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September 2014

Magic Kingdom Plaza / Hub Construction Update

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We are back with another look at the progress on the Magic Kingdom Plaza / Hub expansion project. The total makeover will be completed in phases, with phase one being a widening of the bridge from Main Street to the Hub. This will allow Disney to hold viewing parties for parades and fireworks.

Subsequent phases will add a second ring of walkways around the hub allowing for easier pedestrian flow during the parades and fireworks, a more garden like feel to the hub, and a slight upgrade to the performance stage in front of the castle.

As part of this update, I’ve also included a look at changes going on backstage. Disney is in the process of lightly themeing the backstage alley that is used for heavy traffic periods to route guests behind Main Street. You can see how they’ve begun to color some of the facades.

If you can’t watch the short video above, there is a gallery of photos below the jump:

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Columbia Harbor House Adds New Dinner Dishes

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The Columbia Harbor House is the place to go for seafood when you’re at the Magic Kingdom. They have the usual fare of fried fish and shrimp baskets and some wonderfully cooked grilled salmon. Also don’t forget the Tuna Sandwiches, one of my favorite lunch menu items in the park.

When we were at this year’s Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party we snuck in a quick meal at the Harbor House and were surprised to find a couple new items on the dinner menu.Read More »Columbia Harbor House Adds New Dinner Dishes

Danny Elfman on having his music a part of Haunted Mansion Holiday

Composer Danny Elfman stopped by Disneyland last week to help promote an upcoming concert featuring the music of Tim Burton. While in the park, he was able to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday for the first time. The special holiday overlay focuses on the world of… Read More »Danny Elfman on having his music a part of Haunted Mansion Holiday

Dappery Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Yesterday was Dapper Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a chance for those who are inclined to want to dress up, to step out in style with fellow minded theme park guests, and by sheer numbers, create an atmosphere that’s a little more dapper than… Read More »Dappery Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Author Introduces New Clip from Disney’s “Alexander” movie

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” was originally published in 1972 and has won many honors and recognitions over the years. It has sold over two million copies and entered the nightly book reading routines of countless families around the world.… Read More »Author Introduces New Clip from Disney’s “Alexander” movie

A Taste of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival – Part II, The Drinks

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What would the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival be without the wine. Not as well attended, that’s for sure. As astute observers have noted, Disney has expanded the adult beverage portion of the festival significantly the last few years. It’s not just some great beer, although there is that, but a number of mixed drinks have been added to the menus as well.

At the recent Media Day, we had the good fortune to meet and hear from Chef Marianne Hunnel the Content Development Manager Epcot Food and Wine Festival. She gave us a run down on what’s new in the adult beverage category this year.

While at the media day, I had the very good fortune to try many of the new options. Up first, and sadly not pictured, was the Caposaldo Sweet Peach Sparkling Moscato. This is the perfect drink for a brunch or lite lunch. The peach flavor was not overpowering, the bubbles were strong, and the aroma was perfect. This Moscato is one of my new favorite drinks.

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After warming up with the sweetness of the Moscato, we moved onto a savory option. A Tsatziki Martini was available for sampling. Made with organic cucumber infused vodka, yougurt liqour, lemon juice, simple syrup, and dill, it was not at all like any martini I’d ever had before. I’m not a big fan of savory drinks in the first place, and I think this one could have used more punch and less dill. Plus the dill bits floating around led to an awkward encounter at some point in the middle of the drink. If savory drinks are your thing, give this one a try. Otherwise, you can safely pass on this Martini (try the Sake Martini at the California Grill if you’re dying for a great martini that’s tropical paradise in a glass… end plug).

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Epic Princess Rap Battle: Snow White vs Queen Elsa Throw Down

It’s time for an epic episode of Friday fun. Comedy star Whitney Avalon is out with another YouTube video skit and this one is an instant classic – A Princess Rap Battle between Snow White and Queen Elsa. Disney’s original princess throws down with Disney’s… Read More »Epic Princess Rap Battle: Snow White vs Queen Elsa Throw Down

Disney Mixology School: Krakatoa Punch

Congratulations, you made it to Friday. If you’re like me, and over the age of 21, you can probably use some adult beverages to provide the perfect end to the week. Good news, Disney has decided to open up the secrets of their Mixologists and… Read More »Disney Mixology School: Krakatoa Punch