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Ears the News with Richard


Disney has announced the visiting HGTV stars for this year's International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.

9/28/2012- 9/30/2012– “Design Star” Season 7 Winner (To be announced July 25)
10/5/2012-10/7/2012 – Casey Noble – “Design on a Dime”
10/12/2012-10/14/2012 – Alison Victoria – DIY Network’s “Kitchen Crashers”
10/19/2012-10/21/2012 – Brian Patrick Flynn – HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor
10/26/2012-10/28/2012 – Meg Caswell – “Meg’s Great Rooms”
11/2/2012-11/4/2012 – Marianne Canada – HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor
11/9/2012-11/12/2012 – Emily Henderson – “Secrets From a Stylist”


Image from WDW Magic
The expanded bakery in the France Pavilion is expected to open in late December 2012.  The new bakery will be named Boulangerie Pâtisserie Des Halles, and is expected to feature an expanded menu and more seating.

Disney parks merchandise released a new line of Disney smell inspired air fresheners. Candy Apple, Mickey Waffle, Turkey Leg, and a Mickey Bar are new air fresheners coming soon to Disney Parks merchandise locations.  Pricing and release dates are still unknown.  


Image from WDW Magic

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is to carry out a number of refurbishments this year which will impact food, shopping and the main pool.  The following dates are not yet officially confirmed by Disney, but notifications have been sent out to guests with reservations.  All dates are subject to change.

Pool
The main courtyard pool will be closing 8/24/2012 and reopening in December 2012.  During this time the pool will be rebuilt to include a zero-entry configuration.  The beach pool will remain open during the work.

Dining
The following restaurants will be closed for refurbishment:

Narcoossee's – 7/9/2012 to 7/22/2012
Citricos – 6/23/2012 to 8/4/2012
Beach Pool Bar - Currently closed through 8/24/2012
Mizner's Lounge – 7/9/2012 to 7/14/2012
Gasparilla Grill quick service – 8/24/2012 to December 2012

During the closure of the quick service Gasparilla Grill, guests will be able to use the newly refurbished Beach Pool Bar and Mizner's Lounge for food.

Photo from the Disney Parks Blog
The 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' playground is scheduled to be closing for a short spit and polish. It will close on 9/10/2012 and reopen on 9/15/2012

Due to an overwhelming demand Disney will be expanding their line of ear hat ornaments. There will be approximately 40 new ornaments available in all of the Disney parks in the near future. The new designs will include hats inspired by villains, princesses, and both classic and Pixar characters.






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