New Japan Signature Restaurant Confirmed; No More Shenanigans at Whispering Canyon Cafe

Japan Signature Restaurant Confirmed:

Disney quietly yesterday confirmed that a new signature restaurant will come to the Japan Pavilion in Epcot. Back in January, rumors surface about a new signature dining experience coming right next to the current Mitsukoshi store in the Japan pavilion. Here are the details of the confirmation in yesterday's announcement:

While we’re on the topic of Epcot, I have one more exciting announcement: an all-new table service restaurant will be coming to the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase, offering guests a signature dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan. The setting will draw from both nature and takumi, which means “artisan” in Japanese, and the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world will be evident throughout the space. This new restaurant will be operated by Mitsukoshi USA, which operates the merchandise, restaurants (Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining), and kiosks in the Japan Pavilion. Once completed, the restaurant will add to the rich tapestry of authentic cultural experiences available to guests in World Showcase.

No details on when the restaurant will open but this will be the second new restaurant coming to Epcot in the next few years. Stay tuned for future updates on both Japan Signature Dining Restaurant and the Space-themed restaurant in Future World.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

No More Shenanigans at Whispering Canyon Cafe:

After years of fun and shenanigans it appears the fun has gone to the wayside at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The team that runs the Walt Disney World Today account on Twitter all but confirmed it over the last few days:

Hi Randy. We are continuously updating our offerings throughout Walt Disney World Resort and are currently working on what's next for Whispering Canyon. We apologize for any disappointments and will pass along any feedback to the appropriate leadership teams.

— Walt Disney World Today (@WDWToday) May 12, 2018

Here is the list of all shenanigans that many guests have enjoyed over the years of what guests would say that would get the shenanigans going:

• Wear a Hat or T-Shirt from Universal or Sea World
• Tell your server you spent the day at an attraction outside of WDW
• Tell the server whose birthday or anniversary it is
• Have your kids "egg him/her on"
• Have one of the males in the group ask where the restrooms are
• Claim your straw is not long enough
• Chew gum
• Ask the server where you can buy some chewing gum in WDW
• Ask for ketchup (every single ketchup bottle would be brought to your table)
• Order a soda for breakfast

Rumor has it that the reason for the fun ending is that guests above the restaurant were apparently claiming it was to loud. I sure will miss the fun the next time at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Source: WDW News Today

ICYMI: Be Our Guest Becoming Signature Dining for Dinner Plus a Brand New Menu

News broke mid-week with a blog post on the Disney Parks Blog that a new enhanced dining experience would be coming to Be Our Guest. With this new menu the restaurant that has been highly popular since it opened almost 5 years ago will now become a Signature Dining experience for dinner and if you are on the Disney Dining Plan it will cost 2 Table-Service credits. The restaurant will remain a quick service location for lunch and will remain serving breakfast as well. 

Back to dinner as now the new menu will be a prix fixe menu that will boast delectable French-inspired dishes and new offerings. The new and unique experience will allow guests to enjoy a wonderful 3-course meal with there choice of an appetizer and an entree, and then ending with a personal dessert platter. 

To start off the meal, the appetizer menu will include favorites like the French Onion Soup in addition to rich new offerings like Charred Octopus with citrus-laced fingerling potatoes, pickled hearts of palm and red pepper coulis; Escargot with herb garlic butter and toasted gremolata (pictured above); and a selection of assorted meats and artisanal cheeses such as chicken liver pâté, chorizo sausage Manchego, and truffle tremor.

For the main course, feast on mouth-watering entrées such as Grilled Center-Cut Filet Mignon with potato au gratin, Romano beans, Cipollini marmalade and a cherry-laced red wine reduction(pictured below) and the Smoked Black-Eye Pea Tortellini with roasted seasonal vegetables, tomato relish and basil-scented tomato water. Other enticing dishes include Poulet Rouge Chicken, Saffron-Infused Seafood Bouillabaisse, Roasted Lamb Chops and Kurobuta Pork Tenderloins (pictured above).

The chefs are currently working on a new dessert menu as well as a kids menu for this new and exquisite dining experience. Stay tuned in the coming months for updates on those menus as well. The new enhanced dining experience will begin July 27 and you now can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or by booking online.

Source: Disney Parks Blog