ABC Soap Opera Bistro

ABC Soap Opera Bistro was a themed restaurant located at Disney California Adventure, a theme park located in Anaheim, California. The restaurant, which operated from the park's opening on February 8, 2001 until November 3, 2002, was an innovative and immersive dining experience that combined the worlds of daytime television soap operas and theme park entertainment. This unique attraction drew inspiration from the popular ABC television network and its beloved daytime soap operas, offering guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the glamour and drama of the soap opera world while enjoying a meal in a bustling television studio.
==History==
===Inception and Design===
The idea for ABC Soap Opera Bistro was conceived as part of Disney California Adventure's effort to offer diverse dining experiences to park guests. The concept, a collaboration between The Walt Disney Company and ABC Television, aimed to blend the appeal of daytime soap operas with the interactivity of a themed restaurant. It was designed to transport visitors to the heart of the soap opera genre, allowing them to be a part of the action.
The restaurant was also designed to resemble a working television studio, complete with multiple themed dining areas set as famous soap opera locales. These included the General Hospital operating room, the Port Charles Hotel dining area, and the One Life to Live bar. Guests were seated in these meticulously crafted spaces, surrounded by props, memorabilia, and scenes that reflected the shows they were inspired by. The restaurant was inspired by the soap operas produced by ABC, such as General Hospital, All My Children, One Life to Live, and Port Charles. Guests could dine in one of the five rooms that recreated the sets of these shows and interact with the cast members who played the roles of soap opera characters. 
The restaurant also featured a gift shop called SoapLink, where guests could buy merchandise related to the soap operas. It was located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of the park, next to the Hollywood & Dine food court. The exterior of the restaurant was designed in the Streamline Moderne style, with a neon sign that read "ABC Soap Opera Bistro". The interior of the restaurant was divided into five sections, each with a different theme and decor:
* The Nurses Station from General Hospital: This room resembled a hospital lobby, with medical equipment, posters, and a reception desk. The cast members wore scrubs, lab coats, or nurse uniforms, and acted as doctors, nurses, or patients. They would occasionally announce medical emergencies or gossip about the hospital staff.
* Lukes Night Club from General Hospital: This room resembled a nightclub, with a bar, a stage, and a dance floor. The cast members wore glamorous outfits and acted as singers, dancers, or bartenders. They would perform songs or dances on the stage, or flirt with the guests at the bar.
* Kelly's Diner from General Hospital: This room resembled a diner, with booths, tables, and a counter. The cast members wore aprons and acted as waiters, waitresses, or cooks. They would serve food and drinks to the guests, or chat with them about their personal lives.
* The Chandler Mansion from All My Children: This room resembled a mansion, with a fireplace, a staircase, and a chandelier. The cast members wore elegant dresses and suits and acted as wealthy socialites or servants. They would welcome guests to their home, or scheme against their rivals.
* Llanview Country Club from One Life to Live: This room resembled a country club, with golf clubs, trophies, and a patio. The cast members wore casual or sporty outfits and acted as golfers, tennis players, or club members. They would invite guests to join them in their activities or confide in them about their secrets.
The menu of the restaurant featured dishes that were named after soap opera characters or phrases, such as "Tuna in Tomorrow", "Saucy Beef Short Ribs", or "One Leaf to Live". The dishes were categorized into sections such as "Appeteasers", "Green with Envy", or "Main Affairs". The restaurant also offered breakfast items such as "Scammin' Salmon", "Bad Boy Banana Waffles", or "I've Got the Blueberry Pancakes". The restaurant had a full bar service in Luke's Night Club room.
===Operation===
When the ABC Soap Opera Bistro officially opened in February 2001, it quickly became a must-visit attraction for fans of soap operas and those looking for an interactive dining experience. The restaurant featured a menu with a variety of dishes and beverages that were both themed and inspired by the various ABC soap operas. The unique aspect of the restaurant was that while guests enjoyed their meals, actors playing characters from popular ABC soap operas performed scenes, interacted with diners, and created a dynamic and immersive dining atmosphere. The soap opera scenes were performed several times throughout the day, ensuring that guests had multiple opportunities to witness the drama unfold. Actors rotated through various roles and storylines, adding to the unpredictability and entertainment value of the experience.
==Closure==
Despite its initial popularity, ABC Soap Opera Bistro faced several challenges that ultimately led to its closure in November 2002. One of the main issues was the changing landscape of daytime television, as the soap opera genre began to decline in viewership and popularity. Additionally, maintaining the restaurant's operations with a cast of actors and complex sets proved to be financially burdensome. For this reason, Disney California Adventure decided to close the ABC Soap Opera Bistro as part of the park's overhaul to make it more family-friendly and appealing to guests. The space was transformed into Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!, a theater that featured live shows based on Playhouse Disney shows such as Bear in the Big Blue House, Rolie Polie Olie, Stanley, and The Book of Pooh.
Category:Disney California Adventure restaurants
Category:Disney California Adventure
Category:Disney Theater 
Category:Hollywood Land
Category:ABC