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NEW MENU AT JIKO—THE COOKING PLACE AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Next time guests visit Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge they can enjoy an almost-all-new menu.

Jiko means “cooking place” in Swahili, and the restaurant’s menu pays homage to the African theme in a beautiful dining room inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.” Wood-burning ovens scent the dining room with crisp flatbreads like the Mozambican chicken with sweet plaintains, Cape gooseberries, cashews and coconut mayonnaise. There are plenty of unusual names and ingredients in the subtly spiced dishes, but servers are happy to help guests navigate the adventurous menu.

Guests will always find a filet on the menu, but the sides that accompany are seasonal and ever-changing. And, a version of maize-crusted fish in tomato-butter sauce has always been offered, but it now features perch from Lake Victoria in Africa. Durham Ranch elk loin and Mrouzia-style lamb tagine are new dishes, and buttery-sweet scallops are paired with Berkshire pork belly.

A guest favorite is “Taste of Africa,” all made in-house with pappadam, sesame fatir and flax seed naan, served with a variety of dips including hummus, green chermoula, goat butter and mango chutney. A brand-new starter is Manti Dumplings, filled with boar, bison and elk and served with spicy tomato sauce and saffron yogurt.

For sweet endings, the new Kilimanjaro is a favorite of chocolate fans with Tanzanian chocolate mousse, pistachio financier, pink peppercorn meringue, cacao nib crunch and pineapple flavored with ras el hanout, a Moroccan spice blend. Strawberry shortcake with local berries and sweet potato cheesecake with sweet apple chutney are also both on the menu.

Jiko has the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the United States, with more than 125 of South Africa’s boutique wineries showcasing their vintages at the restaurant, and was awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

Book via DisneyWorld.com or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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Braves Pitchers and Catchers Begin Workouts Wednesday for 20th Year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers begin their 2017 spring training workouts Wednesday, Feb. 15 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Full-squad workouts start Saturday, Feb. 18. Manager Brian Snitker begins his first full season as manager, after taking over in an interim role last season. Pitchers Bartolo Colón, R.A. Dickey, Kurt Suzuki, and 2B Brandon Phillips are among the newcomers on the roster this spring, while 1B Freddie Freeman, OF Ender Inciarte and P Julio Teheran headline the returning veterans. This will be the Braves’ 20th spring training season at Champion Stadium. The Braves’ first home game at Champion Stadium is Saturday, Feb. 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Braves workouts take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Media can park in the first two rows of guest parking, labeled “Braves Media Parking.”

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BOOK 2018 WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND WITH RACE REGISTRATION NOW!

It’s the most magical race on earth! The Walt Disney World® Marathon adventure is unlike anything else. And now, we can book our Clients on a Magic Your Way® Package for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Jan. 3-7, 2018.

A Magic Your Way Package allows our Clients to enjoy Disney fun for the whole family throughout the race weekend. They pick their favorite Disney Resort hotel and the number of days for their Theme Park ticket. And, they can even choose to include a Disney Dining Plan in their package.

Plus, when our Clients stay at a Disney Resort hotel they’ll enjoy special benefits, including complimentary MagicBands and early access to Disney FastPass+ planning up to 60 days before they arrive!

Walt Disney World Marathon – A run through the most magical 26.2 miles on Earth

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018

Walt Disney World Half Marathon – A thrilling 13.1 run through Magic Kingdom® Park and Epcot®

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018

Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – Two days, four parks, 39.3 miles of fun

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 and Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

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FLORIDA RESIDENT PACKAGE OFFER AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Florida Residents can experience must-do attractions and entertainment and stay in the middle of the magic at a select Walt Disney World hotel OR nearby at a select Walt Disney World® Area hotel Feb. 10-June 5, 2017 when they book by June 2, 2017.

    Accommodations available at:
  • Select Disney Resort hotels
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
  • Disney Springs ™ Resort Area Hotels
  • Walt Disney World Good Neighbor ® Hotels.

3-Day and 4-Day Discover Disney Tickets for Florida Residents available with the option to upgrade to include Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More Options

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

The 3-Day and 4-Day Discover Disney Tickets are not valid for visits to more than one theme park on the same day; Valid admission February 10 – June 9, 2017. Not valid May 27 – June 9, 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

The Discover Disney Ticket is for Florida Residents only. All adults who will use Florida resident tickets will need to show proof of Florida residency at a theme park ticket window, or at any Guest Relations location, prior to first use. Tickets cannot be purchased for non-Florida resident friends and family. Tickets and options are only valid during regularly scheduled operating hours and exclude activities/events priced separately. Tickets may be used on non-consecutive days. Everyone in the room must be on the same package and ticket options. Package and package components are nontransferable.

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RECEIVING MAIL AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS

As a reminder, Guests staying at Walt Disney World® Resort hotels can receive mail throughout their stay. Occasionally, some Guests choose to ship items in advance of their vacation to help save luggage space.

If you intend to receive mail during your vacation, your letter or package must:

  • Include the mailing address of your Disney Resort hotel
  • Clearly feature the word “Guest” on the front and the date of your arrival

Please note that a $5 per package handling fee will apply to all envelopes and packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to you Disney Resort hotel room at the following Disney Resort hotels:

  • Disney’s All-Star Resorts
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Disneys Wilderness Lodge
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts

Disney Resort hotels with convention facilities will continue to provide package handling services at a per-weight fee.

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Disney on Broadway Launches New Podcast Series With Newsies

Disney Theatrical Productions is getting into the podcast business. The company has released the first episode of The Official Disney on Broadway Podcast, a six-episode pilot series that will include interviews and behind-the-scenes stories of Disney’s stage musicals.

Full Story

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GEYSER POINT BAR & GRILL OPENS AT DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Open now at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill, where guests can grab a bite as they enjoy the resort’s rustic beauty. Located along the water’s edge, Geyser Point is designed with cedar beams and natural stone to fit into the design that’s reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest.

At the bar, artisanal sips add an authentic touch to beverage menus, including drinks which feature Pacific Northwest brewers and distilleries, and wines focusing on heritage varietals grown in Oregon and Washington. Small plates include crispy fried oysters with miso tartar sauce; edamame with chili salt; cheesy barbecue brisket with house-made chips; “Shrimp on a Wire” with miso-lime vinaigrette, togarashi (Japanese spice mixture), shishito peppers and chili-aioli; salmon rillettes with sourdough crisps, and handcrafted charcuterie.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a quick-service walk-up window next to the bar makes it easy to order and dine alfresco.

Breakfast includes scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon, crab cakes Benedict, maple-cinnamon pancakes and more. For a lighter bite, seasonal fruit is served with lavender honey-yogurt, and steel-cut oatmeal is topped with dried fruit and nuts. For kids, scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes and granola with apples, strawberries and honey-yogurt dip is on the menu.

The quick-service lunch and dinner menu, available at the walk-up window includes:

  • Bison burger with Tillamook Cheddar, sweet onion straws and marionberry barbecue sauce
  • Classic bacon burger with Tillamook Cheddar
  • House-smoked turkey sandwich with cranberry mayonnaise
  • Lump crab cake sandwich with house-made Canadian bacon and spicy cabbage-carrot slaw
  • Grilled salmon BLT with lemon-caper mayonnaise
  • Salad with grilled Portobello, zucchini, roasted red peppers, tomato and multi-grain salad with goat cheese dressing
  • Grilled chicken or salmon with arugula and romaine, apples, seasonal berries, hazelnuts and red wine vinaigrette
  • Seasonal fruit plate with lavender honey yogurt
  • For dessert there’s seasonal pie and a chocolate brownie mousse with caramel popcorn and toasted meringue

Kids’ all-day menu:

  • Grilled chicken strips with dipping sauces, apple or veggie sticks
  • Finger Food Sampler with sliced smoked turkey, Tillamook Cheddar, spiced apple jam, grape tomatoes and sourdough crisps.

Please note, Movies Under the Stars and the campfire experience have resumed. Roaring Fork and Trout Pass Bar are temporarily closed for refurbishment.

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ELENA and the SECRET of AVALOR-The Magic Within: REVIEW

Disney’s Elena and the Secret of Avalor-The Magic Within is now available on DVD. This full-length animated feature will take you back to the beginning of the Elena of Avalor story.  Brave Sophia of Sophia the First has been chosen to free Princess Elena from the enchanted amulet.  Once freed, the two work together to take back the kingdom from the evil Queen Shuriki. I love this story because the two girls didn’t wait around for a prince to save the day.  They knew what needed to be done and took charge of the situation.  With the help of some magical friends, they were able to unite Elena with her sister and grandparents and reclaim her rightful throne.  The DVD comes with the full-length feature and several bonus episodes.  The animation is fantastic and the music is entertaining.  Disney’s Elena and the Secret of Avalor-The Magic Within is sure to inspire the youngsters in your family to never give up no matter what obstacles someone may put in your way.  This is just the beginning for these princesses.  I just know even greater adventures await them.

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DONALD DUCK BECOMES A MASTERPIECE AT EPCOT’S FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

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Presented during the weekend through February 20th, the “Epcot International Festival of the Arts” is a park-wide celebration of all forms of artistic expression.

Full Story

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New Attractions, Experiences and Dining Debut This Spring at Magic Kingdom

It’s an exciting spring season at Walt Disney World Resort, one filled with new fun that spans all four theme parks, Disney’s Water Parks and Disney Springs.

From the unveiling of a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to an awe-inspiring fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park to more retail and restaurant openings at Disney Springs, there more to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort than ever before.

Here’s a closer look at what is in store:

Magic Kingdom Park

Starting May 12, Magic Kingdom Park guests will be treated to the most spectacular fireworks display in the park’s history with a brand new show called “Happily Ever After.”

Featuring more lasers, lights and projections than any Magic Kingdom Park show before it, “Happily Ever After” will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart and humor. Cinderella Castle itself will become part of the story, with dazzling projections bringing more than 25 heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the iconic castle.

The 18-minute spectacle will feature moments from beloved Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” as well as modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.”

“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly. Show times vary based on park hours.

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