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Ears the News: January 25, 2019 Edition


Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

The former Pixar Place at Disney's Hollywood is back open to guests as an all new Incredibles themed area - Municiberg.

You can meet super suit designer Edna Mode and see some of her greatest creations in an indoor meet and greet. At the end of the block, Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, are making appearances throughout the day during a dance party featuring music, dancing, and games.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com
Character appearances in Town Square got a shake-up last week as part of Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration, with different sets of characters appearing each day of the week.

This is the current weekly schedule, but as always is subject to change.
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

  • Friday - Judy and Nick 
  • Saturday - Phineas and Ferb 
  • Sunday - Chicken Little and Abby Mallard 
  • Monday - Robin Hood and Little John 
  • Tuesday - Gideon and Foulfellow 
  • Wednesday - Remy and Emile 
  • Thursday - Prince John and Friar Tuck

The free samples as you enter the Disney Springs Marketplace Ghirardelli store are back again, at least temporarily.

Ghirardelli had stopped handing out the free samples as part of a new corporate policy, but it appears that in recent days it has reversed that decision, at least at the Disney Springs store.

Apparently a large number of complaints prompted the reversal, but it isn't clear how long the samples will continue.

Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Live! will be returning to Epcot's America Gardens Theater for summer 2019.

The show which debuted in 2018 features Star-Lord and Gamora in person as a 7-piece alien band brings many of your favorite hits from Awesome Mix Volumes 1 & 2 to life. This year's performance dates are June 14 through August 18, 2019.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com
José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup announced the upcoming opening of the first-ever brick-and-mortar location of its beloved Spanish food truck, Pepe by José Andrés, opening this winter at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Attached to the upcoming new Jaleo location at Disney Springs, Pepe will feature an extensive menu of hot and cold Spanish-style sandwiches including bocatas and bikinis, showcasing the best of José’s native Spain.

Additionally, salads, soups and sides along with Spanish sangria will be served, rounding out the menu. Highlights include favorites such as:
  • Pollo Frito, made with breaded chicken breast, alioli, bravas sauce, piparra peppers, gem lettuce, and sherry dressing 
  • Serrano y Manchego, served on crispy Pan de Cristal with tomato fresco 
  • Bocata de Vegetales, made with roasted peppers, onion, green asparagus, spinach, and manchego cheese on Pan de Cristal. 
“A bocata is a true taste of Spain, believe me. One bite and you are transported by the perfectly crunchy bread with all the flavors coming together in perfect harmony,” said Chef José Andrés. “Pepe has my favorite bocatas from all across Spain and I look forward to sharing them with guests at Disney Springs.”
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


The walls of Pepe are decorated with an elaborate mural by Marc Jesús, a famous Menorcan painter, featuring his ever-happy, blue-skinned female characters. The space, along with the adjoining Jaleo, was designed by celebrated Spanish designer Juli Capella and features a breathtaking exterior and vibrant, theatrical interior décor representing the colorful and dynamic culture of Spain.

Opening in mid-July 2019 alongside the new Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, "Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood" is now open for reservations.

The rooftop restaurant will offer a menu of small plates and dishes inspired by the flavors of Spain, including tapas, steaks, and seafood.
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


An on-stage tapas kitchen will serve charcuteríá and cheeses as well as pintxos (small plates) and cazuelas (soups). House boards include a cured meat selection, an artisanal manchego cheese selection, and a grand platter of signature artisanal meats and mixed cheeses.

The pintxos selections feature an array of items like Salt Cod-stuffed Piquillo Peppers with goat cheese and toast, Olive Oil-poached Tuna, and Tortilla de Día wrapped in jamón serrano. Cazuelas include options such as Shrimp Pil Pil, Charred Octopus with romesco and chimichurri, and Rioja-braised Chorizo with field onions.

Entrées will include Wine-braised Chicken and steak lovers can savor the Hanger Steak with crushed new potatoes or the Manhattan Filet. There’s also the Rib-Eye For Two – an aged, hand-cut 32-ounce Spanish chuletón for two.

Signature desserts created by Disney’s Master Pastry Chef include Classic Crema Catalana with Valencia oranges and chocolate tuile, “Café con Leche” Choux with dark chocolate mousse and vanilla “nata montada,” and “The Toledo Tapas Bar” – a progressive bite-sized sweet tasting, tapas style, featuring a crunchy chocolate bar with bite-sized flavors of Spanish coffee mousse, chocolate cake, “frambuesa” raspberry mousse, and lemon curd.
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com


The beverage menu features Spanish and California wines with over 75 selections. Other drinks include handcrafted cocktails such as the “Gin Tonic” with house-made saffron tonic and sangria as well as beers and ciders from Spanish and American Craft Breweries, a selection of non-alcoholic artisanal cocktails, and dinner beverages showcasing Spanish coffees, brandies, and dessert wines.

Reservations can be made now online or via 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

Disney has released a new teaser video for the upcoming Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Opening on March 31, 2019, the all new show promises to immerse guests in the world of Cars and bring them face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen.


Video courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog
Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

The Planet Hollywood Super Store at Disney's Hollywood Studios is set to close next month, with Legends of Hollywood planned to takeover the space as part of an expansion.

The final day of operation for Planet Hollywood Super Store will be February 2, 2019, but you can continue to find Planet Hollywood merchandise at the Disney Springs location inside the restaurant.

4 Rivers Smokehouse has expanded its presence at Walt Disney World with the opening of two concession stands at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

On game days, the two stands in The Arena will offer favorites from 4 Rivers, The COOP and the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck. Menu items include smoked brisket from 4R Smokehouse, Chicken sandwich from The COOP and taco cones from the 4R Cantina.

Maleficent made her triumphant return to Disney's Festival of Fantasy parade today at the Magic Kingdom.

The float looks the same as always, but includes enhanced safety features for the flame effects. Also returning to the parade are Prince Phillip; the Fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather; and the mischievous “Ravens” who fly around Maleficent.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

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