EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival Has It's 2017 Menu

I attended the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival last year, & it totally blew away my expectations. The food was amazing, not too horribly priced, & for that matter, you get a little more than just a taste. Honestly, amazing is an understatement when it comes to the food. These various tastes from around the world even made me purchase a cookbook, containing everything we'd tried. Something I'm sure I will repeat this year when we return yet again. Our next visit will be in October. Which just so happens to fall in between August 31st & November 13th, the official dates for the fest this year. Chip & Co. put out the official menu for this year today, & it's definitely got me hungry. A lot of this menu is the same from last year, but the changes that are there look phenomenal. So without further ado, we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair, as the dining room proudly presents your dinner.

Active Eats (NEW!)

Food:

• Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions
• Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri (GF)
• Sweet Avocado Crema with Strawberries, Yellow Cake and Tortilla Streusel

Beverages:

• 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

Africa

Food:

• Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato and Pap (GF)
• Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa
• Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita

Beverages:

• Ernie Els “Big Easy” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape
• Simonsig Pinotage, Stellenbosch
• Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape

The Almond Orchard Hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze (NEW!)

Food:

• Banana Almond Sundae layered with Fresh Berries and topped with Dark Chocolate and Blueberry Almonds

Beverages:

• Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin “Yellow Label” Brut
• Dom Pérignon Brut
• Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial
• Cold Brew Coffee with Almond Milk Foam

Australia

Food:

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion and Snap Peas (GF)
Grilled Lamb T-Bone with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies (GF)
Lamington: Yellow Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut

Beverages:

Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
Robert Oatley McLaren Vale Shiraz
Hope Estate “Wollombi Brook” Semillon, Hunter Valley

Belgium

Food:

Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
Beverages:

Hoegaarden Witbier
Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale Ale
Stella Artois Hard Cidre
Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Brazil –

Food:

• Escondidinho de Carne – “Little Hidden One”: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca (GF)
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato and Onions (GF)
• Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (GF)

Beverages:

• M.I.A. Beer Company Barbosa Black Beer, Doral, FL
• Lidio Carraro Chardonnay
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Brewer’s Collection 

Food:

• Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart

Beverages:

• Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
• Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb
• Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer

Canada

Food:

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (GF)

Beverages:

• Moosehead Radler: Lager infused with Grapefruit, Grape and Lemon Juices
• Neige Premiere “Apple Ice Wine”, Québec
• Fielding Estate Red Conception, Niagara Peninsula

The Cheese Studio, Hosted by Boursin® Cheese (NEW)

Food:

• 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
• 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 and Strawberry Macaroon with Boursin Pepper Cheese

Beverages:

• Leth Steinagrund Gruner Veltliner, Austria
• Liberated Pinot Noir, California

China 

Food:

• Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce
• Spicy Chicken Bao Bun
• Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
• Chicken Potstickers

Beverages:

• Tsingtao Lager
• Ritzy Lychee with Courvoisier Cognac VS and Smirnoff Vodka
• Happy Peach with DeKuyper Peach Liqueur and Myers’s Dark Rum
• BaiJoe Punch with Chinese Bai Jui Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice
• Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk (Non-Alcoholic)

The Chocolate Studio

Food:

• Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel (GF)
• Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Torte with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Dust

Beverages:

• Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
• Banfi Rosa Regale, Piedmont
• Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella, Italy
• RL Buller Fine Muscat

Coastal Eats (NEW!) 

Food:

• 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

Beverages:

• Erath Pinot Gris, Oregon
• Soter Planet Oregon Pinot Noir

Craft Beers 

Food:

• 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

Beverages:

• M.I.A Beer Company 305 Golden Ale, Doral, FL
• JDub’s Passion Wheat, Sarasota, FL
• Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale, DeBary, FL
• Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL
• Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout, Cape Canaveral, FL
• Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, Tampa, FL
• Bright Horizons: Sprite® with Multi-flavored Boba Pearls (Non-Alcoholic)

Earth Eats, Inspired by The Chew

Food:

• Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese
• Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle

Beverages:

• Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Chardonnay Gogi “Goldie”, California
• Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, California
• Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Mead

Farm Fresh 

Food:

• Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread and Red Eye Gravy
• Roasted Beet Salad with Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts (GF)

Beverages:

• 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

Flavors from Fire (NEW!) 

Food:

• 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 America 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

Beverages:

• Orlando Brewery Smokin’ Blackwater Porter
• Ravenswood Zinfandel, Napa Valley
• Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon

France 

Food:

• Moelleux au Fromage de Chèvre et Épinards: Warm Goat Cheese Pudding with Spinach (GF)
• 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 Rasberry Jam (GF)

Beverages:

• 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

Germany 

Food:

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese
• Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
• Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
• Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart

Beverages:

• Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
• Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel
• Dr. Heyden Oppenheimer Sacträger Riesling Spätlese, Rheinhessen
• Selbach Riesling Classic Dry, Mosel

Greece 

Food:

• Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki
• Taste of Greece: Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lemon Dill Sauce, Grilled Octopus and Feta Cheese Dip with Warm Pita
• Spanakopita
• Bougatsa: Warm Phyllo Dough Strudel with Sweet Vanilla Custard, Lemon Honey Syrup and Cinnamon

Beverages:

• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Peloponnese
• Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini
• Argyros Atlantis Red Blend, Santorini

Hawaii

Food:

• Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Grilled Tuna Tataki with Seaweed Salad and Pickled Cucumbers and Wasabi Cream
• Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts

Beverages:

• Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager
• Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine
• Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

Hops & Barley

Food:

• New England Lobster Roll
• Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast
• Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing

Beverages:

• 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

India 

Food:

• Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips
• Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas and Basmati Rice (GF)
• Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews and Warm Naan Bread
• Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake with Chocolate Coconut Mousse

Beverages:

• Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
• Sula Shiraz, Nashik
• Kingfisher Lager
• Mango Lassi (Non-Alcoholic)

Ireland 

Food:

• Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
• Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread
• Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard

Beverages:

• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
• Guinness Blonde American Lager
• Twinings® Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka
• Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (Non-Alcoholic)

Islands of the Caribbean 

Food:

• Jamaican Beef Patty with Mango Salsa
• Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions (GF)
• Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce

Beverages:

• Carib Lager
• Caribbean White Sangria
• Frozen Mojito

Italy 

Food:

• Crispy Calamari with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce
• Costoletta di Agnello alla Marchigiana: Braised T-Bone Lamp Chops and Potatoes with Vidalia Onions, Thyme, Bay Leaf and Lamb Jus
• Absolut Penne: Vodka Sauce with Shrimp
• Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit

Beverages:

• Pinot Grigio
• Chianti
• Prosecco
• Corbinello
• Moscato
• Frozen Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
• Moretti Lager Beer
• Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer

Japan

Food:

• Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings
• Salmon BLT Sushi Roll
• Teriyaki Ginger Pork

Beverages:

• Pom Pineapple Sake Cocktail
• Kara Tamba Tarekuchi Dry Sake
• Yukikage “Snow Shadow” Junmai Sake
• Sapporo Lager

Light Lab (NEW!) 

Beverages:

• T=CC2: Vanilla Tonic Water and Cotton Candy (Non-Alcoholic)
• RGB: Citrus Apple Freeze (Non-Alcoholic)
• Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls
• Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
• Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Seattle, WA
• Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA, Patchogue, NY
• Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radian Flux, Brooklyn, NY
• Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale, Titusville, FL
• Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner, Longmont, Colorado

Mexico

Food:

• 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

Beverages:

• Prickly Pear Margarita
• Classic Pomegranate Margarita
• Mexican-style Sangria
• Pacifico Lager with Floater

Morocco

Food:

• Kefta Pocket: Seasoned Ground Beef in a Pita Pocket
• Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce
• Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce

Beverages:

• Moroccan Sangria
• Casa Pale Lager
• Les Trois Domaines Guerrouane White Wine, Meknes
• Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur

New Zealand

Food:

• Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
• Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Breadcrumbs*
• Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce and Kumara Purée

*Mussels provided by Mark Foods

Beverages:

• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
• Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir, Marlborough
• Frozen Wine Cocktail featuring Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Patagonia 

Food:

• Beef Empanada
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée (GF)

Beverages:

• Verum Pinot Noir, Rio Negro
• Bodega Noemía de Patagonia “A Lisa” Malbec, Rio Negro

Scotland  

Food:

• Traditional Scottish Lamb Stew with Neeps and Tatties
• Fresh Potato Pancake with Scottish Smoked Salmon and Herbed Sour Cream
• The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked Cake with Lemon Cream and Toasted Oats

Beverages:

• Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin
• Belhaven Brewery Scottish Ale

Spain 

Food:

• Charcuterie in a Cone with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, Olives and an Herb Vinaigrette
• Traditional Spanish Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, Chicken and Crispy Chorizo (GF)
• Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops and Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar and Smoked Paprika (GF)
• Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd

Beverages:

• Rafael Palacios Bolo Godello, Valdeorras
• Bodegas y Viñedos Artazu Garnacha Rosado, Navarra
• Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla

Thailand 

Food:

• 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

Beverages:

• Helfrich Gewürztraminer, Alsace
• Singha Lager

The Wine & Dine Studio 

Food:

• Pulled Duck Confit with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction
• Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussel Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce
• Trio of Artisan Cheese
  • Fromager Affirois de Excellence served with toasted Baguette
  • Point Reyes Original Blue served with Apricot Jam
  • Point Reyes Toma served with Honey
• Artist Palette of Cheese and Wine
  • Trio of Artisan Cheese paired with Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, St. Francis Chardonnay and Recuerdo Malbec

Beverages:

• Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford
• St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma County
• Recuerdo Malbec, Argentina
• Eden Canyon “Jolie” Red Blend, California
• Meiomi Rosé, California

Block & Hans 

Beverages:

• Mmmhops Pale Ale, Tulsa, OK
• Frozen Spiked Tea with Orlando Orange Vodka
• McKenzie’s Seasonal Reserve Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY
• Honor Warrior IPA, Chantilly, VA
• JDub’s Bell Cow Porter, Sarasota, FL
• Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Lexington, KY
• Victory Golden Monkey, Downingtown, PA
• Killer Whale Cream Ale, Jacksonville, FL

Fife & Drum

Beverages:

• Hanson Brother’s Festive Ale Saison, Tulsa, OK

Intermissions Café  

Food:

• Asian Chicken Salad with Noodles
• Southwest Chicken Wrap
• Tuna Salad with a Croissant
• Vegetable Wrap
• Hummus with Carrots and Celery
• Fruit and Cheese Plate
• Grapes
• Assorted Blue Diamond Almond Packs
• Duda Farms Celery Snackers
• Key Lime Pie
• Brownie

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company  

Beverages:

• The American Adventure: Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset – Layered frozen Strawberry and Lemon topped with Grey Goose Vodka
• Canada: Kahlúa-tini Iced Coffee – Our famous roasted coffee, chilled then topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka and rich, creamy Half & Half
• Disney Traders: Passion-rita – Frozen Passion Fruit thrills with juicy sweet flavors, a hint of tartness, blended with 1800 Tequila
• Future World East: Spiked Chai Latte – Iced, Frozen or Hot Chai Tea Latte with Chai Spices, creamy Vanilla and blended with Baileys Irish Cream

Refreshment Cool Post

Food:

• Spicy Hot Dog with Kimchi and Mustard Sauce

Beverages:

• Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky & Frozen Coke

Refreshment Port 

Food:

• Croissant Doughnut with Cinnamon and Sugar
• Fried Chicken Breast Nuggets with DOLE Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Beverages:

• Pineapple DOLE Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream with Bacardi Coconut Rum
• Dragon Berry Refresher featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum

The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar
Hosted by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company  

Beverages:

• Banfi Rosa Regale, Piedmont
• Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate
• Lasseter Chemin de Fer

Fingers Crossed For "One Man's Dream" in Hollywood Studios

Forgive me if I sound really passionate on this one. It holds a special place in my heart, & I would hate to see it go. Chip & co. is hearing speculation from The Disney Blog that One Man's Dream in Hollywood Studios time may be coming to an end. The rumored plans for Toy Story Land calls for removal of the building that currently houses the attraction. According to them, the Walt's Office part of this exhibit has already been packed & shipped off to the Walt Disney Family Museum. As they say that itself doesn't leave too much hope that this is being relocated. Originally installed as a temporary exhibit in 2001 for the 100 Years of Magic celebration, it's a celebration of one of the great American icons, Walt Disney himself. All of Walt's achievements, & some of their evolutions are displayed throughout. Accompanied by actual artifacts & details of on-goings throughout the life of the artist, innovator, & overall genius of Disney. From the multi-plane camera to audio animatronics to the theme park it's all detailed throughout. I actually look forward to taking this walk through history every time I visit Hollywood Studios. It's a shame they couldn't find another place to home this attraction. I worry every time I visit Disneyworld that it seems little by little Walt is being removed from the park. With all the Lands that keep being built, I would love to see them just dedicate a spot to Walt. Even easier, just combine some of the throwbacks & about to be cancelled classics with the People Mover into a sort of One Man's Dream the ride. Come to think of it, that actually sounds pretty cool. I will add, there is hope. They're expecting to hear more on this at D23, along with an official opening date for Toy Story, so this isn't official word from Disney yet, so like I said, "Fingers Crossed". It's adding up to seem pretty likely though it sounds. What do y'all feel about this loss? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.

Should The "TRON Lightcycle Power Run" Replace "Tomorrowland Speedway"?

So, the TRON Lightcycle Power Run coming to Walt Disney World rumor has been in full force as of late. It's starting to really take shape now though as Chip & Co has BlogMickey reporting that their sources tell them that the popular Shanghai Disneyland semi-enclosed roller coaster will be popping up in the Magic Kingdom to replace the Tomorrowland Speedway. Word is they'll be going for the Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary in 2021. Tomorrowland Speedway was an original, opening with the park in 1971. At first glance, I'm like, "Hell Yeah!". I've actually been really looking forward to getting a version of this ride. I love TRON. However, when I think of the actual loss that is the Tomorrowland Speedway, I can't help but wonder if the end justifies the means? I start to not think of this one as an adult, but as a child. Much like myself, this is the first automobile a lot of children get to drive. That's a big deal to a kid. Then I think of myself as a parent. This is the first car my children got to drive with me. That's a majority of what Disney is about, family. Part of me hates to see a ride that promotes that, replaced with another ride that requires a parent pass. For those that don't know what that is, it's a pass you can get if you have kids that can't ride a ride. so both parents can ride while the other watches the kid. So, all in all, I'm excited about this addition, I just wish there was a way for cohabitation. No permits have been filed on this yet. Nor has Disney officially announced this yet. It is expected to be announced at the D23 Expo this weekend though. What do y'all think? Do the ends justify the means or not? Put itin the comments, like, & share.

Check Out Disney Park's Stream Of "The Music Of Pixar Live!" From Hollywood Studios

I can't wait to see this show! This was great. The music was beautiful. It's introduced with some funny skits from the "stars" of the films. Followed up with montages of each film, on screens that stretch the length of the whole orchestra. If this isn't the best way you are ever going to get a child to sit through a symphony, it's definitely the easiest. So check out the video, & let us know what you think down below in the comments. As always don't forget to like & share.

Siemens Is Pulling Out Of Illuminations & Spaceship Earth Of Epcot

It a big dose of "say it ain't so", Chip & Co. reports Siemens Corporation will not be renewing their contract with Disney. Leaving Illuminations &, more important to myself, Spaceship Earth, residing in EPCOT's giant ball, without a corporate sponsor. This would be the first time in in it's existence Spaceship Earth will be without sponsor. This really worries me. The trip through the ages of time is hands down my favorite ride in EPCOT. It's not only a classic, it's educational value is what EPCOT was originally about after the original plans were changed into a theme park. I hit this ride twice every time I attend Epcot, & would be really sad to see it go. What about y'all? Who's experienced this classic, & doesn't want to see it go? For that matter who thinks should be replaced, I would love to know why? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.

Changes For "Pirates of the Caribbean" Both Good & Bad It Seems

Yes, it seems the classic "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride in Disneyland Paris will be going through some major changes when it reopens July 24th. As well as some eventual changes coming stateside as well. Chip & Co. reports when the Disneyland Paris attraction reopens it will now contain Captain Barbossa,  ghostly visages of Davy Jones & Blackbeard warning "dead men DO tell tales", & a new part for the famous Redhead (More on that later). The ride will also feature new enhanced Audio-Animatronics, cosutmes, special effects, lighting & sound, some of which classical music themes from the films. Oh yeah, Captain Jack has also renamed the Blue Lagoon Restaurant after himself. It seems he won it in a wager. This is all really cool, save one part. I enjoyed the addition of Jack stateside, as well as Davy Jones. Even though it sadly seemed to shorten the length of the ride. This however is just wrong. I mentioned the Redhead is getting a new part. She will  Yes, it looks like the "We want the redhead auction will now be over." Not only that though, similar refurbishmentsare expected to take place in Disneyland & Magic Kingdom in 2018. They say it has to do with the changing of the times. I'm of the thought that pirates set in a time long ago don't change with the times. If they changed with the times this movie would look a lot more like that Tom Hanks movie Captain Phillips. Anyway, they're still leaving the line, "we want the redhead". Now she'll be taking part in the pirating. I just can't help feeling this is a bad change for the wrong reasons. What do you think? Leave the classics alone? Or are we not big enough to realize part of history anymore without taking it personal? Remember this is a ride about pirates, scallywags, thieves, & murderers.

Disney Parks Puts Out "The Making Of Pandora" Video

This video was really cool. I could watch a whole video on how this place was made. Those floating mountains are a thing of wonder in themselves. It's bad, because part of me wants to see the ends & outs of how it all works, & the other part wants to keep the magic secret. Pandora: The World of Avatar in Disney's Animal Kingdom is a truly beautiful thing to experience. This also gives you a really good look at the two attractions as well. Give it a look, like, share, & don't forget to check out all of our opening day Pandora: World of Avatar adventures. Just click here. 

President Trump Will Speak At Magic Kingdom's "Hall Of Presidents"

I had heard that The Hall Of President's reopening would be delayed recently, & I kinda figured it was due to the decision of how to handle the addition of everyone's favorite hot button, President Donald Trump. It's really seemed like a damned if they do, damned if they don't type situation, with very vocal parties on each side. We even offered our own solution. However, Chip & Co. reports that Jacquee Wahler, vice president of Disney communications has said, "The same thing that we've done with other presidents, is the same plan we have for President Trump." So that definitely seems to point to Trump having a speaking when the attraction opens up now "late 2017". Pretty curious as to the actual dialog involved, but it looks as if I'll have a little while to wait. I just hope it's really, really big. In fact, the biggest speech ever to given at The Hall of Presidents. Kidding, but really I hope this thing does have all the hyperbole of a usual Trump speech. I'd love to be a fly on the wall as they put this thing together. So, what do ya think? Let us know in the comments, like, & share.

Let's Talk About Rumored Changes Coming To EPCOT

With multiple outlets talking about the many permits recently filed, freeing up space for expansion of EPCOT in Disneyworld. Rumors are abound as to what they may mean. We were told last November that EPCOT would be going through some "major transformation" in the years to come, & these are likely the first signs. Take into mind besides the permits everything you're about to read is only rumor at this time. The biggest rumor that seems pretty spot on is making room for a new Ratatouille ride ( Ratatouille: The Adventure, Disneyland Paris ) in the France pavilion of the World Showcase. Like I said this one seems pretty on point, & I've always felt like the World Showcase need another ride or two to help even it out. Two never felt like enough. Plus, they're so close to each other. On top of that there's some extra room being made, as well as freeing up more space behind Ellen's Energy Adventure ride, causing some to think it will be replaced with something else. This really hurts me. I love that ride. It's had a place in my heart since I was a kid, & the dinosaurs, much like the Carousel of Progress, make me think of Walt. There's very little of that magic left. Rumored things to be added include a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, a Big Hero 6 devoted attraction, or a version of the amazing TRON Lightcycle Power Run from Disneyland Shanghai. As much as it hurts to lose a ride I love, at least if any of these three rumors are right, they include two if my favorite movies & the ability to ride a TRON cycle. Wanted to do that for a long time. So that's all the rumors I've heard so far, let me know down below what you think of these developments, or if you've heard anything else. If I here any further developments I'll make sure to let ya know. Don't forget to like & share.

Wanna Throw Captain America's Shield? They're Working On It!

Word from Chip & Co is Disney filed a patent for some awesome tech that will simulate throwing & catching Captain America's shield. Part of a new virtual reality experience, the user will fasten it to their arm. It has an attached shield on a sliding mechanism that will simulate the actual throwing & catching feel, as you see the shield leave your hand via virtual reality. The VR environment will have simulated battle scenarios expected to have different levels of difficulty. You can also probably expect being able to ricochet the shield also with the boomerang effect, feeling the return & release through the attached arm device. This thing sounds pretty cool. I don't know if it's repeatedly stand in line to do it again cool, but only time will tell on that note. I'm definitely curious for sure. I'm loving this new level of immersion Disney Park's trying to jump into. What do you think? Does this sound intriguing? Throw it down in the comments, like, & share.

Larry the Cable Guy Makes A Surprise Appearance At Disneyland's Cars Land

This is the one thing that puts Disneyland over Disneyworld. You never know who's going to show up on a day to day. This time it's Larry the Cable Guy having some fun with folks in Cars Land as Mater. It's awesome when you see these actors do stuff like this. I wish we'd see more of this. It's really a treat for the fans, especially the kids. A big thank you to everyone involved with keeping the magic real. Enjoy this clip, go see Larry in Cars 3, & don't forget to like & share.

"Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival" Have Announced It's New Shorts

After it's refurbishment on June 19th EPCOT's Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival will be reopening with some changes. Originally playing with Get A Horse, La Luna & For the Birds will be replaced. All of Pixar's shorts are always instant classics, so I'm guessing this was a hard pick. According to Chip & Co. that pick has been made though. They will be replaced with Feast & Piper, two very good picks. I love both of these, even ifI personally feel like this Film Festival is a waste of EPCOT's theater. Once known for the 3D Captain EO starring the late Michael Jackson & the 4D Honey We Shrunk the Audience this was one my most cherished spots in EPCOT. I luckily got to see one of the last of the special presentations of Captain EO during it's run last year. Here's a look at the replacement shorts below. Let us know what you think of the switch down below, as well as what you think of this versus it's old attractions as I'm very curious to see what others think of this.

Apparently Until Yesterday Disney Didn't Own Disneyland Paris

For the past 25 years I've always wanted to go to Paris. Not for the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, but to go Euro Disney, now known as Disneyland Paris. I was a kid when this opened. Even then, I mainly wanted to go to see why this had so much trouble working? I mean, Disneyland great, Disneyworld even better, even Tokyo Disneyland worked. It would be an easy deduction that this would at least be just as good right? Wrong, this place has been a magnet for all sorts of trouble since it's inception. Now I might have a good idea why. According to WDW News Today, after offering a buyout to existing shareholders last week Disney acquired 97.08% ownership. France's laws require 95% of the stock to take full ownership. Meaning for the first time in it's 25 years, Disney fully owns the entire resort. This is hopefully signs of great things to come. Then, after they make some much needed adjustments to the place, I can try to make my way to France for La Maison De Mickey.

The Beautiful Landscape Of Pandora: World of Avatar

This is definitely the most immersive "land" Disney has ever created. After you cross the bridge from the Animal Kingdom into the Valley of Mo'ara from either side, you feel as if you've been transported to another world. The attention to detail in making this place seem alien is totally on point. From the floating mountains to the flora everything is so realistically otherworldly. There's a giant towering plant that not only gives off a strange mist periodically & glows, it also has a heartbeat that responds to touch. Na'vi tribal art decorations are littered everywhere in the form of paintings & giant totems. Waterfalls are abundant through out the land, some falling to nowhere. There's an ACE presence as well. In the Flight of Passage there are "airlocks" cut into the mountain leading to a lab. The restaurant, like the store, is part hut, part "space station" pieces. On top of this, a giant piece of the park land is set aside for brightest glowing pathways & gardens. These are the real stars of the show at nighttime when Pandora goes all bioluminescent. It is a breathtakingly beautiful sight to behold. Here's some galleries of The Valley of Mo'ara at day, night, & inside the mountains. I can't wait to come back here on a less crowded day & really soak it all in. For all our Pandora: World of Avatar opening day adventures up to date click here. Don't forget to like & share.

Valley of Mo'ara (Daytime)

Valley of Mo'ara (Nighttime)

Valley of Mo'ara's Caves

Pandora's "Windtraders" Officially Out Of Pet Banshees

According to Chip & Co. the newest must have toy has sold out at 10.45am exactly one week after the parks opening. No word when they'll be back in stock. That's a shame because these things are amazing. This is the most entertaining toy I've ever took home from Disneyworld, & I once brought home a Deluxe Edition Black Series Kylo Ren Lightsaber. I've never got more attention than when I take this little guy out & about. I've had numerous people ask if it was real, take pictures & video, & just straight up run away in fear. Little kids even ask to pet it. It's so much fun to create that sense of wonder in people. They run at what I feel was a very fair price of 49.95, with an option to buy a "perch" for 14.95 so your new pet can be comfortable. Then working like a puppet you can move its, head, mouth, & wings. I'm pretty sure the batteries are not required for movement. However, it does make growling & screeching noises, which I think they're there for. Funny side note, it was so loud in the store we didn't even know it made said noises until we made it back to our hotel room. Here's hoping they get their stock up on these as soon as possible, as this is a sad thing to miss out on. Check out the details of our Pandora visit here.

"Pandora: World of Avatar" The Merchadise

"Merchandising, merchandising, merchandising!" That's what it's all about according to Yogurt of the all-time classic Spaceballs. And in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Pandora: World of Avatar doesn't come up short in that department. With a handful of items located in the two main stores of Animal Kingdom, all the good stuff is reserved for Windtraders. That's the resident store as soon as you cross the bridge into the Valley of Mo'ara. This is where they keep all the cool stuff such as the banshees, custom Avatars, Na'vi language translators, glow in the dark stuff, & much, much more. The store set-up is really cool. There's a banshee "aviary" of sorts to the left as you walk in, where you can "bond" with a banshee. Basically, you get to walk a tree-like wall of banshees to pick the won you're feelin the most. Once you find one, a assistant helps you learn the process of making it "come to life". Next to this, there's a spot where you get facially scanned. This is used to get an action figure of yourself as a Na'vi Avatar. I saved this for the next trip, but it is something I still definitely want to do. The rest of the store is set up with a jungle trading post vibe. In addition to the stuff I've already mentioned there was toy weaponry, candy shaped as random Pandoran bugs & such, passports, an assortment of plush, clothes, tapestries, & pretty much anything you could put Pandora on. There was even a place where you could put together a Na'vi tribal necklace. Not to mention every Disney Park must, Ears. There is not only a set of Na'vi ears, if you really want to go all out you can even get a tail. I had mentioned before there were constant waits to get into this store, but it was worth the wait. This place contains the most awesome merchandise in Disney Parks right now. Until Star Wars land opens up at least, then we'll just have to see. Anyway, like, share, & follow us on social media. We've got another installment on Pandora: World of Avatar coming. This one will be on the landscape of the park both at day & night. We'll also have a sit-down on YouTube to discuss everything we did on opening day, as well as some hands on with some of the merchandise we picked up. For now though check out this gallery of shots of the merchandise of Pandora. The quality of some are not so great, but I wanted you to be able to see as much as possible. For more opening day Pandora: World of Avatar click here.

Let's Talk About The Rides Of "Pandora: World of Avatar"

There a two ride attractions located in the Valley of Mo'ara. The first of the two we got to experience was the Na'vi River Journey. This was a boat ride, much like Pirates of the Caribbean or It's a Small World. However, it takes place through the much alive, bioluminescent night landscape of Pandora. Featuring viperwolves, direhorses, fan lizards, & more. This is the ride that ends with a full-size Na'vi Shaman chanting. For which the animatronics are bewildering. This is the realest audio-animatronic character I've ever seen. Walt would be very proud of this achievement. The use of screens (which I usually think is a big cop out in Disney rides) is awesome. The screens almost feel layered so you're looking at a 3-dimensional character. I don't know if they were, or they just had that good a picture, but I was impressed nonetheless. This is definitely a sight to see. Just another taste of how much they take you to another world. Check out my ride through on YouTube here.

The second ride might have been one of the most intense things I've ever rode in my life. Don't consider that an exaggeration either. You can see in corner of the picture below the device you spend the ride in. This is your "banshee", your vessel to experience Flight of Passage. It kinda resembles a futuristic motorcycle of sorts. You get in the back come up from behind to secure you. You place on your 3D goggles, & as the door lifts up you "sync" with your animal. To signify this you go through a quick plasma-like wormhole of sorts. From that point you even feel your banshee breathing between your legs. The 3D is sharp, no falters at all. If you've ever rode Soarin' at Disney's EPCOT you kind know the basics of this ride, ultra-real simulator complete with air, scents, & even water in places. Except for one major difference, this is Soarin' with a dose of rocket fuel. This thing starts at high speed & just keeps goin. This is the closest you can get to this without just finding some creature to fly on. Obviously, opening day there were long waits for this ride, but through it all I didn't hear one person say it wasn't worth the wait. Two amazing rides, helping to make this land an all around great addition to even out the face of all the parks that make Disneyworld. For more on opening day Pandora click here.

"Pandora: World of Avatar" Food Is Truly Out Of This World

We spent two meals in the Valley of Mo'ara, dining at Satu'li Canteen. In those two meals we managed to put a pretty big dent in the menu. Said menu consisted of two categories. There were Steamed "Pods" (Bao Buns) or Create-Your-Own Satu'li Bowls. We'll start off with the most intriguingly "alien" of the two, the Steamed "Pods".

This was Satu'li Canteen's version of a cheeseburger. There was a vegetable curry version too, but I'm way to carnivorous for that. I was a little worried as I usually order a plain cheeseburger & there's no option with these. It wound up being pretty good though. In the "pod" (bao bun) there was a "sloppy joe" like concoction consisting of what would usually come on a cheeseburger. So you had the cheese, meat, mustard, ketchup, & pickle all ground together. Not only did I surprisingly like this, I loved the root vegetable chips on the side. They were seasoned great. There was also a vegetable slaw with yogurt balls. Not much on slaw in the first place, but the little yogurt balls were good. That's about it for that one. Now we're onto the bowls.

The bowls consisted of 3 steps. First, there was the protein. There's a choice between slow-roasted sliced grilled beef, chopped wood-grilled chicken, sustainable fish fillet, or chili-spiced crispy fried tofu. We went for the first 3. My favorite protein was the beef with the chicken a close runner up. The fish was decent, yet a little under-seasoned for my taste. Second, you select your bowls base: quinoa & vegetable salad, red & sweet potato hash, mixed whole grain & rice, or Romaine & Kale Salad. I'm not a salad person, so the first time around we tried the red & sweet potato hash. I don't dig sweet potatoes, but nonetheless this was tolerable. Especially the reds. Next time we just doubled down on mixed whole grain & rice& yogurt balls mentioned before. Finally, the third step to the bowl was the sauce. These were very much like salad dressing which yours truly does not care for. That being said the wife seemed to like them all. There was a charred onion chimichurri, a black bean vinaigrette, & a creamy herb dressing. Now came my favorite part of any meal, dessert.

The dessert, or "Ber'ri" as it's labeled on the menu consists of two options, both amazingly delicious. The top one is a blueberry cream cheese mousse with passion fruit curd. I don't like fruit & I loved this thing. In contrast however, my wife that does like fruit, didn't like this at all. Said it tasted too much like candy. This was the strangest, yet most delightful thing I tried all day. It definitely has the feel of an alien type fruit. The bottom one is a chocolate cake with a crunchy cookie layer, banana cream, & goji berries. This was really good, but the "chocaholic" that I am can't believe I'm about to say I prefer the first. I would not have even placed the banana cream though until I read it just now off the menu. It tasted like cookie shell & creamy chocolate.

Last but not least, the drinks. I'm not a beer drinker, but part of me wanted to at least sample the "local" brews, Hawkes' Grog Ale & Mo'ara High Ale. However, we went, & came back again, for a Dreamwalker Sangria. That would be that blue concoction you see above. It's a refreshing white sangria with a hint of blue curacao. They used the right word when they say refreshing, this is probably the most refreshing alcoholic beverage I've ever tasted. This drink is why we didn't get to visit Pongu Pongu, the local waterin hole to get a Mo'ara Margarita, it was just too good. Then what Disney Theme Park restaurant would be complete without a signature refillable cup? That would be the wood cup with flute you see above, I even heard some people getting their flute to actually work. Nothing beats a drink & a toy combo.

All in all I really enjoyed this place for what it was. It was far lighter food than I'm used to eating at Disneyworld all together. It seemed like a great spot for lunch to keep you going through the park without weighing you down. The atmosphere is awesome which I will include in the landscape entry coming soon, along with entries for the merchandise, & rides. So follow us on social media, like, & share. There's more to come from our trip to Pandora: World of Avatar. For all of it click here.

"Pandora: World of Avatar" Opening Day 5/27/17

We attended the opening day of Pandora: World of Avatar in Disney's Animal Kingdom, & it was an amazing day. I've never attended an opening day event at any of the parks, but unlike most I knew I was in for some heavy traffic. What I got however, blew me away. Upon entering the Animal Kingdom, about an hour & a half early, we we're herded with many others to the far right pathway after entering the gates by Rainforest Café. It was in this area that I realized the Force was with me that day. I figured some of the people who got "magic hours" (extra hours before & after park openings for people staying in Disney Resorts) had Fast Passes & we're using them. Sure enough I snagged a 8-9 Fastpass while waiting to get in. At this point it's 8 'o clock, time to open, & we see no one else is being let into Animal Kingdom's gates. The line starts to slowly move & we're hearing the land is reaching capacity so they're letting people a little at a time. In line for about 35 mins. we finally make it to the bridge. There we were told anyone with a Fastpass will get let in 10 mins. before pass time. That was our big break of the day, considering we were told that wait stayed at least 5 hours to get back in all day. So needless to say, from 8:45am on thru 11:00pm we were staying the remainder of the day in the Valley of Mo'ara, Pandora. 

So for the only moment of the day everything sped up & we were onto our first ride. However, we will be covering the rides, merchandise, landscape, & food in further entries. This post is strictly for the madness that was opening day. A very controlled madness much to Disney's credit, but madness nonetheless. After our refreshing river ride we found ourselves in what do we do next mode. That's when we figured we'd get the shopping out of the way. Sounds easy enough right? Wrong. there was a 2 hour plus line just to get into Windtraders, the resident store of the Valley of Mo'ara. Which we had to brave as I had some specific things in mind, opening day merch, a Na'vi translator, & most importantly adopting a Banshee. More on that to come in further posts. I was amazed at how many people were standing in line just to see what to spend money on. This line, like all the others, stayed like this throughout the day. Eventually becoming the smallest wait time of 30- 45 minutes.

After the store it was onto nourishment. In the course of which we found the line going out the doors of the Satu'li Canteen surprisingly was the fastest moving line of the day, both times we went to eat. We ate almost everything on the menu which we will share with you in further posts, right before we set out to finish our adventure, braving a 5 hour line for Flight of Passage & returning to the Na'vi Journey river ride one more time via a 3 hour line.

All in all it was a jam-packed day. We used the little bit of time we had yet to get some good night-time landscape pics of the park all lit up in it's bioluminescence glory. I don't regret it at all as it was an amazing experience. Most everyone was taking all the waiting very well, with very few exceptions. Things I've learned from this time around? At least one Fastpass on opening day is a must, annual passholders get all the cool exclusive merch for opening day, get ready to wait around a lot, & it is probably worth it to stay in a Disney Resort for opening days to take advantage of the extra "magic" hours. So that was the craziness that was opening day. Can't believe how many different people touched the Valley of Mo'ara in just that day. It was definitely a sight to behold. Anyway, like, share, & keep looking as we'll have more to come with further details of Pandora: World of Avatar. Find it by clicking here.

We Review "The Polite Pig" A "Disney Springs" Restaurant

Let me start by saying this is a first for me. I've reviewed many things, but never food. I like food though, so this should go pretty well. I had been hearing about this place as it's fairly new, but I was mainly attracted to the line out the door. That's usually a good sign, & it definitely was this time around. The smoked BBQ here is amazing. I got the pork plate & the wife ordered the beef brisket sandwich. The pork was filled with flavor as well as the brisket, as I had to also try the wife's sandwich. I've actually never got smoked meat that came out this juicy. It was also "rubbed", but not enough to overpower the taste of the meat.  The sides weren't as amazing as the BBQ. The Mac & Cheese was baked with bread crumbs on top, & while it was not horrible it definitely wasn't the best mac I'd ever had. (That came off the Fantasy Fare Food Truck two days later.)

We all know a BBQ place is only as good as it's various BBQ sauces though, right? And for me this place delivers on theirs. A "BBQ Bar" of sorts, you have four sauces to choose from. Lil John's Signature Black Pepper, Layla's Sweet Sauce, Thomas's Southern Gold, & BBQ Ranch. My wife & I both agreed that they were 3 out of 4 with the one with the most in-unique name, BBQ Ranch being the one coming up short. We did not get chicken wings though, & they suggest it with that. We surprisingly both gave Thomas's Southern Gold the "medal" of best sauce in the long run though. Here's a pic of the sauce's with descriptions:

The layout of the place was really cool too. Had Blues/Rock atmosphere, in that order. The windows up top in the place looked like it might be "daytime" all the time with the night only touching the outside patio area among the bustle of "Disney Springs". For where it was, the food was some-what reasonably priced at about $14-15 a plate, give or take a buck. The most unique thing that caught my eye however were the drinks on tap. Not just beer either, these taps also included mixed drinks, & an assortment of wine. Normally not a drinker, I had to partake due to this intriguing novelty. I ordered a Rum & Coke, which prompted me to wonder where the rum had gone as I expected a more stout drink for 10 bucks, but it's light mix actually paired great with the BBQ as strange as it sounds. Anyway long story short, I would suggest this place to anyone who love some good BBQ. Definitely worth the price, & the wait.