Walt Disney World Resort – Page 121

New Holiday Fireworks Show “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

Santa Claus is missing and nd the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the all-new “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting November 14. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score. The show will replace Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular temporarily.

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” the new fireworks spectacular features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more, all building to a festive finale. It will even snow on Hollywood Boulevard as part of the excitement.

New Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney will also offer a Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex® glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

The new show will dazzle Disney’s Hollywood Studio guests through December 31.

Santa Claus is Coming to Hollywood Studios; Star Wars to Ring in the New Year

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

In addition to the all-new Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! nighttime spectacular, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be revamping a bit of their holiday lineup in 2016 in the wake of the the removal of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Santa Claus will meet guests on Sunset Boulevard, PHOTOS.BURNSLAND.COM

A new Santa Claus meet and greet will be setting up shop in the Once Upon a time store, just underneath the famous Carthay Circle facade. Santa will greet guests 11/14 through 12/24. Santa Goofy will stand in for Santa December 25th through 31st, 2016.

While Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will replace Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, even through the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Star Wars show will return on December 31st to ring in the new year.

REVIEW: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom Undergoes Massive Menu Overhaul

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

4 months after opening, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has shaken things up with a rather major menu change. For more information on this establishment, please check out our original review, but if you have already seen that, then let’s dive right on in to what’s new…

Nomad Lounge Small Plate Menu

So what has changed? New to menu are the beef sliders and the fish tacos. The seasonal fish balls and the wagyu beef were removed from the menu altogether. Other than that, some item prices were changed: Pork Ribs are down $1, the chicken wings are also down $1, but the head cheese plate went up $5 for some reason. Portions did in fact grow in several dishes, which we will show you below. You can refer to the old menu in our original review, if need be.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Completely new to the menu are the African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders. While they are $14, they are quite good. Tender, well-cooked beef on a soft, flaky bun with a tomato sauce on top makes for a perfect combination. Still a relatively small dish, but one of my favorites.

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

The fish tacos were kind of a letdown. I honestly think that the counter service fish tacos at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot are better. The fish tasted well prepared, but there was nothing added to the flavor by anything accompanying it. I would not order these again.

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

The Vegetarian Summer Roll was doubled in size with no price increase, but it also tasted and looked far different than it did the first time. The rolls, to me at least, had a strange “plasticy” flavor and texture. The accompanying dipping sauce is great, but these rolls aren’t what you’ll want to dip in them.

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

These wings still aren’t very good, but at least you get more than 3 now (and the price was decreased, which is nice). There’s still something off about these. I feel like I’m still expecting a lot of spice, but it just never happens.

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

Pork Ribs ($9)

Still my personal favorite small plate at Nomad Lounge, the portion size for the ribs adds 2 ribs, now making this something I will likely order overtime I come here. A sprits of lime makes these unforgettable, with the ribs themselves cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone. If you try one dish here, this is my recommendation.

Pork Ribs ($9)

OVERALL

Per my original review:

The food menu is really solid and may even improve as the days progress (our server was surprised to hear we did not like the wagyu beef). The drink menu might be second to none quite honestly. I can’t think of a specialty drink menu at Walt Disney World where I would have a more difficult time picking a beverage. There is a lot on this drink menu and a lot of it is absolutely phenomenal. Nomad Lounge will without a doubt will be a regular drink destination for us, and the bread service and ribs will likely be on the must-order short list overtime as we visit. The atmosphere alone is worth your money, never mind anything they will serve you. Kudos to all involved in the creation of Animal Kingdom’s latest masterpiece.

I still love Nomad Lounge, and nothing has changed my feelings on their stellar drink menu. These changes to the food menu are overall an improvement, adding some value for your dollar. I do still wish that the wings were better, and the vegetarian roll was definitely not as good as it was previously, but the addition of the sliders and the improved rib and chicken portions are a good start. The food menu here isn’t perfect, but I would still also recommend the bread service and the Taste of Tiffins dessert from here as well. After 15 or so visits now, the drink menu is still my favorite on property, and still very much the main reason to go to Nomad Lounge.

If you want a guaranteed amazing meal, there’s always Tiffins next door…

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/27/16 (Royal Flush Opens, Demolition Continues, PizzeRizzo, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Our latest photo report trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes to us courtesy of Jose Castillo. In this visit, we take a look at the continuing demolition in the Backlot, the latest progress on PizzeRizzo, the opening of Gonzo’s Royal Flush, and more.

Backlot Demolition Continues

The Backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been reduced to rubble. The space will someday be home to Toy Story Land and the Star Wars-themed land.

Two facades are all that remains of the Streets of America at this point.

Gonzo’s Royal Flush Opens

Gonzo’s Royal Flush opened next door to PizzeRizzo over the weekend.

Sadly, the interior of the restroom is not themed.. and yes, we made sure no one else was in the restroom before we took these.

Based on the last few new restrooms added in themed areas (like Tangled restrooms at the Magic Kingdom), we assumed these would be themed somehow, but they aren’t.

PizzeRizzo

PizzeRizzo is nearing completion next door in the former Pizza Planet location.

The exterior was being painted while we were outside.

The exterior lighting was also installed on both floors recently.

Some of the brick work on the main facade is being replaced now as well.

NewÂ Merchandise Stand

In our last report, we showed you the first of the new merchandise stands to arrive in the park’s Center Stage area. Since it was dark we figures it might be a good idea to show you what it looks like in the daylight.

Fixing the Towers

The control and lighting towers for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular show are a bit of an eyesore, so it looks like Disney might be doing something to at least make them a little more tolerable.

A bunch of these strange markings could be found on both of the towers.

It appears that something will be tacked on to the sides of both towers.

UPDATE: Disney Restores Some MagicBand Interactive Features on Some Attractions

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Last week, we told you about many of the MagicBand interactive features around the parks that had recently been deactivated. Well, since we posted that story, a few of these elements have returned to service at the Magic Kingdom.

The Space Mountain exit ramp once again displays the names of guests

Space Mountain and “it’s a small world”, which boast two of the simpler “name display” effects, were both reactivated over the weekend. These effects had both been turned off for weeks when we ran our story last week (in fairness”it’s a small world” was closed for most of that time, but returned for at least a week with the effect still off). Maybe somebody reads WDWNT.com?

:it’s a small world” says goodbye to guests in various languages at the Magic Kingdom

Perhaps it had simply gone unnoticed, or perhaps Disney was in the progress of updating the technology or fixing the broken readers at the attractions. The truth is, we may never know exactly what happened.

Interestingly enough, the effect in The Haunted Mansion is still turned off. Perhaps the upcoming December refurbishment will be used to fix the effect? Only time will tell.

The Worst Dishes at the 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7, a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Well, we explained that last time…

Anyway, last time talked about the new items you should be ordering at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival for 2016 now underway. I decided this week it might be fun to talk about what you should NOT be eating from the 33 collective booths and kiosks around the park. Please, stay away from the following dishes…

1. Jamaican Beef Patty – Islands of the Caribbean

Jamaican Beef Patty – Islands of the Caribbean

Jamaican Beef Patties are on ion my favorite things to make at home if I’m going to cook something frozen. Also, my old home in Bronx, New York was often only steps away from a small chain of restaurants who actually served these wonderful meat pockets, so it was something that was always available to me. These puck like things that may actually be test MagicBands, are not Jamaican Beef Patties. They lack the flaky crust and the spicy flavor of a traditional offering. These were the most disappointing new offering of 2017.

2. Chicken Gyro – Greece

Chicken Gyro – Greece

This is one of the least remarkable dishes at the festival. There is barely any meat, barely any flavor, and barely any reason to order this.

3. Beef Empanada – Patagonia

Beef Empanada – Patagonia

In my opinion, the most overrated dish at the entire festival. People seem to love this, which I can’t understand. It is just so bland and flavorless.

4. Chicken and Dumplings – Farm Fresh

Chicken and Dumplings – Farm Fresh

If Cracker Barrel is serving better chicken and dumplings than you, you probably should just not serve them. A rather small portion and it just tasted off. Other members in our party liked these more than I did, but I just don’t get it.

5. Taco de Camaron – Mexico

Taco de Camaron – Mexico

While you will NEED to stop here to get the flan, the Mexico booth is otherwise forgettable. I can’t even remember what this taco tasted like, nor have I ever heard anyone clamor to go to the Mexico booth for anything other than dessert.

6. Pennete alla Parmigiana & Spezzatino alla Toscana – Italy

Pennete alla Parmigiana – Italy

Spezzatino alla Toscana – Italy

I’m cheating and putting both non-dessert items from Italy because they are both equally bad (also I’m the boss and I make the rules around here). The people running the Italy booth aren’t even trying. These both tasted like microwaveable meals from Lean Cuisine, and that might be more of an insult to Lean Cuisine. I can’t fathom how the company that runs Tutto Italia and Via Naploli could pump out such garbage.

7. (Yeah, Seven) Vegan Korean BBQ – South Korea

(Yeah, Seven) Vegan Korean BBQ – South Korea

There are some vegan dishes at Food and Wine that are actually quite good. This is not one of them. There was an agreement between myself, Tom Bricker of the Disney Tourist Blog, and Josh of EasyWDW.com that we would most equate the flavor of this dish to what we think dog food might taste like. That, or cat food, but one off the two for sure. Under no circumstance should anyone eat this, ever.

You’ll be glad you didn’t!

If you avoid these 7 offerings while at the Food and Wine Festival this year, you will likely survive. Next time, I’ll go over 7 returning favorites of the Festival that are an absolute must. Now get eating!

Also, be sure to utilize our quick guide to the Festival, which will tell you what to get and what to skip at each booth!

REVIEW: “Secret” Double Bacon Cheeseburger Now Offered at Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Did you know that there is a new item that isn’t even on the actual menu boards at Restaurantosaurus? Well, it seems Disney’s Best Kept Secret isn’t the Vacation Club, it’s actually a double cheeseburger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Ordering two of these bad boys set us back $34.58, so yes, just one of these meals is $17.29.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

From this angle, the burger look rather unassuming, but I assure you, there is a lot of cholesterol hiding under that bun.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (outside of the bun of course). The bacon was crispy, the burgers were fresh off the grill, and the cheese was melted nicely. This was not one of the worse counter service burgers I have ever had at Disney World.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

It’s still no D-Luxe Burger, but it really wasn’t bad. I just wish the counter service bun would change to something like they have at D-Luxe.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

If you would like to curtail your cardiac arrest a little longer, the fries can be substituted for apple slices.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

So, there is a really good value to be had here. If you ask (upon ordering the double burger) for a second hamburger bun, Restaurantosaurus will provide it at no additional charge. That means that this meal can be split rather easily, making the $17.29 a very good value as opposed to ordering an entire separate meal. There is also a full “fixins bar” filled with condiments and other goodies you can add to your burger to bulk it up.

While not my first recommendation for counter service dining at Animal Kingdom (but neither is Flame Tree Barbecue), the secret double cheeseburger at Restaurantousaurs is a surprisingly decent double cheeseburger that packs as much value as it does hamburger meat.

PHOTOS: Adventureland-Themed Merchandise Previewed for Destination D

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

The countdown is on for D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures! And along with incredible presenters (including James Cameron, Jon Landau, Bob Chapek, Joe Rohde, Marty Sklar, Jared Bush and Tony Baxter) and a Walt Disney Archives exhibit celebrating Walt Disney’s personal adventures, we’re excited to share that Mickey’s of Glendale will be debuting exclusive merchandise, pins and collectibles at the event in their pop-up store. The event will take place November 19 and 20 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

Included in the assortment will be:

Jingle Cruise 12 Days of Christmas Mystery Collection: An “all-gnu” pin collection celebrating the holidays as only the wild Jungle Cruise Skippers can! Each box contains one randomly selected pin. (There are different 12 pins in all.)

Jingle Cruise 4th Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange T-Shirt: Arriving just in time for the third fourth annual celebration! Wear this festive 100% cotton tee to your office party…or save it for next year’s re-gifting!

Jungle Navigation Company T-Shirt: Official 100% cotton company apparel designed and approved by Alberta Falls of the Jungle Navigation Company.

S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) Pins: Detailed replicas of the actual pins worn by generations of elite members of S.E.A.

S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) T-Shirt: Proper—100% cotton—garb for your own legendary explorations and adventures.

Tickets are still available and are open to all members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

BREAKING: The Notorious Banjo Brothers & Bob Act to Conclude at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

After 16 years of entertaining families, it seems like 10/1/16, the 45th anniversary of Magic Kingdom, will be the last time The Notorious Banjo Brothers & Bob will ever perform in Frontierland.

As with recent cuts such as Scoop Sanderson, it seems to be related to the start of fiscal 2017 for the company and the financial fallout from a rather slow summer season in general.

Notorious Banjo Bros and Bob

Be sure to catch their final shows at the following times on Saturday, October 1st:

11:00 A.M., 12:20 P.M, 1:20 P.M., 2:05 P.M. 3:30 P.M., 4:20 P.M. & 5:20 P.M.

REVIEW: B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Introduces Oktoberfest Special

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. opened back in May along with many new eateries at Disney Springs, so it is pretty easy for it to get lost in the shuffle as it is just a kiosk. That being said, this little kiosk isn’t just blowing hot air. Per my original review (which you should check out if you have not):

Two of the three items we enjoyed at B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. are things I would order again, but the main problem here is seating. These aren’t items you can walk around and eat. They are too large and have to many toppings to be comfortably eaten walking through shops and such. While there are about 3 standing tables here, I’d like to see a few seats placed in the alcove off to the right of the restaurant, where there is plenty of room. Otherwise, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is a sturdy addition to Disney Springs former “stick and straw” lineup of food offerings during the Downtown Disney days.

While strolling through Disney Spring the other day, I was looking for something quick to eat before I made my way out. I was originally thinking of visiting either Blaze Pizza or D-Luxe Burger, but then I saw this sign…

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s offers an Oktoberfest special. I personally always fall for special “impulse buys” like this when I’m hungry. I almost always order the limited time offering when I visit any fast food establishment.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

The menu itself was updated to include pretzel bread with cheese fondue and mustard.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

Thankfully, they did also add plenty of seating nearby.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

This honestly is one of my favorite counter service entrees at Walt Disney World right now. It is a HUGE portion of the cheese spatzel (popular side dish originating in Germany, spaetzle are little noodles or dumplings made from basic ingredients), which will fill you up alone. The sausage was also cooked well and packed a lot of flavor. If all of that wasn’t enough, there’s pretzel bread, which I especially enjoyed dipping in the cheese below. At $9.39, it is also cheaper than a considerable amount of much smaller counter service entrees around the parks. I certainly hope this stays past Oktoberfest.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

Special Oktoberfest beers are also available just for the season.

Category: Walt Disney World Resort

New Holiday Fireworks Show “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Santa Claus is Coming to Hollywood Studios; Star Wars to Ring in the New Year

REVIEW: Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom Undergoes Massive Menu Overhaul

African-Spiced Wagyu Beef Sliders ($14)

Sustainable Fish Tacos ($8)

Vegetarian Summer Roll ($7)

Indian Butter Chicken Wings ($9)

Pork Ribs ($9)

OVERALL

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/27/16 (Royal Flush Opens, Demolition Continues, PizzeRizzo, ETC.)

Backlot Demolition Continues

Gonzo’s Royal Flush Opens

PizzeRizzo

NewÂ Merchandise Stand

Fixing the Towers

UPDATE: Disney Restores Some MagicBand Interactive Features on Some Attractions

The Worst Dishes at the 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – Tom’s Top 7

1. Jamaican Beef Patty – Islands of the Caribbean

2. Chicken Gyro – Greece

3. Beef Empanada – Patagonia

4. Chicken and Dumplings – Farm Fresh

5. Taco de Camaron – Mexico

6. Pennete alla Parmigiana & Spezzatino alla Toscana – Italy

7. (Yeah, Seven) Vegan Korean BBQ – South Korea

You’ll be glad you didn’t!

REVIEW: “Secret” Double Bacon Cheeseburger Now Offered at Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

PHOTOS: Adventureland-Themed Merchandise Previewed for Destination D

BREAKING: The Notorious Banjo Brothers & Bob Act to Conclude at the Magic Kingdom

REVIEW: B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Introduces Oktoberfest Special

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

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