Ears the News: March 15, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

The new "Captain Hook's Pirate Crew" at Disney's Beach Club Resort is the latest immersive experience for kids at Walt Disney World Resort.

Taking place from 5pm to 8:30pm, Captain Hook will be lookin’ for a new band of adventurers to learn the pirate code and follow clues leading to hidden treasure. As part of Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew, these young buccaneers will comb through the resort and set sail on a pontoon boat around Crescent Lake including an escape room type experience. Once the treasure is unearthed, all join in a Pirate Feast that includes selections such as Cannon Meatballs with marinara or macaroni and “gold” sauce for entrees, along with a treasure chest treat or fruit for dessert.

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is priced at $55 (plus tax) per child and is available for ages 4 to 12; the adventures begin April 28, 2019. For more information or to book a reservation, call 407-824-KIDS.

The Pixar Play Zone experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort ends on March 30, 2019.

Month-long Sakura Festival begins tonight at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs

Beginning on March 8th, Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs will be hosting their second annual Sakura Festival for guests to experience a month-long celebration steeped in Japanese tradition and dedicated to the beauty of the cherry blossom. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

From March 8th to the 31st 2019, the restaurant will be decorated with vibrant décor, showcasing the pink blooms of the Sakura. Similar to the festivals in Japan, guests can attend a series of ticketed events and enjoy menu specials inspired by the cherry blossom.

Crooked Can Happy Hour
The first event is the Crooked Can Happy Hour, Friday, March 8 from 5-7 p.m.

Kick off the festival with Crooked Can Brewing Company’s brewmasters to taste the Sakura Kolsch, available only at Morimoto Asia paired with a gourmet selection of Pan-Asian light bites upstairs in the Forbidden Lounge. Crooked Can offerings will be available for $5. No tickets necessary.

Rosé All Day
Then on Sunday March 10, 11:30am to 3:30pm the afternoon tasting event will highlight the famed pink drink with multiple stations of Rosé including 11 wineries, two sakes, and a thoughtful selection of food pairings meant to enhance the flavors of each wine. Each guest will also receive a complimentary souvenir stemless tasting glass before departure.

Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased online.

Pairings include:

• Erath Pinot Noir Rosé – Paired with scallops bathed in a butter black bean sauce
• M Chapoutier Bellarouche Rosé – Paired with Peking duck
• Domaine De Cala Rosé – Paired with octopus light yuzu koshu
• Smoke Tree Rosé – Paired with a beef yakiniku lettuce wrap with quick kimchi mayo
• Vinho Verde Rosé - Paired with chicken yakitori
• Banfi Rosé – Paired with raw bar menu items
• Hana Hou Hou Rosé Sake - Paired with pork belly 
• Shayna – Fleurs Da Prairie – French Rosé - Paired with miso glazed salmon belly
• Strawberry Nigori Sake - Paired with banana lumpia dessert
• Dewatsuru Rosé Sake - Paired with tonkatsu-style pork
• Meriden Rosé – Paired with assorted Dim Sum

Select hotels at Walt Disney World are now offering Mermaid School, where guests are fitted with a mermaid tail and taught how to swim with it.

Guests ages 4 and older can take part in an hour-long class where they’ll be fitted with a swimmable “tail” and led through activities teaching them how to swim in a pool like a mermaid.

The Mermaid School will be offered at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Classes are $50/person (plus tax). Bookings (select dates per resort) will open mid-March through 407-WDW-PLAY.

The experience is being operated by local Orlando company, The Mermaid Academy, who provide the instructors and the loan of the tail.

Video from the Mermaid Academy.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Direct bus service to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be returning.

Beginning March 17, 2019, busses heading to the water parks will display "Typhoon Lagoon" or "Blizzard Beach." Currently, if you want to get to Typhoon Lagoon, you have to board a bus to Disney Springs and then transfer to a Typhoon Lagoon bus. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Although the service will be direct to the water park, some routes may stop at other resorts prior to the water park.

• All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies 
• Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian 
• Pop Century, Art of Animation 
• Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk 
• Jambo House, Kidani Village 
• Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge 

At some resorts, boarding for the water parks will be at specific bus stops.

• Caribbean Beach - Old Port Royale 
• Coronado Springs - El Centro/Stop #1 
• Old Key West - Hospitality House 
• Port Orleans - South bus depot 
• Saratoga Springs - The Springs bus stop 

If you need to get to a water park from one of the main parks, you will need to go to a resort hotel and then board the water park bus.

Walt Disney World theme park ticket price increases are now in effect. The main impact will be to date-based tickets and water parks.

Date-based Theme Park Tickets, Multi-day theme park tickets, Water Park Annual Passes have all seen price changes. For example, a 1 day base ticket between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve (one of the busiest weeks of the year), is now $159. A 4 day base theme park ticket in the summer (with a starting date of July 4), has seen an increase of $9 per day.

Walt Disney World introduced a more flexible ticket model last October, where prices vary by the date a guest chooses to visit. This date-based ticket and pricing model helps to spread attendance throughout the year. Ticket prices are higher during peak periods (i.e. Christmas, summer, spring break), while off-peak periods with less demand are priced lower.

A single day ticket, in the lowest priced date range, remains unchanged at $109.

The water park Annual Pass has increased by $9 from $130 to $139.

Annual Passes for the main parks have not changed pricing.

Standard parking remains unchanged, but preferred parking now has two tiers. In regular season, preferred parking is $45, and peak tier preferred parking is $50 per day. Preferred parking was previously a flat rate of $50.

Disney has released a new backstage look at Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy with actor John Ratzenberger, the voice of Mack in the Cars movies.

When you enter the theater, Mack and Sally Carrera welcome all the rookie racers and test your knowledge of Lightning McQueen as you take your seat and get ready for the show. The show opens March 31, 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Ratzenberger is a legend of Pixar movies, having contributed his voice talents to every Pixar Animation Studios feature film.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

A 2-month-old male Masai giraffe named Jabari has officially joined the giraffe herd at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

According to Disney - Jabari, which means “brave one” in Swahili, is a bold, curious and courageous calf and his name celebrates his spirit. The name was chosen by drivers at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Standing seven feet tall, Jabari has spent the past two months bonding with his mom, Mara, in a backstage habitat. True to his name, Jabari has quickly reached all his key developmental milestones, so on March 12 2019, he was reintroduced to the savanna and his tower – otherwise known as a group of giraffe. Jabari has several special distinctions; he is the first giraffe calf to be born on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and he has a special heart-shaped spot on his neck.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Jaleo at Disney Springs will open on March 17, 2019 in the West Side at Disney Springs.

The restaurant, created by José Andrés, will feature an extensive menu of tapas reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, as well as sangrias and a premier selection of Spanish wines. Highlights include a variety of authentic paellas cooked over a wood-fired paella pit, Spanish specialties like hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork, and signature dishes like Gambas al ajillo, shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili, and Pollo Croquetas, classic Spanish chicken fritters.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

On the restaurant’s front corner adjacent to the Jaleo entrance will be Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick and mortar location of the chef’s wildly popular Spanish food truck, which has been a D.C. fixture for more than six years. Pepe by José Andrés will offer a diverse menu of Spanish sandwiches, or bocatas, both hot and cold, as well as gazpacho and salads to go. The quick-service location will also sell delicious Spanish sangria, complete with sangria ice cubes to prevent any dilution of the drink in the Florida climate.

On the restaurant’s front corner adjacent to the Jaleo entrance will be Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick and mortar location of the chef’s wildly popular Spanish food truck, which has been a D.C. fixture for more than six years. Pepe by José Andrés will offer a diverse menu of Spanish sandwiches, or bocatas, both hot and cold, as well as gazpacho and salads to go. The quick-service location will also sell Spanish sangria, complete with sangria ice cubes to prevent any dilution of the drink in the Florida climate.

Jaleo at Disney Springs will be open for dinner starting March 17, 2019 with lunch service beginning later in the month. Pepe will be open for lunch and dinner beginning March 17, no reservations needed.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

Ears the News: March 8, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Disney's Animal Kingdom debuted new entertainment this past weekend - Bollywood Beats.

The show takes place multiple times each day on a newly built stage just across from UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

Bollywood dancers perform on the stage and in the audience, giving guests a chance to learn a routine during the 15 minute show. 

Video courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch the video on YouTube.

Disney will soon begin allowing more offsite hotels access to Extra Magic Hours and extended FastPass+ booking windows.

The 1000 room Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and 500 room Waldorf Astoria hotels both became part of the Official Walt Disney World Hotel program effective March 1, 2019.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Guests staying at those hotels will be issued vouchers at check-in to give them access to Extra Magic Hours when used alongside their theme park admission.

Within the next two months, guests staying at either hotel with Disney theme Park tickets will also be eligible for the 60 days advanced FastPass+ selections.

These two Bonnet Creek hotels join the seven Disney Springs hotels that were recently added to the offsite 60 day FastPass+ and Extra Magic Hour eligibility.

The Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios will soon be home to Disney Junior's Fancy Nancy.

You’ll be able to find Nancy at an all-new character greeting location in the park’s Animation

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Courtyard, where she’ll be meeting in front of her backyard playhouse. Nancy will also soon be part of breakfast at Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine - joining Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and Roadster Racer Goofy.

Sofia the First will be leaving both the Animation Courtyard and Hollywood & Vine to make way for Fancy Nancy.

The walkway that links Liberty Square to Fantasyland behind Cinderella Castle is planned to be widened to improve guest flow through the area.

By widening the walkway, it will provide a more convenient shortcut from the central hub area to Fantasyland.

During the work, portions of the moat will be drained and refurbished. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger today yesterday that a portion of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World will officially open to guests on August 29, 2019.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be the only attraction open on opening day, with the land's signature Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction to open in a second phase later in 2019. The second phase opening date has yet to be announced.

Disney said that, "In light of tremendous demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular."

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

A reservation will not be offered or required to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Walt Disney World Resort, although capacity will be limited. Additionally, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours.

For those of you with young Star Wars fans, the following will be of critical interest:

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will have a height requirement of 38". 
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will have a height requirement of 40".

FastPass+ will not be offered on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, at least initially.

Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

Ears the News: March 1, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Disney recently released wealth of information regarding the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansions currently underway on both the west and east coast. 

Sadly, official opening dates were not one of the details revealed.

Disneyland in California held an exclusive cast member event last night to reveal costumes for the upcoming Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.

Disney later revealed all of the food and drink available on Batuu as well as the 6 locations were you will be able to get it.

Here is a run-down of all six locations, and a look at the food and drink at each. 

Surprisingly though, the land's table service restaurant that was originally mentioned appears to have not made its way into the final product - at least not for now.  

Oga's Cantina - Oga’s Cantina is a great place for guests to grab a beverage, catch up on the latest gossip while R-3X, formerly the Starspeeder pilot on the original Star Tours, DJ’s a collection of new music.

Run by an intriguing alien proprietor, Oga Garra, this watering hole invites guests to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels. Potations with alcohol include Bespin Fizz, Bloody Rancor, Dagobah Slug Slinger, Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Jet Juice, The Outer Rim, Spriran Caf, T-16 Skyhopper, and Yub Nub; non-alcoholic libations include Black Spire Brew, Blue Bantha, Carbon Freeze, Cliff Dweller, Hyperdrive Punch It!, Jabba Juice, Moogan Tea, and Tarine Tea; and provisions include a Cantina mix. 

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has traveled throughout the galaxy following his longtime gig as the chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on Takodana and brings exotic flavors and unusual dishes to his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.”

Non-alcoholic beverages include the Phattro and Moof Juice.

Photo courtesy of D23.com

While entrées include the Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms; the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy; the Felucian Garden Spread, a plant-based kefta “meatball” dish with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread; the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce; the Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw; the Oven-roasted Burra Fish, featuring Dijon-crusted sustainable fish with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; the Oven-roasted Tip Yip, featuring roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp. Dessert options include a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse, and chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo has two children’s menu options: fried chicken with macaroni and cheese; and chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing). 

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare. When customers line up to order, they will encounter a former smelter droid, carefully turning the spit of meats (and complaining about his job)

Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (blend of sweet, savory and spicy popcorn). 

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Disney also revealed some of the initial merchandise offerings including hand built, custom light sabers.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras. You will find Dok at his desk, checking his inventory, taking calls, and barking orders at his assistants. 

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.

Photo courtesy of D23.com

The Droid Depot is located in the market, inviting patrons to pick parts and pieces off a conveyor belt, then build and customize their astromech droids (R-series or BB-series); the droids are capable of interacting with elements in the land, responding to guests’ behaviors. Additional programming chips and accessories can be added to the droids to further customize their abilities. The Droid Depot will also offer guests pre-built droids, including a C-3PO who has quite a bit to say (especially if you “accidentally” take off his head and put it on backwards!) and a Rex who will happily play whatever music you have on your smartphone through an intergalactic Bluetooth connection. 

First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.

Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.

There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:

• Toydarian Toymaker (toys) 
• Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you) 
• Black Spire Outfitters (clothing) 
• The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure) 

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is the first land designed to integrate with the Play Disney Parks app, which debuted last summer and offers interactive adventures and experiences linked to the surrounding environment.

According to Disney, the app will provide new opportunities to engage with the land, like translating a galactic language, learning what’s hidden inside crates and containers, or accomplishing certain tasks by participating in missions.

Guests also can use the app to interact with a variety of elements, like antenna arrays, door panels, drinking fountains, droids, media screens, and ships. 

Disney also gave us a new look inside Star Wars Rise of the Resistance.

Declared as "one of the most advanced and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering," Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance looks set to break new ground in theme park experiences.

Photo courtesy of D23.com

As new Resistance recruits, guests will join a climactic battle against the First Order, including a run-in with Kylo Ren. Their journey will take them inside a full-size starship and aboard a nearby Star Destroyer.

In a quote to D23, “It’s more than just a ride,” says John Larena, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a cinematic immersive experience.”

Calling it “one of the most complex things we have ever done,” Reardon promises Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is replete with “experiential, jaw-dropping, how-did-they-do-that? moments.” 

Photo courtesy of D23.com

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge will also feature Disney’s newest and most advanced audio animatronic; The A-1000. 

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge represents the pinnacle of Walt Disney Imagineering, and on the planet of Batuu, one of Imagineering's greatest achievements rises to a new level to help bring the stories of Star Wars to life.

At Walt Disney Word, we first saw a new generation of Audio-Animatronic figures emerge in Frozen Ever After at Epcot and Na'vi River Journey in Pandora - The World of Avatar. The old hydraulic motors that had powered animatronic figures including the A-100 class for decades made way for new electric motors that are far more precise, fluid and quicker moving than their predecessor. The Shaman of Songs in Pandora will perhaps remain the most complicated figure ever made by Disney, but the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge figures will be right up there. 

Video courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

With Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, the A-1000 class of animatronic powers all of the major Audio-Animatronic characters. In this clip below, you can see the more than 6ft tall Hondo Ohnaka, who is part the Smugglers Run Millennium Falcon ride. And at Rise of the Resistance, Nien Nunb is the pilot on your ride aboard a transport ship.

Animatronic figure won't just be part of the rides - you will also find them in Oga's canteen, where captain Rex from Star Tours is now the DJ.

At Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities, you will find Dok at his desk, checking his inventory, taking calls, and barking orders at his assistants.

And expect to see figures in more surprising places, like the droid shop and walk-around characters.

In other non-Star Wars related news; Legends of Hollywood at Disney's Hollywood Studios is closing on March 1, 2019 for refurbishment.

The store, located on the corner of Sunset Blvd., will be remodeled and extended into the former Planet Hollywood Super Store space. Planet Hollywood Super Store permanently closed earlier this month, although Planet Hollywood merchandise continues to be available at Disney Springs.

The expanded Legends of Hollywood store is expected to reopen in the summer of 2019.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is expanding its presence at Walt Disney World this year, with the addition of a new boutique at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, and the expansion of the Magic Kingdom location.

The new boutique at Disney's Grand Floridian resort will be located inside what is currently the Ivy Trellis Salon, which will relocate into Senses – A Disney Spa.

At the Magic Kingdom, work will begin this spring to expand the location, adding more chairs, a very special magic mirror, and a transformation experience that will help guests choose the perfect outfits and accessories. The Magic Kingdom location will remain open during these enhancements and existing reservations will not be affected.

Something Silver on the West Side at Disney Springs is set to close in the near future.

The store, which opened in late 2011, sells jewelry and gifts. Its sister location Sublime, a kiosk located just outside Paddlefish in The Landing, closed yesterday.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

Ears the News: February 22, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Disney After Hours events appear to be having a surge in popularity, with two nights having recently sold out during this holiday weekend.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

The event gives you access to the park for three hours after regular park hours, which means nearly no wait for attractions, and you can enter the park early – at 7pm on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

Magic Kingdom Park

Event nights will run on: Nov. 26; and Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019.

Tickets are currently available for Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park at DisneyWorld.com/DisneyAfterHours.

Disney's Hollywood Studios 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Attractions available include Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror . Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night. Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Attractions available include the Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

'Service Your Way' was introduced late last year at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and it can save you $10 a night, if you are prepared to lose housekeeping service.

Here is how it works:

• At check-in, you can decline housekeeping services, and in exchange receive a $10 per night credit. Opting out of housekeeping means your room will not be cleaned and beds will not be made. 

  

  Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

• It isn't possible to choose t which nights of your stay to opt out of - it is all or nothing.
• Resorts where 'Service Your Way' is available include: Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Cabins), Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• Housekeeping for the last night of your stay cannot be declined.
• If you are staying in a dog-friendly room at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort or Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground you cannot take part.
• If you decline housekeeping, you can still dial housekeeping on the room phone to request fresh towels, garbage removal and toiletry items.
• Daily visual room inspections will still be carried out even if you have opted out of Housekeeping.
• Your Disney Gift Card will be sent to the email address provided at check-in, and is usually received within a few hours of check-in. 

Note that 'Service Your Way' may not be offered at all times, so check with the front desk at check-in if you want to take part in the program.

Even more changes are coming to Epcot.

To showcase these changes, Epcot will open a new Experience Center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion later this year.

According to Disney, "They will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of the park all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation."

“Epcot is beloved for its focus on imagination, innovation, fun, food and family,” said Kalogridis. “It’s a timeless place where the real is made fantastic through the magic of Disney. It has a very bright future ahead and the best part is that we’ve only just begun to dream.”

Disney has announced that a new Play Pavilion will be coming to Epcot's Future World in the former home of Wonders of Life. 

Concept Art courtesy of Disney

This new space will be devoted to playful fun and feature an innovative city that’ll come to life under the dome of the un-named pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life. The pavilion’s city will be bursting with interactive experiences, your favorite Disney characters, hands-on activities and engaging entertainment when it opens just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”

Epcot’s main entrance will be getting a makeover as well. The plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain.

This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. As part of this new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will move into a new setting just outside the park’s gateway. While the photos will be staying, the granite columns will not be part of the new display.

Concept Art courtesy of Disney

“Epcot has always been, and always will be, an optimistic celebration of the real world that is brought to life through the magic of Disney,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. “The exciting plans we have on the horizon will honor Epcot’s rich legacy of creativity and innovation while continuing to exceed the expectations of our guests for decades to come.”

Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Promenade. Disney has said that more details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.

Work is planned to begin on the new entrance Spring 2019, with construction taking place in phases.

Epcot will open a new Experience Center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion later this year to showcase the upcoming changes to Epcot.

According to Disney, "They will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of the park all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation."

“Epcot is beloved for its focus on imagination, innovation, fun, food and family,” said Kalogridis. “It’s a timeless place where the real is made fantastic through the magic of Disney. It has a very bright future ahead and the best part is that we’ve only just begun to dream.”

Walt Disney World has introduced updates to its FastPass+ service aimed at reducing abuse of the service.

If a FastPass+ reservation is made in a timeframe that is dependent on a resort reservation, and that resort reservation is cancelled, so is the FastPass+.

Some guests have been abusing the system by making a resort reservation, then making FastPass+ reservations using the resort guest 60 day pre-arrival window, and then cancelling the resort reservation. This will no longer be possible.

If you do have FastPass+ selections that are dependent on a resort reservation and you cancel, you will have a 2 day grace period to create another booking to retain those FastPass+ selections.

Another change effective this week limits resort hotel guests using the 60 day pre arrival booking window to a FastPass+ period as long as their resort stay. If you have a ticket longer than your resort stay, you will need to wait until the 30 day pre arrival booking window to make additional FastPass+ reservations. With a 14 day ticket being the longest available and using a 60 day pre arrival booking window, this puts the maximum FastPass+ window at 74 days out. Exceptions to this are guests taking part in the chargeable Theme Park Extra plan, which has a 90 day pre arrival booking window.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

Ears the News: February 15, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

The 2019 Garden Rocks Concert Series gets underway in just over a month, part of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

The performer line-up is now complete with the addition of Peabo Bryson and Eddie Palmieri, so here is an updated list of the acts you'll find at the festival this year.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

• March 6-8: Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI (NEW) “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” 
• March 9-10: Glass Tiger (New to Garden Rocks) “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” 
• March 11-12: Jon Anderson of YES (NEW) “Owner of A Lonely Heart” 
• March 13-14: Tony Orlando “Knock Three Times” 
• March 17-20: Simple Plan “Perfect” 
• March 21-22: Ambrosia (NEW) “Biggest Part of Me” 
• March 23-24: Magic Giant (NEW) “Set on Fire” 
• March 25-27: Air Supply (New to Garden Rocks) “All Out of Love” 
• March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away” 
• March 30-31: The Smithereens (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Top of the Pops” 
• April 1-2: Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl” 
• April 3-4: Christopher Cross (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Sailing” 
• April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You” 
• April 8-9: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away” 
• April 10-11: John Michael Montgomery (NEW) “I Love the Way You Love Me” 
• April 12-13: Sister Sledge (NEW to Garden Rocks) “We Are Family” 
• April 14-16: Night Ranger “Sister Christian” 
• April 17-19: Sister Hazel (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All For You” 
• April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman (NEW) “Cinderella” 
• April 22-23: TobyMac (NEW) “The Elements” 
• April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed” 
• April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman” 
• May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am” 
• May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California” 
• May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls (NEW) “I Ran (So Far Away)” 
• May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Heard It in a Love Song” 
• May 12-13: Peabo Bryson 
• May 14-15: Richard Marx (New to Garden Rocks) “Right Here Waiting” 
• May 16- 19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City” 
• May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?” 
• May 22-23: War (NEW) “Why Can’t We Be Friends” 
• May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman” 
• May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day” 
• May 30- June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel” 
• June 2-June 3: Eddie Palmieri - NEW! 

Garden Rocks concert performances take place at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. each night of the festival and are included in regular park admission. Guaranteed concert seating can is available by reserving a Garden Rocks Dining Package at select Epcot restaurants.

Carnevale, the traditional Italian winter festival is returning to Maria & Enzo's later this month.

Famous in Venice and known as Mardi Gras outside of Italy, Carnevale is a spectacle of glamorous

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

costumes, culinary delicacies, and riotous celebration. February 22 through March 5 2019, guests who visit Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs will get a front-row seat to nightly live entertainment including singers, stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, face painters and folkdancers, while indulging in the restaurant’s signature Italian cuisine.

Visit mariaandenzos.com or call (407) 560-8466 for reservations and more information.

The former Little Missmatched location at Disney Springs Marketplace is now serving as another pop-up art location.

'The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group' showcases classic watercolor caricatures, digital caricatures, hand-drawn names and an artistic marbling experience.

Epcot's Mexico Pavilion will debut a new musical show this spring, as Mariachi Cobre Present the Story of 'Coco.'

Mariachi Cobre will be joined by a pair of Folklórico dancers to tell the tale of Miguel Rivera, his love of music, and his journey to find what matters most – his familia. The dancers perform to the music of the film, pulling everyone into the celebration, and Miguel himself appears in the form of a whimsical, hand-crafted puppet.

Disney has said that the new show will be performed in addition to the existing performances of traditional Mariachi music by the group.

The new 'Coco' show begins March 6, 2019.

This will be the second time that the Mexico Pavilion has performed a show to Coco, with the last taking place in 2017 as part of Holidays Around the World.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station in the Magic Kingdom's Storybook Circus will be closing for refurbishment next week.

The refurbishment begins February 11 with a planned reopening on March 25, 2019.

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios is closing for maintenance later this month.

The closure begins on February 24 and will reopen to guests on March 10, 2019.

Disney Minnie Van Service to Orlando International Airport is now operating longer hours, with airport transportation now available from 7am to midnight, up from the original 7am to 10pm.

Pricing has also risen by $5 to $155 per vehicle, one way, excluding tax. The service accommodates 6 guests and 6 pieces of luggage.

You can schedule drop-off and pick-up by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

"Kevin," from Disney•Pixar's "Up!," has made her first appearance at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The character from the movie "Up!" will begin appearances with guests this week on Discovery Island. Until then, check out this fairs look at Kevin at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Video courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Disney has filed plans for improvements to the security screening area on the walkway between the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Plans show a proposed shade structure in the location of the existing tent that currently houses the security checkpoint. Along with a more permanent structure, the area also offers more space as it expands into existing landscaping area.

Disney is currently undertaking a property-wide initiative to improve the arrival experience for guests at the theme parks, with a focus on streaming the security screening.

Many of the existing security screening points were very quickly added in 2017 in response to moving the Magic Kingdom's security screening to the TTC. Work is well underway on major changes to the Disney's Hollywood Studios arrival experience, and now it appears work will begin on the smaller areas such as resort checkpoints.

Permits have also been filed for the construction of a Hampton Inn and Suites at Flamingo Crossing, just across from the existing Marriott hotels.

Located just off State Road 429 and near to the Western Way entrance to Walt Disney World, Disney

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

rebooted its 10 year old Flamingo Crossing development last year, with an announcement of new plans to bring 29 retail and restaurant buildings across 45 acres, to be developed in three phases.

Five additional value hotels will ultimately be built, including other Marriott and Hilton properties. The first two hotels by Marriott at Flamingo Crossings opened in 2016, and are the only businesses currently operating in Flamingo Crossings.

Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast animated feature, will be meeting guests this week at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

With the purchase of a piece of her artwork, you can meet Paige on February 14 - 18 from 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm at the Fine Art by Collectors Editions Festival Market located between France and Morocco.

Epcot's Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope meet and greet has today moved from the former Innoventions West to the Imagination pavilion.

Located inside the ImageWorks area at the exit of the Journey into Imagination ride, you can meet both Ralph and Vanellope daily from 9am to 7pm.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be undergoing a refurbishment that will reduce its operating capacity for much of this year.

Taking place throughout the spring and summer of 2019, the planned refurbishment will carried out

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

in phases, allowing the hugely popular attraction to remain open during the work.

Work will be performed on one side of the attraction, leaving the other side fully operational. As a result of the work however, the number of FastPass+ allocations will be greatly reduced.

The 2019 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is less than a month away and we now have the complete run-down of all the menus at the World Showcase Outdoor Kitchens.

The 2019 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will take place from March 6 to June 3 2019. New Outdoor Kitchen's for this year include the Trowel & Trellis, The Citrus Blossom, Flavor Full Kitchen and Arbor at The Gardeners Terrace.

Click here to view our post on the full Festival menus. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

BREAKING NEWS!!! 2019 Epcot International Flower and Garden Outdoor Kitchen Menus!

Hey Howdy Hey, Disney Fans!!!

     Well, the weather is starting to warm back up here in Orlando, the birds are chirping and the flowers are in bloom.... it must be almost time for the Flower and Garden Festival! And I'm here with some exciting news today: The menus for this year's Outdoor Kitchens are out! If you're not familiar, every spring, Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival blooms to life around the park. As part of this amazingly beautiful and fragrant outdoor festival, guests will find booths all around World Showcase featuring farm-fresh cuisine (a la Food and Wine Festival). This year's Festival runs from March 6th- June 3rd and it looks like 2019 will be tastier than ever, with many favorite dishes returning and lots of brand new eats to try out. Let's take a look at the booth menus! (For more info on Festival details, including the schedule for the Garden Rocks Concert Series, check out my previous post HERE!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(GF) = Gluten/Wheat Friendly

(KA) = Kid Approved

(V) = Vegetarian

NEW! Arbor at The Gardener's Terrace

Food

- NEW! Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab Fennel Salad, Remoulade and Smoked Paprika Oil

- NEW! Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar and Focaccia Crostino

- NEW! Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake, served with Apple Cider Sorbet (V) (GF) (KA)

Beverages

- NEW! Original Sin Brewery, Black Widow Hard Cider

- NEW! Florida Beer Company Caribe Strawberry Rose Hard Cider

- NEW! 3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider

- NEW! Karbach Brewing Lemon and Ginger Radler

- NEW! Seadog Brewing Company Sunfish Ale

- NEW! Shipyard Brewing Company Grind the Rind Watermelon IPA

- NEW! Cider Flight

- NEW! Beer Flight

NEW! Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted By AdventHealth

Food

- NEW! Citrus-Poached Salmon with Ancient Grains Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Citrus Greens (GF)

- NEW! From The Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese and Micro Herbs with Lemon-Oil Dressing (GF) (V)

- NEW! Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls (V) (KA)

Beverages

- NEW! Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non-alcoholic)

- NEW! Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic) (KA)

Bauernmarkt: Farmer's Market

Germany

Food

- Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (V) (KA)
- Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions and Herb Sour Cream

- Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese (KA)
- Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries (KA)

Beverages

- NEW! Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone 

- Paulaner Original Munich Lager
- Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager

- Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower and Mint
- Beer Flight

NEW! The Citrus Blossom

Food

- NEW! Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
- NEW! Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado and Pappadam Crisp

- NEW! Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aioli and Baby Greens (GF) (KA)
- NEW! Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream and Citrus Crumble

Beverages

- NEW! Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (KA)

- NEW! Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale

- NEW! First Magnitude Brewing lemon Hefeweizen

- NEW! Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA

- NEW! Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy

- NEW! Beer Flight

Fleur de Lys 

France

Food

- NEW! Vichyssoise aux Concombres: Chilled Cucumber Soup (GF)

- NEW! Tarte au Chevre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (V)
- NEW! Canard Confit a la Provencal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta
- Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop (GF)

Beverages

- La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice

- NEW! Kir Framboise: Sparkling Wine and Monin Raspberry
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Maison de France
- Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

Florida Fresh

Between France and Morocco

Food

- Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
- Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Stone-ground Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
- Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue (KA)

Beverages

- Florida Orange Groves Winery Key Lime Sparkling Wine

- NEW! Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale
- Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat
- First Magnitude Brewing Co. Monarch Milk Stout
- Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
- Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (Non-alcoholic)

- Beer Flight

Hanami

Japan

Food

- Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce (V) (KA)

- NEW! Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Pan-Seared Tuna and Wasabi Dressing

- NEW! Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and Topped with a Soy and Vinegar Dressing (KA)

Beverages

- NEW! Kirin Draft Beer

- NEW! Sayuri "Little Lilly" Nigori Sake

- NEW! "Ichigo Sun" Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry Puree and Lemonade

Jardin de Fiestas

Mexico

Food

- NEW! Tlacoyo: Blue Corn Masa Topped with Black Bean Spread, Ground Chorizo, Queso fresco,  and Mexican Cream

- NEW! Beef Torta: Braised Beef served on a Crispy Sourdough Roll with Queso Oaxaca, Avocado, Pickled Onions, and Jalapenos in a Spicy Habanero Sauce 

- NEW! Tes Leches: Milk Soaked Sponge Cake topped with Cajeta Whipped Cream and Almond Powder

Beverages

- NEW! Cerveza: Allende Golden Ale Craft Beer served with a Liqueur Floater

- NEW! Damiana Flower Margarita: Damiana Flower Liqueur, Blanco Tequila, Agave Nectar and Citrus Juices, served on the rocks with a Black Any Salt Rim

- NEW! Oaxacan Gin and Tonic: Smokey Gin, Black Currant Liqueur, Vermouth, Lime Juice and Tonic Water
- NEW! Rose Sangria: Withers Rose Wine, Tequila Blanco, Elderflower and Ginger Liqueur, Pineapple, Cactus Pear and Ginger Juices

La Isla Fresca

World Showcase Plaza (Caribbean Themed)

Food
- Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
- Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce
- Tropical Mousse Cake: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple

Beverages
- Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale
- Tropical Freeze with Cruzan Mango Rum
- Tropical Freeze (Non-alcoholic) (KA)

Lotus House

China

Food

- NEW! Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice

- NEW! House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
- Vegetable Spring Rolls (V) (KA)

Beverages

- NEW! "Panda" Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (Non-alcoholic)

- NEW! Jasmine Draft Beer

- NEW! Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup and Pina Colada Mix
- Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice
- Plum Wine Cooler

Northern Bloom

Canada

Food

- Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF)

- Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables (KA)
- Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato (KA)

Beverages

- Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whisky
- Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic) (KA)
- NEW! Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Belgian White Ale
- NEW! Unibroue Lune de Miel Amber Ale
- NEW! Unibroue Éphémère Apple Wheat Ale
- Beer Flight

Pineapple Promenade

World Showcase Plaza

Food

- Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
- Pineapple Soft-Serve (V) (KA)

Beverages

- Coastal Empire Beer Co. Coco Piña Gose
- Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat
- SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple
- Pineapple Beer Flight
- Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
- Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
- Pineapple Soft-serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
- Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic) (KA)
- Pineapple Soft-serve with Fanta (Non-alcoholic) (KA)

Primavera Kitchen

Italy

Food

- NEW! Pizza Toscana: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onions, Mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan Cheeses (KA)

- NEW! Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Balsamic Reduction

- NEW! Tri-Colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter and Chicken Veloute (KA)

- NEW! Zeppoles: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce and Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle (KA)

Beverages

- NEW! Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner

- Placido Pinot Grigio
- Placido Chianti
- Villa Sandi Prosecco
- Montegrande Corbinello

- Fior d'Arancio Montegrande Moscato
- Bellini: Sparking Wine and Peach Purée
- Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
- Moretti La Rossa

Taste of Marrakesh

Morocco

Food

- Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad

- Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley and Chili Ranch Sauce

- Walnut Honey Baklava

Beverages

- Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
- White Sangria
- Casa Beer

- NEW! Larroque Chardonnay

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews

American Adventure

Food

- Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw (KA)

- NEW! Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato Chorizo Fondue and Green Tomato Relish
- Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue and House-made Pickle
- Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (V)

Beverage

- Simply Frozen Lemonade (non-alcoholic) (KA)

- Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale
- 3 Daughters Brewing Phantasmas Spicy Double IPA
- Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout

- Boneshaker Zinfandel
- Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine

- Beer Flight

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted By The National Honey Board

World Showcase Plaza 

Food

- Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Puree, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey Blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle and Coriander Flowers (GF) (V)

- Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream and Micro Citrus Greens

- Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and Petite Lavender Shoots (V) (KA)

Beverages

- Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
- NEW! Goodwood Brewing Company Brandy Barrel Honey Ale
- Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
- Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (Non-alcoholic)

NEW! Trowel and Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods

Food

- NEW! Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (V) (KA) (GF)

- NEW! Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables and Creamy Herb Dressing (V)

- NEW! Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumb, Pomegranate and Baby Herbs (GF) (V)

Beverages

- NEW! suja Organic Cold-Pressed Juice: Noon Greens (non-alcoholic)

- NEW! suja Organic Cold-Pressed Juice: Vibrant Probiotic (non-alcoholic)

- NEW Bloomin' Blueberry Lemon Ginger Tea (non-alcoholic)

- NEW! Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale 

- NEW Bloomin' Blueberry Lemon Ginger Tea with Tito's Hand-made Vodka served in a Mason Jar

Specialty Coffee Carts Hosted by Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company 

Various Locations

Beverages

- NEW! Pedal to the Meadow: Frozen Cappuccino topped with Vodka and Kaluha

- NEW! Cold Clover: Cold Brew Coffee with Irish Cream Syrup and topped with Bailey's Irish Cream

- NEW! Goose on the Loose: Frozen Passion Fruit  and Le Citron Vodka and topped with Iced Tea

- NEW! Bee's Buzz: Frozen Lemonade and Coconut Syrup topped with Pineapple Rum

Additional Locations

Funnel Cake

- NEW! Key Lime Funnel Cake topped with Crumbled Graham Crackers and Whipped Cream

Block and Hans

- NEW! Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale

- NEW! Short's Brewing Company Locals Light Lager

- NEW! Dogfish Head Brewery American Beauty Pale Ale 

- NEW! Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA

- NEW! Golden Road Brewing Pineapple Cart Wheat Ale

- NEW! 3 Daughters Brewing Hard Rose Cider

- Beef Flight

Taste Track

- NEW! Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Donut

- Berry Tea Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)

- Berry Tea Mint Julep with Bourbon

Refreshment Port

- NEW! Coffee-Rubbed Pork Poutine with BBQ Demi-Glace, Fire-Roasted Corn Relish and Cheese Curds

- Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Absolut Vodka garnished with Pimento-Stuffed Olives, Cheery Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp and Smokehouse Jerky

Fife and Drum Tavern

- Short's Brewing Company Soft Parade Shandy

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    Oh my goodness, I am SO excited! Sounds like an AMAZING year! I'm so excited to try all the new booths! How about you? What looks best to you? What are you going to try first?

     Oh, wait... Are you not booked to visit this year's Flower and Garden Festival yet? Well, why not? Reach out to the fine folks at Kingdom Konsultant Travel TODAY and they'll get you a free quote for a magical springtime getaway!


     Until next time, kiddos, have a magical week!!!

                                                 - Jenn