Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[HokieRaven5]

Do you know what time did G+ sell out?
Wow!!!

I’d guess not too long before Scott posted about it. So early afternoon between 12-1pm sounds likely.

 

[JoJoGirl]

Wasn’t as bad I would have expected, was in Mk today. 10-5, Ariel meet, Ariel ride (LL), jungle cruise (LL), lunch at Tony’s, saw parade, Mickey meet (LL), meet Mulan, mine train (ILL), meet Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, Donald, Winnie the Pooh (LL), people mover, speedy way (LL).

We could have done more but my daughter was selecting instead of just doing best use of LLs. But personally I didn’t think it was so bad.

Thanks for reporting back. It’s good news if they have learned or cap Genie+ sales at a level where it still functions well.

eta: That sounds like a fun day!

 

[NJlauren]

Re the genie+ selling out today. I’m wondering how the decided the max, was it based on total number of genie+ or a % of park reservations? I don’t think all reservations were filled today, so that would be interesting to know. I know we probably will never know. I didn’t think any LL waits seemed longer today.

 

[HokieRaven5]

New Disney100 Banners Listing Films and Release Dates Line Hollywood Boulevard at Disney California Adventure

 

[HokieRaven5]

Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster refurbishment may be delayed By a Day

The fan-favorite rollercoaster was initially announced to close on February 20, 2023, but a recent update to the official Walt Disney World website now says the refurbishment will begin on February 21, 2023. The rollercoaster will reopen in the summer of 2023. However, My Disney Experience shows no operating hours for today, so it is unclear if the ride will operate or not.

 

[NJlauren]

Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster refurbishment may be delayed By a Day

The fan-favorite rollercoaster was initially announced to close on February 20, 2023, but a recent update to the official Walt Disney World website now says the refurbishment will begin on February 21, 2023. The rollercoaster will reopen in the summer of 2023. However, My Disney Experience shows no operating hours for today, so it is unclear if the ride will operate or not.

It’s up as of now! 10 minute wait.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

If people pay it, they will continue to supply it at that price. That's why I refuse to pay for it.

People will always pay for it though. Look at other parks that charge much more for it and they still sell it and often sell out of it on peak days.

 

[HokieRaven5]

RUMOR: Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Space Mountain Gift Shop To Be Renamed “Tomorrowland Launch Depot”

 

[HokieRaven5]

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023
Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, you will be able to step into the new area — named San Fransokyo Square — and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends.

Today, we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits.

San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times, entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where you’ll be able to eat and shop.

An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tide pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square.

Outside a converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, you may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sourdough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes and more. You’ll still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation.

When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, you’ll find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería draws inspiration from its tri-cultural influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.

The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023
Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, you will be able to step into the new area — named San Fransokyo Square — and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends.

Today, we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits.

San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times, entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where you’ll be able to eat and shop.

An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tide pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square.

Outside a converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, you may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sourdough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes and more. You’ll still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation.

When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, you’ll find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería draws inspiration from its tri-cultural influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.

The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

DCA used to be Disney's version of CA attractions. Now it's a Disneyfied version of CA attractions. Like, the Disney-characters and Disney IP version. I think this has been much chagrined but I personally don't mind that because I can see the real CA anyway when I'm not at DLR!

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Genie+ sells out for the second consecutive day at Walt Disney World

 

[HokieRaven5]

The Three Caballeros Topiary Returns for 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Eats: Narcoossee’s to Make Its Grand Return on April 1

Hello there fellow foodies. I hope you’re ready because I’ve got some exciting news to share fresh off the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will once again welcome guests for culinary delights in its newly reimagined space. This signature dining restaurant with its spectacular panoramic views, is a staple of the resort, with its waterside location, and over the past several months has seen an enhanced interior revamp as well as a refreshed menu crafted by Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer in a perfect balance of updated classics and new epicurean delights.

The new space incorporates the concept of “land and sea” and that’s exactly what the culinary teams drew inspiration from when developing the new menu. Upon sitting down for your meal, you’ll be greeted with a recipe created by Chef Kristine specially for this location – an Artisan Boule of Sourdough made with a perfectly toasty crust and baked daily in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery.

As you enter your first course, you’ll continue to be met with masterfully crafted dishes. For years, the Bisque has been a mainstay on the menu, so flavor connoisseurs will be thrilled to see it return, but now with an enhanced tableside presentation. The culinary team has also created two new starters. First up, the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloniaccompanied by luscious brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultana raisins.

Next, the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board is a fresh take on a classic featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. This plate is a true collaboration, with each component representing the style of a different chef on the Narcoossee’s team.

Moving on to the main course of your dining experience, the team has sourced sustainable seafood from both local waters and around the globe, including Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish. This meal is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. What makes this fish a standout is the secret blend of blackened spice which has been passed down from chef to chef of the location, with each culinary mastermind finding their own unique way to feature it on the menu.

Plant-based diners will be delighted with the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Those looking for land-based fare will savor the new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.

Of course, chef has kept Narcoossee’s guest favorites like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail on the menu for new and returning guests to indulge in.

The dessert course also features a favorite that has garnered near legendary status over the years amongst diners of Narcoossee’s – Chef Kristine’s incredible Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream.

When developing the new additions to the dessert menu, the pastry team was inspired by bright flavors that really complement the overall experience. The Berry Pavlova, for instance, is artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. The Pineapple Bavarois is truly a work of art with a roasted-pineapple center and house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. These dishes make for a perfect and sweet finish to a memorable evening.

This waterfront hideaway is the ideal spot to wind down with a fabulous cocktail or zero-proof beverage. The wine list has been refreshed to reflect a diverse portfolio of varietals, with Proprietor Matt Cristi and the sommeliers on his team available to help you create the perfect pairing for each dish. Our team of mixologists have also thoughtfully curated a new cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. A must-try is the signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.

The reopening of Narcoossee’s comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at the Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. Reservations will open for this grand return on March 1, and we look forward to welcoming you back starting April 1 to this enhanced experience destined to become a new favorite!

Be sure to check out our Disney Eats Topics Page and Disney Eats on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest Narcoossee’s news and all the other foodie announcements coming to Disney Parks.

 

[CarolynFH]

Disney Eats: Narcoossee’s to Make Its Grand Return on April 1

Hello there fellow foodies. I hope you’re ready because I’ve got some exciting news to share fresh off the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will once again welcome guests for culinary delights in its newly reimagined space. This signature dining restaurant with its spectacular panoramic views, is a staple of the resort, with its waterside location, and over the past several months has seen an enhanced interior revamp as well as a refreshed menu crafted by Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer in a perfect balance of updated classics and new epicurean delights.

The new space incorporates the concept of “land and sea” and that’s exactly what the culinary teams drew inspiration from when developing the new menu. Upon sitting down for your meal, you’ll be greeted with a recipe created by Chef Kristine specially for this location – an Artisan Boule of Sourdough made with a perfectly toasty crust and baked daily in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery.

As you enter your first course, you’ll continue to be met with masterfully crafted dishes. For years, the Bisque has been a mainstay on the menu, so flavor connoisseurs will be thrilled to see it return, but now with an enhanced tableside presentation. The culinary team has also created two new starters. First up, the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloniaccompanied by luscious brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultana raisins.

Next, the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board is a fresh take on a classic featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. This plate is a true collaboration, with each component representing the style of a different chef on the Narcoossee’s team.

Moving on to the main course of your dining experience, the team has sourced sustainable seafood from both local waters and around the globe, including Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish. This meal is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. What makes this fish a standout is the secret blend of blackened spice which has been passed down from chef to chef of the location, with each culinary mastermind finding their own unique way to feature it on the menu.

Plant-based diners will be delighted with the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Those looking for land-based fare will savor the new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.

Of course, chef has kept Narcoossee’s guest favorites like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail on the menu for new and returning guests to indulge in.

The dessert course also features a favorite that has garnered near legendary status over the years amongst diners of Narcoossee’s – Chef Kristine’s incredible Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream.

When developing the new additions to the dessert menu, the pastry team was inspired by bright flavors that really complement the overall experience. The Berry Pavlova, for instance, is artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. The Pineapple Bavarois is truly a work of art with a roasted-pineapple center and house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. These dishes make for a perfect and sweet finish to a memorable evening.

This waterfront hideaway is the ideal spot to wind down with a fabulous cocktail or zero-proof beverage. The wine list has been refreshed to reflect a diverse portfolio of varietals, with Proprietor Matt Cristi and the sommeliers on his team available to help you create the perfect pairing for each dish. Our team of mixologists have also thoughtfully curated a new cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. A must-try is the signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.

The reopening of Narcoossee’s comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at the Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. Reservations will open for this grand return on March 1, and we look forward to welcoming you back starting April 1 to this enhanced experience destined to become a new favorite!

Be sure to check out our Disney Eats Topics Page and Disney Eats on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest Narcoossee’s news and all the other foodie announcements coming to Disney Parks.

Sounds like an a la carte menu, not prix fixe, to me. Or is it too vague to know?

Edited to add, the Woody’s BBQ announcement stated it was prix fixe, didn’t it?

 

[HokieRaven5]

Reimagined Narcoossee’s Menu with Prices

Appetizers​

Shrimp and Grits $19.00​

Local Gulf Shrimp, Peach Barbecue Sauce, Low Country Grits, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Chow-chow

Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board $28.00​

Ahi Tuna Pastrami, Charred Octopus, Lobster Sausage

Buttermilk-fried Calamari $18.00​

Piquillo Pepper Relish, Tomatillo Aioli

Brisket and Ricotta Tortelloni $16.00​

Parsnip, Brown Butter, Sultana Raisins

Sweet Potato Gnocchi $16.00​

Lacinato Kale, Clamshell Mushrooms, Poma Rosa Tomato Ragù (Plant-based)

Soups and Salads​

Lobster Bisque $18.00​

Butter-poached Lobster, Vanilla, Coral

Romaine and Hearts of Palm* $16.00​

Pecorino Toscano, Cured Egg Yolk, Black Garlic Feuilles de Brick, Fried Caper Vinaigrette

Blueberry and Barrel Aged Feta Salad $15.00​

Tiny Lettuces, Candied Pistachio, Cornbread Cracker, Lemon Curd Dressing

Entrées​

Lemongrass Poached Ora King Salmon* $46.00​

Citrus Verjus, Salsify, Carolina Gold Rice

Blackened Redfish $48.00​

Chorizo-Sunchoke Hash, Hominy, Florida Sweet Corn, Red Pepper Rouille

Plancha-Seared Scallops & Parisian Gnocchi* $52.00​

English Peas, Tasso Ham, Truffled Meyer Lemon Cream

Gulf Shrimp Bucatini $42.00​

House-made Bucatini Pasta, Roasted Tomatoes, Savoy Spinach, Parsley, Basil Pistou

12oz. Prime NY Strip Steak* $59.00​

Potato Mash, Roasted Rainbow Vegetables, Red Wine Demi-Glace

Surf & Turf* $87.00​

6oz. Filet Mignon, Butter Poached Lobster Tail, Potato Mash, Roasted Rainbow Vegetables, Red Wine Demi-Glace

Dry-aged Pork Ribeye Chop* $46.00​

Goat Cheese-Potato Pave, Turnips, Fig Jus, Onion Jam

Roasted Vegetable Paella $34.00​

Market Vegetables, Cannellini Beans, Preserved Artichoke, Charred Meyer Lemon (Plant-based)

Sides​

Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts $11.00​

Applewood-smoked Bacon, Whipped Tupelo Honey

Wild Mushroom Risotto $12.00​

Fontina, Espellette Pepper

“Loaded” Mashed Potatoes $14.00​

Garlic Glazed Pork Belly, Smoked Cheddar, Crème Fraiche, Chives

Desserts​

Almond-crusted Cheesecake $16.00​

Lambert Cherry Sauce, Chantilly

Hazelnut Chocolate Bar $14.00​

Chocolate Sponge, Cassis, Ganache (Plant-based)

Berry Pavlova $14.00​

Yuzu Cremeux, Anglaise

Pineapple Bavarois $15.00​

Shortbread, Blackberry-Buttermilk Ice Cream

Artisanal Cheese Selection $22.00​

Four Chef-selected tasting portions with Prosciutto and Accompaniments

Featured Cocktails​

Lime Gimlet $16.50​

Empress 1908 Gin, Rockey’s Liqueur, Cane Sugar, Lime

The Grand Margarita $17.50​

Don Julio Añejo Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, Cointreau Liqueur, Lime and Agave

Cold Brew Martini $15.50​

SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, Tia Maria Liqueur, Joffrey’s Coffee™ Cold Brew

Old-Fashioned $15.50​

Old Forester Bourbon, Courvoisier VS Cognac, Rosemary, Angostura Bitters

White Sangria $15.00​

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Ketel One Cucumber and Mint Botanical, Agave, Strawberry

Tawny Manhattan $16.50​

Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Croft Reserve Tawny Port, Brown Sugar, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters

 

[SCWildcat04]

Disney Genie+ sells out for the second consecutive day at Walt Disney World

Please be quieter Saturday lol. I booked a last minute trip to go Saturday so I could get my youngest son’s first haircut at Harmony. (I’m one of those people…smh) But this will also be his first time going and he is all things Disney at the moment. His older brother has DAS so that will make things at least a little easier as we’ve already got Haunted Mansion and Pirates booked.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Please be quieter Saturday lol. I booked a last minute trip to go Saturday so I could get my youngest son’s first haircut at Harmony. (I’m one of those people…smh) But this will also be his first time going and he is all things Disney at the moment. His older brother has DAS so that will make things at least a little easier as we’ve already got Haunted Mansion and Pirates booked.

It may not be as busy with Festival of the Arts ended by then and not a holiday weekend, but you also will have the Princess Half Marathon weekend crowds.

 

[SCWildcat04]

It may not be as busy with Festival of the Arts ended by then and not a holiday weekend, but you also will have the Princess Half Marathon weekend crowds.

I was trying to remember if it was a run weekend or not. Hopefully it won’t be too bad.

 

[Gary Stocker]

Went to the Disney 100 exhibit in Philly. It was something! Very comprehensive and chock full of movie props, original drawings...we loved it.
A couple photos... han solo dice.




Original nautilus miniature used in 20k leagues under the sea.

Loki head dress..

..no explanation needed lol.
If you are in proximity to Philly you need to see this.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Went to the Disney 100 exhibit in Philly. It was something! Very comprehensive and chock full of movie props, original drawings...we loved it.

Was just about to post something about this. Checked it out today. Really great stuff all throughout that exhibition!