October 2016 – Page 20 – WDWNT Archive

Radio Free Disneyland “Playlist Extra!” on Spotify – The Discovery of Disneyland

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

extra

The Further Discovery of Disneyland

Today we introduce a new means of dispensing intelligence about the so-called Disneyland Resort: some tunes that were in Radio Free Disneyland Episode 1 – The Discovery of Disneyland. Maybe even some that were not.

Spotify users can dial in these addendums to the episodes here, at this link.

The discovery continues… Check back periodically for new intelligence. Stay brave brothers and sisters…

New Radio Free Disneyland episode posting soon…

Good Night and Good Luck…

RFDMicLogo

The Worst Dishes at the 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7, a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Well, we explained that last time…

Anyway, last time talked about the new items you should be ordering at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival for 2016 now underway. I decided this week it might be fun to talk about what you should NOT be eating from the 33 collective booths and kiosks around the park. Please, stay away from the following dishes…

1. Jamaican Beef Patty – Islands of the Caribbean

Jamaican Beef Patty – Islands of the Caribbean

Jamaican Beef Patties are on ion my favorite things to make at home if I’m going to cook something frozen. Also, my old home in Bronx, New York was often only steps away from a small chain of restaurants who actually served these wonderful meat pockets, so it was something that was always available to me. These puck like things that may actually be test MagicBands, are not Jamaican Beef Patties. They lack the flaky crust and the spicy flavor of a traditional offering. These were the most disappointing new offering of 2017.

2. Chicken Gyro – Greece

Chicken Gyro – Greece

This is one of the least remarkable dishes at the festival. There is barely any meat, barely any flavor, and barely any reason to order this.

3. Beef Empanada – Patagonia

Beef Empanada – Patagonia

In my opinion, the most overrated dish at the entire festival. People seem to love this, which I can’t understand. It is just so bland and flavorless.

4. Chicken and Dumplings – Farm Fresh

Chicken and Dumplings – Farm Fresh

If Cracker Barrel is serving better chicken and dumplings than you, you probably should just not serve them. A rather small portion and it just tasted off. Other members in our party liked these more than I did, but I just don’t get it.

5. Taco de Camaron – Mexico

Taco de Camaron – Mexico

While you will NEED to stop here to get the flan, the Mexico booth is otherwise forgettable. I can’t even remember what this taco tasted like, nor have I ever heard anyone clamor to go to the Mexico booth for anything other than dessert.

6. Pennete alla Parmigiana & Spezzatino alla Toscana – Italy

Pennete alla Parmigiana – Italy

Spezzatino alla Toscana – Italy

I’m cheating and putting both non-dessert items from Italy because they are both equally bad (also I’m the boss and I make the rules around here). The people running the Italy booth aren’t even trying. These both tasted like microwaveable meals from Lean Cuisine, and that might be more of an insult to Lean Cuisine. I can’t fathom how the company that runs Tutto Italia and Via Naploli could pump out such garbage.

7. (Yeah, Seven) Vegan Korean BBQ – South Korea

(Yeah, Seven) Vegan Korean BBQ – South Korea

There are some vegan dishes at Food and Wine that are actually quite good. This is not one of them. There was an agreement between myself, Tom Bricker of the Disney Tourist Blog, and Josh of EasyWDW.com that we would most equate the flavor of this dish to what we think dog food might taste like. That, or cat food, but one off the two for sure. Under no circumstance should anyone eat this, ever.

You’ll be glad you didn’t!

If you avoid these 7 offerings while at the Food and Wine Festival this year, you will likely survive. 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!

UPDATE: Disney Restores Some MagicBand Interactive Features on Some Attractions

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Last week, we told you about many of the MagicBand interactive features around the parks that had recently been deactivated. Well, since we posted that story, a few of these elements have returned to service at the Magic Kingdom.

The Space Mountain exit ramp once again displays the names of guests

Space Mountain and “it’s a small world”, which boast two of the simpler “name display” effects, were both reactivated over the weekend. These effects had both been turned off for weeks when we ran our story last week (in fairness”it’s a small world” was closed for most of that time, but returned for at least a week with the effect still off). Maybe somebody reads WDWNT.com?

:it’s a small world” says goodbye to guests in various languages at the Magic Kingdom

Perhaps it had simply gone unnoticed, or perhaps Disney was in the progress of updating the technology or fixing the broken readers at the attractions. The truth is, we may never know exactly what happened.

Interestingly enough, the effect in The Haunted Mansion is still turned off. Perhaps the upcoming December refurbishment will be used to fix the effect? Only time will tell.

Sprinkles Cupcakes Opening at Downtown Disney Anaheim in November

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

A visit to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort will be even sweeter beginning in November when Sprinkles opens its newest location, serving up freshly baked cupcakes and cookies.

Touted as the world’s first cupcake bakery by Food Network, Sprinkles has been credited with inspiring the craze for gourmet cupcakes. The shop in Downtown Disney District will offer handcrafted cupcakes in flavors like banana, carrot, salty caramel, strawberry and a Sprinkles bestseller: red velvet. Signature cookies, including snickerdoodle, salted oatmeal cornflake and peanut butter pretzel chip are also on the Sprinkles bill of fare.

And Sprinkles considers customers’ special dietary needs, offering vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free cupcake, cookie and sorbet options.

The location will opening in November 2016 next door to the Starbucks location, in a space once occupied by Quicksilver.

Sprinkles already operates a location in the Town Center at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida.

Have You Discovered “Radio Free Disneyland”?

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Editor’s Note: Radio Free Disneyland is the latest original program from WDWNT.com. An eclectic mix of music comes together in a rather unique presentation to tell the story of the Disney theme parks in this faux radio broadcast you MUST hear to believe.

Ep1Banner

Don’t let her hard work be in vain. Listen to Radio Free Disneyland today.

Push Button To Dispense Radio Free Disneyland

Radio Free Disneyland is a curated music podcast that reveals the secrets of Disneyland. Find out the truth today!

Radio Free Disneyland is a production of WDWNT and PlayThisPodcastLoud.com.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/27/16 (Royal Flush Opens, Demolition Continues, PizzeRizzo, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Our latest photo report trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes to us courtesy of Jose Castillo. In this visit, we take a look at the continuing demolition in the Backlot, the latest progress on PizzeRizzo, the opening of Gonzo’s Royal Flush, and more.

Backlot Demolition Continues

The Backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been reduced to rubble. The space will someday be home to Toy Story Land and the Star Wars-themed land.

Two facades are all that remains of the Streets of America at this point.

Gonzo’s Royal Flush Opens

Gonzo’s Royal Flush opened next door to PizzeRizzo over the weekend.

Sadly, the interior of the restroom is not themed.. and yes, we made sure no one else was in the restroom before we took these.

Based on the last few new restrooms added in themed areas (like Tangled restrooms at the Magic Kingdom), we assumed these would be themed somehow, but they aren’t.

PizzeRizzo

PizzeRizzo is nearing completion next door in the former Pizza Planet location.

The exterior was being painted while we were outside.

The exterior lighting was also installed on both floors recently.

Some of the brick work on the main facade is being replaced now as well.

NewÂ Merchandise Stand

In our last report, we showed you the first of the new merchandise stands to arrive in the park’s Center Stage area. Since it was dark we figures it might be a good idea to show you what it looks like in the daylight.

Fixing the Towers

The control and lighting towers for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular show are a bit of an eyesore, so it looks like Disney might be doing something to at least make them a little more tolerable.

A bunch of these strange markings could be found on both of the towers.

It appears that something will be tacked on to the sides of both towers.

REVIEW: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom Undergoes Massive Menu Overhaul

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

4 months after opening, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has shaken things up with a rather major menu change. For more information on this establishment, please check out our original review, but if you have already seen that, then let’s dive right on in to what’s new…

Nomad Lounge Small Plate Menu

So what has changed? New to menu are the beef sliders and the fish tacos. The seasonal fish balls and the wagyu beef were removed from the menu altogether. Other than that, some item prices were changed: Pork Ribs are down $1, the chicken wings are also down $1, but the head cheese plate went up $5 for some reason. Portions did in fact grow in several dishes, which we will show you below. You can refer to the old menu in our original review, if need be.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Completely new to the menu are the African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders. While they are $14, they are quite good. Tender, well-cooked beef on a soft, flaky bun with a tomato sauce on top makes for a perfect combination. Still a relatively small dish, but one of my favorites.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

The fish tacos were kind of a letdown. I honestly think that the counter service fish tacos at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot are better. The fish tasted well prepared, but there was nothing added to the flavor by anything accompanying it. I would not order these again.

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

The Vegetarian Summer Roll was doubled in size with no price increase, but it also tasted and looked far different than it did the first time. The rolls, to me at least, had a strange “plasticy” flavor and texture. The accompanying dipping sauce is great, but these rolls aren’t what you’ll want to dip in them.

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

These wings still aren’t very good, but at least you get more than 3 now (and the price was decreased, which is nice). There’s still something off about these. I feel like I’m still expecting a lot of spice, but it just never happens.

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

Pork Ribs ($9)

Still my personal favorite small plate at Nomad Lounge, the portion size for the ribs adds 2 ribs, now making this something I will likely order overtime I come here. A sprits of lime makes these unforgettable, with the ribs themselves cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone. If you try one dish here, this is my recommendation.

Pork Ribs ($9)

OVERALL

Per my original review:

The food menu is really solid and may even improve as the days progress (our server was surprised to hear we did not like the wagyu beef). The drink menu might be second to none quite honestly. I can’t think of a specialty drink menu at Walt Disney World where I would have a more difficult time picking a beverage. There is a lot on this drink menu and a lot of it is absolutely phenomenal. Nomad Lounge will without a doubt will be a regular drink destination for us, and the bread service and ribs will likely be on the must-order short list overtime as we visit. The atmosphere alone is worth your money, never mind anything they will serve you. Kudos to all involved in the creation of Animal Kingdom’s latest masterpiece.

I still love Nomad Lounge, and nothing has changed my feelings on their stellar drink menu. These changes to the food menu are overall an improvement, adding some value for your dollar. I do still wish that the wings were better, and the vegetarian roll was definitely not as good as it was previously, but the addition of the sliders and the improved rib and chicken portions are a good start. The food menu here isn’t perfect, but I would still also recommend the bread service and the Taste of Tiffins dessert from here as well. After 15 or so visits now, the drink menu is still my favorite on property, and still very much the main reason to go to Nomad Lounge.

If you want a guaranteed amazing meal, there’s always Tiffins next door…

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 9/27/16 (Goodbye Tower, Star Wars Land, New Fantasmic!, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Disneyland reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back to the Disneyland Resort for our latest photo update, looking at both parks as well as Downtown Disney. Let’s jump right in!

Star Wars Land Construction

Construction continues on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park, visible from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure.

Tram Lane ReconfigurationÂ

The tram route around the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure is currently being reconfigured.

Downtown Disney

World of Disney is open while the facade is being refurbished.

The space next door to Jamba Juice is currently vacant, rumored to be home to Sprinkles, which will open in November.

Naples has blocked off an area for needed outdoor seating for guests.

Some work happening at the former House of Blues space, rumored to be an west coast home to The Edison.

Some work also happening on the bridge area.

Still unsure what will happen to the space next door to this Starbucks.

Disneyland Monorail

Let’s take a ride aboard the Disneyland Monorail.

The Hollywood Tower Hotel sign is gone, visible from the Monorail.

Star Wars: Season of the Force Moves Out (For Now)

Even though Season of the Force is over, it should be returning in November, thus why all of the lighting and such was left up in Tomorrowland. Hyperspace Mountain will likely switch off with Ghost Galaxy until Star Wars land opens, so don’t expect to see regular Space Mountain anytime soon.

All of the Star Wars banners were changed over to generic Tomorrowland banners.

Some work is being done to the Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters FastPass area, which is also used for Star Tours FastPass.

A nifty, yet temporary, Tomorrowland sign replaces the one for the Season of the Force.

I’m honestly surprised that it isn’t flat.

Definitely prefer this to the 1998 signage.

This and That

Some work being done to the sidewalk on Main Street U.S.A.

Star Wars construction, as seen from Frontierland.

Work continues on the Rivers of America while its many attractions are closed.

The Columbia is getting ready to host the Pirates of the Caribbean in an updated Fantasmic!

A fangless, new-faced Mickey meets guests on Main Street.

The canon is missing…

Disney California Adventure

The old Millionaire soundstage now sits vacant, but has seen better days on its exterior.

After 6 years, the backlot stage is finally coming down.

It might actually be nice to see this area back to normal, as ugly as it is.

Hollywood Tower Hotel sign removed from Tower of Terror

As we reported last week, the Hollywood Tower Hotel sign is already gone from the Tower of Terror.

The attraction will close in January to become Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.

To infinity and beyond!

A lot of guests are angry about this, personally, I still don’t think it actually matters, but to each his own.

BREAKING: Disney Potentially Attempting to Buy Twitter

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

According to Bloomberg:

The Walt Disney Co. is working with a financial adviser to evaluate a possible bid for Twitter Inc., according to people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg News reports.

This story is still developing so no further details are available at this time.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Month: October 2016

Radio Free Disneyland “Playlist Extra!” on Spotify – The Discovery of Disneyland

The Further Discovery of Disneyland

The Worst Dishes at the 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – Tom’s Top 7

1. Jamaican Beef Patty – Islands of the Caribbean

2. Chicken Gyro – Greece

3. Beef Empanada – Patagonia

4. Chicken and Dumplings – Farm Fresh

5. Taco de Camaron – Mexico

6. Pennete alla Parmigiana & Spezzatino alla Toscana – Italy

7. (Yeah, Seven) Vegan Korean BBQ – South Korea

You’ll be glad you didn’t!

UPDATE: Disney Restores Some MagicBand Interactive Features on Some Attractions

Sprinkles Cupcakes Opening at Downtown Disney Anaheim in November

Have You Discovered “Radio Free Disneyland”?

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/27/16 (Royal Flush Opens, Demolition Continues, PizzeRizzo, ETC.)

Backlot Demolition Continues

Gonzo’s Royal Flush Opens

PizzeRizzo

NewÂ Merchandise Stand

Fixing the Towers

REVIEW: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom Undergoes Massive Menu Overhaul

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

Pork Ribs ($9)

OVERALL

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 9/27/16 (Goodbye Tower, Star Wars Land, New Fantasmic!, ETC.)

Star Wars Land Construction

Tram Lane ReconfigurationÂ

Downtown Disney

Disneyland Monorail

Star Wars: Season of the Force Moves Out (For Now)

This and That

Disney California Adventure

Hollywood Tower Hotel sign removed from Tower of Terror

BREAKING: Disney Potentially Attempting to Buy Twitter

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