If you could talk about one topic non-stop for an hour to save your life, what would it be? Family, movies, or maybe a favorite book? For me, it’s an easy choice—I’d dive deep into the fascinating realm of the ABC Soap Opera Bistro at Disney’s California Adventure.

As Disney’s California Adventure marked its anniversary last month, I found myself reminiscing about its opening day attractions. Despite the park’s tumultuous beginnings (I admit it, I loved Superstar Limo), one standout concept was the ABC Soap Opera Bistro. Imagine dining in the heart of Hollywood Backlot with detailed recreations of beloved soap operas like General Hospital, All My Children, and One Life to Live. The menu may have been typical theme park fare, but the atmosphere was anything but. The immersive experience featured actors improvising soap opera-style drama right at your table. “Here’s your salad, sir. Also, how DARE you steal my diamonds when I wasn’t looking!” It was hilariously engaging and unique.

At the peak of ABC’s TGIT and Shonda Rhimes’ primetime domination, I yearned for a revival of such a creative dining experience. Picture enjoying your meal in the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital lobby from Grey’s Anatomy or Olivia Pope’s offices from Scandal with actors performing live dramatics around you. Unfortunately, the Shonda-peak ebbed without such an addition. However, as network TV makes its slow resurgence, the question remains: Is there still room for Disney’s television hits within the theme parks in 2025?

Even as a child, I dreamt of integrating TV shows into theme parks. I wrote to Walt Disney World suggesting The Pie Hole from Pushing Daisies for MGM Studios’ Streets of America. From 2007 to now, Disney parks have struggled to meaningfully integrate television. There’s potential in iconic shows—imagine a mini Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital or a Chill Grill from That’s So Raven. ABC, Disney Channel, and 20th Television boast a trove of beloved series waiting for their park debut.

What do you think? Could Disney parks benefit from a renewed focus on TV-themed attractions and experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Marshal Knight