Blossoming again in 2018, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28. The festival marks its 25th Anniversary this year and Disney Parks Blog has given us a look at some of the newest 2018 Dooney & Bourke designs.
Disney Parks Blog Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including a handbag by Dooney & Bourke.
Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Disney says the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival.
Atlanta Braves spring training games get underway today at Champion Stadium when they host the Washington Nationals – their National League East division rivals.
This year marks Atlanta’s 21st season of conducting spring training workouts at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
Atlanta’s rather impressive lineup contains several seasoned veterans and a bevy of talented newcomers, so watching this team this spring should be an exciting proposition for Braves fans.
Atlanta’s spring training home schedule is an attractive one with games against perennial MLB playoff clubs like the Nationals (Feb. 26, March 1), the St. Louis Cardinals (March 3, 17), the vaunted New York Yankees (March 9, 24) and the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros (March 8).
Disney character appearances and special moments such as kids running the bases after every game are some of the in-game entertainment opportunities that make Braves spring training at Disney a unique experience.
From a concessions perspective, Braves fans will be able to sample several new food and beverage options this season including the new Latin Rice Bowl (chicken or pork), which is available on the third-base patio at the stadium.
For those Braves fans who enjoy specialty craft beers, there are four new offerings this spring at the stadium.
Chopsecutioner, the first new craft beer, is produced by the Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, GA. This beer has a citrusy, hoppy flavor which is nicely paired with the beef brisket from Barbecue Smokehouse.
Bell’s Oberen Ale wheat beer from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan is available and should be paired with the chicken nugget basket from Champion Stadium’s Home Plate Grill.
Una Mas Amber Lager from Left Coast Brewing in California is the third new craft beer, which goes great with the buffalo chicken sandwich at the stadium, while Dock Light IPA from 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg, Florida rounds out the new craft beer selections. It should be paired with mini-hotdogs and brats from Slider Station on the third-base patio at the stadium.
Braves fans can purchase individual spring training game tickets at www.espnwwos.com/braves, through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. Tickets range from $15 (general admission berm seating in left field) to $59 (lower level reserved seats).
If you have never been to Victoria & Albert’s then you have to try it. Its Walt Disney World‘s most exclusive gourmet restaurant. So fancy that children must be at least 10 years of age to even enter. Well, the multi-award winning restaurant as just added a few more to their resume.
Two prestigious awards have just been bestowed this month on Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For the 18th consecutive year, the restaurant has received the AAA Five Diamond Award and, for the first time ever, the coveted 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.
There are only 68 Five Diamond restaurants in North America, and only 64 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants out of over 1,600 restaurants across the globe. Victoria & Albert’s now stands as the sole restaurant in the state of Florida to receive both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards.
AAA Diamond Ratings represent a combination of overall food, service, décor and ambiance. A Five Diamond restaurant provides leading-edge cuisine of the finest ingredients, uniquely prepared by an acclaimed chef, served by expert service staff led by a maître d’ in extraordinary surroundings.
Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings verify luxury and represent outstanding, iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. Using the most exacting standards in the industry, this year’s list evaluates properties in over 160 destinations across 50 countries.
Every night, Victoria & Albert’s brings guests the ultimate in fine dining with classic Victorian elegance, haute American cuisine and an atmosphere of refined opulence. The esteemed restaurant features three unique dining experiences: the main dining room with the choice of a 7-course menu or 10 course Chef’s Tasting Menu; the intimate Queen Victoria’s Room offers a 10-course Chef’s Tasting menu with tableside presentation and optional wine pairings; and the highly sought-after 8-seat Chef’s Table located in the restaurants kitchen, where guests can get an exclusive look at their dishes being crafted by the culinary team. Victoria & Albert’s also has an incredible wine cellar with over 700 wines from over 35 regions.
“This has been a monumental year for the entire Victoria & Albert’s Team. They have developed a culture of success, which is over twenty years in the making. Every single member of the team is fully invested, combining the perfect formula of creativity, knowledge and passion for service. Our focus remains: Aim for perfection and settle for nothing less than excellence”, said Grand Floridian Resort & Spa General Manager Cosmo Kapoor.
Congratulations belong to Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimée Rivera, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez and the entire Victoria & Albert’s team for earning these illustrious awards.
Mark Hamill is finally getting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and he didn’t have to do any jedi mind tricks to get it. At least not that we know of. This star of course doesn’t come from a galaxy far far away, but from right here in our own galaxy. In an event, the recognition is long overdue for the franchises most recognizable faces.
The iconic actor who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga — and whose incredible body of work spans movies, TV, theatre, video games, and voice-over — will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it was announced this week. The star will be dedicated on March 8 at 11:30 a.m. PT. in the category of Motion Pictures, in a special ceremony at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the El Capitan Theatre. Joining master of ceremonies and president & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Leron Gubler to unveil the star will be two of Hamill’s friends from his time in a galaxy far, far away: Harrison Ford and George Lucas.
“Star Wars fans will be over the moon that hearing their idol Mark Hamill is going to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “We are proud to add this extraordinary actor on our historic Walk of Fame.” Fans can watch the event on www.walkoffame.com.
Born in Oakland, California, Hamill was discovered in a workshop musical comedy called Anthems in E-Flat Calliope the summer before becoming a theatre arts major at Los Angeles City College. For six years, he made guest appearances on multiple TV series and television movies, including a stint on General Hospital and a starring role on The Texas Wheelers.
Next came his big screen debut: 1977’s Star Wars, and the role of Luke Skywalker, which made him a legend. Hamill reprised the part in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), and again in the highly-anticipated sequels The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017), for which he garnered great critical praise. In a lengthy discussion on his birthday last year, StarWars.com spoke with Hamill about his Star Wars journey, from acting with longtime hero Alec Guinness to what being part of Star Wars means to him today.
In addition to the Star Wars saga, Hamill’s many film credits include Corvette Summer, Samuel Fuller’s The Big Red One, Slipstream, Walking Across Egypt, Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Sushi Girl, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and last year’s Brigsby Bear. Hamill also directed and starred in the cult mockumentary Comic Book: The Movie.
A gifted voice actor, Hamill has performed across mediums. For a generation of Batman fans, he is the Joker thanks to his turn in the revolutionary Batman: The Animated Series. He reprised the role for the Arkham Asylum video game series (for which he won a BAFTA Award), the 2016 animated film, Batman: The Killing Joke, and the new series Justice League Action — in which he also, in a bit of comically meta storytelling, played the Joker, the Trickster, and himself in the same scene.
Recently, Hamill also returned as the Trickster on CW’s live-action The Flash, a role he first played in the original CBS series. On Broadway, Hamill’s credits include The Elephant Man, Amadeus, Michael Stewart’s Harrigan n’ Hart, The Nerd, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, and the Roundabout Theatre production of Room Service.
Hamill will receive his star as Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives on Digital on March 13 and Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and On-Demand on March 27.
As we recently reported Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park is currently undergoing a refurbishment and the progress they are making looks quite beautiful. And while the Disneyland Horses are currently on a vacation we are getting a first look at some of the beautiful new brickwork.
While the horse-drawn streetcar track is replaced in its entirety for the first time. This complete replacement has also incorporated new brickwork along the length of this iconic thoroughfare, and today now we have a first look at this gorgeous enhancement as the sections around Town Square and Central Plaza (also known as the Hub) have been revealed!
The pieces of original track remaining prior to this refurbishment are being salvaged and preserved, and the previously updated pieces of track are being recycled. One thing is for sure, Donald obviously thinks it’s great!
Pixar Pier opens on June 23 at Disney California Adventure park and when it does, guests will discover a new hot spot at the Lamplight Lounge. This seaside lounge will be an elegant yet fun gathering place for the whole family, located at the entrance of Pixar Pier.
Lamplight Lounge will serve California casual gastro-pub cuisine that is playfully presented along with unique signature cocktails. This seaside lounge contains a full bar with picturesque waterfront views from both upstairs and downstairs. At night, outdoor seating provides views of the illuminated Pixar Pier and “World of Color.”
Renovated from an old warehouse factory, the location has kept many features of the original two-story building. The steel structural elements as well as concrete and brick walls were exposed and repaired to tell the story of its past. The original wood boards from the factory were refinished and given new life as ceiling panels and floors. The furniture style echoes a relaxed feel and the end result is an open, airy and bright place that is organic yet sophisticated.
Lamplight Lounge celebrates the creativity, inspirations and personalities of the artists and storytellers who have brought Pixar stories to life. Guests will discover the artistic marks that the Pixar “regulars” have left throughout the lounge: concept art, a quick sketch on a napkin, knick-knacks and collectable toys of beloved Pixar characters will adorn the space.
Come discover the treasured keepsakes and tastes of Lamplight Lounge when it opens along with Pixar Pier on June 23. Guests wishing to visit the Cove Bar one more time are welcome to stop by as it reopens briefly beginning March 16 before closing again at the end of May for its permanent transformation.
Were back with some more construction updates on Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios and one of the most recent installations is one that will get fans excited. It seems they have been moving along at hyper speed as pieces of the Millennium Falcon ride were spotted being lowered into place.
These close up shots of the work really give a sense of how the construction is coming along thanks to Yensid 55 who has been monitoring the progress of Star Wars Land construction on his YouTube channel.
Every piece put into place is an important one, but seeing what is clearly a piece of the inside of the hull of the Millennium Falcon is really exciting.
Thats right… For those who haven’t heard yet, one of the land’s two signature attractions will put you in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, piloting the ship, shooting blasters or preparing for hyperspace – all while completing a critical mission.
At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests visit Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but its prominence was bypassed by the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, it has become a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. It’s also a convenient safe haven for those intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order.
If you want to see more of the progression they have made so far take a look back here. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is set to open in 2019.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom revealed news about a baby Nile hippopotamus born at the park on January 13. As part of a magical moment on the theme park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, roughly a dozen Guests were the first to learn that the hippo calf is a boy, and his name is Augustus. Weighing in at 168 pounds, Augustus is the first hippo born at the park in 13 years. He is often seen staying close to his mom, Tuma, and is already winning over Guests with his playful nature.
The birth of Augustus marks another success for the dedicated and highly trained team of animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. Nile hippos are a vulnerable species with a declining population.
Augustus’ parents, Tuma and Henry, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP ensures responsible breeding so there will be healthy and diverse animal populations for years to come.
Guests will see Augustus on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience and be inspired to take action to protect hippos and other at-risk animals in the wild. To learn more about hippos, visit DisneyAnimals.com.
Earlier Disney announced that Be Our Guest Restaurant will be offering a new enhanced prix fixe dinner menu that includes new offerings including a variety of French-inspired dishes. Now online reports indicate that dinner will have new pricing plan for the three course meal and it will now cost two table service credits for those on the Disney Dining Plan.
Pricing will be $55 for adults and $35 for children, or two Disney Dining Plan credits according to a report by WDWMagic. This puts the dining experience in line with signature dining locations and even some character dining experiences.
The change will take place when the new menu goes into effect on July 27th. Guests were concerned when online reports noticed that reservations for July were not available, but we know now why. This exciting new menu was a good reason for the booking interruption and Disney will be creating a new children’s menu as well to be released at a later date.
Be Our Guest Restaurant is an expansive and elegant 550-seat dining destination located at the foot of Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Whether you are enjoying a quick-service breakfast or lunch, or the stately elegance of a table-service dinner
There have been reports that Belle will be joining Beast during the experience, but now there is speculation that Disney may even add more characters, but there has yet to be an official announcement on that.
Reservations are once again available again from July 27 and beyond and you can begin booking your advanced dining reservations starting this Friday, February 23rd.
Have you ever wondered what happened to Walt’s plane after it was removed from the Studio Back Lot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Well after the famous plane, known as “The Mouse”, was recently spotted from high above, we now have the answer. Satellite Imagery shows the plane in good condition and out of public sight.
There were some initial reports that the plane was severely damaged and maybe even crushed, while it was being moved to a backstage location elsewhere on property. We now know that isn’t the case thanks to recent satellite images.
The twin prop plane is surrounded by barricades and being kept safe in a restricted backstage area.
The area is easily recognizable as the wastewater treatment plant operated by the Reedy Creek Improvement District. As we mentioned the area is off-limits so it’s best not to try to sneak a peek.
If you’ve ever experienced The Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, chances are you’ve seen “The Mouse” – a white airplane with a Mickey Mouse icon on its tail. Before it made its home as part of the attraction the plane was actually used by Walt Disney himself.
The plane has a storied past and was used from everything from giving Walt a bird’s eye view to survey the future Walt Disney World property to shuttling Imagineers over to Florida to start their work on the project.
Walt purchased the Grumman Gulfstream 1 (G1) in 1964, and worked with his wife, Lillian, to select the plane’s interior design and color scheme. The plane seated 15 and featured a galley, two couches and a desk. Walt even designed his own special seat in the plane, which was in the rear left cabin. The seat was equipped with a special altimeter and air-speed gauge, which Walt added to satisfy his endless curiosity about flying.
The tail number on the plane has been N234MM since 1967, but it was N732G back when Walt Disney used the plane. Back then the plane was known as “George”. The new tail number of N234MM was originally called by the proper designation of “two three four metro metro,” but soon the FAA replaced the “metro metro” with “Mickey Mouse,” and so it was known for the remainder of its life.
The plane’s first trips took Walt and his Imagineers to and from California and New York to oversee the final preparations for Disney’s contributions to the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Later that year, Walt (pictured above, center) began surveying land in Central Florida, considering the site a possibility for his second theme park.
The plane also led Walt to find inspiration for the look of one classic Disney attraction. According to Mark Malone, son of Pilot Chuck Malone, Walt spotted El Morro fortress while flying over San Juan, Puerto Rico, and remarked that it would be the perfect look for his new Pirates of the Caribbean, which at the time was still in the planning phase.
In addition to taking Walt on his secret trips, the plane also took Disney characters on goodwill tours and visits to children’s hospitals around the United States. An estimated 83,000 passengers have flown aboard the plane, including Disney animators and several famous faces, including former Presidents Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, as well as Disney Legends Julie Andrews and Annette Funicello.
One of the most exciting things you may notice is the fact that it appears as though the plane has been repainted to its original colors. In some photos found on Nearmap by Blog Mickey you can see a much closer look at the plane and it looks like it’s in great condition.
Take an inside look at this amazing piece of history in the video below.
The airplane’s last flight took place Oct. 8, 1992, when it touched down on World Drive, west of Disney’s Hollywood Studios before it became part of The Back Lot Tour. What is most important is that it looks like Disney is taking good care of it and we hope the fact that it’s been repainted means that it will eventually end up on display again somewhere.
