More Details Released for 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; Three Temporary Food Kiosks to Open at Hollywood Studios

More Details Released for 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

A few months ago Disney announced the dates for the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be 9 days longer this year running from September 14 - November 14, 2016. Today, they announced even more details of what guests will expect when they are visiting this year's festival. Here is just a sneak peak of what's coming this year:

New marketplace menus debut and festival favorites return – Hard soda float, anyone? Guests can choose a favorite hard soda to mix with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat at Desserts & Champagne marketplace. A savory vegan dish will debut at the Greece marketplace, and the popular Farm Fresh marketplace will showcase Florida’s bounty with new savory dishes.

Multiple new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut; fan favorites return to play 186 festival concerts, in all –Wang Chung (Everybody Have Fun Tonight!) will open the Eat to the Beat concert series Sept. 14-15. More new acts in the concert series lineup, including Delta Rae and Toad The Wet Sprocket – will rock their chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men and Jeffrey Osbourne, will return to the America Gardens Theatre stage this fall.

Celebrity chefs, wine experts and mixologists join the fun – Celebrities ranging from Rock Harper to master sommelier Andrea Robinson will share their food and beverage know-how during demos and premium events. At the new “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” workshops, guests will put expert advice to use whether mixing cocktails, decorating cakes or using herbs to kick up a dish’s flavor.

The popular Festival Private Label California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are back and available by the bottle or by the glass.

Ratatouille returns — Chef Remy of “Ratatouille” returns with his fun-for-the-family culinary scavenger hunt.

Festival Center cooks on all burners –Festival Center highlights will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros, book and bottle signings and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli and offering guest samples.

Rest and recharge at the Chase Lounge – Chase debit and credit card members –

including Disney Visa card members — will find complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a charging station and comfortable seating for a relaxing break at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.

Plan for a premium adventure:

• Rockin’ Burger Block Party and Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment.
• New resort premium events to book will include a Grand Floridian brunch with a twist and a new cooking school experience.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com. Join the discussion on social media using #epcotfoodfestival.

Will you be attending this year's Food & Wine Festival? I know I'll be there beginning September 18th and I can't wait. 

Three New Temporary Food Kiosks to Open at Hollywood Studios:

Photo Courtesy of Central Florida Sights & Sounds on Twitter @CFSAS.

Beginning next week on May 20, guests visiting Hollywood Studios will be treated to three new food kiosks that are opening temporarily in the park. The area will be around Echo Lake and be called Echo Lake Eats. Guest will have three different kiosks to choose from:

Hollywood Waffles of Fame - serving sandwiches with one on a waffle

Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas - serving nachos and empanadas

Sliders to the Stars - serving delicious BBQ and brisket sliders

The three kiosks will only be opened for a limited time. Check them out next Friday, May 20.

The Disney Parks Blog Debuts 'Inside Disney Parks' Newscast; Disney Saying Goodbye to Disney Dollars

The Disney Parks Blog Debuts 'Inside Disney Parks' Newscast:

Go inside Disney Parks for news updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peaks in the new "Inside Disney Parks" newscast on the Disney Parks Blog. Each episode will share the latest news as the Disney Parks Blog travels around the globe to each its world-class destinations. We will now be getting an insider's look at what's happening now and in the future, with just a touch of classic Disney nostalgia. Each episode will debut monthly it seems. Check out the first episode below:

Disney Saying Goodbye to Disney Dollars:

Disney is discontinuing sale of Disney Dollars effective this Saturday May 14, 2016. The program began in 1987 at both Disneyland and Disney World. Disney Dollars have been accepted as currency at all Disney Parks and the Disney Store as well as being collector's items for many Disney fans.

Disney is said to be discontinuing the program due to the increased use of Disney gift cards and other digital currency. While the sale of Disney Dollars will stop on Saturday, use of the currency will still be accepted throughout the parks and at Disney Store's as they do not expire. 

Movie Review: "Captain America: Civil War" (Spoiler Free)

It's Team Captain America vs. Team Ironman, whose side are you on? It's a matter of principles and  what you believe is right from wrong. "Captain America: Civil War" pits friends and allies against each other in what is just the beginning of this story. It is the ultimate superhero story and one of the best superhero films in a long time.

The story is amazing and flows through out the movie. Everything is linked even the characters and in the end friendship and your allies will come when you need them. There are no words to describe other than how great and amazing this film was. I stand with #TeamCap until the end but I understood why Ironman and his team took the side they were on. 

The Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) was amazing in the film as a government diplomat and son of the king of Wakanda turned superhero. All he wants is justice and he brought a totally different view then from say Captain America and Ironman. The other new character added to this film was Spiderman and let me just say Tom Holland played the role perfectly. While he is on the side of Team Ironman you know in the end he was just as starstruck of being able to fight with Stark and his allies, if he was asked by Rogers and his team he would of stuck with Team Cap. 

While those were two great characters on Team Ironman I easily loved that Hawkeye/Clint returned in the most important time.  Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch was amazing and played the role perfectly and developed the character even more since "Age of Ultron." Captain America of course is my favorite character and Chris Evans just gets better and better in each film. I'm looking forward to "Infinity Wars." 

Here is my advice to everyone that hasn't seen "Captain America: Civil War" yet, go and see this film as this is early hit film of the summer. Even if you haven't seen the other Captain America films or even the other Avengers films, you can still go and see this movie and enjoy just how amazing it was. Choose a side: #TeamCap or #TeamIronman? 

"Captain America: Civil War" gets 5 out of 5 popcorn bags from me. 

Disney Files Plans for Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom; New Disney twenty-three Focuses on Shanghai Disneyland

Disney Files Plans for Hollywood Studios & Magic Kingdom:

Blog Mickey has found that Disney has filed plans for a new entrance into Hollywood Studios and a possible new exit to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. First, the new entrance into Hollywood Studios.

The plan for the new entrance into Hollywood Studios has been rumored ever since the announcement of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. While this hasn't officially been announced by Disney it definitely seems it is official with them filing for permits. In the plans it appears as it would exchange at the corner of Victory Way and Osceola Parkway and that the World Drive entrance would be demolished.

The plans then seem to show that the exchange would dump traffic into what now only a wooded area. There is also rumors that the parking lot could be expanded and that a possible parking garage would be added. This would allow the accommodation for guests to be much easier entering into the park once the new lands are open. The plans were filed to the South Florida Water Management District. 

More plans were discovered as Disney appears to have filed plans for an overhaul of the Magic Kingdom parking lots. Originally thought an overhaul of the parking entrance it has been corrected by Blog Mickey to be the exit of the lots. 

The exit would be a part of a larger road widening project of Floridian Way that has already begun by the North Entrance near Reams Road. As for the overhaul of the parking lot, Disney appears to want to build a flyover that would allow busses and resort traffic to bypass the toll and just continue onto northbound World Drive that would take guests to the Magic Kingdom Resort area. Then it also shows a southbound connection, this connection would greatly relieve traffic congestion on Seven Seas Drive, especially around shift changes. 

Of course none of this has been confirmed, just the plans filed for both projects. Stay tuned for more details. 

New Disney twenty-three Issue Focuses on Opening of Shanghai Disneyland:

The next issue for D23's Disney twenty-three magazine should be arriving soon for D23 Gold Members. Once again it should be quite the read as the new issue focuses solely on the upcoming opening of Shanghai Disneyland on June 16. D23 is giving its members a sneak peak of the park ahead of its opening. Here is the release from D23:

"On June 16, Disney will officially open Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans an advance peek at this breathtaking one-of-a-kind destination. From its opening pages, with a welcome from Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, to the back cover, featuring a map of the park—in Chinese—the issue is packed with exciting details about this new resort that celebrates everything guests love about Disney, while honoring China’s distinct cultural heritage.

The issue, exclusively for D23 Gold Members, provides a detailed look at how Shanghai Disney Resort was built from concept to concrete, including fascinating insights into the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineers and the incredibly talented artisans of mainland China. Readers will be able to explore all the exclusive attractions opening at the park including Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which recreates moments from beloved Disney animated films as riders travel by boat through, around, and under the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest castle in any Disney park. The thrilling adrenaline rush of TRON Lightcycle Power Run puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-tech race, and the high seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure boasts some of the most advanced technologies of any Disney attraction.

More than 30 pages of exclusive interviews and vibrant photography come together to highlight this jewel in the Disney Parks crown, from all-new shows, experiences, merchandise, and dining options to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of the resort.

Plus, Disney twenty-three turns up the heat with its annual summer movie preview. Highlights include exclusive interviews with Ellen DeGeneres discussing the upcoming Finding Dory as well as her first trip to Disneyland, Bryce Dallas Howard talking about the reimagining of Pete’s Dragon, and Academy Award®winner Steven Spielberg revealing details about his Disney directorial debut, The BFG.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three is a look at how The Reluctant Dragon, celebrating its 75th anniversary, was able to give audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films."

We are just over a month away from Shanghai Disneyland opening on June 16.

Disney Announces Shut Down of Its Disney Infinity Franchise of Games & Toys

During their Quarter 2 Earnings Call this afternoon, Disney announced that it will be shutting down production of its Disney Infinity line of gaming. It will result in a loss of 300 jobs. Disney will instead only license console games. In a statement released just a little ago by John Blackburn, Senior Vice President & GM to Disney Infinity, he said the game will sadly be ended but gamers will still see the release of two more play sets later this month ("Alice Through the Looking Glass") and in June with "Finding Dory." Here is the full statement from Blackburn:

From John Blackburn SVP &GM Disney Infinity An Update on Disney Infinity

By now you may have heard the news that we have made the difficult decision to discontinue production of Disney Infinity. From the beginning, Disney Infinity was built for you—our fans—and I wanted to take a moment to thank you not just for your support over the years, but for creating a community that made Disney Infinity more than just a game.

Our goal for Disney Infinity was to bring the best of Disney storytelling to life in homes around the world, and with your support we accomplished that. We hope you had as much fun playing the game as we had making it.

So what’s next for Disney Infinity? We have two final retail releases coming, including three new characters from Alice Through the Looking Glasslater this month, and the Finding Dory Play Set launching in June.

And as we turn to the next chapter in our story, I want to thank everyone who helped bring Disney Infinity to life, particularly Disney’s Glendale-based production and publishing teams, our external development partners, and of course the incredible Avalanche team for their tireless dedication to this project.

But most of all, I want to again thank you for making Disney Infinity a part of your lives—and for adding to the Disney legacy by being a part of this community.

More Rumored Character Changes at Disney World; "Queen of Katwe" Trailer Released

More Rumored Character Changes at Disney World:

It appears as more changes to character meet & greets are coming to  Walt Disney World. First and most notably, Chip & Dale who were greeting guests in cowboy outfits in Frontierland across from the Golden Horseshoe will be moving back to Tomorrowland where they used to greet guests. The change will supposedly take place this Sunday, May 15. The will move to near the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage in what we imagine will be space outfits.

In their place across from the Golden Horseshoe, Jesse and Woody will be moving from the exit of Splash Mountain. While this move is rumored the Chip & Dale move seems to be more of a confirmed move. This also is rumored to be beginning May 15. 

Over in Hollywood Studios with Minnie greeting guests with Mickey in their newly opened meet & greet, her old spot has already been filled. Pluto is now greeting guests in Minnie's old spot in the Disney Junior Meet & Greet area. 

"Queen of Katwe" Trailer Released:

Yesterday, released the poster and said it would release the trailer for their upcoming film presented by ESPN Films called, "Queen of Katwe." The film tells the story of a young Ugandan girl who is introduced to the game of chess. Her world quickly changes as she becomes a prodigy to the game. The film stars Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Mandina Nalwanga. The film is directed by Mira Nair. "Queen of Katwe" is due out in theaters, September 23. Here is the trailer:

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.