Tune In Tonight for More Information and Discussion on Star Wars Land & Hotel, Epcot’s Overhaul, PIXAR Pier, Skyliner, and More from D23 Expo 2017

Join us tonight at 9PM eastern for our Parks and Resorts Review from the D23 Expo 2017, where we’ll de discussing all of the announcements from the event in-depth at listen.WDWNT.com and on YouTube!

Among the topics to be discussed are:

  • Mickey Mouse ride replacing the Great Movie Ride
  • The overhaul of Epcot including the Space Restaurant, new Mission: Space, Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, Ratatouille in France, and more
  • TRON Lightcycle Power Run at the Magic Kingdom
  • A new theater on Main Street U.S.A.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Minnie Vans
  • Disney Skyliner gondolas
  • Toy Story Land
  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Star Wars Hotel for Walt Disney World
  • Haul-oween in Cars Land and new events at Disney California Adventure
  • PIXAR Pier at Disney California Adventure
  • MARVEL Land for Disneyland Resort
  • The return of the Paint the Night Parade
  • Disney Cruise Line adding 3 additional ships
  • and more!

In case you missed the live stream, you can watch the recording:

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VIDEO: In-Depth Review and Analysis of Every Disney Parks Announcement Made at the D23 Expo 2017

Last night, Tom Corless, Jason Diffendal, Ron D’Anna, Scott Smith, and Patrick Hackett sat down to discuss, in depth, all of the amazing announcements made at the D23 Expo 2017. From TRON Lightcycle Power Run, to the overhaul of Epcot, and from the new Riviera Resort to the Skyliner system, last night’s live program covered every bombshell announcement mad by Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek on Saturday. In case you missed it, you can catch the entire show here:

This show will also be available on audio form on this week’s WDW News Today Podcast.

PHOTOS: Construction Begins on Epcot Gondola Station at International Gateway

Walt Disney World’s worst kept secret at this point is the gondola transportation system that will link Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort. With that being said, construction walls are now up at International Gateway, the World Showcase entrance to Epcot, for what we believe to be the gondola station for that park.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

The work site is quite large, visible from the bridge connecting the Beach Club and Boardwalk.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

What was a tram stop many years ago will now likely be the gondola station for guests at Epcot, just steps away from the entrance and boat dock.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

No work has begun yet, but materials are arriving.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

It should be interesting to see how this changes the often quiet second entrance to Epcot.

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

Construction for the Epcot gondola station, International Gateway

The Walt Disney World gondola system is expected to be announced at the D23 Expo 2017 in just a few weeks.

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.

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.

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.

Contemporary Resort Offering 3 New Year’s Eve Events for 2017, Including PIXAR & Princess and the Frog Parties

Reservations open July 11 for three ways to ring in the New Year at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, including the completely new PIXAR and Princess and the Frog themed events.

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For an evening of dining and dancing, “Disney Countdown to Midnight” includes delightful dining, live music, libations and more. An interactive band and DJ will fill the dance floor (and we hear that Mickey and Minnie may make a special appearance). Then welcome in 2018 with a flute of bubbly and a viewing of those legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks in the Magic Kingdom. Hours are 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom. This party is designed for guests 18 and older.

“Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration” is for children of all ages, a family-friendly way to ring in the New Year with a Disney•Pixar-inspired dinner. Sarge welcomes you to the Ballroom of the Americas that features vignettes of beloved Pixar movies. From Andy’s Room in “Toy Story” to and Metro City with The Incredibles, the immersive celebration will include theatrical backdrops, dramatic set pieces and fun props that re-create the fantastic worlds of the Pixar films. And, of course, favorite characters will be on hand from “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars” and “Up.” Kids can have fun at Pixar face painting, a balloon artist and a boot camp with Sarge, while an interactive DJ will spin hits from Radio Disney (he’s going to be in a “Cars”-inspired DJ rig from Radiator Springs). Dinner is buffet style. At midnight, head outdoors to ring in the New Year with a viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Hours are 8 p.m.-12:15 a.m.

Fine dining is the theme of the third party, “Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Dining Experience” in the Grand Republic Ballroom. Inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” the room is beautifully decorated French Quarter style to transport you to the Big Easy. Stations will feature flavors such as oyster beignets, smoked salmon mousse cones with caviar, Kobe beef tartare and sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi. Signature dishes will include herb-crusted Louisiana redfish, crayfish etouffee, Balck Angus beef cooked two ways, braised short ribs and filet of beef with truffled celery root silk. A N’awlins jazz band will entertain during dinner, joined later in the evening by a vocalist who will bring to life the Academy-Award-winning classics from the film. Then slip outside with a glass of bubbly just before midnight to ring in 2018 with a private viewing area for the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Hours are 7 p.m.-12:15 a.m.

For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

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PHOTOS: Construction Begins on Memorial Lighthouse at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

A few weeks ago, Disney announced that they would be erecting a lighthouse sculpture at Walt Disney World to honor the memory of Lane Thomas, the little boy who lost his life to an alligator last summer in the Seven Seas Lagoon. It appears that construction of the memorial icon has begun and it will be located near where the incident occurred at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

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Construction walls have been erected on the left side of the beach, near the steps that lead down to the sand.

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A look over the walls (which isn’t hard because the elevated concrete walkway is about the same height) reveals that the foundation is already in place. Since the sculpture is most likely a prefabricated piece created offsite, it will likely be in place very soon.

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Disney did not list a completion date for the project, but simply stated that it would be erected this summer.

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Introduces Popular Bottomless Mimosas, Imminent Price Increase

The Wave of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort began offering “All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Mimosa” bottomless mimosas a few weeks ago, and since they have, the restaurant has been much busier than usual.


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The current price on the breakfast (7:30AM-11:00AM) menu is $16.00 for the endless drink alone, but will be raised soon to $18.00.  The mimosa is a mix of Cupcake Prosecco and Orange Juice.

We went to The Wave over the weekend to enjoy this offering and it was truly bottomless and a nice addition to the already stellar breakfast buffet.

UPDATE: As of today, the price was indeed raised to $18.00

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