REVIEW: “The Masterpiece Kitchen” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2017

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Welcome to a food studio review for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, taking place in the park Friday-Monday from January 13th through February 20th, 2017. This review will cover the “The Masterpiece Kitchen” kiosk, which is located just outside of the Canada pavilion in World Showcase.

The Masterpiece Kitchen

REVIEW: “The Masterpiece Kitchen” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2017

Food:

  • Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese – $14.00
  • Smoked Salmon Tartare, Caviar, Crisp Lavash and Traditional Accompaniments – $12.00
  • Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V) – $9.00
  • Triple Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Sauce and Gold Leaf from our Master Pastry Chef – $9.25
  • White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette (GF) (V) – $6.50
  • Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V) – $7.00

Beverages:

  • Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne – $12.00
  • Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist – $9.25
  • The Meeker Vineyard Winemakers’ Handprint Merlot – $9.50
  • Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00

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The first day of the festival was a little rainy, but there was work to be done. If you are interested in the white chocolate puzzles and white chocolate puzzles, you will find them reviewed here.

Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese – $14.00

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While a nice and delicious spread, I feel skipping the Charcuterie Palette is probably a good idea, as you can get at least two other festival entrees for this price. There’s nothing terribly exotic about this spread, but it was good if you feel the need to order it.

Smoked Salmon Tartare, Caviar, Crisp Lavash and Traditional Accompaniments – $12.00

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The smoked salmon tartare is a solid dish and will certainly appease anyone who enjoys such things. It really has a really amazing flavor palatte and if you have never had caviar or salmon tartare, this is a rather nice dish to try them on.

Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V) – $9.00

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This is my second favorite dish of the entire Epcot International Festival of the Arts, so much so that I wish I could order a full-sized entree featuring it. The cheese and risotto blend together perfectly, and the mushrooms were very flavorful, proving especially tasty when soaked into the risotto.

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Triple Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Sauce and Gold Leaf from the Master Pastry Chef – $9.25

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One of the better desserts of the event, the triple chocolate mousse features distinct flavors stacked on top of each other for a delicious combination. It is also particularly photogenic, if you are into that sort of thing…

Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist – $9.25

REVIEW: “The Masterpiece Kitchen” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2017

If you enjoy a good Sidecar, this won’t disappoint. For those unaware of the ingredients:

The sidecar is a cocktail traditionally made with cognac, orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Grand Gala or another triple sec), and lemon juice. In its ingredients, the drink is perhaps most closely related to the older brandy crusta, which differs both in presentation and in proportions of its components.

About half of our group liked this and half did not, so your results with it may vary. The chocolate twist is a nice touch.

CONFIRMED: Permits Filed for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Vacation Club Wing & Expansion

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Permits have finally been filed for the rumored Disney Vacation Club wing and expansion of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We first reported of these additions and changes in June of 2016.

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The permits show the large, multi-story building that will likely be part of the Disney Vacation Club wing, as well as 6 other new structures, some replacing the existing Barbados Village. There is also a series of roadway and waterway improvements planned as well.

The project is set to begin construction this year and be completed by 2019.

REVIEW: Breakfast Doughnut Sundae, Hash Brown Hot Dog, & More New Magic Kingdom Offerings

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

With Main Street U.S.A. now opening earlier for guests with the retirement of the Train Station Welcome Show, guests now find an hour before “Let the Magic Begin” to enjoy shopping and breakfast in the front section of the Magic Kingdom.

In addition to the Main Street Bakery – Starbucks location (and the popcorn cart for some reason), both Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Casey’s Corner are open for breakfast at 7:50am when guests are first admitted entry to the park. You may be asking what an ice cream parlor and a hot dog shop could possibly serve for breakfast…

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

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Plaza Ice Cream Parlor has a Mickey Waffle Plate, assorted cereals, doughnuts, muffins, fruit, and of course… the doughnut sundae.

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Here is what we are here for, the most ridiculous item on the menu.

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A closer look at the menu.

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An assortment of drinks, cereals, and muffins available for breakfast.

Doughnut Sundae ($5.99)

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The doughnut (or donut) sundae includes: a doughnut topped with your flavor choice of hand-scooped Edy’s ice cream, hot fudge, a cinnamon apple topping, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and of course, a cherry. The cookies pictured in the sign were not available when we bough the sundae. I ordered it with chocolate ice cream.

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While ours was not particularly photogenic compared to the “Parks Blog” version (WHY DO THEY LIE TO US SO MUCH), it was delicious. The cinnamon apple topping in the bottom of the bowl gave it more of a breakfast flavor under the doughnut, and of course all of the ice cream and toppings were great as well. Everything mixed together fantastically.

Luckily for guests, this sundae is apparently being made available all day, so you could always elect for a healthier breakfast and save this for later in your visit. Being unhealthy people who eat theme park food all week, we just went for it at 8am.

If you are looking for something healthier, out next stop may not interest you either…

Casey’s Corner

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While there isn’t a menu with prices up for breakfast, the board outside is updated to reflect the breakfast items each morning.

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A tray with all of the breakfast items on display is located on the counter, including the trio of croissant doughnuts. Yes, corn dog nuggets are available…

While we didn’t order the doughnuts (as I think we had our fill of doughnuts already by this point), the family next to us ordered them and informed us that they were not as good as they had hoped. They had described them overly sweet and containing an undesirable apple-flavored tinge to them.

Hash Brown Hot Dog ($12.29)

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So, it seems the hash brown hot dog is actually the 45th anniversary celebration dog that was available on October 1st, 2016. In case you missed it, be sure to check out our video review of it:

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It’s still pretty good and more than enough to share between a few guests. They also have a normal sized hot dog version of this available.

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This time around it comes with shoestring french fires, which are actually really, really good. I wish these were the standard at all counter service restaurants as they are just much better than the standard fare.

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 1/20/17 (The Hall of Presidents, VHS, Al the Owl, Refurbishments, Etc.)

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us back to the Magic Kingdom as closures and refurbishments begin to takeover for the rather short off-season in Orlando.

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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I decided to rope drop the park earlier this week to see how the morning now unfolds with the moving of the welcome show and the opening of Main Street a full hour earlier.

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The Walt Disney World Railroad was actively being worked on as we walked by.

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Only the centralized security checkpoint was in use prior to park opening.

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The Walt Disney World Railroad is closed for refurbishment and a large tarp covers the train station currently.
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Annual Passholder entry lines are still in place, but sometimes can be longer than the regular entrance lines during this time of year with less tourists and more of the locals and annual visitors coming to the parks.

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A number of stores and restaurants are open starting at 7:50AM (with a 9am park opening).

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You can even start the day with some popcorn…

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The meet and greets are not open, but the PhotoPass area and Curtain Call Collectibles are.

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The Emporium is open while work is done to the facade.

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If you need hats or pins at 8am, you can certainly buy them…

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The Confectionery is also open at this time.

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 1/20/17 (The Hall of Presidents, VHS, Al the Owl, Refurbishments, Etc.)

The Art of Disney and Uptown Jewelers do not open until the park does however.

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The Emporium is open though.

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Crowds were pretty light until about 8:45am.

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The Crystal Arts shop opens with the rest of the park.

“When Donuts Are In a Sundae, You Can Have Ice Cream Anytime…”

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Of course, the Main Street Bakery Starbucks is open for breakfast.

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Lines were not unreasonable inside at around 8:20AM.

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The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is open for breakfast, serving Mickey Waffles, a doughnut sundae, and a variety of other items.

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Be sure to check out our in-depth review of the new breakfast items here.
PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 1/20/17 (The Hall of Presidents, VHS, Al the Owl, Refurbishments, Etc.)

Casey’s Corner is also open for breakfast (and covered in the review linked above).

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“Let the Magic Begin”

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 1/20/17 (The Hall of Presidents, VHS, Al the Owl, Refurbishments, Etc.)

We walked up to the Castle around 8:50AM and things were still pretty manageable.

PHOTO REPORT: The Magic Kingdom 1/20/17 (The Hall of Presidents, VHS, Al the Owl, Refurbishments, Etc.)

Just in-case you can’t find breakfast check-in…

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Guests pretty much jam the walkway to the Mad Tea Party in hopes of garnering a short wait for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you aren’t near the front of this pack, don’t even bother.

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We elected to wait about two people deep on one of the walkways through the Castle.

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“Let the Magic Begins” starts at 8:55AM. Once it is over the characters are allowed to vacate the stage, and then guests are walked up the Castle walkways slowly until they merge at the top before going through. I was astonished at the ability of the cast to ensure that one path did not get anywhere faster than another, as once we go through the Castle, we merged seamlessly with those who tried to go around the Castle moat, down the side path between Liberty Square and Fantasyland. We then even were given the opportunity to catch up with some guests on their way to Peter Pan’s Flight (I assume from Be Our Guest breakfast), and we were all then released to go to the ride. I was amazed as the efficiency of the

RUMOR: Paint the Night Electrical Parade Still A Possibility for The Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

I know Disney said there were no plans “at the time” for the highly acclaimed Paint the Night Parade to move to Florida, but a lot has changed since the Fall of 2016.

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Drooping attendance at Walt Disney World since last summer has had many an executive at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts examining the idea of moving the Diamond Celebration blockbuster out east to help bolster what they hope to be an explosive Summer 2017 in Orlando.

While Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut Pandora: The World of AVATAR (and possibly, hopefully, Rivers of Light), the other 3 parks just don’t have a whole lot going on as far as new offerings for this year. Just in case AVATAR isn’t enough to convince someone to go to Orlando in 2017, Disney may want to bring Paint the Night to Walt Disney World. Rumors also persist that a new nighttime show for the Magic Kingdom is in development for a debut later this year.

Now, management at the Disneyland Resort is putting up quite the fight, but the decision will be made above them one way or the other in the next few weeks. I would assume that attendance for the returning Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland Park will play a role, but the possibility of the “limited” run for that event until June being extended indefinitely (or glowing away for a Star Wars fireworks show in California) and sending Paint the Night away to the Magic Kingdom seems to be fairly likely.

Flame Tree Barbecue Retiring Signature Barbecue Sauce

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Even though I panned it unmercifully in our review, one of the staples of Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom has been its signature and exclusive barbecue sauces. Well, one of those sauces will soon be no more…

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According to cast members at the establishment, the regular barbecue sauce is in short supply and should be running out soon. The cast members stated that they were informed that it will not be restocked and instead they will simply be distributing only the Heinz Barbecue Sauce packets. The sweet and spicy sauce made just for the restaurant will remain, however.

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I prefer the sweet and spicy sauce myself, but I know that many will miss this exclusive sauce at Flame Tree Barbecue. Will you?

The Wave Introduces “The Seven Seas Lagoon”, 24oz Alcoholic Drink

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

With tornado warnings in the area, we were looking for some shelter for the next few hours while at Walt Disney World, so we decided to head into The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Upon entering the bar area, we were greeted by this…

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The Seven Seas Lagoon at The Wave and Top of the World Lounge, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Meet “The Seven Seas Lagoon”, a 24 oz shareable drink only available at The Wave and The Top of the World Lounge (in Bay Lake Tower).

In the drink are the following ingredients:

  • Skyy Vodka
  • Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Soda Water
  • Agave
  • Lime
  • Pineapple
  • Strawberry Apple Boboa
  • Swedish Fish
  • Life Preserver Candies
  • A Glow Cube
  • Mickey Straws

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The Swedish Fish and Strawberry Apple Boboa swim at the bottom of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

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Mickey straws are provided, and come with a candy life preserver on them!

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Surprisingly it only costs $22.00. We shared it between 3 people and it was honestly big enough for up to 3 guests to enjoy.

The drink itself is very sweet, but it has a nice sour flavor to counteract it, reminding me of many of the old Star Wars Weekends specialty drinks that were available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The soaked Swedish Fish swimming in the drink were quite delightful, as were the boboa.

For the price, fun, and flavor, you will be hard pressed to find a better shareable beverage at Walt Disney World. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish this large drink I ordered…

Housekeeping at Disney World to be Reorganized Due to Degrading Service Quality

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Ever since the Four Seasons resort opened at Walt Disney World, Disney has been looking at ways to keep up with the luxury resort, especially since many Disney Deluxe Resorts are priced higher.

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One of the larger problems in recent years has been in the upkeep of a guest’s resort room, with a notable downward trend in the quality and care of housekeeping Cast Members. It is very common these days to find beds unmade, trash on floors, and sometimes even worse inside of your Disney hotel room.

Disney is reformatting the way their Housekeeping works across Walt Disney World to attack this problem over the coming weeks and months. The first major change is a large increase in the number of housekeeping Cast Members across the property, including the hiring of dozens of new managers across all of the hotels. This is all in anticipation of the introduction of the new dispatch system, similar to the one recently rolled-out in Tomorrowland for custodial Cast. This system is said to better dispatch housekeepers to get rooms cleaned more efficiently for the day’s arrivals.

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The last piece of all this is that a rumored third party company, based in the hospitality industry, will be coming in and retraining the housekeeping teams on current industry standards and trends. All of this piled together should create drastic changes in the upkeep and cleanliness of Disney’s hotel rooms.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: New Safety Pre-Show at Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster

WDWNT on January 29, 2017

Similar to the pre-boarding videos added last year to Space Mountain and Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios now displays safety and loading information in a 60 second video before guests enter the load area.

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The first screen is on the Lock ‘N’ Roll Parking garage.

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A second screen is located underneath.

The addition of these videos is to prepare guests better for the boarding procedures, in hopes of shortening wait times.