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Ears the News with Richard



If you are booking the Wishes Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom, be aware that a new reservation timing policy is now in place.
At the time of booking, guests are now given a 6:00 PM reservation time, regardless of when the actual Wishes fireworks show will take place. The Dessert Party itself begins 1 hour before the performance of Wishes that night.
At the time of reservation, agents are advising guests to call two weeks before their reservation to confirm the Wishes performance time and the opening of Dessert Party.



The Fantasia Gardens mini golf Gardens course will be closing for a staggered refurbishment over the next couple of weeks.
The Gardens course will be closed from July 22 to 25, July 28 to August 1 and August 4 to 8 2014. The Fairways course will not be closing and will remain open as normal


The Yankee Trader refurbishment that was scheduled to begin on July 7 has been pushed back a couple of weeks.
The refurbishment, that is expected to transform the Liberty Square shop into a dedicated Haunted Mansion gift shop and on-ride photo pickup, will now begin on July 28, running through to September 30 2014.

 Military Discount
At Walt Disney World Resort – from Aug. 25, 2014, through Sept. 30, 2015, active and retired U.S.
military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
     Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $177 each, plus tax
     Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $177 each, plus tax
     Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $207 each, plus tax
Walt Disney World tickets may be used Sept. 28, 2014, through Oct. 3, 2015, except that the tickets may not be used Dec. 22, 2014 through Jan. 2, 2015 and Mar. 29 through April 9, 2015.
At the Disneyland Resort – from Aug. 25, 2014, through Oct. 1, 2015, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
     Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $132 each
Disneyland tickets may be used Sept. 28, 2014, through Oct. 3, 2015, except that the tickets may not be used Dec. 25, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015 and Mar. 29 through April 9, 2015.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Oct. 3, 2015.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels.* This offer is valid for stays most nights from Sept. 28, 2014, through Oct. 3, 2015, except for:
Nov. 27 – Nov. 29, 2014
Dec. 24 – Dec. 31, 2014
Mar. 30 – April 4, 2015
For information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at the Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407-939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. For information regarding Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort, or to make room reservations at the Disneyland Resort, military personnel may call 714-520-7088 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Information is also available at disneymilitaryoffers.com.

Offer Details:

     Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These
     Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
     “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.
     The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
     Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
     Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible
     Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options expire and may not be used after Oct. 3, 2015. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
     Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort expire and may not be used after Oct. 3, 2015. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
     No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
     Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days




VILLAINS UNLEASHED
The official Disney Parks Blog has released some more specific information about the entertainment line-up for the hard ticket event, 'Villains Unleashed.'
Taking place on August 23 2014 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, tickets still remain on sale. Pricing is $67 for adults, and $62 for children plus tax.
Here is the full rundown of 'Villains Unleashed' entertainment.

Hades Hang out

The party kicks off at 8 p.m. at the main event stage, where hosts Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic are killing ‘em with comedy. They’re joined throughout the night by the Underworld Dancers, DJ Igg Nite, live music from Bernie Briquette and Brimstone, and a rogues gallery of roaming rottens, from the Queen of Hearts and Sheriff of Nottingham to the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.

Villains Dominion

For this one special night, the Streets of America area of the park will be swarming with baddies. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet favorites like Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier and Gaston, along with more rarely seen baddies such as Shan Yu from “Mulan,” Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons,” or Captain Gantu and Dr. Hämsterviel from “Lilo & Stitch: The Series.” In addition to these dedicated villain encounters, you may spot even more wandering evildoers in the area. Look for Judge Claude Frollo, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, and more!

The Dark Side

During “Villains Unleashed,” the area around Star Tours – The Adventures Continue becomes a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the place to find nefarious bounty hunter Boba Fett, Sith apprentice Darth Maul, and the ultimate villain – Darth Vader! And that’s not all! Wandering the area, you’ll stumble upon more malcontents from that galaxy far, far away: Zam Wessel, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Jango Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and others.

Villainous Encounters

Visit Stage 4 (where The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction is seen during the day), and you can “Parlay” with the one and only Hector Barbossa. And just around the corner in the Animation Courtyard is where you’ll discover a bit of the Moors, where you can have an audience with the mistress of all evil, Maleficent!
Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog

Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse Show

Over on Sunset Boulevard, Theater of the Stars presents a production of extreme performances, hosted by the original master of scare-monies, Oogie Boogie. It’s an all-new show that’s sure to thrill!

Fantasmic!

Strolling up Sunset Boulevard, a gang of villainous henchmen, known as the Night Crawlers, tempt you to join them for a special pre-show to the evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, itself a celebration of the power and intrigue of some of the greatest Disney villains.

“Villainy in the Sky” Fireworks

Ultimately, Hades summons Maleficent to the main event stage to close things out with a devilishly dazzling display of pyrotechnics!

The new Yeti parking section of Disney's Animal Kingdom parking lot is now under construction.
The new lot is being built in the far back corner of the existing Animal Kingdom parking lot, on an area that was previously grass. Additional parking is being added ahead of a number of new additions to the theme park, including the new AVATAR land opening in 2017, and the new nighttime spectacular, opening in March 2016.

The expansion of Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom is now underway.
As part of the work, the tip board has been removed, and an area beside the Outfitters gift shop has been cleared of trees. The Disney Outfitters store will be expanded into some of the space, and a new animal exhibit will be built. The cotton-top tamarins are expected to move into this new habitat once complete.



Disney has  released the full menu line-up for the 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Marketplace kiosks.
The festival runs from September 19 to November 10 2014.

Africa
     Beef tenderloin tips berbere style with okra, jalapeños, tomato and pap
     South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)
     MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc
     Fairview Pinotage
     The Wolftrap Red: Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier

Australia

     Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini (gluten free)
     Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies (gluten free)
     Pavlova: Crispy meringue shell with fresh berries and vanilla custard
     Coopers Brewery, Original Pale Ale
     Chateau Tanuda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling
     St. Kilda Chardonnay
     Nine Stones Shiraz

Belgium

     Potato and leek waffle with beer-braised beef
     Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream
     Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream
     Hoegaarden
     Stella Artois
     Leffe Blonde
     Stella Artois Cidre
     Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
     Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois Cidre

Brazil

     Mocequa de pescado: Regal Springs premium tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice (gluten free)
     Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
     Pao de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
     Cocada: Brazilian coconut candy
     Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
     Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine
     Tannat Reserve
     Frozen Caipirinha

Brewer's Collection

     Radeberger Pilsner
     BraufactuM Colonia
     BraufactuM Palor
     Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
     Altenmünster Oktoberfest
     BraufactuM Roog
     BraufactuM Darkon
     BraufactuM Progusta IPA
     Beer flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Colonia, BraufactuM Palor and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
     Beer flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Altenmünster Oktoberfest, BraufactuM Roog, BraufactuM Darkon and BraufactuM Progusta IPA

Canada

     Canadian cheddar cheese soup
     Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee and maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free)
     “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce (gluten free)
     Moosehead Lager
     La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine
     La Face Neige Sparkling
     Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

China

     Beijing roasted duck in steamed bun with hoisin sauce
     Mongolian beef in a steamed bun with chili mayo
     Black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles
     Chicken potstickers
     TSINGTAO Beer
     Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
     Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
     Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec
     Happy Lychee with tequila and vodka
     Mango green tea with popping bubbles

Craft Beers

     Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis® – Chico, CA
     Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale – Milton, DE
     Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale – Shiner, TX
     Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze – Abita Springs, LA
     Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale – Chicago, IL
     Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils – Cape Canaveral, FL
     Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL – South Burlington, VT
     Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale – Athens, GA
     Beer Flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale; Shiner Brewery, Wild
     Hare Pale Ale; and Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze
     Beer Flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale; Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils; Magic Hat
     Brewery, Dream Machine IPL; and Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale

Desserts and Champagne

     Dessert Trio: Passion fruit coconut creamsicle, blueberry lime cheesecake roll and chocolate espresso opera cake
     Guylian Belgian chocolate seashell truffles
     Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé*
     Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial
     Ruinart Blanc de Blanc
     Dom Pérignon
     Frozen S’mores featuring Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup

Farm Fresh

     Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños (gluten free)*
     Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens (gluten free)
     Orlando Brewing Company, I-4 IPA – Orlando, FL
     Ba Ba Black Lager, Uinta Brewing Company – Salt Lake City, UT
     Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale, Bold City Brewery – Jacksonville, FL
     Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale, Cigar City Brewery – Tampa, FL
     Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine
     Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica® Riesling
     St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel
     Beer Flight (4 4-ounce servings): I-4 IPA, Ba Ba Black Lager, Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale and Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale

France

     Tartelette aux escargots: Escargot tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan
     Gratin de crozet de savoie: Wheat pasta gratin with mushrooms and Gruyere cheese
     Boeuf bourguignon: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes
     Crème brûlée caramel fleur de sel: Sea salt caramel crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar
     Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
     Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
     Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
     Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
     La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice

Germany

     Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham and cheese
     Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
     Berliner: Yeast doughnut filled with apricot jam
     Altenmünster Oktoberfest
     J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
     Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
     J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
     Kallstadter Kobnert Spaetburgunder Spätlese Dry Barrique Style

Greece

     Vegetarian moussaka
     Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey (gluten free)
     Chicken gyro with tzatziki Sauce
     Spanakopita
     Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
     Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
     Alpha Estate Axia Syrah-Xinomavro
     Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS Natural Yoghurt Liqueur

Hawai'i

     Kalua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise
     Tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips
     Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave Golden Ale
     Kona Brewing Company, Castaway IPA
     Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine
     Aulani Sunrise featuring Sammy's Beach Bar Rum

Hops and Barley

     Artisan cheese plate featuring Cabot Cloth wrapped cheddar, Purple Haze chèvre goat cheese and Cave Man blue cheese
     Baked lobster alfredo
     Florida grass fed beef slider with pimento cheese
     Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing
     Samuel Adams® Octoberfest
     New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot
     Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
     Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy
     La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
     Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Cambria Estate Winery
     Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Samuel Adams Octoberfest, New Belgium Snapshot, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat and
     Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy

Ireland

     Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie
     Kerrygold® cheese selection: Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig
     Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard (gluten free)
     Guinness® DraughtBunratty Meade Honey Wine
     Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen
     Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur

Italy

     Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil
     Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala: Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread
     Cannoli al cioccolato: Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit
     Moretti Lager Beer
     Moretti La Rossa Beer
     Procecco, Bosco del Merlo
     Pinot Grigio, Placido
     Chianti Classico, Placido
     Frozen Primavera with limoncello and tequila

Japan

     Spicy hand roll: Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce
     Teriyaki gyoza bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce
     Chirashizushi: Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice
     Kirin Draft Beer
     Sake: Kikusui Ginjo
     Sake Sunrise
     Sparkling Peach Sake Gell

Mexico

     Shrimp taco: Fried shrimp, pickled habanero pepper and onions on a flour tortilla
     Rib eye taco: Marinated rib eye, roasted chipotle salsa and grilled scallions on a corn tortilla (gluten free)
     Sweet corn cheese cake
     Dos Equis Beer
     Sangria
     Tequila Flight
     Mango-strawberry margarita

Morocco

     Kefta pocket: Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket
     Spicy shrimp roll with cilantro and mint sauce
     Baklava
     Casa Beer
     Guerouane White*Sangria
     Mimosa Royale: Sparkling wine and orange juice topped with orange liquer

New Zealand

     Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs
     Venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction (gluten free)
     Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
     Kim Crawford Pinot Gris
     Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
     Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
     Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Patagonia

     Beef empanada
     Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée (gluten free)
     Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free)
     Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
     Terrazas Reserva Malbec
     Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier
     Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé

Poland

     Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
     Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash
     Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
     Blaufraenkische Donausonne, Hungarian Wine
     Frozen Szarlotka (apple pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Puerto Rico

     Ensalada de carrucho: Caribbean conch salad with onion, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
     Carne guisada con arroz blanco: Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free)
     Friturias: Sorullitos (sweet polenta fries) and bolitas de queso (cheese fritter with mayo ketchup)
     FlanCocho: Vanilla caramel custard with chocolate coffee cake
     Gasolina Sangriiia
     Medalla Light Beer
     Frozen San Juan Breeze
     Frozen San Juan Breeze with Don Q Limón Floater
     Chilled Club Caribe Mango Rum (neat)

Scotland

     Vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties: Griddled vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes
     Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free)
     Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon (gluten free)
     Crannachan: A traditional Scottish dessert trifle
     Innis & Gunn® Original
     Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year
     Glenfiddich Scotch Selection (12, 15 and 18 year)

Singapore

     Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice (gluten free)
     Seared mahi mahi with jasmine rice and “Singa” sauce
     Tiger Beer
     Marqués de Caceres Satinela
     Singapore Sling featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring

South Korea

     Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce
     Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw
     Bokbunjajoo: Bohae black raspberry wine
     iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew
     Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Terra

     Blackened Chick’n Breast, farro wheat and spicy gumbo sauce featuring Gardein™ Chick'n Breast
     CraB’less CraB Cake with pepper slaw and Cajun remoulade featuring Gardein™
     Chocolate-blood orange cupcake with tofu icing
     Red Bridge Ale
     The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
     Paperboy Red
     Fresh Watermelon Juice

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