Morimoto Asia's Sakura Festival at Disney Springs; New Art Exhibition at American Adventure

Morimoto Asia's Sakura Festival Now at Disney Springs:

Through April 15, Morimoto Asia will celebrate the arrival of Spring with the Sakura Festival with a focus on the celebration of cherry blossoms. The event which kicked off a few weeks ago on March 15 features ticketed events, menu specials, and Instagram-worthy decor that showcase the pink blooms of the famed Japanese Sakura.

There are still four more events that guests can look forward to through April 15 including a Ramen Tasting. Here are the details on those four remaining events:

• Seas of Japan 101 (March 30, 2018; 4-6 p.m.; $45): Learn more about the seas of Japan and the delicacies that come from their waters. During this two-hour educational seminar, you’ll learn while tasting select menu items paired with sake.
• Morimoto Asia’s Guest Chef Series (April 3, 2018; 7-9 p.m.; $120): Take part in the inaugural event for this new series as the culinary talent from Morimoto Asia welcomes Chef Hitoshi Sugiura from Tokyo, Japan. The chefs will collaborate on a six-course Pan-Asian dinner, paired with wines from across the globe, for guests to enjoy.
• Ramen Seminar and Tasting (April 7, 2018; 12-3 p.m.; $36): Spend an afternoon learning about the many types of Asian noodles, then stick around to taste several varieties of ramen dishes.
• Matsuri Festival (April 15, 2018; 12-4 p.m.; $45 for guests ages 10 and up; children under 9 are free): Perfect for family fun, guests will have the chance to indulge in multiple street food stations, four beer and cocktail stations, and Japanese carnival games and activities suitable for guests of all ages.

There are also some amazing new menu items at Morimoto Asia while the event goes on they includeocally-brewed Crooked Can Sakura Kolsh, Cherry Blossom Martini, Blue Cherry Cocktail, Chilled Panacea Oysters, and a Sakura and Peach Bavarian Dessert. You can get more details on the event here.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Art Exhibition to Debut at Epcot's American Adventure:

This Summer, the American Heritage Gallery at The American Adventure will debut a brand new art exhibition called, "Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art." 

"Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art” is made possible through the collaboration of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, D.C.
Among the featured artists with works on display are fashion designer Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo), noted doll maker Glenda McKay (Ingalik-Athabascan), and Juanita Growing Thunder (Assiniboine Sioux) from the Growing Thunder family of Montana.

As with past exhibits, artists will share their stories with interactive elements, by sharing the creative process and inspirations behind their works in their own words. An opening date was not announced but stay tuned for future updates.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

STK Orlando Announces Opening Date, New To-Go Lunch at Morimoto Asia, and More

STK Orlando Announces Opening Date:

STK Orlando will be opening real soon inside The Landing at Disney Springs. Today, the steakhouse restaurant announced it will be opening on May 25, 2016. Guests can now begin making reservations for the new restaurant but only by phone at the moment by calling 407-917-7440. Eventually guests will be able to make reservations through the restaurants website, STKhouse.com.

STK will have a unique ambience blending the elements of a modern steakhouse with a sleek lounge, including  a DJ that will emphasize social and fun environment. At approximately 14,000 feet, the STK location inside Disney Springs will be one of its largest locations. It will have two dining floors with a main level and the only rooftop dining venue in Disney Springs.

STK Orlando opens inside Disney Springs in just over two weeks.

New To-Go Lunch Concept to Launch at Morimoto Asia:

Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs will be taking it to the streets of the Springs in a new to-go lunch concept beginning this Sunday, May 15. The new options will give guests on-the-go a choice from a cross-section of popular, good-value menu items that reflect the flavors from across the Asian continent. These menu items are categorized and include:

•      “Snacks” including takoyaki (octopus, nori, okonomiyaki sauce), Morimoto sticky ribs, curry rice croquette, taiyaki (snapper shaped sweet pancake filled with sweet adzuki red bean paste) and pork egg roll (pork, cabbage).

•      “Bao Tacos” including kalbi (kimchi, scallions), chicken teriyaki (spicy mayo, cucumber, lettuce, teriyaki) and pork (spicy mayo, cucumber, lettuce)

•      “Donburi” (rice bowls) in a variety of styles including Japanese beef curry, char-siu don (braised pork belly, scallions, pickled ginger) and chicken teriyaki don (braised chicken, carrots, broccoli).

•       “Sushi (rito) and Onigiri” including California roll (guacamole), shrimp tempura roll (lettuce, cucumber), orange chicken roll (lettuce, sesame, orange glaze), vegetable roll (cucumber, lettuce, carrots, guacamole), sake onigiri (grilled flaked salmon, Morimoto premium white rice) and edamame & shiso onigiri (Morimoto premium white rice).

Chef Morimoto on the new experience that Morimoto Asia will be offering, "Street food holds memories of my childhood. It reminds me of the local festivals and events of my hometown. I am excited that our new street food will transport guests to Asia and the marvelous cuisines that inspired my menu creations." Be on the lookout this Sunday when visiting Disney Springs for the new street food debuting at Morimoto Asia.

Disney Releases "Queen of Katwe" Poster:

Today, Disney released the poster for "Queen of Katwe" a movie that tells the story of a Ugandan chess prodigy. The film is co-produced by ESPN films and will debut in September. The full trailer will be released tomorrow.

Here is more on the release of the poster and the information on the film from Disney:

"The evocative poster for the film features Madina Nalwanga, who plays Phiona Mutesi, who would go on to become a Woman Candidate Master at the Master Chess Olympiads, and her “crown” of various Ugandan items which includes a chess piece. The film co-stars David Oyelowo and Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o (who can currently be heard in Jon Favreau’s amazing The Jungle Book), who debuted a tease for the film’s trailer (dropping, in full, tomorrow) on her Facebook page. Based on the nonfiction book The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster by Tim Crothers, the film is directed by Monsoon Wedding filmmaker Nira Nair, who clearly understands the importance of the film’s setting and culture, in terms of crafting an emotionally compelling film. Check back tomorrow for the full trailer for the film (out on September 23). Checkmate!"

"Queen of Katwe" will hit theaters on September 23, 2016.

Disney Springs is Now Official

Goodbye Downtown Disney, Hello Disney Springs. Today, Downtown Disney officially became Disney Springs with a new website www.disneysprings.com and a little ceremony to ring in the new name. It also has changed its Twitter handle to @DisneySprings.

The Disney Parks blog is quoted in saying "the timing couldn't be better." Last week, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar opened in The Landing section of Disney Springs. Tomorrow, the new Morimoto Asia will be opening for guests.

Here is the new map for Disney Springs:

I am very excited to visit Disney Springs in the future. What does everybody think of the new and improved Disney Springs? How long will it take to remember that its not Downtown Disney anymore?

Jedi Training Academy at DHS to End October 4th, New Show on the Way, Take a Look at Morimoto Asia Full Menu, and More

Jedi Training Academy at DHS to End October 4th, New Show on the Way:

With last night's news on Disneyland that Seasons of the Force will begin November 16, speculation began on when Disney World's would begin. A new Jedi Training Academy show will be opening in December at Disneyland, called Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. News broke this morning that the Jedi Training Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be performing its last shows on October 4th.

The new version, 'Trials of the Temple', will debut later this year on both coasts. The new show will be a twist on the training academy with new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels." The new villain should be The Inquisitor.

WDW News Today is reporting the new show should debut by Thanksgiving at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

First Look at Morimoto Asia Menu, Opening Next Week at Disney Springs:

The new Morimoto Asia restaurant in Disney Springs will be opening next Wednesday, September 30.  Morimoto Asia is a pan-Asian dining experience, including open terraces, grand hall, private rooms, long bar, cocktail lounge, waterside seating, and more. Here is the menu:

Sony to Release Remastered Star Wars Soundtracks:

Sony will be released three remastered versions of the original six films of the Star Wars Saga. They will all be composed by John Williams and be released on January 8th, 2016.

• Star Wars: The Ultimate Vinyl Collection - The six film soundtracks in deluxe gatefold sleeves faithfully replicating the original artwork
• Star Wars: The Ultimate Soundtrack Edition - The six original soundtracks in mini-album jackets, plus a bonus CD featuring audio interviews with Harrison Ford and John Williams. Also included is the DVD Star Wars: A Musical Journey, a one-hour special highlighting select musical themes alongside key sequences from the films. Lastly, this set will include a fold-out poster and three collectible stickers.
• Star Wars: The Ultimate Digital Collection - The set comes in a bundle of the original six soundtracks available for the first time ever as high-definition downloads.

Morimoto Asia to Open in Disney Springs on September 30; Tokyo Disney Announces Plans for Fourth Hotel

Morimoto Asia to Open September 30 at Disney Springs:

In a collaboration with world-renouned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Pantina Restaurant Group, Morimoto Asia will open in the newly renovated Disney Springs formerly Downtown Disney.  It is the first pan-Asian dining experience Chef Morimoto.

Some of the menu items will be an eclectic take on his favorite Asian flavors including moo shu pork, Peking duck, lobster chow fun, sweet and sour crispy whole fish, and spicy kung pao chicken. On weekends, dim sum will be served during brunch, with dumplings, shumai, bao, spare ribs, and more.

The sushi bar has been sculpted from hundreds of hand-selected ash wood that's backed with a wall of hammered copper, and has just 14 coveted seats. The sushi bar has a global inspiration feel to it with kanpachi, toro, Japanese red snapper, uni, sea eel, hamachi, fluke, salmon, and more of whatever is the freshest. A selection of specialty rolls and sushi platters will be available in the lounge or dining rooms.

For kids, there is plenty such as chicken ramen, kakuni pork bao, and karaage fried chicken.

The restaurant will serve sake including Morimoto's own signature line, wines from around the globe, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Beers both bottled and drafts will be mostly Asian, including Morimoto's signature beer by Rogue Ales. For beer fans, the collector's edition Imperial Pilsner, Morimoto Soba Ale, and the highly popular Black Obi Soba will be available.

In the Disney Parks Blog post they gave this description on Morimoto Asia:

"The expansive restaurant includes beautiful lounges, dining spaces, open kitchen and a two-story outdoor terrace overlooking the water. The main entrance features a three-story glass corner, and the sculptural bar is one of the largest in the world, more than 270 feet long, connecting the grand dining room on the ground floor with the upper level Forbidden Lounge as it wraps around the staircase. Look for custom glass beaded chandeliers and glass mosaics based on ancient Japanese prints."

You can begin making reservations for Morimoto Asia on September 16 through open table and on opening day, September 30, you can make reservations through the restaurant at 407-560-6686. On November 1, guests may begin making reservations through 407-WDW-DINE. 

Morimoto Asia will be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. 

Tokyo Disney Resort Announces Plans for Fourth Hotel:

Tokyo Disney Celebration will be Tokyo Disney Resort's fourth hotel, the resort announced late last night. The fourth hotel will be developed in the Shin-Urayasu area where the current Palm & Terrace Hotel is located. The Palm & Terrace Hotel is slated close next February and the Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel is slated to open in June 2016. 

The Tokyo Disney Celebration will join the three current Disney Hotels: the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel,  the Disney Ambassador Hotel, and Hotel MiraCosta. While the three hotels are on-site of Tokyo Disney, the Tokyo Disney Celebration will not be on-site although it will still be an official Disney property.