REVIEW: Croissant Doughnut at Epcot Gets More Ridiculous with Pastry Cream Filling

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

As part of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, the Refreshment Port in World Showcase has decided to kick-it up a notch on their already beloved croissant doughnut.

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For a little extra, guests can acquire the croissant doughnut filled with pastry cream, covered in icing and colored pearls.

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It’s a real work of art, no?

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I generally love the croissant doughnut (or cronut, the term Disney is not legally allowed to use for the treat), but this was something far more special. As much as I enjoy the cinnamon sugar topping, the combination of the pastry icing and filling with the perfectly-cooked, flaky croissant doughnut made for an even more amazing treat. I will warn you that it is very sweet, but I thought it was perfectly put together. Obviously, don’t eat the filling all in one bite, but be sure to spread a little onto each morsel of the snack for optimal enjoyment.

I’m not telling you that you should get this on your next trip to Epcot, I am telling you that you have to. If I had to pick one theme park snack to be trapped on a dessert island with for the rest of my life, this is the one. Oh, and it makes for nice photos too, if that’s important to you.

If you want one of these, you will need to hurry as it will only be offered during the duration of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, running on weekends (Friday through Monday) now through February 20th.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 1/30/17 (Festival of the Arts, New Merchandise, New Bands, Etc.)

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot for the Festival of the Arts, new merchandise, and more!

It’s a Zoo Out There

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A slew of new open edition pins were released recently, including Zootopia and compact mirror designs.

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There is no actual mirror in these pins, but the silver works sort of like one. I don’t know, these seem kind of dumb to me…

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This one actually has a mirror, which makes sense.

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The last piece of history pin for 2016 was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, so I had to have it.

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It has been out for a few weeks now, but the new Mickey Mouse Bubble Glow Wand is proving popular with guests.

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And now, some ducks.

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Security at the Speed of a Sloth

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Since December, the security screening at Epcot has been a disaster, with everyone going through the metal detectors. Guests with bags now have their bag inspected while they go through the detector, which is some cases takes 1-2 minutes per guest. I hate to say this, but the Universal Orlando process where bags go through a screening machine (I believe Disneyland Paris has this as well) works a million times better than this. Safety is obviously important, but it shouldn’t take anyone 30 minutes to get into a park.

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Epcot turnstiles are often mess as well, as never quite enough seem to be open at peak times. The annual pass holder entry lines are a mixed bag, more often than not being longer that the regular lines, especially in January.

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Here is the line for guests with bags to go through security from another day.

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And here is an annual pass holder entry line on a Festival of the Arts weekend…

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Around Our World

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Work continues on Choza Tequila outside of the Mexico pavilion, which will open sometime this year.

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A new group called Wies N Buam is now performing in the Germany pavilion at Epcot.

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The new Dixie napkin holders are suddenly appearing everywhere around the resort.

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I finally decided to try to the flavored popcorn at the cart by Imagination! on a recent visit to the park.

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I ordered the Buffalo Bleu Cheese…

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It was really great, I will be back for more!

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Someone I was meeting up with said they would be there in 45 minutes, so I wanted to waste 45 minutes…

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WHAT ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, BOB?

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It was about 30 degrees outside and these were on…

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BREAKING: DisneyQuest to Close July 3, NBA Experience on the Way

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Our multi-year transformation of Disney Springs is continuing, and as you know, we’re bringing new experiences to the West Side Neighborhood, including The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Today, we wanted to share an update that to make way for this basketball-themed experience, the West Side area will be undergoing changes – beginning with the closure of DisneyQuest on July 3, 2017.

Until July 3, DisneyQuest will continue to offer a great interactive experience for all guests. Disney fans of classic arcade game favorites and virtual worlds featured at the indoor theme park are invited to come out and enjoy the experiences.

As we’ve previously shared, The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will be a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on activities that put guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences, as well as a restaurant and a retail store.

Swan and Dolphin Resort Offering Discounts for Atlanta and New England Football Fans

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Jan. 30, 2017 – The winners of this year’s big football game between Atlanta and New England will celebrate their victory in style – and now their fans can, too. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is once again rewarding fans with the “I’m off to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort!” deal for residents of each team’s state.

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Residents of both Georgia and New England will receive a free night at the Epcot Resort-area resort when booking two nights at the standard price before February 28, 2017 for stays through Jan. 31, 2018.

For fans of the big game’s winner, there is even more in store. Residents of that team’s state will celebrate in style with a complimentary room upgrade.

Fans also can enjoy a championship-caliber meal at any of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges, including Shula’s Steak House, the restaurant of the NFL’s winningest coach, Don Shula.

There’s no better place to celebrate a team’s victory than the place known for championship celebrations.

For additional information, or to make reservations, guests can call 1-800-227-1500 and mention their home state –Georgia or New England. Details of the offer are also available online at http://www.swandolphin.com/offers/biggame.html. Guests must have valid appropriate state identification (valid New England states include Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) to present upon check-in. Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is not valid Dec. 22 – 31, 2017. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups.

RUMOR: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to Be Gutted to Become Modern Luxury Resort

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

This rumor is out there, but seems to be picking up some steam…

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has remained for the most part the same since 1988, with the exception of new lobby floor installed in the last decade.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has remained for the most part the same since 1988, with the exception of new lobby floor installed in the last decade.

It appears Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek is not a big fan of the current Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Walt Disney World’s flagship hotel and often most expensive per night. Similar to the recently initiated shakeup in housekeeping for Disney World, Chapek feels as if the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is putting them to shame when it comes to what a luxury resort on-property should be. So, what’s the solution? To completely gut the 28-year-old Magic Kingdom area resort, of course.

A room at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Walt Disney World

A room at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Walt Disney World

Obviously, many executives at Walt Disney World are trying to talk Chapek out of this massive remodeling as the Grand Floridian makes quite a bit of money and is often well-liked by those who stay there. One of the proposed alternate plans would involve constructing a new flagship hotel for Walt Disney World just north of the Transportation and Ticket Center. Reportedly, they have had no luck in changing his mind as of yet and Chapek is still moving full speed ahead with his plan.

Should it come to fruition, all of the rooms and the lobby of the resort will be completely gutted and rebuilt with a more modern-luxury theme, perhaps along the lines of the new hotel being constructed at the Disneyland Resort.

As it stands now, this project may not even be in the design phase as of yet, but it seems as if it will come to fruition should Chapek remain at helm of Parks and Resorts for the foreseeable future.

BREAKING: Massive Power Outage Shuts Down Most Epcot Attractions

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Most attractions at Epcot are temporarily closed due to a power outage problem at the park.

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There are no further details available at this time, but it appears that nearly every attraction in the park is closed.

UPDATE: Power was restored before 9pm last night, but some attractions did not reopen. Normal park operations did resume today, February 1st.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom 2/1/17 (AVATAR, Rivers of Light, Lots of Animals, New Merchandise, Etc.)

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see the latest progress on Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Rivers of Light, and more around the park. Let’s take a look…

Wild Places and Parking Spaces

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The large dirt barrier behind Pandora: The World of AVATAR is still quite visible from outside of the park. Trees should be planted here fairly soon.

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I didn’t realize that they had installed electric vehicle parking at Animal Kingdom, but it is there, located just behind the handicap section.

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Pandora looms in the distance…

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Pandora: The World of AVATAR

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The AVATAR area continues to speed towards an expected May 2017 opening, although Disney is just saying Summer 2017 at this point.

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Pandora, as seen from the top of Expedition Everest.

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If you want more photos of Pandora: The World of AVATAR, be sure to check out our latest post on it here. Also, the video update below:

Wings and Things

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The former Terra Treats allergy friendly menu is gone, replaced by beer and wings (for the most part)…

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The clearly labeled display wings… I’m not sure of there real order is that small, but if it is, it is $2 a wing.

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Meanwhile, the Harambe Popcorn cart is now selling merchandise: music CDs and binoculars.

Rivers of Plight

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On most days, the Discovery River Theater is open for guest seating. It’s starting to sound like we won’t see Rivers of Light until AVATAR opens though.

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All of the FastPass+ signage is up and ready to go when the time comes.

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If you haven’t seen our video of the show being tested earlier this month, take a look below:

This Park Has Animals at Least

Get the 2018 Disney Parks Vacation Planning Video for Free Today!

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

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Princess and Prince Character Breakfast Coming to Trattoria Al Forno

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk will begin a character breakfast service this Spring.

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“A delicious breakfast awaits you at Trattoria al Forno, as you get ready to set out for a day of endless magic at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a hearty “bon voyage” celebration, featuring popular characters from favorite Disney stories like “Tangled” or “The Little Mermaid.” During your visit, be sure to share the tales of your own hopes and dreams, the adventures you’ve had… and those still to come with our favorite princess or prince!”

No start date, exact character list, or pricing is available as of yet. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

BREAKING: Leaked Image Reveals Ride Vehicle for AVATAR “Flying Banshee” Attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Concept Art for Flight of Passage attraction, Pandora: the World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park

Concept Art for Flight of Passage attraction, Pandora: the World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park

Since the Flight of Passage attraction was announced, we have wondered how Disney would achieve such an attraction, where guests were promised that they would get to ride on a “real Banshee” from the AVATAR film series. Well, the following image was sent our way courtesy of an inside source and is a screen cap of some footage of Imagineers testing out the new ride which will open with Pandora: the World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Summer.

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Now, obviously, it is not the clearest image, but so is the nature of such leaked things. You can see that 2 people are mounted on a Banshee creature and are riding the attraction with the large Soarin’ type projection screen in front of them.

It might be possible to seat more than two guests on each, but it is unclear due to the clarity of the image. I would assume that children 7 and under would need to ride with someone 14 or older, as is the rule with many other attractions at Walt Disney World.

This is the structure to which the dozens of Banshees will be mounted, holding guests while they fly in Flight of Passage, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

This is the structure to which the dozens of Banshees will be mounted, holding guests while they fly in Flight of Passage, Pandora: The World of AVATAR

The image above, from the Disney Parks Magic Christmas Celebration, appears to show the ride system before the installation of the Banshee vehicles that will face the large screen.

We were promised that we would be able to feel the Banshee breathing and all of its motions below us when we ride the attraction. Based on the leaked image above, I may actually believe the Disney PR machine for once. If each guest really is boarding their own personal animal, I think we are in for something truly amazing. I think even the most bitter AVATAR project detractors will have to look at this as impressive.

But what do you think? Are you excited for Flight of Passage and Pandora: The World of AVATAR?