World of Disney Offering Free $25 Gift Card Promotion Starting July 10th

Beginning July 10, Guests who purchase a limited edition $100 Shopping Card at World of Disney (located at Disney Springs) will receive an additional $25 bonus Shopping Card to be used on future visits, redeemable beginning the following day. Both cards are redeemable at Disney owned and operated merchandise locations at Disney Springs, Earport and Magic of Disney at Orlando International Airport, as well as the Shop Disney Parks app.

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Guests may use the Shopping Cards at the following locations (which are also listed on the cards themselves):
  • World of Disney
  • Disney’s Design-A-Tee
  • Disney’s Pin Traders
  • Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories
  • Goofy’s Candy Co.
  • Marketplace Co-Op
  • Marketplace Fun Finds
  • Mickey’s Pantry
  • Once Upon a Toy
  • The Art of Disney
  • Tren-D
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Disney Springs location only)
  • The Ganachery
  • D-Living
  • Sundries
  • Disney’s Candy Cauldron
  • Star Wars Galactic Outpost
  • Super Hero Headquarters
  • Disney’s EarPort
  • The Magic of Disney
  • Shop Disney Parks app.

The $25.00 Bonus Shopping Card will expire on October 29th, 2017, while the $100.00 Shopping Card does not expire at any point.

This special promotion is only available for purchase via World of Disney and may not be used at any Disney Springs Operating Participant locations or other merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Hostess with the Mostess – Top 5 Star Wars Experiences Results

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Episode VI: Hostess with the Mostess Strikes Back

I received multiple requests to hold off on the result post for a few weeks so some of you could experience the things on my list before voting for them. I was thrilled that so many of you wanted to actually go out and give them a try that I was more than happy to honor your request. I hope most of you were able to experience something new and vote for your favorite.

In honor of Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary I brought you my top five favorite Star Wars experiences in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can check out my original list here.

Now let’s see how you voted!

5. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

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You voted the Jedi Training into the number 5 spot. Maybe someday we will be lucky enough to experience Jedi Training. After all, this is the place where dreams come true, is it not?!

 

4.  Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

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The Galactic Dessert Party beat Jedi Training … but only by one vote! If you do ever get to experience this yummy event make sure you get the Freeze Fried Nutella! It is amazing and you do not want to miss it. If the desserts/snacks weren’t already good enough, the VIP viewing area was the perfect spot!

 

3. Star Wars Launch Bay

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I am surprised the Launch Bay did not get more votes. With an introductory film, meet and greets, and movie props … it is a pretty cool place! You have the choice to bear right and skip the film, but I do not recommend skipping it. It is only about 9 minutes long and features interviews with some of the creators, movie clips, and they even talk about Star Wars’ impact on culture. It is an interesting film and really gets you pumped for the future!

 

2. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

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You brought Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular into number two. What a fantastic show! If you haven’t seen it yet, you must make time to go! I recommend scoping out your viewing area ahead of time. If you are not attending the dessert party, near Center Stage is a prime spot. It can get pretty crowded so try to get there early to stake your claim.

 

1. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

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Star Tours comes in first and this attraction deserves it! It would have been my number one pick but I unfortunately cannot ride it most of the time #Bummer. The last time I was able to ride it was shortly after The Force Awakens came out and lo and behold our scene was Jakku. I was ecstatic that I could experience the new story. I am very happy that this attraction made number one!

Thank you again for voting! I love to read your comments and see how you vote! I have another special post coming up very soon! May the Force Be With You!

Extra Magic Tip: While you are in the queue for Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, pay attention to the security droid scanning luggage. If you look closely while he scans, you will see some familiar objects. There are tons of different easter eggs, but my personal favorite might be a Buzz Lightyear toy that he sends to “Infinity and Beyond”!

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FIRST LOOK: Ratatouille Logo, List of New Booths for the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Revealed

The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is quickly approaching, especially because of the new start date that for the first time enters the month of August during this now 75-day long event. Today, we have a first look at this year’s event logo for you, as well as a list of the 6 new festival marketplaces that will be joining the usual lineup.

Here is the 2017 event logo, featuring Remy from Ratatouille (and possibly Epcot’s newest ride in World Showcase):

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Below is a tentative list of the new booths/marketplaces that will debuting at the event for 2017 (names subject to change):

  • Avocados of Mexico
  • Cheese – Hosted by Boursin
  • Beer (in the former Segway room of Innoventions)
  • Flavored by Fire
  • Active Eats
  • Spain

A record number of global food and wine marketplaces – 35 in all –will sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017.

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UPDATE: Brazil Likely the New Country Being Added to World Showcase During Epcot’s Expansion

With multiple sources now confirming, it seems likely that Brazil is the new country being added to World Showcase during the multi-year expansion and re-imagining of Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

Likely location for the new Brazil pavilion at Epcot

Likely location for the new Brazil pavilion at Epcot

The pavilion is rumored to be going between the Italy and Germany pavilions in World Showcase, an empty 1.5 acre plot left for a future pavilion since the park opened in 1982. The pavilion will likely include an attraction, but there are nor rumblings as to what it might be at this time.

Brazil will likely be announced for Epcot at the D23 Expo 2017 during the presentation on Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. This rumor dates back to a 2011 story run here on WDWNT.com.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Boulder Ridge Cove Pool and Cascade Cabins Area Opens to Guests at Wilderness Lodge

With just two weeks to go before their official opening, the Cascade Cabins area and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool opened to guests at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort this week. Below, we have a video tour for you to enjoy of the awesome new area, followed by some photos:


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The mighty buffalo topiaries are back, a nice touch for the new area.

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Now connected to the track at Geyser Point Bar and Grill, there is another mine car.

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Steps away from Geyser Point is the new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool.

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The entrance to this section of the Cascade Cabins can be found just behind Geyser Point.

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Once it grows in more, the area around the cabins will be pretty serene. The look is already quite pleasant with the new foliage though.

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I love the cabin number signs so much.

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It probably would have been a little cooler if they were log cabins, but they aren’t unpleasant looking.

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Benches in the surrounding area are nice and unique.

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Now we head back to the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool area.

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The spa timer is attached to dynamite. This might be my favorite detail in any pool area Disney has ever built.

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The poolside restrooms are gorgeous and offer a little more privacy that at most resorts.

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Don’t worry, I made sure it was empty before I took any pictures…

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A shower and changing room with a locking door is a nice offering.

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The covered seating areas are well themed and furnished.

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And lastly, a look from above.

The Cascade Cabins and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool both look to be fantastic additions to Wilderness Lodge, continuing the rich theme and attention to detail that the resort is known for. While we may scoff at more and more Disney Vacation Club additions, these are well thought out and well executed, and a viable addition to the DVC lineup at Walt Disney World.

Characters in Flight at Disney Springs Changes Name to Reflect New Design

Since the characters were already removed from the exterior a few months back, Characters in Flight at Disney Springs will be changing its name effective this week.

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The new name of the balloon will be Aerophile, named after the company who operates the attraction. The new Disney Springs maps already reflect this change.

Jiko, Boatwright’s, Grand Floridian Cafe, and More Disney Restaurants Join Discounted Magical Dining Month Event

For Orlando’s annual Magical Dining Month, there will several Disney-owned restaurants participating for the first time in 2017. For those unfamiliar with the event…

Celebrate Orlando’s amazing culinary scene during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month sponsored by American Express. Beginning August 25 during a special preview week, and continuing through October 1, over 100 Orlando area restaurants will offer prix fixe dinners for just $35. Indulge in imaginative appetizers, entrees and desserts sure to leave you spellbound.

One dollar from each meal will benefit Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Included in the deals are the following, including some 3rd party restaurants located at Walt Disney World:

Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Choice of Appetizers
Amelia’s Salad
fresh greens, seasonal ingredients, and house vinaigretteMardi Gras Fritters
house-made pimiento cheese fritters with pepper jelly

Crawfish Bisque
traditional-style bisque with crawfish tails, a touch of sherry, finished with crème fraîche

Choice of Entrèes
Jackson Square Etouffee
crawfish simmered in rich seafood sauce over riceChicken and Dumplings
pan-seared chicken breast, hand-rolled potato dumplings, mixed vegetables, and cream sauce

General Fulton’s Prime Rib
slow-roasted prime rib with our specialty crafted chicory-coffee blend, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and horseradish cream

Choice of Desserts

Crème Brûlée

Seasonal Sorbet

Bourbon Street Pecan Pie

Grand Floridian Cafe, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Choice of Appetizers
Seasonal Citrus and Cucumber Salad
organic baby lettuce, orange, cucumber, pomegranate, sunflower seeds, and coriander vinaigretteCaramelized Onion Soup Gratinee
traditional French onion soup

Old South Chicken Wings
crispy-fried and spun with Key lime-datil pepper sauce

Choice of Entrèes
Grilled Pork Chop
10-oz pork chop, boursin cheese-potato croquette, and roasted baby carrots with peppercorn cream sauce and onion jamMiso-Glazed Salmon
lemon sticky rice, French beans, wasabi peas, and ginger-soy vinaigrette

Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast
buttery mashed potatoes, green beans and mushroom chicken jus

Choice of Desserts
Small Desserts
(Select Two)Mocha Pot de Crème
coffee-flavored custard and whipped cream

Wild Strawberry Cheesecake

Fresh Berry Tart
layer of almond cake topped with seasonal berries and apricot glaze

Chocolate Timbale
chocolate gateaux with bittersweet chocolate mousse

Il Mulino at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Choice of Appetizers
Arancini
Italian rice balls over spicy marinara sauceInsalata Caesar
the classic Il Mulino Caesar salad

Insalata Trattoria
organic greens, seasonal vegetables, truffle vinaigrette

Choice of Entrèes
Salmone
broiled salmon, light garlic, olive oil, wild mushrooms,
broccoli rabePollo Piccata
European cut chicken breast, lemon, white wine

Penne Rigate
penne,Il Mulino original marinara, ricotta cheese

Tortellini Alla Panna
meat tortellini, crisp peas, cream sauce

Choice of Desserts
Torta Al Cioccolato
flour-less chocolate cake, whipped cream, zabaglioneCheesecake Al Italiana
Italian style cheesecake, whipped cream, zabaglione

Tiramisu
layered espresso and coffee liqueur, infused lady fingers, mascarpone cream

Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Choice of Appetizers
Jiko Salads
Epcot land pavilion greens, stone fruit, pistachio halva, grilled halloumi cheese, apricot ginger dressingInguday Tibs in Brik
mushroom, spinach, cheese in crispy Tunisian filo, apples, curry vinaigrette

Choice of Entrèes
Bo Kaap Malay Seafood Curry
calamari, red shrimp, mussels, coconut curry sauce, saffron riceBotswana-style Seswaa Beef Short Rib
cassava-potato purée, sambal, baby carrots, and mushrooms

West African Koki Corn
mushrooms, poblano-tomatillo purée, roasted red pepper sauce

Choice of Desserts
Malva Pudding
melktart ice cream, kataifi, kanu tuile, Cabernet geléeSafari Sunset
carrot cake, cornbread calamansi, and lemon cremeux, Kenyan coffee streusel, citrus gel, valrhona dulcey mousse, candied carrots

Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
Choice of Appetizers
Black Cod Nanbanzuke
lightly tempura fried black cod marinated with vegetablesShrimp Yum Woon Sen
poached Key West shrimp, bean thread noodle salad, soy-lime dressing

Beef Bulgogi Tacos
thin sliced beef short ribs, house kim-chi, spicy gochujang sauce

Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll (add $5)
hand chopped big eye tuna, scallion, spicy mayo, sesame, tempura flakes

Choice of Entrèes
Red Miso Glazed Faroe Island Salmon
wok sautéed baby bok choy, Shaoxing gastriqueMorimoto Asia Ebi Chili (Shrimp with Chili Sauce)
stir fried shrimp, vegetable fried rice, slow cooked farm egg

A-5 Wagyu Beef Burger Steak
Szechuan chili sauce, tofu, asparagus

Half Rack Morimoto Spare Ribs (6pc) (add $9)
pork ribs, cilantro, hoisin sweet chili glaze

Choice of Desserts

Green Tea Panna Cotta

Mango Coconut Soup
with fresh local berries

Asian Pear Chocolate Mousse

Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Choice of Appetizers
Crab Cake
pan-fried and served with avocado purée, house-made roasted pepper rémoulade sauce, and chayote saladConch Fritters
with Key lime-mustard and rémoulade

Tomato-Mozzarella Salad
cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh oranges with mixed greens, ciabatta crostini, and balsamic glaze

Choice of Entrèes
Seven Mile Sea Scallops
pan-seared scallops over polenta foam topped with an edamame succotash and tomato vinaigrettePlantation Key Pork Chop
brined bone-in pork chop glazed with an apple-white balsamic gastrique served with roasted sweet potatoes, apples, onions, Brussels sprouts, and tossed in a bacon vinaigrette

Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken
mashed potatoes, southern gravy, and seasonal vegetable

Choice of Desserts
Key Lime Tart
baked daily and served with mango and raspberry sauceBanana Bread Pudding Sundae
house-made daily and served warm with bananas foster sauce and vanilla bean ice cream

Paddlefish at Disney Springs
Choice of Appetizers
Fried Green Tomatoes
elote, pickled watermelon, queso fresco, remouladeGreen Salad
romaine hearts, cucumber, grape tomato, red onion, yuzu

New England Clam Chowder
bacon, potatoes, cream

Conch Chowder
Bahamian conch, spiced tomato broth

Wheat Berry Salad
farmer’s market vegetables, arugula, lemon vinaigrette

Choice of Entrèes
Fish & Chips
beer battered flounder, sweet potato fries, tartar sauceShrimp & Grits
cheddar grits, spicy black pepper butter sauce

Half Chicken
Carolina mop sauce, edamame bacon succotash, pickled watermelon

Pork Chop & Applesauce
house-made applesauce, green beans

Catch of the Day
select one of our chef’s preparations

Bearnaise – béarnaise sauce, whipped potato
Beurre Blanc – white wine-caper butter sauce, whipped potato
Floribbean – Jerk spices, papaya-mango salsa, red skin potato

Choice of Desserts
Carrot Cake
cream cheese mousseKey Lime Pie
graham cracker, meringue

Strawberry Shortcake
farmer’s market berries, whipped cream

Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Choice of Appetizers
Insalata Mista
trevisana, arugula, lola rossa, moscato vinaigrettePolpettine
meatballs, mortadella, prosciutto, pomodoro sauce, mascarpone, grilled pan pugliese

Gelato Di Parmigiano
radish, artisan lettuce, cucumber, tomato vinaigrette Parmigiano cheese gelato, taralli crumble

House Made Charcuterie and Cheese Board

Choice of Entrèes
House Made Bucatini Amatriciana
guanciale, onion, pomodoro sauceChicken Putanessca with Polenta
taggiasca olive, capers

Pesce Spada
swordfish, sale speziato, salmoriglio, roasted potatoes, spinach, pomodorini, laggiasca olives

Choice of Desserts
Affogato
vanilla housemade gelato, café Umbrian espressoSicillian Cannolis
pistachio, candied orange

STK at Disney Springs
Choice of Appetizers

Little Gem Lettuce Caesar Salad

Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche
with sweet potato, choclo and aji amarillo

Shaved Brussels
with dried cranberries, pickled onions and red wine dressing

Choice of Entrèes
Petite Filet Mignon
with olive oil crushed potatoes and smoked tomato sauceSea Scallops
with carrot butterscotch, pistachio gremolata and brown butter

Pappardelle Pasta with Duck Confit
wild mushrooms and Marsala wine

Choice of Desserts
Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie
with caramel sauce and vanilla ice creamSalted Caramel Budino
with vanilla chantilly and white chocolate crunch

Orange Dream Cheesecake
with brûléed oranges and whipped cream

The Turf Club at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Choice of Appetizers
The Turf Club Grilled Romaine Salad
lightly grilled hearts of romaine, roasted tomatoes, balsamic vinegar glaze, Caesar dressing, and croutonsClassical French Onion Soup
beef broth, julienne onions, Melted Swiss, and Gruyère cheeses with croutons

Choice of Entrèes
Pan Seared Corvina
lemon risotto and garlic-basil cream reduction topped with a fresh tomato relishGrilled New York Strip Steak
hand-cut rosemary Parmesan fries and béarnaise sauce

Rigatoni Fiesolana with Shrimp
rigatoni pasta, shrimp, creamy tomato sauce with sausage, Portobello mushrooms, Parmesan, and fresh basil

Choice of Desserts
Chocolate-Espresso Torte
with raspberry sauce and vanilla-port wine ice creamMadagascar Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee
fresh fruit and butter breton crisp

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Choice of Appetizers
Harvest Salad
seasonal accoutrements with local greens in a house-made vinaigretteSeasonal Soup
with chef’s accompaniment

Prince Edward Island Mussels
Chardonnay broth, fine herbs, garlic butter, grilled focaccia

Choice of Entrèes
Cioppino
sustainable fish, scallop, shrimp, mussels, spiced tomato-clam brothRoasted Joyce Farms Chicken Breast
with “Mexican street corn” and salsa verde

Dashi Noodle Bowl
sweet chili bean curd, stir-fried vegetables, udon noodles, dashi broth

Choice of Desserts

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Seasonal Sorbets

Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin
Choice of Appetizers
Caesar Salad
baby romaine, buttered croutons, shaved Reggiano, lemon garlic foambluezoo’s New England Style Clam Chowder
light and brothy with salt cured bacon, house-made oyster crackers

Choice of Entrèes
Simply Fish
marble potatoes, piquillo relish, hearts of palm puree, pea tendrilsSteak Frites
hanger steak, truffle puree, salsa verde, shake and bake fries

Chicken Francese
black rice, charred corn, corn silk, caper emulsion, frisee mache

Choice of Desserts
Warm Chocolate Banana Molten Cake
chocolate cream pudding, chocolate sauce, caramelized banana, banana ice creamSeasonal Sorbet
a trio of refreshing sorbets inspired by the season

For more information on these offers and more as part of this event, visit the official website for Orlando’s Magical Dining Month.

Latest Issue Of Disney Twenty-Three Celebrates Thirty Years Of Disney Legends

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DISNEY TWENTY-THREE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF DISNEY LEGENDS   

TIM ALLEN, HAYLEY MILLS, PAIGE O’HARA, REGIS PHILBIN, ANIKA NONI ROSE, KURT RUSSELL, LEA SALONGA, RICHARD SHERMAN, DICK VAN DYKE, AND DOZENS OF HONOREES FEATURED IN EXCLUSIVE NEW PHOTOGRAPHS AND INTERVIEWS 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends award, created to honor those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. To mark the occasion, Disney twenty-three has created a unique stand-alone issue featuring all 267 current honorees, as well as the 10 new Legends, who will be inducted next week at D23 Expo 2017. Since 1987, the award has been given to individuals who have worked with and for Disney in front of the camera and behind the scenes, from the shining stars of the silver and small screen to the creative minds behind its films, attractions, music, and entertainment.

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For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke. Kurt Russell, also photographed for this issue, gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years.

Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams, at a fabulous “Legend-ary” party. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will be able to receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.

Also included in the fall issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • A Disney Legends-themed Ask Dave with Disney Legend Dave Smith
  • Photographs from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies through the years
  • A tribute to Annette Funicello by Richard Sherman

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The new issue will begin arriving in late July.

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Captain’s Grille is Becoming Ale & Compass Restaurant, Gastropub for Yacht Club Resort

When Captain’s Grille returns in October 2017, it will become Ale & Compass Restaurant, a gastropub.

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A whole new Ale & Compass concept will debut at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in October, when the lobby bar & lounge is transformed with a new interior and expands to 58 seats, offering a new menu of classic cocktails and light bites. But the biggest change is the adjacent Captain’s Grille, which becomes Ale & Compass Restaurant.

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The Ale & Compass Restaurant menu is still in the works, but the re-imagined restaurant will have a gastropub ambience with New England-inspired comfort food, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. An on-stage hearth oven is the focal point. Décor is inspired by the cozy warmth of a lighthouse, as a comforting respite from the outside world. The casual, table-service restaurant will be on the Disney Dining Plan.