If you like food, or wine, or both, then get ready for Food & Wine this year because it is going to be the biggest one yet! Just take a look at everything the festival is already offering. The 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival promises a tasting celebration of epic proportion Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015, with more global marketplaces than ever and a first-time culinary collaboration with ABC’s Emmy-Award winning lifestyle series “The Chew.”
For the first time in the festival’s 20-year history, guests can sip and sample at marketplace experiences — now numbering more than 30 – in the park’s new Future World tasting areas. Festival guests also can see “The Chew” tape five shows before an Epcot audience Oct. 7-9 to air Oct. 12-16.
Disney chefs and festival programmers are whipping up a feast of surprises to celebrate the 20th annual festival in style. New wine tastings, lively parties and other culinary experiences built around the 20-year milestone will unite loyal festival fans and first-timers.
During the 53-day festival, presented by Chase and recognized by the Travel Channel as one of America’s top food festivals, Epcot will brim with epicurean discoveries:
The new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area will feature the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces where premium wines will be available on tap and cheeses will be served on an “artist’s palette” as part of a wine-and-cheese pairing.
At the new Next Eats area near the Epcot Character Spot, Sustainable Chew Marketplace will offer guests a taste of delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” co-hosts. At Chew Lab, food science meets the hottest culinary tech trends with dishes like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.
New marketplace dishes like the Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp (Australia), Pepper Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese (Farm Fresh) and Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce (New Zealand) will tempt taste buds. The Dominican Republic Marketplace will return with fresh flair and an all-new menu with dishes that include Pescado con Coco – seared grouper, pigeon peas with rice and coconut sauce.
With a 20th-year nod to guests’ favorite dining traditions, Disney chefs will bring back popular marketplace dishes like the New England Lobster Roll (Hops & Barley) and classic favorites like the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.
Two 20th-year celebratory wines were created just for this fall’s festival: a Napa Valley Festival Chardonnay and a Paso Robles Festival Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests can taste both wines at the Chew Lab marketplace or buy a bottle at the Festival Center Wine Shop.
A Tasting Sampler package gives guests the chance to try a variety of marketplace sips and nibbles, enjoy priority seating at an Eat to the Beat concert and receive a limited-release 20th-year festival pin. The Premium Package, available Monday-through-Thursday, includes a festival-themed Magic Band, access to exclusive marketplace areas, a culinary demo or beverage seminar, an IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party and other perks.
New premium events, including the “Rockin’ Burger Block Party” will offer a variety of tasting opportunities. The iconic Party for the Senses grand tasting will sizzle with on-stage cooking and beverage stations plus live entertainment each Saturday in October culminating in the first-ever Oct. 31 “Yelloween Masquerade” party.
Remy, the diminutive but determined star of Disney’s “Ratatouille,” will cook up family fun with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt.
Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts kick off Sept. 25-27 with singer-songwriter David Cook. Four new acts in the concert series lineup – Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest and Chaka Khan – will belt out chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, will return to rock the America Gardens Theatre stage.
More than 250 chefs, including Disney chefs, and culinary stars from across the country will help celebrate the festival’s 20th Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Buddy Valastro and other top chefs will share their culinary know-how. Renowned chef and cookbook author John Ash, who participated in the inaugural festival in 1996, will return to celebrate the 20th year.
At the Chase Lounge at American Adventure, anyone with a Chase debit or credit card will find complimentary refreshments and interactive fun.
In Future World, the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns for a fourth year to celebrate the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
Included with Epcot Admission:
Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
If you’re keeping an eye on construction at Disney Springs, you may have noticed the 36-foot-tall building going up along the waterfront – it’s Morimoto Asia, set to open Sept. 30, a creative collaboration between world-famous Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group. If you are a fan of Asian cuisine such as I, then you will not want to wait to try the menu!
It’s the first “pan-Asian” dining experience for Chef Morimoto, and includes his eclectic take on his favorite Asian flavors including moo shu pork, Peking duck, lobster chow fun, sweet and sour crispy whole fish, and spicy kung pao chicken. Weekends, dim sum will be served during brunch, with dumplings, shumai, bao, spare ribs and more. (Don’t worry there’s plenty for kids, such as chicken ramen, kakuni pork bao, and karaage fried chicken.)
The sushi bar, sculpted from hundreds of pieces of hand-selected ash wood that’s backed with a wall of hammered copper, has just 14 coveted seats, with global inspiration from toro, kanpachi, Japanese red snapper, uni, sea eel, hamachi, fluke, salmon and more – whatever is freshest. If you’re in the lounge or dining rooms, a selection of specialty rolls and sushi platters will be available.
The restaurant will serve sake, including the Morimoto signature line, wines from around the globe, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Beers, bottled and draft, will be mostly Asian, including the Morimoto signature beer by Rogue Ales. (Beer fans, the collector’s edition Imperial Pilsner and Morimoto Soba Ale and the highly coveted Black Obi Soba will be available.)
The expansive restaurant includes beautiful lounges, dining spaces, open kitchen and a two-story outdoor terrace overlooking the water. The main entrance features a three-story glass corner, and the sculptural bar is one of the largest in the world, more than 270 feet long, connecting the grand dining room on the ground floor with the upper level Forbidden Lounge as it wraps around the staircase. Look for custom glass beaded chandeliers and glass mosaics based on ancient Japanese prints.
Morimoto Asia will begin to accept reservations on Sept. 16 through Open Table. Or beginning Sept. 30, you can make reservations through the restaurant at 407-560-6686. Reservations through 407-WDW-DINE begin Nov. 1. Hours are daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
By the time it’s complete in 2016, Disney Springs will double the number of shops and restaurants currently found at Downtown Disney and grow to more than 1 million square feet, including 350,000 square feet of new leasable space. Disney Springs will include four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers – including premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options. Sophisticated restaurants will provide experiences for families and convention-guests alike.
Morimoto Asia Opens Sept. 30 at Disney Springs by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Disney Interactive has launched Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the latest installment in the highly successful Disney Infinity “toys-to-life” franchise, bringing together Star Wars™ with Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel for the ultimate family gaming experience.
Available at a suggested retail price of $64.99, the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack includes the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition video game software and base, the Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set piece, Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker character figures, and a web code card that unlocks
content for PC and mobile devices.
“Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is the only video game that brings together the most iconic stories and characters from across The Walt Disney Company, offering a family gaming experience unlike any other,” said James Pitaro, Co-Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Interactive.
In addition to new, original true-to-property experiences in the Play Sets, Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition features an updated and improved Toy Box mode where families can mix and match some of their favorite Star Wars, Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel characters and play with them together. A newly enhanced Toy Box Hub makes it easier for players to choose from a wider selection of gameplay experiences – including platforming, racing and farming simulation games.
“Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition completes a multi-year introduction of Disney Infinity, which is now positioned to serve as Disney’s family gaming platform for years to come,” said John Blackburn, SVP and General Manager, Disney Infinity. “This year’s edition offers one of the most complete Star Wars gaming experiences ever created, as well as a wider variety of gameplay than any previous edition of Disney Infinity.”
The following standalone Play Sets and figures are also available today for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition:
Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out Play Set with Joy and Anger character figures included (MSRP: $34.99)
Disney•Pixar Inside Out character figures Sadness, Disgust and Fear (MSRP: $13.99 each)
Star Wars Twilight of the Republic Play Set (MSRP: $34.99) for players who choose to digitally download the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Software
Star Wars Twilight of the Republic character figures Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi (MSRP: $13.99 each)
Star Wars Rebels™ character figures Kanan Jarrus, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren and Zeb Orrelios (MSRP: $13.99 each)
Disney character figures Mickey, Minnie, Mulan, Olaf, Sam Flynn and Quorra from “Tron: Legacy” (MSRP: $13.99 each)
Star Wars Saga Bundle (MSRP $114.99) – Sony Exclusive
Star Wars Twilight of the Republic Power Disc Pack (MSRP $9.99)
Tomorrowland Power Disc Pack (MSRP $9.99)
Additional Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Play Sets, Power Discs and figures will be available later this year.
Fans who already own Disney Infinity and Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), but want to play Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, will once again have the option to purchase and digitally download the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition video game. Disney Infinity players with an Internet connection can digitally download the game on their PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, Xbox One and Xbox 360 and use the Disney Infinity base, figures and Power Discs that they already own with the newly improved Toy Box 3.0 without having to purchase a new Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack. The digital download for the video game is available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
To expand the experience, players can also purchase separately all of the available Play Sets, Power Discs and figures for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition. Additionally, user generated content is now available online for free download in the newly enhanced Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Toy Box mode. Players can continue to expand their Disney Infinity experience with Toy Boxes created by the Avalanche Software development team, Toy Box Artists and the Disney Infinity community.
The Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack is now available in major North American retail stores for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One and Xbox 360 and the Wii U™ system from Nintendo. Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is rated E10+ by the ESRB and developed by Avalanche Software in partnership with Ninja Theory, Sumo Digital, Studio Gobo and United Front Games.
All character figures and Power Discs from the 1.0 and 2.0 editions of Disney Infinity will be compatible with Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition in the enhanced Toy Box 3.0.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa is gearing up for it’s 30th season! Next years 2015/2016 season will feature an incredible line-up of popular beloved classics along with exciting newcomers that surely will intrigue any theatergoer. The season promises to top years past with every series a strong contender for a reason to get to the theater. This is the first year that I truly want to see every show and that’s saying a lot!
While the seasons schedule has been announced for sometime, Segerstrom Center for the Arts recently held their annual season preview enticing the entire audience to subscribe to a season! The audience was buzzing with delight as every sneak peek and song performance delivered chills. It was an incredible line up with performances from five of the season’s hit shows: DISNEY’S THE LION KING, DISNEY’S NEWSIES, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE ILLUSIONISTS and RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA.
It was by far a superior preview from recent memory with a delightful playful banter from the presenters including EVP of Marketing for Broadway Across America Bob Bucci. The preview was a snappy show with performance after performance along with the now traditional “guess what Bobby is going to wear tonight” moment that always gets a good laugh. The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall was packed with guests standing on the very top tier. With roaring applause the theater shined with glee as it’s easy to see this will be a tremendous season.
While the preview lacked the inclusion of dance numbers or jazz performances that The Center is also known for, this year focused on off-Broadway shows. While the following is all about the list of top-shows, do not forget that Segerstrom offers so much more including a jazz, dance, chamber-music and family-fun Discover series all within their beautifully facilities.
The evening began with the lights dimming, a shadowy figure walking to center stage in near darkness. Silence ensued, the audience stiffened up, and then it happened… that ear-piercing yet most welcoming note hit loudly within the the hall, it was TSHIDI MANYE performing that ever so familiar opening song of THE LION KING, “Circle of Life”.
The night also saw a performance from an all-new production of CABARET that has been completely re-staged and re-struck for their 50th Anniversary Season. SAM MENDES, yes the guy who directed SKYFALL, and ROB MARSHALL (INTO THE WOODS, CHICAGO) have completely reworked the show with Roundabout Theatre Company revitalizing a classic for a new audience.
Orange County is no doubt excited for the debut of DISNEY’S NEWSIES. While it has been at The Pantages for awhile, Segerstrom is beyond excited to bring it a little more south, and so was the crowd! We were treated with a moving performance of “Santa Fe” sung by ADAM KAPLAN as well as “Carrying the Banner” with him and company all dressed in their newsies best.
RIDGERS abd HANNERSTEIN also have a brand new production of CINDERELLA featuring lush new sets, magical transformations, and the return of many classic numbers. THE SOUND OF MUSIC also makes it OC debut with a production that’s truly it’s own entity with a soul we always knew was there but never saw. The song featured in the preview was a bit to melismatic, yet still beautiful.
Also coming next year is a show a bit different than your typical Broadway show. THE ILLUSIONISTS makes it debut in Costa Mesa and brings together 7 of the worlds best musicians. We were presented with one of the acts who absolutely stunned the audience with tear-jerking laughter. This flamboyantly showy comedian-musician was so outrageously funny that the crowd was laughing harder than any comedy show I have ever attended. I may not be one for a magic show today, but this act sold me! While not all acts of comedy acts, this guy had me nearly on the floor laughing with perfect timing and improvisation along with stepping close to the line that it created that perfect amount of shock value yet still being near family-friendly.
I myself surprisingly have yet to see the THE LION KING, but it’s coming up soon at Segerstrom with performances starting October 6th and I know I can’t miss it this time.
TSHIDI MANYE was on the original soundtrack for the Disney movie and later appeared on Broadway with the show in 1997. She is still with the production and it was a treat to see this South African native perform this song from so many childhoods.
We had the opportunity to speak with MANYE after the show who was nothing but an utter delight. Her charm must reflect well into her character of Rafiki in the musical and truly cherishes this role. Below is just an excerpt with our panel discussion with TSHIDI MANYE and ADAM KAPLAN (NEWSIES).
Why do you think this is the time for Newsies, why is resonates well with audiences today with people who haven’t seen the movie and have only seen the musical?
ADAM KAPLAN: Yeah, I think it’s such an underdog story and it also resonates I think with everything going on with social media today and world about how the younger generation is taking a stand trying to have their voices heard. That’s all this story is about, these underdogs that took a step forward and set this benchmark for the generation. But also I think that it’s such a great show for the teen base. …the ‘Fansies’ they love this show so much and I think Social Media has helped that. I claim to be ‘Instafamous’… even though it takes place in 1899, it has a lot of similar themes to what’s going on with inequalities.
Building off the previous question, it was asked how their shows are relevant to today’s society and why the shows still resonate with today’s audience.
TSHIDI MANYE responded stating that with THE LION KING it’s with the culture and the mixture of cultures the story tells. People relate to the story who have gone through some situations in their life and the show makes them think beyond them and what is a head of them and what they can achieve.
“The Center’s 2015 – 2016 Broadway and Curtain Call series is start to finish one legendary show after another. Each has made an indelible mark on Broadway history. Coming to the Center for the first time are Disney’s Newsies, If/Then and The Illusionists. In all new productions not seen at the Center before are 42nd Street, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and The Sound of Music. Back by popular demand are Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret and Broadway superpowers Disney’s The Lion King and The Book of Mormon. Two bonus shows include the dance blast Riverdance and, returning to the land of Orange County, Wicked.”
Broadway Series
Disney’s THE LION KING
42ND STREET Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA Disney’s NEWSIES THE SOUND OF MUSIC Roundabout Theatre Company’s CABARET
Curtain Call Series
IF/THEN THE ILLUSIONISTS – WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE™
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Bonus Options
RIVERDANCE – The 20th Anniversary World Tour
WICKED
Single tickets for shows will go on sale approximately six weeks prior to the engagement. More information can be found on SCFTA.org. All of us here at Socalthrills look forward to seeing you at the theater!
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DISNEY’S THE LION KING
October 6 – November 1, 2015
Segerstrom Hall
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. More than 70 million people
around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING. 42nd STREET | NEW PRODUCTION
November 10 – 22, 2015
Segerstrom Hall
The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and, of course, “42nd Street.” Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the star breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, this sparkling new production will be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the 2001 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival. RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA | NEW PRODUCTION
April 19 – May 1, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its
contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes. DISNEY’S NEWSIES | CENTER PREMIERE
May 17 – 29, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines…. Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it “A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!” (The New York Times). Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance. It features a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride) and a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), with choreography by Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Big River). THE SOUND OF MUSIC | NEW PRODUCTION
July 19 – 31, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. “We plan to look more closely at this remarkable work – to tear off the varnish of the past and reveal one of the great, fresh glories of musical theater,” says three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien. THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. CABARET
August 9 – 21, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece returns to Costa Mesa! As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Roundabout
Theatre Company is proud to present SAM MENDES (Skyfall, American Beauty) and ROB MARSHALL’s (Into the Woods and Chicago, the films) Tony Award-winning production of CABARET. Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Leave your troubles outside – life is beautiful at CABARET, JOHN KANDER, FRED EBB and JOE MASTEROFF’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way. IF/THEN | CENTER PREMIERE
January 19 – 24, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
If/Then is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today – and all the possibilities of tomorrow. With unforgettable songs and a deeply moving story by the
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, this “fascinating, ambitious and original new musical” (New York Post) simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led. “Thrilling! The best musical of the year,” according to New York Magazine. THE ILLUSIONISTS | CENTER PREMIERE
February 2 – 7, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
Having shattered box office records around the world, THE ILLUSIONISTS – WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLETM is now coming to captivate Orange County. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has dazzled audiences of all ages. Creative Producer Simon Painter said, “We can’t wait to bring this electrifying show to Southern California for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family. THE ILLUSIONISTS is the most non- stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage.” THE BOOK OF MORMON
March 22 – April 3, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
Back by popular demand! Hailed by The New York Times as “the best musical of this century” and the winner of nine Tony Awards, THE
BOOK OF MORMON is the blockbuster Broadway smash from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt
Stone and the Oscar-winning composer of Disney’s Frozen and Avenue Q, Bobby Lopez. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language. RIVERDANCE
January 1 – 3, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia. WICKED
February 17 – March 6, 2016
Segerstrom Hall
Back by “popular” demand. Variety calls WICKED “a cultural phenomenon,” and it continues to break box office records across North America. Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times). Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete – and completely satisfying – musical in a long time” (USA Today).
Who knew there’s a national day to remind us to step away from the salt shaker, meant to encourage us to reach for herbs instead of salt? The Disney chefs love the idea, and we’re sharing a few of their favorite tips.
Chef Christian Rumpler, Trattoria al Forno, Disney’s Boardwalk: “You could always liven up a dish with fresh parsley and oregano, but acidic flavors like lemon balm, lemongrass or something cool like lemon thyme are at the top of the list,” says Rumpler. He also recommends a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and flavored vinegars like apple cider vinegar. “Those flavors give you a punch of flavor without the salt.”
Chef Marcel St. Pierre, Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel, Disneyland Resort: “Sorrel is my favorite substitution for salt, and one of my favorite perennial herbs,” says St. Pierre. “It adds a lightly sour taste with a little acidity to any dish.” He uses it at Steakhouse 55 to finish the fresh pasta tagliatelle. “It adds a surprising, refreshing lemony flavor, reducing the amount of salt needed to finish the dish.”
Executive Chef John State, Disneyland Resort: Cilantro is State’s favorite herb when there’s a need to cut salt. “Cilantro is bright and complements multiple cuisines, from Thai and Mexican to Indian and Middle Eastern.” It’s the acidity and fragrant aroma that are so appealing to the taste buds, says State. “Cilantro is rounded in flavor with lemony, floral, balanced acidity – and you can use it all, even the stem,” explains State.
Chef Dee Foundoukis, Le Cellier, Canada pavilion, Epcot World Showcase, Walt Disney World Resort: Foundoukis will give up her fleur de sel or truffle salt for a combination of fresh thyme and oregano. “That earthy feel-good adds so much flavor, it makes me forget about the salt – for a while,” says Foundoukis.
Chef Tim Keating, Flying Fish Cafe, Disney’s Boardwalk, Walt Disney World Resort: “That’s an easy one for us at Flying Fish,” says Keating. “We utilize classic French ‘fines herbes’ to amp up flavor and easily displace salt in salads, vinaigrettes, vegetable sautés and to crust our fish.” You can buy it dried, but their fresh, house-made mixture is a combination of half Italian flat-leaf parsley and half equal amounts of tarragon, chervil and chives, all finely chopped.
Chef Brian Piasecki, California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World Resort: “If I am making lighter foods like salads, flatbreads and appetizers, I like basil, cilantro, oregano, Italian flat parsley, onion sprouts and tops and even finely chopped radish tops (micro radish or wasabi),” says Piasecki. “These are great raw and delicate in flavor.” For cooked dishes, Piasecki goes for something heartier such as rosemary, thyme, and sage. “These hold up to the heat of cooking and are a bit stronger in flavor and infuse the food,” he explains.
Do you have a favorite herb to recommend when you’re cutting back on salt?
6 Tips From Disney Chefs for National ‘More Herbs, Less Salt Day’ Aug. 29 by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog Source: Disney Parks Blog
You may remember that on July 17 we announced a special philanthropic program in honor of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration called Million Dollar Dazzle. Once a month during the celebration, our Million Dollar Dazzle Crew is surprising local nonprofits with $60,000, amounting to more than $1 million.
Last weekend(October 22) , the Million Dollar Dazzle Crew showed up to a regularly scheduled Disney VoluntEARS event at the Orange County Food Bank with the surprise $60,000 for the nonprofit that runs the food bank, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC).
Disney VoluntEARS were in place packing food boxes when Disney Ambassador Allie Kawamoto and the Million Dollar Dazzle Crew came in and announced that our second Million Dollar Dazzle gift was to benefit CAPOC’s Family Resource Centers, offering services from homework assistance for children to free lunches for senior citizens.
“We have a really difficult time fundraising for our Family Resource Centers,” said Buddy Ray, executive director of CAPOC. “It’s easier to raise funds for the food bank because everyone understands what that is. This makes a world of difference for our entire nonprofit. Families are getting quality services that make a difference in their lives.”
Disney VoluntEARS from the Disneyland Resort have supported CAPOC since the early 1990s with quarterly food packing events. This gift represents a new way in which the Disneyland Resort is supporting CAPOC. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog to see which local nonprofit will be surprised next by our Million Dollar Dazzle Crew!
Disneyland Resort Million Dollar Dazzle Crew Hits the Road, Surprises Next $60,000 Recipient by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog Source: Disney Parks Blog
Pixar in a Box – a new online resource that explores the academic concepts behind Pixar Animation Studios’ creative process – goes live on KhanAcademy.org. Through a series of video lessons, interactive exercises, and hands-on activities, students will discover how the academic concepts they learn in school enable Pixar filmmakers to create new worlds, animate unique characters and tell stories through animation. Although designed especially for students in middle and high school, these resources are available to learners of all ages, completely free of charge.
“Our mission at Khan Academy is a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere,” said Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit Khan Academy. “Sparking student interest in math and other academic fields is a key part of that, and we’re delighted to collaborate with Pixar to achieve this goal. Pixar in a Box gives students a new way to engage with key academic concepts and see how creative these concepts can be.”
“Learning makes us beginners again,” said Ed Catmull, President of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. “In my experience, creativity involves missteps and imperfections, which is one more reason it is important for every one of us to keep learning – in order to remain flexible and keep our brains nimble. By working with Khan Academy on Pixar in a Box, we hope to encourage the excitement of learning and creative thinking for middle and high school students and to provide the tools to do it.”
“For years, we’ve heard from teachers at every grade level interested in creating animation-based curricula,” said Elyse Klaidman, Director, Pixar University and Archives. “We’ve wanted to provide free online resources for them, and Pixar in a Box makes that dream a reality. We hope that it not only gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how our movies are made but also gets them excited about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts.”
Khan and Catmull officially unveiled Pixar in a Box at a special event yesterday evening on the Pixar campus in Emeryville, CA. After an introduction from Klaidman, local educators learned the story behind the project and then received a live demonstration of Pixar in a Box from two of its creators – Brit Cruise, Content Producer at Khan Academy, and Tony DeRose, Senior Scientist and Research Group Lead at Pixar. The evening concluded with a question-and-answer session moderated by Klaidman.
“Many students start to lose interest in academics in middle and high school, partly because they don’t see how academic concepts relate to things they care about,” said DeRose. “Pixar in a Box aims to address this disconnect by showing how Pixar filmmakers use these concepts for creative benefit in their everyday work.”
Lena Fleischer watches Pixar in A Box, on August 12, 2015, a partnership with Khan Academy and Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Students can access Pixar in a Box and learn:
● How combinatorics are used to create crowds, like the swarm of robots in WALLE.
● How parabolas are used to model environments, like the forest in Brave.
● How weighted averages are used to create characters, like Buzz Lightyear and Woody.
● How linear and cubic interpolation are used to animate characters.
● How trigonometry is used to create the worlds in which Pixar stories take place.
● How simultaneous equations are used to paint all of Pixar’s images.
“These lessons are the first phase of the project,” said Cruise. “While the first year focuses on math, future Pixar in a Box lessons will explore science, computer science, arts, and humanities.”
All Pixar in a Box resources are available free of charge at PixarInABox.org. The site will be updated as additional lessons become available.
Disney PhotoPass Service is making your photo experiences even more convenient at Walt Disney World Resort with a new Disney PhotoPass addition to the My Disney Experience mobile app!
In addition to planning and sharing your Walt Disney World vacation, the latest My Disney Experience mobile app update will now allow you to:
View all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos, including photos from select attraction and dining locations
Purchase Memory Maker to receive access to all of those Walt Disney World vacation memories for one price
Find Disney PhotoPass Photographer locations at Walt Disney World Resort
Link Disney PhotoPass Cards collected during your vacation
Also, guests with an active Memory Maker entitlement will be able to use the app to download their photos and share them to their favorite social media apps all from their mobile device!
Download the My Disney Experience mobile app to get easy access to all your Walt Disney World Resort memories anytime, anywhere!
New Disney PhotoPass Enhancements to the My Disney Experience Mobile App by Kelly Glassburn: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
The 43rd annual world renowned event, Knott’s Scary Farm, returns for 24 horrifying nights September 24 – October 31 and conjures up never before seen experiences and show-stopping entertainment including three new bloodcurdling mazes, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in an all-new stage show and the return of the groundbreaking Special Ops: Infected – Patient Zero.
Three new terrifying attractions will debut this year, with more astounding special effects and richer back stories than ever, including:
· PARANORMAL, INC. – Case #1 – The Haunting of Hayden Hill (New for 2015): Featuring high flying aerial stunts and scares, in the groundbreaking new maze, guests investigate a haunted hospital where the patients were tortured for decades by deranged doctors and nurses. Demonic spirits of the murdered victims have been detected throughout the mysterious halls, while evil medical staff hunt for new patients to torture.
· My Bloody Clementine (New for 2015): There is no tale more vicious and vengeful than that of My Bloody Clementine. Take a grim ride through the Calico Mine where Clementine and her father were brutally murdered centuries ago. Their wretched spirits roam the tunnels in search of those who killed them. This year the ride through maze will feature live monsters out for revenge at the train track’s every turn.
· The Dead of Winter (New for 2015): Escape the icy grasp of the chilling Snow Queen in the all new maze. Backed by with a ravenous beastly army of resurrected Viking warriors, she is hell bent on avenging her beloved family’s murder, and preys upon any unsuspecting visitors who enter the borders of her icy domain. Guests with a Skeleton Key will have the opportunity to unlock a bone chilling surprise.
· (New for 2015) Prowling the darkest corners of Knott’s midways and scare zones, the Green Witch and her Deadly 7 is a sadistic crew guilty of more terror than meets the eye. Each of the monsters represent one of the seven deadly sins and make terrifying surprise appearances throughout the park each night.
It’s hard to call Morro Bay a hidden gem when there is a 576 ft-tall mountain of rock sitting in its harbor. But that’s just what this small seaside town along California’s Central coast is; it’s a charming hideaway halfway between LA and San Francisco, with tons of laid back charm and beautiful scenery.
My recent getaway to Morro Bay began when a friend and I checked into the family-owned Anderson Inn (www.andersoninnmorrobay.com), a contemporary boutique hotel on the waterfront, overlooking the bay and the iconic rock. Inspired by the natural elements of sand, sea, and sky, the inn is elegant, yet unpretentious, with a comfortable, casual feel.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Anderson Inn offers charming rooms and awesome bay views
Our colorful bay-front room boasted vaulted wood ceilings, granite vanities, a comfy queen bed, free high-speed Internet, coffee maker and refrigerator, a flat screen television, a large, lighted Jacuzzi tub, glass shower, a fireplace, and our own private balcony directly above the water, overlooking the majestic bay and Morro Rock. Because of its atmosphere, the room is easily one of the best that I’ve experienced on the Central Coast.
A highlight of our stay at Anderson Inn was sitting on the balcony watching playful harbor seals swim below us, while small sail boats, kayakers and paddle boarders drifted past, beneath the shadow of the great rock.
When we weren’t enjoying the scenery from our balcony, we were exploring it on foot, as Morro Bay is a perfect walking town. For our first stop, we strolled along the Embarcadero to get a closer look at the famous giant boulder guarding the harbor. Like the Golden Gate Bridge or Hearst Castle, 576-ft-tall Morro Rock is a California icon.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Dorn’s boasts great food and views of Morro Rock
On the way to the rock we past stopped for breakfast at Dorn’s Breakers Cafe (www.dornscafe.com). A local institution since 1942, Dorn’s serves fresh surf and turf, along with made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch favorites – all with an incredible bay views. For our breakfast we sat on the patio overlooking the harbor and enjoyed smoked salmon with cream cheese and bagels; and buttermilk pancakes, with blueberries and a side of bacon and potatoes.
With our bellies full we made the short walk to the rock, where we found gorgeous Morro Strand State Beach; and a group of sea otters floating on their backs and rolling in the water near shore. Next to the rock is the entrance to Morro Bay, a safe harbor, where small boats enter for protection, drop anchor, and help create the town’s idyllic, seaside panorama.
After relaxing at the beach we walked to Kayak Horizons (www.kayakhorizons.com), where we rented kayaks and explored 15 miles of protected waters, including an estuary and bird sanctuary. Morro Bay is composed of 2,300 acres of mud flats, eelgrass beds, tidal wetlands and open water. Two dozen threatened or endanger species live in the area including the Peregrine Falcon, Brandt Goose, Brown Pelican, Sea Otter and Snowy Plovers. The area is also a major West Coast wintering area for over 100 species of birds and is home to California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals.
Kayaking is a great way to explore Morro Bay and its pristine estuary (photo courtesy of Kayak Horizons)
The next morning I awoke to the gentle sound of water splashing outside my room. It was a symphony of nature played by harbor seals, the sea breeze and small sail boats drifting past my ocean front room. After enjoying the morning concert on the balcony, we strolled down the Embarcadero and discovered a retired U.S. Navy rescue submarine on the side of the road.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA The 50-ft-long Avalon Sub is a local attraction on the side of the road
Launched in the early 1970s, the 50-ft-long Avalon sub was designed to rescue crew members of downed submarines. It’s one of two deep submergence rescue vehicles built by the United States. The vessel was brought to Morro Bay in 2012 with help from the nearby Central Coast Maritime Museum Association (www.morrobaymaritime.org), which preserves California maritime history, and explores the science and technology of the sea.
We then headed to Montaña De Oro, one of California’s most beautiful state parks. Boasting 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, the park is only a few miles from Morro Bay, but is very far from civilization. Spanish for “Mountain of Gold,” Montaña De Oro gets its name from the abundance of wildflowers in spring, when it is covered by carpets of fiddleneck and California poppy on the slopes that sweep back from the sea, and California buttercups decorating the mountain sides.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Montaña De Oro features rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills
Back in Morro Bay we had dinner at The Galley Seafood Bar & Grill (www.galleymorrobay.com). Located on the bottom floor of the Anderson Inn, overlooking the bay, the restaurant believes in “fresh, premium seafood is best served naked, cooked to perfection, with a selection of light sauces on the side.”
Our dinner began with Bloody Mary’s, a tasty shrimp cocktail of Jumbo Prawns with spicy Galley cocktail sauce, and a large Caesar salad with Spanish anchovies and shaved parmesan. For the main course we split fresh, blackened local rockfish with wild rice and a juicy filet mignon, wrapped in bacon, and served with grilled asparagus and grilled mashed potatoes.
The recipe for a great Disney cruise is pretty simple: show up, relax and have fun! But there are some other things you’ll want to make sure you do right so your family can have the ultimate Disney vacation. Disney Cruise Line is ranked among the top when it comes to cruising the world. If you don’t do these things, it can add that little extra magic to your trip!
Carry your own luggage onboard. They’ll do it for you! Whether you arrive to the cruise terminal on Disney Cruise Line transportation or in your own vehicle, they offer services that keep you from having to lug your suitcases onto the ship. Just bring aboard a day bag with your personal items, and we’ll deliver your luggage to your stateroom in the afternoon.
Live out of your suitcase. The staterooms are designed with families in mind and offer lots of storage space, including a place to tuck away your suitcases. One of the perks of cruising is visiting multiple destinations and only unpacking once, so make yourselves at home on the first day by assigning closet space and drawers to each member of the family.
Clean your stateroom. As difficult as it may be to break your daily habits, now’s the time to try! Forget about making the bed each morning, and don’t worry about washing your towels and taking out the trash. The stateroom hosts are there to make your stay as pleasant as possible, and if there’s anything you need, just ask.
Introduce yourself to your dining servers each night. Your serving team stays with you as you visit different restaurants and enjoy new menus each night. That means only one round of introductions are needed. And chances are their personalized service and hospitality will make your servers unforgettable.
Miss out on time for yourself. It’s your vacation, too! Activities for families to do together are endless on a Disney cruise, but there’s also no shortage of fun just for adults. The kids clubs are supervised by trained counselors and have the longest operating hours at sea, so there’s no excuse for parents to not take advantage of adult-only dining and other experiences.
Worry about your kids in the youth spaces. See number five. They have the most extensive youth activity spaces of any cruise line, with age-specific areas and interactive programs to entertain children up to 17 years old. Getting your kids to leave the kids clubs may be the one challenge of your cruise.
Throw away the Navigator. Your only excuse for tossing this daily activity guide is if you already downloaded the Navigator app on your smart phone. With so many activities happening throughout your cruise, you’ll want Navigator info handy at all times. It gives you the scoop on what’s happening every minute of every day and even categorizes the fun for kids, adults and families.
Watch the fireworks at sea through your camera lens. This show is so spectacular that it’s completely understandable you’ll want to capture every moment on your camera. Resist the urge and just enjoy the moment! If you take your eyes off the fireworks, it should only be to glance over at the smiles on your family’s faces.
Head back to the ship for lunch while at Castaway Cay. They’re the only cruise line that docks at its own private island, so it’s easy to go back on the ship throughout your day at Castaway Cay. But if you want to maximize beach time, head to one of three all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffets served under the shade of the island’s covered pavilions.
Explore destinations on your own. Port Adventures are the best way for your family to have an unforgettable experience ashore. Along with the peace of mind that comes with having all the planning done for you, they offer one-of-a-kind activities that you can only experience through Disney. Many excursions even offer just-for-kids components, so parents have a little time alone.
So now that you know what not to do, the first thing to do is to gather the family, call your travel agent, and start planning your trip aboard the Disney Cruise Line!
10 Things to Do Right on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Greetings from beautiful Castaway Cay, where Disney Vacation Club Members have taken over the island! (Not by force, mind you. They were invited.)
Only months removed from our recent charter voyage to Alaska, Disney Vacation Club has traded white glaciers for white sands, going from the Klondike to the Caribbean and returning to the friendly confines of Disney’s private paradise for a rare second Member Cruise of the year. This typically once-a-year event has long been a highlight on many Members’ calendars, enhancing the already extraordinary Disney Cruise Line experience with custom décor, in-room gifts, and a diverse lineup of special shows and experiences created just for Members and their guests.
Our special-entertainment lineup of more than a dozen unique experiences is the first in Member Cruise history to feature presentations from each of the three creative forces most requested by our Member community: Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios.
Continuing a Member Cruise tradition, we kicked off our voyage with the dramatic reveal of our lineup through a mock movie trailer that debuted on the Disney Dream ship’s giant Funnel Vision screen as we sailed out of Port Canaveral.
We’ll leave you to enjoy the trailer while we get to the next important item on our agenda. As a movie-trailer narrator would say, “In a world where ‘work’ is a relative term, one magazine editor boldly searches for an open hammock!”
This cruise is one of only several benefits being a Disney Vacation Club member brings. From the opportunity to stay at your ‘home’ resort to first access to Vacation Club level rooms, now is a great time to take advantage of the many perks being a Disney Vacation Club member carries.
If you like food, or wine, or both, then get ready for Food & Wine this year because it is going to be the biggest one yet! Just take a look at everything the festival is already offering. The 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival promises a tasting celebration of epic proportion Sept. 25-Nov. 16, 2015, with more global marketplaces than ever and a first-time culinary collaboration with ABC’s Emmy-Award winning lifestyle series “The Chew.”
