Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Jul 13 2017

New Restaurants Coming Soon To Disney Springs

If you’re a foodie heading to Walt Disney World soon, you have plenty to get excited about. With several new restaurants opening in Disney Springs, there is something that everyone is sure to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know about the newest dining options courtesy of Disney:

Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, the Disney Springs restaurant will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches. Designed by noted Spanish designer Juli Capella, the multi-level space will feature vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful culture of Spain.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

Opening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

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!

Jul 12 2017

Disney Movie Magic Nighttime Spectacular At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you’re looking for an exciting way to end a night at Walt Disney World, look no further than new nighttime projection show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…”Disney Movie Magic.” Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

Star-struck guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer have a front-row seat for movie classics in the all-new entertainment experience “Disney Movie Magic.”  The nightly 10-minute performance bathes the park’s iconic Chinese Theater in breathtaking projection-mapping technology that brings to life scores of classic movie moments from the Disney family of film studios.

Chimney sweeps from “Mary Poppins” “step in time” over the rooftops of London.  A playful Captain Jack swash-buckles his way across the high seas of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” “Tron: Legacy” Lightcycles speed through The Grid.  And Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast” invites you to be his guest.

These and other cinematic gems that have lit up silver screens around the world play across the facade of the theater in the fast-paced “Disney Movie Magic” – from Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” to contemporary blockbusters such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Set to searchlights painting the skies and a musical score composed and arranged by Michael Patti (Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, StarBright Holidays), “Disney Movie Magic” puts guests right in the middle of beloved Disney films. All genres are represented including musicals, romance, comedy, classics, fantasy, sci-fi, animation and adventure.

“For generations these films have touched our lives,” said Michael Roddy, Show Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “They represent our childhood, our dreams, our fantasies and our mythology. We have laughed and cried, loved and been thrilled. ‘Disney Movie Magic’ celebrates those films and the films to come.”

“Disney Movie Magic” begins, fittingly, with Walt Disney himself. The red-carpet footage featuring Walt is from the 1964 premiere of “Mary Poppins,” which took place at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

What unspools from there is pure movie magic – from “The Jungle Book” to “Beauty and the Beast,” from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to “Cinderella,” from “Swiss Family Robinson” to “The Love Bug.” With the front of the theater a dramatic canvas, decades of movie moments play out across the ten-minute run time of “Disney Movie Magic.”

“Disney Movie Magic” is presented nightly this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in addition to regular performances of “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.”

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:

Have you seen Disney Movie Magic yet? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jul 11 2017

ABC’s “The Chew” To Broadcast From The 2017 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

Disney is releasing more and more information about what we can expect during this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. A fan favorite back this year is ABC’s “The Chew” returning once again to film a week’s worth of episodes during the foodie event. Here’s the latest details courtesy of Disney:

ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” returns to Walt Disney World Resort this fall to broadcast five shows from the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  “The Chew” shows, to record October 4 – 6 against the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth backdrop, will air on the ABC Television Network, October 9 – 13, 2017, at 1pm EDT, 12pm PDT (check local listings).

The dynamic, Emmy Award-winning co-hosts, who delighted audiences last year with stories of their Disney adventures as they whipped up delectable dishes and drinks, will share tasty new recipes and a bounty of festival surprises with their Epcot audiences.  Throughout the festival’s unprecedented 75-day culinary celebration, which runs August 31 – November 13, 2017, “The Chew” also will feature segments highlighting food and beverages from “around the world” of Walt Disney World Resort and its four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Today also kicks off “The Chew’s” Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes presented by Hidden Valley Ranch.  The winner gets a vacation for four to see a “Chew” taping at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

“It’s our favorite week of the year,” raved Gordon Elliott, executive producer of “The Chew.”

“The hosts enjoy the excitement of the park along with their fans, and for a few days everyone is on holiday–with amazing food!”

Delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” also will be featured throughout the festival in the themed global marketplace, “Earth Eats, Hosted by The Chew.” Park guests will be able to savor these menu stars: Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce and a sweet finish: Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with Caramel Drizzle.

Epcot vice president Melissa Valiquette said she and the entire festival team are delighted to welcome back “The Chew” hosts, producers and crew for their third year of on-site production.

“’The Chew’s’ production adds another level of excitement and fun to our iconic fall food and wine festival,” Valiquette said. “It’s magical to see our Epcot stage light up as the show’s celebrated hosts cook, dish and entertain each live audience of festival guests.”

At the Festival Center, guests can watch screenings of “The Chew” show highlights, cooking and entertaining tips. Instructions on how to obtain show taping tickets will be announced at a later date.

“The Chew” celebrates life through food – from cooking and home entertaining to exploring food trends and bringing original ideas to holiday events. The show’s award-winning dream team of culinary and lifestyle experts dish up useful, creative solutions for busy viewers who want to make cooking and home entertaining easy, affordable, and always fun. “The Chew” has spawned five cookbooks, and the sixth, “The Chew Quick & Easy: Stress-Free Recipes for Every Occasion,” will be published September 26, 2017. “The Chew” airs on ABC Monday through Friday at 1pm EDT, noon CDT. 

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 a fan of “The Chew”? Are you hoping to see the taping?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jul 10 2017

Epcot 2017 Eat To The Beat Concert Series Bands Announced

Eat To The Beat Concert Series Returns To Epcot!

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Eat To The Beat Concert Series that runs from August 31 – November 13, 2017. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:

A record 32 musical acts will rev up the Eat to the Beat concert series during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival August 31 – November 13, 2017.

Eleven new-to-the-festival bands, including Kenny G., Squeeze and 10,000 Maniacs, join 21 fan-favorite musical acts for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers to rock America Gardens Theatre stage throughout the festival’s 75-day run.

Other new acts to appear are: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, American Authors, Devon Allman, Postmodern Jukebox and Blue October.

Guests also can tune into their favorite returning bands that will include festival opening act Delta Rae.  Concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00pm daily.  The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

  • August 31 – September 1: Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
  • September 2 – 3: The Hooters New! “And We Danced”
  • September 4 – 5 : Baha Men New! “Who Let the Dogs Out”
  • September 6 – 7: Fuel “Shimmer”
  • September 8 – 10: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • September 11 – 12: Lauren Alaina New! “Road Less Traveled”
  • September 13 – 15: Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
  • September 16 – 17: Sister Hazel “All For You”
  • September 18 – 20: Air Supply “All Out of Love”
  • September 21 – 22: David Cook “Light On”
  • September 23 – 24: Everclear “Santa Monica”
  • September 25 – 27: Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
  • September 28 – 29: 38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
  • September 30 – October 1: Mark Wills New! “19 Somethin’”
  • October 2 – 3: American Authors New! “Best Day of My Life”
  • October 4 – 5: Christopher Cross “Sailing”
  • October 6 – 8: Devon Allman New! “Ragged and Dirty”
  • October 9 – 11: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
  • October 12 – 13: Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”
  • October 14 – 15: Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
  • October 16 – 17: Postmodern Jukebox New! Various Hits
  • October 18 – 20: 10,000 Maniacs New! “Because the Night”
  • October 21 – 22: Toad The Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
  • October 23 – 24: Kenny G New! “Songbird”
  • October 25 – 26: Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
  • October 27 – 29: Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
  • October 30 – November 1: Hanson “MMMBop”
  • November 2 – 3: Blue October New! “Into the Ocean”
  • November 4 – 5: Living Colour “Cult of Personality”
  • November 6 – 8: Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
  • November 9 – 11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
  • November 12 – 13: Squeeze New! “Black Coffee in Bed”

(Songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list)

Festival-goers can book Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at 15 popular Epcot restaurants, guaranteeing a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation and confirmed seating at a same-day Eat to the Beat concert. Reservations can be booked at EpcotFoodFestival.com beginning in July 2017.

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:

Have you attended an Eat To The Beat Concert? Are you going this year?
Who are you most excited to see? Please leave a comment!

Jul 9 2017

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up July 9, 2017

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for July 9, 2017!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episode when Zeek, Rachel, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more.

  • A Cars 3 Review

For more details about our podcast and to listen, please click here!

Magic Your BandFeatured Advertiser

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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 Walt 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 some planning and dining information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!