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Ears the News with Richard

"It's a small world" is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment form 12/2/2013 to 12/12/2013.

Disney has today confirmed that the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort will be reopening on 9/9/2013 after its near six month major refurbishment.

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Reservations can be made starting 8/26/2013 at www.disneyworld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (3463). Along with the newly remodeled interior, a revised menu will be offered, retaining many favorites but adding some new flavors. The popular flatbreads are back, but Chef Brian Piasecki is also using the wood-burning oven for creations such as baked local prawns with charred lemon and savory meatballs with herbed orzo. Other menu items include Pork Two Ways - grilled tenderloin and lacquered pork belly with goat cheese polenta and mushrooms, and oak-fired filet of beef returns with heirloom tomato risotto, marinated baby vine tomatoes and basil. The sushi bar expands with a new omakase menu – 12 courses of pristine seafood.

Changes to the restaurant include Mary Blair artwork, a new wine display in the lobby, two new 10 seater communal tables, and outdoor fireworks viewing on two decks, one on the south, and one on the north.

ID requirements for purchasing alcohol at Walt Disney World have been changing over the past couple of months leaving some visitors confused as to exactly what will be accepted. 
We have been tracking down the latest on this and now have an updated list of which IDs will be accepted at Walt Disney World. Most significantly, copies of passports when presented with government issued photo ID are now accepted, which is great for overseas visitors who do not wish to carry their Passport with them into the parks. 
Here is the full list of valid IDs:

  • US State drivers license
  • US Military ID
  • Original Passport (not a copy)
  • Copy of a Passport along with a government issued photo ID that includes date of birth
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Disney Legend Marty Sklar will be appearing at Walt Disney World in September launching his new book 'Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.'

Fans have two opportunities to meet Marty, first at The Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on 9/11/2013 from 9:30am to 11:00 am, and then on 9/12/2013 from 11:00am to 12:30pm in the Art of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Soft drinks and other beverages have increased in price from today as Walt Disney World revises its quick service menus and pricing.

Soft drinks that were typically $2.59 and $2.99 for regular and large have now increased to $2.69 and $3.19 respectively. Healthier alternatives have not escaped a price increase, with orange juice increasing from $3.59 to $3.79, and coffee and tea moving up from $2.19 to $2.29. Bottled water has remained at $2.50 for the Dasani brand.

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