Riverbelle Terrace Makeover

[Sarangel]

This from Mouseplanet:

It was over two years ago, back in our July 7, 2003, Disneyland Park Update, that we ran the following tidbit of gossip about the River Belle Terrace restaurant:

“From the far-left-field department comes this completely unsubstantiated rumor about the River Belle Terrace. We hear that the restaurant will be closed in 2005, and rebuilt with a two-level seating area, similar to the one at the Hungry Bear.

“Both levels will be used for breakfast and lunch, with the upper terrace reserved at night to provide a larger premium viewing area for Fantasmic. The restaurant would reopen in 2006. If true, this rumor should offer some small token of hope to those who fear that the days of Fantasmic are numbered.”

At the time, we received several responses from readers who expressed some doubt, and some even wondered if we were making things up. Well, we've heard from an insider familiar with elements of this project and it appears plans are starting to solidify, pretty much along the lines of what we originally reported. Nothing official has been announced, particularly a start date for the project, but it looks like it will still be a bit before the 44-year-old River Belle Terrace closes, most likely after the 2006 summer season and the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration. No word on whether the new look will involve a new name (the area has previously been home to Aunt Jemima Pancake House (1955-1962), Aunt Jemima Kitchen (1962-1970), and Magnolia Tree Terrace (1970-71).