Category Dining

Sep 4 2019

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Delicious Dishes From A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, let’s talk about the delicious dishes and drinks being offered throughout the land. There are lots of fantastic options to choose from for all of the Star Wars foodies out there. Here are the details courtesy of Disney:

In creating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Walt Disney Imagineering envisioned a land that immerses guests entirely in Star Wars storytelling, using all five of their senses. Thus, food and drink play important roles in deepening guests’ engagement, using taste and smell to play right alongside the wondrous sights and other sensations found within this new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. When guests take a bite of Fried Endorian Tip-yip or a swig of a strange-looking concoction, they feel all the more as if they’ve stepped onto the planet Batuu.

The Disney Parks food and beverage creative teams worked hand in hand with Walt Disney Imagineering to develop a diverse and distinctive menu for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The wide array of delectable creations reinforces Walt Disney Imagineering’s commitment to immersive storytelling and attention to detail in every aspect of this Star Wars experience.

As a remote planet, Batuu is one of the lesser-populated worlds in the Star Wars galaxy, so the food available in Black Spire Outpost has a “farm to table” feel typically found in more rural communities. Food and drink throughout the land hint at an ancient culture, passed down to the current generation of Batuuan residents and are served in unique and exotic vessels.

Oga’s Cantina, for example, is the land’s main watering hole and serves as the heart of Black Spire Outpost. Here, guests gather to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages such as the spicy Bloody Rancor, the foamy Fuzzy Tauntaun or the fruity Carbon Freeze.

Ronto Roasters, named for the large pack animals of Tatooine, draws attention from passersby with its large podracing engine firing up a barbecue pit. When hungry customers queue up to order, they encounter a former smelter droid, 8D-J8, carefully turning the spit of meats. The stall’s signature Ronto Wrap may remind guests of roasted pork and grilled sausage, while the Tatooine Sunset specialty drink may have them reminiscing about gourmet flavored iced tea and lemonade.

The Milk Stand will answer a question four decades in the making: What does Blue Milk taste like? This stall offers two local favorites – Blue Milk and Green Milk. Both provide a frozen blend of exotic tastes and fruity accents, with Green Milk delivering a bit more zing.

At Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs’ transport shuttle sits atop Docking Bay 7 as a mobile kitchen and restaurant, turning the hangar into Tuggs’ Grub. Tuggs’ journeys from system to system allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients he uses to make new and unusual dishes, such as Smoked Kaadu Ribs, Fried Endorian Tip-yip and Batuu-bon for dessert.

The full food and beverage offerings available in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge include:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

BREAKFAST
  • Bright Suns Morning: Three-cheese egg bite, pork sausage, purple potato hash, mini Mustafarian lava roll
  • Rising Moons Overnight Oats: Oats, dragon fruit, yogurt, seasonal fruit
  • Mustafarian Lava Roll: Sweet galactic delight
Kids’ Meals (for guests ages 3-9)
Meals include choice of small low-fat milk or small Dasani
  • Bright Suns Youngling Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, purple potatoes, fresh fruit
Specialty Beverages
  • Moof Juice: Simply Fruit Punch® and Simply Orange® with pineapple, chipotle-pineapple
  • Sour Sarlacc: Minute Maid® limeade, raspberry, spicy mango
  • Fountain Drinks: Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Sprite®, Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast, Minute Maid® Light Lemonade
  • Dasani® bottled water
  • Black Caf: Coffee
LUNCH AND DINNER
Entrées
  • Smoked Kaadu Ribs: Sticky pork ribs, blueberry corn muffin, cabbage slaw
  • Fried Endorian Tip-yip: Crispy chicken, roasted vegetable potato mash, herb gravy
  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad: Chilled shrimp, marinated noodles, vegetables
  • Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad: Marinated chicken, mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, green curry ranch
  • Braised Shaak Roast: Beef pot roast, cavatelli pasta, wilted kale, mushrooms
  • Felucian Garden Spread: Plant-based “kefta,” herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, pita
Desserts
  • Oi-oi Puff: Raspberry cream puff, passion fruit mousse
  • Batuu-bon: Chocolate cake, white chocolate mousse, coffee custard
Kids’ Meals (for guests ages 3-9)
All meals include choice of small low-fat milk or small Dasani® water
  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad: Chilled shrimp, noodle vegetables, sweet orange dressing
  • A Taste of Takodana: Black bean hummus, edible soil with nuts, chilled dipping vegetables, multi-grain crisps
  • Fried Endorian Tip-yip: Crispy chicken, macaroni & cheese, seasonal vegetables
Specialty Beverages
  • Moof Juice: Simply Fruit Punch® and Simply Orange® with Pineapple, chipotle-pineapple
  • Sour Sarlacc: Minute Maid® limeade, raspberry, spicy mango
  • Takodana Quencher: Bacardí dragon berry rum, blue curaçao, Simply Orange® with pineapple, kiwi
  • Gold Squadron Lager: Produced by Blue Point Brewery: golden lager with lavender and plum flavors
  • Fountain Drinks: Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Sprite®, Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast, Minute Maid® Light Lemonade
  • Dasani® bottled water
  • Black Caf: Coffee

Oga’s Cantina

Morning Menu
Food
  • Mustafarian Lava Roll: Sweet galactic delight
  • Rising Moons Overnight Oats: Oats, dragon fruit, yogurt, seasonal fruit
Concoctions with Alcohol
  • Spiran Caf: Peru Alto Mayo Organic Joffrey’s Coffee®, orange marmalade, rum, vanilla whipped cream, citrus zest
  • Bloody Rancor: Vodka, Chile liqueur, spicy Bloody Mary Mix, rancor bone
Concoctions Without Alcohol
  • Black Spire Brew: Cold Brew Joffrey’s Coffee®, honey, falernum, passion fruit, citrus
  • Moogan Tea: Gold Peak® Unsweetened Tea, chocolate milk, vanilla, cinnamon
  • Tarine Tea: Gold Peak® Unsweetened Tea, peach, huckleberry, mint
  • Blue Bantha: Blue Milk served chilled with Bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie
Afternoon and Evening Menu
Snack
  • Batuu Bits: A light crisp snack mix from the galaxy
Concoctions with Alcohol
  • Fuzzy Tauntaun: Peach vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice with tangerine, pure cane sugar, and “buzz button tingling” foam
  • Jedi Mind Trick: Grapefruit and rose vodka, falernum, blue curaçao, white grape juice, lime juice, and grapefruit bitters
  • The Outer Rim: Silver tequila, açaí liqueur, lime juice, pure cane sugar, black salt, and exotic fruit purée
  • T-16 Skyhopper: Vodka, melon liqueur, kiwi, and half & half
  • Dagobah Slug Slinger: Reposado tequila, blue curaçao, citrus juices, ginger, herbs, and bitters
  • Jet Juice: Bourbon, chile liqueur, açaí liqueur, white grape juice, and lemon juice
  • Yub Nub: Pineapple rum, spiced rum, citrus juices, and passion fruit (souvenir vessel available)
  • Bespin Fizz: Rum, yuzu purée, pomegranate juice, white cranberry juice, and cloud swirl
Concoctions Without Alcohol
  • Cliff Dweller: Citrus juices, coconut, hibiscus-grenadine, and Seagram’s Ginger Ale
  • Hyperdrive (Punch It!): Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast, white cranberry juice, black cherry purée, Sprite®
  • Jabba Juice: Simply Orange® with pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and blueberry popping pearls
  • Blurrgfire: Lemonade, pomegranate juice, and habanero-lime
  • Blue Bantha: Blue Milk served chilled with Bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie
  • Carbon Freeze: Powerade® Lemon Lime, wild strawberry, blueberry, green apple popping pearls
Provision Without Alcohol
  • Oga’s Obsession: Lemonade, cotton candy flavor, blueberry popping pearls
Beers on Tap
  • Gold Squadron Lager
  • White Wampa Ale
  • Gamorrean Ale
  • Bad Motivator IPA
  • Oga’s Beer Flight served in Rancor Beer Flight Souvenir Board and glasses 
Cider on Tap
  • Spice Runner Hard Cider
Wine on Tap
  • Toniray
  • Imperial Guard 

Ronto Roasters

Morning Menu
  • Ronto Morning Wrap: Whole oven baked omelet, grilled pork sausage, shredded cheese, peppercorn sauce wrapped in pita
  • Rising Moons Overnight Oats: Oats, Dragon Fruit, Yogurt, Seasonal Fruit 
  • Black Caf
All-Day Menu
  • Ronto Wrap: Roasted pork, grilled sausage, peppercorn sauce, tangy slaw wrapped in pita
  • Nuna Turkey Jerky: Choice of sweet or spicy
Specialty Beverages Without Alcohol
  • Tatooine Sunset: Gold Peak® unsweetened tea, Odwalla® lemonade, melon, blueberry flavors
  • Sour Sarlacc: Minute Maid® limeade, raspberry, spicy mango
Specialty Beverage with Alcohol
  • Coruscant Cooler: Bourbon, maraschino liqueur, sweet vermouth, cranberry, lime juice
Beer
  • Trandoshan Ale: Produced by Concrete Beach (Boston Beer) – Spiced Wheat Ale
Fountain Drinks
  • Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Sprite®, Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast, Minute Maid® Light Lemonade

Milk Stand

  • Blue Milk: Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milks
  • Green Milk: Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milks 

Kat Saka’s Kettle

  • Outpost Popcorn Mix
  • A colorful blend of sweet and spicy flavors
  • Bottled beverages: Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Sprite®, Dasani®

If you’re going to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the opening weeks of Star Wars: Galaxy’s edge, I hope to see you there!

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Jul 10 2019

New Dining Options At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Along with the recent reimagination of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and the gorgeous Gran Destino Tower, several new dining options are now open throughout the resort. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

With two restaurants and a stylish rooftop lounge leading the way, new food and beverage experiences share the spotlight as Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort emerges fresh from a multi-year, resort-wide re-imagining. The two new restaurants extend the wide variety of palate-pleasing dining options found throughout the resort.

The new Gran Destino Tower is home to an unforgettable new dining experience, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, a unique rooftop table-service restaurant offering dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain. Featuring sweeping views of Walt Disney World Resort, this charming, surrealistic location invites guests to dine indoors under a pair of large olive trees nestled beneath an intricate vaulted ceiling with shimmering stained-glass accents.

Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is the namesake of the Spanish city that was home to avant-garde writers and artists in the 1920s and ’30s. Spain also inspires the savory menu choices:

  • Begin the adventure with tapas from the Basque region of Spain. An onstage tapas kitchen serves small plates, charcuteríá, and cheeses.
  • Or choose from Cazuelas – chef interpretations of classic recipes presented in a traditional Spanish terra cotta dish.
  • Entrees include rioja-braised chicken, Spanish-style bone-in ribeye or golden tilefish (100% sustainable seafood).
  • Spanish sides include bravas (potatoes) with pimento aioli, braised gigante beans with aged sherry vinegar, and roasted cauliflower with harissa vinaigrette.
  • Three signature desserts from the Master Pastry Chef include the Tapas Bar, a crunchy chocolate bar with bite-sized flavors of Spanish coffee, crunchy chocolate, raspberry mousse and lemon curd.

In the Disney animated film “Destino,” from which the tower takes its name, the immortal Chronos is in love with the mortal Dahlia. This passion shines through in the Dahlia Lounge, a convivial room that shares the tower’s rooftop with Tolédo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood. The heroine inspires the lounge’s visual aesthetics – from dandelion chandeliers and metal bell accents to ceiling coffers with swirling patterns reminiscent of her flowing hair. Cocktails are crafted by expert mixologists, while wines from California and Spain include high-end cavas handpicked by the master sommelier. Visitors to the lounge – indoors or outdoors – can also choose from tapas or small-plate specialties.

The second new restaurant at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is on an island in the middle of Lago Dorado. Three convenient new walkways stretching across the 22-acre lake lead to Villa del Lago and its Three Bridges Bar & Grill. Offering casual waterside dining in an open-air setting, this idyllic new location presents a varied menu that includes curry-lentil hummus, Szechuan peppercorn wings, salads, a signature burger and a grilled skirt steak with pepper relish. Behind the central bar, a beautiful stone hearth invites guests to unwind with a pitcher of sangria or a vibrant cocktail while enjoying tranquil lake views.

Here’s a taste of other venues found at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:

  • NEW! Barcelona Lounge – On the ground floor of the two-story lobby in Gran Destino Tower, this dramatic yet casual space offers a European coffee experience paired with Spanish and classic American pastries as well as healthy breakfast items. The city of Barcelona inspired the eclectic patterns and warm colors, including the stained-glass feature wall behind the bar. Under a magnificent chandelier, the space transforms throughout the day, transitioning by late morning to an artisanal cocktail bar with a variety of tonics to complement an international gin collection. Those tonics include the resort’s own house-crafted, signature Gran Destino Gin Tonic. Guests can linger over lake views while enjoying select wines and craft beers from both Spain and California. Dishes of cheeses, olives and more, paired with sourdough, are served beginning at 11 a.m.
  • NEW! Chronos Club – With its casual yet intimate shadings, this bright, open-air club-access space located on the 15th floor of Gran Destino Tower is perfect for unwinding and enjoying light refreshments throughout the day. Chronos Club offers lake views and a Barcelona vibe with its cooler color palette.
  • Maya Grill – This grand Mexican dining room features ancient-modern styling and Nuevo Latino cuisine.
  • Rix Sports Bar & Grill – This stylish establishment puts a unique spin on classic bar food.
  • El Mercado de Coronado – There’s something for everyone at this food court filled with kitchens serving made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Café Rix – At this charming grab-and-go location, guests find pastries and coffee, among other tasty snacks.
  • Laguna Bar – Signature cocktails are available at this breezy lakeside lounge.
  • Siestas Cantina – This poolside hideaway is a place to unwind with refreshing beverages and snacks.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

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Will you be trying the new dining options at Disney’s Coronado Springs?
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May 29 2019

Dine At Woody’s Roundup Barbecue Buffet To Celebrate The 4th Of July In Walt Disney World

Are you one of lucky ones who will be visiting Walt Disney World for the 4th of July this year? If so, you are in luck! Disney is offering up a tasty way to celebrate…Woody’s Roundup Barbecue Buffet. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Summer is almost here, and if you’re planning on visiting Walt Disney World Resort over the 4th of July holiday, this event is one you certainly won’t want to miss! Come hangout with us July 4 – 6 at Woody’s Roundup – a fun-filled barbecue buffet complete with great food, familiar friends, and fun times, all from the comfort of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

This exciting event lets you step inside Andy’s favorite playset to join in on a summertime hootenanny with Woody’s Roundup. Harken back to your playful beginnings along with Sheriff Woody, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, and the rest of your favorite toys! When you arrive at the resort, Sarge will be there to greet you and make sure you’re in tip top toy shape and ready for playtime. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by your host, decked out in their favorite western gear and ready to entertain in true cowpoke style. You’ll also discover that the room has been filled with rustic camp time playsets offering the perfect setting for this summertime bash. Meet your favorite toy pals Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye from the playful world of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story. Buzz Lightyear will even be on hand in his own playtime zone. Theatrical backdrops, toys, and other fun props will help bring the room to life!

While you’re greeting with the toys, saunter on over to the delicious barbecue buffet, featuring some of the best barbecue outside of the Wild West. Feast on mouthwatering barbecue beef brisket, low and slow-smoked pork ribs, and grilled boneless chicken with roasted peach coulis, or take a bite out of a fire-roasted vegetable cake served with chipotle succotash. Create the perfect plate with sides including fresh cornbread (served with honey butter – YUM!), sweet cream cole slaw, southern-style potato salad, and grilled vegetables with smoked olive oil. You can also chow down on some warm vegetarian campfire chili or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette and roasted pepper ranch dressing. In addition, kids can enjoy their own special buffet featuring items like Creamy Mickey Roni Cheese, chicken fingers, and potato barrels.

And for dessert? Try some yummy salted caramel cookie bars, cherry pie shots, or assorted sliced fresh melon. And in celebration of the 4th of July holiday, grab a patriotic Red, White, and Blue Cake Push Pop!

While you’re chowin’ down, a rootin’ tootin’ DJ spins Woody’s favorite tunes from a rustic toy set right in the heart of it all. Kids can go have some fun with activities like the Trick Ropin’ Toy, Make-Your-Own Toy Station, camp-style carnival games, and a larger-than-life balloon artist who can recreate your favorite Toy Story characters. And finally, at the end of the night, you’ll be invited out to the Porte Cochére to end the evening with a viewing of the famous Magic Kingdom Park nighttime spectacular.

This limited-time event is happening for three nights only, July 4-6, from 6:15-9:15pm each night at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your family’s spot before it’s too late! Tickets are $149 for adults and $99 for children ages 3-9, tax and gratuity included. For more information and to make reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE. 

501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the 4th of July?

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Will you be celebrating at Woody’s Roundup Barbecue Buffet?
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May 17 2019

2019 Fall Fun At Walt Disney World

If you are looking for some place to take one last fall vacation before winter sets in again, look no further than Walt Disney World. With so much for the entire family to enjoy, there’s no better time to go than 2019! Here’s everything you need to know to experience a fun-filled time with your friends and family at Walt Disney World this fall courtesy of Disney:

As the calendar turns the page into fall later this year, the curtain will lift on an exciting time for Walt Disney World Resort. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be brand new at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while Magic Kingdom Park will unveil a new fireworks show as part of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run for a record number of days, and the park will wave a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” before ushering in a new nighttime spectacular, “Epcot Forever.” These enticing options and more are all part of a season of fun where guests are invited to “fall into magic.”

New Fireworks Show for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park

A new Halloween-themed fireworks show debuts this year during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This new show will feature state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks that come together to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. The show will take guests along for a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy – find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house.

Held for a record 36 select nights from August 16 – November 1, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a specially ticketed event that captures the spirit of the season with spooky décor, lighting and music parkwide, along with returning favorites such as “Mickey’s Boo to You Parade,” the “Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular” castle stage show and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Also returning for this year’s party will be special attraction experiences for Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Children are encouraged to dress in costume and enjoy the spirit of Halloween with their families. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a ticketed, after-hours special event. Tickets start at $79. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

DID YOU KNOW … The Headless Horseman will appear prior to “Mickey’s Boo to You Parade.”

Record Number of Days Set for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The Epcot celebration of cuisine, music and more takes place August 29 – November 23 – a record 87 days. During this foodie festival, the park will brim with marketplaces, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, specialty merchandise and much more. In some fun for the whole family, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak will send guests on an adventure searching for Remy in a savory scavenger hunt around the festival. Eat to the Beat concerts will bring a lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists, with three shows every night of the festival through November 19. Families will find a play area for kids and an international flair – including kid-approved menu items – at many of the 30-plus Global Marketplaces.

DID YOU KNOW … This year’s festival will offer 249 Eat to the Beat concerts.

Last Call for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” as “Epcot Forever” Debuts October 1

For nearly 20 years, the nighttime spectacular “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has brought each day at Epcot to a thrilling close. Guests have marveled as World Showcase lagoon came to life with fireworks, fountains and lasers paying homage to the joyful story of humanity and the remarkable achievements of our time. The show’s final night will be September 30, to make way for an all-new, limited-time spectacular, “Epcot Forever,” debuting October 1. This new show will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot, built around the magical soundtrack guests have come to know and love at the park. The new show will feature fireworks, lasers and choreographed special-effect kites accompanied by a stirring collection of songs celebrating Epcot.

DID YOU KNOW … “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has entertained millions of guests since it debuted in October 1999.

Bounce into Fall at Disney Springs with NBA Experience and Special Seasonal Offerings

Basketball is officially “in season” this fall, after NBA Experience holds a championship-worthy grand opening August 12 at Disney Springs. When guests step into this re-creation of a modern NBA arena, they’ll feel what it’s like to be a basketball superstar. The one-of-a-kind destination features 13 unique interactive and hands-on experiences where Disney magic merges with the thrills of the NBA and WNBA.

NBA Experience is part of the ever-evolving Disney Springs area. Also new is Jaleo, offering the very best of Spanish cuisine and design seen through the creative lens of renowned Chef José Andrés. Jaleo (which means “revelry” in Spanish) treats diners to an extensive tapas menu, reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, complemented by sangrias and a premier selection of Spanish wines. Just off the main entrance is Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick-and-mortar location of the chef’s wildly popular Spanish food truck.

Jaleo is one of six restaurants at Disney Springs featuring James Beard Award-winning chefs, and dining venues throughout the district will offer sample-sized fall food and drinks. With the help of a printed guide, guests can make their way through Disney Springs and sample all the flavors of the season from select locations.

The fall season is also a great time to enjoy entertainment and shopping at Disney Springs. Colorful backdrops will make great seasonal photos for the entire family, while new fall looks will be available in shops throughout the shopping district, including Halloween costumes for kids and clothing for adults featuring their favorite Disney characters.

DID YOU KNOW … NBA Experience will span 44,000 square feet of basketball action and fun.

Make the Jump to Lightspeed in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

On the heels of its August 29 opening, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests the chance this fall to live their own Star Wars stories. The action takes place on Batuu, a far-flung planet populated by scoundrels and adventurers. While visiting the land, guests can stop for a drink at Oga’s Cantina or discover rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, among other immersive Star Wars experiences. The groundbreaking attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gives guests control of the iconic spacecraft as the ship hurtles through space on a smuggling mission. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a second attraction opening later in 2019, will put guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

DID YOU KNOW … Guests will play one of three unique and critical roles in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – pilots, gunners or flight engineers – providing multiple ways to experience the attraction.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight this Fall

A new mode of transportation will float through the air around Walt Disney World this fall when Disney Skyliner, a state-of-the-art gondola system, begins gliding guests across the sky in custom cabins. Disney Skyliner will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort (planned to open in mid-December). Select gondolas will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior designs to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests. Disney Skyliner will offer a new way to experience Walt Disney World with amazing views only available from the sky.

DID YOU KNOW … Several Disney Skyliner gondolas will be adorned with graphics based on Disney films, attractions or characters.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Lights Up at Night

As the sun sets earlier and earlier this fall, these nighttime experiences will come to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

  • “Rivers of Light: We Are One” is the next chapter for this nighttime show on Discovery River. Updates include dramatic new imagery and familiar animal characters from Disneynature films along with a colorful tapestry of unforgettable moments from Disney animated films.
  • Pandora – The World of Avatar continues to come to life each night with bioluminescent fauna and flora as guests hike amid floating mountains, fly on their own mountain banshee, take a mystical river ride and more.

DID YOU KNOW … On May 1, 2019, a baby western lowland gorilla was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Named Grace, the gorilla and her parents can now be seen at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail inside the park.

Disney Resort Hotels News

To welcome fall travelers, there’s always something new at Disney resort hotels. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will greet guests with its new 15-story Gran Destino tower (opening this summer), adding 500-plus guestrooms, including suites and concierge-level services. New waterfront dining and a retail shopping area have come to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, while a mid-December opening is planned for Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club property inspired by the grandeur and enchantment of the European Riviera.

DID YOU KNOW … Sitting atop the new Gran Destino tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will be Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, a new table-service restaurant featuring dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain.

2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Marks 10-Year Milestone

Wine and Dine Half MarathonThis fall’s runDisney race season is a delectable celebration 10 years in the making as the 2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place October 31 – November 3. Filled with a delicious slate of events and Disney magic along every mile, this year’s event includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. During this year’s Disney Fall Feast 5K, guests can run, jog or walk their way around Epcot for the first time during this fall event. At the November 3 post-race party, guests enjoy after-hours access to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including marketplaces and select Epcot attractions. For all race-season details, please click here. Guests can also register via the celebrated charity for this year’s event, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

DID YOU KNOW … runDisney is one of the most popular race organizers in the United States, with more than 188,000 runners participating in events throughout the year.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this fall?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

May 13 2019

2019 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival First Details Released

Great news fellow foodies! Recently the first details of the 24th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival were released and it looks like it is going to be another fabulous event. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

A culinary mashup of global cultures and gourmet innovation will bring irresistible bites, sips, entertainment and family fun to the 24th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, August 29 – November 23, 2019. This year, the celebrated summer-into-fall festival at Walt Disney World Resort will add a dozen extra days, expanding the foodie celebration to a delicious 87 days.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyEpcot guests can begin with the aromas and flavors of 30 festive global food and wine marketplaces that extend from Future World to encircle the World Showcase promenade. Guests also can explore opportunities for special tastings and pairings, plus premium dining events featuring chef personalities such as Maneet Chauhan, Rick Bayless, Rock Harper and Florida darling Art Smith. Reservations for special programming and premium festival events open May 15 and can be made by calling 407-WDW-FEST.

Back by popular demand, the Disney du Jour Dance Party in Future World will expand to seven days a week. Sundays through Thursdays, a DJ will lead the interactive fun. Fridays and Saturdays, Radio Disney stars will pump up the mix with live performances. Actress-singer Meg Donnelly, from the Disney Channel original movie “Zombies,” will appear opening weekend, and more weekend celebrity headliners will join the lineup throughout the festival.

Other family activities on tap are Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt and the popular Candy Sushi interactive experience.

Throughout the event, guests can dish with their favorite celebrity and Disney chefs, and book seats for tasting and dining events in Mexico, France, Japan, Italy, Morocco and other World Showcase pavilions. Guests can also get their gourmet groove on during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series that runs three times nightly August 29 – November 19. Eat to the Beat Dining Packages, available at select table-service locations, will include guaranteed concert seating.

The first of five popular Party for the Senses events – each a delectable tribute to the sensory arts – will kick off September 21 in the park’s World Showplace Events Pavilion.

More highlights from the 24th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

  • 30 Global Marketplaces, plus additional locations across the festival, will present fresh flavors at a variety of marketplaces such as Africa, where the new Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with sweet potato and corn mealie pap with Kachumbari slaw will tempt guests to return for seconds. At Earth Eats marketplace guests can dig into the new plant-based Cottage Pie with carrots, mushrooms and peas topped with mashed cauliflower and white beans.
  • The back-by-demand Sunday Brunch with the Chef series in World Showplace Events Pavilion will kick off September 1 with celebrity Chef Jamie Deen and continue on select Sundays through November 17. The chef lineup includes Cat Cora, Carla Hall, Fabio Viviani, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Richard Blais, Robert Irvine, David Burtka, Graham Elliot and Aarti Sequeira.
  • Three times nightly, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series – 249 concerts in all – will rev up fans at the America Gardens Theatre stage through Nov. 19 with the biggest musical menu of top talent in the festival’s history, including new acts Lauren Daigle (contemporary Christian), Kris Allen (pop, alt-rock), Sawyer Brown (country) and Boyce Avenue (rock, pop). Returning festival favorites spanning a broad range of eras and genres include Plain White T’s, Sugar Ray, Hanson, Sheila E. and Boyz II Men. Showtimes Sundays through Thursdays will be 5:30, 6:45 and 8pm; Friday and Saturday shows are slated for 6:30, 7:45 and 9pm.
  • Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will let guests choose their favorite restaurant for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner plus guaranteed concert seating that evening.
  • The grandest of the festival’s hot-ticket tasting events, Party for the Senses at World Showplace Events Pavilion will welcome acclaimed chefs and vintners September 21, October 5, 12 and 19 (All Disney Chef Night!) and November 9. This event showcases creative bites and palate-pleasing sips with sensational live entertainment featuring Femmes of Rock, who wowed guests last year with their blistering solos and innovative arrangements.
  • “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops on select Mondays and Thursdays through November 14 will offer new opportunities for guests to work side-by-side with visiting chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros.
  • Popular TV chefs and other culinary icons will entertain guests and inspire their palates on select dates at festival seminars and other events. Some of the big names on tap are Bryan Voltaggio, Kenny Gilbert, Maneet Chauhan, Jet Tila, Shaun O’Neale, Keegan Gerhard, Dan Pashman and Rock Harper.
  • Book & Bottle Signings by some of the world’s top vintners and chefs will return on select dates this year, in addition to the popular The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli, offering guests samples.
  • Culinary Demonstrations (available through November 16) and Beverage Seminars (available through November 17) will offer learning and tasting sessions select days throughout the festival.
  • And don’t forget about the exciting new merchandise to commemorate the Festival! Chef Minnie will join Chef Mickey this year to bring a “sprinkle” of fun to the festival. This new merchandise line depicts them busily making cupcakes and other delectable desserts with ingredients that include rose-gold accents and a little sparkle. Chef Minnie will also bring her sense of style to a new cupcake headband and other festival apparel. Guests can also celebrate the Festival with returning favorites including the Taste Your Way Around the World, Brews, Figment, and Remy collections.

Included with Epcot Admission

Eat to the Beat concerts through November 19 only, Disney du Jour Dance Party, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation

Party for the Senses, Sunday Brunch with the Chef, Cheese Seminars and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Reservations for special programming and premium festival events open May 15 and can be made by calling 407-WDW-FEST.

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