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Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

June 9

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June 9, 1984 – The Laserphonic Fantasy Show Debuts at Epcot

Laserphonic

On June 9, the Laserphonic Fantasy light show debuted in Epcot. The show was a precursor to Illuminations, which opened in 1988. Laserphonic Fantasy was an elaborate laser and effects show, featuring the music of composer Don Dorsey, performed in full orchestral. The show took many cues from its predecessor, A New World Fantasy, and was one of the first shows to use lasers on a water-droplet screen. The show did not feature spotlights on specific countries; this addition was made for Illuminations.

June 5

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June 5, 1999 – The Attraction The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Opens in Walt Disney World

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“Glide and bounce and swirl through some of the most popular scenes and settings of Winnie the Pooh.”

On June 5, 1999, the attraction The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World. Replacing the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, there is a small Easter egg of Mr. Toad in the attraction, handing over the deed to the character of Owl. The attraction takes guests through the adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, based on the hit 1997 film of the same name. The attraction has an interactive walkthrough to entertain young children, which includes a hide-and-seek game in Rabbit’s garden and a space to explore Eeyore’s home. The ride itself is a dark ride, with areas illuminated by special black lights. Similar attractions have been opened in Disneyland (April 11, 2003), Hong Kong Disneyland (September 12, 2005), and Tokyo Disneyland (although renamed as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt).

June 4

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June 4, 1991 – Company D Opens in the Team Disney Building

Company D

On June 4, 1991, the cast member store Company D opened in the Team Disney Building, located in Walt Disney World. This is the second Company D store, with the first opening in Disneyland in 1988, and a third opening in Epcot in 1992. Specialty merchandise is made available for Disney Cast Members, ranging from Cast Member exclusive pins to t-shirts; this merchandise is highly sought after by collectors.

June 3

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June 3, 1984 – The Restaurant Bistro de Paris Opens in Epcot’s France Pavilion

BDP

“Gourmet restaurant located at the 2nd floor”

On June 3, 1984, the restaurant Bistro de Paris opened in Epcot’s World Showcase, in the France Pavilion. The restaurant was created due to the success and demand for reservations for Les Chefs de France, and was located in the upstairs area of the restaurant. Like Les Chefs, Bistro de Paris specialized in gourmet French cuisine, featuring favorites such as filet mignon, duck breast, and crème brulee. The restaurant was closed on July 31, 2012; it was renovated and reopened in December, now named Monsieur Paul after famous French chef Paul Bocuse.

June 1

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June 1, 2009 – The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

TreehouseVilla

“Surrounded by the lush forest along the Saddagoula River, the Treehouse Villas are an enchanting hideaway just a walk or boat ride away from the heart of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.”

On June 1, 2009, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa open at Walt Disney World. These villas used to be accommodations at Lake Buena Vista, opening in 1975, but were closed in 2002. The villas were given a major remodel and made part of the Saratoga Springs Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort. Located a boat ride away from Downtown Disney, the villas are elevated at least ten feet from the ground, and are exquisite rooms complete with kitchens, spacious living area, and private decks.

May 31

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May 31, 1998 – The Wildhorse Saloon Opens in Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island

Wildhorse Saloon

“Pleasure Island Saloon a Horse of a Different Color” – The Orlando Sentinel

On May 31, 1998, the Wildhorse Saloon opened in Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney. It was very similar to the original Wildhorse Saloon that opened in Nashville, Tennessee in 1994; the Disney club was a 27,000-square-foot club that featured live entertainment by rising country stars, as well as dancers teaching guests how to line dance. It closed in the summer of 2001, and was replaced with a nightclub called Motion.

May 26

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May 26, 1983 – The Epcot Outreach Opens in Epcot’s CommuniCore West

EpcotOutreach

“Opening on May 26, in CommuniCore West, Epcot OutReach will be another innovation in computerized guest service.”

On May 26, 1983, the Epcot Outreach information area opened in the CommuniCore West area of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. This, along with the Teacher’s Center, gave guests information about all the subjects already presented in Future World and the World Showcase, with information about Epcot itself being the most popular topic queried. The area closed down on July 1, 1994, when Innoventions opened; it then moved to the new Epcot Discovery Center.

May 20

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May 20, 1973 – The Richard F. Irvine Riverboat Opens in Walt Disney World

RFIRiverboat

“Walt Disney World’s second paddle wheel steamship, the Richard F. Irvine, was named in his honor until it was re-christened Liberty Belle in 1996.”

On May 20, 1973, the Richard F. Irvine Riverboat opened in Walt Disney World. Named after Disney Legend Dick Irvine, who was one of the first executives of WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering), the riverboat was the second authentic steamboat at the park, following the Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat that opened in 1971. In 1996, after a lavish refurbishment, the steamboat was renamed the Liberty Belle.

May 15

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May 15, 1995 – The California Grill Opens in Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort

CaliforniaGrill

“Savor the finest in Californian cooking, as you take in the sights of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park.”

On May 15, 1995, the California Grill restaurant opened on the top floor of Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort, replacing Top of the World. The restaurant features Californian cuisine, featuring specialty sushi, several seafood dishes, and unique desserts, including Peanut Butter & Peach Jam on Cinnamon Toast. Guests take a private elevator to reach the restaurant, and are able to have breathtaking panoramic views of the park, including Cinderella’s Castle and the Floridian woodlands. This view also offers guests one of the best views of the fireworks in the Magic Kingdom; when the fireworks show begins, the lights dim in the restaurant and the music for the show plays, giving guests a unique dining experience.

May 5

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May 5, 1987 – Disney Dollars are Offered in Disney Parks

1987 Disney Dollar

“Disney Dollars are the official currency of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort, and Disney Store locations in the United States – including Puerto Rico.”

On May 5, 1987, a park-exclusive form of currency known as Disney Dollars was made available in American Disney parks, and has been expanded to use in Disney Stores. The value of the currency is equivalent to U.S. currency, with guests being able to purchase Disney Dollars either through credit cards or cashier’s checks. They come in three denominations: $1 (featuring Mickey Mouse), $5 (featuring Goofy), and $10 (featuring Minnie). A limited edition $50 bill featuring Mickey was available for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. Within the parks, the currency can be used to buy tickets, merchandise, and at guest relations.