Tag Archives: Epcot

Apr 28 2016

More Than A Dozen New Restaurants At Walt Disney World

D- Luxe Burger 1

If you’re a “foodie” heading to Walt Disney World this year, you have plenty to get excited about. With more than a dozen new restaurants at the resort, there is something that everyone is sure to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know about the newest options courtesy of Disney:

From a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs at Disney Springs to trend-setting creations from Disney’s new global test kitchen, the Walt Disney World culinary team exceeds expectations of food-savvy guests. Here’s the buzz for 2016:

Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood ObservatoryCelebrity eats and fast bites: Coming this summer: Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar; Chef Rick Bayless’ Tablas Frontera; and STK, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge. They join recently opened Morimoto Asia by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and The BOATHOUSE starring seafood and dream boats from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Also look for a re-imagined Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs by summer as the flagship venue is transformed into a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory to match the look and feel of Disney Springs. By fall, Fulton’s Crab House reopens with a new concept.

Jock Lindsay's 6Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza opens this summer, a modern “pizza joint” known for custom-built artisanal pizzas. Guests will flip for Disney’s D-Luxe Burger featuring gourmet burgers made from a signature blend of beef, plus all-natural chicken and vegetarian burgers, hand-cut fries and gelato shakes in a relaxing Town Center location with outdoor seating overlooking the Spring. Also look for three new Disney kiosks: Aristocrepes, with sweet and savory crepes; The Daily Poutine, with hot fries and four different toppings, and B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. featuring artisan sausages. Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar opened in 2015 along the waterfront at Disney Springs with 150 seats inside and out. The bar cleverly features salvaged equipment, spare airplane parts and travel mementos collected by Jock, Indiana Jones’ pilot in the first film.

Ganachery 1Next gen of sweets: Recently opened, The Ganachery showcases the beauty of chocolate, with Disney’s proprietary recipe for the custom-made ganache, a luxurious mixture of melted chocolate and cream. Opening in May, Amorette’s Patisserie will feature classic and contemporary pastries by the Disney chefs, with custom cakes that are works of art. Also coming this summer is Sprinkles, serving up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. (Their innovative Cupcake ATM will satisfy sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.)

In the Disney Resorts

Narcoossee Brunch 3For those who brunch: For those who like a leisurely Sunday morning, Disney added two new brunches. The new Brunch at the Top at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort features both a buffet (with an extraordinary Bloody Mary bar) and table service, plus a remarkable view from the 15th floor. Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a three-course delight with Mimosas, Champagne or Bloody Marys. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.

Trader SamsNew lounge for small bites, original cocktails: At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a favorite of Disney fans, with more than 1,200 pieces of memorabilia. Hand-crafted cocktails and small plates are a hit with guests.

Redux: Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort temporarily closed at the end of January, but reopens this summer with a whole new look – and while the kitchen is working on new menu items, the chef promises that potato-wrapped snapper and the popular New York strip steak will be back.

New in the Theme Parks

Tiffins 3Global cuisine at two new restaurants: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins opens Memorial Day weekend, featuring food from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins has waterfront views and is situated at the entrance to Pandora: The World of AVATAR, opening in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites.

Skipper Canteen 17The new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom is the first restaurant inspired by a classic attraction. Just steps from the legendary Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland, the 222-seat restaurant features bold, flavorful tastes of Asia, South America and Africa for lunch and dinner.

Great Food Among the Flowers and More of The Best Food Fest: The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has expanded to 90 days, and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off September 14 and runs through November 14 this fall. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more.

What Disney Does Best

Allergy-friendly menus are found in more than 120 quick-service and table-service locations at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, along with more ways to make the special-diet-request process easier. Guests are still able to consult directly with a restaurant chef or special diets trained cast member. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the recipient of a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award for dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for vacationing families and Disney chefs have been recognized for their commitment to food allergy awareness, education and management.

Where It All Starts

Ever wonder how a new dish makes it on the menu? Or how a cocktail comes to life? The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Flavor Lab brings the chefs, front-of-house managers, sommeliers, mixologists and more together in a state-of-the-art research and development facility. The new 7,000-square foot Flavor Lab serves as a hub of new product, packaging and equipment innovation for food and beverage programs across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe. While not open to the public, Disney guests will be the ultimate benefactor of all the testing, measuring and collaborations that will happen in the expansive new space.

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:

Which restaurant are you most looking forward to trying?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Apr 27 2016

Soarin’ Around The World Debuts June 17, 2016

Soarin' Around the World at Epcot

Beginning June 17, 2016, guests at Epcot will undertake a whole new journey when Soarin’ Around the World opens. This new experience is part of the planned updates to the popular attraction, including all-new digital screens and projection systems, an additional theatre, and a redesigned and themed queue. Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Imagine a wind-through-hair flight above The Great Wall of China, a lift-your-feet-or-they’ll-touch journey over the Great Pyramids of Egypt or a seat-of-your-pants dash through the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

These are just a few of the more than a dozen breathtaking – and innovative – ways guests will be able to experience the wonders of the world on the groundbreaking Soarin’ Around the World, which premieres June 17 at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort, just after the attraction’s world debut at the Shanghai Disney Resort. In addition to the new film, a third theater and re-imagined interactive queue will be added to the attraction at Epcot.

Soarin 1As the next generation of the popular Soarin’ attractions, Soarin’ Around the World is an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds and even subtle scents.

Guests won’t just see these gorgeous landscapes with their eyes. They’ll use all their senses to feel, smell and hear the world through this thrilling experience that could only be created by Disney.

Employing high-definition, laser-projected footage and innovative motion-based ride technology, all developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, Soarin’ Around the World lifts 87 guests at a time 40 feet aloft into an 80-foot projection screen dome. The effect is that guests’ entire field of vision is filled with panoramic beauty, giving them the sensation that they are actually flying over the globe’s grand landmarks, natural and manmade.

Soarin’ Around the World is also enhanced by its majestic musical score, composed by Bruce Broughton, based on the original Soarin’ score by the late film and television composer Jerry Goldsmith, and performed by the London Studio Orchestra.

Here’s a sneak peek:

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:

Do you love Soarin’? Are you excited about Soarin’ Around The World?
Please leave a comment!

Apr 21 2016

Frozen Ever After In Epcot

Frozen Ever After

“Frozen Ever After”

So have you heard the latest about the new Frozen attraction opening in the Norway Pavilion this summer? Whether you love it or hate it, Frozen is here to stay and at least it is bringing a much needed new attraction to Epcot. Hopefully, in addition to showcasing our favorites from the film, it will also feature Norway and its beautiful scenery and rich history. Here’s what we know so far courtesy of Disney:

For the first time in forever, guests can explore the kingdom of Arendelle when “Frozen Ever After” opens in the Norway Pavilion in summer 2016. This family-friendly adventure picks up after the events in the blockbuster hit “Frozen” and celebrates a “Summer Snow Day.”

A stone archway entrance greets guests to the kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, trolls and Marshmallow join them on their boat journey through the frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to the North Mountain to Elsa’s ice palace.

After disembarking, guests can meet the regal sisters in the cozy Royal Sommerhus. Inspired by a cabin in the countryside of Norway, the sisters have opened their summer home for visitors.

Fun Facts:

  • Frozen Ever After is the first Frozen-themed attraction and the Royal Sommerhus is Elsa’s and Anna’s permanent meet and greet at Disney Parks.
  • Guests will witness Elsa’s ice magic on Frozen Ever After.
  • Composers Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez created new lyrics to the cherished Frozen film songs.
  • All of the original voice talent from the film returned and recorded dialogue and songs for the attraction.
  • WDI traveled to Norway to research architecture, décor and artifacts; guests will find their inspiration in the Royal Sommerhus.
  • The design of Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin in Trondheim.

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 looking forward to the new Frozen attraction?
Do you miss Maelstrom? Please leave a comment!

Halloween Party
Apr 11 2016

Helpful Information For Your October 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in October 2016?
October is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during October is mild and mostly dry. The average high is about 84 degrees, the average low is about 66 degrees and the average rainfall is about 2.52 inches. The evenings can get a little chilly, so be sure to pack a few of your favorite Disney hoodies!

Crowds

The crowds in October are still fairly low as kids are back in school. However, several school districts throughout the US have a short fall break during the month of October that can sometimes cause the crowd levels to rise slightly especially over the weekends.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowOctober 1
Average Crowd Level 5.0 out of 10
October 2 – October 8
Average Crowd Level 4.6 out of 10
October 9 – October 15
Average Crowd Level 5.9 out of 10
October 16 – October 22
Average Crowd Level 5.3 out of 10
October 23 – October 29
Average Crowd Level 4.3 out of 10
October 30 – October 31
Average Crowd Level 3.5 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 7:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during October, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

MNSSHP 1On select nights in October, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held at Magic Kingdom. This party is a lively, light-hearted, family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating and dancing the night away with all of the characters. For more information, please click here.

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalOne of the best things about visiting Disney World in October is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. No details for the 2016 event have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 270 chefs and included more than 25 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, food and beverage demonstrations and music concerts. Check back often for more updates about this fabulous celebration. In the meantime for some fun facts about the Food and Wine Festival, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during October (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: August 8 – November 19, 2016

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – November 2016
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2018
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in 2017

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 23 – December 24, 2016

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: May 1 – December 31, 2016

Resort Hotels
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in October 2016, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • Halloween MagicYOURBandIf you are staying on site, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name. And if you really want to make your MagicBand special, personalize it with your own custom designed MagicBand Skin from Magic YOUR Band. Click here to get started!
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy.
  • Whether you are staying on site or off-property, be sure to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (midnight EST time) if you are staying on site or 30 days in advance for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation at least 60 days in advance by clicking here.
  • It’s never too early to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, for hundreds of insider tips and secrets for having the most magical Disney World vacation possible!

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your October 2016 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. 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! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Spaceship Earth
Apr 5 2016

Helpful Information For Your September 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in September 2016?
September is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during September is warm and mildly rainy. The average high is about 90 degrees, the average low is about 72 degrees and the average rainfall is about 5.09 inches. You can expect a little rain during your vacation, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in September drop dramatically as kids head back to school. This month has the lowest crowd levels of the year.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowSeptember 1 – September 3
Average Crowd Level 2.7 out of 10
September 4 – September 10
Average Crowd Level 2.7 out of 10
September 11 – September 17
Average Crowd Level 2.6 out of 10
September 18 – September 24
Average Crowd Level 3.4 out of 10
September 25 – September 30
Average Crowd Level 3.0 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during September, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

Wide World of Sports 1On September 9 and 10 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, soak up the spirited sounds of a contemporary music festival featuring performances by Christian superstars in rock, pop and gospel during the Night of Joy.

MNSSHP 1On select nights beginning in September, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held at Magic Kingdom. This party is a lively, light-hearted, family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating and dancing the night away with all of the characters. For more information, please click here.

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalEpcot’s International Food and Wine Festival will begin on September 14. No details for the 2016 event have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 270 chefs and included more than 25 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, food and beverage demonstrations and music concerts. Check back often for more updates about this fabulous celebration. In the meantime for some fun facts about the Food and Wine Festival, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during September (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: August 8 – November 19, 2016
“it’s a small world”: August 22 – September 15, 2016
Swiss Family Treehouse: July 7 – September 24, 2016

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Big Thunder Mountain RailroadHollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – November 2016
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2018
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in 2017

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
Fulton’s Crab House: May 1 – December 31, 2016

Resort Hotels
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in September 2016, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name. And if you really want to make your MagicBand special, personalize it with your own custom designed MagicBand Skin from Magic YOUR Band. Click here to get started!
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy.
  • Whether you are staying on site or off-property, be sure to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (midnight EST time) if you are staying on site or 30 days in advance for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation at least 60 days in advance by clicking here.
  • It’s never too early to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, for hundreds of insider tips and secrets for having the most magical Disney World vacation possible!

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your September 2016 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. 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! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!