Disney World Announces More Restaurant Re-openings

More restaurants are reopening at Walt Disney World! Two park quick-service restaurants and two resort table service restaurants.

From a Disney Cast Member;

I am so excited to announce more restaurants are reopening at Walt Disney World Resort in the next few weeks! Check it all out in this edition of Walt Disney World Resort Foodie News.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yachtsman Steakhouse will soon be stoking the flames of their oak-fired grills so we can again savor their premium, grain-fed steaks or the dry-aged Duroc pork chop served with heritage grits, broccoli rabe, and apple-cognac gastrique.

In addition to the great steaks and chops, the Chilled Admiral’s Tower for Two (Maine lobster, snow crab, tuna tartare, jumbo shrimp, mussels, scallop ceviche, and charred octopus salad) is back as well as the signature creamy Lobster Bisque and the delicious Yachtsman’s Chocolate Cake for Two with dark chocolate mousse, chocolate decadence cake, mixed berry curd, peanut butter crunch, and mousse. I seriously cannot wait!

Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort opens August 5, 2021, with booking available July 29, 2021.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

So excited we will soon be able to sample the delicious small plates and dishes inspired by the flavors of Spain at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. I can’t wait to get my tapas on with my fav small plates – Charred Octopus, Pan con Tomate, and the delish Flight of Four Pinxtos. The signature Chuletón Bone-in Rib Eye with tomatoes, onions, and choice of two sides – is on the menu along with Char-grilled Steak with olive oil-potato purée, forest mushrooms, date jam, and sherry vinaigrette and the Rioja-braised Chicken with grapes, sherry vinegar, and roasted tomato bomba rice. The dark chocolate “Café con Leche” Choux is the perfect sweet ending.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort opens August 5, 2021, with booking available July 29, 2021.

Columbia Harbor House

Starting August 5, you can reel in some delicious seafood at Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom Park! Your seafood favorites are back, including the Lobster Roll and Trio Platter with a combination of fried fish, fried shrimp, and chicken strips served with hushpuppies and french fries or green beans. Craving something other than seafood? Try the Lighthouse Sandwich (hummus with tomato and broccoli slaw on multigrain bread) now comes with french fries or the Harbour Salad – a mix of greens, shredded cheddar, apples, onion, apple cider vinaigrette, and topped with chicken strips.

Pizzafari

Fun animal murals and mosaics at Pizzafari Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are the colorful backdrop to a delicious quick meal beginning August 2, 2021. Pizza rules in this jungle but you can also order a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Green and Grains Salad, and an adorable “Spaghetti and Meatball” Cupcake. Kick back with a refreshing Blue Lagoon with blue curaçao beverage syrup, lemonade, and gummy worms – also available with a glow cube and with or without rum!

United States Will Not Lift International Travel Restrictions

Via wdwnt.com

The White House confirmed that the United States will not be lifting any travel restrictions “at this point” due to concerns about the rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

“Given where we are today … with the Delta variant, we will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. “Driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated and appear likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.”

Currently, most non-U.S. citizens who have been to the United Kingdom, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, Brazil, or the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without internal border controls are barred from entering the U.S.

The U.S. Homeland Security Department confirmed last week that the borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to nonessential travel until August 21 at least. Canada said it would allow fully vaccinated tourists from the U.S. starting August 9.

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise recently, especially in Orange County, Florida, home of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Currently, 20% of U.S. COVID-19 cases are in Florida.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky reported on Thursday that the seven-day average of new cases in the U.S. was up 53% from the previous week. The Delta variant comprises more than 80% of the country’s cases.

New Limited Edition “Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings” MagicBand

Via wdwnt.com

We’re barely more than a month away from the release of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” Merchandise for the film is starting to appear at Walt Disney World, and we just found a new MagicBand for it at MouseGear in EPCOT.

Limited Edition Shang-Chi MagicBand – $39.99

The MagicBand box features a black-and-white drawing of Shang-Chi, portrayed by Simu Liu.

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Shang-Chi is pictured in full color on the band.

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Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Gold Statue Revealed as Part of “Disney Fab 50”

George Kalogridis, Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Global Ambassador, announced today that Winnie the Pooh and Piglet will be included in the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection.”

The gold statue of Pooh and Piglet will be at Magic Kingdom, alongside Minnie, Mickey, and more statues celebrating the park’s 50th anniversary.

Presentations Announced for 2021 Destination D23 at Walt Disney World

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced some presentation highlights for the upcoming Destination D23. The event will take place November 19 through 21, 2021, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, July 29 for D23 Gold Members.

Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2021 will include:

  • A kickoff welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
  • What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products—Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!
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  • A special look at what’s new and next from Disney+!
  • Musical Memories of Walt Disney World— A journey through 50 years of the Walt Disney World songbook with Walt Disney Imagineering, revealing the stories behind beloved fan-favorite melodies and a peek into the process of creating new ones.
  • Destination D23 audiences will also thrill to performances from Michael James Scott, Genie in Disney on Broadway’s hit Aladdin and Disney’s acapella sensation DCappella.
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  • The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World— Dive into the Walt Disney Imagineering Art and Photo collections for a look at over 50 years of the most gorgeous, stunning, and surprising artwork that inspired the most magical place on earth over the years.
  • The Magical Musical World of Encanto—Join filmmakers and special guests for a melodic Saturday evening celebration of the upcoming musical, the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios!
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  • Weird Disney World—The fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns, as Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline digs into Disney history to bring you a half century of the wildest and wackiest Walt Disney World moments!
  • How the (Disney) World Began—Join Kevin Kern and Steven Vagnini, authors and historians behind A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth and Disney Legend Dick Nunis for a look at how Walt Disney’s dreams were translated into the Vacation Kingdom of the World.
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  • Park Stars: Original Characters of Walt Disney World—Figment, Big Al, the Orange Bird, and Teddi Barra are just a few of the many Disney characters created specifically for Walt Disney World. Join Imagineers Diana Brost and Jason Grandt as they take you on a journey around the “world” to meet many of the fun personalities that appear in Walt Disney World attractions and shows.

Exciting Experiences at Destination D23 2021 will include:

  • The Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Bringing Home the MagicAn all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives takes you through a half-century journey of merchandise memories of the Walt Disney World Resort. From figurines and fanny packs to pins and plush, relive each exciting decade through the souvenirs that brought the Vacation Kingdom of the World home!
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  • Mickey’s of Glendale—The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Destination D23 and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise.  Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through a RSP opportunity.
  • Special Film Screening—On Friday, November 19, event guests will also be invited to a special screening at Disney Springs.
  • Disney+ Party—Join Disney+ for the grand finale of an incredible weekend with a special celebration you can’t miss!

More presenters and presentations will be announced soon!