We’re getting closer to the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and you can tell we are eager for this new attraction at EPCOT. Yesterday the walkway leading to the attraction’s entrance opened. This marked the first phase of the France Pavilion’s expansion. Although all that currently awaits at the end of the walkway are restrooms, a water fountain, and stroller parking, it is a delightful area, especially at night.
New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021 NighttimeNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021 NighttimeNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021 NighttimeA Peek at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure EntranceNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021 NighttimeNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021 Nighttime
We shared photos of this new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure area yesterday, but we went back last night to see it in the evening light. This is now our field team’s new favorite place to relax in the evening. We’re going to enjoy it while we can before the ride’s crowds move in, whenever the day comes that it finally opens.
Oh! We also spotted what is sure to be the next big Instagram wall, which can only be described as #ArtNouveauWall.
#ArtNouveauWall – the Next Instagram Wall
What do you think of this new expansion? Do you think it looks better in the day or at night?
Bottled water at Disney is expensive. And although you can stop by any quick-service location that has fountain drinks and get a cup of ice water for free, these cups are often small, and they don’t come with lids. Carrying a personal water bottle is often more convenient and better for the environment as an added bonus.
Ask anyone who has tried to fill a water bottle at a conventional water fountain, and there’s two types of water fountains — one with enough pressure that you’re able to fill the water bottle with little mess, and those with so little water pressure that you’re struggling to find just the right angle to fill a water bottle up to maybe halfway. You never know which kind you will find until you’re there.
New water fountains now often come with both the drinking fountain and a water bottle filler. In Hollywood Studios, you’ll find these in Galaxy’s Edge near the restrooms and outside of the exit for Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run.
Water bottle station near the exit to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Personally, I’d love to see older water fountains replaced throughout the parks with these dual-purpose options.
What do you think? Do you bring your own refillable water bottle to the parks?
You can tell we’re all very excited about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and quite frankly, aching for something new. Today EPCOT’s France Pavilion is finally expanded, well, a little.
A new walkway at the far right side of the France Pavilion opened today. This walkway leads to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, but so far today only the restrooms, water fountain, and stroller parking are open.
New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion ExpansionNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – RestroomsNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – RestroomsNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – Stroller ParkingNew Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – Water Fountain
It is a beautiful day for this lovely expansion, but it is merely getting us more impatient for the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and the new crepe shop too. The new walkway also affords breathtaking views of the Friendships and Disney Skyliner.
New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion – January 18, 2021New Epcot France Pavilion Expansion
Are you excited for the expansion of the France pavilion? What do you think of this new section?
If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World, you’ll want to have some room in your budget for shopping. After countless hours in the parks, we want to help you save time and save money at Disney. In that spirit we thought it would good to show you the best souvenirs at Magic Kingdom.
It’s true that each Walt Disney World theme park carries some of the same merchandise. Many of this Walt Disney World merchandise has the resort’s logo on it and Mickey and friends. But when you drill down to each park you’ll find some special merchandise that is specific each park.
Attraction-Based Merchandise
At Magic Kingdom we think the best merchandise and gifts have to do with specific attractions. Near The Haunted Mansion you’ll find Memento Mori. Here you can browse wall to wall creepy Haunted Mansion merchandise like coffee mugs, clothing, art pieces, and other unique items.
Haunted Mansion Souvenirs and MerchandiseHaunted Mansion Souvenirs and MerchandiseMemento Mori Haunted Mansion Gift Shop
No other attraction has a dedicated themed shop the way Haunted mansion does, but you can find other attraction based merchandise around Magic Kingdom at some of the big attractions like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Jungle Cruise.
Personalized Ornaments
No other Walt Disney World theme park but Magic Kingdom offers personalized ornaments. This wasn’t always the case, but currently Magic Kingdom is the only of the Disney theme parks to have personalization service for ornaments. You can find the ornament personalization at Magic Kingdom’s Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Personalization costs $3.00 per name and artwork item, plus the cost of the ornament, and there are a variety of personalization styles from which you can choose.
Personalized Ornament from Magic Kingdom
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Ears and Hats
It’s true you can find mouse ear headbands at every Walt Disney World theme park and at Disney Springs. But there’s something magical about browsing the vast selection of mouse ears at Main Street Emporium.
Mouse Ears at Magic Kingdom
Or, if you really want the ultimate Magic Kingdom souvenir then head across Main Street to the Confectionary, and then into The Chapeau. This tiny little hat shop no longer has its own exterior entrance and exit. But, you can get Mickey mouse ear hats embroidered and personalized at The Chapeau, by heading through the Confectionary. For some families it is tradition to get classic Mickey Mouse ear hats for each member of the family with each person’s name on each hat.
What’s your favorite souvenir from Magic Kingdom? What would you add to our list?
While it’s true Walt Disney World is a foodie paradise, not all restaurants and dining locations are created equal. So how do you know which restaurants are worth your time or which ones you should leave behind?
After scouring through our TouringPlans Lines 2.0 app, I’ve compiled a list of both the highest AND lowest-rated dining destinations at EPCOT! So which ones made the cut? And will you agree with our user ratings? Let’s take a look!
Here are the criteria for the dining locations I’m including in my lists. If a dining spot offers fare that could serve as a meal, it makes the list. But if it’s a cart that only serves drinks or popcorn, it’s not a contender. Also, I’m NOT including the booths from EPCOT’s various festivals since they are seasonal.
Lowest Rated Dining Locations on the Lines 2.0 App
So, as always, let’s get the bad news out of the way first.
3. TIE: Lotus Blossom Cafe & Future World East Hot Dog and Ice Cream
Rating: 82%
Orange Chicken Combo at Lotus Blossom Café
Lotus Blossom Cafe is located at World Showcase’s China Pavilion and serves potstickers, egg rolls, fried rice, orange chicken, and the like. The problem is its fast-food quality at Disney’s prices; and with so many options to choose from at EPCOT, this shouldn’t be one.
Future World East Hot Dog and Ice Cream is exactly what it sounds like. Expect a stand offering Mickey Premium bars, frozen treats, drinks, and Mickey Pretzels. It does offer one meal item – an all-beef hot dog with chips. But a location only offering standard park fare tends to highlight just how much you’re paying for concession stand-style fare and is likely a contributing factor to its low ratings.
2. San Angel Inn Restaurante
Rating: 81%
Located inside of the Aztec pyramid in World Showcase’s Mexico Pavilion, San Angel Inn overlooks the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride with views of its stunning backdrop. The menu is a blend of both standard Mexican fare and regional dishes you probably won’t find in the U.S.
The issue? The menu isn’t always memorable, especially for the price. And despite the atmosphere and setting, the dim lighting and close quarters can be problematic.
1. Coral Reef
Rating: 77%
Dining Room at Coral Reef – EPCOT
Ouch. Coral Reef has long been regarded as a missed opportunity.
Guests dining at Coral Reef face one of the world’s largest saltwater aquariums in a dim-lit dining room intended to simulate being under the sea. It’s a great escape from the Florida sun and humidity, but some are a little uneasy eating seafood while watching fish swim by.
Speaking of which, Coral Reef’s seafood-inspired menu consists of shrimp cocktail, shrimp and grits, a lobster seafood boil, roasted herb chicken, veggie skewers, and Mahi Mahi, but often produces mixed reviews.
Other EPCOT dining locations that either don’t serve meals, or are currently closed with ratings of 77% and below, are Encoteca Castello known for its wines by the glass and tasting flights, and the China Pavilion’s Nine Dragons restaurant.
Highest Rated Dining Locations on the Lines 2.0 App
Now that the bad news is out of the way, let’s get to the good news!
3. Garden Grill
Rating: 94%
This table-service restaurant is located inside of The Land Pavilion and is famous for rotating during your meal! But don’t worry, it turns very slowly and offers views of the different landscapes featured in the Living with the Land attraction.
Garden Grill is also unique in that some of the food on the all-you-can-eat family-style menu is grown inside The Land Pavilion! Expect a Thanksgiving-style menu complete with a berry shortcake. Also, the Garden Grill is currently offering a modified character meal experience where familiar faces like Chip and Dale greet guests from a safe distance!
2. TIE: Rose & Crown Pub, Yorkshire County Fish Shop, & Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
Rating: 95%
These first two dining locations pretty much go hand in hand as they are located in the same pavilion.
Fish and Chips at Rose and Crown
The Rose & Crown Pub at the United Kingdom pavilion functions as both a bar and restaurant serving Scotch Eggs, fish and chips, and a sausage roll and chips in addition to its extensive beverage menu.
Now the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a quick-service window located next to the Rose & Crown Pub and practically revered for its fish and chips on-the-go. For many, it’s an absolute must-do and better than some of the table-service restaurants around World Showcase.
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is another World Showcase eatery and can be found at the Norway Pavilion. And while it has long been popular for its School Bread and Rice Cream, the bakery also offers yummy sandwiches and salads.
1. Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
Rating: 97%
Photo courtesy of Disney (c)
This World Showcase quick-service restaurant can be found at the rear of the France Pavilion and is ranked #1 of 106 restaurants at Walt Disney World on our Lines 2.0 app!
So what’s so special about Les Halles? Well, this dining location is one of the few EPCOT spots for a great breakfast and is conveniently located near the International Gateway for guests entering from the Skyliner or the nearby EPCOT area resorts.
But the real reason for its raving reviews is its quality Parisian fare of baguettes, delicious assortment of sandwiches, salads, quiches, and Instagram-worthy yet equally tasty tarts, Napoleons, macarons, and creme brulees. Plus, the prices are surprisingly reasonable for such great fare.
So what other EPCOT spots produced high rankings? Well, Frozen Treats in Future World scored a whopping 98%! Also, Germany’s Karamelle-Kuche, known for its Werther’s branded treats scored a 96% while the Funnel Cakes stand at the American Adventure was rated a 95%.
Do you agree with our Lines 2.0 app ratings? Which of these dining spots would you rate as the highest? Let us know in the comments!
Filed Under: Dining, Epcot, Walt Disney World (FL), Best Epcot Restaurants, Coral Reef, disney dining, Disney Restaurants, disney world, Epcot France, Epcot Restaurants, Future World, Garden Grill, Les Halles, Rose and Crown Pub, walt disney world, World Showcase
Future World East Hot Dog and Ice Cream is exactly what it sounds like. Expect a stand offering Mickey Premium bars, frozen treats, drinks, and Mickey Pretzels. It does offer one meal item – an all-beef hot dog with chips. But a location only offering standard park fare tends to highlight just how much you’re paying for concession stand-style fare and is likely a contributing factor to its low ratings.
Located inside of the Aztec pyramid in World Showcase’s Mexico Pavilion, San Angel Inn overlooks the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride with views of its stunning backdrop. The menu is a blend of both standard Mexican fare and regional dishes you probably won’t find in the U.S.
This table-service restaurant is located inside of The Land Pavilion and is famous for rotating during your meal! But don’t worry, it turns very slowly and offers views of the different landscapes featured in the Living with the Land attraction.
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is another World Showcase eatery and can be found at the Norway Pavilion. And while it has long been popular for its School Bread and Rice Cream, the bakery also offers yummy sandwiches and salads.
So what other EPCOT spots produced high rankings? Well, Frozen Treats in Future World scored a whopping 98%! Also, Germany’s Karamelle-Kuche, known for its Werther’s branded treats scored a 96% while the Funnel Cakes stand at the American Adventure was rated a 95%.
