News Round Up 2017

[MissGina5]

In addition to 101 Dalmatians, Alice, Sword and the Stone, there's also Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Robin Hood, among others.

http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/England

I'd love to see Robin Hood or Sword and the Stone (especially since live action is forthcoming around same time.)

What about Black Cauldron?

 

[MissGina5]

Lady and the Tramp did have a part in Celebrate the Magic. And I feel like they are in the final moasic scene of HEA, but I'd have to keep an eye out next time I watch it to be sure. Plus there's always Tony's

I should think Lady and the Tramp deserves better representation than the mess that is Tony's

 

[Pete M]

As eco-friendly as Disney likes to be, I'm surprised they haven't switched over to electric cars as yet.

I believe (in addition to the costs which I'm sure are not insignificant) that the cars are more than just a driving ride, they are a visceral experience. the sounds and the smell and all part of driving a real race car! just walking by instantly brings back memories of 30+ years ago as well as the last few years of going with my nephews. and speaking of which, my nephews have an electric powerwheels Jeep they love and a half-acre to explore at their grandpa's house and the tomorrowland speedway is still near the top of their must-do list (number 3 for the 6 year old). Now, if disney could pipe in some real car sounds into the electric cars (or maybe even choose your own from a list?), they might be able to retain some of the magic.

 

[jlundeen]

Is there a full list anywhere of the minnie van resorts

So far, per the article: Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk Resorts, Wilderness & Animal Kingdom Lodge hotels, Grand Floridian, and now Polynesian Village. Apparently, they are only able to get the vans as they become available, so it's not happening all over yet. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

 

[jlundeen]

I should think Lady and the Tramp deserves better representation than the mess that is Tony's

We like Tony's and make a point to visit each trip. I know many don't but, judging from the wait time in the lobby, even with an ADR, we're not alone.

 

[crazy4wdw]

The new cast of Avatar 2 has been announced. Principal photography on the film started this past Monday and the film is scheduled to be released in 2020. The new cast members were revealed at AK's Pandora.

http://ew.com/tv/2017/09/27/avatar-2-first-look/

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/avatar-2-casts-7-young-actors-1043593

 

[MissGina5]

So far, per the article: Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk Resorts, Wilderness & Animal Kingdom Lodge hotels, Grand Floridian, and now Polynesian Village. Apparently, they are only able to get the vans as they become available, so it's not happening all over yet. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

we were hoping to use it for the Halloween Party on Halloween at Port Orleans Riverside so I will be wishing on some Evening Stars for it

 

[MissGina5]

We like Tony's and make a point to visit each trip. I know many don't but, judging from the wait time in the lobby, even with an ADR, we're not alone.

I WANT to like Tony's. I love the themeing and as an Italian I would love to have an Italian restaurant that's good outside of EPCOT and in such a perfect spot. I don't like it because Disney won't step up and update it and improve it. I think however though that it is good for picky eating kids (and some adults). As a child when I was picky I probably would have liked Tonys

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I believe (in addition to the costs which I'm sure are not insignificant) that the cars are more than just a driving ride, they are a visceral experience. the sounds and the smell and all part of driving a real race car! just walking by instantly brings back memories of 30+ years ago as well as the last few years of going with my nephews. and speaking of which, my nephews have an electric powerwheels Jeep they love and a half-acre to explore at their grandpa's house and the tomorrowland speedway is still near the top of their must-do list (number 3 for the 6 year old). Now, if disney could pipe in some real car sounds into the electric cars (or maybe even choose your own from a list?), they might be able to retain some of the magic.

I get what you are saying but I was on the version in Hong Kong (before they closed it) which was electric and it had one of the longer lines and still gave that same feeling - and they had the cars make like futeristic sounding noises when you accelerated and decelerated, etc.

I think you can make it just as much fun if not more if you made them electric and futuristic and you would avoid that terrible gas smell

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Not sure if it was mentioned here but just saw a report that they are testing out offering "Meal Kits" at Saratoga Springs targeting people staying at the villas.

The service allows guests to go to the Artist's Palette dining location and pick up a pre-prepared ingredient box to take back to their resort room and cook utilizing their villa kitchen. The box itself includes a "meal kit for four featuring Rigatoni Fiesolana (Rigatoni pasta with creamy tomato sauce, sausage, portabella mushrooms, parmesan and fresh basil) and comes with a large garden salad, garlic bread sticks and baking instructions" according to a Disney Parks Blog post earlier this morning. The service, all things included, costs $49 and is listed as a limited time offering.

I think this is pretty interesting and clearly shows them trying to a) offer different options to families/groups that might vacation a bit differently and b) another example of trying to keep people on campus rather than going off to shop for ingredients

http://www.guide4wdw.com/2017/09/di...t-offering-for.html?m=1#.WcvUXyDOfi8.facebook

 

[amalone1013]

I WANT to like Tony's. I love the themeing and as an Italian I would love to have an Italian restaurant that's good outside of EPCOT and in such a perfect spot. I don't like it because Disney won't step up and update it and improve it. I think however though that it is good for picky eating kids (and some adults). As a child when I was picky I probably would have liked Tonys

It's funny you say that because we just had lunch at Tonys today - not my choice - and as a picky adult I thought it was strange they don't have Alfredo as an entree alone as I've never been a tomato based sauce fan.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

News:

Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's longest tenured employee, announces retirement after 60.5 years

http://www.chipandco.com/oscar-mart...ember-disneyland-announces-retirement-283616/

Oscar began his Disney career in the Fantasyland quick-service locations and eventually made his way up to the Carnation Cafe on Main Street, USA where he has spent the last 50 years. He has been greeting guests coming into the Cafe and posing for photos for all who want to meet him. Oscar even has his famous breakfast potatoes named after him on the menu.

 

[MissGina5]

It's funny you say that because we just had lunch at Tonys today - not my choice - and as a picky adult I thought it was strange they don't have Alfredo as an entree alone as I've never been a tomato based sauce fan.

That's hilarious because if you put alfredo sauce even near me I will cringe and gag. I am still a recovering picky eater lol

 

[amalone1013]

That's hilarious because if you put alfredo sauce even near me I will cringe and gag. I am still a recovering picky eater lol

Ha we should form a club!

 

[TwoMisfits]

Not sure if it was mentioned here but just saw a report that they are testing out offering "Meal Kits" at Saratoga Springs targeting people staying at the villas.

The service allows guests to go to the Artist's Palette dining location and pick up a pre-prepared ingredient box to take back to their resort room and cook utilizing their villa kitchen. The box itself includes a "meal kit for four featuring Rigatoni Fiesolana (Rigatoni pasta with creamy tomato sauce, sausage, portabella mushrooms, parmesan and fresh basil) and comes with a large garden salad, garlic bread sticks and baking instructions" according to a Disney Parks Blog post earlier this morning. The service, all things included, costs $49 and is listed as a limited time offering.

I think this is pretty interesting and clearly shows them trying to a) offer different options to families/groups that might vacation a bit differently and b) another example of trying to keep people on campus rather than going off to shop for ingredients

http://www.guide4wdw.com/2017/09/di...t-offering-for.html?m=1#.WcvUXyDOfi8.facebook

I'm not sure this will catch on at the price...most of the folks staying at villas who decide to cook tend to be more price-conscious...maybe at $29, this would sell out, but $49 without drinks or dessert? Not thinking this will last permanently without an upgrade in menu ingredients/cost or without the addition of drinks/dessert or without a price cut...

I mean, even thinking at Whole Foods grocery cost (which this won't be b/c Disney gets its food wholesale, so let's talk real grocery cost in parentheses)...

It's $4 for 1lb fresh rigatoni pasta (and $1 if it's not)
$5 for 1 lb sausage (and really $3, but let's go with the fancy stuff in the meat section)
$6 for 24 oz gourmet tomato sauce (and under $2 if it's not)
$5 for 8 oz portabello mushrooms (which right now are $1.50 in my store, so these are the cheap of the moment item)
$5 for 8oz parm jar ($3 right now at my grocery, but again, let's aim high...and I doubt you get 8oz, but more likely 1-2oz)
$3 fresh basil (and $1 if they just give you the sprigs packet)

EDIT TO ADD: $4 Salad Bag Kit ($2 at grocery) and $2 Bread ($1 at grocery)

Total Max ingredient cost $34
Total Likely ingredient cost $14.50

At this price, who wouldn't just put in a grocery order and have it delivered and just take the Disney "ingredients list" as their own meal idea?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'm not sure this will catch on at the price...most of the folks staying at villas who decide to cook tend to be more price-conscious...maybe at $29, this would sell out, but $49 without drinks or dessert? Not thinking this will last permanently without an upgrade in menu ingredients/cost or without the addition of drinks/dessert or without a price cut...

I mean, even thinking at Whole Foods grocery cost (which this won't be b/c Disney gets its food wholesale, so let's talk real grocery cost in parentheses)...

It's $4 for 1lb fresh rigatoni pasta (and $1 if it's not)
$5 for 1 lb sausage (and really $3, but let's go with the fancy stuff in the meat section)
$6 for 24 oz gourmet tomato sauce (and under $2 if it's not)
$5 for 8 oz portabello mushrooms (which right now are $1.50 in my store, so these are the cheap of the moment item)
$5 for 8oz parm jar ($3 right now at my grocery, but again, let's aim high...and I doubt you get 8oz, but more likely 1-2oz)
$3 fresh basil (and $1 if they just give you the sprigs packet)

Total Max ingredient cost $28
Total Likely ingredient cost $11.50

At this price, who wouldn't just put in a grocery order and have it delivered and just take the Disney "ingredients list" as their own meal idea?

Well, you do have to add in the salad and breadsticks and I am sure it is all measured out and stuff - so some value in making it easy to prepare

But I agree, point price seems high for something not super exciting/difficult to make at home/etc

Guess it sort of would be the same as doing a quick service so maybe that is the price point they are trying to hit

Even at like $35 I could see but $50 is high

 

[DISnewjersey]

They have just set "Late 2018" I believe - so nothing more specific than that. I would consider it a bonus if it is open for your November trip at this point

Late 2018?!!!! Or was that a typo haha

 

[rteetz]

Late 2018?!!!! Or was that a typo haha

That is a typo

 

[rteetz]

News:

Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's longest tenured employee, announces retirement after 60.5 years

http://www.chipandco.com/oscar-mart...ember-disneyland-announces-retirement-283616/

Oscar began his Disney career in the Fantasyland quick-service locations and eventually made his way up to the Carnation Cafe on Main Street, USA where he has spent the last 50 years. He has been greeting guests coming into the Cafe and posing for photos for all who want to meet him. Oscar even has his famous breakfast potatoes named after him on the menu.

More on Oscar from the DPB

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...ber-retires/?CMP=SOC-DPFY17Q4wo0928171004171F

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

The new cast of Avatar 2 has been announced. Principal photography on the film started this past Monday and the film is scheduled to be released in 2020. The new cast members were revealed at AK's Pandora.

http://ew.com/tv/2017/09/27/avatar-2-first-look/

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/avatar-2-casts-7-young-actors-1043593

Kids?! Ugh Cameron no.

So Avatar 2 is going to focus on kids? That sounds absolutely terrible. I don't think I've ever watched a movie where the first features adults and the second moves to kids that is actually a good story.

Two of my favorite movies did this and they were crap. The Mummy and the new Zorro. It was like, once a kid was put in the movie we had to have all these dumb little kid jokes and the little kid had to be the most special, luckiest SOB ever.

Which was just a stupid move, kids don't need things 'dumbed down to their level'. I don't like to use that saying in this situation, but it's like the writers/directors must think kids are stupid and need poop jokes and need the kids to be action heroes. Which they don't, evidenced by kids loving the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

This just does not make me excited for the Avatar sequels at all.