California Grill at Contemporary Resort Introducing “Celebration at the Top” Fireworks Party

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Imagine being able to delight in the sparkle of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular from an intimate and private observation deck. Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, can be perfectly summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle.

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Celebration at the Top guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms. Enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

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Just before the night spectacular begins, guests will be lead to their private observation deck, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom park and the fireworks. After taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds, guests can return to the private room for petit four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.

Celebration at the Top is held in the Sonoma Room and the Napa Room at California Grill, an award-winning restaurant located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. These private rooms are ideal for intimate events, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and connecting to an exclusive observation deck—where you can enjoy sweeping views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom park.

Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for Sunday evenings from February 26 to April 16. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is included. A dress code is in place to be able to attend this event. More information can be found on the official website.

Shutters, Old Port Royale, and More Closing in 2017 at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

The Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters, Banana Cabana Pool Bar, and Calypso Trading Post at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will all be closed starting May 1st, 2017 as part of the ongoing re-imagining of the resort.

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Starting at that time, Centertown will serve breakfast and dinner and a variety of grab-an-go options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be available at markets located in the Aruba, Jamaica, and Martinique sections of the resort.

These establishments are scheduled to return in late 2017 (as of right now).

Marvel Announces Comic Based On “Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout” Ride at Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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Marvel has a announced that Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout #1, a one shot comic book based on the upcoming ride over at Disney’s California Adventure, will be available for purchase this May. There will also be a few variant covers for those collectors, no pun intended, that have to have it all. We assume one or more of those covers will be a Disney Theme Park exclusive, but only time will tell.

Here is a description of Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout #1:

  • The Collector’s many-worlds-famous collection is opening its doors to the public — and you won’t believe the star attraction.
  • Only the Guardians can break through Taneleer Tivan’s security and BREAK OUT!
  • The Marvel Universe story of Disney’s newest, raddest ride!
  • 40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

Source: IGN

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Demolition Begins for Coronado Springs Resort 15-Story Tower Expansion

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Disney has wasted no time in clearing buildings and land for the massive expansion of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. As announced last week, the project includes the addition of 15-story tower, additional parking, the remodeling of all existing rooms, and (most exciting to me, at least) a new rooftop restaurant on the tower.

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As soon as you enter the resort, you are greeted by construction fences.

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It’s not the prettiest day outside, but when you are covering demolition, does it matter?

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The Cabanas 9B building is being demolished to make room for the 15-story tall tower, which will be filled with upscale rooms and feature a rooftop restaurant with fireworks views.

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It’s a good thing we got there when we did as more fences are being installed to obstruct the view of guests.

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Disney hasn’t leveled many hotel rooms in the last 45 years. Only the old north wing of the Contemporary comes to mind, and it too was replaced with a 15-story tower…

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You guys might want to remove 9B from here…

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I would almost say it doesn’t ruin the picturesque views, but the water barriers see to that.

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The tower should connect to the lobby about here, but it is unclear if check-in will remain where it is now.

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These windows should eventually be replaced with a hallway connecting to the new tower.

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This will all be very different soon… stay tuned for more updates on the expansion of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Reservations & Full Menu Now Available for Rapunzel and Little Mermaid Character Breakfast at Boardwalk

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Recently, we told you about an all-new character dining experience coming to Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk. Today, Disney is sharing more details on the “Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno”, which will have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.

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Breakfast will begin with your choice of a mixed berry parfait or fresh fruit salad and a frying pan of pastries featuring braided breakfast bread and clam shell pastries.

“Shipwreck al Forno”
Calzone with scrambled Eggs, Soppressata, Bacon, Sausage,
Blend of Cheeses and Sunday Gravy

“Golden Frittata”
Prosciutto di Parma, Piquillo Peppers, Green Onion,
Pecorino Romano and Roasted Potatoes

“Tangled Eggs”
Tomato & Basil Scrambled Eggs,
Fresh Mozzarella, Sunday Gravy and Roasted Potatoes

“Two Eggs Poached Under Water”
House-made Fennel sausage, Parmesan, and Sunday Gravy
over Golden Polenta and Toasted Ciabatta

“Tower of Pancakes”
Seasonal Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage

“Royal Breakfast”
Oak-Grilled Steak, Cheesy Egg Torte, Asparagus,
Crispy Onions and Roasted Potatoes

“Swimmers di ‘light’”
Smoked Salmon Egg White Omelet with Spinach, Mushrooms,
Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Roasted potatoes

Kids will enjoy their choice of a Mickey Pancake, Mickey Waffle or a “Little Royal Breakfast,” which will feature an egg, bacon and toast. Breakfast will also include your choice of non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, tea juice, milk and soft drinks. Mimosas, a Peach Bellini, cappuccino, press pot coffee and more will be available as an additional charge.

The character dining experience will cost $34 for adults, $20 for children. Please note: Disney Characters join guests for breakfast only. Character appearances are subject to change.

Reservations are now open for dates beginning April 2, and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney Springs PhotoPass Now Offers Personalized Storybooks Starring Your Princess

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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For guests wanting to create a magical keepsake of the memories made on your vacation, Disney’s PhotoPass at Disney Springs now allows you to put your little princess right into her favorite Disney fairytale. The personalized storybook features your child in her favorite story with over 24 pages of magic. Your child can be included in stories such as Frozen, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid after taking part is a special photo shoot with PhotoPass photographers.

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Curret themes princesses can choose from are Anna, Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Elsa, Mulan, Rapunzel and Snow White. For more info, you can visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, located in the Marketplace section.

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*The Personalized Storybook photo session is only for guests age 14 and younger. This product is only available at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and a specialized, same-day photo session is required. Photos taken during the Personalized Storybook photo session can only be purchased as a complete storybook and cannot be reproduced individually. Personalized Story photos will also not be associated to your PhotoPass account and are not included in any Memory Maker products.

Epcot International Festival of The Arts Returning in 2018

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

It seems as though the Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return in January 2018.

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No exact dates are available yet, but Disney has confirmed that the event is returning starting in the first month of next year. It is no secret that the Festival exceeded all expectations, proving to be quite popular with guests in 2017, the inaugural season.

It is rumored that the event will take place daily, not just on weekends in 2018, but Disney has made no announcement as of yet.

For an overview of the entire event (so you can start planning for 2018), please check out our exhaustive review and guide.

Full Menus for Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival 2017

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Spring is already in full bloom in some states, and that is true for California. The Food and Wine fest at California Adventure will be here before you know it, and with that in mind, here is some info to help you plan. Disney has given us a look at the menu offerings for this years event.

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  • Brie toast with fig and mint and roasted California almond crumble
  • Baked ham and Swiss cheese croque monsieur roll with smoked pistachios
  • Chèvre fromage blanc tartine infused with rosemary and honey, topped with toasted hazelnuts
  • Almond milk tea with pudding

Uncork California

  • White wine flight
  • Red wine flight
  • Mimosa flight

I Heart Artichokes

  • Artichoke carbonara with garlic aioli and smoked bacon
  • Grilled and chilled artichoke hearts with Romesco sauce
  • Creamy artichoke and dark chocolate cake pop
  • Orange iced tea with orange pearls

Garlic Kissed

  • Grilled beef tenderloin slider with chimichurri sauce
  • Black garlic soy-braised pork belly bao with pickled vegetables
  • Garlic-rosemary and avocado oil ice cream pop

California Craft Brews

  • Southern California flight
  • Northern California flight

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Olive Us

  • Chilled Cioppino soup with shrimp, crab claw and grilled olive bread
  • Warm olive focaccia with olive oil and sea salt
  • Vanilla bean crème fraîche panna cotta with Amarena cherry jus and EVOO madeleine

Bacon Twist

  • Baby iceberg and heirloom tomato wedge with peppered bacon and blue cheese dressing
  • Smoked bacon mac and cheese with barbecue-seasoned crispy onions
  • Maple-bacon Whoopie Pie

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Lemon Grove

  • Roasted cauliflower and Meyer lemon-infused Dannon Oikos®
  • Greek nonfat yogurt cauliflower puree with sundried tomatoes and fried capers
  • Duck confit on potato smash with Meyer lemon preserves
  • Meyer lemon macaron with blueberry marmalade, Meyer lemon cream and blueberry dust
  • Cherry lemonade with cherry pearls

Seafood…Sustained

  • Verlasso® sustainable salmon tataki with avocado-wasabi puree and Furikake dust
  • Cage-free cream cheese deviled eggs with farm-raised smoked trout and chives
  • Passion fruit posset and coconut chia with mango compote and jelly
  • Mango agua fresca

The Onion Lair

  • French onion mac and cheese topped with parmesan crumble and chives
  • Braised Wagyu beef on creamy polenta with haricot vert and red onion salad and roasted Cipollini onion
  • Chocolate-hazelnut and raspberry Feuillete tart
  • Strawberry pineapple float with vanilla ice cream and strawberry pearls

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Off the Cob

  • Sweet corn nuggets with beef chili, spring onions and sour cream
  • Jackfruit carnitas banh mi nachos with cilantro crèma and “pickled” de gallo
  • Roasted sweet corn custard tart with honey tuille and smoked chili-infused chocolate sauce

Sweet & Sourdough

  • Bay shrimp Louie salad served in a mini Boudin sourdough boule
  • White cheddar lager soup topped with bacon, served in a mini Boudin sourdough boule
  • Milk chocolate sourdough bread pudding with vanilla bean sauce

LAStyle

  • Chicken Teriyaki slider with spicy Dole® pineapple jam
  • Korean barbecue beef short rib tacos with Kimchi slaw
  • Fresh strawberry compote, lemon verbena and vanilla bean shortcake parfait
  • Dole® Pineapple-strawberry Float with vanilla ice cream and strawberry pearls

Paradise Garden Grill Beer Garden

  • Beer-battered cod served with steak fries, sweet slaw and spiced remoulade
  • Potato and cheese pierogis with vegetarian sausage served with grilled Anaheim chilies, caramelized onions and sour cream
  • Beer-braised pork tacos served with pickled apple slaw, black beans and queso
  • Sausage platter trio served with braised red cabbage and warm potato salad
  • Large soft pretzel served with beer-mustard dipping sauce
  • Salted caramel budino with vanilla bean Chantilly cream
  • Bienenstich cake with honey-glazed almonds, filled with vanilla bean custard

The festival continues in the Hollywood Backlot area, featuring wine flights at Wineology, beer and beer floats at The Brewhouse, and wine at the Festival Merchandise & Bottle Shop at Stage 17. Reservations are now open for all signature events, and can be made by clicking here. Learn more about the festival by visiting disneyland.com/FoodAndWine

AERIAL PHOTOS: Latest Progress on Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

The following aerial satellite images of the Star Wars and Toy Story Land construction sitesat Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes to us courtesy of NearMap. The latest images were captured on January 24th, 2017.

The below overall shot gives you a good idea of the scale of the project. Despite the fact that the walls at the end of PIXAR Place show art for Toy Story Land, that site is actually part of Star Wars, with the Toy Story area contained behind Toy Story Midway Mania.

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In the north-west corner is the large building that will contain all the “back-of-house” needs for the Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster. What will be the load station is just to the right of it in the picture. To the south is the ride mechanism for Little Green Men Swirling Saucers. We can make out the interlocking tables that will take the saucers on a double figure eight pattern on one of two separate systems, just like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at Disney California Adventure.

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Not much has changed in Star Wars Land, just more land preparations for the two attractions.

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Below, a closeup of what should be the site for the “Battle with the First Order” attraction.

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Below are some nifty sliders where you can see the progress made between September 19th, 2016 with January 24th, 2017:

Star Wars Land will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019, while Toy Story Land is rumored to debut in 2018.