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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

October 23

October 23, 1985 – The Nine Dragons Restaurant Opens in Epcot’s China Pavilion

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“Savor contemporary Chinese cuisine amid ornate wood carvings, traditional lanterns, and exquisite glass artwork.”

On October 23, 1985, the Nine Dragons Restaurant opened in the China Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. Opening three years after the Chinese pavilion opened, the restaurant is a sit-down gourmet dining experience. The restaurant spotlights several styles of Chinese cuisine from many provinces, including Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan, and Kiangche. Popular features on the menu include General Tso’s Dumplings, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Coconut Rice Pudding.

October 22

October 22, 1997 – The Orlando Sentinel Publishes Updates for Walt Disney World

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“It may be goodbye to Mr. Toad and hello to Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear at the Magic Kingdom.”

On October 22, 1997, the Orlando Sentinel published an article that announced several changes that would be coming to the Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World at the end of the 25th anniversary celebrations. Among those listed was the breaking announcement of the likely plan to close the attraction Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, potentially replacing it with a Winnie the Pooh-themed attraction. This would prove true, and Mr. Toad was closed on September 7, 1998, replaced with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Other plans announced were the closing of Take Flight, which was to be replaced with Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin, and the return of The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management.

October 16

October 16, 1996 – Ten New Inductees Are Named Disney Legends

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“The Disney Legends award has three distinct elements that characterize the contributions made by each talented recipient.”

On October 16, 1996, ten new members of the Disney legacy were honored as Disney Legends in a special ceremony at the Walt Disney Studios in the Legends Plaza. Among those honored were former vice president of Walt Disney World, actor and narrator of Disney nature documentaries Rex Allen, animator and Imagineer X Atencio, voice actress for Cruella de Vil Betty Lou Gerson, animator and Imagineer Bill Justice, former executive vice president for Walt Disney World Bob Matheison, Imagineer Sam McKim, animator Bob Moore, story man Bill Peet, and one of the key designers of Walt Disney World, Joe Potter. Of those honored, Allen and Potter were honored posthumously.

October 14

October 14, 2009 – The Attraction Sum of All Thrills Opens in Epcot’s Innoventions

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“The Sum of All Thrills is a highly turbulent simulator-type thrill ride that is capable of sharp drops, sudden turns, and upside-down maneuvers.”

On October 14, 2009, the thrill attraction the Sum of All Thrills opened in the Innoventions area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. It was one of the first attractions built within the park, and was sponsored by Raytheon. The attraction was a simulation roller coaster ride, where guests can create their own thrill ride via a touchscreen, then board a robotic simulator that brings their roller coaster to life. Guests can let their imaginations run wild with their creation, including a series of loops, curves, and drops. The attraction closed on September 14, 2016.

October 7

October 7, 1991 – The Disney Vacation Club Preview Center Opens

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“We’re a vacation club. We’re calling ourself something different. We are different.” – Mark L. Pacala, Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Development, Inc.

On October 7, 1991, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Preview Center opened in Walt Disney World. The plan for the Disney resort inclusive time-share program had been in development since 1990, but with an added Disney twist to make sure that it didn’t attract the same negative attention that came with other time-share programs. To show off the perks of the program, the Preview Center was built, where interested guests could see a short video presentation about the points program before seeing a model of the buildings with a specific DVC Guide. Guests could also be escorted from their resorts to the Preview Center and back in a special DVC tour bus. The initial program provided many free perks to drive up interest, including free passes into the park. The program has since been considered a success, with  13 resorts worldwide part of the program.

October 6

October 6, 1971 – The Sunshine Pavilion in Walt Disney World is Officially Dedicated

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“Millions in the years ahead will visit the Sunshine Pavilion, and they will appreciate the Citrus Commission for making this moment possible.” – President of Walt Disney Productions Donn B. Tatum

On October 6, 1971, the Adventureland area the Sunshine Pavilion was officially dedicated after being opened on October 1. This area featured the Walt Disney World version of the Enchanted Tiki Room, then known as The Tropical Serenade, and featured its own mascot: the Orange Bird. Singer Anita Bryant was on hand at the dedication to perform two songs especially for the area: “The Orange Bird Song” and “Orange Tree.” Reubin Askew, then-Governor of Florida, was also on hand to press a special button that formally opened the attraction; he was joined by several cabinet officers and members of the Florida Department of Citrus.

October 3

October 3, 1996 – World of Disney Opens in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Area

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“Explore the world’s largest Disney character store, and discover 12 rooms brimming with apparel, collectibles, pins, and more!”

On October 3, 1996, the World of Disney store opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Marketplace area. The store is the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, with twelve rooms spanning 50,000 square feet. The store’s contents range from collectible pins, to clothing, to kitchenware, and everything in between. Similar stores have since been built in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area in 2001, and on Fifth Avenue, New York, in 2004.

October 2

October 2, 1981 – The Disney World is Your World Show Begins in Tomorrowland

“A happy ever after land, Disney World is your world.”

On October 2, 1981, the live show Disney World is Your World began its run in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, located on the Tomorrowland Stage. The show was introduced to help celebrate the park’s tenth anniversary, and featured a group of performers known as the Kids of the Kingdom. The show ended on September 17, 1994.

October 1

October 1, 1999 – The “Sharing the Magic” Statue is Installed in Walt Disney World

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“…Blaine’s intent was to show Minnie’s conscious decision to sit right next to Roy as a way to make him more ‘approachable,’ as he was rarely in the limelight as was Walt.”

On October 1, 1999, a special statue featuring Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse was installed in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park’s Town Square; the statue was named “Sharing the Magic.” The statue was created by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson, who also created the famous Partners statue that was installed in Disneyland on November 18, 1993. Roy was an important figure in Disney history, as he was a savvy businessman that would help turn Walt’s dreams into reality. Copies of this statue have been installed in the Disney Studio in Burbank on February 10, 2003, and the World Bazaar of Tokyo Disneyland.

September 24

September 24, 1985 – The Lotus Blossom Café Opens in Epcot’s China Pavilion

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“Chow down on Chinese favorites – like pot stickers, egg rolls, orange chicken, shrimp fried rice, beef noodle soup, and more.”

On September 24, 1985, the quick service restaurant Lotus Blossom Café opened in World Showcase’s China pavilion within Epcot. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with appetizers and entrees available. It features quick-to-order Chinese fare, with entrees including Beef Rice Bowl and Hong Kong Style Vegetable Curry over Rice. Desserts include two types of ice cream popular in China: caramel-ginger, and lychee. The restaurant also sits close to the Temple of Heaven, giving guests a view of the centerpiece of the pavilion.