REVIEW: Bourbon & Candied Bacon Enhance Chocolate Milkshakes in Dino-land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

Trilo-bites in Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a favorite stop of ours, mostly for the delicious Buffalo Chicken Chips dish you can find at this location (when it is actually open). The stand is located just over the bridge from Discovery Island into the area, right next door to the “Olden-gate Bridge”.

2009 photo I took of the booth, around the time they kicked McDonald's out and changed the name.

2009 photo I took of the booth, around the time they kicked McDonald’s out and changed the name.

New to the menu as of Sunday is a Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake, a chocolate milkshake made with bourbon and candied bacon.

width=

Trilo-Bites Menu, April 2017

To preface this review, we discovered this item on the menu over 2 weeks ago, but were informed the ingredients were not there yet to make it. When we returned on another day to get it, it was then gone from the menu. Finally, on Sunday night, I happened to find the booth open and with the items in stock, so I decided to order it. Animal Kingdom is dark at night, so I apologize for the pictures, but I have been DYING to try this and I wasn’t going to wait another day for it to possibly disappear again. That being said, I was informed that it should be sticking around for a bit.

Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake ($10.00)

width=

Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake ($10.00)

The cast members working at Trilo-Bites were as nice as could be and willing to show off the ingredients for the shake. The bourbon is Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged nine years and 120 proof. Not to be outdone, there is also a big bin of candied bacon ready to be be dunked into a shake.

width=

Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake ($10.00)

Disney has rolled out a nice lineup of alcoholic shakes over the last year or so, with the options at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts coming to mind. That being said, the Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake at Trilo-Bites my favorite of any of the alcoholic shakes I have ever had in my entire life. You could taste the bourbon, which is good, and it mixed really well with the chocolate ice cream. The candied bacon was absolutely fantastic with the bourbon-laced ice cream on it, but the drink is still enjoyable even once the bacon has been devoured. The whipped cream was tasty as well, providing for some nice, sweet flavor in the last few sips towards the bottom. The serving size was large enough to be satisfied with, but I expect sharing to be difficult based on just how good this is.

With this milkshake and the Buffalo Chicken Chips offered, Trilo-Bites is a true hidden gem of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While it doesn’t open on most days until 3pm (no matter what the MyDisneyExperience app will tell you), it’s a nice spot to stop for a quick snack before heading to see Rivers of Light or indulging in the other evening activities at the park.

PHOTOS: Inspiration Behind Desserts for Satuli Canteen in Pandora – The World of AVATAR

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

As Pandora: The World of Avatar is only 32 days away from its official grand opening, Disney is putting the final touches on the land. As you know by now, Pandora will feature some out-of-this-world unique dining options to satisfy your hunger cravings. With those options will be specialty desserts available for purchase at both the Satuli Canteen and Pongu Pongu. At Satuli Canteen you can find the delicious Nav’i Blueberry Cheesecake, which is featured below.

width=

According to the Disney Pastry chef who was behind this unique dessert, the inspiration came from the movie itself. In his words, he has said, “We watched ‘Avatar’ and noted that the Na’vi are in stellar shape – very lean, with beautiful skin and bright yellow eyes, so the Na’vi colors were the inspiration for the Blueberry Cheesecake with Passion Fruit Curd, a cream cheese and blueberry creation with passion fruit to connect to the film’s tropical environment. The cheesecake tastes as delicious as it looks, with a combination of acidity from the passion fruit with bold blueberry and creamy cheesecake.”

Another delicious dessert you can expect to find at Satuli is the Chocolate Cake (and yes that is what it is called).

width=

The Chocolate Cake as described on the menu is a Chocolate Cake with a Crunchy Cookie Layer and Banana Cream Topping. The same pastry chef who created the blueberry cheesecake created this one as well.

“We used dark chocolate because it’s rich in antioxidants, then add a little crunch with a cookie wafer and the contrast of creamy mousse. The cake is topped with banana cream, made with a few simple (but delicious) ingredients: cream, white chocolate, and bananas, with a little drizzle of lemon. The chocolate-banana is a great flavor combination. Then we added goji berry on top – it tastes a little like a raisin, and we hydrated it with simple syrup. The taste of the goji berry with the banana cream and chocolate is a lovely balance of flavors. We created this as inspiration from what the ‘Healthy Nav’i would eat.”

These 2 desserts are meant to be savored and not meant to be quickly eaten.

If you are looking forward to trying out these 2 delicious desserts from Pandora, the wait is almost over as the opening day is only 32 days away! Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27th, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Single Rider Line for Expedition Everest Closing for Refurbishment

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

For those of you who love to take advantage of the single rider lines for select attractions at Disney to avoid long lines, I’m sorry to say, but for a time you will not be able to do that for Expedition Everest.

width=

Expedition Everest’s single rider queue will be closed starting tomorrow, April 26th, and will not open back up until May 16. Lone riders will have to use the standby or FastPass queues during this period. The reason for this closing is reportedly a rerouting of the current single rider queue to make it flow better.

PHOTOS: First Look at All of the Merchandise for Pandora – The World of AVATAR

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

As the opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar is officially only 1 month away from today, Disney today released some new photos of the items guests will find for sale on the alien planet.

width=

The merchandise above is inspired by the land itself. It incorporates the beauty of the bioluminescence you can expect to see at night.

The painting used on the merchandise was created by Dylan Cole, Co-Production Designer for the upcoming “Avatar” movie sequels. In it, he captured the bioluminescent world of Pandora at night with two new pieces. One image was inspired by the Na’vi River Journey, while the other pictures the beautiful Valley of Mo’ara. In addition to being available as prints, elements from his nighttime artwork were added to the apparel, home décor, accessories and other products. More of Dylan’s work is found on the Countdown to Pandora pin collection that was released this spring.

width=

The cave painting art above was based on sketches by Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde for the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction.

width=

This merchandise is based on the ‘Shaman of Songs’ who is in the Nav’i River Journey ride. The key importance was the connection the Shaman had to nature and Disney wanted items that represented that idea.

width=

Finally, the art team at Disney created patch designs representing different experiences guests will have while visiting Pandora. In addition to other products, guests will find select patch designs in the Intergalactic Passport Kit from Alpha Centauri Expeditions. The kit includes a passport, three sticker pages, a button, and a photo ID badge. This item, along with the Na’vi Translator Device, are perfect for exploring Pandora.

You can expect to find all of these merchandise items and more at Wind Traders in Pandora: The World of Avatar when it opens May 27th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

PHOTOS: Tree of Life Awakenings Projection Show is Expanding to the Back of the Animal Kingdom Icon

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

Since debuting in May 2016, the Tree of Life Awakenings show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been a popular nighttime offering at the park, arguably the most positively received overall of the many additions. It appears as though the back of the Tree of Life was forgotten in the process as it was barely even lit in the evenings while these shows were going on over on the front side of the Tree. Well, that is about to change…

width=

Behind the Tree of Life, along the pathway between Africa and Asia, several mounts have been installed which will eventually be home to the projectors for the backside of the Tree.

width=

width=

A nearby rock has been ripped open to accommodate the installation.

width=

width=

width=

width=

Disney has not commented on the additions to the back of the Tree of Life as of yet, and it is still unclear if the full shows will take place back there or if it will differ in some way from the Awakenings shows that take place on the front of the structure.

LEAKED PHOTOS: An Inside Look at Pandora – The World of AVATAR as the Finishing Touches Are Applied

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

Apparently, some photos from inside of Pandora: The World of AVATAR were leaked and are now being shared on social media. In the photos, we get a better look at the current state of the Valley of Mo’ara, Pongu Pongu Refreshments, the Navi River Journey, and more.

All of the photos come from @logantmiller on twitter:

width=

The first photo appears to take us beneath the floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’ara, among some of the woven artwork of the Navi people.

width=

Next, we take a look at Pongu Pongu refreshments, home of the Lumpia dessert and fine beverages. The hula skirt is sadly not installed on the big mech suit yet.

width=

width=

Above and below, a better look at the boat vehicles for the Na’vi River Journey attraction.

width=

width=

Above, we get another look at one of the bioluminescent floors in the land.

width=

A themed sign shows remnants of the RDA mining compound, likely the building that now houses some of the queue for the Flight of Passage attraction (in story).

Pandora: The World of AVATAR opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27th, 2017.

Full List of 15 Walt Disney World Restaurants That Will Offer Mobile Ordering Starting Soon

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

When the Satuli Canteen opens with Pandora: The World of AVATAR on May 27th, 2017, it will be one of the first restaurants at Walt Disney World to offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. For those unaware of this new service:

Mobile ordering allows you to pay for meals on-the-go with the My Disney Experience app, bypassing the queue to order in the restaurant. Using the app, you can select any of the menu items, customize them as you wish, and pre-pay for the meal. Arriving at the restaurant, guests will simply tap “I’m Here”, which will notify cast members to prepare the meal. When it’s ready, you will be alerted in the app to pick up the food at a designated service window. Only credit card payments will be accepted for this service, with Dining Plan guests still having to use the normal queue, at least as of right now.

Disney of course tested this service in one form or another over the last few years, including the most notable test at the Backlot Express and Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Mobile ordering will be also apparently be available for the following counter service locations at the four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs:

  • ABC Commissary
  • Backlot Express
  • Columbia Harbor House
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • D-Luxe Burger
  • Electric Umbrella
  • Flame Tree Barbecue
  • Liberty Inn
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Pizzafari
  • Restaurantosaurus
  • Satu’li Canteen
  • Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
  • Tortuga Tavern

An exact start date for the service at all of these restaurants is still unknown, but we do know that at the very least Satuli Canteen will be using mobile ordering starting in May. More restaurants may be added in the future should the program prove successful

Please stay tuned to WDWNT.com for more information on this rollout as it becomes available.

BREAKING: Walt Disney World Adding Club 33, Locations at All 4 Parks Coming

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

Later this Fall, the Walt Disney World Resort will present its own version of Club 33, the unique membership club founded by Walt Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

width=

The former entrance to Club 33 at Disneyland

At Walt Disney World, members will enjoy the legendary guest service at four themed locations (one in each of the theme park) uniquely themed to Walt and Lillian’s world-wide adventures, in addition to other unannounced benefits.

Guests interested in joining can email WDWClub33@disneyworld.com for more information.

The membership will be site specific and will not include access to the other Club 33 locations worldwide.

More details will be revealed about the Club in the fall of 2017.

“it’s tough to be a bug”, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Maharajah Jungle Trek, & More Refurbishments Happening Over the Next Month at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on April 19, 2017

Multiple areas of Animal Kingdom will be under construction in the coming weeks.

width=

Construction to enhance the Serka Zong Bazaar merchandise location at Expedition Everest began on April 17th  and will continue through May 12th. During construction, the location will remain open.

In addition to that, the FastPass+ touch points and entrance queue area at Kilimanjaro Safaris will undergo refurbishment from April 17 through May 12. A secondary queue will be used during the entire duration of this construction project.

“it’s tough to be a bug” will be closed April 24th through the 28th to accommodate work on the Tree of Life structure.

Finally, the tiger exhibit in the Maharajah Jungle Trek will undergo habitat enhancements through Friday, May 5. During this time, the tigers will be kept backstage and the viewing areas will be inaccessible to Guests.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom 3/27/17 (AVATAR, Rivers of Light, New Merchandise, Willie the Anteater, Etc.)

WDWNT on April 6, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a wild adventure…

NAHTAZU

width=

The bar area between Rainforest Cafe and the entrance of the park was heavily refurbished. Looks like they are expecting to reopen it once crowds arrive for Pandora.

width=

width=

Pandora looms in the distance.
width=

A look at Pandora from the Animal Kingdom bus loop.

width=

Work continues on the expansion of the bus loop.

width=

Alright, time to head inside…

width=

I always make sure to visit the Babirusa on my way through the Oasis.

width=

Rivers of Light Merchandise

width=

Nearly every store in the park is carrying Rivers of Light merchandise currently. I wonder if the opening of Pandora will change all of these displays…

width=

The passholder tiger shirt pictured is now sold out. They are not expecting more.

width=

A very shiny Rivers of Light logo pin.

width=

width=

width=

The light-up ear hat ornament is pretty neat.

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

The totem pole is a Made with Magic item that interacts with the show, but also can interact with other Made with Magic products. You can see the totem wand in action below:

width=

A variety of other glowing products are sold, including a fan and a necklace.


 width=

The most popular light-up item seems to be this lotus blossom “glow cube”, sold with beverages at the Thirsty River Bar by Expedition Everest and several other bar locations.

width=

If you would like a drink recommendation, the Khumbu Ice Fall is my personal favorite.

Other New Items

width=

An Easter Mickey Mouse plush is now available.

width=

A limited edition Easter MagicBand 2 was released recently.

width=

width=

Posts pagination

1 … 7 8 9 … 39