REVIEW: The Wine and Dine Studio in Future World, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2017

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Welcome to a Marketplace Booth review for the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, taking place in the park from August 29 to November 23, 2019. This review will cover the Wine & Dine Studio kiosk located in Future World West. This is a one-stop-shop for some fancy wine during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. (Note that the menu prices do not include tax!)

For our complete coverage of the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, head to our festival landing page here.

Wine & Dine Studio Booth at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2019

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Food:

  • Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts, and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce –  $5.75
  • Pulled Duck Confit with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction –  $5.50
  • Trio of Artisan Cheese –  $5.25
    • Fromager d’Affinois de Excellence with Toasted Baguette
    • Point Reyes Original Blue with Apricot Jam
    • Point Reyes Toma with Honey
  • Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese –  $11.25
    • Trio of Artisan Cheese paired with Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, St. Francis Chardonnay, and Recuerdo Malbec

Beverages:

  • Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford –  $6.00
  • St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma County –  $6.00
  • Recuerdo Malbec, Argentina –  $6.50
  • Eden Canyon “Jolie” Red Blend, California –  $9.00
  • Meiomi Rosé, California –  $5.00

Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts, and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce –  $5.75

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Scallops can be pretty hit or miss at the Festival in my experience, and this one is a definite hit. Cooked perfectly, the scallop is nicely accented by the celery root puree, Brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms.

Pulled Duck Confit with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction –  $5.50

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OK, so this is a picture from last year and there are different accompaniments, but this dish is usually on point, offering a very tender sampling of the bird. The accompaniments come from last year’s pork tenderloin, which was also quite good, so I can’t imagine that this will disappoint.

Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese –  $11.25

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For the price, this is the best value sampler available at the event. It basically offers a combination of a dish and three wines from the menu for $11.25. All of the cheeses and wines are are rather enjoyable as well, with the Recuerdo Malbec being a personal favorite of mine (although not a great value on its own, as you’ll see below).

While we did not have many of the wines in individual servings, here are some thoughts on the value:

Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford –  $6.00

 

Ringing in at $6 a glass is a very lousy value compared to the average 2016 vintage running $25 at your local wine store. If you enjoy pleasant wine aromas, anticipate notes of melon, peach, and amoretto.

St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma County –  $6.00

$6 for a glass, or $15 for a bottle at home. We recommend passing entirely.

Recuerdo Malbec, Argentina –  $6.50

Expect notes of blackberries and plum, according to Wine.com, but also $6.50 a glass compared to $20 a bottle at home. You can do better.

Eden Canyon “Jolie” Red Blend, California –  $9.00

$9 for a glass is steep, but from what we’ve found the last vintage was in 2011 which almost validates the $9. For a few bucks more you can get a much better red at Earth Eats

Meiomi Rosé, California –  $5.00

2015 vintage, $5 a glass or $25 for a bottle at home. This is the best value at Wine and Dine in terms of wine.

Location of the Wine & Dine Studio at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The Wine & Dine Studio is located in Future World West along the pathway between the Imagination pavilion and World Showcase. The Wine & Dine Studio is Number 5 on the map below.

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PHOTOS: New Haunted Mansion Furnishings Available at Disney Springs, Including Chairs and Mirrors

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Hey’ who’s got a few thousand dollars to burn and loves The Haunted Mansion? Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs sure hopes the somebody does…

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If there’s “room for one more” chair at your dinner table, the Disney Springs shop has Haunted Mansion chairs with or without armrests for sale.

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The version without armrests will cost $2000 each.

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The chairs are not actually in stock, but are special order items that have no discounts applicable and there are shipping charges attached.

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The one with armrests will cost $4000 each. Yes, they are cool, but they do seem tiny bit overpriced. Regardless, I’m sure people will buy them because they are Haunted Mansion-related and Mansion fans never cease to amaze me.

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Personally, I’d settle for this new mirror that is for sale, $250 and any discounts are applicable.

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It’s pretty neat, although I would have made it with just a hitchiking ghost in the middle, just like in the attraction.

There is apparently also a new $55.00 Haunted Mansion tea set for sale, but it was sold out when we got to Marketplace Co-Op.

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PHOTOS: Construction Underway on Walt Disney World’s “Star Wars VR Attraction” at Disney Springs, A Look Inside

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

The Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire VR attraction coming to Disney Springs this holiday season is under construction now, taking over what was the Star Wars room of the Once Upon a Toy store at Disney Springs.

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From inside of Once Upon a Toy, a black curtain blocks guests from the new area under construction.

No exact opening date or price point for the experience has been announced as of yet.

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PHOTOS: Land Clearing Has Begun for Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy Ride

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Being the first Sunday of the park’s Food and Wine Festival, I had to park really far away from the entrance of Epcot this afternoon. On the bright side, it did afford the opportunity to see that work had begun on the future site of the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

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Construction vehicles are present and a noticeable amount of shrubbery has been cleared in places. You’ll also notice a plethora of colored markers in the ground.

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In case you are unfamiliar with the area pictured above, it is a large section of unused land north of the Universe of Energy, practically in the Epcot parking lot. If rumors are true, the queue and load area for the ride will take place in the Universe of Energy building, with the roller coaster ride system launching guests into a massive show building in this expansion plot.

Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot will open before Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021.

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REVIEW: The Almond Orchard, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2017

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Welcome to a marketplace review for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2017, taking place in the park from August 31st through November 13th, 2017. This review will cover the brand new booth “The Almond Orchard”, which is located in World Showcase Plaza, at the front of World Showcase.

The Almond Orchard

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Food:

  • Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese and Aged Balsamic – $4.75
  • Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond Salt & Vinegar Almonds and served with Blue Diamond Nut Thins – $5.25
  • Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Crunchy Chocolate Oats – $4.50

Beverages:

  • Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin “Yellow Label” Brut – $13.00
  • Dom Pérignon Brut – $32.00
  • Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial – $16.00
  • Strawberry Smoothie made with Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk (non-alcoholic) – $4.50

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Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese and Aged Balsamic – $4.75

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The risotto was a little vinegar heavy, but otherwise fine. I sometimes feel that booths themed to a single item are silly, mostly because you should probably come back around to it a few times so you don’t ingest 4-almond-based items at once and are tired of the flavor before you even get through everything you ordered.

Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond Salt & Vinegar Almonds and served with Blue Diamond Nut Thins – $5.25

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The hummus was just fine as well, with almost nothing standing out about it. Sure, it’s nice if you like hummus, but there are hundreds of items you could have at the Festival, so why settle for this?

Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Crunchy Chocolate Oats – $4.50

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Note: This item has since become much smaller, so your results may vary. Otherwise, it was a pretty delicious sundae filled with fresh berries and crunchy oats. I could do without the fruit overload myself, but the banana almond soft serve is pretty amazing and should become something they serve at Epcot on a regular basis. It could be the new Dole Whip.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin “Yellow Label” Brut – $13.00

~$55/bottle at home, $11 a glass at festival – Balanced, fruity, and slightly toasty making for a very drinkable champagne.

Dom Pérignon Brut – $32.00

~$150/bottle at home, $32 a glass at festival – The legendary champagne returns to Food & Wine, and while $32 sounds a little rough, take into consideration the high price of a full bottle. If you’ve never had Dom before, now is your proper chance to try a glass. Take note your Tasting Sampler tabs do *not* work on Dom, but it works on the other two champagnes here.

Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial – $16.00

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~$65/bottle at home, $16 a glass at festival. Expect one of the best champagnes you’re going to find at Epcot, very fruity with good hints of raspberry and strawberry on the nose. Use your Tasting Sampler tabs on this if you have them, or pay out of pocket if not. It’s one of our festival favorites…. since the Moet & Chandon Imperial Nectar disappeared a few years ago at least.

Strawberry Smoothie made with Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk (non-alcoholic) – $4.50

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For those who don’t like alcohol or for the kids, the Strawberry Smoothie is one of the best the festival has to offer. The mix of strawberry and almond milk flavors works well here, well, at least if you’re OK with almond milk.

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PHOTOS: Demolition Begins on Disney Quest at Disney Springs, Future NBA Experience

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Visible demolotion has begun on the exterior of the former DisneyQuest at Disney Springs, as it begins its transformation into the NBA Experience.

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The awning over the entrance to Disney Quest has been completely ripped off.

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I love the the original colors of the building were under all of that…

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The small awning was also ripped off of the DisneyQuest Emporium.

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A look from above.

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Some larger portions of the wall were also removed… or more likely came down with the awning…

No opening date for the NBA Experience at Disney Springs has been provided as of yet. DisneyQuest closed on July 3rd, 2017.

Echo Lake, Dinosaur Gertie, and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner To Undergo Refurbishment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Beginning September 6th, Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be undergoing a refurbishment.

A photo of Gertie back when most of the park existed...

A photo of Gertie back when most of the park existed…

Now don’t worry, nothing is being removed. During this time, the entire lake will be drained and repainted. Dinosaur Gertie and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner will also be repainted and adjustments in the landscaping around the area will be made. This work will continue through October 2017.

During the painting, with Min and Bill’s and Dinosaur Gertie will continue to operate as normal.

Hurricane Irma to Possibly Affect Walt Disney World Operations, What to Know If You’re Visiting WDW

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Hurricane Irma, a dangerous Category 5 hurricane, could impact Central Florida and operations at Walt Disney World in the coming days.

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While it is still too soon to narrow down specifics on the exact path of Irma’s center and eyewall, there is an increasing chance of a major hurricane strike on at least part of South Florida, including the Florida Keys, this weekend. According to the latest NHC forecast, the center of Irma may be very close to South Florida by Saturday night, with conditions going downhill already during the day on Saturday.

While the event is still too far out for projections to be absolutely correct, there is a possibility of impact to the Walt Disney World Resort.

In preparation for the storm, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for all 67 Florida counties ahead of Hurricane Irma.

The number one question we received last year as Hurricane Matthew threatened Orlando was in regards to Walt Disney World’s cancellation and refund policies during these types of events. For this unfamiliar with Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy:

If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.

If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.

This policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations.

If you have questions or you wish to reschedule your vacation due to a hurricane warning, please call (407) 939-7675. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Of course, WDWNT.com will continue to provide updates as we get closer to the storm and its projected arrival.

SOURCE: Weather.com

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PHOTO: New Marquee Sign Revealed for Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is currently in transition to become Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Today, the new marquee for the attraction was revealed.

The sign, in a way, confirms that the One Man’s Dream film will continue to play when there is not a movie preview to be shown. The sign also advertises the meet and greet experience inside, which will continue to rotate with new movie releases.

Walt Disney Presents will showcase models from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, as well as art and more from Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway beginning September 8th.

Disney Sets Several Release Dates for Epcot 35th Anniversary Limited Edition Pins

WDWNT on September 19, 2017

Over the course of the next few weeks, Disney is releasing several limited edition pins to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Epcot.

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On September 14th, 2017, a Kitchen Kabaret pin will be released, followed by a larger assortment on September 29th. Of course, a few pins will also be released on October 1st, 2017, the actual anniversary date. All of the pins will certainly be released at Epcot, but it is unclear if any will be available outside of the park.

A collection of other items will also be released sometime this month, as well as “I Was There” items on October 1st, 2017.