Epcot – Page 9 – WDWNT Archive

PHOTOS: New Mission: Space Earth and Mars Signage Debuts at Epcot Giving a Glimpse of Things to Come

WDWNT on August 2, 2017

New signage for the Mission: Space attraction at Epcot debuted this week ahead of the attraction’s pending re-opneing on August 13th, 2017.

A new marquee outside now shows both Earth and Mars, even though a three-dimensional Earth already resides below the sign…

The larger sign with the wait times and warnings was moved from the right side to the left, near the actual entrance to the ride. The new signage reflects the new Earth and Mars names, but keeps the Green and Orange mission names as well, but note that the attraction will be referenced as Earth and Mars more often than Green and Orange.

An image of the Sun, Earth, and Mars now resides in the center of the sign.

The new height requirement for Green is reflected on the lowest sign. Interestingly enough, there are far less warnings for Green now, perhaps reflecting Disney’s efforts to make it clear that it is a family friendly version of the ride.

The new Mission: Space debuts at Epcot on August 13th, 2017.

Mobile Ordering Has Launched at Epcot Counter Service Restaurants

WDWNT on August 2, 2017

Following the success of the other establishments already running the program, Electric Umbrella and Liberty Inn at Epcot are joining Mobile Order through the MyDisney Experience app.

Electric Umbrella quietly began the service on August 1st, while the Liberty Inn will join on August 7th, 2017.

The service is already offered at Tomorrowland Terrace, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Pinocchio Village Haus, and Columbia Harbour House at the Magic Kingdom, Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, Restaurtantosaurus, and Satuli Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs.

The mobile ordering program allows guests to order at Disney counter service restaurants from their mobile devices and then pick-up the order when they are ready to eat. Check out our comprehensive review of the service to see how it works.

Sadly, Disney has confirmed that locations offering discounts will not be able to honor them through Mobile Order during the “launch period”, so guests will have to go to the counter and order the old way if they wish to get Annual Passholer, Tables in Wonderland, or any other discounts still.

Additional locations will slowly be rolled out over the coming weeks.

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Siemens Abruptly Leaves Spaceship Earth Corporate Lounge Before Contract End, Disney Taking Ownership Immediately

WDWNT on August 2, 2017

The Siemens VIP Center (formerly Base 21) behind Spaceship Earth was abruptly abandoned this week when Siemens left the space months ahead of the end of their deal with Disney Parks. Even though the contract is set to expire on September 30th, Siemens staff left the space forever on Monday, July 31st, 2017. Apparently the relationship between the two companies soured rapidly after Disney turned down a new monorail fleet for Walt Disney World that Siemens offered in lieu of compensation for a new sponsorship deal.

Since 2007, Siemens employees could access the space to relax and enjoy refreshments, and Siemens executives had plenty of board room space inside to hold various meetings. If you have never been inside, be sure to watch our video tour below.

In a sign that another sponsor is not yet lined up and may not be at any point, Disney executives toured the space with Siemens staff ahead of their departure to decide what will stay and what will go. Siemens was supposed to return the Lounge to its original form upon departure, but Disney could choose to keep it as it is now. Regardless of what stays and what doesn’t, Disney is going to be taking over the entire corporate lounge and meeting space immediately.

Now the question is, will Disney use this space for internal meetings and such, or will they begin to hold special events in this building like dessert parties and such, also making the lounge and board room bookable for guests looking to hold special events in the park? Only time will tell, but the ability to enter this lounge for regular park guests is likely something people would happily pay for. Sadly, it seems it is too late to make this space the Epcot Club 33 location as construction has already begun on the upstairs venue at the American Adventure.

Siemens sponsorship is still present at Spaceship Earth and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and should be at least until September 30th, 2017.

Full Menus for the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

WDWNT on July 22, 2017

At last it’s already that time of the year where we can start planning how much food we will be chowing down this fall. Today Disney released the food booth menus for the 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Starting earlier than ever this year, Aug. 31, the festival will include an unprecedented 35 booths for Epcot’s 35th anniversary.

Epcot Food Booth Menus

Epcot Legacy Showplace

Chilled Scotch Egg wrapped in Sausage with Mustard Sauce
Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich
L’Orange Cotton Candy: A mixture of Lime and Orange Cotton Candy (vegetarian)
Bright Horizons: Sprite® with Multi-flavored Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic)
M.I.A Beer Company 305 Golden Ale, Doral, FL
Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL
Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout, Cape Canaveral, FL
JDub’s Passion Wheat, Sarasota, FL
Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale, DeBary, FL
Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, Tampa, FL
Eastern Florida Flight

M.I.A. Beer Company 305 Golden Ale
Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale
Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout

Western Florida Flight

JDub’s Passion Wheat
Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale
Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale

Flavors from Fire

Piggy Wings: Roasted Pork Wings with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds
Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions, and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue featuring BelGioioso Romano and American Grana Cheeses
Sweet Pancake with Spicy Chipotle Chicken Sausage, Onion Jam, and Maple Butter Syrup
Chocolate Picante: Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder, and Raspberry Dust
Orlando Brewery Smokin’ Blackwater Porter
Ravenswood Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon

Light Lab

Beverage
T=C2: Tonic Water and Cotton Candy (non-alcoholic)
RGB: Citrus Apple Freeze (non-alcoholic)
Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls
Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner, Longmont, CO
Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale, Titusville, FL
Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Seattle, WA
Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radiant Flux, Brooklyn, NY
Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA, Patchogue, NY
Space Flight

Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner
Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale
Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA

Light Flight

Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radiant Flux
Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale
Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA

Earth Eats Inspired by ABC’s “The Chew”

Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce (vegetarian)
Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle (gluten friendly)
Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Chardonnay “Goldie,” California
Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, California
Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Mead

Active Eats

Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers, and Green Onions
Roasted Verlasso® Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri (gluten friendly)
Sweet Avocado Crema with Strawberries, Yellow Cake, and Tortilla Streusel (vegetarian)
M.I.A. Beer Company HRD WTR Cucumber & Lemon Lime Hard Sparkling Water, Doral, FL
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Riesling, Washington
Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Coastal Eats

Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Lemongrass Cream
Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette
Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and Chili-chipotle Butter Sauce
Erath Pinot Gris, Oregon
Soter Planet Pinot Noir, Oregon

The Chocolate Studio

Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel (gluten friendly)
Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Torte with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Dust (vegetarian)
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Banfi Rosa Regale, Piedmont
Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella, Italy
RL Buller Fine Muscat

The Cheese Studio Hosted by Boursin® Cheese

Braised Beef “Stroganoff” with Tiny Egg Noodles, Wild Mushroom, and Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce
Savory Caramelized Onion Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Tart with cold Arugula Salad and Aged Balsamic (vegetarian)
Cheese Trio: Profiterole topped with Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese and Orange Apricot Jam; Smoked Salmon Pinwheel with Boursin® Shallot and Chive Cheese and Everything Seasoning; Strawberry Macaroon with Boursin Pepper Cheese
Leth Steinagrund Gruner Veltliner, Austria
Liberated Pinot Noir, California

The Wine & Dine Studio

Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts, and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce
Pulled Duck Confit with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction
Trio of Artisan Cheese (vegetarian): Fromager d’Affinois de Excellence with Toasted Baguette; Point Reyes Original Blue with Apricot Jam; Point Reyes Toma with Honey
Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese: Trio of Artisan Cheese Paired with Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, St. Francis Chardonnay and Recuerdo Malbec
Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford
St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Recuerdo Malbec, Argentina
Eden Canyon “Jolie” Red Blend, California
Meiomi Rosé, California

Islands of the Caribbean

Jamaican Beef Patty with Mango Salsa
Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions (gluten friendly)
Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce (vegetarian)
Carib Lager
Caribbean White Sangria
Frozen Mojito

New Zealand

Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce and Kumara Purée
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir, Marlborough
Frozen Wine Cocktail featuring Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Australia

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, and Snap Peas (gluten friendly)
Grilled Lamb T-Bone with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies (gluten friendly)
Lamington: Yellow Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut (vegetarian)
Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
Robert Oatley McLaren Vale Shiraz
Hope Estate “Wollombi Brook” Semillon, Hunter Valley

The Almond Orchard Hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze®

Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese with Aged Balsamic
Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond® Salt & Vinegar Almonds served with Blue Diamond Nut Thins®
Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Crunchy Chocolate Oats

Patagonia

Beef Empanada
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée (gluten friendly)
Verum Pinot Noir, Rio Negro
Bodega Noemía de Patagonia “A Lisa” Malbec, Rio Negro

Hawai’i

Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Grilled Tuna Tataki with Seaweed Salad, Pickled Cucumbers, and Wasabi Cream
Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise
Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts
Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager
Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine
Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

Farm Fresh

Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread and Red Eye Gravy
Roasted Beet Salad with Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette, and Toasted Walnuts (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
Gumption Citrus Freak Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
Two Henrys Elderberry Cream Hard Cider, Plant City, FL
Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama Wine
Cider flight

Greece

Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki (vegetarian)
Taste of Greece: Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lemon Dill Sauce, Grilled Octopus and Feta Cheese Dip with Warm Pita
Spanakopita (vegetarian)
Bougatsa: Warm Phyllo Dough Strudel with Sweet Vanilla Custard, Lemon Honey Syrup and Cinnamon (vegetarian)
Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Peloponnese
Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini
Argyros Atlantis Red Blend, Santorini

Thailand

Marinated Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Stir-fried Vegetables
Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake with Cold Noodle Salad
Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef with Steamed Rice
Helfrich Gewürztraminer, Alsace
Singha Lager

Mexico

Rib Eye Taco: Marinated Rib Eye, Roasted Chipotle Sauce, and Grilled Scallions on a Corn Tortilla
Tequila Chipotle Shrimp: Served on a Black Bean Huarache garnished with Red and Green Cabbage, Queso Fresco, and Crema Mexicana
Cajeta Mousse served with Cajeta Sauce and White Chocolate Flakes
Prickly Pear Margarita
Classic Pomegranate Margarita
Mexican-style Sangria
Pacifico Lager with Floater

China

Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce
Spicy Chicken Bao Bun
Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
Chicken Potstickers
Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk (non-alcoholic)
Tsingtao Lager
Ritzy Lychee with Courvoisier Cognac VS and Smirnoff Vodka
Happy Peach with DeKuyper Peach Liqueur and Myers’s Dark Rum
Kung Fu Punch with Smirnoff Vodka and Bols Triple Sec
BaiJoe Punch: Chinese Bai Jiu Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice

India

Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips (vegetarian)
Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas, and Basmati Rice (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews, and Warm Naan Bread
Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake with Chocolate Coconut Mousse (vegetarian)
Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic)
Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
Sula Shiraz, Nashik
Kingfisher Lager

Africa

Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, and Pap (gluten friendly)
Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa (vegetarian)
Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita (vegetarian)
Ernie Els “Big Easy” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape
Simonsig Pinotage, Stellenbosch
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape
Wine flight

Brewer’s Collection
Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart
Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb
Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer
Beer flight

Germany

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce (vegetarian)
Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart
Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel
Dr. Heyden Oppenheimer Sacträger Riesling Spätlese, Rheinhessen
Selbach Riesling Classic Dry, Mosel
Wine flight

Spain

Charcuterie in a Cone with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette
Traditional Spanish Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, Chicken, and Crispy Chorizo (gluten friendly)
Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops and Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika (gluten friendly)
Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd
Rafael Palacios Bolo Godello, Valdeorras
Bodegas y Viñedos Artazu Garnacha Rosado, Navarra
Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla
Wine flight

Italy

Crispy Calamari with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce
Absolut Penne: Vodka Sauce with Shrimp
Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli Filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit
Pinot Grigio
Chianti
Prosecco
Corbinello
Moscato
Frozen Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
Moretti Lager Beer
Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer

Hops & Barley

New England Lobster Roll
Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing (vegetarian)
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire White Ale, Fort Collins, CO
Anchor Brewing Liberty Ale, San Francisco, CA
Orange Blossom Brewing Foxtail Cold Brew Coffee Pilsner, Orlando, FL
Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Atalon Pauline’s Cuvée Red Blend, Napa Valley
Beer flight

Japan

Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumpling
Salmon BLT Sushi Roll
Teriyaki Ginger Pork
Pom Pineapple Sake Cocktail
Kara Tamba Tarekuchi Dry Sake
Yukikiage “Snow Shadow” Junmai Sake
Sapporo Lager

Morocco

Kefta Pocket: Seasoned Ground Beef in a Pita Pocket
Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions, and Tzatziki Sauce (vegetarian)
Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce (vegetarian)
Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur
Les Trois Domaines Guerrouane White Wine, Meknes
Moroccan Sangria
Casa Pale Lager

Belgium

Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream (vegetarian)
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream (vegetarian)
Hoegaarden Witbier
Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale Ale
Stella Artois Hard Cidre
Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Beer flight

Brazil

Escondidinho de Carne – “Little Hidden One”: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca (gluten friendly)
Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions (gluten friendly)
Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
M.I.A. Beer Company Barbosa Black Beer, Doral, FL
Lidio Carraro Chardonnay
Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

France

Moelleux au Fromage de Chèvre et Épinards: Warm Goat Cheese Pudding with Spinach (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
Boeuf Bourguignon, Purée de Pommes de Terre:Cabernet Sauvignon Braised Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Crème Brûlée à la Confiture de Framboises: Crème Brûlée with Housemade Raspberry Jam (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice
Chardonnay, Bouchard Ainé & Fils
Château les Graves de Barrau Merlot and Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux
St-Germain Sparkling Kir: Sparkling Wine and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Pale Lager

Ireland

Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread (vegetarian)
Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard
Twinings® Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (non-alcoholic)
Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
Guinness Blonde American Lager
Twinings® Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka

Scotland

Fresh Potato Pancake with Scottish Smoked Salmon and Herbed Sour Cream
Traditional Scottish Lamb Stew with Neeps and Tatties
The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked Cake with Lemon Cream and Toasted Oats (vegetarian)
Belhaven Brewery Scottish Ale
Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin

Canada

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (gluten friendly)
Moosehead Radler: Lager infused with Grapefruit, Grape and Lemon Juices, New Brunswick Neige Premiere “Apple Ice Wine”, Québec
Fielding Estate Red Conception, Niagara Peninsula

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Epcot’s New Mission: Space Will Launch in August, Booster Seats & Lower Height Requirement Likely Coming

WDWNT on July 22, 2017

Mission: SPACE at Epcot has had a tumultuous history. It opened to great fanfare in 2003 as the most realistic space simulation on the planet, a new-age thrill ride the likes of which the world had never seen before, but after being too intense for many (to put it politely), they were forced to introduce two different “teams”, or versions of the ride in 2006. While Orange Team Mission kept the original version intact, Green Team Mission used the same film with a much gentler ride profile that was minus any g-forces. It’s like watching Mission: Space from a rocking chair in my opinion.

Announced over the weekend at the D23 Expo, in just a few weeks, guests will be able to enjoy new adventures at Mission: SPACE – an updated Orange Mission and a brand-new Green Mission.

The updated Orange Mission will make an even more visually stunning trip to Mars thanks to a new film animated by the folks over at ILM, while the all-new Green adventure will allow guests to blast off for a completely different orbital adventure around planet Earth. A new film with the gentler motion of Green in mind seems like a good idea, as the gentler version of the original just never really seemed to click with guests.

From what we are hearing, not only will Green boast a completely new mission, but booster seats should be made available so that Disney can lower the height requirement for this version of the ride. Disney has continually said they are trying to make Epcot more family friendly in this overhaul, and this Mission: Space update certainly screams that.

Among other changes expected are a reworked queue and a completely new pre-show (at least for Green Mission). It is unclear if Gary Sinese has returned for the new pre-show, but both rides should have their own unique versions.

Disney is stating Mission: Space will re-open this August at Epcot, although internet sources are still claiming it will be this October. I guess we’ll have to wait and see which of those is correct…

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VIDEO: In-Depth Review and Analysis of Every Disney Parks Announcement Made at the D23 Expo 2017

WDWNT on July 22, 2017

Last night, Tom Corless, Jason Diffendal, Ron D’Anna, Scott Smith, and Patrick Hackett sat down to discuss, in depth, all of the amazing announcements made at the D23 Expo 2017. From TRON Lightcycle Power Run, to the overhaul of Epcot, and from the new Riviera Resort to the Skyliner system, last night’s live program covered every bombshell announcement mad by Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek on Saturday. In case you missed it, you can catch the entire show here:

This show will also be available on audio form on this week’s WDW News Today Podcast.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 7/10/17 (Choza Tequila, Mission Space, Figment, T-Shirt Sale, Etc.)

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us to Epcot for the first time in a while, although I think the D23 Expo should bring us some news that will make trips to the park a lot more frequent for these reports…

The Calm Before the Storm

Vera Bradley has released an Alice in Wonderland collection at Disney Parks.

Dooney and Bourke has a new version of the Sketch design for sale, a good upgrade on the old, IMO.

Some new phone cases for sale. Disney seems to be favoring these hard plastic cases now, rather than those with the rubber borders.

There’s been so many new mugs released recently that it’s kind of hard to keep track of them all.

New to the parks is the “Love is Magical” collection, which bolsters some of the existing wedding related items.

Cars 3 merchandise is available at the exit of Test Track now.

This pretty neat souvenir cup can be found at various food and drink stands around the park.

A Trip Around the World

There have been a lot of construction walls around the planters and railings at the Odyssey for a while now. Some still look pretty battered like above, but some already have new floor lights in place.

Some of the grates over the lights aren’t even painted yet.

Some are finished. Either way, it’s nice to see them paying attention to this forgotten corner of the park.

Work continues on the heavily delayed Choza Tequila outside of the Mexico pavilion.

The exterior of the pavilion is still being repainted, I’m not sure how I feel about the darker colors…

The bottom portion likely givers us a taste of the finished product for the whole facade.

Another look at Choza Tequila.

A peek under the wall reveals what should be a rather pleasant bar.

I’m woefully behind on dining reviews, but I have one for San Angel Inn that I hope to have out soon.

For whatever reason, they laid a slightly updated map of Shanghai Disneyland over the old one. It’s not all that different, but maybe slightly easier to see because the overall image of the park is larger.

The Outpost in Africa is back now selling jewelry made from seeds and other natural ingredients.

I didn’t notice the “no photography” sign until I after I took this, but how will a picture of the jewelry hurt the sale of it? I understand pictures of art and then you could print them out, but this seems odd.

As we reported a few weeks ago, it seems likely that Club 33 at Epcot will go above the American Adventure.

The front section of the Mitsokoshi store in Japan was remodeled.

It’s very “kawaii.” I learned that from my hipster friends who have been to Japan. I only go to theme parks, so I never learn things like this.

It’s just preparation for the Food and Wine Festival at this point, but this is the future home of the Ratatouille ride between Morocco and France.

Lots of Ratatouille merchandise can already be found in France.

Meanwhile, the U.K. now has a bunch of character merchandise for sale.

They also have all of the Disney related teapots for sale.

This and That

Heading back to Future World…

This awesome Figment journal is now for sale!

UPDATE: Brazil Likely the New Country Being Added to World Showcase During Epcot’s Expansion

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

With multiple sources now confirming, it seems likely that Brazil is the new country being added to World Showcase during the multi-year expansion and re-imagining of Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

Likely location for the new Brazil pavilion at Epcot

The pavilion is rumored to be going between the Italy and Germany pavilions in World Showcase, an empty 1.5 acre plot left for a future pavilion since the park opened in 1982. The pavilion will likely include an attraction, but there are nor rumblings as to what it might be at this time.

Brazil will likely be announced for Epcot at the D23 Expo 2017 during the presentation on Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. This rumor dates back to a 2011 story run here on WDWNT.com.

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FIRST LOOK: Ratatouille Logo, List of New Booths for the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Revealed

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

The 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is quickly approaching, especially because of the new start date that for the first time enters the month of August during this now 75-day long event. Today, we have a first look at this year’s event logo for you, as well as a list of the 6 new festival marketplaces that will be joining the usual lineup.

Here is the 2017 event logo, featuring Remy from Ratatouille (and possibly Epcot’s newest ride in World Showcase):

Below is a tentative list of the new booths/marketplaces that will debuting at the event for 2017 (names subject to change):

Avocados of Mexico
Cheese – Hosted by Boursin
Beer (in the former Segway room of Innoventions)
Flavored by Fire
Active Eats
Spain

A record number of global food and wine marketplaces – 35 in all –will sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017.

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PHOTOS: New Disney Skyliner Concept Art Released on Epcot Construction Walls

WDWNT on May 28, 2017

Now located on the construction walls at International Gateway at Epcot, guests can get a closer look at the upcoming Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system.

A map of the system, as well as an overhead rendering of the International Gateway station can be seen.

The art recently released by Disney for the Epcot station is also found on the walls here.

However, this are some other new pieces to be seen…

The Disney Skyliner logo.

The final piece shows a view from above and a look across the park to Spaceship Earth and the nearby France pavilion.

No opening date has been provided as of yet for the Disney Skyliner system.

PHOTOS COURTESY @ARTISTNERD_16 ON TWITTER.