PHOTOS: Flower and Garden Festival 2017 Merchandise; Egg Hunt Returns to Epcot with New Characters

The start of the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is only a few weeks away. Today, Disney shared a sneak preview of new products created this annual springtime celebration that returns to Walt Disney World Resort from March 1 to May 29.

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This year, guests will find new artwork from Disney Design Group including stylized images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and pastel-colored, geometric patterns featuring Figment.

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New merchandise will include apparel, headware, home décor, and souvenirs. Five Dooney & Bourke handbags will be released, including, by popular demand, a larger sized Weekender bag. A Shellie May plush bear dressed in gardening attire and three Figment-inspired garden decorations will also be offered.

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For Disney pin collectors, look for a limited release logo pin along with several limited edition pins. The four-pin, limited edition pin set features Disney characters such as Orange Bird or Judy Hopps from Disney’s “Zootopia.”

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Annual Passholders will find several unique products such as apparel for women and men; a TERVIS wine goblet; a collectible coin; and a limited edition pin. For the first time, there is also a limited release logo pin created only for Passholders. In order to purchase these items, Passholders must present a valid Annual Pass at time of purchase.

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Disney also announced the return of the Egg-stravaganza to Epcot. From March 1 to May 29 (or while supplies last), you can search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax. To participate, visit Pin Central – Future World, Disney Traders at the entrance to World Showcase, or World Traveler at International Gateway.

The event will also return to Disneyland Resort, but no details are available as of yet.

You can look for these items and more at the Festival Center located in Future World between Mission: SPACE and the Universe of Energy. The location will have expanded operating hours during opening week, Wednesday, March 1 to Sunday, March 5. During the remaining weeks of the Festival, the center will be open Friday through Sunday. Guests may also find additional products in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

Jiko at Disney’s Kingdom Lodge Overhauls Menu

Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom lodge now features a new menu, as well as new chefs.

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Chef Daniel Sicilia and Pastry Chef Michael Craig recently were brought onto the team about 6 months ago. With them now firmly on board, they have created a brand new menu for this luxurious 4.6 star African Restaurant. The restaurant has uniquely themed African dishes, while the dining room itself is inspired by the art style of The Lion King.

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As you’re sitting in the dining room, waiting for your food, you can smell the intoxicating aroma of the wood burning ovens cooking and roasting your food to perfection. Jiko has always had Maize-Crusted fish in tomato butter sauc, but now they are using fish straight from Lake Victoria in Africa. Mrouzia style lamb tagine, as well as Durham Ranch Elk loin are some of the newer options created for the menu.

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A favorite among many guests who visit is the “Taste of Africa”, which is all made in-house with pappadam, sesame fatir and flax seed naan, served with a variety of dips including hummus, green chermoula, goat butter and mango chutney. Manti Dumplings, which is an all new appetizer, is filled with boar, bison and elk and served with spicy tomato sauce and saffron yogurt.

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After your meal, you can choose from a variety of delectable desserts. One of your new options is the Tanzanian chocolate mousse (pistachio financier, pink peppercorn meringue, cacao nib crunch and pineapple flavored with ras el hanout, a Moroccan spice blend). There’s also a strawberry shortcake with local berries and sweet potato cheesecake with sweet apple chutney.

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If it would like to pair your dinner with a fine beverage, Jiko offers a long list of exclusive African wines. They have over 125 different wineries showcased to choose from. With their large selection, they are the largest South African wine offering in the US.

Additional Rivers of Light Shows Added for Opening Weekend, FastPass Available Now

A second nightly Rivers of Light showing has been added at 8:30pm on Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 19th, 2017 due to guest demand. These are in addition to the already scheduled 7:15pm showings.

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FastPass+ reservations are open for these additional shows now. No additional dining packages have been released at Tiffins or Tusker House, however.

UPDATE: An 8:30pm show was now also added for Friday, February 17th, 2017.

Beauty and The Beast Fantasyland Layover Coming to Disneyland

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Red Rose Tavern– The Village Haus Restaurant will turn into the Red Rose Tavern. This restaurant will be themed to a French tavern and offer delicious quick service meals. Inside will be beautifully, hand-painted murals that depict some of the various scenes from the animated version of Beauty and the Beast. Each room will will tell the ‘tale as old as time’ chapter by chapter. The menu will be redesigned as well, having some original classics from the Village Haus as well as some new fare inspired by French Taverns. There will also be some new specialty beverages. You can even try the grey stuff!

Royal Reception– This new gift shop will be adjacent to Red Rose Tavern and will offer merchandise inspired by the new live-action Beauty and the Beast film.

That Gaston– Gaston himself will be wandering throughout Fantasyland, offering a meet and greet with guests.

Maurice’s Treats In Fantasy Faire, each tasty treat at this existing location will have a unique ‘twist’ from Maurice himself. Also there will be delicious dipping sauces available, such as marinara, strawberry, and even Grey Stuff dipping sauce.

The Royal Theater Presents, ‘Beauty and the Beast’- Stop by the Royal Theater in Fantasy Faire and Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones will present their own take on the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ story in the daily show.

At this time we have no further information on these events and when these will be occurring at Disneyland, so stay tuned for future updates.

RUMOR: Skyway Gondola Transportation System Between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be Constructed

This one is a bit wacky, but according to recent permits filed by the Walt Disney World, it seems that a Skyway-type gondola transportation system may be installed to transport guests between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (as well as a few resort hotels in between).

If you think Skyway systems are out of date, think again. New York City still utilizes such a system to and from Roosevelt Island and has proposed an additional system for the future, seen here.

If you think Skyway systems are out of date, think again. New York City still utilizes such a system to and from Roosevelt Island and has proposed an additional system for the future, seen here.

If the buildings on the permits are indeed for stations, the system would include stops at Epcot’s International Gateway, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, a shared station at the Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. See our illustration below:

The rumored route, stops and turns of Walt Disney World's new Skyway system.

The rumored route, stops and turns of Walt Disney World’s new Skyway system.

It’s no secret that Disney will not build a monorail expansion for cost and efficiency reasons, so would they build this instead? The timing seems right with the massive expansion work at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and soon-to-commence at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The stations and turns are in spaces not currently used by any other structures or infrastructure.

The original Skyway attraction once operated at the Magic Kingdom park from 1971 until 1999. This new system would likely include much larger, enclosed gondolas, however (similar to the New York system pictured at the top of the article). It would be nice to have the Skyway back at Walt Disney World, in name at least. A modern homage to a classic Disney attraction that would now serve a real transportation purpose for many a guest.

The original Magic Kingdom Skyway

The original Magic Kingdom Skyway

We will keep you in the loop as more information on this rumored project becomes available.

Our thanks to the group of Disney World fans who pieced together this information!

Opening Date Announced for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout and More MARVEL Experiences at California Adventure

Disney California Adventure park will soon be the destination for adventure, intrigue and triumph as recruits from around the world – like you – join forces with legendary Super Heroes in an ever-expanding universe of stories that will grow even bigger over time. This summer, Disney will take the first steps to bring MARVEL experiences into the park with the May 27 grand opening of the thrilling, rocking attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

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This new adventure blasts you straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time ever, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As you help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, you will experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks. You never know which adventure you will get!

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There will be even more ways to step into Super Hero stories with Summer of Heroes, May 27 through September 10. Answer the call for this limited-time celebration as you join the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy for all-new epic experiences.

Summer of Heroes will launch these new, year-round experiences:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – Don’t be surprised if you run into the Guardians of the Galaxy on their way to the Milano, with Star-Lord firing up his old-school boom box to get the party started. Gamora may prefer to stand back and observe, but everyone else is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash!
  • Super Hero Encounters – For the first time, citizens of Earth will come face-to-face with Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy! You can also step up to meet the First Avenger, Captain America, along with everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

And for a limited time, step up to the challenge with new adventures during Summer of Heroes:

  • Avengers Training Initiative – Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.
  • Heroic Encounter: Black Widow – Black Widow will arrive on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park guests.
  • Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action – All that heroism making you hungry? Want a token as proof of your adventures when you get home? Special themed merchandise and food will be available throughout Hollywood Land.

The summer brings even more to get excited about over at Disneyland park as classic favorites return with the reopening of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions, with the “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular returning later in the summer. Opening dates will be shared soon for these attractions. And don’t miss your chance to see the classic Main Street Electrical Parade during its limited-time run at Disneyland park through June 18.

#HeroUp at Disney California Adventure park with Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Summer of Heroes, beginning May 27!

New Medals for Disneyland’s Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Medal

On your marks, get set, run! This year’s sponsor for the Tinkerbell half marathon is PANDORA Jewlery. David Brotherton, who is the Art Director at Disney Yellow Shoes, was the mastermind creator behind this new medal in collaboration with PANDORA jewelry. David has been designing runDisney medals for last 6 years, but he says making this Tinkerbell half marathon was indeed his most favorite. Graphic designers from PANDORA have said that Daivd truly is a genius when it comes to design and that his expertise and knowledge was immeasurable and sparked this amazing creative partnership.

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For the marathon weekend, they have medals for the runDisney kids races which feature Disney Captain Jake and the Neverland Pirates, as well as the adults race medals for the Neverland 5k and Tinkerbell 10k which feature some beloved characters from ‘Peter Pan’. They even have a medal for those brave enough to conquer the Pixie Dust Challenge, which combines the 13.1 mile Tinkerbell Half marathon PLUS the 6.2 mile Tinker Bell 10k.

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Pixie Dust Challenge Medal

Registration is still open for these races including the Pixie Dust Challenge. For registration and more info on these runs, please visit the official site for the Tinker Bell Marathon Weekend, here.

*All of these run events listed are all at the Disneyland Resort.

Off To Neverland! – California Attractions That Never Happened

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Neverland is a fictional place in Disney’s “Peter Pan,” where pirates rule the seas, mermaids lurk the waters, fairies are real, and you never grow up. It’s a place of “never.” For a moment, let’s pretend that it is the year 2078. In this time period, Disney has just announced plans for their 6th theme park which would be 500 acres – their biggest park yet. This park would be called Neverland. This park is filled with shows, rides, concepts, ideas and many other things that Disney had plans for, but never fully put into effect. Let me be your VIP tour guide and show you what would be in this fictional Disney park of things that have “never” happened.

We begin our tour in the first land called Failed California. This land has rides and ideas proposed for Disneyland in California but never came to be.

Failed California (Disneyland, California)


  • LILLIPUTIAN LAND- This land was actually proposed by Roy O. Disney. This land was supposed to be based on the book Gulliver’s Travels and in it would be a miniature Americana village populated by 9-inch-tall singing and dancing mechanical people. The main attraction for this land would be a 17-inch-tall locomotive.
  • EDISON SQUARE- This land was supposed to be a side land of Main Street USA and its theme would be 1920 suburbs. The centerpiece in the land would be a statue of Thomas Edison. The main attraction would have been called Harnessing the Lightning, which would consist of retelling the history of electricity and the effect it had on the American society. This idea was scrapped, but some themes were used for Walt’s Carousel of Progress at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
  • MYTHICA- This land would have a Greek/Roman theme and all the rides, shows and attractions would be based on Greek and Roman mythology. This was an idea by Disney Imagineers but never came into development.
  • ATLANTIS EXPEDITION- In this ride, you would be traveling in a submarine, similar to those in The 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea as well as The Finding Nemo Voyage. Riders would have been able to use a mechanical arm that was attached to the submarine, and grab gems and doubloons. The “area” or underwater part would have been based on Disney’s Atlantis film, but with the horrible box office ratings it had received, the idea was changed and thus The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was created.
  • TOMORROWLAND 2055- Tomorrowland 2055 would have been an extraterrestrial-themed Tomorrowland, but the plans were abandoned because of budget cuts.
  • BIG CITY USA- A land that was supposed to be New York themed, featuring a giant Broadway theater that would hold live performances each day. This land was scrapped, however, the ideas for this land was inspiration for Tokyo Disney Sea’s American Waterfront.
  • HOLLYWOOD LAND- The theme for this land would have been the 1930’s/1940’s. Rides would have featured ideas and characters from “Dick Tracy” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”.
  • DISCOVERY BAY-  The land would have had elements and been a tribute to Jules Verne and H.G Wells. The idea never came into development, but elements from the plans were later used in Disneyland Paris and Disney Tokyo Sea.
  • LIBERTY STREET- This land was an idea that just never came to be. It was going to resemble Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1776, and even have its own small harbor.

We we will end our tour here for today. In the time to come, I will guide you on more deep into Neverland‘s secrets. Next time,we will be traveling to The Land of Forgotten Countries…

PHOTOS: Paddlefish Restaurant Opens at Disney Springs

Officially opening today, the Paddlefish restaurant replaces what was Fulton’s in Disney Springs. The new elegant seafood establishment invited us to take a look inside last night during a special VIP event, so here’s a quick look at what guests will see when they enter the reimagined eatery:

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The check-in area.

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The dining room on the bottom floor near the paddlewheel.

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The dining and bar area at the front of the ship’s 1st floor.

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What I thought was most stunning was this area on the 1st floor, opened up with some fantastic large windows that offer unrivaled views.

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The second floor isn’t bad either though…

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Yes, we had to look in the bathroom (before anyone arrived, mind you). There are little tile paddlewheels on the ground!

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Second floor dining at the front of the ship.

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At sunset, the views were even better.

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Up to the third floor, which has a rather large lounge area in the front and back.

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PHOTOS: New Disney Castle Art & More Added to Lobby at Boardwalk Inn Resort

 

Upon visiting Disney’s Boardwalk Inn last night, we were greeted by some significant changes in the hotel’s lobby…

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In addition to some new carpet, couches, and chairs, three new pieces of Castle artwork were added to reflect the three other Disney Castles that did not have representation in the lobby’s fantastic carousel style ornamentation.

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The Castle art above the check-in desk represented the 4 Disney Castles around the world at the time the hotel opened…

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Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park…

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Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort Paris…

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And Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World (which also represented Tokyo until now).

Disney decided to represent all 6 castles in the lobby now, so those added recently include…

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Hong Kong Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle (at least for now, until the castle is altered)…

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Enhanced Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disney Resort…

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And finally Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disney Resort, with the new enhancements in the brickwork added several years ago to differentiate it from the other just across the lobby.

So, what do you think? Pretty cool, huh?