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Ears the News with Richard

The second phase of the newly expanded Magic Kingdom bus area is now in operation giving direct service to other theme parks. Starting 12/15/2013, the stops for Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom have relocated from the TTC to the new Magic Kingdom stops. You will find the Studios at stops 4 and 5, Animal Kingdom at stop 6 and Epcot at stop 9.

Part of Creature Comforts at Disney's Animal Kingdom will open as a MyMagic+ service center on 12/17/2013. Staffed by Guest Relations, service centers are located in all parks and provide guests with assistance and support in using MyMagic+ and all related services. The store, located on Discovery Island just before the entrance to Africa, will continue to sell merchandise along with operating as the service center.

The Refreshment Port in Epcot's World Showcase is now offering a Disney version of the famous 'Cronut.' Priced at $4.49 (and a snack on the Disney Dining Plan), you can get them now, and they are not just here for the holidays - expect them to be a permanent menu addition. 
"It’s sweet, it’s warm, it’s deep fried and topped with cinnamon and sugar," says Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann. "Simply delicious."
The Cronut is a croissant-doughnut pastry attributed to chef Dominique Ansel for Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City and became famous due to frequent sell outs and being sold for up to $100 each on the black market.

Earlier this week Epcot carried out a small scale test of FastPass+ with non-Walt Disney World Resort guests. A small number of guests were recruited at the turnstiles to use MyMagic+ complete with FastPass+ access via kiosks and the My Disney Experience apps. 
Currently all Walt Disney World hotel guests are eligible to use FastPass+, but off-site guests do not have access.

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
The official Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins will be joining Disney Jr Play n' Dine at the Hollywood and Vine in early 2014.


Look for the characters to begin appearances from January 26 2014 at the Hollywood Studios buffet restaurant. Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins will continue to be joined by Handy Manny and Jake from 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates.' 


Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Existing characters June and Agent Oso will be leaving the restaurant.

Food Trucks are heading to the Streets of America this holiday season at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Look out for food trucks to be on the Streets of America at the back of the park from December 24 2013 to 1/4/2014, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It is expected that Disney will be deploying the trucks currently stationed at Downtown Disney West Side for this additional capacity offering.
Here is a link to the menus on WDWMagic.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/west-side-food-trucks/menus/09dec2013-west-side-food-trucks-menus.htm

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