Finally, Time for Tequila!

WDWNT on August 28, 2009

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas are on tap at La Cava del Tequila, a new offering for Epcot guests to explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico.

Tucked away in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila beckons guests with more than 70 types of authentic tequila, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the agave plant. Tequilas range in price from $8 to $50 for a specialty tequila.

Amid warm décor, art work and original artifacts all celebrating the Mexican heritage, a “Tequila Ambassador” is on hand to educate Walt Disney World guests on the history of tequila-making.

Also on the drink menu: Exotic and uniquely blended margaritas, introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists. A variety of quick tastes, tapas style, will be available, including freshly made guacamole and ceviche as well as mahi mahi tostadas with diced mango and avocado and blue crab tostados with chipotle mayo and Valentina sauce.

The 30-seat La Cava del Tequila is open from noon until Epcot park closing time. It is connected to the famous San Angel Inn as part of the Mexico pavilion, a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests.

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Several “tapas-style” tastings are on the menu including freshly made guacamole, home-fried fresh corn chips, salsas, ceviches and various tostadas.

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Flavorful margaritas and specially prepared flights of tequila take center stage.

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Specially trained Tequila Ambassador, Hilda Castillo, straight from Tequila, Mexico, shares her passion for tequila making at the newly opened La Cava del Tequila at Epcot.

We Were “Totally” Right About Tomorrowland Stage

WDWNT on August 28, 2009

According to the Orlando Sentinel Theme Park Rangers Blog:

A trusted source reports that Disney is reviving a Stitch show that will be presented this year during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. It’s name: “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” but it will include the rascally character.

Expect it on the stage where Stitch was previously seen for the short-lived, much-panned Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration.

A Disney official told me they have nothing to announce at this time.

In an 8/16 photo report, I remarked that a new show was set to debut on the stage in November and that modifications were currently being made to the stage. It appears my sources were correct and we can expect “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” to fill the gap caused by the demolition of the Galaxy Palace Theater and “Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this breaking story.

Little Chef Looks to Stay at “Les Chefs De France”

WDWNT on August 24, 2009

While many have reported that the special dining program featuring the “living character” of Remy from Disney-Pixar’s Ratatouille meeting and greeting guests at the Les Chefs De France restaurant in the France pavilion at Epcot would be coming to an end this fall, a recent listing on the Disney Auditions website says otherwise:

Disney Auditions is seeking male and female comedic improv actors for Bon Appetit with Chef Remy, performed inside Les Chefs de France in Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort, near Orlando, FL. Strong candidates should have subtle timing, be capable of working alone and have puppetry experience. Bilingual actors fluent in French and English, are desired. Some French speaking is required.

The popularity of the program has been undeniable and it looks like they will continue to have the “little chef” cooking up fun in France for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this breaking story.

Mitchel Musso CD Signing & Appearance at Studio Disney 365!

WDWNT on August 24, 2009

Mitchel Musso CD Signing & Appearance
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2009
Time: 1 PM to 2 PM
Location: Studio Disney 365, Downtown Disney® District

Join us as we welcome Actor & Singer Mitchel Musso from the hit Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana”.  Mitchel will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his adventurous self-titled debut album, Mitchel Musso.  The meet & greet and signing opportunity will take place from 1 PM to 2 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Studio Disney 365 located in the Downtown Disney® District in Anaheim, CA. Mitchel will be appearing at Studio Disney 365 prior to his concert being held at the House of Blues® Anaheim later in the evening. Tickets for this performance will be available at the House of Blues Box office or in advance at www.houseofblues.com.

Mitchel’s self-titled debut album will be available to purchase at Studio Disney 365, as well as other CD’s featuring music by Mitchel.

We ask that you please do not queue up prior to 6AM at Studio Disney 365. Please note: Photographs are permitted, however posing with Mitchel Musso will not be allowed. Merchandise available while supplies last.  We ask that only one (1) item be signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed.  Event merchandise must be purchased on the day of release at the event location.  Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required.  Signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed.  Event information subject to change without notice.  Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.

Osborne Lights Dance Early in ’09

WDWNT on August 23, 2009

The Walt Disney World website has just been updated with new dates for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, now running from November 10, 2009, until January 4, 2010. The site originally had the Disney’s Hollywood Studios nighttime holiday event slated to debut at the end of November (as it surprisingly did in 2008), but was recently changed to move the starting date up by about 2 weeks. We have to believe that this change was in response to a large number of complaints made last year by guests who visited in mid-November and were shocked to find out the lights would not run during their vacation.

A Closer Look at Centralized Fastpass Distribution

WDWNT on August 19, 2009

Since July 20th, Walt Disney World has been testing the concept of centralized Fastpass distribution in the parks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The test has now been running for a month and seems to be working quite well. WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve has tested the system and has some photos and insight to share:

All Animal Kingdom Fastpass is being distributed at the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” distribution area on Discovery Island

The machines are clearly labeled for each attraction and there are more than enough cast members working in the area

The Fastpass machines are not linked to the overall system, allowing you to get Fastpass for multiple attractions at once. However, you can not get another Fastpass for an attraction that you are already holding a Fastpass for until the time on the bottom of your ticket rolls around. This means that the machines at the individual attractions and the machines for that attraction on Discovery Island are linked, but the machines at the individual attractions are not linked to each-other. I hope that was understandable 🙂

This centralized distribution location is open daily from park opening until 3 PM when the area is prepared for Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information on this testing becomes available.

Luke Manning’s 8/17/09 Photo Report

WDWNT on August 18, 2009

Hey everyone, Luke Manning here. I visited the Disneyland Resort yesterday on what easily was the busiest day I have ever seen at the parks. But anyway, let’s get to my photo report:

The line at the Downtown Disney Monorail station was 3 switch-backs long, which meant a wait of over half an hour. Only Monorail Blue was running

Here you can see work on the permanent home for LittleMissMatched, which will be right next to its current home

All guests, even Annual Passholders, were required to get their hand stamped

Some of the merchandise from the recent SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th anniversary event is still available in the Disneyana Store

Read More about Luke Manning’s 8/17/09 Photo Report

Cast Member Tragedy at Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

WDWNT on August 18, 2009

Yet another unfortunate story from the Orlando Sentinel:

A Walt Disney World cast member is dead after an accident this evening at Hollywood Studios.

The accident took place during a rehearsal for the ” Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.” The stunt performer was doing a tumbling roll after 7 p.m. when he was hurt. He was transported to the hospital and has since died.

“We lost a valued cast member and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family as we mourn his passing,” said Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez.

The name of the performer has not been released.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration as well and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted. The Sheriff’s office is investigating.