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…

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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 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

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

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

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

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

Pennete alla Parmigiana – Italy

Spezzatino alla Toscana - 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

(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!

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

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

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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…

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Good Night and Good Luck…

 

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REVIEW: “Secret” Double Bacon Cheeseburger Now Offered at Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Did you know that there is a new item that isn’t even on the actual menu boards at Restaurantosaurus? Well, it seems Disney’s Best Kept Secret isn’t the Vacation Club, it’s actually a double cheeseburger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

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Ordering two of these bad boys set us back $34.58, so yes, just one of these meals is $17.29.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

From this angle, the burger look rather unassuming, but I assure you, there is a lot of cholesterol hiding under that bun.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (outside of the bun of course). The bacon was crispy, the burgers were fresh off the grill, and the cheese was melted nicely. This was not one of the worse counter service burgers I have ever had at Disney World.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

It’s still no D-Luxe Burger, but it really wasn’t bad. I just wish the counter service bun would change to something like they have at D-Luxe.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

If you would like to curtail your cardiac arrest a little longer, the fries can be substituted for apple slices.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

So, there is a really good value to be had here. If you ask (upon ordering the double burger) for a second hamburger bun, Restaurantosaurus will provide it at no additional charge. That means that this meal can be split rather easily, making the $17.29 a very good value as opposed to ordering an entire separate meal. There is also a full “fixins bar” filled with condiments and other goodies you can add to your burger to bulk it up.

While not my first recommendation for counter service dining at Animal Kingdom (but neither is Flame Tree Barbecue), the secret double cheeseburger at Restaurantousaurs is a surprisingly decent double cheeseburger that packs as much value as it does hamburger meat.

TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (9/28/16) – 45 Greatest Things at WDW, The Math Game, Halloween Party Battle

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Tonight on WDW News Tonight, WDWNT: The Math Game returns, we celebrate 45 years of Walt Disney World by starting our greatest countdown ever, and we pit the Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Halloween Parties against each other…

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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)
  • VERSUS – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party vs. Mickey’s Halloween Party
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • “WDWNT: The Math Game”, presented by Theme Park Connection
  • Who’s Hates Tom Now?
  • The 45 Greatest Things Ever at Walt Disney World – #45-41
  • 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:

Jon Favreau Will Direct A Live Action Version Of “The Lion King”

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

 

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It looks like director Jon Favreau is about to venture into the jungle again! Hot off the success of directing “The Jungle Book”, Jon Favreau will now be working with the likes of Mufasa, Simba, Scar, Timone and Pumba as he will helm the live action adaption of the Disney animated classic, “The Lion King”.

Jon Favreau posted a cryptic tweet to his followers and it didn’t take them  long to guess what his newest project will be:

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Soon after Favreau’s tweet, Disney officially confirmed that Favreau will indeed be directing a live action version of “The Lion King”:

We can officially confirm that The Walt Disney Studios and director Jon Favreau are putting a new reimagining of The Lion King on the fast track to production. The project follows the technologically groundbreaking smash hit The Jungle Book, directed by Favreau, which debuted in April and has earned $965.8 million worldwide. 

The Lion King builds on Disney’s success of reimagining its classics for a contemporary audience with films like Maleficent, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. The upcoming Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson as Belle, is already one of the most anticipated movies of 2017. Like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King will include songs from the animated film. Disney and Favreau are also in development on a sequel to The Jungle Book. No release date has been announced for either film. 

The Lion King (1994) is one of the biggest animated films of all time with a lifetime global box office gross of $968.8 million, including $422.8 million domestically. It won Academy Awards for the original song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John, Tim Rice) and original score (Hans Zimmer), plus two Grammy Awards, with the soundtrack selling over 14 million copies. In 1997, the stage production The Lion King made its Broadway debut, winning six Tony Awards; 19 years later, it remains one of Broadway’s biggest hits alongside several other productions running around the world, including London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, Mexico City, Shanghai, and North America. Translated into eight different languages, its 23 global productions have been seen by more than 85 million people across every continent except Antarctica. The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.  

Although no official date was released, we can make a guess that this will be released sometime in 2018.

Source: Jon Favreau, The Walt Disney Company

PHOTOS: Adventureland-Themed Merchandise Previewed for Destination D

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

The countdown is on for D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures! And along with incredible presenters (including James Cameron, Jon Landau, Bob Chapek, Joe Rohde, Marty Sklar, Jared Bush and Tony Baxter) and a Walt Disney Archives exhibit celebrating Walt Disney’s personal adventures, we’re excited to share that Mickey’s of Glendale will be debuting exclusive merchandise, pins and collectibles at the event in their pop-up store. The event will take place November 19 and 20 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

Included in the assortment will be:

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Jingle Cruise 12 Days of Christmas Mystery Collection: An “all-gnu” pin collection celebrating the holidays as only the wild Jungle Cruise Skippers can! Each box contains one randomly selected pin. (There are different 12 pins in all.)

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Jingle Cruise 4th Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange T-Shirt: Arriving just in time for the third fourth annual celebration! Wear this festive 100% cotton tee to your office party…or save it for next year’s re-gifting!

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Jungle Navigation Company T-Shirt: Official 100% cotton company apparel designed and approved by Alberta Falls of the Jungle Navigation Company.

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S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) Pins: Detailed replicas of the actual pins worn by generations of elite members of S.E.A.

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S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) T-Shirt: Proper—100% cotton—garb for your own legendary explorations and adventures.

Tickets are still available and are open to all members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

BREAKING: The Notorious Banjo Brothers & Bob Act to Conclude at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

After 16 years of entertaining families, it seems like 10/1/16, the 45th anniversary of Magic Kingdom, will be the last time The Notorious Banjo Brothers & Bob will ever perform in Frontierland.

As with recent cuts such as Scoop Sanderson, it seems to be related to the start of fiscal 2017 for the company and the financial fallout from a rather slow summer season in general.

Notorious Banjo Bros and Bob

Be sure to catch their final shows at the following times on Saturday, October 1st:

11:00 A.M., 12:20 P.M, 1:20 P.M., 2:05 P.M. 3:30 P.M., 4:20 P.M. & 5:20 P.M.

REVIEW: B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Introduces Oktoberfest Special

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. opened back in May along with many new eateries at Disney Springs, so it is pretty easy for it to get lost in the shuffle as it is just a kiosk. That being said, this little kiosk isn’t just blowing hot air. Per my original review (which you should check out if you have not):

Two of the three items we enjoyed at B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. are things I would order again, but the main problem here is seating. These aren’t items you can walk around and eat. They are too large and have to many toppings to be comfortably eaten walking through shops and such. While there are about 3 standing tables here, I’d like to see a few seats placed in the alcove off to the right of the restaurant, where there is plenty of room. Otherwise, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is a sturdy addition to Disney Springs former “stick and straw” lineup of food offerings during the Downtown Disney days.

While strolling through Disney Spring the other day, I was looking for something quick to eat before I made my way out. I was originally thinking of visiting either Blaze Pizza or D-Luxe Burger, but then I saw this sign…

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s offers an Oktoberfest special. I personally always fall for special “impulse buys” like this when I’m hungry. I almost always order the limited time offering when I visit any fast food establishment.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

The menu itself was updated to include pretzel bread with cheese fondue and mustard.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

Thankfully, they did also add plenty of seating nearby.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special - Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

This honestly is one of my favorite counter service entrees at Walt Disney World right now. It is a HUGE portion of the cheese spatzel (popular side dish originating in Germany, spaetzle are little noodles or dumplings made from basic ingredients), which will fill you up alone. The sausage was also cooked well and packed a lot of flavor. If all of that wasn’t enough, there’s pretzel bread, which I especially enjoyed dipping in the cheese below. At $9.39, it is also cheaper than a considerable amount of much smaller counter service entrees around the parks. I certainly hope this stays past Oktoberfest.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special - Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

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Special Oktoberfest beers are also available just for the season.

BREAKING: Reedy Creek Approves a 3rd Parking Structure for Disney Springs

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

The Reedy Creek Improvement District has just approved plans to build a 3rd parking garage and another pedestrian bridge at Disney Springs.

Aerial view of Disney Springs, including the two existing parking structures

Aerial view of Disney Springs, including the two existing parking structures

The garage will be located across the street from Disney Springs near the Casting and Speedway parking lots. It will add approximately 2000 parking spaces for guests, cast members, and operating participant employees.

The new pedestrian bridge will span across, Buena Vista Drive for the safety and ease of pedestrians.

Work is slated to begin in 2017 and be completed by 2019.

PHOTOS: Preview Amazing New Mugs Coming Soon to Disney Parks

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

It seems like we have been finding new mugs around Walt Disney World every time we do one of out photo reports. Well, Disney isn’t done yet. Today, they offered a sneak preview of even more new mugs coming soon to Disney Parks.

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Several mugs of various shapes and sizes make up the “Mickey’s Really Swell Coffee” collection. These mugs include stylized images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse enjoying an afternoon together. The four mugs with geometric patterns look like they were transported directly from the 1960s, while newlyweds will be delighted to find new “Mr” and “Mrs” mugs.

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New character mugs include Humphrey the Bear, Kronk from Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove,” and the Fairy Godmother from Walt Disney’s “Cinderella.”

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Disney is also releasing a double-sided mug inspired by the Mayor from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The Mayor’s removable hat is made from silicone. The Mr. Potato Head mug is inspired by the Toy Story Mania attraction.

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Two new mugs from the Twenty Eight & Main Collection are on the way: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Adventurer’s Club.