PHOTOS: Mysterious Stat Stations Appear at Test Track’s Soon-To-Be-Renamed SIMporium

WDWNT on September 17, 2017

While at Epcot today, we stopped by for a quick ride on Test Track, and upon existing we noticed some changes in the After Market Shop.

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New “Stat Stations” have been added right as you’re existing Test Track in the gift shop area. Currently, we don’t know What exactly these kiosks will do. The only hint is the tag line below the name “Custom Car[d] Design” which could allow guests to customize RFID cards to use in the attraction’s car creator process.

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Other elements have been added to the store including the four test logos from the ride.

To reflect the changes, the store will change names to the Test Track SIMporium at some point.

WDWCelebrations “Celebration 35” IllumiNations Dessert Party Almost Sold Out

WDWNT on September 17, 2017

This is just a reminder to those contemplating attending the WDWCelebrations Celebration 35 event, taking place Thursday – Sunday, September 28 – October 1, 2017.

Although registration for the event will remain open until September 27, the popular IllumiNations Dessert Party on October 1 has a limited capacity and is currently 75% sold out. Because the event capacity is dictated by Disney Park Operations based on the size of the venue, we cannot sell more tickets after we have reached full capacity.

In case you missed our previous post detailing what WDWCelebrations is all about, we’ve reprinted it below.

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In just a few weeks, WDWCelebrations will gather like-minded fans at the Walt Disney World® Resort to celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of the opening of EPCOT Center®, the theme park that broke the mold upon its debut in 1982. Exactly ten years after the historic Celebration 25 event that gathered over twelve hundred guests to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Epcot® in October 2007, WDWCelebrations aims to celebrate the past, present and future of the world’s most unique theme park once again! The WDWCelebrations organization was born from the response to Celebration 25, and since that time has hosted an additional eleven unique events, each celebrating the magic of the Disney Parks while raising money for charity.

Celebration 35, a WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event

It has been the privilege of WDWCelebrations to host guests from around the world for the past nine years, and it is a special honor to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary this October with Celebration 35, a WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event. This new event at the Walt Disney World® Resort will encompass four days of fun, friends, and surprises. As with previous events, this celebration will include WDWCelebrations’ signature offerings to complement the official activities offered by The Walt Disney Company.

The four-day event, set for Thursday – Sunday, September 28 – October 1, 2017, will celebrate the anniversary in a grand way. Planned activities will complement the popular Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival and guests will be able to share in a visit to Pandora, the World of Avatar, the newest offering at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Guests will enjoy their favorite WDWCelebrations signature offerings such as scavenger hunts, group rides, group meals, and, of course, a few very special surprises. Check out the WDWCelebrations web site for more details and a tentative schedule.

Celebration 35’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party on October 1

WDWCelebrations is pleased to announce the return of the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party, a significant piece of WDWCelebrations’ history and a fan favorite for many years. As was experienced during Celebration 25 and Celebration 30 five years later, guests will once again have the chance to enjoy delectable dessert options on the water’s edge of World Showcase Lagoon with a premium view of the classic nighttime spectacular as it lights up the night sky. On previous park anniversaries, Epcot has added a special anniversary tag to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth that rivals, if not surpasses, the popular July 4th and New Years Eve tags.

How to Register for Celebration 35, Including the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party

WDWCelebrations charges a nominal fee to event attendees which covers organizational costs. Additionally, a significant portion of the registration fees are donated to the Give Kids The World Village, the WDWCelebrations Charity Initiative charity of choice for Celebration 35 and many previous events. Registration for Celebration 35 costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-15.  Guests also have the option to donate additional funds to this event’s Charity Initiative when registering. The IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Dessert Party is an additional cost of $69.99 per person, and tickets can be purchased during the event registration process. Registration closes on September 27, 2017.

About WDWCelebrations

As Epcot® prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary in October 2007, the online Disney community was in an uproar over the apparent lack of official acknowledgement of this historic park’s milestone. In response to the Internet furor, a group of individuals decided to step up and create a fan-based event – dubbed Celebration 25 – to properly celebrate the silver anniversary. Over 1200 like-minded fans registered to attend the event. The Celebration 25 event was officially embraced by Disney management and was given the rare privilege of working closely with the management and staff of Epcot® to provide in-park event check-in, group history walks, a press conference, and a private dessert party. At the end of the day, the attendees knew they had been a part of something special – and something they didn’t want to end. Out of this demand, an idea was born: to celebrate the many anniversaries, milestones, and bonds between those who share a love for Walt Disney World. WDWCelebrations was born. And since that time, each of their unique events have offered guests the chance to celebrate the magic of the Disney Parks’ past, present and future, together.

Last Chance to Register for WDWNT’s 10th Anniversary Event, Starts This Saturday!

WDWNT on September 17, 2017

We’re less than a week away from WDWNT: The 10th Anniversary Event, a special celebration of our Tencennial at the Walt Disney World Resort taking place September 22nd through the 26th, 2017.

 

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Tickets are almost sold out for our “WDWNT: The Breakfast Vol. 2” special event taking place inside the rarely seen Living Seas lounge!

The main event on Saturday, September 23rd is our incredible interactive game, “WDWNT: The Order of the Seven”. In this game, groups up to four in size will race around all of Walt Disney World competing for points in what has to be just about the craziest all-day adventure ever devised. The point of the game will be to reconnect the seven themes of EPCOT Center and restore the park’s original vision to stop an evil robotic force. I really can’t say much more at this time, but I do promise it will be a day you will never forget!

The event also includes many other group activities, including meals, attractions, and more (which you can see on the full schedule), and registration is required to attend any of the aforementioned offerings (and is of course open at Events.WDWNT.com). Registration is discounted by 33% if you are a member of the WDWNT Inner Globe Society.

 

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Patina Opening New Italian Restaurant Inside of The Edison Complex at Disney Springs in 2018

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

Patina will reportedly be opening a new Italian concept, Maria & Enzo’s, located inside of the very same complex as The Edison on The Landing at Disney Springs. Patina Restaurant Group also currently operates Morimoto Asia, Tutto Italia and Via Napoli in Epcot, and The Edison when it opens later this year. They will even be involved in the upcoming unnamed space restaurant in Future World.

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The new Italian restaurant will also feature a speakeasy bar element, themed to an underground rum-running tunnel. This likely means that the restaurant is in basement of The Edison, replacing the long rumored “Neverland Tunnels” and “Walt’s Lounge” concepts originally meant for this space. Maria and Enzo’s is also expected to feature a counter service component of some kind.

Maria & Enzo’s is planned to open late 2017/early 2018.

SOURCE: Orlando Weekly

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Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is No More, Grand Avenue Taking Over

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

The recently named Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is already no more, as Disney announced today that the entire land and the remains of the Streets of America will all become the new Grand Avenue area this Fall.

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Muppets Courtyard, along with a portion of the former Streets of America, is being re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineering to become a new area called Grand Avenue. Inspired by the revitalization and the vibrant culture of present-day downtown Los Angeles, Grand Avenue is where vintage office buildings and warehouses are being converted to exciting new uses. Guests will soon see facades for “merchants” appearing in this area for a music shop, loft apartments, a tailor and more, with each window on the street featuring charming displays.

Grand Avenue includes BaseLine Tap House, which takes over the former Writer’s Stop. This new corner pub will feature California beers and wines along with a selection of small bites.

The current Muppets Courtyard will become Grand Park, an urban square off Grand Avenue surrounded by shops and restaurants like PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Guests can already see changes in the area, with the Muppets theater being renamed “Grand Arts Theatre” and boasting a brand-new marquee. Disney has assured guests that the hilarious and irreverent “Muppet*Vision 3D” show will remain in this new area.

The future of the Stage 1 “Muppets Store” and various themed elements in the area remains in doubt as Disney has not mentioned them specifically.

Reservations Now Open for Fantasmic Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

Disney is introducing a new way to take in the spectacular sights and sounds of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience package.

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Guests will check-in and pick up a delicious snack box (which features a mix of sweet and savory items) at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater prior to show time. A special light-up credential will allow Fantasmic Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience guests to enter a special reserved viewing area.

The adult box features chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple crisp, California trail mix and cheese and crackers. Kids receive chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms, confetti popcorn, grapes and a vanilla cake bite which features Sorcerer Mickey. Guests will also receive a bottle of water and a specialty alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic cup.

Cost is $39 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-9. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

SOURCE: Disney Parks Blog

REVIEW: The $8 Artisan S’mores from The Ganachery at Disney Springs are Life Changing

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

So, $8 seems like a lot of money for a s’mores, considering the average creation of a single serving of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate probably would cost you less than $1 as a consumer. However, I don’t think you’ll be making s’mores quite like The Ganachery at Disney Springs…
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A relatively new offering, the above $8 s’mores can be ordered at the counter and the guest is then given a little sign to hold up at the window where the desserts are made. The artisan behind the glass will then begin to make your s’mores and brings it out to you. You can see this entire process in the video below:

So, how it it? Amazing, and certainly worth the hefty price tag. The quality of the chocolate is staggering and the flavor with the sea salt is perfection. The giant chunk of marshmallow makes sure every bite has more than enough, and the graham cracker isn’t terribly crunchy to the point where the entire thing falls apart. This thing can be a little messy, so be sure to grab a napkin… or all of the napkins. You may also want to share it if you don’t want to feel terrible about yourself afterwards, but hey, it’s your vacation so I won’t judge you if you eat the entire thing alone.

I can’t recommend this enough. It is undoubtedly the best s’mores I’ve ever had in my entire life!

So the next time you’re at Disney Springs, be sure to stop by The Ganachery in the Landing to try this for yourself (or try something else from here, you really can’t go wrong).

PHOTOS: New Halloween Treats Coming to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary 2017

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

Halloween kicks off early this year in Magic Kingdom Park, with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select evenings beginning August 25, fun-filled evening with trick-or-treating throughout the park, eerie entertainment and Disney characters that go bump in the night.

This year, more than a dozen specially created treats – some available only during the parties, some all day in the Magic Kingdom Park – will be available to celebrate the season. Here’s the rundown:

New treats offered all day, every day, beginning Aug. 25-Nov. 1

  • Stop in the Main Street Bakery for a bright orange Mickey Halloween Cupcake with chocolate cake filled with purple marshmallow fluff topped with orange vanilla buttercream, sprinkles and a white chocolate scarecrow Mickey.

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  • The Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll takes on a spooky twist with orange icing and a chocolate spider web.
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will scoop up pumpkin-flavored ice cream.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Treats (party nights only):

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  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Dome with a graham cracker streusel base, orange white chocolate glaze and a white chocolate Mickey can be found at Main Street Bakery and Gaston’s Tavern.

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  • Jack Skellington gets his own dessert at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square – a vanilla panna cotta, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream, white chocolate and dark chocolate crisp pearls, dark chocolate curls and a white chocolate Jack Skellington.

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  • The artistic Haunted Mansion Desserts – each with a different flavor and themed chocolate accent – can be tracked down at:
    • Aloha Isle – chocolate tart filled with chocolate ganache and topped with Oreo panna cotta and a white chocolate Haunted Mansion-inspired portrait.
    • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – chocolate tart filled with raspberry compote and topped with white chocolate mousse and a Haunted Mansion-inspired white chocolate portrait.
    • Liberty Square Market – chocolate tart filled with chocolate ganache and topped with peanut butter icing and a Haunted Mansion-inspired white chocolate portrait.
    • Storybook Treats – chocolate tart filled with lemon curd, strawberry compote and topped with strawberry mousse and a Haunted Mansion-inspired white chocolate portrait.

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  • A Pumpkin Mickey Waffle with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and caramel sauce will be offered at Sleepy Hollow.

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  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café will offer Worms and Dirt, a chocolate gravestone with chocolate cake and chocolate mousse with a chocolate glaze topped with Oreo crumbs, and gummy candy.

  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland will dish up Candy Corn Ice Cream (formerly available at Storybook Treats).

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  • Grab Chocolate Crisped Rice Treats and Vampire Mickey Brownies at various outdoor vending and kiosks throughout the Magic Kingdom Park.

Dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are August 25 and 29; Sept. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 31, and Nov. 1.

SOURCE: Disney Parks Blog

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PHOTO: Disney World Replacing “Stealable” Toiletries with Pump Dispensers in Guest Hotel Rooms

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

Rather than distribute endless numbers of bottles and soaps to every guest room at Walt Disney World (that guests would then be able to take home with them), Disney is moving towards refillable dispensers inside of the showers found in guest rooms.

The following picture was shared on the Coronado Springs Buzz Facebook page:

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The picture above is from Port Orleans Riverside, featuring a locked shelf holding pump dispensers for conditioner, shampoo, and body wash.

it is unknown if this will be rolled out beyond Value and Moderate class rooms, but I imagine guests at a Deluxe Resort may be a little annoyed to find such a contraption in their rooms for the amount they are paying.

PHOTOS: New Concept Art & Location Revealed for Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

That odd, sunken-in plot of grass between the Coca-Cola Store and Planet Hollywood Observatory finally has a tenant: Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.

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Opening in 2018, the new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in Town Center, housed in a completely new building.

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Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance.

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The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles.

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The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.