DAPs Magic Disney News – PRESS RELEASE
New Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop Debuts in
San Francisco-Inspired Area of Disney California Adventure Park
ANAHEIM, Calif. – June 7, 2012 – Disneyland Resort today welcomed a new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop to Disney California Adventure Park. The new location – the first to open inside a theme park – features Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes and decadent chocolate products, and represents another milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure.
“As we celebrate the culmination of our Resort expansion, we are thrilled to welcome Ghirardelli, and to make this unique chocolate experience available to our park guests,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Disneyland Resort. “Ghirardelli is a perfect fit for our newly reimagined Disney California Adventure, as we both share a rich California heritage.”
The new soda fountain and chocolate shop is located in Pacific Wharf, the San Francisco-inspired area of Disney California Adventure. Guests can visit the location to enjoy treats including sundaes, shakes, and floats, plus a delicious assortment of chocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts. Each guest can enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares® chocolate.
“We are excited to partner with the Disneyland Resort to open our Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Disney California Adventure,” said Martin Thompson, President and CEO of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. “Consumers associate our premium brand with high quality, delicious chocolate and now they will have the opportunity to enjoy both our intense, slow melting chocolate and our decadent ice cream treats inside the park. Our rich heritage began in California 160 years ago this year and opening this store in Disney California Adventure is a perfect way to celebrate.”
The expansion of Disney California Adventure culminates on June 15 with the opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street. The 12-acre Cars Land offers three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars,” plus themed dining and shopping. Nearby, Buena Vista Street, a new gateway to Disney California Adventure serving a similar role to Main St. U.S.A. in Disneyland, transports guests to a nostalgic Los Angeles of the 1920s and ‘30s as Walt Disney might have seen it when he first arrived in California. The two new lands follow myriad additions to Disney California Adventure, including the nighttime water spectacular “World of Color” and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
ABOUT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT
Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the 969-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With 23,000 Cast Members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and generates $4.7 billion for the Southern California economy. The Resort has welcomed more than 600 million guests since opening on July 17, 1955. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit www.disneyland.com.
ABOUT THE GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s Premium Chocolate Company and will celebrate its 160th anniversary next year. Ghirardelli’s product line includes its signature Squares™ chocolate, Intense Dark™ chocolate, Gourmet Milk™ chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 18 retail stores in seven states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco’s historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.
