All the Disney Parks in One Podcast
Disney Parks Podcast Show #454 – Disney News for The Week of April 16, 2018
In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Solo: A Star Wars Story merchandise, rumors of new monorails for Walt Disney World, purchasing your Annual Passes in the My Disney Experience App and so much more!
Disney Parks Podcast Show #453 – Disney News for The Week of April 16, 2018
In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Daisy Duck now at Cape May Cafe, new building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Incredibles 2 sneak peek, and so much more!
Wine Bar George is one of the most highly anticipated additions to the vibrant food and beverage scene at Disney Springs. This 200-seat wine bar, scheduled to open soon, is centrally located at The Landing. The space is reminiscent of a winemaker’s home, complete with terrace seating that has sweeping views of Disney Springs and the waterfront stage.
Wine Bar George will offer more than 130 selections by the ounce, glass, and bottle in a range of varietals, vintages, and prices. Acclaimed wineries as well as up-and-coming growing regions and wineries will be featured along with small plates, artisan cheese and charcuterie boards, and sharable entrées designed to complement the wine list.
The biggest reason for all the excitement is George Miliotes himself – renown wine expert, native Floridian, and Disney alum. A celebrity in the wine world, George is a Master Sommelier – one of only 249 in the world. In fact, Wine Bar George is the only wine bar in Florida owned by a Master Sommelier.
We gladly accepted the invitation from George to stop by his home to taste (and sip!) some of the highlights from Wine Bar George. Executive Chef Ron Rupert, who will be at the helm of all things culinary at Wine Bar George, also joined us. My partner, Alex Dunlap, captured some shots of what will be offered and, no surprise, everything was delicious – on the plate and in the glass!
George poured two very special wines to taste – both are listed on the menu under “Outstanding by the Ounce.” These exceptional wines are selected by George in partnership with the respective winery. These wines can be ordered by 1 oz, 3 oz, or 6 oz pours or by the bottle.
For the first wine, George met with owner/winemaker Johannes Selbach to secure a delicious Selbach-Oster, Bömer Riesling – dry, crisp, lush, and very food-friendly. The second wine – Antinori Guado al Tasso – is an incredible Super Tuscan made from the classic Bordeaux grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon as the star. George snagged the wine direct from the winery in vintages from 2004 through 2013.
Ron’s philosophy in the kitchen at Wine Bar George is simple. “I want to create delicious food that pairs well with wine. I pull flavors from around the world that are relevant – that create memories.” Here is a sneak peek at some of his dishes.
The Big Board – An impressive selection of six artisan cheeses and five crafted meats that serves two or more.
Grilled Octopus with Lemon Vinaigrette – This light and refreshing salad has tender pieces of Spanish octopus (a result of grilling then chilling the octopus) with a touch of acidity from the lemon vinaigrette.
Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites – These crispy cheesy bites are surprisingly light. Served with tomato nage and Pecorino, they are Ron’s imaginative take on a grilled cheese with tomato soup.
Porchetta Spiced Pork Cheeks – Served with a creamy three-cheese polenta, these small bites of meaty goodness are cooked long and slow to perfection. The orange gremolata takes it over the top.
Grilled Whole Greek Sea Bass – One of the “family-style plates” that serves two or more, this light and tender whole fish is served with cannelloni bean ragoût and seasonal vegetables.
Olive Oil Cake – This moist cake with a rich olive oil flavor is served with candied olives and lemon mascarpone.
When the doors open to Wine Bar George, expect something special. “It is my responsibility to bring joy to the wine list and the experience,” said George. “I want Wine Bar George to encourage conversations of what is brilliant and special in the wine world.”
Disney Parks Podcast Show #452 – D23’s 2018 Destination D
In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Destination D, D23’s upcoming event here at Walt Disney World Resort!
When you walk through Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, your favorite Pixar characters greet you on banners from above. Primary colored signs above the entrance to both parks welcome guests to “Celebrate Friendship & Beyond” through September 3, 2018. On April 13 Disneyland Resort launched Pixar Fest, a summer long experience that incorporates your favorite Pixar characters throughout the park in parades, fireworks, merchandise, and food.
The new Pixar Pier at DCA will open with the newly themed rides and attractions on June 23.
The Pixar Play Parade returned and moved to Disneyland. A fun filled parade with characters from Monsters University, Toy Story, Incredibles, Inside Out, and Finding Nemo. There is lots of activity on the street and watch out because all of the floats seem to have the ability to squirt water into the crowd. The parade is running twice a day at 3:30pm and 6:00pm. I found a nice view about 15 minutes prior to the start time across from It’s a Small World with a view of the floats as the left the backstage area. On my visit, I was able to see the new Inside Out float, but their was no sign of the UP floats that have been promoted.
The new fireworks show, Together Forever, launches nightly at [9:30]. Disneyland has brought back the projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Main Street buildings. According to the times guide and my experience from the 60th fireworks, the projections will display on It’s a Small World and the water spray in the Rivers of America. Tip: If you have a Fastpass for Fantasmic, stay put and catch the fireworks from the riverbanks. In the past, it was a nice view with the fireworks above Big Thunder Mountain. I don’t recommend my method of continuously walking up and down Main Street for your view. But if you want to try: walk up the right side of Main Street, when you get to the Camera Shop rush back down to Town Square using the backstage passage way and start over.
Since last fall, Downtown Disney has added holiday themed topiaries to their planters. Pixar Fest has brought a collection of unique topiaries to continue the theming throughout the resort.
Next time: Merchandise, Food, and Paint the Night.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #451 – Disney News for The Week of April 9, 2018
In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Sweet Spells on Sunset Blvd, Disneyland Popcorn Buckets, a MAJOR Closure at Disney, and so much more!
Disney Parks Podcast Show #450 – Disney News for The Week of April 9, 2018
In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss ESPN +, Woody’s lunch box, and Marvel Nights coming to Disneyland Paris, and so much more!
In the toy-filled backyard that is Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests “shrink” to the size of a toy and explore the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends. In the middle of all the fun, Andy has taken his vintage Woody-themed lunch box and propped it open with a thermos, turning it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. From a nearby tower, green army men stand at the ready, keeping watch for Andy’s return.
Opening June 30, Woody’s Lunch Box will dish up all sorts of sandwiches and sides that blend classic flavor combinations with a modern twist, plus nostalgic soda floats and specialty beverages. We caught up with the team at Flavor Lab – the concept development kitchen – to ask how much fun (and challenging) it was to take sentimental food favorites and give them a modern make-over…in flavor and presentation.
“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World, about the year-long menu development process. “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey cheese-filled one?”
Here is a peek into Woody’s Lunch Box. Gee, I wish my mom would have packed me a lunch like this!
S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – Oozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat.
Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on Sourdough – The perfect hand-held stack of breakfast goodness.
Breakfast Bowl – The green army men line up for this hearty bowl of potato barrels, brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs.
BBQ Brisket Melt – With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough.
Monte Cristo with Raspberry Jam – Woody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown.
Totchos – Potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese – what’s not to love??
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Sides include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack.
Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon – Even toys need a sweet treat! Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries, this modern interpretation, with its uniquely delicate crust, is the perfect hand-held pastry.
The littlest toys can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both served with potato barrels and mandarin oranges. For toys looking for more lighter options, they can grab one of these tasty bites at Woody’s Lunch Box or check out the many other healthful offerings available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and grilled meats and fish.
Banana Split Yogurt Parfait – Layers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious and healthful way to start the day!
Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread – This quintessential lunch box sandwich is a light and fresh option. And to give it a kick of flavor, we add a creamy Dijonnaise.
Soda Floats – All toys would agree that a refreshing soda float is the perfect nostalgic beverage!
The adorable Alien Sipper may be purchased and filled with any fountain drink or the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine.
The big kids can enjoy the backyard with Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail (cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée), beer, or hard cider.