American Adventure – WDWNT Archive

PHOTOS: Select “American Adventure” 50 State Phone Cases Now Available at D-Tech on Demand

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

As part of the American Adventure 50 State character collection we showed off earlier this week, there are now select state phone cases available through D-Tech on Demand at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs.

The states available include:

Florida
California
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
Illinois
North Carolina
New York
Ohio
Texas
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Georgia

More states should be available eventually. Strange enough, none of these pieces denote The American Adventure, despite clearly using the art from the collection.

I’m not sure that “Always Exciting” is how I would describe New Jersey… 😉

The phone cases cost $29.99 each minus any personalization options.

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REVIEW: Liberty Inn at Epcot Revamps Menu; Changes to “The Safety Restaurant”

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Epcot is Walt Disney World’s dining park. From the bounty of fantastic worldly table service restaurants, to the annual festivals filled with food and drink, there is always a plethora of exciting and unique dining options in the park. Lost in the shuffle is often counter service, and more so counter service eateries that serve American-style cuisine. I often refer to the Liberty Inn at the American Adventure as “The Safety Restaurant”. If there is a picky eater in the bunch, perhaps afraid of the international cuisine found elsewhere, this or the Electric Umbrella are probably where you are going to end up.

Liberty Inn, located inside The American Adventure at Epcot

Recently, the menu at the Liberty Inn was altered, so we decided to head over one evening and try out the new entrees.

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

Among the new options on the menu are a “Surf and Turf” meal and the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon.

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

While they don’t get pics on the main menu, there is a classic cheeseburger and the ubiquitous chicken breast nuggets.

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Counter service steak is scary. To me, it’s scarier than the Exorcist house at Halloween Horror Nights this year, and that’s probably the one that freaks me out the most. In fact, the only thing scarier than counter service steak is counter service seafood. This dish combines both for what I would likely consider my most avoidable dish at Walt Disney World. That being said, I didn’t think it was terrible. The steak was fine, although a little tough and the shrimp was pretty much what you would expect if you have ever been to Columbia Harbour House. It’s a lot of food for $14.99, but probably not my number one choice.

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

I love anything and everything buffalo chicken, so I was excited to try this. The buffalo flavor comes from the sauce, which is accompanied by a rather strange carrot apple slaw. The bun was pretty perfect, reminding me of the bun we had last week at Min and Bill’s. The chicken was a sizable piece and cooked nicely. I expected the apple and carrot slaw to ruin it, but it didn’t detract from what I feel is a really solid option if you are going to dine here. Oh, and there’s bacon too.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

Overall

For me personally, this isn’t a place I typically dine at Epcot, but if someone asked me to go here, I would have no problem getting the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich again. The burgers here are fine as well, as is the chicken salad, and it is nice that there is a vegetarian “chicken” dish too. If you have a picky eater in the group, Liberty Inn is a counter service meal that at least won’t ruin your vacation.

Joe Hogarty’s 9/18/13 WDW (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot) Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty Visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios last week and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Castle Dreamlights are already being installed

Princesses are gone from Town Square Theater, now it is just Mickey

Pluto has an umbrella!

As always, so does Mary Poppins

Moving over to Epcot

The new restrooms at the American Adventure have opened

A new water fountain was installed as well

The new restrooms are really nice

They have Dyson Airblades

Mirrors by the doorway

We can start to see Spice Road Table taking shape in Morocco

The restaurant has an interesting look

The new stage for Mo’ Rockin’

Pooh and Tigger meeting guests at International Gateway while their U.K. home is being refurbished

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is already being installed

Frozen billboards up in the Animation Courtyard

Banners are up for Toy Story of Terror in the Animation Courtyard

Another Frozen billboard on Mickey Avenue

Dirk Wallen’s 8/28/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Epcot and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort on Thursday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

The food court at All-Star Sports is closed for major renovations through December

You can catch a shuttle to the other All-Stars while this is going on

The arcade has been closed to become a temporary food court of sorts

At least guests have an option at their hotel

A number of pre-packaged options

Plenty of seats available

These new pieces have been installed in the lobby at each All-Star Resort. It’s expected they will interact with MagicBands at some point

Moving over to Epcot, the Cool Wash was closed for a few days for changes you’ll see in a later report…

Still doesn’t make them open this thing…

The new restrooms at the American Adventure are nearing completion

Work continues on Spice Road Table in Morocco

The new stage for Mo’ Rockin’ was completed and has opened on the left side of the pavilion

IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR FOOD & WINE!!!

Prep work is well underway

Tom Corless’ 5/8/13 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

I made a visit to Epcot during the day on Wednesday and found a few newsworthy items around the park, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

The store at the exit of Test Track now has a name: The After Market Shop

I haven’t seen fish like this in a long time at the Seas with Nemo and Friends… it was because it was feeding time

They are growing a Mickey made of hops on Living with the Land

We think it might be for the Food & Wine Festival in the fall

The loading area was modified at Journey Into Imagination this week

The loading area was pushed way back from the loading platform

The Norway waterfall is behind walls again

New, larger restrooms are being constructed at the American Adventure, near where the festival booths are set up each year

Work continues on L’Artisan des Glaces, the France ice cream parlor

A lot of work to be done before the June opening

New Grumpy shirt in Mouse Gear

PHOTOS & VIDEO: The Kinsey Collection Exhibit Opens at Epcot

WDWNT on April 24, 2013

Walt Disney World Resort recently opened “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” an exhibit representing more than 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution. The exhibit at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot features rare art, books and documents from the private collection of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who have amassed the collection over 30 years. Themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage, the exhibit’s rare art, books and documents pay homage to the untold stories of African-Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, as well as their struggles for equality and civil rights, are at the heart of this exhibit.

We have photos and video offering a quick glimpse at the exhibit to share with you today:

There are a few interactive exhibits with famous narrators throughout the experience

The interactive lanterns are actually pretty neat and add to what many guests might think is a dull experience:

So, what do you think of the Kinsey Collection? Is this something you will see while at Epcot?

Walt Disney World 2013 – Coming Attractions

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

So, 2012 is coming to a close and you’re probably now asking, “Well, what is happening at Walt Disney World in 2013?” It’s going to be nearly impossible to top all the changes and additions we had in 2012 at the Vacation Kingdom of the World, but there will be a steady diet of exciting offerings coming in 2013:

Princess Fairytale Hall

Disney princesses including Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana and Rapunzel will have a new home for meeting their loyal subjects when Princess Fairytale Hall opens in 2013 in the shadows of Cinderella Castle. The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows leading to a large, high-ceilinged room where portraits of the princesses adorn the walls. When summoned, Magic Kingdom guests will proceed to elegantly furnished chambers to meet the princesses.

Limited Time Magic

Disney Parks guests will get an extra dash of pixie dust in 2013 with Limited Time Magic. Themed weekly surprises and special offers will surprise and delight Disney Parks guests with 52 weeks of the unexpected. Plans include everything from dance parties, new festivals and character meet and greets to culinary treats, special entertainment and commemorative keepsakes. The bicoastal offering — created to remind guests about the importance of family vacation time together — is full of unique, magical, memory-filled experiences – all available for a limited time only. Special experiences include Valentine’s week with enchanting dinners, or photo shoots with famous Disney character couples; a patriotic salute during July 4th week with red, white and blue lights adorning castles on both coasts and limited edition souvenirs; or the popular Dapper Dans barbershop quartet swapping their old-time melodies for surprise renditions of today’s boy band hits. Each Limited Time Magic offering will have a varying length from a day to a week to a season adding to the element of surprise.

The Kinsey Collection at the American Adventure

The American story of determination, courage, hope, struggle and inspiration will be told through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books sculptures and documents on display at Epcot. The American Adventure Pavilion will be home to the Kinsey’s personal treasures of African-American art and history, amassed from their travels to 90 countries with some works dating to the 17th century. The Kinsey Collection is the intersection where art and history meet, a virtual history book opened wide, giving voice to untold stories of accomplishment and contribution. After previews during African-American Heritage Month in February, the Kinsey Collection is scheduled to open in March 2013. The Kinsey Collection, at the American Heritage Gallery, will be included in Epcot admission.

Disney Senses Spa Opens at Grand Floridian, Coming to Saratoga Springs
If the new year means a new you, the just-opened Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort welcomes Walt Disney World Resort guests to renew and rejuvenate in 2013. The newly-remodeled spa, owned and operated by Disney, blends Grand Floridian Victorian elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy.

All the senses are engaged in an ultimate relaxation experience – flavorful and soothing elixirs, color variations in lighting and Disney orchestral music harmonize with the treatment selected. Spa-goers walk through the new Victorian-style entryway and indulge in the spa’s relax, renew, or imagine themes aimed at creating a custom experience. The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby is an original mural reflecting old Florida landscape and nature. Glass mosaic tiles in the Jacuzzi rooms further enhance the elegance and sophistication of the spa.

Fifteen treatment rooms offer pampering services such as water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, rejuvenating citrus facial, a restorative hand and foot ritual with Chinese Jasmine oils, plus a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for youngsters ages 4-12. Lounges, whirlpools and treatment rooms all provide rejuvenation through the healing nature of Florida citrus and botanicals.

The new menu of services also includes a signature 80-minute Grand Floridian treatment featuring a special aromatherapy massage.

Guests can book a spa appointment at the new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727) or learn more by visiting www.disneyworld.com/spas

All of the spas, salons and fitness centers will be owned and operated by Disney beginning Jan.16, 2013. On that same day the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will temporarily close for renovation and reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

“Sophia the First” and “Doc McStuffins” join Disney Junior – Live on Stage
Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure is periodically updated to feature the latest, most popular characters and stories from the Disney Junior line-up on television. In 2013, the top-rated “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First” join the show. The new version of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in mid-February and comes to Disney California Adventure one month later, in March 2013. “Sofia the First” as a regular series premieres Friday, Jan. 11, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Starbucks comes to Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Starbucks will be opening locations at Disney theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The first two Walt Disney World locations will open in 2013. At Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery will close for refurbishment in January 2013. When it reopens in early summer, Main Street Bakery will keep its name and theming and continue to serve Disney favorites like cookies, brownies and seasonal cupcakes, in addition to Starbucks signature beverages and other menu items. At Epcot, Fountain View will temporarily close in March 2013. When Fountain View reopens in midsummer, it will serve Starbucks products. Each Starbucks location inside a Disney Park will reflect the theme of its surroundings. At Magic Kingdom Park for example, Cast Members will wear a costume consistent with the early 20th century look and feel of Main Street, U.S.A. At Future World in Epcot, the new Starbucks location and Cast Member costumes will be designed to match the park’s futuristic theme.

New Dining

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort gets a major makeover and will be closed from February 2, 2013 until late-summer 2013. Chef Brian Piasecki also is tweaking the menu, but the focus will remain on fresh, seasonal creations.
Upstairs at the France pavilion, Bistro de Paris has reopened with a new name and a completely refurbished dining room and new menu. Still haute French but a bit more casual, with a nod to famed chef Paul Bocuse in the décor and the name – Monsieur Paul. In the meantime, Boulangerie Patisserie bakery is a brand-new building at the back of the pavilion, opening in January 2013.
Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa now offers a private dining experience in The Chef’s Domain for up to 10 guests. Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, cost is $155 per person plus tax (includes gratuity) for six courses.

Other 2013 additions Disney has not confirmed at this time include The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Tapaz (a waterside restaurant to be constructed in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot), and a rather large refurbishment project for the Jungle Cruise. We’ll have more on these projects as they become available.

So… what are you most excited for in 2013?

Adam Roth’s 7/6/12 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Epcot on Friday and has some great photos to share with us from his trip:

Phineas and Ferb topiary went up as part of the “Summer to Remember”

I had no idea there was a summer promotion… I imagine guests had no idea either…

Large patches of grass back after Flower and Garden clean-up

The Test Track pizza truck and many props from the area are gone, but the tool sheds remain

Test Track is still closed of course

The signage from Inside Track is gone

A pretty bare exterior right now

I love the people checking out the car while Test Track All-Stars are performing…

Looks liek they are surveying guests about their experience with the new World Showcase Adventure

It’s themed too

The old Kim Possible carts are unrecognizable with the Perry the Platypus layover

Brave Highland Games was in its final days at this point, it closed on Sunday

The Flower and Garden play area looked really out of place…

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure does use a lot of existing game scenes from the old attraction

Don’t be scared, this is actually the olympic mascot

London 2012 olympics merchandise available in the U.K. pavilion

More props that stuck around

Still spells Kim Possible

A new logo on the phone drop locations

I’m sorry, but this attraction is already funnier and all I have seen is this sign…

The new zip-line for Agent P over the U.K.

That’s neat…

The bakery in France is being expanded due to high guest demand

So, they kept the strange baby robot in Japan?

I hope it fits well into the storyline

Have they always offered American Stripes ice cream with the funnel cake?

This seems new…

FLAG FESTIVAL!

FLAGS!

So, there’s something over here people are upset about?

Oh yeah… apparently the American Adventure cast members are getting new costumes that are a bit more modern

A cool new addition for the game

Work continues on the exterior of Maelstrom

The Organization With A Cool Acronym

The water feature outside of La Hacienda is being reapired

For what i recall as the last 8 years or so, the cultural exhibit in Mexico has been Animales Fantasticos. Finally, a new exhibit has opened!

Some displays aren’t quite finished

Some of the animals stayed as part of the new exhibit

They aren’t selling them up here anymore

The parrot people dancing is freaking me out…

OK, that freaks me out even more…

Same props in here

This freaks me out the most…

Work continues on the exterior of the Seas with Nemo and Friends and the new entrance for Turtle Talk

Innoventions is a mess right now…

Innoventions West is practically empty

The old Kim Possible stations are still walled-up

On the East side, Habit heroes is still covered

At least something new just opened to keep it going

A neat little play area for kids was added to the exterior

Lave a Legacy getting some TLC

Soarin’ is now on the cover of the map,but this time it has a logo. I guess people thought it was Test Track or something…

Goodbye Epcot!

Josh Siegel’s 12/15/11 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on December 17, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Josh Siegel visited Epcot last night and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

The Germany train village is decorated for the holidays

Candlelight Processional

Santa’s Village at the American Adventure

Plenty of holiday merchandise available

Precious Moments Disney dolls

More Precious Moments

You can build your own Disney Christmas village with these pieces

Decorations at the American Adventure

Hanukkah display

How to make one large gingerbread house

Katsura Grill at the Japan pavilion is now open

It looks nice after the long remodel

A look at the menu

Epcot Christmas tree

New directional signage is up around Future World

The signage is either blue or green, again pointing to the eventual renaming of Future World East and West as Blue/Green that we have been talking about for a few years

Topiary display near Innoventions

A booth on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase behind walls

Stage set for Joyful!

The tip board still works and is decorated for the holidays!

The Stitch topiary lights up at night

Lilo and Stitch signed the back

Bambi

Thumper and Flower

If you can’t have real snow…

Adam Roth’s 11/28/11 Epcot Photo Report

WDWNT on November 29, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Epcot yesterday and took a TON of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

The RFID ticket test is over for now while they work out the bugs…

They should be back soon

The holiday topiary display is up

Bambi

Stitch bit the card…

No line for Spaceship Earth

Holiday floral behind Spaceship Earth

The tip board still works!

It now sports a Holidays Around the World image

Club Cool has been decorated for the holidays

Joyful! is back

Another set of topiaries by the fountain

New sign outside of Kim Possible World showcase Adventure kiosks

The Epcot Christmas tree is up

More decorations

Canada is still behind tarps

No Off Kilter, but Papa Noel was performing for Holidays Around the World

Rose and Crown decorated

France storyteller stage

On to France

France decorations

The temporary Japan booth from Food & Wine remains as Yakitori House is still closed

Walls still up at Yakitori House

A look inside…

The Storytellers stage in Japan

More walls

Walls also up around the small food vendor

A look from above

A look inside

Workers finishing up

Candlelight Processional running

Santa’s Village is open at the American Adventure

Precious Moments doll signing

Candlelight Processional booth… and I won’t comment on anything else in the photo…

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Kwanzaa booth

There is a sign for the gingerbread house outside of the Liberty Inn

Mmmmmmm….

The Liberty Inn is decorated

The snowman Mickey buckets are back

The overflow restrooms are back for the Candlelight Processional

Long line to enter the theater

Storytellers in Italy

The train village in Germany now celebrates the season

Germany decorated

Storyteller on the schedule in Germany

Germany stage

Mmmmmm….

Ornaments and alcohol, a great mix!

China stage

Storytelling going on in Norway

Decorations on La Hacienda

The Mexico stage

Decorations on La Cantina

Stitch also got caught up in some lights…

Donald and Goofy are ice skating

Bambi looks on… goodbye sweet prince…

Tag: American Adventure

PHOTOS: Select “American Adventure” 50 State Phone Cases Now Available at D-Tech on Demand

REVIEW: Liberty Inn at Epcot Revamps Menu; Changes to “The Safety Restaurant”

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

Overall

Joe Hogarty’s 9/18/13 WDW (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot) Photo Report

Dirk Wallen’s 8/28/13 WDW Photo Report

Tom Corless’ 5/8/13 Epcot Photo Report

PHOTOS & VIDEO: The Kinsey Collection Exhibit Opens at Epcot

Walt Disney World 2013 – Coming Attractions

Adam Roth’s 7/6/12 Epcot Photo Report

Josh Siegel’s 12/15/11 Epcot Photo Report

Adam Roth’s 11/28/11 Epcot Photo Report

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