‘We pride ourselves in giving our guests a unique experience at Downtown Disney through different retail and food offerings,’ said Tony Bruno, vice president of Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney. ‘This will be the only Earl of Sandwich in California and it is sure to be a favorite among our guests as it has been at Walt Disney World for nearly eight years.’

The new restaurant, which continues to have historical ties to the inventor of the sandwich, the Sandwich family, will be adjacent to AMC Theatres. Signature hot sandwiches will be available including The Original 1762, a sandwich of freshly roasted beef, sharp cheddar and creamy horseradish sauce all on freshly baked artisan bread. Soups, salads, wraps and desserts also are on the menu. Earl of Sandwich offers a vast array of hot and cold beverages including The Earl’s Grey Lemonade. Breakfast sandwiches and pastries will be available in the morning and a variety of catering options will be offered at this location.

‘We are looking forward to the grand opening of our newest location at the Disneyland Resort,’ stated Robert Earl, chairman of Earl of Sandwich. ‘The success we’ve experienced at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and our other 15 locations has proven that the quality of our food and our dining experience will bring guests back time and time again.”

Earl of Sandwich joins approximately 50 retail, dining and entertainment venues that comprise Downtown Disney. Bridging the two theme parks and hotels, the 20-acre entertainment, dining and shopping district offers an eclectic experience that includes the World of Disney store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, ESPN Zone and House of Blues.

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“The addition of a world-renowned brand like Ghirardelli highlights our focus on providing quality, immersive experiences that transport our guests to a different place – in this case to San Francisco,” said Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park. “With the culmination of our expansion only a few months away, it is an exciting time at Disney California Adventure and we look forward to partnering with Ghirardelli in bringing this delicious chocolate experience to our guests.”

The new location will feature Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes and decadent chocolate products. Each guest will be able to enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares® chocolate. The Disney California Adventure store follows the 13-year success of a similar location at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.

“We are very excited to expand our successful relationship with Disney, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 160th anniversary next year,” stated Martin Thompson, Ghirardelli president and CEO. “Our rich heritage, which began in California, combined with our premium brand of high-quality chocolate is a perfect fit with the quality experience Disney offers their guests.”

Ghirardelli joins Disney California Adventure as it completes an expansion that began in 2007. New attractions include the nighttime spectacular “World of Color” and a classic dark ride, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. The project’s culmination is the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in summer 2012 along with the newly designed Buena Vista Street entrance to the park, the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre and the Red Car Trolley. The expansion builds upon the transformation of Disneyland Resort into the premier multi-day Southern California vacation destination.

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Today only, Groupon is offering dining at Garden Grove through November 20, 2011 for just $18 for one adult, representing a 50% savings off the normal price.

Note that you are limited to one purchase at this rate per person, although you may purchase up to two more as gifts and the offer can be redeemed by only one person per table per visit. Kids under 3 eat free.

The Walt Disney World Swan Resort is easily accessible using Walt Disney World transportation. Complimentary resort buses to the resort from the Ticket and Transportation Center / Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are available as well as complimentary boat service from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, via the International Gateway.

To take advantage of this offer and for more information, visit Groupon Orlando via this link.

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At the Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland’s The Lunching Pad will be closing on August 29, 2011 with an expected re-opening date of September 17, 2011. Casey’s Corner on Main Street USA is scheduled to close on August 30, 2011 with a re-opening date of September 15, 2011.

Meanwhile, at Downtown Disney, the Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck Cafe is slated to close as of today with an expected re-opening date of July 18.

Lastly, the Magnolia Bend leisure pool at Port Orleans Riverside is expected to close on September 5, 2011 with a month-long refurbishment, re-opening on October 8.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch! The only Disney Parks refurbishment schedule that covers attractions, dining and resorts, lets you drill down to your own specific dates and even emails you when your dates are affected — and it’s completely free!

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Post tags: Closures, Dining, POR, Refurbishments, Refurbs, Rehabs

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Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel has drawn national and international applause for his preparation and delivery of American regional cuisine with classical influences at the elegant, 50-seat restaurant.

“Earning the AAA Five-Diamond Award is like winning an Oscar,” said Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel. “To be one of 55 restaurants in all of North America to receive this prestigious award is such an honor. It confirms our philosophy that it takes passion and a synchronized team to deliver consistent, top-quality cuisine night after night!”

A Disney cast member for more than 20 years, Chef Hunnel understands that the fundamentals of cooking don’t change, rather with time, palette’s change. He believes it’s the continuous evolution that goes into each dish that makes the cooking and the menu at Victoria & Albert’s different from other restaurants. To keep pace with the ever-changing food & beverage industry, Chef Hunnel takes gastronomic journeys to visit world-class restaurants, hotels, farms and markets for healthy and savory inspirations.

“Working for Disney has been very gratifying because the company understands that to be the best, we must never stop exploring and growing in constant pursuit of excellence.”

Take for example one of his signature dishes — the prosciutto-wrapped lamb served with cipollini onions and sherry vinaigrette – which tastefully demonstrates classical European influences combined with the culinary expertise behind the Victoria & Albert’s team of award-winning chefs.

“What makes Victoria & Albert’s exceptional is not only the incredible cuisine, but the entire dining experience,” said Kevin Myers, vice president of Walt Disney World Resort Operations. “From reservations, the very personal table-side service, sommeliers, chefs and pastry chefs…..the whole team is dedicated to delivering a memorable evening for each of our guests. We couldn’t be prouder of the entire team.”

Those memorable experiences have led to other accolades including the Orlando Sentinel’s 2011 Culinary Hall of Fame, the Forbes Four Diamond Award, Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award. Chef Hunnel was also a 2011 semi-finalist in the annual list of top chefs in the country by the James Beard Foundation. He has also been recognized annually since 2007 by

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The fun at Paradise Pier adds to the excitement of Disney Soundsational Summer, June 3 through Sept 5, offering guests even more ways to make special memories at the Disneyland Resort,
New dining locations also make their debut July 1, offering a variety of options for lunch, dinner and snacks at Paradise Pier — Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Paradise Garden Grill and Bayside Brews, a beer and pretzel kiosk. This spring, the popular Corn Dog Castle made its return and Seaside Souvenirs opened as a restyled merchandise location.

During the past two years, Walt Disney Imagineers have added new attractions, enhanced the entertainment offerings and updated the architecture in Paradise Pier, the boardwalk area surrounding Paradise Bay. The water spectacular “World of Color” opened in 2010, along with Silly Symphony Swings, and guests first enjoyed the high-scoring fun of Toy Story Mania! in 2008.
Ariel and Goofy are now part of the cast of Disney characters along Paradise Bay, inviting guests to stay and play all summer long.

Goofy’s Sky School – Joining the fun along Paradise Pier July 1, this coaster attraction invites guests to enroll in Goofy’s Sky School, a hilarious adventure filled with zany dips, twists and family thrills. Inspired by the classic Goofy “How-to” shorts of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short, “Goofy’s Glider,” the attraction takes “novice pilots” on a flying lesson through the wild, blue yonder. Zipping over and through the clouds, the flight path rises three stories high with plenty of wacky antics and instruction from Goofy via whimsically animated billboards.

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta – The sights and sounds of the boardwalk are part of the flavor at this quick-service Italian eatery, which offers something for everyone. The menu includes delicious pasta dishes and salads, and guests will be able to watch their flatbread pizza being pulled piping hot from the ovens. Flatbreads run the gamut from a traditional cheese or pepperoni to a Portobello mushroom and spinach flatbread with pesto, artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta-salata and Pecorino Romano cheese. Pasta fans can dig into classic spaghetti and meatballs, pasta tossed with chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, or five-cheese ravioli with pesto and toasted pine nuts.

Hearty salads include a chicken Caesar; Mediterranean chef salad with provolone, salami, capocollo, fresh mozzarella, cured ham, roasted peppers, olives and

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MAGIC KINGDOM (8 AM – 2 AM)

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS (8 AM – 12 AM)

EPCOT (8 AM – 1 AM)

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM (8 AM – 8 PM)

BAY LAKE AND SEVEN SEAS LAGOON

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL — LA NOUBA (6 PM and 9 PM)

DISNEYQUEST (8 PM – 1 AM)

ATLANTIC DANCE HALL (8 PM – 2 AM, AGES 21+ ONLY)

LA HACIENDA DE SAN ANGEL (9 PM, PARK ADMISSION REQUIRED)

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Among the changes included are new exterior signage and a new Cat Cora presence in the lobby with three video monitors with images and text that flow from one to the next, showcasing the celebrity chef’s views on food, family and her culinary journey. Chef Cat’s branded product line also is for sale in the lobby, including Greek olive oil, olives, tapenades and spreads.

In the main dining room, a new iconic olive oil display sets the stage for a new “olive oil tasting experience” for all diners – with the bread, servers will offer two varieties of Greek olive oils to taste and compare, as well as kalamata olives.

New artwork, marble finishes and soft drapes warm up the room, with a new “Coranation Room” at the back of the restaurant.  The room has a more upscale décor and will offer a Chef’s Table prix fixe dining experience on weekends which is currently under development.

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Post tags: BWI, Cat Cora, Dining, Kouzzina

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HOW BORING!

So says a new patent application from Disney Enterprises titled ‘Projector systems and methods for producing digitally augmented, interactive cakes and other Food Products.’ Created by Charita Y. Carter, Charita Y, Mark Raymond Mine, Modupe Adeleye, Christopher Raynard Runco, Thomas Fraiser Laduke and Bei Yang, the interactive cake makes extensive use of a projector.

That is to say where most see a delicious dessert, Disney Imagineers see a projection screen where a moving image can be projected onto the cake to offer a unique dining experience. The patent application, however, goes way beyond showing a simple movie. Rather there are varying levels of interactivity, particularly when coupled with a computer which can dynamically generate images based on how individuals are interacting with the cake. The system would be capable of detecting the topography of a cake which essentially means that if a slice were to be cut out, it could detect the missing piece and respond appropriately. For example, cut out a slice where there’s a simulated lake and you may instantly create a waterfall in which water is now represented as flowing down the sides of the new missing cake portion. Additionally, props and specially coded utensils could trigger events such as Tinker Bell flying around the cake and leaving a trail of pixie dust when someone waves a wand in front of the cake. Perhaps Captain Hook would instantly appear and draw his sword, preparing for battle, as someone approaches the cake with a knife.

You’ll be able to find more sordid details and examples inside the patent application available here.

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“I wanted to create nutritious foods even my grandchildren would love. All of them have favorites on the Fresh A-Peel menu, whether they are picky eaters or adventurous tasters.”

At Pollo Campero, Walt Disney World® guests can savor combinations of freshly prepared Latin chicken, unique flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. Pollo Campero’s fried and grilled chicken is marinated, sending the distinctive Pollo Campero flavor all the way to the bone. Fried chicken is hand-breaded in seasoned flour and slowly pressure-cooked without trans-fats, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal. Grilled chicken features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers, and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices.

“Today is a landmark day for Pollo Campero,” said Roberto Denegri, president and chief operating officer of Campero USA. “We’re thrilled to open our newest restaurant at Disney, the No. 1 family vacation destination in the world. Most importantly, we’re excited to introduce guests to the fantastic flavors of our legendary Latin chicken.”

Inspired by Disney’s commitment to offer its guests great-tasting more healthful options, award-winning restaurateur Larry Levy and Pollo Campero teamed up to create Fresh A-Peel. Operating in the same location as Pollo Campero, Fresh A-Peel features a nutritious and delicious array of hot-off-the-grill items and chef-prepared salads and wraps, as well as gluten-free cupcakes and bakery treats.

“Our menu relies on the freshest, most flavorful ingredients,” said Mr. Levy. “I wanted to create nutritious foods even my grandchildren would love. All of them have favorites on the Fresh A-Peel menu, whether they are picky eaters or adventurous tasters.”

The restaurant has a back-to-basics approach to serving family favorites that are prepared in a better-for-you way. Chef-prepared entrees including salads are made with locally grown produce and available in a bowl or as a wrap, and all-natural burgers are prepared to order and packed with flavor. Balanced kids meals are served with fresh fruit and healthy sides, while other delicious menu offerings are gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian.

“This single restaurant offers guests an incredible range of dining choices, all in one location,” said Adam Cummis, president of the joint venture. “Not only can guests order Pollo Campero’s legendary fried or grilled chicken and signature side dishes, but they can also indulge in Fresh A-Peel’s nutritious and delicious meals. By pairing these two concepts together, we’ve created a destination that offers something for

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Highlighting Disney’s long-term commitment to providing more nutritious food options for kids, the Beech-Nut toddler food line for kids age 12 months and older have no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The products adhere to Beech-Nut’s strict ingredient standards in order to maintain an authentic taste and provide nutritious and delicious food for this active age group. The packaging features favorite Disney characters including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet.

“In 2006, Disney made a commitment to meet high nutrition standards by offering a healthier portfolio of foods. The Beech-Nut toddler line is one more example of our commitment to these goals of offering ‘better for you’ foods that kids will love and parents will feel good about,” Embola Ndi, vice president of Food, Health & Beauty, Disney Consumer Products.

“Beech-Nut and Disney share a commitment to offer better nutrition choices for children. Our 20 new toddler products include steam-cooked microwavable meals, whole grain and real fruit snacks, and 100 percent juice beverages. They’re tasty and nutritious products that moms can feel really good about,” said Evan Eckman, chief marketing officer at Beech-Nut.

The Beech-Nut toddler food is fortified with vitamins and minerals and contains valuable nutrients, fiber, whole grains, real fruit, real yogurt, real vegetables and protein. The line features meals, sides, snacks and juices including:

The Disney-branded toddler foods by Beech-Nut are available now in grocery stores nationwide. Beech-Nut plans to introduce its new Disney steam-cooked microwavable meals with an upcoming TV commercial campaign and other promotional programming in collaboration with Disney’s entertainment divisions.

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Back in May, we first talked about the new stage production which we now know to be titled ‘Disney’s Believe.’ ‘Disney’s Believe’ will be one of the most ambitious staged projects to date for the Disney Cruise Line. At a whopping 50 minutes in length, the show will feature a total of 18 musical numbers and over 20 popular Disney characters including Genie, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Tinia, Belle and Rafiki.

According to Disney Cruise Line, the show combines a heartfelt story with a captivating musical score, telling the story of a workaholic father who, through the power of Disney magic, reconnects with his daughter and learns a valuable lesson about what is important in life.

‘Disney’s Believe’ takes guests to the garden of Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with cultivating his precious plants. Dr. Greenaway is so preoccupied with his garden that he overlooks the birthday of his daughter, Sophia. Saddened, Sophia makes a special birthday wish and the impossible happens: Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin” appears to make her wish come true.

Joined by a host of other characters, Genie takes Dr. Greenaway on an enchanting journey into the world of Disney stories. Through spirited production numbers, Dr. Greenaway learns that magic is real and is embodied in his beloved daughter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgK_PwoXYJ8

In addition to ‘Disney’s Believe,’ the Disney Dream will also offer performances of ‘Villains Tonight’ and the perennial favorite, the ‘Golden Mickeys’ which also is receiving an upgrade exclusive to the Dream. Added to the show will be an aerial ballet featuring The Little Mermaid’s Ariel, a Beauty and the Beast-inspired waltz in which the Beast will transform into the Prince right before the audience’s eyes and a romantic duet with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Disney’s Tangled.

Also announced is an addition to the ‘Pirates IN the Caribbean’ party night titled ‘Club Pirate,’ which will be introduced by Captain Jack Sparrow himself along with other pirate-ized Disney friends along with ‘stunning visuals and special effects.’ Continuing

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Post tags: DCL, Dining, Disney Dream, Disney's Believe, Enchanted Garden

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First up is Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. The restaurant will be closed for a couple of weeks beginning on November 29 and re-opening on December 15.

Beginning December 3, the Paddock leisure pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs DVC Resort will close for an extended refurbishment and is currently scheduled to re-open on June 30, 2011.

Finally, a couple of announcements for Disney’s Animal Kingdom which includes an extended closure for Primeval Whirl in Chester and Hester’s Dinoland, closing on January 17 and re-opening on April 6. In addition, Kali River Rapids in Asia will be closed for most of January, starting January 3 and re-opening on January 30.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch! The only Disney Parks refurbishment schedule that covers attractions, dining and resorts, lets you drill down to your own specific dates and even emails you when your dates are affected — and it’s completely free!

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Post tags: BWI, Cat Cora, Dining, Kali River Rapids, Kouzzina, Refurbishments, Refurbs, Rehabs, SSR

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Each evening will feature beverage seminars and a culinary festival with live music and tastings from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and lounges.

Guests have the opportunity to choose from six hands-on beverage classes taught by certified wine sommeliers and beer and cocktail specialists from the hotel’s team. Attendees will learn about their topic of choice – ranging from a wine-blending seminar to a sake hour – through watching, listening, touching and of course, tasting!

Immediately following the lessons, guests can wander the causeway while being serenaded by live musicians and savoring numerous tasty offerings. The food samplings will include “Steamrollers,” a creative take on molecular cuisine, from celebrity chef venue Todd English’s bluezoo; “Pick Your Own Filet” from Shula’s Steak House; a simple yet flavorful hand-crafted pasta from Il Mulino New York Trattoria and more. Each day of the event will feature a different selection of food.

Beverage stations will offer mini-learning experiences and feature offerings such as wine, sake, beer and cocktails using liquid nitrogen. Finally, guests can delight in a selection of desserts from the only two-time World Pastry Champion, Laurent Branlard, the hotel’s executive pastry chef. Tickets to the Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are available as part of a hotel package, with one and two night packages with beverage seminar for two plus unlimited food and beverage samplings starting at $169/night, or $50 each for the event only $50.  Food and wine samplings also can be purchased a la carte on the day of event.

For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500 and refer to rate code “FWCLAS.”

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Post tags: Dining, Dolphin, Events, Swan, Swolphin

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Links to the 2011 Disney Dining Plan brochures in PDF format are as follows:

Note that the content and participating restaurants is subject to change at any time. Signature dining suggested dress guidelines do not apply to signature dining experiences inside the theme parks.

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Post tags: Canada, DDP, Dining, Disney Dining Plan, Le Celllier

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