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  • Menus Revealed For Disney’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

    Menus Revealed For Disney’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

    Get ready to eat Foodies, because Disney has newly released menus for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

    The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort this fall with 75 days of entertainment, events, and, of course, a veritable cornucopia of wonderful food and tasty beverages. The festival’s 23rd year runs from August 30 to November 12, 2018.

    Stands at the festival include Africa, Active Eats, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, The Chocolate Studio, Hawai’i, Islands of the Caribbean, Thailand and many more. Take a look below at all the yummy eats being served up this year!

    Active Eats

    Food:

    • Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’ Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions (KA)
    • Spice-crusted Verlasso Salmon with Warm Lentil Power Salad, Crushed Avocado and Sherry Vinegar (GF)
    • NEW: Active Eats Energy Bar Bites: a mixture of Chocolate, Nuts, Dried Fruit and Dates (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • M.I.A. Beer Company HRD WTR
    • Pineapple Coconut Hard Sparkling Water, Doral, FL
    • L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA
    • Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

    Africa

    Food:

    • Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato and Pap (GF)
    • Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa (V)

    Beverages:

    • Cederberg Chenin Blanc
    • Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz
    • Groot Constantia Pinotage
    • Wine Flight

    The Almond Orchard hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze

    Food:

    • NEW: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pulled Chicken, Toasted Blue Diamond Almonds and Parmesan Cheese served with Nut Thins® Crackers
    • Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Roasted Almonds and served with Blue Diamond Artisan Nut Thins® Multi-seeds Crackers
    • Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Chocolate Almond Streusel (KA) (V)

    Beverages:

    • Almond Breeze Strawberry Smoothie (Non-alcoholic) (KA)
    • Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne
    • Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne
    • Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Rosé Champagne

    Australia

    Food:

    • Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion and Snap Peas (GF)
    • Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies (GF)
    • Lamington: Yellow Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut (V)

    Beverages:

    • Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
    • Hope Estate “Wollombi Brook” Semillon, Hunter Valley
    • Franklin Tate Estates Chardonnay, Margaret River
    • Yangarra Shiraz, McLaren Vale
    • Wine Flight

    Belgium

    Food:

    • Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
    • Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream (V) (KA)
    • Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale Ale (Flight)
    • St. Bernardus Witbier (Flight)
    • St. Bernardus Abt 12 (Flight)
    • Stella Artois Hard Cider
    • Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
    • Beer Flight

    Brazil

    Food:

    • NEW:Moqueca: Brazilian Seafood Stew featuring Scallops, Shrimp and White Fish with Coconut-lime Sauce and Steamed Rice
    • Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato and Onions (GF)
    • Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (GF) (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    M.I.A. Beer Company Barbossa Black Beer, Doral, FL

    Casa Valduga Brut Rosé

    Quinta do Crasto Duoro Red

    Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

    Brewer’s Collection

    Beverages:

    • Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
    • Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb
    • Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer
    • Beer Flight

    Canada

    Food:

    • Canadian Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
    • Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (GF)

    Beverages:

    • Moosehead Radler: Lager infused with Grapefruit, Grape and Lemon Juices, New Brunswick
    • Château Des Charmes Equuleus Red Blend, St. David’s Bench
    • Château Des Charmes Vidal Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake

    The Cheese Studio hosted by Boursin® Cheese

    Food:

    • Braised Beef Stroganoff with Tiny Egg Noodles, Wild Mushroom and Boursin Garlic with Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce (KA)
    • Cheese Trio: Profiterole topped with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese and Orange Apricot Jam; Smoked Salmon Pinwheel with Boursin Shallot and Chive Cheese and Everything Seasoning; Strawberry Macaron with Boursin Pepper Cheese
    • NEW: Maple Bourbon Boursin Cheesecake with Maple Bourbon Cream, Caramel and Pecan Crunch (V)

    Beverages:

    • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Blueberry Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
    • La Crema Pinot Gris, Monterey
    • Domaine Saint André de Figuière Rosé, Côtes de Provence
    • Alta Vista Estate Malbec, Mendoza

    China

    Food:

    • NEW: Xi’an Pancake with Beef
    • NEW: Chicken Dumplings with Chinese Slaw (KA)
    • Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce
    • Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles

    Beverages:

    • Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk (Non-alcoholic)
    • Jasmine Draft Beer
    • Happy Peach: Peach Liqueur and Dark Rum
    • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka and Triple Sec
    • Byejoe Punch: Chinese Bai Jiu Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice
    • Honeydew Bai Jiu Cocktail: Chinese Bai Jiu Spirit and Honeydew Syrup

    The Chocolate Studio

    Food:

    • Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel (GF) (KA)
    • Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with Whipped Cream (V)

    Beverages:

    • Twinings® Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea and Chocolate Shake (Non-alcoholic) (KA)
    • Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Piedmont
    • Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
    • Croft 10 Year Tawny
    • Twinings® Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka

    Coastal Eats

    Food:

    • Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado-lemongrass Cream
    • Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette
    • Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn, Butterbean Succotash and Chili-chipotle Butter Sauce

    Beverages:

    • A to Z Wineworks Pinot Gris, Oregon
    • ROCO Gravel Road Pinot Noir, Oregon

    Craft Drafts

    Beverages:

    • Central 28 Beer Company Waff-Ale, DeBary, FL (Flight 1)
    • Bold City Brewing 1901 Roasted Red Ale, Jacksonville, FL (Flight 1)
    • Florida Beer Company Passport Triple Chocolate Milk Stout, Cape Canaveral, FL (Flight 1)
    • First Magnitude Brewing Co. Lemongrass Saison, Gainesville, FL (Flight 2)
    • JDub’s Brewing Company Honeydew Melon Kölsch, Sarasota, FL (Flight 2)
    • Shipyard Brewing Company Monkey Fist IPA, Clearwater, FL (Flight 2)
    • Your choice of 2 distinctive Beer Flights

    Earth Eats

    Food:

    • NEW: The Steakhouse Blended Burger: Blended Beef and Wild Mushroom Slider with Brie Cheese Fondue, Arugula, Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chip on a Brioche Bun
    • NEW: The IMPOSSIBLE™ Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Asian Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun (V)

    Beverages:

    • Health-Ade Kombucha Pink Lady Apple
    • Health-Ade Kombucha Pomegranate
    • Health-Ade Kombucha Beet-Lime
    • Kombucha Flight

    The Festival Center Wine Shop

    Food:

    • Charcuterie Plate: Chefs Selection of Artisanal Meats and Accompaniments
    • La Bottega di BelGioioso Cheese Plate: Crescenza-Stracchino, CreamyGorg Gorgonzola Dolce, and Artigiano Vino Rosso Cheeses
    • Bloody Mary Seafood Cocktail: Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Olive Salad and Crisp Lettuce in a Bloody Mary Vinaigrette

    Beverages:

    • Fess Parker Riesling, Santa Barbara County (White Flight)
    • MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley (White Flight)
    • Silverado Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley (White Flight)
    • Silverado Vineyards Chardonnay, Carneros
    • Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines “Goldie” Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
    • MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (Pinot Noir Flight)
    • Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines “Birdie” Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills (Pinot Noir Fight)
    • Skywalker Vineyards Sommita Pinot Noir, Marin County (Pinot Noir Flight)
    • Silverado Vineyards Fantasia Sangiovese Blend, Napa Valley (Red Flight)
    • Chappellet Mountain Cuvée Bordeaux Blend, Napa Valley (Red Flight)
    • Fess Parker Rodney’s Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County (Red Flight)
    • Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
    • White Flight
    • Pinot Noir Flight
    • Red Flight

    Flavors from Fire

    Food:

    • Piggy Wings: Roasted Pork Wings with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds (KA)
    • Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue featuring BelGioioso® Romano and American Grana Cheeses
    • NEW: Charred Chimichurri Skirt Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Cilantro Aïoli
    • Chocolate Picante: Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder and Mango

    Beverages:

    • Orlando Brewery Smokin’ Blackwater Porter
    • Michael David Winery 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel, Lodi
    • Swine Brine featuring Jim Beam Bourbon

    France

    Food:

    • Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
    • Carbonade de Boeuf, Purée de Pommes de Terre: Beer-braised Beef with Bacon, Onion and Mashed Potatoes
    • Crème Brûlée à la Confiture de Framboises: Crème Brûlée with House-made Raspberry Jam (V) (GF) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice
    • Chardonnay, Le Vieux Manoir
    • Cabernet Sauvignon, Village la Tourelle, Bordeaux
    • St-Germain Sparkling Kir: Sparkling Wine and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
    • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Pale Lager

    Germany

    Food:

    • Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions and Cheese (KA)
    • Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll (KA)
    • Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
    • Carl Graff Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese, Mosel (Flight)
    • J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel (Flight)
    • Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken, Mosel (Flight)
    • Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, Pfalz
    • Riesling Flight

    Greece

    Food:

    • Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles and Vegan Tzatziki (V) (KA)
    • Taste of Greece: Chicken Souvlaki, Feta Cheese Dip with Warm Pita and Lamb Sausage with a Dill Tomato Ragu
    • Spanakopita: Greek Spinach Pie (V)
    • Bougatsa: Warm Phyllo Dough Strudel with Sweet Vanilla Custard, Lemon Honey Syrup and Cinnamon (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Peloponnese
    • Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini
    • Argyros Atlantis Red Blend, Santorini
    • Wine Flight

    Hawai’i

    Food:

    • Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise (KA)
    • Grilled Tuna Tataki with Seaweed Salad, Pickled Cucumbers and Wasabi Cream
    • Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise
    • Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (V)

    Beverages:

    • Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager
    • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
    • Mai Tai with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and DOLE Pineapple Juice

    Hops & Barley

    Food:

    • New England Lobster Roll: Warm Lobster with Fresh Herb Mayonnaise and Griddled Roll
    • NEW:New Brunswick Slider: Slow-braised Beef Brisket “Pot Roast Style” with Horseradish Cream and Crispy Fried Onions on a Potato Roll with Pickled Vegetables on the side
    • Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • North Coast Bewing Co. Blue Star Wheat, Fort Bragg, CA (Flight)
    • 3 Daughters Brewing A Wake Coffee Blonde Ale, St. Petersburg, FL (Flight)
    • Heavy Seas AmeriCannon APA, Baltimore, MD (Flight)
    • Angry Orchard Rosé Hard Cider, Walden, NY
    • Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
    • Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
    • Beer Flight

    India

    Food:

    • Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips (V) (KA)
    • Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas and Basmati Rice (V) (GF)
    • Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews and Warm Naan Bread

    Beverages:

    • Mango Lassi (Non-alcoholic) (KA)
    • Godfather Lager
    • Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
    • Sula Shiraz, Nashik
    • Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Indian Cream Liqueur

    Ireland

    Food:

    • Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
    • Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread (V)
    • Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard

    Beverages:

    • Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
    • Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
    • Guinness Baileys Shake

    Islands of the Caribbean

    Food:

    • NEW: Ropa Vieja Empanada with Tomato Aïoli (KA)
    • NEW: Jerk-spiced Chicken Lollipop with Roasted Sweet Plantain Salad and Mango Chutney Yogurt
    • Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce (V) (KA)

    Beverages:

    • Red Stripe Lager
    • Caribbean White Sangria
    • Frozen Mojito

    Italy

    Food:

    • NEW: Fritto Misto: Crispy Shrimp, Zucchini and Sweet Potatoes with a Spicy Sauce
    • NEW: Pollo Alla Cacciatora: Braised Chicken Thigh, Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Parmesan Polenta
    • NEW: Mezzi Rigatoni: Vodka Sauce, Crispy Pancetta and Parmesan Cheese (KA)
    • Cannoli: Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit (KA)

    Beverages:

    • Moretti Lager
    • Moretti La Rossa Double Malt
    • Placido Pinot Grigio
    • Placido Chianti
    • Villa Sandi Prosecco
    • Montegrande Corbinello Spumante Dolce
    • Fior d’Arancio Montegrande Moscato
    • Frozen Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila

    Japan

    Food:

    • NEW: Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables and a Sweet Teriyaki Sauce (KA)
    • NEW: Beef Nigiri topped with Shrimp Sauce and Diced Pickled Jalapeños (GF)
    • NEW:Spicy Roll: Tuna and Salmon topped with Volcano Sauce

    Beverages:

    • Kirin Ichiban Lager
    • Ozeki Rai Sake
    • Fuji Apple Cocktail: Sake, Peach Schnapps and Green Apple Syrup

    Light Lab

    Beverages:

    • NEW: Phosphorescent Phreeze (KA)
    • NEW: InfraRED (KA)
    • NEW: UltraVIOLET (KA)
    • Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls
    • Original Sin Dry Rosé Hard Cider, New York, NY (Cider Flight)
    • 3 Daughters Brewing Blueberry Peppercorn Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL (Cider Flight)
    • Ciderboys Zen Berry Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI (Cider Flight)
    • Playalinda Brewing Co. Red Cherry Tart, Titusville, FL (RGB Flight)
    • GrassLands Brewing Company Green Kiwi Blonde, Tallahassee, FL (RGB Flight)
    • M.I.A. Beer Company Blue-berry Golden Ale, Doral, FL (RGB Flight)
    • Cider Flight
    • NEW: RGB Flight

    Mexico

    Food:

    • NEW: Short Rib Tostada: Corn Tortilla topped with Short Ribs, Black Beans, Salsa Verde and Spring Onion
    • NEW: Shrimp Quesadilla: Corn Tortilla with Shrimp, Oaxaca Cheese and topped with Spicy Guajillo Sauce and Sesame Seeds
    • NEW: Coconut Rice Pudding served with Mango Coulis (GF) (V)

    Beverages:

    • Cerveza Por Favor: Dos Equis Draft Beer with a hint of Almond
    • Mariachi Loco: Margarita with Libelula Tequila Joven, Mango Purée and Chamoy
    • Ay Caramba: Smoky Margarita with Gracias A Dios Mezcal, Lime Juice and Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
    • La Chancla: Red Wine Sangria mixed with Fruit Juice
    • El Padrino: Blackberry Mexican Punch with Velo Blanco Tequila

    Morocco

    Food:

    • Kefta Pocket: Seasoned Ground Beef in a Pita Pocket (KA)
    • Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce (V)
    • Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce

    Beverages:

    • Casa Pale Lager
    • Kasbah Prestige Red Wine
    • Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur
    • Red Organic Sangria

    New Zealand

    Food:

    • Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Breadcrumbs
    • Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
    • NEW: Seared Venison Sausage with Kumara Purée and Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce

    Beverages:

    • Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
    • Antmoore Wineworks MOKOblack Pinot Noir, Marlborough
    • Frozen Wine Cocktail featuring Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
    • Mussels provided by Mark Foods. NEW: Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar

    Food:

    • Chocolate Croissant: Flaky Croissant stuffed with Chocolate
    • Almond Croissant: Flaky Croissant topped with Toasted Almonds
    • Jumbo Blueberry Muffin with Streusel Topping
    • Cheese Danish with Sweet Icing

    Beverages:

    • Frozen Apple Pie (Non-alcoholic) (KA)
    • Tropical Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Pomegranate, Orange and Grapefruit Juices
    • Key Lime Mimosa with Key Lime Sparkling Wine and Cranberry Juice
    • Blood Orange Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Blood Orange Juice
    • Madras Mimosa with Cranberry Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice
    • Fromosa: Frozen Mimosa featuring White Claw Lime Hard Seltzer
    • Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee

    Spain

    Food:

    • Charcuterie in a Cone with imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette
    • Spanish-style Paella with Chorizo and Roasted Chicken
    • Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar and Smoked Paprika (GF)

    Beverages:

    • Lagar de Bouza Albariño, Rías Baixas
    • Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla
    • Espelt Garnacha Old Vines, Catalonia
    • Wine Flight also available
  • Disneyland Agrees To Pay Its Workers $15 an Hour

    Disneyland Agrees To Pay Its Workers $15 an Hour

    Disneyland has agreed to raise the minimum wage for employees at its California theme park to $15 an hour.

    A lengthy labor battle over pay at Disney’s Anaheim resort is ended with the agreement. Unions representing nearly 10,000 Disneyland workers accepted Disney’s three-year contract to raise starting hourly wages to $15 an hour beginning next year.

    Disneyland Resort announced the 40 percent increase last Thursday and says it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019. As part of a deal with labor unions, the resort says it will immediately increase the current minimum of $11 an hour to $13.25. It’ll be at $15.45 in 2020.

    The deal affects more than 9,700 employees, including those working in attractions, store operations and costuming, among others. Disney said an employee making $11 today would earn an additional $8,000 a year.

    Disneyland President Josh D’Amaro says in a statement that the resort is paying workers $15 an hour three years ahead of a new California law requiring workers be paid that amount. He says that shows the resort’s “commitment and care” for its employees.

  • ‘Incredibles 2’ Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide

    ‘Incredibles 2’ Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide

    Incredibles 2 hit the $1 billion mark globally on Monday, making it the seventh animated film to cross this threshold at the global box office.

    It is Disney’s fifth animated and 18th-ever billion-dollar release and joins Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War as Disney’s third release to reach the $1 billion milestone this year.

    The film, which holds an A+ CinemaScore and a 93% Certified Fresh on RottenTomatoes, has earned $574.0M domestically and $430.9M internationally for a global total of $1.005 billion through July 30.

    After setting a domestic box office record for biggest animated debut ever with $182.7 million (June 15–17), Incredibles 2 became the first animated film ever to surpass the $500 million mark in North America and now stands as the ninth biggest overall release in U.S. history. With Toy Story 3, Finding Dory and Incredibles 2, Pixar is the first and only animated studio to have released three billion-dollar films.

    Incredibles 2 continues its global rollout this week, opening in Japan tomorrow and in Spain on Friday, followed by Italy and Germany in September.

  • Disney, 21st Century Fox Shareholders Vote to Approve $71.3 Billion Merger

    Disney, 21st Century Fox Shareholders Vote to Approve $71.3 Billion Merger

    Disney’s acquisition of fox is nearly complete. Friday, shareholders approve Disney’s $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox entertainment assets.

    The tie-up brings together Marvel’s X-Men and Avengers franchises and creates an entertainment behemoth in the digital streaming era. The shareholder vote caps a saga that began in December 2017, when Disney made its first offer for part of Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate. It kicked off a bidding war with Comcast, which dropped out last week focus on attempted buyout of the European pay-TV operator Sky.

    The Fox deal will help Disney compete with technology players like Amazon and Netflix. The agreement is not expected to close for several months and still requires regulatory approvals.

    Source: AP

  • Disney Plans to Eliminate Plastic Straws From Theme Parks By 2019

    Disney Plans to Eliminate Plastic Straws From Theme Parks By 2019

    Disney is sharing another important step in their journey of environmental stewardship. By mid-2019, The Walt Disney Company announced today they will eliminate single-use plastic straws and plastic stirrers at all owned and operated locations across the globe, amounting to a reduction of more than 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually.

    The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship goes back to our founding more than 60 years ago. Walt himself said that “conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us.” Disney taken that message to heart and is acting on that commitment in big and small ways around the world.

    In fact, since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $70 million to reverse the decline of wildlife around the world. We’ve also reduced our net greenhouse gas emissions by 41 percent in 2017 and diverted nearly 50 percent of waste from landfills and incineration in 2017, making significant progress on our long-term goal of attaining a net zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste, while conserving water resources.

    In addition, over the next few years Disney Parks will be transitioning to refillable in-room amenities in their hotels and on their cruise ships, reducing plastics in guest rooms by 80 percent. They will also reduce the number of plastic shopping bags in their owned and operated parks and on Disney Cruise Line, offering guests the option to purchase reusable bags at a nominal price. Finally, Disney will complete their work to eliminate polystyrene cups across their global owned and operated business.

    “These steps are part of our long-term effort to reduce single-use plastics, and we will continue recycling and responsibly disposing single-use waste that cannot be eliminated,” according to Disney.

    “Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products. “These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”

    “Disney has always been inspired by nature – and it is a uniquely powerful brand that inspires, educates, and entertains, all at the same time,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International. “Today’s announcement is more than about reducing single-use plastic waste, it’s also about showing millions of kids and adults from around the world the many ways we can change our daily habits to care for the oceans and protect nature that sustains us all. It also builds on Disney’s longstanding commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship, a legacy that stretches from the highlands of Peru to the islands of the South Pacific.”

  • New Design and Enhanced Features For Disney Cruise Line Onboard Mobile App

    New Design and Enhanced Features For Disney Cruise Line Onboard Mobile App

    If you’re going on a Disney Cruise, you’re going to want to keep your smartphone handy for selfies and countless family photos, but also for the The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.  The app keeps you informed of the fun happening all cruise long and lets you stay in touch with family and friends onboard and it just got a major upgrade!

    Now, you can enjoy a brand-new design and enhanced features of this incredibly handy mobile app, making it more convenient and even easier to use. Here are some highlights:

    • Horizontal Scrollable Menu – This new design gives you quicker access to learn what’s happening when and where each day. You can view the day’s activities all at once or filter to narrow down what you want to see.
    • Quick Access to Cruise Details – The Disney Cruise Line button at the bottom of the screen instantly takes you to your personalized plans and other important cruise information.
    • My Plans – Once you link your cruise reservation, your dining schedule, Port Adventures and onboard reservations (Palo, Senses Spa & Salon, beverage tastings, etc.), plus activities you “favorite” in the app, will magically appear.
    • Ship Tips – Get helpful tips for your voyage, like safety reminders and information for guests with disabilities.
    • Spotlight at Sea – This section includes information about offerings such as Senses Spa & Salon, Palo, Remy, Shutters photo packages, onboard merchandise and more.

    All these new features are in addition to what you already love about the app: individual and group chats with friends and family onboard, deck plans of the ship, a map of Castaway Cay, plus information about dining, entertainment, shopping, youth clubs, character experiences, ports of call and more.

    Our printed Personal Navigator, a quick glance at the day’s activities, has always been a great way to plan your family’s cruise agenda. We raised that to a new level when we introduced our mobile app, the electronic version of the Navigator, giving you the chance to see what’s happening during the entire cruise at once. I love how you can save your favorites to one convenient list and receive notifications when your selected activities are about to begin. Now, we’re excited to bring you even more great features!

    The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is available for Apple and Android smartphones and is free to download and use. Be sure to download the latest update before you leave home, and stay tuned for even more enhancements coming soon.

  • Disney Unveils First Image From Live-Action ‘Kim Possible’ Movie

    Disney Unveils First Image From Live-Action ‘Kim Possible’ Movie

    If you’re wondering “what’s the sitch” with the New live-action “Kim Possible” movie, then we have the details for you.

    The Disney Channel released promotional images for the forthcoming live-action motion picture this past weekend at San Diego Comic-Con showing Sadie Stanley, 16, in the titular role of the high schooler with an alter ego that has global implications.


    For those who don’t know, Kim Possible is a cheerleader and she saves the world, even on school nights. With her sidekick, Ron Stoppable and his naked mole rat Rufus they go through normal teenage life while saving the world.

    The original series which ran for 87 episodes was launched in 2002.  In 2003 it was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding animated program and it also inspired two animated Disney Channel movies.

    The “Kim Possible” movie also stars Sean Giambrone — who leads sibling network ABC’s The Goldbergs — as Kim’s loyal bestie Ron Stoppable. It’s executive produced by McCorkle, Schooley, and Zanne Devine, and co-directed and co-produced by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky.

  • Minnie Van Service Extending to Port Canaveral For Disney Cruise Line

    Minnie Van Service Extending to Port Canaveral For Disney Cruise Line

    The Minnie van service which transports guests to locations on Disney property is expanding yet again and will soon be offering guests transportation from Disney World to Port Canaveral.

    It was recently announced that Disney had expanded it’s Minnie Van service to Orlando International Airport and now they are looking expand it even further by giving guests who like to combine a cruise with their Disney trip an alternate and convenient way to get to Port Canaveral.

    Adding Minnie van service to the port has been rumored for months, but we now know Disney will begin transporting guests to the port starting September 1st. The service is only one way and will not offer return transportation.

    Through a collaboration with the rideshare service, Lyft, guests at select resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then pick you up and take you to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando International Airport and now soon Port Canaveral.

    Currently point-to-point trips on Walt Disney World property cost $25, but Disney hasn’t released any info on price points for the trips to Port Canaveral.

  • V.I.PASSHOLDER Nights Coming to Disney World In August

    V.I.PASSHOLDER Nights Coming to Disney World In August

    Beginning in August, Disney World is introducing V.I.Passholder Nights which will give Annual Passholders exclusive access to Magic Kingdom or Epcot for two hours after each parks closes.

    Gold, Platinum, Platnum Plus and Premier Passholders will enjoy access to select attractions, shops and dining locations.

    The events will take place on the following dates/times:

    • August 5 at Magic Kingdom from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
    • September 6 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • October 25 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

    Check your email regularly for future event invitations and registration detail. If you receive and email invitation, be sure to register soon; event capacity is limited and subject to availability.

    Other new V.I.Passholder offerings include:

    • Passholder-exclusive in-park offerings: Passholders can enjoy special V.I.Passholder perks during some of the seasonal events throughout the year, like special giveaways and exclusive offerings.
    • Special surprises in the parks: Experience sneak peeks of new park offerings!
    • Merchandise events: Take advantage of the passholder merchandise discount at special events like Super Saturdays at Disney Springs.
  • New Haunted Mansion Ears Materializing At Disney Parks

    New Haunted Mansion Ears Materializing At Disney Parks

    Disney has been stepping up their ear game lately and if you’re a Haunted mansion fan then the newest Haunted mansion inspired Mickey ears and Minnie headbands appearing at Disney Parks will have you screaming with ghoulish delight.

    The new headwear has three different designs. The first is a Mickey ear hat inspired by the Hatbox Ghost complete with his iconic white hair, gold tooth and top hat.

    Haunted Mansion Mickey Ears

    There are also a couple of Minnie Ear head bands that are to die for. There is a perfect pair that features the Haunted Mansion wallpaper pattern on the ears with a bow made from the same pattern as the Cast Member costumes complete with a lace lining and a gargoyle.

    Haunted Mansion Mickey Ears

    Another pair draws inspiration from Ally Gal herself.  The ears are subtle and classy and  share the same pattern as the Tightrope Girls dress with a pink sheer bow.

    Haunted Mansion Mickey Ears