Friday, August 10, 2012

New Fantasyland - Opening Soon!

The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history will soon be completed - except for Princess Fairytale Hall (2013, in the former Snow White area) and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014), both located in the "Enchanted Forest" section.

Most of the "Storybook Circus" area is now open.

Beginning in November (the 19th), Cast Members, AP holders and DVC members will be able to preview the new Fantasyland and then, December 6th will be the Grand Opening for .....

Enchanted Forest:
   Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, 
       Enchanted Tales with Belle, 
            Be Our Guest Restaurant, 
                  Gaston’s Tavern, 
                         Ariel’s Grotto,
                                 and Bonjour! Village Gifts
Storybook Circus:
Pete's Silly Sideshow- a character-greeting experience located under the red "big top" where Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy play their part as one of the stars of the circus! 
 
 The Great Goofini is the circus daredevil. The Astounding Donaldo is a snake charmer. Madame Daisy Fortuna is the fortuneteller, and Minnie Magnifique is the circus's greatest star.

And don't forget Big Top Souvenirs!

Already operating:
 Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer and Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station 

Previews for Cast Members and select Guest audiences including Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members will take place well before the grand opening, with general Guest previews starting Nov. 19.

photos: WDW

Personal Note:  Fantasyland has been my least favorite area of MK, but now it's gonna be lots more interesting! 

It's just too bad that Mickey's and Minnie's houses couldn't have been tucked away somewhere in the Enchanted Forest!







Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Food and Wine 2012


 The kiosk and Menu list is finally out!


New kiosks this year are Florida and Terra.

I learned years ago that having a PLAN will save lots of time AND $$.
And yes, I've already made my list:
 
Argentina
Beef Empanada
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée

Australia
Lamington
Beverage Selections: Rosemount Estate Traminer Riesling

Belgium
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
Beverage Selections: Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee


Canada
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and “Minus 8″ Onion Jam
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
Beverage Selections: Neige Première Apple Ice Wine
Ropa Vieja with Cilantro Rice
Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Chutney
Beverage Selections: Bacardi® Torched Cherry Frozen Cherry Limeade


China

Mongolian Beef with Chinese Steamed Bun
Pork Pot Stickers
Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Pickled Vegetables
Mango Tapioca Pudding


Desserts & Champagne

Yogurt Panna Cotta with Orange Cake, Raspberries and Pomegranate
Lemon Custard Verrine with Blueberry Compote
Dark Chocolate Mousse with Chili and Salted Caramel
Beverage Selections: Nesquick Frozen Chocolate Foam & Nesquick Frozen Strawberry Foam
 
Florida <– New!
White Corn Arepa with Mangalitsa Pork Rilette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad
Beverage Selections:
Florida Orange Grove Key Limen / Florida Orange Grove Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria

 
Germany
Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese)
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Karamel-Vanilla Sauce

Greece
Greek Salad with Pita Bread
Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Spanakopita

Hawaii
Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise

Ireland
Kerrygold Cheese: Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner & Cashel Blue with Apple Chutney & Brown Bread
Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache
Beverage Selections: Bunratty Mead Honey Wine & Bunratty Potcheene Chilled Irish Coffee

Italy
Ravioli di Formaggio All’emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella)
Salsiccia e “Papacelli” Napoletani (Sweet Sausage, Red Pepper, Ciaibatta Bread)
Cannoli al Cioccolato (Chocolate-Covered Cannoli filled with Ricotta, Chocolate, Candied Fruit)
Beverage Selections: Prosecco Zardetto
Japan
Sukiyaki Beef Pan (Marinated Thin Sliced Rib Eye with Sauteed Onions and Teriyaki Sauce in a Bun)

Mexico
Taco de Filete with Cascabel Pepper Sauce and Scallions Served on a Flour Tortilla
Natilla de Cajeta (Caramel Custard Served with Sauce)
Beverage Selections: Lime Strawberry Margarita On the Rocks

Morocco
Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket)
Baklava


Poland
Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup

South Africa
Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce
Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket

South Korea
Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw

Terra <– New!
Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein Chick’n Breast
Chili Colorado with House Made Chips & Cashew Cheese, featuring Gardein Beefless Tips
Chocolate Cake with Passion Fruit Sorbet and Coconut Foam


PS: I have an Eat to the Beat list, too!