Foodie Guide to Flavors of Florida Presented by CORKCICLE 2023

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Foodies – are you ready? Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE at Disney Springs will be serving up some mouthwatering and fresh flavors inspired by the Sunshine State. From July 1 through August 13, over 30 locations all throughout Disney Springs will be featuring a variety of dishes and sips Guests simply must try.

Guests will be able to embrace summer and delight in homegrown flavors from Florida, like the Lime Garage Burger from D-Luxe Burger or the Gambas Gabardina from Jaleo by José Andrés. And who can miss the Florida Shrimp Tacos available at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? From the sweet to the savory, and everything in between, there are plenty of items Guests will want to come back for again and again.

Interested in seeing first-hand demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurant owners? This year Disney Springs will be featuring a new culinary series! Check out the official site to get all the details and register for this exciting new offering.

Well, it’s about time we got to the best part – the food!

Amorette’s Patisserie  

  • Orange Cream Puff: Choux pastry with orange craquelin filled with orange curd and honey orange gel (New)
  • Orange Bird Dome Cake: Layers of Grand Marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâte de fruit, mandarin orange cream, and white chocolate crispy pearls (Available for pre-orders and cake decorating experience) (New)
  • Strawberry Spritzer: French 75 with strawberry purée served in a Flavors of Florida CORKCICLE (New)

The BOATHOUSE

  • Pan Roasted Golden Tilefish: Citrus escabeche, coconut ginger rice, and cilantro aïoli (New)

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

  • Key West Shrimp Cocktail: Seasoned shrimp tossed with a mix of avocado, mango, cucumber, and a house-made cocktail sauce accompanied by homemade buttermilk crackers (New)
  • Florida Crush Cocktail: Combination of Florida’s iconic crops – oranges and strawberries – muddled with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, then complemented with a splash of freshly-squeezed orange juice and agave syrup (New)

Chicken Guy!

  • Sunshine Shake: A blend of hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice garnished with a crown of fresh whipped cream

City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • Seared Grouper: Pan-seared grouper melds with citrus chipotle rice, Cuban spiced black bean puree, smoked watermelon pico de gallo, chili oil, and micro cilantro (New)

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

  • Orange Cream Float: Mix of Coca-Cola, vanilla ice cream and an orange cream bar presented in a novelty cup you can take home for a memorable treat (New)

D-Luxe Burger

  • Lime Garage Burger: Deluxe patty topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, and fried green tomato served with an avocado, lime, and jalapeño spread
  • Orange Bird Milkshake: Artisanal shake made with vanilla gelato and orange topped with sprinkles

Dockside Margaritas

  • Frozen Orange Daiquiri: Siesta Key Silver rum, Cointreau liqueur, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream garnished with an orange wedge (New)

The Edison

  • Sunny Disposition: Florida cane vodka from St. Augustine, Florida orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, fruity fraise de bois, and local fruits including navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries, and Indian River grapefruit (New)

Enzo’s Hideaway & Maria & Enzo’s

  • Key West Pink Shrimp Risotto: Fine Italian vialone nano rice, Key West pink shrimp, guanciale, sweet corn, herbs, and pecorino Romano (New)
  • Creamsicle Coppa: Vanilla gelato, made in-house, paired with orange sorbet, whipped cream and white chocolate crunchy pearls, recreating a classic childhood favorite dessert (New)

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

  • Citrus Dream Donut: Orange-glazed confection with white buttercream, citrus-flavored icing, an orange-flavored candy, and fresh mint
  • Orange Lemonade with Sweet Cold Foam: Blend of lemonade and orange juice cold foam

Frontera Cocina

  • Orange Shrimp Cocktail: Assortment of Florida pink shrimp, hibiscus-citrus avocado salsa, jicama, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, and lime served with tortilla chips
  • Agave Maria: Tromba Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur (New)

The Ganachery

  • Honey Lavender Square: Ganache square flavored with honey and lavender and enrobed in dark chocolate (New)
  • Key Lime Pop: White chocolate blended with key lime juice and fresh lime zest covered with dark chocolate

Gideon’s Bakehouse

  • Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie: Vanilla bean cookie dough infused with Florida Key lime juice and blanketed with premium chocolate chips and special Key lime pie crumbs (New)
  • Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew: Dessert coffee made with locally roasted beans, maple syrup, rich dark chocolate, and delicious Florida oranges (New)

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

  • Florida Sunshine Mango Lager: New seasonal lager on draft from the Winter Garden-based brewery Crooked Can (New)
  • Local Florida Mahi Tacos: Tacos served on a flour tortilla, filled with pickled onion and coleslaw, and topped with cilantro crema and fresh cilantro (New)

Jaleo by José Andrés

  • Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate: Salad made with compressed Florida watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, PX reduction, goat cheese, pistachios, and sherry dressing (New)
  • Vieras crudas a los cítricos: Thinly sliced scallops dressed with Florida citrus dressing (New)
  • Gambas Gabardina: Beer-battered Florida Atlantic white shrimp with caper mayonnaise (New)
  • Pato con Melocotónes y Naranjas: Seared duck breast with sweet peaches and a Valencia orange glaze (New)
  • Jamón Serrano con Melón: 24-month cured serrano ham with summer melon and sherry dressing (New)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

  • Florida Shrimp Tacos: Florida jerk marinated gulf shrimp, watermelon, avocado, pico de gallo, and jalapeño served on a corn tortilla with a lime
  • Jock’s Citrus Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail with a Florida summer twist
  • Florida Mule: Florida Cane “Orlando Orange” Vodka, ginger beer, orange juice, and simple syrup

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

  • Buzzin’ Honey Latte: A buzzing combo of espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with cold foam and a special character (New)

Morimoto Asia

  • Cedar Key Clams “Chow Fun”: Cantonese dish with fresh Cedar Key clams, flat rice noodles, garlic chives, and Chinese black bean sauce (New)
  • “Banh Gan” Orange Blossom Crème Caramel: Vietnamese crème caramel reimagined with orange segments, sweet cream, and candied zest (New)
  • Orenji Dreamsicle: Cocktail that blends the flavors of Florida and Japan, made with Absolut Vanilia and citrus-infused Haku vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, orgeat, and Calpico (New)

Paddlefish

  • Key Lime Pie: Graham cracker crust and torched meringue

Pizza Ponte

  • Pizza Diavola: Salame Calabrese and chili with local Orlando petal honey (New)

The Polite Pig

  • Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche: Shrimp, smoked melon, shishito peppers, and local tomato vinaigrette with a drizzle of hot honey (New)

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

  • Sunshine State of Mind: Sweet orange pudding with whipped cream and an orange butterscotch sauce (New)
  • The Florida Split: Florida P1 Vodka, Florida local J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur, vanilla ice cream, and orange and mango juice (New)

Rainforest Cafe

  • Malibu Combo: Jerk seasoned mahi mahi topped with red onion and pineapple salsa served alongside Caribbean coconut shrimp with a coconut rum sauce and Caribbean rice (New)
  • Sailfish Brewing Sunrise City IPA: West coast-style IPA brewed with Columbus, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops, featuring a smooth finish and notes of bitter citrus (New)

Salt & Straw

  • Exquisito Guanabana Stracciatella: Tropical guanabana sherbet swirled with ribbons of dark chocolate Stracciatella with a floral undertone (New)

The Spice and Tea Exchange

  • Florida Sunshine Tea: Blend of floral and citrus flavors (New) (Available hot or iced)

Splitsville Dining Room

  • Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette: Spring mix greens, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, red onions, and feta cheese tossed in strawberry vinaigrette
  • Key Lime Pie Martini: Florida’s iconic dessert in a glass rimmed with graham cracker crumbs (New)

STK Orlando

  • Cuban Sandwich: Pulled pork, ham, and cheese with pickles and mustard (New)
  • Conch Fritters: Conch fritters with a spicy remoulade sauce and lime wedges (New)
  • Key Lime Bar topped with meringue, lime zest, and toasted coconut (New)

Sunshine Churros

  • Orange County Creamsicle: Churro rolled in orange sugar topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of orange and white toppings (New)

Swirls on the Water

  • Orange Bird Sundae: DOLE Whip Orange in a vanilla waffle bowl with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and an Orange Bird chocolate decoration (New)

Terralina Crafted Italian

  • Almare Spritz (New)
    • Classico: Classic Italian spritz flavors of bitter orange, rhubarb, and subtle herbal notes
    • Hugo: Refreshing and bright with elderflower, lemon, and mint
    • Rosa: Notes of grapefruit, bitter herbs, and flowers

T-REX

  • Blackened Tuna: Tuna seared rare served over cilantro-lime rice with a side of mango, avocado, and heirloom cherry tomato salad (New)
  • Oyster City Mangrove Pale Ale: Classic pale ale with a malty body and mild hops fermented in mangos for a tropical, fruit-forward flavor

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Strawberry Shortcake Bombolato: Cake batter gelato, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries inside a warm Italian doughnut (New)
  • Orange Blossom Honey Cannoli: Creamy blend of ricotta and orange blossom honey served in a crispy Italian pastry shell (New)

Wine Bar George— A Restaurant & Bar

  • Dicuru Burrata: Dicuru burrata paired with tomatoes from The Villages Grown, Belle Glade corn, and Olde Hearth sourdough bread featuring ingredients sourced from Florida (New)
  • Frozen Old Fashioned: Frozen old fashioned made with DOLE Whip Orange and George Dickel 8-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

YeSake Florida

  • Fresh Poke Bowl: Fluffy rice, grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, carrots, cucumber, avocado, mandarin oranges, and tempura crunch topped with a savory roasted sesame sauce (New)
  • Florida Sunset: A tropical blend of Ozeki Sake, Nigori Sake, Monin Banana, and peach syrups and DOLE Pineapple Juice (New)

Outdoor Bars Throughout Disney Springs

  • Blood Orange Gin and Tonic: St. Augustine Gin, Tippler’s Orange, blood orange, and tonic water garnished with an orange wedge
  • Key Lime Margarita: Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier liqueur, Key lime juice, and vanilla garnished with a half graham cracker rim (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

New Updates on San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

At Disney California Adventure Park, the San Fransokyo Public Works Department has been diligently beautifying and making improvements to the local cannery district, which is home to a diverse neighborhood of eateries and businesses. In our previous update, we looked at a few of the landmarks and establishments you’ll see in the industrious mash-up city from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film “Big Hero 6.”

Today, we’re excited to share that, over the summer, the local eateries will start to introduce delicious new menu offerings! Starting in mid-July, Guests will be able to sample new San Fransokyo selections at Lucky Fortune Cookery, and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería will officially open. In the weeks following, additional dining options, unique shopping and more will be introduced as the transformation of this thriving seaside plaza continues through mid-August.

When the transformation is completed, locations across the area – from the Cappuccino Cart outside the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge to The Bakery Tour – will be decked out in street art and colorful banners celebrating the Big Hero 6 team after their victory over Yokai.

Let’s explore more places Guests will be able to visit in San Fransokyo Square!

Guests will have the opportunity to interact with Hiro and his huggable healthcare companion, Baymax, who will say hello outside the Hamada Bot Shop. This is where the Big Hero 6 team builds and innovates their hi-tech gear, so Guests may also see a few of their upcoming inventions.

Near the Hamada Bot Shop will be the San Fransokyo Maker’s Market, a storefront stocked with unique apparel, homewares and more featuring Baymax and friends. In the concept art above, the market’s shelves are situated on robot storage cases, with decommissioned battle bots on display. If Guests turn a sharp eye to the rafters overhead, they may spot the local battlebot champion, Hiro’s Megabot!

Across the way, a vending machine dispenses collectible golden medallions featuring Baymax and other iconic images from San Fransokyo.

The diverse array of flavorful fare in San Fransokyo Square will include current favorites and new creations inspired by Asian cuisine, as well as the Big Hero 6 themselves. Let’s check out the dining destinations Guests will be able to try.

Aunt Cass Café, the second bakery café operated by Hiro’s loving aunt, will serve dishes, soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and more inspired by Japanese cuisine. On the outside of this quick service restaurant, Guests will find a mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi.

An old fishing net tannery across from the café is being converted to Rita’s Turbine Blenders, a giant drink dispenser offering delicious margaritas and icy beverages. This refreshment stand is owned and named after the repair technician who maintains the floating wind turbine, resembling a giant koi fish, that sits atop the structure.

In addition to these locations, Guests can expect new menu items at Cocina Cucamonga and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. Keep an eye out for the Disney Eats Foodie Guide, coming soon, for the full list of cuisine to come.

San Fransokyo Square will be full of fun for travelers of all ages! On a scale of one through ten, how would you rate your excitement?

Both theme park reservations and valid admission for the same park on the same day are required for park entry.

Disney Loses Nearly 95% of Its Classic Animation Material

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via DisDining.com

As the year 2024 draws closer, Disney fans have become increasingly vocal and concerned about The Walt Disney Company losing the rights to Mickey Mouse. But Disney has already lost almost 95% of the classic animation material from its feature films, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi, and no amount of lobbying Congress could have stopped the loss.

One of the earliest versions of Disney’s Mickey Mouse is set to enter the public domain on January 1, 2024, ending a 96-year-long copyright held by the entertainment giant since Mickey’s first cartoon, Steamboat Willie, debuted in 1928. At that time, Mickey’s copyright was valid for 28 years, with the option for Disney to extend it for an additional 28 years, meaning that the original copyright for the Steamboat Willie character was set to enter the public domain at the end of 1983. Facing a loss of ownership, Disney sprang into action to save the beloved mouse from life outside The Walt Disney Company.

Disney wasted no time, bypassing any potential riff-raff and going directly to the United States government for help, lobbying Congress in an effort to hold on to Mickey a little longer. Whether federal lawmakers revered Disney as an untouchable entertainment powerhouse or the American people had elected a Congress full of Mickey fans, we’ll never know, but Congress happily extended Disney’s copyright by enacting the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act,” or, as it is formally known, the Copyright Term Extension Act.

Mickey Mouse's Copyright To Expire and Mickey will be Public Domain

Copyrights don’t last forever, though, and when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2024, Disney will be forced to say farewell to Steamboat Willie–though his trademark will remain.

But while there may still be some measure of hope for Mickey, there’s no hope for a loss of Disney property that has already occurred–one that never made the headlines as Steamboat Willie did. The Walt Disney Company has already suffered a tragic loss of some of its intellectual property, and the company has no one to blame but its very own animators.

In the 1930s and 1940s, when Walt Disney’s animators were tasked with hand-drawing the characters and backgrounds for some of the studio’s most beloved animated films, they embraced their work with great passion and dedication. They apparently enjoyed their work and had lots of fun on the clock. Back then, hand-drawn animation was a lengthy, labor-intensive process, but it was business as usual for those in that line of work. Because of this, animators were often very carefree–and sometimes careless–when it came to the fragile vintage art they were creating.

Arthur Stevens, a long-time Disney animator and director who worked on classic Disney animated films The Rescuers (1977), The Fox and the Hound (1981), and The Black Cauldron (1985), once explained that animators used to toss finished animation canvases on the floor when they were finished with them. Some animators even used the canvases to slide around on the floors. While the practice might have been good for team-building, it was entirely destructive for the artwork itself.

disney animation cel

It created multiple problems for the studio as well. Over the years, the carelessness of Disney’s animators resulted in the loss of nearly 95% of Disney’s vintage animation material–a loss from which recovery is not possible. In an effort to prevent further losses, experts now employ preservation techniques to care for the remaining material. The goal is to lower the risk of further damage and loss of Disney’s treasured and priceless artwork.

Fortunately for Disney fans of every age, all of the films for which the animation material was lost are still available in some physical and digital formats and can be streamed on the Disney+ platform.

Magic Kingdom Attractions: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Step into the enchanting Hundred Acre Wood and join Winnie the Pooh and his friends on a delightful adventure at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Inspired by the beloved stories of A.A. Milne, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction brings to life the endearing characters and whimsical world of Pooh Bear. Let’s embark on a heartwarming journey and experience the magic of Winnie the Pooh’s adventures.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a charming dark ride that takes guests through a series of scenes, transporting them into the imaginative world of Pooh and his friends. Riders board honey pot-shaped vehicles and journey through the storybook pages, immersing themselves in the colorful and lovable world of the Hundred Acre Wood.

As the ride begins, guests are immediately enveloped in the whimsical charm of the Hundred Acre Wood. From bouncing with Tigger to floating alongside Pooh in a dream-like honey-filled haze, each scene captures the essence of the classic stories and showcases the endearing personalities of the beloved characters.

The enchanting visuals and animatronics bring the characters to life, making it feel as though you’ve stepped right into the pages of the storybook. The gentle movements and joyful music create a magical ambiance that captivates riders of all ages.

The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh offers a family-friendly experience, perfect for children and adults alike. Young ones will delight in the familiar faces of their favorite characters, while adults will appreciate the nostalgia and timeless themes of friendship, love, and simple pleasures.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a heartwarming and enchanting attraction that immerses guests in the delightful world of Pooh Bear and his friends. From whimsical scenes to memorable characters, the ride captures the essence of the classic stories and brings them to life in a magical and immersive way.

So, on your next visit to Magic Kingdom, be sure to join Winnie the Pooh on his adventures. Step into the honey pot, embrace the whimsy, and embark on a journey that will warm your heart and create treasured memories. The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a must-visit attraction that reminds us of the importance of friendship, imagination, and the joy of simple pleasures.

Magic Kingdom Attractions: Barnstormer: A Whirlwind Adventure for Young Thrill-Seekers

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Prepare for an exhilarating flight through the whimsical world of Goofy’s Barnstormer at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Designed with young adventurers in mind, this family-friendly roller coaster combines fun, laughter, and a touch of daring as riders experience the excitement of a barnstorming adventure. Let’s hop aboard the Barnstormer and explore the thrills it has to offer.

Goofy’s Barnstormer is a junior roller coaster nestled in the charming Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland. As riders climb aboard their colorful aircraft-themed cars, they prepare for a whirlwind adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.

The Barnstormer offers a perfect introduction to the thrills of a roller coaster for young thrill-seekers. With a shorter track and lower height requirements, it provides a more accessible experience for children who are ready to take their first steps into the world of roller coasters.

As the ride takes off, riders are treated to a series of dips and turns, all while enjoying the scenic view of the Storybook Circus. The playful theming, featuring oversized circus props and colorful scenery, adds to the excitement and immerses riders in a whimsical atmosphere.

The Barnstormer captures the spirit of classic barnstorming stunts, where daredevil aviators would perform thrilling aerial maneuvers. While the ride is not overly intense, it still offers enough twists and turns to provide a sense of excitement and adventure.

Goofy’s Barnstormer at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a delightful and exhilarating experience that invites young adventurers to embark on a roller coaster journey. The ride’s accessible design and charming theming make it the perfect choice for families with children seeking their first taste of coaster excitement.

The Barnstormer combines thrills, laughter, and a touch of Disney magic to create an unforgettable experience. So, on your next visit to Magic Kingdom, be sure to join Goofy and his daring barnstorming adventure. Take the plunge, feel the wind in your hair, and create cherished memories as you soar through the sky. The Barnstormer is a must-visit attraction that guarantees a fun-filled and exciting time for all young thrill-seekers.