REVIEW: “Beverly’s Revenge” Spices Up Notorious Epcot Beverage with Alcohol

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

The Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs has offered international flavors of soda since it opened back in July, including the infamous Beverly drink from Italy. The drink is well-known from the nearly 2 decades it has spent at Epcot as part of Club Cool (formerly Ice Station Cool), surprising unexpecting guests from around the globe with it’s “unique” flavor. Basically, a lot of people really dislike Beverly.

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Well, the Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs is now mixing up the “palate cleanser” in a alcoholic concoction as part of a revamped late-night menu of adult beverages.

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Beverly’s Revenge is made up of Hendrick’s Gin, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, and, as you might guess, Beverly.

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I’m one of the few people who generally finds Beverly tolerable. It isn’t my favorite drink and I wouldn’t choose to drink it (unless it is placed in an alcoholic beverage that might be particularly bloggable in this case), but I could drink it and not be repulsed if challenged to do so.

Being incredibly intrigued once I heard about this offering, I had to go and try it. Honestly, it wasn’t bad. Actually, to be honest, I kind of enjoyed it. It almost tasted as if Beverly was meant to be a mixing soda, tasting bad on its own, but really blending well into a drink like this. The drink is of a good size for the price (compared to other places at Walt Disney World, not what you might pay for such things in the rest of the known universe) and I felt there was enough alcohol in it to get a slight buzz, which doesn’t happen to me very often at Disney.

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It tasted like an orange-Beverly soda with gin in it, as you might guess by the description. I would order this again if I happened to end up with some friends at the rooftop tasting bar of the Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs, but to be honest, this isn’t the hippest hangout in Orlando. That being said, I like the rooftop tasting bar a lot and I think it is worthy of at least a visit if you have never been and enjoy soda.

For more on the Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs and a look at the two exciting tasting trays they offer, please check out our original post from when they opened back in July.

CONCEPT ART: Cast Costumes Revealed for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout Attraction

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has only been closed for two days at Disney California Adventure, but Disneyland Resort is already looking forward to the opening of the replacement attraction by previewing the new cast member costumes for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.

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Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout cast member costumes

In the attraction’s story, cast members will be employees of the Tivan Group, run by Taneleer “The Collector” Tivan, welcoming guests to see his prized possessions, including the recently acquired Guardians of the Galaxy.

Partnering with MARVEL Studios and using both films in the series as a guide, the costumes are made to look like something straight out of the movies.

Blizzard Beach Water Park to Be Closed For 3 Days Over Marathon Weekend

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Due to colder temperatures and inclement weather, Blizzard Beach will be closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, January 7th-9th, 2017.

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With the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend happening over this time, guests should expect a heavy impact on all of the Walt Disney  World theme parks, and the closure of Blizzard will likely not help much.

Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for its annual refurbishment.

Disney Testing New One-Day Quick Service Dining Plans at Theme Parks, “Disney-Dine-on-the-Go” to Speed Up Sales

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Beginning January 12th and running through February 22nd, 2017, guests at the Magic Kingdom will be able to purchase one-day quick-service dining plan of sorts, called Disney-Dine-on-the-Go. The test period will allow guests who purchase the package to receive certificates redeemable for the following:

  • One lunch quick service meal that includes one entree and one non-alcoholic single-serving beverage (must be used by 4PM)
  • One dinner quick service meal that includes one entree and one non-alcoholic single-serving beverage (can be used from 4PM until closing)

Certificates for both children and adults will be available.

The test will take place at the following restaurants:

  • Casey’s Corner
  • Columbia Harbor House
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Guests can purchase the Disney-Dine-on-the-Go package at Magic Kingdom vacation planning booths or at Magic Kingdom guest relations only during this period.

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Adult packages are $29 plus tax per person, and it is $12 plus tax for children ages 3-9.

Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk to be Added to the Magic Kingdom, Annual Pass Discounts Now Offered

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Joffrey’s Coffee kiosks can be found at all of the other Walt Disney World theme parks except for the Magic Kingdom. Well, today Joffrey’s announced that they will be adding a location to the park in the not-too-distant future.

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The rumored location in Tomorrowland for the new Joffrey’s kiosk.

While no exact location was named, it is assumed that the ongoing construction in Tomorrowland is for the addition of the kiosk.

Interestingly enough, Joffrey’s kiosks at Walt Disney World are now offering a 20% discount on non-alcoholic beverages and food for Walt Disney World annual passholders as of the 1st of this year.

REVIEW: Move Over Peanuts, Popcorn Brittle Makes Its Way to Walt Disney World

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

I enjoy peanut brittle whenever I visit the Disneyland Resort as it is my absolute favorite snack that they offer. In fact, my tradition isn’t to eat a Dole Whip in the Tiki Room, it’s to bring in some peanut brittle and enjoy it while the birds sing words and the flowers croon. Now, I don’t typically buy peanut brittle at Walt Disney World, but on my last trip to the Magic Kingdom, I discovered this…

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It’s Popcorn Brittle. What is Popcorn Brittle? Well, just remove the nuts and add popcorn, and there you have it.

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It comes in a pretty nice tin, which does help to soften the blow of the $14.99 price tag on 9 ounces of this stuff.

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It should also last you about 6 months, which is nice if you want to bring it home and eat it later to bring back fond memories of “The Most Magical Place on Earth”.

So how was it? Check out my video review where I eat the Popcorn Brittle:

Animal Kingdom to Test Several New Animal Encounters Over the Next Few Weeks

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Over the next several weeks, Disney will be testing several new animal experiences around Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. While many of the tests will occur prior to park open, some concepts may take place during park operating hours. In partnership with Natural Encounters, Inc. (NEI) and the ASE team, testing will occur in DinoLand U.S.A., Africa and Discovery Island.

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During the testing, guests and cast may see birds and possibly other small mammals or reptiles outside of their typical locations, but be aware that members of the Natural Encounters and the ASE team will be
monitoring the animals and their training at all times.

In short, it sounds like new “roaming” animal experiences will be tested at the park as they prepare for the busy Summer season once Pandora: The World of AVATAR opens.

BREAKING: Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon Cancelled Along with All Saturday Events

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

 

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Walt Disney World has officially cancelled the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon and all race events for tomorrow, Saturday, January 7th, 2017:

In an abundance of caution, the Walt Disney World Resort has cancelled all running events on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 due to weather conditions. This includes the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and the Disney Kids Races. In addition, the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo will delay opening until 11 a.m. While we share our Guests’ obvious disappointment, the safety of our Guests and Cast is most important. Weather tracking has indicated there is an elevated risk of lightning in the area of the racecourse. In addition, there are sections of the course that do not provide immediate access to shelter. Both of these factors have influenced this difficult decision.

All registered half marathon runners will receive their half marathon medal and may choose from one of the following options:

  • A full refund for their race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.
  • Two One-Day Park Hopper tickets.
  • Defer registration to another runDisney half marathon race in the U.S. within the next 24 months, subject to availability.
  • We can offer limited availability to run the full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 during the regularly scheduled race.

All registered runDisney Kids Race runners will receive their Kids Race medal and a full race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.

Details on the fulfillment of the above options will be communicated by 10 p.m. this evening.