The Diamond Horseshoe: A Classic Frontier Revue

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Situated in Frontierland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, The Diamond Horseshoe is a nostalgic dining experience that takes guests on a journey back in time to the Wild West. With its rich history, interactive entertainment, and scrumptious fare, this charming restaurant provides a unique blend of frontier fun and culinary delights.

The Diamond Horseshoe’s design pays homage to the golden era of the American frontier. The restaurant’s exterior features a rustic facade adorned with horseshoe motifs and old-time signage, giving guests a sense of the Wild West adventure that awaits inside. The interior is reminiscent of an old-time saloon, complete with vintage decor, wooden accents, and western memorabilia. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into the heart of a Wild West town.

The Diamond Horseshoe offers a unique form of entertainment that complements its thematic setting. During mealtime, guests are treated to a live, interactive frontier revue featuring musical performances and humorous skits. Talented performers engage with the audience, adding an immersive element to the dining experience. The entertaining show captivates guests of all ages, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the Wild West theme.

The menu at The Diamond Horseshoe features a delicious array of hearty frontier fare. Guests can savor an all-you-can-eat family-style feast, which includes roasted turkey, country ham, barbecue pork, and classic side dishes like cornbread, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. The delectable spread, inspired by traditional American frontier cuisine, ensures that guests leave the restaurant fully satisfied and ready for more frontier fun.

The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom is a delightful blend of history, entertainment, and mouthwatering cuisine. With its Wild West ambiance, interactive frontier revue, and scrumptious fare, this restaurant offers guests an unforgettable dining experience steeped in frontier charm.

Liberty Tree Tavern: A Historic Culinary Experience

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Nestled in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Liberty Tree Tavern is a treasured dining destination that celebrates the rich heritage of colonial America. With its historical theming, family-style meals, and delectable offerings, this restaurant invites guests to partake in a delicious journey through early American history.

Liberty Tree Tavern is designed to transport guests back to the 18th century, evoking the charm and ambiance of a colonial-era inn. The exterior resembles a stately New England mansion, complete with a colonial-style flagpole and the iconic Liberty Tree, a symbol of America’s struggle for independence. Inside, each dining room is named after a prominent figure from American history, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Betsy Ross. The decor features period furnishings, colonial artifacts, and patriotic memorabilia, creating an immersive experience that pays homage to the nation’s founding era.

The dining experience at Liberty Tree Tavern centers around a sumptuous family-style feast, where guests can enjoy an array of traditional American dishes served in generous portions. The meal begins with the Declaration Salad, a blend of mixed greens, roasted tomatoes, and apple vinaigrette. The main course features a delightful Patriot’s Platter, featuring roasted turkey, pot roast, carved pork, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herb stuffing, and house-made macaroni and cheese – a truly indulgent spread that captures the essence of a hearty colonial meal.

Adding to the enchantment, guests may have the chance to meet beloved historical figures during their meal. Iconic patriots like George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin may make surprise appearances, offering interactive and photo-worthy moments. These character encounters bring an educational and magical touch to the dining experience, making it an unforgettable affair for families and Disney enthusiasts alike.

Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom is more than just a dining experience; it’s a journey through early American history. With its colonial theming, delectable family-style feast, and historical charm, this restaurant offers guests a delightful and patriotic culinary adventure.

Disney Icon and Historian Dies at 72

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Many of us Disney fans like to think of ourselves as experts regarding topics such as Walt Disney, Disney Parks, and perhaps even the Walt Disney Company. But there are some whose entire lives revolve around the love and expertise of the Disney brand.

One of these legendary experts was Jim Korkis (AKA Wade Sampson) – a famous author and Disney historian. His work includes nearly two dozen books about Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Walt Disney (the man himself). Jim Korkis’ best-selling and most famous works include The Vault of Walt, Secret Stories of Disneyland, Secret Stories of Disneyland: Things You Never Knew You Never Knew, and Who’s Afraid of The Song of the South and Other Forbidden Disney Stories.

An accident in February sent the Disney historian to the hospital, where doctors discovered various severe health problems. Doctors found that Jim desperately needed a quadruple bypass and had stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver.

Despite a hard fight against cancer, including chemotherapy, Jim Korkis could not beat the disease. It was announced on July 28 that Jim Korkis passed away at 72 years old.

It is confirmed that Disney historian Jim Korkis has sadly passed away today. It will be very difficult for any animation historian or Disney historian to reach his level of expertise. I still cherish his book on How to be a Disney Historian. He will be missed for sure. pic.twitter.com/c18mpw89bw

— Mat Brunet (AniMat) (@AniMat505) July 28, 2023

Mark Goldhaber, the organizer of a GoFundMe campaign designed to help with the Korkis’ household and medical bills, shared the news on Facebook.

Friends, I am heartbroken to have to inform you that our friend Jim Korkis passed away this morning. He was unresponsive this morning at the rehab center and was transported to the hospital. His brother Mike was able to arrive a few minutes before Jim passed. While Jim could not respond, Mike said that Jim appeared to be able to hear him, and he was able to talk to Jim for those last few minutes.

Jim had been feeling good this week, and there really was no indication that things would take a turn for the worse. He did not appear to be in pain, and went quickly and quietly as he had wished.

There will be a memorial for Jim at a date and time to be determined. It will be held via Zoom so that those elsewhere in the US or overseas can attend. We’ll publicize the details once it’s set, but for now Mike needs to focus on taking care of the necessary details.

To those of you who contributed to this GoFundMe, THANK YOU! Your contributions and messages of support gave life and light to Jim over these last several weeks. He was astonished to see how many people loved him. The remaining balance will be used to help pay off his final medical bills.

As I get more information from Mike, I will share it. In the meantime, thank you all for your support.

Thanks,
Mark

The GoFundMe account raised over $40,000 from family, friends, and Disney fans to help Jim’s battle. Any amount not used to aid in his fight will help pay Jim’s final medical bills.

Jim Korkis and Disney Statue

5 Things You Can’t Miss at the 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

It’s the time we’ve all been waiting for: the opening of the 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE going on now through Nov. 18th at Walt Disney World! Pack a Festival Passport and prep your palettes, because we’re exploring a thrilling lineup of festival merchandise, entertainment and innovative eats (like the Pickle Milkshake!) Guests won’t want to miss.

Can’t-Miss Culinary Creations

Over at our Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey — more on that soon! — Guests will want to snag the all-new non-alcoholic Pickle Milkshake. Only the mayhem of our motley Muppet crew could whip up something so delightfully original! Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey also features two plant-based options, the IMPOSSIBLE Buffalo Chicken Tenders and the Buffalo Brussels Sprouts. Plant-based offerings at other Global Marketplaces include the Falafel Pita at Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina, the IMPOSSIBLE Burger Slider with wasabi cream and spicy Asian slaw at Flavors from Fire and the Guava Cake at Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE.

Did you know that there are more than 25 Global Marketplaces along with four brand new locations? At the four new Global Marketplaces Guests can delight in savory bites at Char & Chop, pair wine with artisanal cheeses at Wine & Wedge, or snack on champagne and seafood at Bubbles & Brine. Plus, satisfy a sweet tooth at Swirled Showcase, featuring soft-serve ice cream and refreshing sips like the Frozen Apple Pie. All four new Global Marketplaces will open Sept 22.

But our journey is just beginning, so let’s keep exploring more festival fun!

A Must-Do Muppet Takeover

Remember that Pickle Milkshake? Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant, Beaker, from Muppet Labs have been hard at work bringing whimsy your way. Their creatively chaotic handiwork is up for taste-testing at Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey! Sample a variety of wings, like the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sticky Wings, or enjoy an array of beers and ciders. And while Guests are there, try the Frozen Fusion featuring Twinings Pomegranate and Raspberry Herbal Tea infused with orange ice cream molecules.

This Muppet makeover to our iconic Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey, a staple for the last several years at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE, is sure to meep expectations. And after a day of snacking and sipping, there’s a selection of other experiences Guests can enjoy on a full stomach.

Fun Festival Merchandise

Pin collectors, Figment fans and Annual Passholders can browse four collections of all-new festival merchandise! Shop the classic Festival Event Logo Collection featuring a Spaceship Earth-inspired Loungefly Backpack and CORKCICLE stemless wine cup, the Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Picnic Collection with contributions by Dooney & Bourke, the home-inspired Disney “Encanto” Collection, or the Figment Annual Passholder Collection. No matter their taste, there’s something for every member of the crew.

Live Music and Local Talent

Our Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare returns with a star-studded lineup of live music! Enjoy local bands and well-known acts from July 27 – Nov. 13, featuring the talent of Funkafied, Phillip Phillips, Boyz II Men, Sugar Ray and so many more.

Guests will have three showtimes each night to catch the performance: 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. Get to the America Gardens Theatre at the American Adventure Pavilion early to stake out a spot, or guarantee seating with the Eat to the Beat Dining Package. With this package, Festivalgoers can feast on fine dining at one of our participating restaurants before enjoying the show. Take note – this offering is only available Fridays through Mondays. Tuesdays through Thursdays, Guests can jam with our local acts!

Super Scavenger Hunts

Looking for more fun for the whole family? Try one of our two festival-inspired scavenger hunts — or a third to celebrate the upcoming spooky season! Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak takes Guests on a savory scavenger hunt around the World Showcase to find hidden statuettes of Remy; and with Emile’s Fromage Montage, sample tasty cheeses from across the globe while collecting stamps on your Festival Passport. Lastly, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit sends Guests through the park on the lookout for hidden decorative pumpkins themed to Disney characters.

Once Guests have had their fun, each of these scavenger hunts ends with a unique surprise! Check the Festival Passport for details on where to purchase maps or game boards to kick off these adventures — and where to redeem them for a prize. Do take note that Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 31, while the other two experiences are available from July 27 while supplies last.

We can’t wait for another season of foodie adventures and flavorful fun. The festival runs from July 27 to Nov. 18, 2023, and we can’t wait to see everyone there.

New Ways to Celebrate Haunted Mansion Film at Disney Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Welcome, Foolish Mortals… to the release of the new Haunted Mansion film, now playing only in theaters!

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. Keep your eyes peeled for many easter eggs and nods to the Haunted Mansion attractions that made it into this film!

There’s no better place to celebrate the release of this film than at Disney Theme Parks, and we’re materializing frightfully fun ways to experience Haunted Mansion for a limited time.

Hatbox Ghost Coming to Walt Disney World Resort

Later this year at the Walt Disney World Resort, one of our most iconic specters will set up residence in the Haunted Mansion of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies as they set off deeper into the mansion. Guests will soon see temporary barriers materialize as we await his apparition.

Haunted Mansion Costume Display at Disneyland Resort

For a limited time, Guests visiting Disneyland Park can visit the Opera House inside The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to see a collection of concept art, props and costumes from the Haunted Mansion, including the ornate dress worn by Madame Leota (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) in the film.

And for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort, stay tuned for a similar display of props and costumes coming to Walt Disney Presents Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park very soon!

Haunted Mansion Inspired Treats at Disney Parks

Disneyland Park

Look alive! We’re cooking up concoctions inspired by Haunted Mansion that are sure to thrill your taste buds!

Haunted Mansion Inspired Pre-Fixe Menu available at Café Orleans featuring the Vanilla Mousse and Seafood Boil

April-December Churro at the New Orleans Square Churro Cart: Strawberry-flavored sugar with fresh strawberries, purple cherry sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and donut icing drizzle

Constance Concoction at Harbour Galley: Potato and leek soup topped with pea flower crème fraiche, herb oil, and fried leeks served in a sourdough bread bowl

Madame Leota Cereal Treat at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen: Crisped rice cereal treat dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with M&M’S® milk chocolate candies and Madame Leota chocolate piece #MoviesWithMars (also available at Walt Disney World Resort)

Pickwick Ghost Punch at Royal Street Veranda and Harbour Galley‌: A Combination of fruit, citrus juices, and sherbet (Non-alcoholic)

Hatbox Ghost Sipper at select locations in New Orleans Square and Critter Country

Walt Disney World Resort

Playful Spirits Margarita featuring Patron Silver Tequila with a Fess Parker Big Easy Red Floater and Mickey-shaped Caretakers Beignets dusted with Cookies and Cream Powdered Sugar and a ghoulish Marshmallow Crème drizzle. Both can be found inside Scat Cat’s Club at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Push Pop at Sleepy Hollow inside Magic Kingdom Park.

Happy Haunts Shake at Columbia Harbor House inside Magic Kingdom Park: Blackberry shake topped with purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles.

Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars at The Ganachery inside Disney Springs: Chocolate Ganache Bars with edible image. Bar Flavors: pistachio, salted caramel, chipotle, passion fruit.

Watch Haunted Mansion, out in theaters now!

There’s no turning back now! Check out Haunted Mansion now playing only in theaters and watch out for any hitchhiking ghosts that may follow you home!