Tag Archives: Disney World

Oct 28 2015

Frontera Fresco To Open In Disney Springs

Chef Rick Bayless

Another new dining option has just been announced for Disney Springs in 2016 – Frontera Fresco. Award winning Chef Rick Bayless is thrilled to share his passion for Mexican cuisine with families visiting the Orlando area. Here are all of the latest details about this upcoming addition courtesy of Disney:

Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, is bringing Frontera Fresco, his table-service Mexican restaurant concept, to Disney Springs, the new dining, shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort.

Opening in Summer 2016, Frontera Fresco will showcase the gourmet Mexican cuisine that has made Chef Bayless a culinary legend.

“I’m thrilled to bring Frontera Fresco to Disney Springs and share my passion for Mexican cuisine with the families who visit Orlando every year,” Bayless said.

The new restaurant will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, salads, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared from time-honored recipes with natural, locally sourced ingredients. Frontera Fresco also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails and craft beers and wine.

“Working with Chef Bayless to bring this fresh dining concept to the new Disney Springs is a joy for us, and we can’t wait for guests to experience it,” said Richard Debler, president and chief executive officer of Vista Springs.

Philadelphia-based Daroff Design is designing the nearly 6,000-square-foot space, which will seat 200 guests. Vista Springs LLC will be the restaurant operator.

Chef Rick Bayless Biography 

Chef Rick Bayless is probably best known for winning the title of Bravo TV’s “Top Chef Masters,” with his authentic Mexican cuisine. His highly rated, national Public Television Series, “Mexico–One Plate at a Time,” is in its 10th season. In 2012, Chef Bayless was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Best Culinary Host.

Chef Bayless has launched several award-winning Chicago restaurants. He founded the casual Frontera Grill in 1987 and received the James Beard Foundation’s highest award, Outstanding Restaurant, in 2007. The 4-star Topolobampo served its first meals in 1989. And the wildly popular, LEED GOLD-certified, fast-casual Xoco launched in 2009, serving wood-oven tortas, steaming caldos, golden churros and bean-to-cup Mexican hot chocolate. Chef Bayless’s quick-service Tortas Frontera restaurants have changed the face of food service at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, while Frontera Fresco restaurants have brought Frontera flavors to several Chicago locations. His award-winning Frontera line of salsas, cooking sauces and non-GMO tortilla chips can be found coast to coast.

Chef Bayless is the author of nine cookbooks, including “Mexico–One Plate at a Time,” which was won the James Beard Foundation Best International Cookbook of the Year award in 2001. His “Fiesta at Rick’s” is a New York Times bestseller. He has won six James Beard Foundation awards, including two for his cookbooks, Midwest Chef of the Year, National Chef of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year and Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.

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:

Are you excited to try Frontera Fresco? Please leave a comment!

Oct 27 2015

Epcot’s Holidays Around The World 2015

Disney World Holiday Decorations

Every year at Epcot, the holiday season is celebrated with a special event called Holidays Around The World. This year, the festive extravaganza will be held from November 27 through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music, and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. Here are the latest details courtesy of Disney:

This winter, soak up the sights and sounds of some of the greatest holiday festivities during Holidays Around the World at Epcot! Amid joyful music and seasonal food favorites, time-honored traditions spring to life as costumed performers present holiday heritage throughout World Showcase.

Although subject to change, festivities may include:

American Adventure
Share your Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy Hanukkah traditions and experience the spirit of Kwanzaa. Plus, treat your ears to the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers—an outstanding a cappella group that sings a special repertoire of classic songs.

Canada
Follow the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs on a musical tour through the customs of the Great White North.

Holidays Around the World — China PavilionChina
Feast your eyes on the colorful Chinese Lion Dance, which brings good fortune and happiness to all during major celebrations like the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival.

France
Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child.

Germany
Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.

Italy
Meet the kind-hearted witch La Befana who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.

Japan
Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year.

Holidays Around the World — Mexico PavilionMexico
¡Feliz Navidad! Join mariachis and dancers as they bring color and excitement to the music, dances and traditions of a holiday fiesta.

Morocco
Come! Take a journey through the seasons of holidays in Morocco, where celebrations are “the spice of life.”

Norway
Spend time with Sigrid and learn about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome.

United Kingdom
Delve into the vivid stories of Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England.

Heading to Disney World for the holidays?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Happy Holidays!

Oct 26 2015

Magic YOUR Band Plaid MagicBand Skins Giveaway Winner

Plaid Skins CollageA must-have Disney World vacation accessory!

The Winner

Congratulations to Daniela who won a set of four “Plaid” MagicBand Skins. Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter and be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to hear about more free giveaways throughout 2015!

Interested in getting your own MagicBand Skins? Please click this link to purchase some today!

The Review

Earlier this year, I arranged with Tracy at Magic YOUR Band to review their MagicBand Skins. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

Tracy asked me to pick out a MagicBand Skin that I liked as well as try out their online design tool for this review. My youngest son was excited to test the product with me so he choose the two piece “Slice of Pizza” design to go on his orange MagicBand. I decided to try putting my DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com logo on a skin for my red MagicBand. I was amazed at how easy Magic YOUR Band’s editing system worked. In a matter of minutes, I had a background selected and my logo in place and looking great! Then my son and I eagerly waited for our MagicBand Skins to arrive. Just as promised, they arrived in about a week.

Magic YOUR BandWe opened our delivery to find our MagicBand Skins nicely packaged and looking gorgeous! The first thing that struck me was how bright and vibrant the colors appeared. Upon further inspection, the MagicBand Skins looked perfectly cut and well made. Next up was getting them on our MagicBands.

The process was much easier than I thought it would be. I spent a few minutes watching the installation video on their site and then gave it a try. I found the skins to be very forgiving and I was able to lift them and adjust them until they were just right. Once I had the MagicBand Skins where I wanted, I went back over them pressing down firmly to make sure they were in place. It only took a couple of minutes until our MagicBands were looking quite magical!

My son and I wore our MagicBands with the Magic YOUR Band Skins throughout our entire Disney World vacation this summer. They held up beautifully to ten days filled with pool time, attractions, and rain. We can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our next trip this fall!

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself a MagicBand Skin:

  • MagicBand Skins are available for purchase on MagicYOURBand.com.
  • They range in price from $6 to $8 each.
  • They offer special pricing when you purchase multiple MagicBand Skins in one order. Buy two to five and save 15%. Buy six to nine and save 25%. Buy ten or more and save 33%.
  • They come in one piece (that covers the center MagicBand Mickey) or two piece (that shows the center MagicBand Mickey) styles.
  • Christmas Magic YOUR BandThey have over 100 ready-made designs available including adorable holiday varieties!
  • You also have the options of personalizing one of their designs or creating your own with their easy-to-use online editing tool.
  • MagicBand Skins are fully waterproof. They hold up in the shower, pool, and a Florida rain storm!
  • The MagicBand Skins are easy to apply and remove if you want to change-up your look. They even have a handy video to show you how!
  • The Skins have no effect on how the MagicBand works. Your band will still be fully functional.
  • Magic YOUR Band is located in the United Kingdom and offers free international shipping on all orders.
  • The average delivery time is 7 days from the date of postage. You can upgrade to 2 business day FedEx International Priority Shipping for an additional fee.

Please click this link to purchase one today!

Oct 25 2015

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up October 25, 2015

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for October 25, 2015!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tomorrowland At NightTip Of The Week

If you are visiting Magic Kingdom when the park is open late, you’ll be happy to know that the crowd level drops dramatically after the second evening parade. Many guests to choose to leaving after watching to try to beat the lines for transportation that will form once the park closes. You can take advantage of this extra hour or two to ride some of the more popular attractions that normally have long waits during the day. Last week, my boys and I rode over a dozen rides between midnight and 2:00am on a day with a crowd level of 10. The wait for Space Mountain at 1:30 in the morning was only 5 minutes which was basically the amount of time it took us to walk the queue.

Haunted MansionDisney Did You Know

There are really only 107 ghosts in the Haunted Mansion not 999.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“Over at our place, we’re sure of just one thing: everybody in the world was once a child. So in planning a new picture, we don’t think of grown-ups, and we don’t think of children. But just of that fine, clean, unspoiled spot down deep in every one of us, that maybe the world has made us forget. ”    

CoastersDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

Look for a new Color Fusion Mickey Mouse Coasters giveaway beginning Friday, October 30. Good luck, everyone!

Icon S3Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Richard, Sarah and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more. For more information about this week’s podcasts or to listen, please click here.

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

501 WaysFeatured Book

The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have more dining and holiday information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Do you have a question or article idea?
Please leave a comment!

Oct 24 2015

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap October 19 – October 23, 2015

Icon S3

Welcome to Season 3 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Sarah, Richard, and me. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous humor and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, Tim will keep you up-to-date on Disney news with his daily “Mouse News Minute” segment.

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day during Season 3:

  • Monday ~ Magical Mondays with fun and games!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with Top Ten lists and discussions featuring Richard’s “2 Cents To The Scoop” segment!
  • Wednesday ~ With Us Wednesdays with celebrity guests from around the Disney Universe!
  • Thursday ~ Theme Park Thursdays with fun information, facts, and stories about the parks featuring my “Mouse Whispers” segment!
  • Friday ~ Field Trip Fridays with information and discussions helpful to your park visit featuring Sarah’s “2 Minute Table Service” segment!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Tournament of Podcasts
  • Tuesday ~ Behind The Extinction Of Towel Animals
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Lisa Green
  • Thursday ~ Behind The Land Pavilion III
  • Friday ~ Behind Rachel’s Trip 

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

This Week’s Mouse Whispers

In my Thursday, October 22 “Mouse Whispers”, I shared the latest Disney gossip and rumors about the Imagination Pavilion! Check out Thursday’s full episode here!

We hope you enjoy our show!