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Ears the News with Richard

Ears the News is brought to you courtesy of our friends at WDWMagic.com

Disney has announced the final line-up for this year's Candlelight Processional, part of Holidays Around The World at Epcot.
Appearing for the first time are Meredith Vieira, Chandra Wilson from the ABC TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” Daniel Dae Kim (“Lost,” “Hawaii Five-O”) and “Ugly Betty’s” America Ferrera.
Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog
     Gary Sinise - November 27 to 29, 2015
     Neil Patrick Harris - November 30 to December 3, 2015
     Whoopi Goldberg - December 4 and 5, 2015
     Joe Morton - December 6 to 8, 2015
     Ana Gasteyer  - December 9 to 11, 2015
     Meredith Vieira - December 12 to 14, 2015
     America Ferrera - December 15 to 17, 2015
     Chandra Wilson - December 18 to 20, 2015
     Daniel Dae Kim - December 21 to 23, 2015
     Edward James Olmos - December 24 to 26, 2015
     Blair Underwood - December 27 to 28, 2015
     Amy Grant - December 29 to 30, 2015
The Disney controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy entered into a 15 year purchase agreement earlier this year for Duke Energy to build, own and operate a 5-megawatt solar facility that will serve the Reedy Creek Improvement District - providing solar power to Walt Disney World.
 When complete, the solar farm will occupy approximately 20 acres near World Drive and Epcot Center Drive at Walt Disney World Resort and its 48,000 solar panels will be arranged in the familiar “Mickey Ears”.
Starting November 6 2015 in the existing Trophy Room space, the Marketplace Co-Op will be home to a new store selling the new men's apparel and accessory line 'Twenty Eight and Main.'
The upscale Twenty Eight & Main merchandise brings a subtle Disney Parks connection to clothing and accessories, with the range including leather messenger bags, shirts, caps, mugs and even an Adventurers Club phone case and shirt.
Along with the new Marketplace Co-Op store, items from the collection will be available on the new Shop Disney Parks app and at other stores throughout Walt Disney World.
Soarin', will be closed for refurbishment for the first half of 2016.
The closure begins on January 4 2016, with a reopening later in the summer, although Disney has not yet given a date.
During the closure, the third theater will be added, along with an upgrade to the existing theaters bringing new projection systems and a new film - Soarin' Around the World.
The last major piece of the Magic Kingdom's newly expanded hub area walkway is now open to guests.
Located on the west side of the hub between the Adventureland and Liberty Square bridge, the new walkway now completes the expanded walkway around the hub.
Like the east side walkway, the western side also includes the popcorn stand.
Work is still continuing on the ramps around Cinderella Castle.
B'net Al Houwariyate, the Morocco Pavilion's live entertainment act, is no longer performing at Epcot.
Originating from Marrakesh, the group played instruments, with song and dance - drawing from many generations of Moroccan traditions, including rural Berber chants and Chaabi festival rhythms.
The group debuted in October 2014 as the replacement for Mo'ROCKIN’ as part of a wide-sweeping clear-out of existing Epcot entertainment.
Disney has today announced that Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, is bringing Frontera Fresco, his table-service Mexican restaurant concept, to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.
Opening in Summer 2016, Frontera Fresco will showcase the gourmet Mexican cuisine that has put Chef Bayless on the culinary map.
“I’m thrilled to bring Frontera Fresco to Disney Springs and share my passion for Mexican cuisine with the families who visit Orlando every year,” Bayless said.
The new restaurant will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, salads, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared from time-honored recipes with natural, locally sourced ingredients. Frontera Fresco also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails and craft beers and wine.
“Working with Chef Bayless to bring this fresh dining concept to the new Disney Springs is a joy for us, and we can’t wait for guests to experience it,” said Richard Debler, president and chief executive officer of Vista Springs.
Philadelphia-based Daroff Design is designing the nearly 6,000-square-foot space, which will seat 200 guests. Vista Springs LLC will be the restaurant operator.



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