Alice Flowers at WDW
Oh, it’s a rainy day here in Orlando. Let’s brighten things up with some photos of the beautiful Alice in Wonderland Flowers growing wild in the rose garden at the Magic Kingdom.
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Napa Rose’s New Cocktails
From Pam Brandon on Disney Parks Blog:
“We asked our bartenders to come up with 20 cocktails to feature at Napa Rose,” says Philippe Tosques, general manager of the restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Philippe and restaurant manager Eric Quezada challenged bartenders Matt Ellingson, Ryland Brown and Joe Monje to come up with incredible libations, featuring all sorts of unusual combinations.
“Eric and I both were pleasantly surprised by the complexity and flavor profiles,” says Philippe. How about the British Spitfire with VeeV Acai, Domaine de Canton Ginger and fresh lemon honey syrup? Or the Equinox, with Calvados, Liquor 43, Goldschlager, Cherry Heering and fresh lime juice. There’s also a classic Old Fashioned and a Manhattan, and the signature Napa Rose with Beefeater gin, Campari, Drambouie, fresh lemon juice and Peychaud bitters.
Below is the recipe for the Bitter Storm. “I think this is a really good reflection of what we’re doing at the Napa Rose bar,” says Philippe.
Bitter Storm
Serves 1¾ ounce Bulleit Bourbon
¾ ounce Fernet-Branca
½ ounce Cherry Heering liqueur
½ ounce Poire William brandy
½ ounce Orgeat syrup
¾ ounce lemon juice
Grapefruit peel, for garnish
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker; fill with ice and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a tall chilled classed filled with ice. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
Tim Alcoser’s DLR Photo Report 4/9/12
DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser was at the Disneyland Resort last night and captured some great photos of Buena Vista Street.
Trolley wire is set up down Buena Vista Street and Hollywoodland.
Fountain up and running on Buena Vista Street!
Beauty shots of Cars Land at night.
Enjoying some World of Color
Not the least bit crowded.
Thanks for reading!
New Email Dining Reservation System For The Disneyland Resort
From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:
As you may know, Disneyland Resort guests may book dining reservations through the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE) but, beginning today, we’re offering a new way to request a dining reservation at the resort. Here’s how it works:
- Guests may now email their dining reservation requests to dine@disneyland.com
- Requests will be reviewed the same day, when received during the hours of 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week
- Requests received after hours will be reviewed the next day
- Guests may request Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Studio Disney 365 reservations through this email address as well
- Email requests should include the following information:
- Name of the restaurant or experience you’d like to book
- Requested reservation date and meal period (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Total number of guests in your party
- Your name and phone number
- Remember: Your request is not confirmed until you’ve received a confirmation number
For a list of Disneyland Resort restaurants that accept reservations, click here.
We know that Disneyland Resort guests are very excited about the upcoming opening of Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park on June 15. Dining reservations are not available at this time, but keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and @Disneyland on Twitter for updates on when the booking window for this brand-new restaurant will open.
Is Cars Land Revving-Up Some Live Entertainment?
Two new posts have gone up on the Disney Auditions Website both looking for performers for a new show coming to Cars Land. Here are the postings:
Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking males with physical comedy and improv skills for a new act in Cars Land.
Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).
Role
Males with strong physical comedy and improv skills. All ages, body types and ethnicities are encouraged to attend, including deaf performers (translator will be provided). This is a mostly non-verbal role (think Charlie Chaplin meets Cirque clown.)
And here is the second posting:
Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking female Dancer/Hosts to play the role of “Spinner” in an all-new, interactive dance party that travels the streets of Cars Land.
Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).
Role
Spinner: Female, youthful, all heights and ethnicities, leads a small dance crew. Must be able to interact with Guests as well as a character from the Disney feature film Cars.
These postings are a little more vague than the ones that came out for the Buena Vista Street Performers. The top role is interesting as it is a ” non-verbal role.” The second audition though is labeled as a “interactive dance party” that is hosted by a performer called “Spinner.”
UPDATE:
We’ve got confirmation and more information officially from Disney on these new entertainment offerings coming to Cars Land.
Small-town hospitality flows from Radiator Springs and brings good times to you!
- Red the Fire Truck brings impromptu water fun at the Courthouse in Cars Land.
- DJ gets you hip-hoppin’ with bass beats that are pumpin’ through his neon-blazin’, thumpin’ subwoofers and sweet speakers.
- Don’t miss the transformation of Radiator Springs at sunset when the streets shimmer from sparkling lights and music pulses through the night air.
It looks like Red the Fire Truck will be bringing some “impromptu water fun” to Cars Land. It isn’t really clear if this is a show or just a water play area as it is listed under entertainment.
New Magic Around the World Figure Released
We were pointed to a Facebook post by Disney Character Central today:
“Picked this up just now at a UK store (not London!). The info on the back more or less confirms the others will come soon too.”
This looks like a fun figure to celebrate the World Showcase at Epcot. With the Mickey head flags, it is very similar to the ornaments on the Christmas tree from the Holidays Around the World figure released a few years back. I would have liked a tiny more character to this figure instead of just a black background. Found at a UK Disney Store, it is an interesting universal figure seemingly meant to represent all the countries with Disney Stores perhaps? This is as opposed to those figures meant to represent specific cities.
Lighting Up the Magic Kingdom
As the sun goes down just a bit earlier these days, the Magic Kingdom lights up that much earlier. Have you ever really explored all the different lights around the park? Austin and I did… with the help of the Disney Store 25th Anniversary Light Up series.
Bambi stalks the hunters at the Frontierland Shooting Gallery
Buzz scales new heights in Tomorrowland
Where else would you find Dumbo then by the new Casey Jr. Splash Station?
Only this Adventureland light can lift Eeyore’s spirits
This tall Liberty Square light box is perfect for Goofy
Grumpy makes the most out of this interesting light, only found in Frontierland
Mickey finds Main Street USA very enlightening
Minnie awaits her prince at the castle
Pinocchio tries to peak over the Fantasyland construction walls outside the Village Haus
Rapunzel lets her hair down and relaxes outside a Liberty Square home
Sorcerer Mickey keeps a look out for Pirates at this Adventurland post
Tinkerbell flutters around the Tomorrowland lights
Cars Land Entertainment Concept Art Released
We posted a few days ago about the entertainment offering coming to Cars Land. Disney has released some concept art of these shows on the Disney Parks Blog.
From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:
We recently told you about some of the shows and characters coming to Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park. Well, that was just the beginning! When Cars Land opens June 15, the tiny town of Radiator Springs will also be teeming with atmosphere entertainment inspired by the Disney•Pixar film, “Cars.”
Big and red on the outside, gentle and good-natured on the inside, Red the Fire Truck shows up with his sirens blaring and his bell ringing, heading to meet up with his good buddy, a Volunteer Firefighter. The Firefighter lets everyone know the flowers in the area need watering. It’s “Red to the Rescue,” but each time the Firefighter attempts to use Red’s hose, it backfires on him! In all the fun, the plants manage to get wet, and you might too! Bringing a completely different kind of beat to the street is “DJ’s Dance & Drive.” DJ, the ultimate party car, rolls into town with his giant speakers, built-in disc changer and his very own dance party, led by a girl named Spinner. This gang stops traffic everywhere they go, creating a spontaneous, interactive dance party. Spinner and the crew teach us moves like the Overdrive, the Reverse and the Hairpin Turn, while DJ calls up the hits, from “Life in the Fast Lane” to “Car Wash.” DJ’s going to shift Cars Land into high gear! Cruise on down to Cars Land this summer at Disney California Adventure park. The residents there will be glad you rolled into town!
“Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree” Coming To Frontierland
From Shawn Slater on the Disney Parks Blog:
We have some great news to share today! Starting May 3, we’ll be rounding up some good times and bringing a whole new energy to Frontierland at Disneyland park with the opening of the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Encompassing the former Festival Arena site, the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree will feature music, dancing, crafts, pin trading and plenty of Disney characters in their finest Western wear. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be throwing a good, old fashioned Hoedown, where you can kick up your heels with the likes of Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Chip ‘n Dale. From time to time, classic favorites like Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow, Clara Cluck or those silly Country Bears might even stop by! What’s more, Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree is also going to be the newest spot to catch visiting performing ensembles as part of Disney Performing Arts. Disney Performing Arts provides an opportunity for middle and high school students and community groups from across the country to perform in Disney Parks as well as take workshops taught by entertainment professionals to improve their performance skills. You’ll be able to enjoy some of these young instrumentalists, singers and dancers as they put on the performance of a lifetime onstage at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
Starbucks Coming To The Disney Parks
From Thomas Smith on the Disney Parks Blog:
Today, we’re excited to officially announce plans to bring your favorite Starbucks drinks and food items to all of our theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
In June, the first of six planned Starbucks locations is scheduled to open at Disney California Adventure park. And more locations are planned at Disneyland park and Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom).
The Starbucks locations inside our parks will be designed to fit the theme of their surroundings. At Disney California Adventure park, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, a place that transports guests to 1920s Los Angeles, when Walt Disney arrived in California and a cup of coffee was the perfect way to jumpstart a busy day. The store’s location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspired attire.
The café will serve Starbucks items, including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats.
Let us know what you’ll be ordering in the comments.
And we have a little more information from an official press release:
SEATTLE & LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 23, 2012 – Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts today announced that Starbucks will soon be available at all Disney theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., and Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
This summer, the first of six Starbucks cafés will open at Disney California Adventure. The additional stores are planned for Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World Resort, including locations at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
“Starbucks and Disney have many things in common,” said Arthur Rubinfeld, president, Global Development, for Starbucks. “We share a passion for providing excellent customer service, delivering high quality in everything we do, and ensuring that every experience with our brand exceeds our customers’ expectations. This is something our customers and partners (employees) have asked for through MyStarbucksIdea.com since the site launched more than four years ago, so we are pleased to bring this idea to life.”
Starbucks is not completely new to Disney. In June 2009, the company opened a store in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, which has become a guest favorite.
At Disney California Adventure, Starbucks will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, a place that transports guests to 1920s Los Angeles when Walt Disney arrived in California and a cup of coffee was the perfect way to jumpstart a busy day. The store’s location plays off the Spanish/Mexican architecture of the period, and baristas will wear 1920s-inspired attire.
The café will serve Starbucks items including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats.
“We know food and beverage offerings are an important part of the memories our guests make at Disney Parks and now they will be able to enjoy their favorite Starbucks® beverage as part of their experience,” said Maribeth Bisienere, vice president, food and beverage line of business for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Many of our guests have shared their passion for Starbucks with us, and we look forward to making their feedback a reality as we debut the first location at Disney California Adventure.”
About Starbucks Coffee Company
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.