PHOTOS: Classic EPCOT Center Logos and Figment Adorn 2016 Food & Wine Festival Merchandise

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Artwork for this year’s event merchandise was created by Disney Design Group. Drawing on the success of previous festivals, the team created new designs for popular merchandise programs such as “Brews Around the World,” and a character program featuring Figment.

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Guests will also find new art for the “Taste Your Way Around the World” program that incorporates nods to the early days of Epcot. Disney Design Group artist Richard Terpstra incorporated vintage iconography and symbols from Epcot into several of his designs.

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In addition to items shown in the video, there will have apparel, hats, drinkware, accessories, dinnerware, magnets and much more. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak will also return for another year.

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Pandora is releasing a special Chef Mickey charm during the event this year.

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More of the now-infamous ceramic trash can salt and pepper shakers will be available.

Figment pot holder

Figment pot holder

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A collection of Dooney & Bourke bags made especially for the event will be released as well.

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And of course, limited edition pins!

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The 2016 International Food & Wine Festival returns to Epcot from September 14 through November 14, 2016.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tomorrowland Entrance at The Magic Kingdom Gets A Shiny New Look

For several weeks now, we have been updating you on the painting of the entrance to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. The rock-work in the front of the land is now about halfway done as the entire left side has already received the new shiny, metallic look.

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The other side has only been primed for the new paint scheme as of yet.

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We also have a short video of the area:

So, what do you think of this new look for Tomorrowland?

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/9/16 (Honey Playground Demolition, PizzeRizzo, Aerosmith, ETC.)

Our latest trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes us from exciting new merchandise, to the thrill of speedy demolition throughout the Backlot section of the park to make way for Star Wars and Toy Story Land. But first, let’s start with something weird…

In The Year 2016…

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Prepaid phone cards and Sim cards still exist at Walt Disney World, in rarely found dispensers near park entrances.

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Nothing pictured on the phone cards is still actually featured at Walt Disney World.

Zika Prevention Kiosks

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Mosquito repellent stations can be found throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Toy Story Land – Honey, I Shrunk The Kids Movie Set Demolition

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The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is now being demolished.

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Scratch that, it’s already gone…

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One blade of grass remains, but that is all.

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New Merchandise

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MARVEL t-shirts were spotted in Keyston Clotheirs along Hollywood Boulevard. The woman and stroller are not included with them.

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A new Haunted Mansion MagicBand is available at many locations

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Glasses featuring the artwork for Tower of Terror and the Great Movie Ride were released last weekend.

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The glass is shared between the two attraction posters.

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The glasses retail at $13.99 each.

The Funnel Cake Has Returned

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Well, the chili-glazed chicken nuggets are gone and funnel cake has returned to the Oasis Canteen near the Indiana Jones show.

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Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

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The sign fro Path of the Jedi was painted with new yellow stripes.

PizzeRizzo

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Construction continues on PizzeRizzo in the Muppets Courtyard.

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The signage above then entrance references various Ray’s Pizza restaurants in New York (The Famous Original), as well as Pizza Planet.

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Gonzo’s Royal Flush restrooms are also under construction next door.

MuppetVision 3-D Returns

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MuppetVision 3-D returned from refurbishment with a few minor changes, including this updated poster in the pre-show area.

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The front area of the pre-show room was roped off for some reason.

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Unfortunately, the alterations to the pre-show to include Constantine from Muppets Most Wanted remain.

This and That

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Guests were having a hard time seeing BB-8 in Star Wars: A Galaxy Far Far Away, so they put a pedestal under him…

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For those who think Aerosmith is leaving the attraction during the upcoming refurbishment, there is new merchandise with the Aerosmith logo…

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New door hanger at Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

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The almond cart near Center Stage was missing.

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How long can the city survive?

For more insight, be sure to watch my latest update on demolition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

PHOTOS: Imagination Pavilion’s ImageWorks at Epcot is Literally Falling Apart

While walking through the ImageWorks at the exit of Journey Into Imagination with Figment at Epcot last night, the floor felt a little strange. It felt as if the tiles were lifting off of the ground as I stepped on them. Then I looked down…

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We found entire sections of tile had to be taped down because most of them are loose and popping up. Now, if it were one section, I could understand that, but it was taped down in several areas.

F is probably the grade I would give this pavilion

F is probably the grade I would give this pavilion

Again, several areas featured tape of various colors being used to hold the floor together at this point. ImageWorks is now literally falling apart, even beyond the mostly-broken hands-on exhibits inside.

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Given how die hard our audience is, I probably need not explain why this is such “bad show”. Hopefully it will be addressed soon, preferably before all of the tile in the ImageWorks has tape between it.

“Scoop Sanderson” Main Street Reporter & Pin Expert Character to be Discontinued

Main Street USA’s roving reporter character, Scoop Sanderson, will no longer be regularly appearing at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Holland Hayes, who has portrayed the character for as long as I can remember, revealed on Facebook that his entertainment contract was not renewed and that his last day will be October 8, 2016. Comments from the actor state that he will substitute when available for vacations and call-outs of other Main Street characters.

Scoop Sanderson is leaving the Magic Kingdom

Scoop Sanderson is leaving the Magic Kingdom

While the character dates back a few decades at the park, Scoop Sanderson was best known as a “Disney Pin Expert” during the height of the craze in the early 2000’s. Scoop’s afternoon pin talks inside the old Exposition Hall Theater at the Magic Kingdom were attended by hundreds of guests daily. The character saw a decline in popularity with the decline in pin trading over the years (although still beloved by those in the hobby), in recent months not even trading pins with guests.

As with any entertainment offering of the last few years (barring The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic), fans have started a “Save Scoop” campaign in hopes of making the park change its mind on the contract. To date, none of these campaigns have ever brought an entertainment act back from cancellation.

No other citizens of Main Street did not have their contracts renewed this year. Disney has made no public statement on the matter as of yet.

REVIEW: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Cheese Sauce Returns, New Sauces Added Along with Falafel Burger

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom serves more food to more guests everyday than any restaurant on the planet earth. That doesn’t mean it is good though…

While I have never been a fan of the food here, the daily performance by Sonny Eclipse, his amazing astro organ, and the Space Angels is typically what brings me into the place, even if I know I’m not going to have a particularly good counter service meal. Sometimes you just want chicken nuggets, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

My most recent trip to the establishment wasn’t prompted by a urge to see “the biggest little star in the galaxy,” but rather to see the return of cheese sauce to the restaurant after a few years, the addition of another new sauce, and a new vegetarian option.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Of course, one of the reasons many guests like Cosmic Ray’s is the toppings bar that is offered.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

A sriracha spicy aioli sauce was recently added to the toppings bar. More on that later.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While the return of cheese sauce is a nice gesture, there just has to be a better way. In olden times (a few years back), hot cheese sauce was complimentary and offered at the toppings bar both here and at several other locations around the Walt Disney World Resort. It now is a pre-warmed container you can buy for $1.00.

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While it is a generous portion, it is mostly flavorless and adds nothing to the french fries.

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While this might be something good for nachos or pretzels, it just doesn’t work here. I would save your dollar and not even bother with this.

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

While the loss of the cheese sauce so long ago was devastating to some, the addition of this complimentary sriracha aioli is a pleasant addition. Again, as said in every review, I enjoy spicy, and as the name states, this is spicy. That being said, it is still flavorful and not overly spicy to the point where many guests will not enjoy it. This sauce goes really well with the fries.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Recently added to the menu is a vegetarian option: a falafel burger. $11.99 is a little pricey for a meatless burger, but it is a specialty offering that is likely not made in-house and is ordered in low quantities, so it is nice that it is even offered.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

It isn’t the prettiest thing, but it is pretty decent. If a bun the quality of D-Luxe Burger was offered, I think this would be a really solid addition, but the horrid bun currently offered at Cosmic Ray’s really holds this back.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

The burger itself is a little dry, but that is why the Tzatziki sauce is offered.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Again, it isn’t terrible and it’s still a viable option for any vegetarian who is being made to dine at Cosmic Ray’s, but on the other hand, the Falafel dish at Skipper Canteen is a little heavier and a little cheaper at that.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/14/16 (Studio Catering Co. Demo, PizzeRizzo, New Merchandise, ETC.)

A lot can happen in a week, including the erasing of structures that have stood for over 27 years. Meanwhile, PizzeRizzo nears completion and a plethora of new merchandise invades Disney’s Hollywood Studios in our latest photos report.

If you haven’t seen our video update this week on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you should probably preface this report with a watch:

Backlot Demolition for Toy Story Land

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Studio Catering Co. and the adjacent Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure have been leveled, leaving practically nothing between PIXAR Place and Muppets Courtyard.

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While the Backlot Tour entrance was still standing on Sunday, it has since been demolished.

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The Prop Shop is still being emptied before it is the next structure to get demolished in the coming weeks.

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The Studio Catering Co. has been reduced to rubble.

This and That

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I caught Betty Shambles by surprise…

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Now she is ready for her close-up!

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Not sure how long ago this happened, but Sunset Ranch Market got a new sign to match the recent refresh of the area.

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A new Buzz Lightyear plush was recently released.

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PizzeRizzo

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Work continues on the new PizzeRizzo in the Muppets Courtyard area.

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This billboard was installed this week as the restaurant gets closer and closer to its yet to be announced opening date.

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Over the last week, the windows were painted, lights were installed on the facade signage, and the Heckler Tomato was painted on.

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New Merchandise

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In my last photo report, I showed that men’s MARVEL shirts were now available at Keystone Clothiers. Well, now there are a few ladies shirts available as well.

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A Disney Parks exclusive Baymax mug is now available.

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I guess you get happier as you drink more coffee…

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A bit pricey, but it is a fairly large ceramic mug.

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Some March Magic-esque character sports team mugs are now available. Here’s hoping we get some new sports team jerseys with these designs.

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The backs of the mugs are pretty cute as well.

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PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 9/12/16 (Hatbox Ghost, Innoventions Closures, New Merchandise, ETC.)

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot, just days before the Food and Wine Festival takes over for its longest run in park history. Crowds are light now, but things are just starting to heat up…

Immediate Boarding

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Soarin’ Around the World was posted at a 5 minute wait, so I decided to time it…

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We edned up walking straight into the pre-show, a total wait of 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Crowds were light most of the weekend, but should pick-up very soon.

ImageWorks

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If you haven’t heard about the floor in Imageworks, check out my post from over the weekend.

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A new open edition Princess mystery pin collection is available.

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Around the World

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Is it art?

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Loving this bottle opener available at the Germany pavilion.

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A fairly new Germany t-shirt.

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Looks like America has a new booth for the Food and Wine Festival.

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Morocco does as well, noticeably nicer than the predecessor,

A Chip Off The Old Mug

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With the success of the ceramic Chip mug, there is now a plastic version for children.

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A new series of bags featuring Mickey and Minnie can be found around the resort.

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Monsters University Hat

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Over the last year, I have noticed a lot of guests wearing the MU hat from Monsters University. I guess Disney noticed this too, because it is now available just about everywhere…

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La Cantina Says Adios to Breakfast

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La Cantina de San Angel has discontinued the recently introduced breakfast service as the Mexico pavilion no longer opens at 9am along with Norway. Lunch service here now begins at 10am.

Obsolete Innoventions

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The Sum of All Thrills inside Innoventions will close on Tuesday.

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Stormstruck in Innoventions is also closing on Tuesday. Colortopia will be the only existing exhibit as of next week (and that weird Nanooze thing I guess).

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This and That

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A new Frozen shirt available at the exit of Frozen Ever After.

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Alberta Bound is back playing the Mills Stage in Canada for a limited time.

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Some Cutter spray could be found alongside the bug repellent lotion at some kiosks around the park.

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Some new Disney Boutique shirts available inside MouseGear.

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Hatbox Ghost Jim Shore Statue

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On October 1st, Jim Shore will release a Hatbox Ghost statue at Disney Parks. Guests can pre-order this now online.

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BREAKING: Festival of Fantasy Parade Lunch Package to Replace Electrical Parade Offering

The Magic Kingdom will be introducing a dining package for Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, starting October 10th, 2016.

Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade

Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade

The package replaces the one offered for the Main Street Electrical Parade. The Main Street Electrical Parade will conclude on October 9th, so rather than cancel the program, Disney will move it over to the afternoon parade.

The dining package still takes place at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and is a prix fixe meal priced at$45 per adult and $17 per child, plus tax and gratuity (one dining plan table service credit). Guests are given a voucher to enter a special viewing area after their lunch.

Disney’s festival of Fantasy Parade is offered daily at 3PM at the Magic Kingdom.

This package can be booked beginning September 13th, 2016.

Opening Date Set for Magic Kingdom’s “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”

Since the announcement of “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”, we have been asked many times when exactly the new show in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom would debut. Today, we have that information.

“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”

“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”

While not yet released to the public by Disney, internal documents state that the show will debut on October 2nd, 2016. Since it is not announced yet, this date can be delayed (similarly to Rivers of Light), but that is at least the targeted start date for The Muppets invasion of Liberty Square.