Takumi-Tei: A Culinary Journey to Elegance at Epcot

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

Nestled within the serene ambiance of the Japan Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort, Takumi-Tei is a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. This exquisite restaurant offers an unparalleled journey into the world of Japanese cuisine, where precision, artistry, and culinary mastery converge to create an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Takumi-Tei, which translates to “House of the Artisan,” lives up to its name by providing guests with a meticulously crafted dining experience. The restaurant’s interior is a masterpiece in itself, designed to evoke the ambiance of a traditional Japanese inn. It features a peaceful water garden and elegant woodwork that transport visitors to the heart of Japan.

The true star of Takumi-Tei is its menu, which showcases the finest in Japanese cuisine. The culinary team, led by talented chefs, takes guests on a culinary journey through multiple courses, each offering a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. From delicate sashimi and intricately plated appetizers to perfectly grilled wagyu beef and sublime desserts, every dish at Takumi-Tei is a work of art.

For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Takumi-Tei offers an Omakase Chef’s Table. This intimate setting allows guests to indulge in a personalized tasting menu, where the chef curates a selection of dishes based on the freshest seasonal ingredients and their creative expertise. It’s a culinary adventure that showcases the chef’s culinary craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Takumi-Tei is committed to sourcing the highest-quality ingredients, many of which are imported from Japan. This dedication to authenticity ensures that each dish reflects the true essence of Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re savoring the umami-rich flavors of miso-glazed black cod or delighting in the harmony of sushi and sashimi, every bite is a symphony of taste and texture.

The service at Takumi-Tei is as exceptional as the cuisine. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and Japanese dining customs, ensuring that guests feel comfortable and informed throughout their meal. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, the staff’s attentive and courteous service enhances the overall dining experience.

Takumi-Tei stands as a culinary oasis within the vibrant tapestry of Epcot’s World Showcase. It offers a tranquil escape where guests can immerse themselves in the artistry of Japanese cuisine and culture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a refined dining experience, Takumi-Tei promises an unforgettable journey into elegance and taste.

In conclusion, Takumi-Tei is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the art of Japanese cuisine. From its elegant ambiance and impeccable service to its exquisite menu and commitment to authenticity, Takumi-Tei invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that is as memorable as it is delicious. So, the next time you find yourself in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, be sure to reserve a table at Takumi-Tei for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and transports you to the heart of Japan.

Woman Reportedly Got Stuck in Walt Disney World Monorail Doors While Boarding

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The woman who is suing Disney tried to enter the monorail when the doors shut on her, her boyfriend said in court records.

“As we were getting on the monorail, the monorail doors slammed shut on Rebecca,” John Ruffin said in an affidavit filed in Orange Circuit Court late last month. “Guests on the outside and myself and others on the inside were trying to pry Rebecca loose from the doors. Eventually we got her out.”

Ruffin’s affidavit gives another witness to support Rebecca Vanturini’s claims, although Disney is fighting back against the lawsuit and denied the allegations. Her lawsuit filed in July is still pending. Vanturini’s attorney filed a notice that he is ready for trial, according to court records.

“Rebecca was badly injured,” Ruffin said. “The monorail speaker came on while she was trapped in the doors and it said there was something malfunctioning and resetting with the monorail.”

A uniformed Disney Cast Member “did nothing to help us get Rebecca out,” Ruffin said in the affidavit.

Vanturini’s lawsuit said it took five men to free her after the monorail doors at EPCOT shut on her without any warning, trapping her.

Vanturini is suing for more than $50,000 over the March incident. Her lawsuit doesn’t give more detail how she was hurt other than she had “a permanent injury to her body.”

Coco’ Bus Wrap Debuts at Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

After being announced last month, the “Coco” bus wrap has made its debut at Walt Disney World Resort.

The bus is mostly purple, and features Dante in his alebrije form alongside Pepita, Hector Rivera, and Miguel. Imagery of the marigold bridge from the film is also present throughout the art.

WDW Coco Guest Bus 3

Pepita is Mamma Imelda’s spirit guide in the afterlife.

WDW Coco Guest Bus 9

Hector and Miguel ride on her back, and are featured in a 2D animation style rather than their 3D Pixar counterparts.

WDW Coco Guest Bus 1

“Coco” doesn’t have much presence at Walt Disney World, but a “Coco” scene was added to Mickey’s PhilharMagic in 2021, and you can see Miguel in the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom. A “Coco” land could also open at Magic Kingdom in the future. The film was originally mentioned as one of the considered inspirations for “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, when it was first announced at D23 Expo 2022.

Media Tycoon Makes Multi-Billion-Dollar Offer for Walt Disney Company Purchase

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney has received a multi-billion-dollar offer from a media tycoon with a long history of successful acquisitions, and it’s not the tycoon’s first successful business venture with The Walt Disney Company.

Media tycoon Byron Allen, owner of Allen Media Group and Entertainment Studios and a leader in the media industry with a lucrative portfolio of assets and acquisitions, has made a bid to purchase a sector of The Walt Disney Company’s assets.

When Bob Iger returned to the helm at Disney in November 2022, replacing then-CEO Bob Chapek, he did so with a huge mission: to right the financial ship at the company.

Though Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division, which includes Disney’s theme park resorts, has seen continued growth, the pressure is on as Disney’s streaming service–once forecast to be one of the company’s most lucrative and successful ventures–is tanking. Since the streamer first went live on November 12, 2019, Disney+ has yet to turn a profit, having lost more than $11 billion since its debut. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, The Walt Disney Company showed a loss of $512 million.

In July, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that the company is willing to sell some of its linear television assets in response to consumers’ growing trend of embracing streaming networks over the more traditional television and cable networks, and, in what Bloomberg described–fittingly–as a “Disney yard sale,” Iger reportedly listed approximately one-third of The Walt Disney Company’s intellectual properties, including some of Disney’s linear television assets, deemed noncore, or not essential for Disney’s growth, by the veteran CEO, such as ABC, FX, and Freeform.

As confirmed by his representative on CBS MoneyWatch, Byron Allen has offered to purchase Disney’s ABC television network, as well as the Disney-owned cable networks FX and National Geographic, for $10 billion. According to Bloomberg, the bid is only a “preliminary” offer and is subject to change at any time.

In 1993, Allen, a comedian, producer, media mogul, and philanthropist, founded the Los Angeles, California-based Entertainment Studios, a division of the Allen Media Group, a global media company. Allen’s enterprise has grown over the years, expanding to encompass offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Raleigh. Entertainment Studios currently owns one of the largest cable network portfolios industry-wide, as Allen has built a highly lucrative empire by adding to his portfolio with a series of acquisitions.

Allen’s company is the owner of ten of the country’s 24-hour HD television networks, including The Weather Channel, Justice Central, Comedy TV, Pets TV, and more. The group also sells advertising for 43 different broadcast and cable television programs and, per the company’s website, has “one of the largest libraries of family and advertiser-friendly lifestyle content in the world.”

In August 2019, Allen partnered personally with the Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns and operates–or provides services for–nearly 200 television stations across 86 markets, to strike a deal with Disney. The $10.6 billion deal resulted in Allen’s acquisition of 21 regional sports networks from the Walt Disney/FOX group.

disney mouse ears 21st century fox

As of the time of this publication, Disney has not released a statement regarding the deal proposed by Byron Allen and Allen Media Group. But the company did respond to news that a definitive deal is in the works between Disney and Nexstar Media Group regarding linear television assets owned by the House of Mouse, with a statement that reads in part:

“While we are open to considering a variety of strategic options for our linear businesses, at this time, The Walt Disney Company has made no decision with respect to the divestiture of ABC or any other property, and any report to that effect is unfounded.”

Tower of Terror: A Thrilling Plunge into the Twilight Zone

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

within the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, the Tower of Terror stands as an iconic symbol of exhilarating suspense and immersive storytelling. This towering attraction promises an unforgettable journey into the mysterious world of the Twilight Zone, making it a must-experience adventure for thrill-seekers and fans of classic television alike.

The Tower of Terror is more than just a ride; it’s a narrative experience that begins the moment you step into the eerie Hollywood Tower Hotel. Guests are transported back in time to 1939 and invited to explore the foreboding lobby, complete with aged artifacts and eerie details that set the stage for the impending supernatural encounter.

Once inside the hotel, visitors board an old-fashioned elevator, setting the stage for their impending adventure. The elevator’s ascent begins innocently enough, but as the story unfolds, things take a chilling turn. A sudden drop sends riders plummeting into darkness, experiencing heart-pounding free falls and gravity-defying rises. The Tower of Terror’s innovative ride system ensures that no two rides are the same, adding an element of unpredictability that keeps guests coming back for more.

What sets the Tower of Terror apart is its commitment to immersive storytelling. The attraction draws inspiration from the classic television series, “The Twilight Zone,” created by Rod Serling. As guests journey through the dark corridors of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, they are treated to a narrative experience that includes ghostly apparitions and unsettling occurrences. The attention to detail in recreating the ambiance of the show is nothing short of remarkable.

Despite its reputation as a thrilling attraction, the Tower of Terror is designed to provide a heart-pounding experience while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere. The sense of fear and excitement is carefully balanced, ensuring that even younger visitors can enjoy the ride with the guidance of their brave family members.

The Tower of Terror is not just a thrill ride; it’s a classic Disney attraction that has become a beloved part of Disney park history. Its unique blend of storytelling, suspense, and innovative ride technology has earned it a dedicated following of fans who return time and again to experience the spine-tingling excitement.

In conclusion, the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a thrilling adventure that transports guests into the mysterious world of the Twilight Zone. With its immersive storytelling, innovative ride system, and eerie atmosphere, it remains one of Disney’s most iconic and unforgettable attractions. So, whether you’re a fan of the supernatural or simply seeking a pulse-pounding thrill, the Tower of Terror promises a plunge into the unknown that will leave you breathless and eager for more.