Guardians of the Galaxy, Ratatouille, New Space Restaurant, & More Coming to Epcot

We all knew since November that changes were coming to Epcot, we just weren't sure what. Over the last months rumors have been swirling and some were confirmed tonight some seem like they will be announced at a later date. Here is what they announced:

Ratatouille Attraction is Coming to France Pavilion, New Film Coming to China Pavilion:

A new Ratatouille-inspired attraction will be coming to the France Pavilion in World Showcase. It will be similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014. Guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant.

The attraction will expand the pavilion and the good news for many fans is that Impressions de France will remain at the pavilion. The new attraction is expected to be completed in 2021.

Also of note a new film is coming to the China Pavilion almost like a Soarin' type exploration that will take you around the country. No other details were released.

Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction Replacing Universe of Energy Plus Updates to Future World:

We all knew it was coming it was just when. A Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction is coming to Epcot and replacing Ellen's Energy Adventure and the Universe of Energy. The pavilion and Ellen's Energy Adventure will have its final day of operation on August 13, 2017. 

Epcot’s brand new E-ticket attraction will be based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and is the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at the Walt Disney World Resort. Epcot just may be the perfect place for a “Guardians”-inspired attraction as you can see in the photo above – Peter Quill (aka Star Lord) actually visited Epcot as a kid! The attraction is also expected to be completed by 2021.

That's not all as Future World will see a major overhaul to the whole are as seen in this concept art.

Mission: Space which saw its refurbishment extended recently will have two new missions when it opens back up. This led to talk about the other breaking news.

New Space Restaurant to Placed Right Next to Mission: Space:

A brand new restaurant experience is coming to Epcot with a space theme. The restaurant will be built adjacent to Mission: Space and will invite guests to travel into space for an amazing dining experience in the stars.

Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald had this to say, "We know our guests love dining at Epcot – and the restaurants really are out of this world. Now we're about to create one that takes that literally."

The new space restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group. Patina Restaurant Group operates several other restaurants at Walt Disney World including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs. More details on the new space-themed restaurant will be shared in the future, so stay tuned.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The Polite Pig to Open April 10; New PhotoPass Experience at China Pavilion

The Polite Pig to Open April 10 in Disney Springs:

The Polite Pig is ready to open and it will make its grand opening next Monday, April 10. The new restaurant will open in the Town Center of Disney Springs. It is the newest concept for award-winning Orlando chefs, husband and wife James and Julie Petrakis. They will also be joined with the opening of this new venture with James' brother Brian. They couple has a sister restaurants in The Ravenous Pig and Swine & Sons in Winter Park and Cask & Larder at the Orlando International Airport. 

The Polite Pig will feature “modern barbecue” in an open kitchen, with Southern sides like a tomato and watermelon salad, mac and cheese and smoked corn with lime butter. (Sauce fans, there’s a bar with seven different ways to top your ‘cue, from Layla’s Sweet to Fresno Hot Sauce.) Add a solid selection of craft beers and cocktails, and a bourbon bar with more than 50 selections, from small batch bourbons to a Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year Family Reserve.

We talked with Julie, who met James, by the way, while studying at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Both are Central Florida natives.

The husband and wife combo did an interview with the Disney Parks Blog. Here it is what they had to say:

Why did you decide to open at restaurant at Disney Springs? 
Disney approached us with the idea of opening a fast-casual outpost that would represent the atmosphere and quality of our Winter Park location, The Ravenous Pig. We shared their enthusiasm for bringing a true local restaurant to Disney Springs.

Is the menu similar to The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, your other restaurants in Central Florida? 
I would say that the menu is similar in its approach to using quality, seasonal ingredients, with our signature touch. We’ll have Cask & Larder Brewery beers, cocktails on tap and also an extensive Bourbon Bar. And this restaurant will focus a bit more on wood-smoked and grilled items.

Anything you’ll offer at The Polite Pig that will be a signature, or exclusive to that restaurant? 
Most of the menu will be exclusive to The Polite Pig: modern barbecue with The Ravenous Pig twist. Like the Southern Pig Sandwich with pulled pork off the smoker, apple slaw, mustard sauce and Duke’s mayo; peel-and-eat shrimp with bourbon-cocktail sauce, and crispy Brussels sprouts with whiskey caramel.

Who will be the chef daily in The Polite Pig kitchen? 
We have two of our Ravenous Pig/Cask & Larder veterans at the helm, Jared Thate and Allie Weldon, along with Chef James Petrakis’ guidance and inspiration.

Tell us about the craft beer program. 
We will feature four of our beloved Cask & Larder Brewery brews on tap, as well as a couple other Florida/domestic craft beers.

Anything special about The Polite Pig cocktails?
We will feature five house cocktails on tap, including some of our crowd favorites from The Ravenous Pig, such as the Gin and Tonic and Old-Fashioned.

How many seats and describe the décor. 
We’ll have 190 seats, and the décor pays homage to the beloved swine of The Polite Pig, as well as antiquity. Whimsical pigs on various adventures can be seen throughout the space, and rustic touches are used for custom featured art pieces. Large faded graphics also adorn the main wall of the space adding to the feel of the long-time family run business.

What’s your favorite dish on The Polite Pig menu? 
My favorite appetizer is the Hop Salt Pretzel with beer cheese fondue and IPA mustard. Favorite sandwich: the Salmon BLT with bacon jam, marinated tomato, romaine and aioli. I love that with a side of charred broccoli tossed with herb buttermilk dressing and house granola.

What do you think is the secret to good food? 
Using quality seasonal ingredients and taking great care of it by enhancing with smoke/cooking, proper seasoning and passion!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New PhotoPass Experience Coming to the China Pavilion at Epcot:

Guests visiting the China Pavilion will now be able to experience a brand new PhotoPass experience. Every evening beginning at 7 p.m. (weather permitting) guests can take park in this new nighttime experience by having their photo taken with a glowing lotus flower blossom. 

A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be stationed at the pavilion to take the photos. You can purchase photos taken with this prop individually or receive unlimited digital downloads of all your vacation photos from Disney PhotoPass Service by purchasing Memory Maker before, during or after your visit to Walt Disney World Resort.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Ways to Experience PhotoPass at Disneyland; Nine Dragons Restaurant Celebrating 'Year of the Monkey' with New Menu

New Ways to Experience PhotoPass at Disneyland:

Guests visiting Disneyland will get to experience PhotoPass in a whole new way. They will have a new website, be able access photos through the Disneyland mobile app, and some new photo opportunities. Here is what you could look forward too:

Plan Your Visit, Book Your Reservations and View Your Memories
You’re already visiting Disneyland.com to plan and book your visit, and now your photos will also live there too!

Access to Your Memories, at Your Fingertips
Link, view, purchase and download your Disney PhotoPass photos using the Disneyland mobile app.

We are Adding Even More Magic to Our Magic Shots
Our new Animated Magic Shots add animation to your photos to make you the star of your very own video memory.

Capture More Memories than Ever
With new photographer locations and a new product, Disney PhotoPass+ One Day, you’ll be collecting more photos than ever.

The Disney Parks Blog will be sharing even more details on the new experiences throughout the week, so stay tuned.

Nine Dragons Restaurant Celebrating 'Year of the Monkey' with New Menu Items:

The Nine Dragons Restaurant inside Epcot's China Pavilion will be celebrating the 'Year of the Monkey' with a new menu items beginning February 8th. The new menu items will appear along with a prix fixe lunch menu. This will last until January 27, 2017, so you will have plenty of time to try the new menu. 

The prix fixe lunch menu will be 3 courses for $17.95. The meal will begin with either spring rolls (pictured above) or pot stickers. You will have a choice of three entrees: Happily Family with slice chicken breast, beef, and shrimp stir fry; Moo Goo Gai Pan with stir-fried chicken breast, mushrooms, and snow peas; and General Tso's Chicken Buns Lunch Box with three steamed buns and hot and sour soup. For dessert you have the choice of strawberry-red bean ice cream or ginger caramel ice cream. 

New items on the menu will include three new steamed buns for the 'Year of the Monkey.' They are the braised pork belly served with chili aioli (pictured above), sweet-and-sour battered-fried fish buns topped with pork floss (dry, fluffy shredded pork seasoned with soy sauce and sugar), and the General Tso's Chicken Buns  with battered-fried chicken breast. 

The Nine Dragons Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted along with Passholder, Disney Vacation Club, Tables in Wonderland, as well as Golden Oak discounts are all accepted. For reservations guests may call 407-WDW-DINE or by visitingDisneyWorld.com/dine.