RUMOR: Disney Restaurants at Walt Disney World to be Added to OpenTable for Reservations

WDWNT on December 21, 2017

If you want a reservation at a Disney-owned restaurant at Walt Disney World, you currently have to call 407-WDW-DINE or use the Disney website/mobile application to do so, but in the near future, it appears guests may be able to use OpenTable.

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OpenTable allows people to make reservations for restaurants just about anywhere, in fact, several 3rd-party restaurants at Disney Springs use the service as well as the DisneyWorld.com system. Disney would add the restaurants to OpenTable as well in hopes of gaining more attention with diners in the Orlando area, as the app showcases nearby restaurants when you open it.

OpenTable does have the capability of requiring a credit card hold for restaurants, so the same reservation parameters that currently apply at Disney restaurants would still be in place if this happens.

There is no set time frame for this service to roll out, but it should be fairly soon if it clears all of the appropriate channels.

PHOTOS: Remodeled Speedway Gas Station Opens Near Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

After being closed for a few weeks, the Speedway gas station near Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened recently.

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The station had never closed after being purchased by Speedway. It was formerly a Hess station.

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Brand new pumps were installed with Speedway Secure systems in place. “Touch to pay” with credit cards and Apple Pay is coming soon.

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Much of the signage was redone.

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The Coke Freestyle machine is gone, so now there are these fountains featuring “flavor magic”. There’s also a slushy machine now.

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There’s also this psychotic looking milkshake contraption…

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Yes, this is a photo of Hostess snacks on WDWNT.com.

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They also serve Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee products.

New Spy Glass Grille Restaurant at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Set to Open in Early 2018

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Since the massive overhaul of Old Port Royale’s Centertown began a few months back at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, details have been scarce on exactly what the new dining options would be when they opened next year. Disney is now posting job opportunities at the new eateries, set to open in early 2018, providing some information on the new resort counter service location called Spy Glass Grille.

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While details on Spy Glass Grille are scarce, we know that it will feature Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and Disney is currently only looking for existing cast members to fill the roles at the new location. The Spy Glass Grille name had not been previously announced. The venue is rumored to be located between the pool and the beach at Trinidad South within the resort.

While no details are available yet, new table service venues, bars, lounges, and shopping venues will also be a part of the new complex when it is completed sometime next year.

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PHOTOS: Giant Star Wars AT-AT Popcorn Bucket Arrives at Disney Parks

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

We have seen some amazing popcorn buckets being sold at Disney Parks recently, but this one has the power to destroy a rebel base on Hoth…

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Available at the Tomorrowland popcorn cart in Disneyland Park, guests can now take home a classic AT-AT filled with popcorn.

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The price is a little steep at $25.00, but it is pretty cool and looks to be quite large. Luckily, Disneyland is limiting just one per guest to make sure that everyone gets one.

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This “bucket” should also be arriving at Walt Disney World soon, likely being sold at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Oh, and don’t expect there to be a lot of popcorn in it…

Our thanks to @Tarihc78 on twitter for the photos!

Annual Passholders Get a Free Holiday Magnet Starting 12/1 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Annual Passholders visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios December 1st through the 17th, 2017 can a special holiday magnet for free.

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The Mickey Mouse Passholder Magnet seen above (a Christmas version of the usual AP magnet) can be picked up at the Mickey’s of Hollywood, Celebrity 5 & 10, and Once Upon a Time shops on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.

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The magnets are limited to one per pass holder with valid annual pass and ID and are available while supplies last. Disney is not responsible for replacing any lost or stolen magnets, so you may not want to put this one on your car…

Menu Revealed for Upcoming Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

Today we have a peek at the new menu for the as-yet-unopened Ale & Compass Restaurant.

Dinner

Starters

Roasted Garlic Shrimp $15.00

Parker House Rolls and Spreads $12.00

  • Bacon Jam, Pub Cheese, Citrus Butter

Grape Leaf-wrapped Baked Goat Cheese $9.00

  • Oven-roasted Tomatoes and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds with Grilled Baguette

Lobster and Corn Chowder $10.00

Ale & Compass Salad $9.00

  • Watercress, Sorghum, Pumpkin Seeds, Rainbow Carrots, Butternut Squash, and Radish with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Hearth Oven Pie – White Clam $19.00

Hearth Oven Pie – Seasonal Market Vegetable $17.00

Hearth Oven Pie – Caramelized Leek and Chorizo $18.00

Main Plates

Smoked Short Ribs $27.00

  • with Roasted Vegetable Mash and Barbecue Demi

Coastal Clambake $40.00

  • Half Maine Lobster, Clams, Corn, and Potatoes

Pan-seared Trout, Broccoli Rabe, Cornbread Cake $24.00

  • with Lemon Caper and White Wine Sauce

Fried Chicken and Waffles $18.00

  • with House-made Pickles and Orange-Chili Honey

Four-Cheese Ravioli $19.00

  • with Butternut Squash Pureé, Sautéed Mushrooms, and Sage-Brown Butter

Seared Scrod $22.00

  • with Lobster Corn Chowder and Grilled Fennel

Protein Bowl $17.00

  • Vegan Italian Sausage, Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes, and Broccoli Rabe with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

16-oz T-Bone $36.00

  • with Herb Butter, Truffle Fries, and Watercress Salad

Smoked Barbecue Pork Chop $25.00

  • with Sorghum, Swiss Chard, and House Bacon

Desserts

Trio of Puddings $10.00

  • Chocolate, Blackberry, and Butterscotch with Mix-ins

Lemon “Curd” Merinque Pie $7.50

  • with Pickled Blueberries

Black Walnut Pavlova $7.50

  • with Butterscotch Sauce

Individual Apple Pie $7.00

  • with Blackberry Sauce and Apple Cider Sorbet

Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake $8.00

  • Flourless Chocolate Cake and Ganache served with Milk-Coffee Chantilly

 

Lunch

Starters

Roasted Garlic Shrimp $15.00

Parker House Rolls and Spreads $12.00

  • Bacon Jam, Pub Cheese, Citrus Butter

Ale & Compass Salad $9.00

  • Watercress, Sorghum, Pumpkin Seeds, Rainbow Carrots, Butternut Squash, and Radish with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Lobster and Corn Chowder $10.00

Grape Leaf-wrapped Baked Goat Cheese $9.00

  • Oven-roasted Tomatoes and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds with Grilled Baguette

Oven-roasted Oysters $12.00

  • with Spinach and Creamed Kale, White Cheddar, and Cornbread Crumbs

Main Plates

Hearth Oven Pie – White Clam $19.00

Hearth Oven Pie – Seasonal Market Vegetable $17.00

Hearth Oven Pie – Caramelized Leek and Chorizo $18.00

Mushroom, Caramelized Onion, and Gruyère Cheeseburger $18.00

  • on a Parker House Bun served with choice of Fries or House-made Vinegar Chips

House-made Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger $16.00

  • on a Parker House Bun served with choice of Fries or House-made Vinegar Chips

Maine Lobster Roll $20.00

  • served with choice of Fries or House-made Vinegar Chips

House-made Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato $14.00

  • on Artisan French Bread served with choice of Fries or House-made Vinegar Chips

Smoked Turkey Sandwich $15.00

  • with Sage Dressing, Cranberry Relish, and served with choice of Fries or House-made Vinegar Chips

Protein Bowl $17.00

  • Vegan Italian Sausage, Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes, and Broccoli Rabe with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

Fish & Chips $17.00

  • with Lemon-Caper Tartar Sauce

Roast Chicken Salad $16.00

  • with Kale, Swiss Chard, Quinoa, Spiced Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, and Herb Vinaigrette

Grilled Plant-based “Bacon Cheeseburger” $18.00

  • Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms, Lettuce, Tomato, and Chipotle-Mayonnaise

Open-faced Skirt Steak Sandwich $19.00

  • with Caramelized Onions, Poached Egg, Fennel, Watercress, and Tomato Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette

 

Breakfast

Main Plates

Red Flannel Hash $15.00

  • with Chorizo and Poached Eggs

Ham and Cheese Omelet $15.00

  • with Arugula and fresh Fruit

Roasted Vegetable Omelet $15.00

  • with Arugula and fresh Fruit

Breakfast “Pie” $14.00

  • with Sunny–side Egg, House-made Bacon, Ham, Provolone, and Arugula

American Breakfast $14.00

  • served with Potatoes or fresh Fruit and choice of Eggs, Sausage, or Bacon

Smoked Trout Spread $13.00

  • served with Coddled Egg, Pickled Vegetables, and Warm Parker House Rolls

Grilled Oat Cakes $9.00

  • with Apples, Dried Fruit, and Maple Syrup

Blueberry-Bacon Pancakes $14.00

  • with choice of Sausage, Bacon, or fresh Fruit

Salted Caramel-Apple French Toast $12.00

  • with choice of Sausage, Bacon, or fresh Fruit

Open-faced Skirt Steak Sandwich $19.00

  • with Caramelized Onions, Poached Egg, Fennel, Watercress, and Tomato Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette

Breakfast Protein Bowl $17.00

  • Choice of Tofu Scramble or Eggs with Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes, Chard and Kale, Vegan Sausage, Chocolate-Avocado Toast, and Carrot-Ginger Dressing

Breakfast Breads $8.00

  • with Citrus Butter and House-made Jam

Seasonal Fruit Plate $10.00

  • with Yogurt and Granola

Cornbread Waffle $12.00

  • with Strawberry-Orange Compote, Lemon Ricotta, and Basil Sugar

Sides $5.00

  • Sausage, Bacon, or Potatoes

 

PHOTOS: Disney Parks Releases NEW The Little Mermaid “Fairy Tales and Sea Shells” Home Collection

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

New at the U.S. Disney Parks is the “Fairy Tales and Sea Shells” collection, a series of home goods themed to The Little Mermaid.

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Plate, $16.99

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Mug, $22.99

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Sculpted mug, $27.99

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Votive, $16.99

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Bowl, $14.99

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Cup and saucer set, $32.99

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Glass, $24.99

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Jewelry box, $29.99

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Most of the items have the “Fairy Tales and Sea Shells” logo underneath.

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Ariel Resin Figurine, $55.00

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Damask Throw, $59.99

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Throw Pillow, $34.99

The entire collection is currently available at the Disneyland Resort, but a few pieces have already been spotted at Walt Disney World, with the entire line expected in Florida very soon.

What do you think of this collection? Will you be picking any of these pieces up?

Disney World Possibly Adding New Resort Room Features: Fireworks Live Stream, PhotoPass Display, Interactive Movies, ETC.

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

In an interesting new survey, Walt Disney World is asking guests about their interest in some interactive features that could be added to their Disney Resort room to make the experience more immersive.

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In the survey, Disney asks for feedback on some possible new features such as:

  • A welcome sequence where curtains will open, lights turn on slowly, music plays, and a custom welcome message with your FastPass+ plans for the day appears on the TV.
  • A brief animated video featuring a character of your choice welcoming you to the resort, playing on a screen themed to look like a picture frame.
  • Immersive on-demand movies with choices based on your FastPass+ reservations. Color-changing light bulbs and a star projector would be used to create an experience themed to each movie.
  • Live feed of nighttime spectaculars, bringing live video feeds of the park nighttime spectaculars synchronized to the show’s music to your resort TV.
  • Your PhotoPass pictures from the day displayed on your resort TV.

As always with a survey, some of this may never happen, but it is also just as possible that some of these features will be added to resort room experiences at Walt Disney World in the not-too-distant future.

What do you think? Would you enjoy any of these features?

Thanks to reader Dan for the photo above!

Today Marks the End of the Siemens & Disney Parks Sponsorship, Attractions Left Sponsor-less

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Today, the “strategic partnership” between Siemens and the Walt Disney Company comes to an end officially. Siemens has released a statement summarizing the twelve years of the deal coming to a conclusion today:

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When Siemens and Disney began to explore the mutual benefits and opportunities of forming one of the largest marketing alliances in the technology sector for the entertainment space, it was a natural fit. The two organizations have many share values such as Innovation, Service, and Quality as well as a worldwide brand presence. Since 2005, the opportunities to leverage this technology alliance extended across The Walt Disney Company including theme parks and resorts, studios, networks, publishing, and digital. On October 10, 2017, the Siemens-Disney Alliance reached a mutually agreed upon conclusion.

Sponsorship Activation Timeline:

  • October 2005 Siemens US and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Sign 12-year agreement
  • October 2005 ABC SuperSign at Times Square, presented by Siemens
  • October 2005 IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company [July 2013, presented by Siemens]
  • November 2005 Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company [November 2013 – 15, presented by Siemens]
  • January 2006 – April 2010 Disney’s Electrical Parade at Disney California Adventure, presented by Sylvania, a Siemens Company
  • January 2006 – November 2008 Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams at Disneyland, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company
  • May 2007 Siemens VIP Center at Epcot Opens [private executive meeting and guest lounge]
  • February 2008 Spaceship Earth, presented by Siemens
  • March 2008 Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future at Epcot, presented by Siemens
  • April 2008 – March 2015 Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future at Disneyland Innoventions, presented by Siemens
  • November 2010 it’s a small world at Disneyland, presented by Sylvania, A Siemens Company [August 2013, presented by Siemens]

About Siemens USA

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 351,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $88.1 billion in fiscal 2016. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $23.7 billion, including $5.4 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Siemens technology was also used to create several new theme park attractions, including Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land.