September 2016 – Page 3

TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (9/21/16) – Food & Wine 2016 Review, Goodbye Stitch, & The Price is Right

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Tonight on WDW News Tonight, WDWNT: The Price is Right returns, we review the 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival along with Josh of EasyWDW.com, and we say goodbye to Stitch’s Great Escape…

If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside the Orlando area, the show can be heard (and now watched via video stream) at Listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. The show also utilizes new interactive avenues for our audience, including a live chat, the ability to call-in to the show, and live polling. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents.

Coming up on this week’s show:

A recap of the week’s news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
Tom’s Thank You Notes
A review of everything at the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival with Josh of EasyWDW.com
The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
“WDWNT: The Price is Right – Food and Wine Festival Edition”, presented by Theme Park Connection
Who’s Hates Tom Now?
In-Depth Discussion – Stitch’s Great Escape and the History of Seasonal Attractions
And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!

If you missed last week’s show, be sure to watch it:

BREAKING: Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Close Permanently

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

While Writer’s Stop was temporarily saved from closing earlier this year when it was converted into the Writer’s Stop lounge, it seems time has finally run out for the establishment.

Writer’s Stop will have its final day of operation on September 25th, 2016, and will be closed forever as of September 26th, 2016.

The carrot cake cookie that has been a staple of the Commissary Lane eatery will still be available at Sweet Spells on Sunset Boulevard. There has been no word on if Writer’s Stop will reopen after construction of the Star Wars themed land is completed, but is is highly unlikely. The connected Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant will not be affected by the closure.

In our latest Hollywood Studios Expansion Update video, you can see that walls moved even closer to the restaurant just last week:

Last Chance to Register for WDWCelebrations World Wide 45 Event and Help Give Kids the World

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Last Call for World Wide 45 Registration!

With one week left until the start of WDWCelebrations’ twelfth event, World Wide 45, guests are welcomed to join for four days of activities commemorating the forty fifth anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. Celebrating the past, present and future of the Walt Disney World Resort’s four parks and beyond, event guests can revel in group rides, shows and interactive games that bring like-minded fans together to enjoy the magic of Disney together.

Registration remains open until September 28th, 2016 at https://register.wdwcelebrations.com/. The registration fee for adults is $10 and for children is $6, of which $3 will be donated to the event’s Charity Initiative, supporting Give Kids The World.

About the WDWCelebrations LLC Charity Initiative

Since its inception in 2007, WDWCelebrations LLC has focused its efforts on bringing likeminded Dsiney fans together to celebrate the Disney magic of the past, present and future while raising money for charitable causes. Over the past nine years, the organization has raised money and supported fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Give Kids the World. We are proud to continue this tradition with a portion of World Wide 45 registration fees along with additional donations provided by event guests and supporters benefiting Give Kids the World. The total amount raised leading up to and during the event will be revealed to event guests on October 1st, 2016 on the 45th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. This information will be shared via WDWCelebrations social media channels shortly thereafter. To make an additional donation, please visit https://register.wdwcelebrations.com/ to register your donation for World Wide 45.

Supporting a WDWCelebrations Family Member

WDWCelebrations LLC has also supported fundraising initiatives for past guests of WDWCelebrations events—members of our extended family that have honored us with their presence. One such family member, Darrel Gaudet has been diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and we are asking for your support in donating to his wife Michele’s fundraising efforts. Your donation can help to cover medical expenses that will continue to grow as Darrel’s care continues. We have been humbled to have hosted Darrel and Michele for three of our past events and we ask that you consider supporting these two members of our family who have helped to make our events memorable with their presence. Donations can be accepted here.

Full Details Released for 2016 Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Event

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
returns for its seventh year with largest-ever event

New experiences include Sunday Bubbles Brunch, seminars and all-new
immersive area inspired by San Francisco’s Chinatown

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Sept. 21, 2016 –The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will celebrate its seventh year October 28 – 29 at the Epcot Resort Area resort with its largest event to date featuring 50 food and wine stations, 10 seminars and opportunities to meet the award-winning chefs behind featured culinary masterpieces.

With more food and drink stations spreading out among more space than ever before, guests will delight in numerous opportunities to sip and savor along the resort’s causeway, alongside the resort’s private lake, and for the first time, on the resort’s private beach all weekend while enjoying live entertainment.

Delectable culinary offerings headline the two-night event, featuring cuisine from the resort’s own award-winning restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House Todd English’s bluezoo, Kimonos and more, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.

“Each year we seek to give our guests something new and exciting to experience and taste.” said the resort’s Director of Food & Beverage Tony Porcellini. “This year, we’ll be able to offer them more food, more drink and more fun than ever before.”

What’s New

Making its festival debut this year is an immersive area, which will transport guests’ palates to the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown with décor and dishes inspired by the famous neighborhood.

Two new dishes were created by resort’s award-winning culinary team will be featured in the area: crispy duck with cucumber, scallion, hoisin sauce and a steamed bun as well as Shanghai dumplings, handmade with pork, rice wine, ginger and scallion, served with soy sauce and chili oil sauce.

Also new for 2016 is the Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes like various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

Featured Food

Friday and Saturday nights, feature menus full of new and unique dishes sure to please the palate, including spinach and potato agnolotti with pork, tomato cream grilled radicchio and ricotta salata; smoked beef brisket with white cheddar beignet and concord grape and smoked bacon remoulade; and seared striped bass with fall artichokes, nicoise olives and Spanish caper emulsion.

Favorite dishes from past years also return, such as the shrimp cocktail steamroller, Thai chicken salad with organic greens, green papaya tamarind and ginger dressing as well as the dragon sushi roll with crispy shrimp, tuna and avocado.

The resort’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides a sweeter side to the evening with decadent desserts like the all-chocolate choux and caramel sea salt éclair with vanilla whipped cream and comfit gingered pears. The Sundae Action Station returns allowing guests to choose their own toppings like chocolate cake and caramelized banana.

Seminars and Upgrades

Two new hands-on educational seminars, taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, are being added to this year’s seminar offerings. The Craft Cocktails seminar educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them, and More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing. Popular returning seminar topics include wine blending, Italian wines, champagne, beer, tequila, pasta making, sushi and sake and wine and cheese pairing. All seminars require separate tickets, and space is limited.

As an upgraded ticket option, guests can experience a beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine made by the resort’s culinary experts.

Award-Winning Chefs

To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the resort’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef and the resort’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the resort’s Executive Chef Robert Ciborowski.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The culinary team has had the honor of presenting multiple dinners at the distinguished James Beard House. The resort boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The resort’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a five-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

Ticket Information:

– Overnight packages, available for one or two nights, including room accommodations and two tickets to the outdoor festival (seminar tickets and beer garden tickets may be added for an additional fee) are available starting at $392

– Advance purchase unlimited food and beverage samples are $105 per person; beer garden upgrade is $130 per person including taxes

– Interactive seminars start at $50 per person, per class including taxes

– Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery is $75 per person

For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500

Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge Begins Breakfast Service; Full Menu

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Beginning today, September 21st, 2016, Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will begin offering a breakfast service called Kuamsha. Kuamsha means “to awaken with” in Swahili.

The service includes Grab ‘N’ Go options, as well as counter service offerings from 7-10 AM daily.

Grab ‘N’ Go Menu

Choice of freshly baked muffins, pastries, and croissants
Warm ceylon cinnamon rolls
Banana Bread with house made chocolate hazelnut spread
African breakfast cereal with brown sugar and raisins
Boerewors sausage and egg bobotie pie
Yogurt parfaits
Whole Fruit
Assorted cereal
Coffee and hot tea
Juice and milk

Casual Dining – Quick Service Menu

Savannah Platter – Two farm fresh eggs any sale, tomato chutney, Tanzanian hash browns and bacon
Bore Breakfast – Two farm fresh eggs any style, tomato chutney, Tanzanian hash browns, Boerewors sausage and bacon
Safari Waffle – Waffle topped with seasonal berries and chai whipped cream
Sunrise Sandwich – Egg, ham, and cheddar cheese served on a croissant
Fruit Sosatie – With Quinoa and dried fruit salad
Kids Explorer Platter – One farm fresh egg any style, hash browns, and bacon
Kids Mickey Waffle – Two Mickey waffles and bacon

The Best New Dishes from the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Welcome to the very first edition of Tom’s Top 7, which will be a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Well, because it’s kind of been our schtick over the last few years after constantly quoting the great Bill McKim from the original Test Track pre-show:

Anyway, with the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival for 2016 now underway, I decided it would be fun to talk about what you should be eating from the 33 collective booths and kiosks that will be inhabiting the park for just a few weeks. I managed to eat and drink every single new offering from the Festival this year, so let’s talk about what I think are the seven brand new dishes you can’t miss if you’ll be dining your way around the world this Fall.

1. Piggy Wings – Craft Beers

Piggy Wings – Craft Beers

Like me, you will probably meander into Craft Beers looking for something to drink (or to take in that 80’s EPCOT Center goodness you can only find inside the old Odyssey center). That being said, Craft Beers is home to one of my favorite dishes this year, the Piggy Wings. These pork wings remind me a lot of the wings from Ohana, but replacing the ubiquitous chicken with tender pork. I’ve already had these twice…

2. Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse – The Chew Collective

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse – The Chew Collective

Another dish I’ve already ordered twice is this Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a caramel drizzle. I love any dessert with peanut butter, but the light mousse mixed with the caramel flavoring is just about perfect.

3. Chilled Tomato Gazpacho – Greenhouse Guru

Chilled Tomato Gazpacho – Greenhouse Guru

I’m not sure that I’ve ever had Gazpacho, but if it is this good, I will be ordering more of this in the future. Featuring lump crab meat, the chilled tomato sauce has a nice spicy kick to it.

4. Seared Scallop – Wine and Dine Studio

Seared Scallop – Wine and Dine Studio

Scallops can be pretty hit or miss at the Festival in my experience, and this one is a definite hit. Cooked perfectly, the scallop is nicely accented by the celery root puree, Brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms.

5. Flan de Chocolate Abuelita – Mexico

Flan de Chocolate Abuelita – Mexico

My favorite dessert at the festival this year, the Flan is a rare highlight of the otherwise forgettable Mexico booth. This Mexican custard is light and airy with a delicious and rich chocolate flavor.

6. Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli – The Chew Collective

Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli – The Chew Collective

Vegetarian dishes usually aren’t my thing, but this particular ravioli is a real winner, The ricotta cheese and zucchini are blended together nicely for a flavor combination you won’t soon forget.

7. (Yeah, Seven) Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese – Hops and Barley

Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese – Hops and Barley

As you may know, the Smokehouse booth offered at the America Adventure during their Flower and Garden Festival is a favorite of mine. I “LURVE” me some good barbecue (is this how you get better SEO?). This smoked brisket offered at Hops and Barley is better than some of the previous offerings from Smokehouse, delivering delicious and tender briskly, topped with a little onion, served over a nice-sized piece of garlic toast. I will be back for this again and again.

You’ll be glad you did!

If you get these 7 new offerings while at the Food and Wine Festival this year, you will without a doubt have a phenomenal time. Next time, I’ll go over 7 returning favorites of the Festival that are an absolute must. Now get eating!

Also, be sure to utilize our quick guide to the Festival, which will tell you what to get and what to skip at each booth!

BREAKING: Stitch’s Great Escape To Operate Seasonally, Permanent Closure Imminent

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Starting October 2nd, 2016, Stitch’s Great Escape at the Magic Kingdom will change to a seasonally operating attraction.

Stitch’s Great Escape will operate seasonally at the Magic Kingdom starting 10/2/16

The show will return for the busy 2016 holiday season for two periods, November 19th-26th, 2016 and December 17th, 2016 through January 2nd, 2017.

Walt Disney World has not offered a seasonally operating attraction in many years, not since the mid-2000’s when they would only open the Wonders of Life pavilion at Epcot during the busy holiday season. Of course, the Wonders of Life was retired shortly thereafter. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is the only attraction that was ever offered only seasonally to return to normal operation at Walt Disney World.

Stitch’s Great Escape is rumored to close permanently in the not-too-distant future to be replaced with a Wreck-It Ralph attraction. This seasonal closure could be used to start work on a new attraction inside the building.

Finding Nemo Ride, Pirate Shows, and New Electrical Parade Floats Coming to Tokyo Disney Resort in 2017

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Tokyo Disney Resort has announced their entertainment schedule for the fiscal year 2017, which includes new entertainment, seasonal events, merchandise, and updates to existing attractions!

Pirates of the Caribbean Event Coming to Tokyo Disneyland

The most notable new additions is the Pirates of the Caribbean special event for Summer 2017, which falls in line with the release of the new movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” on July 1, 2017. This will be followed by a new event themed to Disney/Pixar sometime in early 2018 (no specific dates have been given as of yet).

Pirates of the Caribbean will invade Tokyo Disneyland in 2017

Frozen is Coming to the Electrical Parade – Dreamlights

The ever popular Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights will receive yet another update in July 2017 with new “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast” inspired floats.

More princesses will join Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade – Dreamlights in 2017

Finding Nemo Simulator Ride Receives Name & Opening Timeframe

The Nemo & Friends SeaRider attraction will open in the Spring of 2017 at Tokyo DisneySea, replacing StormRider which closed earlier this year in the Port Discovery section of the park.

The Nemo and Friends SeaRacer attraction is coming to Tokyo DisneySea

The Nemo and Friends SeaRider attraction is coming to Tokyo DisneySea

Zootopia and More to Come

A brand new show will replace “A Table is Waiting” starting July 2017. “A Table is Waiting” is a daily show in the American Waterfront at Tokyo DisneySea.

Finally, Nick and Judy from Zootpia make their debut at Tokyo Disneyland in a brand new parade for Disney’s Easter!

Walt Disney World Quietly Disables MagicBand Interactivity on Rides

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Over the last few years, we have slowly seen Walt Disney World install screens at many of its theme park attractions for new interactive elements that would utilize the technology in a guest’s MagicBand. Many of these effects were eventually turned on, such as the Hitchhiking Ghost scene at the end of the Haunted Mansion, the “it’s a small world” finale where guests would receive a customized farewell, and the Mission Roster at Mission: Space at Epcot. Quietly over the last few weeks, many of these effects were turned off.

The now-retired effect on The Haunted Mansion

Is Disney finally throwing in the towel on these elements? It is uncertain, but all of theme being turned off simultaneously certainly means that they are up to something.

Some of these changes were deemed controversial by fans. The personalized tombstones that the ghosts would carry in the Haunted Mansion finale were called hokey, the “it’s a small world” goodbyes considered forced, and overall many guests felt like Disney was shoving it down their throats that they had the technology to put their name (and where they live) on a screen. Personally, I thought at least a few of them were clever, but agree there was likely too many of them present.

Guest names would show up as “it’s a small world” would say goodbye in various languages to them using RFID technology in the MagicBand

Similar effects were also installed at several other locations but never turned on. For example, screens inside Star Tours and the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios were simply never used. Another set of screens at Cover Story on Hollywood Boulevard were turned on for about 2 weeks before going back to being just static images again.

The Mission Roster at the exit of Mission: Space was turned off for the first time this week since it was installed. A short ISTC video with famous quotes about the exploration of space plays now:

Perhaps Disney will be upgrading these systems and they will be returning soon, but for now (or possibly forever), don’t be surprised if you don’t see your name in lights at your favorite Walt Disney World locale.

Disney Considering Annual Pass Blackout Dates After New Attractions Open

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts guest surveys often have some interesting questions for guests. Remember when they asked about a possible Uber style service? Or how about the infamous $15 resort fee? Well, now they are asking some annual passholders about the possibility of blackout dates after ride and shows open up and what they might do if they were not allowed into the parks after the debut of something new.

It would be intriguing to see what such a rule might do to the already confusing annual pass pricing structure at Walt Disney World, but this is still a very blue sky concept at this point.

Month: September 2016

TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (9/21/16) – Food & Wine 2016 Review, Goodbye Stitch, & The Price is Right

BREAKING: Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Close Permanently

Last Chance to Register for WDWCelebrations World Wide 45 Event and Help Give Kids the World

Last Call for World Wide 45 Registration!

About the WDWCelebrations LLC Charity Initiative

Supporting a WDWCelebrations Family Member

Full Details Released for 2016 Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Event

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
returns for its seventh year with largest-ever event