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

Updates Coming for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts at D23 Expo Japan; American Adventure Adding Icons & More During Refurbishment

Updates Coming for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts at D23 Expo Japan Sunday Night:

The D23 Expo in Japan kicked off yesterday and and tomorrow night around 10:15 p.m. ET, the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts panel will kick off. The panel will feature multiple updates from Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek that you won't want to miss. 

Stay tuned right here on It All Started With a Mouse for updates, maybe we will finally get the official opening date for Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

American Adventure Adding New Icons & More During Refurbishment:

A few weeks ago The American Adventure was closed for a month long refurbishment. Not much was known about the refurbishment until yesterday. Right now Imagineers at Epcot are busy converting the original film into an all-digital projection system as well as installing a new screen and speakers. This will enhance the film to make it look and sound better than ever when it reopens later this month. 

That's not all as the final scene of the film, guests will notice some new and familiar faces of American icons. These include legendary music composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and noted ballerina Misty Copeland. 

Oh and one more thing, the iconic "Golden Dream' has been re-recorded with all-new orchestration that brings the beloved music and lyrics to life in a way that will resonate more than ever. Spread your golden wings, America. This classic attraction is coming back with even more American pride. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Garden Rocks Acts Announced for Flower & Garden, American Adventure to Close for One Month

Garden Rocks Acts Announced for Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival:

Yesterday, the acts for the Garden Rocks Concert series for the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival were announced. For the 25th year, the Garden Rocks series will feature music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with hit-makers in a variety of genres including rock, pop, country, R&B and dance.

New acts this year include Lonestar, British rock legends Foghat, Survivor, Smash Mouth, and more including returning acts such as Simple Plan, the Village People, and so much more. Here is the full calendar of acts throughout the festival:

March 2-5: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
March 9-12: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
March 16-19: Simple Plan “Welcome to My Life”
March 23-26: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
March 30-April 2: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
April 6-7: Foghat (NEW!) “Slow Ride”
April 8-9: Survivor (NEW!) “Eye of the Tiger”
April 13-14: Smash Mouth (NEW!) “All Star”
April 15-16: Rick Springfield (NEW!) “Jessie’s Girl”
April 20-21: Jo Dee Messina (NEW!) “Stand by Me”
April 22-23: Lonestar (NEW!) “Amazed”
April 27-30: Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
May 4-7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
May 11-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
May 13-14: Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles (NEW!) “Hotel California”
May 18-21: The Guess Who “American Woman”
May 25-28: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”

Garden Rocks performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

American Adventure to Close for Month Long Refurbishment:

The American Adventure at Epcot's America Pavilion will close for a month long in early 2018. The show will close from January 5 through February 5, 2018. No word on what will happen during the month long refurbishment but guests visiting Epcot during that time sure will miss the classic show.

Source: WDW News Today