), Twenty Eight & Main (an exclusive collection for men), D-Tech on Demand (accessories for smartphones), Disney Centerpiece (home furnishing collections), and the WonderGround Gallery (a collection and display of Disney-inspired art).
June 5, 2010 – The Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Walt Disney World
“In thousands of sparkling lights, and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds: the Main Street Electrical Parade!”
On June 5, 2010, popular nighttime parade Main Street Electrical Parade returned to Walt Disney World. Originally appearing in Disneyland starting on June 17, 1972, versions of the parade also made appearances in Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland. Prior to its final Walt Disney World appearance starting on June 5, 2010, the parade operated seasonally at Disneyland. After closing in Walt Disney World on October 9, 2016, the parade went back to Disneyland for a limited engagement, starting January 20, 2017.
May 31, 2012 – The Ink & Paint Shop Opens in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
On May 31, 2012, the general merchandise store Ink & Paint Shop opened in Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort. Stylized like an ink and paint repository, complete with giant colorful paint pots, the store provides a variety of Disney-themed merchandise ranging from apparel, to toys, to keychains.
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