Mexico Pavilion Dining Migrates North in Quality

WDWNT on January 29, 2009

Since Epcot underwent management changes in early 2007, the park has made a concerned effort to improve the dining options around the World Showcase area of the park. Since the summer of 2007, a number of high-profile changes have occurred. Nine Dragons and the Lotus Blossom Cafe in China have been remodeled, and the brand-new Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo were added in Japan in the space formerly occupied by Teppanyaki Dining Room. In addition, Alfredo’s was replaced with Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion (though this was a quick changeover and it is expected that this restaurant will close to remodel and expand in 2010), and a number of menus all around World Showcase have been updated with new offerings. It seems that these sweeping changes have now reached the Mexico Pavilion, where both of the long-time favorite eateries have already experienced changes or will be going under the knife very soon.

The changes that have already occurred at the pavilion are evident in the menu of the San Angel Inn. The restaurant has eliminated what they called “tourist food” such as the nachos con pollo and has gone far more upscale for both Lunch and Dinner. The Lunch menu now features meals ranging in price from $16-22, a very small price increase overall with the addition of “REAL Mexican food,” to quote a hostess at the restaurant. The dinner menu has experienced similar changes in variety, but now boasts meals ranging in price from $24-34. I applaud the effort to make this an authentic Mexican dining experience, and based on my recent visit, I can say that a number of items on the new menu were very good.

The upcoming changes in dining at this pavilion are far more comprehensive than just a new menu. The delayed Tequila Bar that was originally planned to open in late 2008 is now scheduled to open in 2010. To prepare for this addition, the Kidcot location inside the Casa Mexicana storefront closed in early January. That space will be occupied by either merchandise from another area that will be moved to make room for the Tequila Bar, or the Tequila Bar itself (my apologies, I have not been able to get a straight answer on this just yet).

In addition to these changes inside the pavilion, the Cantina de San Angel is scheduled to reopen in 2010 as a remodeled and expanded establishment with a completely new menu. Rumors indicate that this will be a more expensive counter service location with meals in the $10-15 range and that a second floor may be added, providing a fantastic venue from which to watch Epcot’s nightly fireworks spectacular. No word yet on when the Cantina de San Angel will close for these changes to take place.

While majority of this report is fact, there are a few rumored changes that have not yet been confirmed by Disney and will have to remain as rumors until Disney discloses more information. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available.

The Wand is Back!!!

WDWNT on January 28, 2009

I’m sure that’s a news title you never expected to read on this website, but it’s true. In this case, it’s the wand in a form that’s even uglier than the real thing was. However, it was in use for a pretty good reason :

DISNEY HOT AIR BALLOON FLOATS ABOVE MAGIC KINGDOM IN FLORIDA

An 80-foot-tall hot air balloon, shaped like Epcot’s Spaceship Earth icon, floated Jan. 28, 2009 above Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., carrying the Birkett family, of Scottsdale, Ariz. The special flight was one of the dreams awarded as part of Disney Parks’ 2008 “Disney Dreams Giveaway.” On Sept. 17, 2008, Christian Birkett was chosen at random as the dream recipient while experiencing The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction at Disneyland Park in California. In addition to the tethered balloon flight, Birkett’s dream included a VIP vacation to Walt Disney World. The Disney Dreams Giveaway, part of Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams which officially ended Dec. 31, 2008, awarded a million-plus dreams throughout 2008 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. After today’s balloon flight, Birkett commented, “When you’re up there, it feels like you’re on top of the world. It’s definitely a dream come true.” (David Roark, photographer)

Tom Corless Tests Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

WDWNT on January 14, 2009

Tom Corless has called in today with an on-the-scene report that he is in Epcot testing the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.  He was able to test 6 of the 7 countries today and will have a full report complete with photos upon his return.  Each “adventure” takes about 20-25 minutes to complete, not including the time to pick up the Kimmunicator device.  There are pick up locations in Norway, Italy, and International Gateway.  It appears there is no pickup location at this time at the Odyssey Bridge (this location may be for the AP and DVC previews only).  There is also a kiosk in Innoventions for “tickets” which are similar to Fastpasses.  Guests will swipe their park ticket and the kiosk will print a ticket with a location and time for you to pick up your Kimmunicator device.  The “adventurers” will pick up the device and mission papers at the pickup location at the appointed time, then proceed to the assigned country to complete the mission.  Once finished, guests will return the device to an unattended drop-off receptacle.  Each country that hosts a mission has a drop-off receptacle.

Stay tuned to WDWNT for Tom’s complete report when he returns on Friday.

AP Previews for Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

WDWNT on January 12, 2009

Walt Disney World Passholders can sign up for a guaranteed reservation to be among the first Guests to experience the new attraction at Epcot®: Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.

You’re invited to join Kim Possible on a secret mission to capture super villians! Join her and her team of friends, based on the characters from Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible, on an ultra-interactive adventure.

Transform into a secret agent and use way-cool tools, like the Kimmunicator. Follow Kim’s instructions to find hidden clues that control secret equipment in Epcot World Showcase—and you’ll be on your way to completing the mission. 

Sign-ups begins on February 5, 2009 at 10 a.m. EST. Slots will fill quickly, so sign up now!

Event Information
Date: February 26 to March 1, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Each Kim Possible adventure will last 30-45 minutes
Check-in area: Odyssey Bridge Recruitment Center in Epcot® 

Additional Information

  • Passholders need to sign-up for the event due to limited capacity.
  • Event is only for Passholders.
  • Passholders need to bring along their confirmation slip, their valid Disney pass and a photo ID at the time of check-in.
  • It is requested that Passholders that are booked for the event and cannot go for any reason should cancel the reservation to give the opportunity to other Passholders to book the open space.
  • Passholders should periodically check the website, if space has opened up to reserve their preferred time.
  • Passholders should check-in at their chosen reservation time at Odyssey Bridge Recruitment Center.

DVC Member Previews for American Idol Experience and Kim Possible

WDWNT on January 9, 2009

Disney Vacation Club Member Previews for The American Idol Experience and Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure have been announced.  DVC Members must register in advance at this link for The American Idol Experience previews.  The Kim Possible Challenge is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Disney Vacation Club Members have a special opportunity to sign up to be part of a sneak preview of The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at the Walt Disney World® Resort before it opens officially to Guests.  The sneak previews have limited availability, so sign up today to watch one of the live shows.

Dates: Feb. 5-8
Duration: Show will last approximately 30 minutes
Location: Superstar Television Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Each Disney Vacation Club Member with a valid Disney Vacation Club Member ID Card who registers to watch one of the live shows may bring as many as five Guests along to watch the show.
  • Due to limited capacity, advance registration is required.
  • Members must present their confirmation slip, their valid Member ID Card (or Key to the World card displaying a Member designation) and a photo ID at check-in.
  • Check-in begins one hour prior to the event, and Members must be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to the event.
  • As a courtesy to others, Members who register for the event and are unable to attend for any reason should re-visit the Web site to cancel their reservation and give other Members the opportunity to participate. Likewise, Members may revisit the Web site periodically to see if space has opened up to reserve their preferred time.

Disney Vacation Club Members have a special opportunity to preview Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot®, an immersive new experience designed to turn Guests into crime-fighting secret agents. This is a chance to experience the adventure before it opens officially to Guests.

Disney Vacation Club Members may embark on missions available Jan. 23-25 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Missions begin every 15 minutes.) Missions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Members and their Guests will begin their missions by reporting to the Team Possible Recruitment Center located on the bridge leading from Future World to World Showcase at Epcot. Members must present their Member ID card or their Key to the World card displaying a Member designation.

Update:  We have just received word that the official opening date for the Kim Possible World Showcase Challenge is being advertised in Innoventions as January 28.

Time to Celebrate!!!

WDWNT on January 1, 2009

It’s finally here!!! The Year of a Million Dreams has just ended after over 2 years and now Disney Parks wants to know “What Will You Celebrate?” in 2009. Here’s some of what we have to look forward to (even though WDWNT has reported most of this already):

New immersive fun in theme parks
Disney Parks’ initiative to create more immersive experiences continues in 2009 at Walt Disney World Resort with premieres in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Magic Kingdom.  Here’s what’s in store:
  • “The American Idol Experience” (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Starry-eyed Disney guests will get a taste of TV’s pop culture phenomenon – up close and personal – when Disney’s Hollywood Studios grand opens this “American Idol” attraction in mid-February.  It’s another immersive opportunity as guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the “American Idol” set.  There will be several showtimes daily.  Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the “American Idol” TV show.
  • Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure (Epcot) – Inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Kim Possible” animated series, guests of all ages will become secret agents to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions in this ultra-interactive adventure packed with mystery and excitement.  Guests team up with members of Team Possible in this high-tech experience slated for a late-January opening in seven World Showcase pavilions representing countries on three continents. 
  • “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party” (Magic Kingdom) – It’s party time beginning in mid-February when a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers processes down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to high-energy tunes such as “Breakout” and “I Like To Move It.”  Five floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes.  They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12-15-minute party scheduled to take place three times daily.
New high-tech innovations on land and sea
High-tech innovations will help guests navigate theme park fun and treat guests to new thrills on both land and the high seas:
  • Verizon (in Disney theme parks) – Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up to enhance the guest experience at Walt Disney World Resort (and at Disneyland Resort in California).  Guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones including the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more.
  • Disney Digital 3-D (aboard Disney Cruise Line ships)– Movie entertainment at sea is being revolutionized with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience just introduced onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.  Guests will delight as first-run, feature Disney films leap off the silver screen and take on a whole new dimension in the onboard theaters.  Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to create an immersive movie-going experience like no other at sea.  During these once-a-cruise special engagements, guests will feel the rush of being part of the hottest show in town.
  • The Hall of Presidents (in Magic Kingdom) – An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened.  Disney Imagineers are also updating a broad array of show elements.  Reopening is slated for early July.
‘Re-imagining’ Downtown Disney
Following the fall 2008 opening of T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, the “re-imagining” of Downtown Disney continues with:
  • Transformation of the Portobello Yacht Club – The name of this long-time favorite restaurant is shortened to “Portobello,” and an all-new menu reflects a new, warm, Italian trattoria décor.  Portobello is open daily for lunch and dinner and is owned and operated by Levy Restaurants.
  •  New waterfront dining spot  – A high-energy restaurant and bar opening in spring 2009 will feature Mexican and South American cuisine, an international wine bar and a tequila bar of more than 50 kinds of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.  The new as yet unnamed restaurant is being developed by E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bars, Samba Rooms, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of cities across the United States.  The Downtown Disney restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night with nightly entertainment.

‘Re-branding’ the sports complex

Aligning the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination with the worldwide leader in sports, Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN are joining forces to “re-brand” Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand, creating an entertaining and immersive experience for the nearly 2 million athletes, coaches and spectators who come through the sports complex each year.  Plans for the re-branding initiative are still in the development stage, but initial concepts involve:
  • Renaming the sports complex and incorporating the signature elements of ESPN – Throughout the 220-acre facility, which is a leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country, the project aims to enhance the experience of both athletes and spectators by connecting them to their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements and making them feel like they’ve made it to the “big time.”
10 new places to go, 4 new places to settle down
In 2009, Disney Cruise Line is charting two new eastern Caribbean courses.  Meanwhile, Adventures by Disney is adding eight destinations, including some of the most exotic and remote locations in the world, to its list of trips.  And Disney Vacation Club is offering guests visiting Disney Parks four new resort experiences.  Here’s a look at what’s coming:
  • New eastern Caribbean itineraries (Disney Cruise Line) – St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven-night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary, giving Disney Cruise Line guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean.  Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven-night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney’s traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue).  Itineraries with St. Croix and itineraries with Tortola sail select dates throughout 2009.
  • New family-friendly adventure vacations (Adventures by Disney) – An expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, a safari in Africa, and an exploration of Alaska are among eight new adventures in 2009, giving guests a total of 23 vacation options to choose from.  Other new Adventures by Disney itineraries: Italy and Switzerland; Boston, Newport, New York City; Central Italy; Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco; and Glacier National Park and Banff National Park.
  • New ‘home-away-from-home’ accommodations (Disney Vacation Club) – Four new options in 2009 will combine to revive “treehouse living” at Walt Disney World Resort, immerse guests in the African experience … in Florida, bring vacation ownership so close to Magic Kingdom that families can blow Tinker Bell a kiss goodnight and use Cinderella Castle as their nightlight, and provide the first Disney Vacation Club accommodations on the West Coast:
  • The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa– Treehouse living, a cherished tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the opening (scheduled for summer) of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, providing Saratoga Springs with a new room category.
     
  • Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Having completed the conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and hewn timber design.  Kidani means “necklace” and the building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with guest villas forming the beads, garden-like walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center.
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The 15-story curvilinear tower (slated for a fall opening) is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building, which opened with Magic Kingdom on Oct. 1, 1971.  The crescent shape, which features 295 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort – some of scenic stretches of Bay Lake, others with views of Magic Kingdom.
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Offering 50 two-bedroom-equivalent vacation villas (in late fall), this expansion of the existing hotel at Disneyland Resort is an architectural and artistic celebration of California’s renowned Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The first guest has already been awarded free entry to a Walt Disney World theme park for the day in 2009:

WASH. RESIDENT FIRST IN THE NATION TO REDEEM HIS FREE DISNEY PAR

Using an oversized park ticket created for the occasion, Seattle, Wash. resident Andrew DaCosta enters the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Jan. 1, 2009. DaCosta was honored this morning as the first person in the nation to receive free admission to a Disney theme park on his birthday as part of Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate?” DaCosta, who turns 49 today, redeemed his “Free On Your Birthday” registration at the Magic Kingdom Guest Relations window at 7:31 a.m. Jan. 1 is the first day of the “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. In addition to offering everyone who visits a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park on their birthday in 2009 free admission, the “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign features new theme park entertainment, added celebration experiences and new ways for guests to customize their own “celebration vacation” at both vacation resorts. (Preston Mack, photographer)

SEATTLE, WASH. RESIDENT FIRST IN THE NATION TO REDEEM HIS FREE D

New Year’s Eve 2009 Line-Up

WDWNT on December 29, 2008

Here is the current line-up for New Year’s Eve entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A kaleidoscope of colors and elaborate light displays will decorate the skies on the final night of 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Dazzling fireworks showers, live entertainment and extended park hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom on Dec. 31 make it a popular spot to ring in the new year.

  • At Epcot, a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.  The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. 
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 and 10 p.m.  Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat.  A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m.  The park is open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.
  • Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore.  The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.  “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31.  Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.