Walt Disney once said "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." And while that mouse has lived on meals of cheese for nearly a century, guests at his resorts enjoy a much wider variety of food. Disney Parks and Resorts are filled to the brim with delicious choices - and that food selection can be daunting. In this portion of Foodie Finders NYC, I will provide tips and suggestions on the best eats at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. In addition, I will delve into some other realms of the Disney Vacation experience, and offer coverage and speculation on exciting expansions and renovations at the theme parks.
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| Notice anything different about this famous quote? ;) |
Disney's 2018 Movie Schedule
Hi there! This weekend Disney's first 2018 release is making headlines with its massive box office opening and critical acclaim of Black Panther. It seems to be a promising year for Disney, as this is only the beginning of its blockbuster releases. Let's take a look at what is to come!
A Wrinkle in Time (March 10th, 2018)
I first saw a sneak peak of this movie at the D23 Expo 2017 and I have been excited ever since. Oprah and the rest of the cast appeared on stage to present the sneak peek to the D23 audience, and everyone in the giant auditorium lost their minds for Oprah. I think movie audiences will have similar reactions when she is on screens everywhere in March.
Avengers: Infinity War (May 4, 2018)
The past ten years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminate in this movie. I cannot wait for this cinematic event! Black Panther has been such a success already, I expect audiences to be hungry for a lot more Marvel.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25, 2018)
The Incredibles 2 (June 15, 2018)
Growing up, The Incredibles was my favorite movie. I am super excited for this sequel!
Ant-Man and The Wasp (July 6, 2018)
Because of the creative promotional campaign for the first movie, I have giant expectations for more fun posters in anticipation of this sequel. And, I cannot wait to see The Wasp get more of the spotlight in this film!
Christopher Robin (August 3, 2018)
I am looking forward to a new twist on the source material of Winnie the Pooh, with Pooh and the gang leaving the Hundred Acre Woods to join Christopher Robin in the real world!
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (November 2, 2018)
Will this movie become the next holiday classic? I am intrigued to see how Disney interprets this story many of us all know and love.
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (November 21, 2018)
When Wreck-It Ralph 2 was first announced, I had neutral feelings. But, then at the 2017 D23 Expo, I saw a sneak peek, and my excitement skyrocketed through the roof. We watched a scene where Vanellope von Schweetz visits all the Disney Princesses in the same room, with many of the original voice actors like Mandy Moore and Ming Na Wen reprising their roles. I don't want to spoil too much about this scene, but it has made this movie one of my most anticipated this year.
Mary Poppins Returns (December 25, 2018)
I have faith Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda will make this a movie to remember. I hope this sequel lives up to the iconic original movie!
Disney Photopass Tips: Pop-Out Pics
Hi Disney fans! One of the best parts about visiting a Disney theme park are the pictures. There are so many insta-worthy shots on both coasts, at Disney World and Disneyland. One pose that will get everyone involuntarily saying "awwww" is what I like to call the "Pop-Out Pic".
Here is my family popping out from behind Stitch!
On an Adventures by Disney trip in Southern California, one of the families in our tour group started doing this pose at every Character Meet and Greet. The cuteness level of this picture is off the charts, so my family adopted it into our portfolio of poses. We take this picture with every character that comes our way!
I hope you all give this photo a try. If you post your images, feel free to tag @foodiefindersnyc with #PopOutPic
Disney Food Affinity and Beyond: Walt Disney Studios and LucasFilm (last updated 12/5/15)
Hello Disney fans! As one among many Star Wars fans tirelessly re-watching all the latest trailers in anticipation for December 18, I have come across an intriguing reoccurring theme in the marketing material. I have compiled all the posters and videos that suggest the symbolic importance of eyes in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as this might even give important hints toward the plot of the upcoming movie!
To start, we see this Star Wars TV Spot blatantly focus on this eye motif, as the narrator says:
"I have lived long enough to see the same eyes in different people. I see your eyes. I know your eyes"
In addition, the recently released character posters, as shown below, display all the main characters with one eye covered by his or her weapon of choice. The new and old Star Wars generations are represented, reinforcing the ideas mentioned in the above trailer.
The symbolism of eyes doesn't seem to come as much of a surprise when considering J.J. Abrams is behind all of it. In his very popular TV show Lost, eyes were a reoccurring theme that followed through from the pilot episode up until the series finale.
The focus on this Star Wars eye motif in this promotional material seems to hint that eyes may have a large role to play in the 7th installment of this movie collection. Even thinking about the films title, "The Force Awakens", creates the imagery of waking up, and opening ones eyes is quite important when one awakens. With less than two weeks until this highly anticipated premiere, the eyes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is definitely something to watch for!
Disney Food Affinity and Beyond: Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Food and Attraction Information and Speculation
Change is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in the next couple of years. Additions are being made to enhance the theme park experience, especially at night, through a new nighttime spectacular (and don't be surprised if you see a dragon or two pop up here in the Rivers of Light show), a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris, and the highly anticipated Pandora: The Land of Avatar. This Avatar Land is a big undertaking, however Disney has yet to reveal all the details on this expansion. Here is what seems likely to be true so far:
This rumored 3D Flight Simulator is expected to give guests the experience of riding the mythical Banshee creature.While not the exact same technology, this ride resembles that of Soarin'.
This speculated boat ride will take riders on a journey through the wildlife of Pandora, including a variety of bio-luminescent plants and animatronic Na'vi
If you know Disney, there is sure to be a gift shop or two in this new land. The number and nature of these shops are unknown.
Quick Service Restaurant
There has been no information on what food will be found in Avatar Land, but there are rumors of a quick service shop in the plans. I have no idea what type of food this mythical cuisine specializes in, but it would be cool if this was a molecular gastronomy restaurant. Disney World has never taken on this style of food before, but I think this strange, inexplicable world of Pandora is a great place to start.
In addition to the concept art included above, Disney has released three videos on this expansion.
Now for the rest of this post I will be providing some fun speculation. Nothing below is confirmed by Disney or supported by existing rumors, but purely my own ideas - and in the spirit of Disney, I'm hoping these dreams come true.
As I previously mentioned, there are rumors of a quick service restaurant opening, but I am hoping for a full service restaurant instead. A molecular gastronomy restaurant could work as a quick service meal, but I think it would translate better as a sit-down meal.
In addition, Pandora is going to be a very exciting place to visit and I think such a heavily themed land is in need of a tour. Similar to the existing Wild Africa Trek tour, this adventure would take guests on paths through Pandora especially designed for the tour. This intimate interaction can end with a private picnic style meal, preferably in a secluded area that overlooks the magnificent waterfalls shown in the concept art. An experience like this would be unforgettable.
Lastly, I know that rumors point are pointing toward the fact that there will be two new rides coming, but I believe there may be more. 3 more movies are guaranteed to come from this franchise, and that will bring audiences to experience more of Pandora. It is possible Disney is planning to add onto The Land of Avatar with rides based off of the upcoming films.
Disney Food Affinity and Beyond: Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios Food
One of my favorite quick service meals at Hollywood Studios is the Frankfurter in a Pretzel Roll. This delicious option makes for a satisfying lunch for theme park goers who want to spend more time on attractions rather than in restaurants. The pretzel roll truly completes this meal, elevating it above a normal hot dog. Not only is this frankfurter good, but it's also rare. Min and Bill's Dockside Diner is the only location in Walt Disney World where you can buy this particular hot dog.
Another fun option to try at Min and Bill's are the shakes. I like to check out the seasonal shakes offered. Truth be told, they are not always outstanding, but on a terribly hot Florida afternoon, these frozen treats do the trick.
In addition, the seating area is in a nice central location, providing a nice view for some of the shows in front of The Great Movie Ride (R.I.P. Sorcerer's Hat).
Disney Food Affinity and Beyond: Walt Disney World Speculation
New Fantasyland - the biggest expansion to the Magic Kingdom ever - brought more than new food option to Disney World. Inspired by classic Disney films such as "Dumbo", "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", in came great attractions, fun gift shops, and endless detail culminating in an immersive theme park experience. During the Grand Opening of New Fantasyland on December 6, 2012 there was a very special guest - a dragon!
To me, I find this New Fantasyland dragon to be quite the mystery. The first mention of this dragon was in early 2012. Images leaked leading many to assume Disney Imagineering was test flying a dragon over Shafter-Minter Field airport in California. As Disney likes to keep their new projects top secret, I believe this leak forced Disney to make a move in order to cover up the mistake.
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| Leaked Photo #1 |
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| Leaked Photo #2 |
So, Disney had to pull out some magic. They skillfully retook control of this secret information by transforming it into a thrilling social media campaign. Social Media Managing Editor Gary Buchanan began writing a segment on the Disney Parks Blog about a dragon flying around the Central Florida. In addition, Gary kept updates on this dragon chase on a Tumbler Blog dedicated to this hunt.
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| "Top Secret" file on the history of this dragon |
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| Another "Top Secret" image |
This all led up to the video sighting of the dragon over New Fantasyland on its Grand Opening night!
What an incredible show! This highly advanced piece of technology is yet another example of Disney Imagineering excellence. In the picture below, there are some fun facts released about this dragon (and with cooking as one of this dragons hobbies, it seems like he would fit in here at Foodie Finders NYC).
The amount of money and research put into this technology could not have all been for one night. It is very possible we will see this flying dragon again, but the question is where?
In the image above, we see a cartoon of the New Fantasyland dragon in Animal Kingdom - a logical home for this beast. While a dragon is a mythical animal, it still loosely fits into the animal theme, especially with the mythical addition of Pandora: The Land of Avatar (aka Avatar Land). With some extra detail, this technology can be made to resemble a flying banshee in the film.
Also, in Animal Kingdom, we have DinoLand U.S.A. While we have seen this technology as a dragon in one incarnation, it is feasible that it can be re-themed as a flying dinosaur. And lastly in Animal Kingdom, there is a new nighttime spectacular in development called "Rivers of Light" opening in 2016. Whether it is a banshee, dinosaur or dragon, this technology would make for a wonderful enhancement to this show. I believe this is the most likely option in which we will see this technology again. Yet, we are not limited to Animal Kingdom. An update to the Magic Kingdom Firework Show may include this dragon. Furthermore, Hollywood Studios is expected to have a major expansion. It is rumored to include a Star Wars Land and a Pixar Land. Star Wars has its fair share of extraterrestrial creatures, and that includes some that fly. Plus, Pixar is releasing a new movie in November 2015, called the Good Dinosaur. There is a slim chance they have been planning ahead to create a Good Dinosaur themed land with the Pixar expansion, which could include flying dinosaurs. With all of the changes that are coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, it would not be a surprise if a new nighttime spectacular is being created to include this technology as well.
And then of course, this dragon is not limited to Walt Disney World. We may see it pop up in any of the Disney Parks across the globe, including the newest theme park that will be opening up in Shanghai soon. The possibilities seem to be endless, so we can only hope Disney drops a few hints soon - most likely at the next D23 Expo in August.
Disney Food Affinity and Beyond: Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Food
When visiting "The Happiest Place on Earth", food - particularly delicious food - is essential to keep everyone upbeat and energized. While it's hard to go wrong with a steaming hot Mickey Pretzel and a heaping pile of mustard, I have handpicked 4 incredible eats that are a true celebration for the taste buds.
For the early birds entering the park with breakfast on their minds, Starbucks on Main Street U.S.A. is a feasible option; however, I can help one-up that meal. The answer is the Ham and Cheese Omelet Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow - a unique offering that exceeds the expectations of a typical egg sandwich. An added bonus to this quick service dining experience is the seating area. Here, you can devour your waffles with an exciting view of the Castle Stage Show, from the side of Cinderella's Castle. This special angle lets you see backstage, offering some behind-the-scenes magic! Does it get any better than eating a waffle sandwich while Captain Hook is waving to your family right before he leaps onstage?
Later on in the day, if you are in need of a quick and delicious meal, sail on into the Columbia Harbor House for a Lighthouse Sandwich. There is no going wrong with this outstanding sandwich, filled with a garlic-y hummus and a crisp broccoli slaw. And, speaking of views again, there is a wonderful upstairs seating area that overlooks Liberty Square on one side and the incredibly themed “Tangled” restrooms on the other (I know it sounds wacky, but this “Tangled” area is a beautiful and fun place to visit. I will go into further detail on these storybook bathrooms in another post!). Also, the Liberty Square view offers a cool perspective of the Festival of Fantasy parade at select times during the day.
With all this food, you are going to need a drink. A refreshing option for the entire family is the Lefou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. This drink, on tap from the land of "Beauty and the Beast", is composed of apple slush, mixed with toasted marshmallow, and topped with a passion fruit-mango foam. I recommend pairing this drink with a leisurely stroll through the heavily detailed and deeply immersive New Fantasyland - the newest expansion to the Magic Kingdom.
And of course we can't forget dessert! Here at Aloha Isle you will find the frozen paradise that is Dole Whip. Whether you enjoy it in a cup or a pineapple juice float, this pineapple soft serve is a Magic Kingdom staple that cannot be left out.
The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is full of culinary gems - and I'm not talking about those in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train "where a million diamonds shine". These four items are among the greatest of these culinary treasurers. I highly encourage you to try them all!
