In an event that defines a generation (I’m joking), the tarps on the Japan pavillion of Epcot’s World Showcase have finally come down. The tarps have been in place in some shape for the last two years and were finally taken down earlier this week. The Japan pavillion looks completely new, and will probably look even better when it’s newly refurbished dining locations open.Â
The replacement of the legendary Alfredo’s at Epcot has opened to luke warm receptions and food. From the few people I have spoken to about the restaurant, I’ve gathered that they didn’t really enjoy their meals. Don’t let this stop you from trying the restaurant, it is still only a few days old and is still really in it’s testing phases. The current version of this restaurant will close in early 2008 and be remodled. A new restaurant with a new name, look, and menu will open late summer/early fall 2008.
The new exhibit entitled National Treasures will open in the American Adventure pavillion at Epcot on September 28th. The exhibit is said to be one of the most amazing colloections of Americana ever. We will have more coverage on this as it becomes available.
 A crane has arrived in Fantasyland to install the Christmas lights on to Cinderella Castle. The crane is located in the walkway between Cinderella Castle and Sir Mickey’s. No word yet on when the crane will be used or installation of the lights will begin.
More changes have come to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. In response the the complete closure of the food and fun center on the ground level, a new temporary quick service location has opened in the Grand Canyon Concourse. The new location is called “Tempo Grab and Go” and will be in place until changes are complete on the ground floor in August 2008. These changes are in response and anticipation of the new north wing of the resort that is being constructed currently. The new wing will link by walkway directly to the Grand Canyon Concourse level of the main building when it is completed in 2009. Until then, rolling changes will be taking place throughout the resort. The new wing is rumored to be a Disney Vacation Club Resort.
Jack Sparr…excuse me…CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow is now making meet and greet appearances in the Adventureland Veranda at the Magic Kingdom. The space has been unused for about a decade now, but appears to still be in good shape. This also furthers the rumors of a pirate character dining experience coming to the location. Now bring me that horizon…and autograph book!!!
The parade housing building at the Disney MGM Studios is being enlarged for the new upcoming Block Party Bash Parade. The parade will begin its run at the studios in Spring 2008, after the park changes it’s name to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The entire backside of the Italy pavillion in Epcot’s World Showcase has been walled off in preperation for the new Tutto Italia restaurant that is replacing the fabled Alfredo’s. There is still no set opening date for the restaurant.
It is now all but official that a new show is coming to the Disney MGM Studios. The long closed ABC theater has been walled up and adorned with signs stating that an all new production is on its way. Rumors are making the rounds that it will become an indoor home to the all new High School Musical 2 show starting this fall, but nothing is official just yet. We will just have to wait and see!!!
Dining Review by Collin Korb
       On our most recent visit to WDW we decided to take full advantage of the Dining Plan. There were three of us, two adults and one child, age 14. The point is that we made a decision to try menu items that we normally wouldn’t order, especially since they were already paid for in advance.We were wise to make reservations ahead of time for our party of three. When we arrived we were greeted by multiple hostesses, all were very pleasant. We only waited about five minutes, I strongly urge making reservations! We had the pleasure of being seated in the “three-seasons porch†area near the outdoor fountain overlooking the courtyard. It was a great view as the sun decided to peek out from behind two days of clouds. It was also nice to be able to people watch during dinner.
       Our server for the evening was Sebastian. He greeted us warmly and took our drink order. After a short wait he returned to answer our appetizer questions. We decided on three separate appetizers, the Tarte a la Flame Alsacienne, Tartare de saumon legerement fume, sauce moutarde, and Assiette de fromages de France- basically this translates to the bread and cheese plate, raw salmon spread, and cheese plate. None of us had ever had items such as these and I am pleased to report that we each tried a bit and did enjoy the eclectic flavors. Sebastian returned to refill our drinks after we had enjoyed the appetizers. He was very polite and accommodating in spite of the fact we were his fifth table of at least three or more patrons. We were less adventurous with dinner, all of us ordered the Filet de boeuf grille, sauce au poivre noir Gratin Dauphinois et haricots verts it was exceptional! I enjoyed the Caesar salad and the girls enjoyed the “French Onion Soupâ€.Â
       We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and were never rushed to leave. Sebastian was exceptional with his service and treating us like royalty. The girls decided to run (literally) over to Japan to shop before it closed, they had placed orders for dessert before leaving. Creme Brulee, Clafoutis bleuets, sorbet et coulis aux fruits Rouges, and Crepe a la pomme et cannelle, glace vanille, caramel jus de pommes arrived minutes after the girls had rushed back. They were just in time to enjoy the finale to an outstanding meal. Sebastian made sure we were paid and out the door before Illuminations! His service and the meal were so exceptional that we demanded to speak to the management. We complimented the service from door to table and dessert. We even decided to leave a little extra in spite of our Dining Plan advantage. Overall it was an outstanding experience and we recommend Chefs de France!!!
