REVIEW: New Sliders & Nachos Wash Ashore at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

It’s certainly no secret to WDWNT readers and listeners that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my favorite park at Walt Disney World. Stop asking me why. Seriously.

Anyway, in all my love of Hollywood Studios, I have recently fallen out of love with counter service dining at the park. Since the Backlot Express menu overhaul in 2015 and the closure of Studio Catering Co., I find myself often avoiding counter service meals at the Studios. That being said, I have never been a fan of the menu at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner (with the exception of the Blue Milkshake, which is indeed still available) in the Echo Lake area of the park. I know it has had several different menus in the last few years, but none of them ever really appealed to me in any way.

Recently, the menu was overhauled, adding items from the popular, yet now closed Echo Lake Eats.

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner Menu

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner Menu

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner Menu

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner Menu

Carolina Foot-Long Hotdog ($11.49)

Carolina Foot-Long Hotdog ($11.49)

Carolina Foot-Long Hotdog ($11.49)

We didn’t order the new Carolina Foot-Long Hot Dog because we figured it would be pretty similar to the stuff you can find at Casey’s Corner. I happened to see one sitting on the counter, so I pulled an “Inside the Magic” and just took pictures of something I didn’t order.

Carolina Foot-Long Hotdog ($11.49)

Carolina Foot-Long Hotdog ($11.49)

The photo on the Disney website is fairly inaccurate (surprise). Not only does in come in a loaf of bread, it’s definitely an entirely different color. That being said, we had something very similar at Casey’s and didn’t think it was too bad.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrGdfYBGBwc]

Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos ($10.49)

Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos ($10.49)

Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos ($10.49)

The loaded nachos are pretty standard, but it’s a nice offering considering other options at the park. Sometimes you are just in the mood for nachos, and if you really are, this is a viable option. All of the prices here do seem a bit hight, but “welcome to Disney World” I guess.

Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos ($10.49)

Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos ($10.49)

The guacamole isn’t all that great, but the sour cream was nice and fresh.

Min and Bill’s Pulled Pork Sliders ($10.99)

Min and Bill's Pulled Pork Sliders ($10.99)

Min and Bill’s Pulled Pork Sliders ($10.99)

Again, probably overpriced, but I really enjoyed these. I have never been a fan of coleslaw, but I really think it blended well with the pork in this case. The buns were the highlight though. If any counter service hamburger had these buns, they would be at least 50% more edible. The buns were soft, flaky, and had a buttery flavor that was quite pleasant.

Min and Bill's Pulled Pork Sliders ($10.99)

Min and Bill’s Pulled Pork Sliders ($10.99)

New Holiday Fireworks Show “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

Santa Claus is missing and nd the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the all-new “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting November 14. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score. The show will replace Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular temporarily.

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” the new fireworks spectacular features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more, all building to a festive finale. It will even snow on Hollywood Boulevard as part of the excitement.

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney will also offer a Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex® glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

The new show will dazzle Disney’s Hollywood Studio guests through December 31.

Santa Claus is Coming to Hollywood Studios; Star Wars to Ring in the New Year

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

In addition to the all-new Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! nighttime spectacular, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be revamping a bit of their holiday lineup in 2016 in the wake of the the removal of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Santa Claus will meet guests on Sunset Boulevard, PHOTOS.BURNSLAND.COM

Santa Claus will meet guests on Sunset Boulevard, PHOTOS.BURNSLAND.COM

A new Santa Claus meet and greet will be setting up shop in the Once Upon a time store, just underneath the famous Carthay Circle facade. Santa will greet guests 11/14 through 12/24. Santa Goofy will stand in for Santa December 25th through 31st, 2016.

While Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will replace Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, even through the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Star Wars show will return on December 31st to ring in the new year.

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.

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

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

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Tram Lane Reconfiguration 

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

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Downtown Disney

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

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

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

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

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Some work also happening on the bridge area.

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

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Disneyland Monorail

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Let’s take a ride aboard the Disneyland Monorail.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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Definitely prefer this to the 1998 signage.

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This and That

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

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Star Wars construction, as seen from Frontierland.

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

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

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

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The canon is missing…

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Disney California Adventure

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

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

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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

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

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

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To infinity and beyond!

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

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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

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)

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

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)

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

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)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

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)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

 

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

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)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

Pork Ribs ($9)

Pork Ribs ($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)

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: 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

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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.

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

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Gonzo’s Royal Flush Opens

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

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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.

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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.

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PizzeRizzo

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

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The exterior was being painted while we were outside.

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The exterior lighting was also installed on both floors recently.

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

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New Merchandise Stand

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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.

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Fixing the Towers

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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.

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

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

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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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

: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.