With Tropical Storm Bonnie passing close to southern Florida, although not currently targeting Central Florida, it’s time to check in on what you should do if Bonnie or any subsequent named storm should head a bit northward. First check the National Hurricane Center and see… Read More »Hurricanes and Walt Disney World
It’s a piece of Disney World history that’s older than Disney World itself. It’s the model of Progress City, aka EPCOT, that you see when you ride through Tomorrowland on the TTA. I knew that the original version of that model was on display at… Read More »Could original EPCOT model be restored?
Filling a void of mid-range priced eateries, the Patina Restaurant Group will open a new casual pizzeria August 5th, called Via Napoli, adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, its restaurant in the Italy pavilion in Epcot® World Showcase at Walt Disney World® Resort. This will be the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in the park.
Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and overseeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New York which was awarded the coveted certification of “La Vera Pizza Napoletana.” While in Naples, Valenti spent time studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven temperatures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon. At Da Ettore, he discovered the art of pagnotiello, a folded round of pizza dough filled with mozzarella, ham and mushrooms.
“I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan pizza,” Valenti says. “It’s a perfect food, something beloved by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft and charred crust. I look forward to bringing it to Walt Disney World, where it should be a welcome addition to guests visiting Epcot.”
For reservations at Via Napoli, please call (407) WDW-DINE / (407) 939-3463
Please note, between August 2 and September 9, 2010, guests will be accommodated on a walk-in basis only. Beginning August 6, 2010, reservations will be accepted for dates September 10th and later.
Read More »New Pizzeria ‘Via Napoli’ will open soon at EPCOT
Formerly a sponsor only space, the Wonder Lounge is one of those rare private spaces at Walt Disney World that the paying customers usually don’t get to see. But from time to time a special event is held in these spaces and us regular janes… Read More »Hidden Disney – The Wonder Lounge at EPCOT
Even though it’s a construction site, it’s still very colorful and themed thanks to the image on the tarp.
A few days ago I looked at the five biggest needs at Walt Disney World, I though it was only fair that I identify five things WDW is doing right. So without any further ado…
1. Building maintenance at the Magic Kingdom
For the last few years I’ve noticed some big improvements in maintenance on the buildings at the Magic Kingdom. There are literally managers who walk around with a camera and voice recording taking pictures of work that needs to be done and recording notes. Then when I come back a few weeks later, that problem has been fixed. That’s how it should work.
The whole park has been working on upgrading everything from facades to sidewalks. You couldn’t miss it if you visited the last few years, inevitably there would be some building shrouded in a giant tarp. But you might look twice once you noticed it, as Disney has taken to printing giant pictures of the buildings being repaired on the outside of the tarp. It doesn’t make them go away, but at least guests can tell that Disney cares about their experience.
Follow me below the jump for even more great things Disney is doing:
This is the original sign from when the attraction closed 16 years ago
When you think of EPCOT you don’t typically think Retro. After all it’s Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. And yet, there is something natural about having science fiction at the park in the form of Captain EO, even if it’s a flashback from the 80s. It’s nice of Disney to offer this tribute to superstar Michael Jackson.
This is the first time I can remember a warning sign for ‘Loud Noise’
Nostalgia is playing a big role across Walt Disney World and Disneyland right now. MSEP, World of Color, A Princess heavy Fantasyland, and Carsland all tug on our fondness for the past. This mix of nostalgia, entertainment, history is what Walt Disney loved and built with Disneyland. So again, it just seems natural.
Lot’s more below the jump…
Read More »Captain EO Returns to EPCOT’s Imagination Pavilion
Will you be in Central Florida on June 26th? If you’ll have your chance to meet the author of The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World, Chad Emerson, at the Orlando Public Library. Emerson talk about his book which is a full account… Read More »Meet Chad Emerson, Author who looked behind the creation of Disney World
I’m not sure if it was part of the original plans for the park, but no theme park holds a festival like EPCOT. The park soaks up attendees looking for that special experience while still handling the regular tourist crowds like a pro. This fall, like a fine wine that improves with age, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will celebrate its fifteenth year of offering an unrivaled global tasting experience. Among the goodies are new treats from South Korea, Belgium, and more. The festival will October 1st through November 14th.
Check below the jump for more details that were just announced.