Why named 1900 Park Fare?

[ParentsOf4]

WDW has a back story for everything. Why was 1900 Park Fare (at the Grand Floridian) given that name?

 

[bethymouse]

Good question. Hope someone has the answer.

 

[JenniferS]

I googled 5 or 6 different phrasings for your question and came up empty.
You're right - there has to be a story behind it.
Anyone?

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Let me venture a guess...

Fare: best def. here is to eat or dine
Park: lots of types of parks but probably a blending of various interpretations- particularly royal enclosed grounds and tracts of land w/woodland features and an attached country cottage(s)
1900: The Victorian era ended in 1912 (at least based on the sources I read- I think she actually died in 1901)- considering the GF is decorated in Victorian style and you've got V&As onsite- I would think it's a nod to the period.

So, basically a Victorian era themed eatery reminiscent of possibly some of the grounds and cottages found in parks of the time.

 

[rufio]

Just found this on another forum. Not sure if it's true, but it's the best I found:

1) GF was an homage to Henry Morrison Flagler, who was industrialist, railroader, etc.
2) He developed a lot of Florida, including the railroad to Key West.
3) He also built the Ponce De Leon Hotel in St Augustine in 1887-1889.
4) The hotel was credited for tourism increases for Florida and St Augustine.
5) Inside, both the hotel promenade and hotel eatery were called "Park Fare".
6) The "1900" was a reference to the period the GF was meant to portray.
7) Thus, "1900 Pare Fare".

NOTE: When the GF opened, the Italian restaurant was named "Flagler's" in respect of HMF. The name was changed to Citricos in 1997, some said due to copyright violations for the use of the Flagler Restaurant name, of which there were already several, including one on Key West. It should also be noted that the train exhibit in the lobby of OKW represents the first Flagler train on the Key West route.