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Disney News Disney Parks Other

Another BIG Question About The Future Of Epcot in Disney World May Be Answered With This UPDATE

Epcot will reopen on July 15th with a BUNCH of new health and safety protocols. 

Epcot

While guests can expect dining, shopping, and waiting in line to look different, a reported new union agreement suggests that World Showcase could have a BIG change as well.

One of the most unique parts about Epcot’s World Showcase (beyond all the food, of course!) is that each pavilion is staffed by cultural representatives from each country. These Cast Members help to immerse you in each country and can teach guests fun phrases and facts about that location!

Takumi-Tei Cast Members in Epcot’s Japan

But according to LaughingPlace.com, when Epcot reopens, these cultural representatives may be missing from World Showcase. A reported agreement between the Walt Disney Company and labor unions states that Cast Members who “do not meet the culturally authentic theming at Epcot may be temporarily assigned to work in positions which are otherwise reserved for cultural representatives.”

Rose and Crown Outside Bar

Disney previously suspended the cultural representatives program in March and furloughed non-essential  employees. And with travel restrictions in place around the world, it may be hard for some of these Cast Members to return to Orlando.

Mexico Pavilion

Of course, we will be sure to check out this situation once Epcot reopens (because situations can always change, especially in Disney World) and we will report back on our findings. What Epcot and the rest of Walt Disney World will look like upon reopening is yet to be seen, but be assured we’ll be there when it happens!

Are you planning on going to Walt Disney World when it reopens? Here are 5 things you NEED to know!

How do you feel about cultural representatives possibly missing from Epcot? Will that affect your enjoyment of the park? Let us know!

Related posts:

  1. Check Out the Additions To Newly Redesigned International Gateway in Epcot
  2. Review! Everything OLD is NEW Again with a Returning Holiday Favorite in Epcot!
  3. CONFIRMED! Santa Hat Cotton Candy Is The MUST-GET Holiday Snack at Disney World!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Epcot, Featured, Walt Disney World, cast member, cast member furlough, cast members returning to work, disney cultural representative, Disney reopening, Disney Union Workers, Disney World, Epcot reopening, News, union, union agreements, World Showcase

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Disney Merch Disney Parks Other ShopDisney

Spotted: Sequined Minnie Mouse Loungefly in Disney Springs!

A few days ago, we showed you one of the newest (and cutest) Minnie Mouse accessories.

Minnie Mouse Loungefly

And now you don’t even have to wait for shipping because Disney Springs has you covered!

The sequined Minnie Mouse Loungefly has officially made its in-store appearance at World of Disney!

Minnie Mouse Loungefly

The bag is bright red and features Minnie’s classic polka dots on the sequined bow (AND there’s a matching polka dot pattern inside).

Minnie Mouse Loungefly

In the corner of the front pocket, Minnie Mouse even signed her name for you to carry around proudly!

Minnie Mouse Loungefly

The back of the bag is made of the same red material and the backpack is available at World of Disney for $80.

Minnie Mouse Loungefly

If Minnie Mouse wasn’t already precious enough — now we can MATCH her?? If you aren’t able to hop over to Disney Springs, we also spotted this bag on shopDisney!

Check out what else we’ve spotted recently in Disney Springs here!

Do you own any Minnie Mouse-inspired Loungeflys? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. Disney Springs Is a Little Busier Today With a Short Virtual Queue in Place
  2. What’s New at World of Disney in Disney Springs: Inflatable Minnie Ears, Baby Yoda Plush, and Gifts for Grads!
  3. PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Reopening Day at Disney Springs

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, Disney merchandise, disney springs, Disney Springs merchandise, disney springs reopening, disney springs shopping, Disney World, Disney World reopening, disney world resort, disney world shopping, Loungefly, minnie mouse, Minnie Mouse Loungefly, polka dot, reopening, reopening disney shopping, shopping, walt disney world resort

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Disney Food Disney Merch Disney Parks Other

What’s New in Disney Springs: a NEW Caramel Sundae, Neon Merch Galore, and Refillable Popcorn Buckets!

Welcome back, friends! We’re here with another What’s New in Disney Springs!

Disney Springs

And, we’ve got plenty of merchandise, food, entertainment, and construction updates to share with you, so let’s dive right on in!

Disney Springs Food Updates

We’re starting this What’s New off with plenty of EATS!

B.B. Wolf’s

If you want a quick meal before heading around to explore Disney Springs, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. has opened back up to cook up some sausage again!

BB Wolf’s

Did somebody say Maple Bacon Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough??

Read more about what B.B. Wolf’s is serving up after reopening here!

Popcorn Refills

If you’ve been craving Disney popcorn like we have (all that buttery goodness should never be taken for granted), you’ll be ecstatic to know that Disney Springs is refilling popcorn buckets and selling new ones!

Refillable Popcorn Bucket

You can even bring your own popcorn bucket from home to get it refilled for $2! The Cast Members were careful, barely touching the bucket and wiping down the handle before passing it back.

Refilled Bucket

We are craving three refills of Disney popcorn now!!

Learn more about the refillable popcorn buckets in Disney Springs here!

Frontera Cocina

Since Frontera Cocina opened with all that great Mexican food, we’ve been daydreaming about their margaritas! And, the restaurant put a sign out front to let guests know they can sit down inside and also order to-go from their express window.

Frontera Cocina Sign

Don’t you worry, we took out time to sip a marg and see what the restaurant was like after reopening!

Check out our review of Frontera Cocina’s flautas and margs here!

Outdoor Pop-Up Bars

Although we love popping by The Basket to get a Frozcato, now you can stop by one of the outdoor bar carts around Disney Springs!

Disney Springs Pop-Up Bar Cart

They’re currently being operated by the Cast Members from Dockside Margaritas and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (so they obviously know their drinks!!).

Read more about the Outdoor Pop-Up Bars and see what drinks you can get here!

Paradiso 37

It’s time for EVEN MORE Mexican food, you guys! Paradiso 37 has reopened to guests (and we’re ready for some afternoon cocktails)!

Paradiso 37

If you’re in the area, you can pop over to get Happy Hour all day long with $5 beers and margaritas!

Lime Margarita

Right now, Paradiso 37 is only offering Red or White Sangria, as well as a Lime Margarita on the rocks!

Learn more about Paradiso 37’s AWESOME Happy Hour here!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Sprinkles Cupcakes is back open in Disney Springs, folks! Although you have to order ahead of time to get pre-set boxes, you can still use the Cupcake ATM around the corner if you have a spontaneous cupcake craving.

Sprinkles

We decided to snack on a Sprinkles Cupcake (yes, that’s the name!) with all those crunchy sprinkles and that sweet, sweet icing that we love!

Sprinkles! Cupcake

Sprinkles is also offering June specialty boxes with Peach Pie and Red Velvet in one box or Peach Pie and Neapolitan in the other.

Sprinkles

The outdoor seating section is closed right now, so you’ll either have to eat your treat on the go or sit down somewhere else.

Check out our cupcake “transaction” and review from Sprinkles!

Ghirardelli

Best. Day. Ever. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop has also reopened in Disney Springs! While you can’t visit the retail side of the store for a complimentary chocolate square right now, the ice cream shop is open for business!

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

The indoor seating is closed at the moment. So, when you place your order, you’ll tell a Cast Member what you’d like and then wait outside for it to be brought out to you. Your tray will also come with silverware and napkins!

Indoor Seating Closed

We were the MOST excited to see a brand new menu item that had our name all over it! The Gold Rush Caramel Sundae had that incredible balance of salty and sweet, along with new white chocolate caramel squares on top.

The NEW Gold Rush Caramel Sundae

We’re still drooling thinking about it.

Read our full review of the new Gold Rush Caramel Sundae at Ghirardelli’s here!

Paddlefish

Paddlefish is back open with all the seafood you want to eat! The restaurant has a condensed all-day menu at the moment with to-go drinks available at the bar.

Paddlefish

And, if you stick around at night, you can eat on the rooftop bar in the evening!

New England Clam Chowder Soup

There is a paper menu and a QR menu to view, and Paddlefish will provide you with a bag for your mask before you dine.

Crab Cake BLT

While we were there, we tried the Beef Skewers, New England Clam Chowder, and the Crab Cake BLT (and we’ve got our full review coming soon!).

Learn more about the Florida resident discount at Paddlefish!

Terralina Crafted Italian

Craving some pasta?? (We are.) Terralina Crafted Italian has reopened with that bomb Italian food! Right now, the restaurant also has a condensed menu and there is no bread service as a precaution.

Terralina Crafted Italian

There are QR and paper menus and guests are given bags for their masks. You can get to-go drinks from the indoor and outdoor bars too (yaaas!).

Paper Menu

When we visited, we tried the Limoncello Mojito…

Limoncello Mojito

…Burrata (which was AWESOME)…

Burrata

…Rigatoni Calabrese…

Rigatoni Calabrese

…and Chocolate Paradiso Cake!

Paradise Cake

Spoiler alert: this cake was heavenly.

Check out our full review of our experience at Terralina Crafted Italian!

Disney Springs Merchandise Updates

Let’s go on a shopping spree, friends! And, there’s no better place to start than in World of Disney!

World of Disney

We’ve seen fluctuated amounts of people at the World of Disney, but it was pretty empty again when we visited! We had a MAJOR throwback when we saw the Pleasure Island Hat when we were visiting (anybody else still miss the OG Disney Springs spot??)…

Pleasure Island Hat

…and fell in love with the Disney Princess Loungefly Backpack all over again, which has been on shopDisney before but not in stores!

Disney Princess Loungefly Backpack

We also spotted more kids’ items from the newest Neon Line at the World of Disney too! Your kiddo can look as stylish as ever wearing the Hot Pink Minnie Tank…

Kids’ Neon Tank Top

…and the Mickey Balloon Tank Top for $24.99 each!

Kids’ Neon Tank Top

We’re totally “living that Disney life” here at DFB. How about you??

Kids’ Neon Tank Top

They can also cool off in the summer sun wearing the Hot Pink Tie-Up Tee…

Kids’ Neon Tie-Up Tee

…Yellow Mesh Shorts…

Kids’ Neon MeshShorts

…and Neon Biker Shorts for $24.99 each too.

Kids’ Neon Biker Shorts

Summer clothes AND Disney?? Sounds like a pretty sweet combo.

Take a look at EVERYTHING else new in the World of Disney here!

The Spice and Tea Exchange

The Spice and Tea Exchange is open again (and smells AH-MAZING) in Disney Springs!

The Spice & Tea Exchange

You can check out all the spice grinders to use in your kitchen…

Grinders

…the Float Teas that you can use with loose-leaf tea…

Float Teas

…and you can even grab your own custom blends of teas, spices, and more while you’re there!

Custom Blends

Don’t say we didn’t warn you — there are a LOT of choices.

Take a look at everything you can find in the Spice and Tea Exchange here!

Lego Store

Since the Lego Store reopened, there have been some BIG changes to the way you would regularly visit!

The only entrance to the LEGO Store

Right now, the interactive touch screens, build-your-own parts for mini figurines, and interactive bins are all unavailable. Plus, you are asked to stay behind the taped off areas when you’re looking around.

Taped off floor markings in the LEGO Store

If you want to check out a lego set, a Cast Member will help you.

See all the changes in the Lego Store here!

Kate Spade

Although Kate Spade is open right now, the store isn’t letting anyone inside! You can still place phone order and receive curbside pick-up.

Kate Spade

You can also window-shop and call the store if you see something you like!

Vera Bradley

Stores around Disney Springs have started to sell their own face masks to guests!

Vera Bradley Face Masks

Although Vera Bradley has previously had a few designs to choose from, there was only one in stock while we were there since they’re selling out quickly.

Read all about Vera Bradley’s face masks here!

Sephora

Sephora has opened back up to guests, but things are little bit different! At this time, there are no samples, trying on products, or beauty and skin services.

Sephora

You can return products after purchasing them, and you can also score a free tote with a $75 purchase!

Sephora

We noticed that Cast Members wore buttons with their faces on them (which were ADORABLE) so you know what they look like without a mask on.

Sephora

A Cast Member also told us that the store plans to sell their own face masks soon too (we only hope there are some colors that make our eyes pop!).

Check out Sephora’s SUPER crowded reopening in Disney Springs here!

Fuel Rod

If you’re in Disney Springs and you want to exchange your Fuel Rod, the experience is now contactless. Note that you will have to call the number listed on the machines so a Fuel Rod can be remotely dispatched to you.

Disney Springs Construction Update

We were happy to see that the new Shine Bar at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is in full swing to bring us a new place to kick back, sip on some cocktails, and maybe eat some Hummingbird Cake (fingers crossed).

Shine Bar

The construction sign gave us a little sneak peek of what’s to come!

Learn more about the new Shine Bar coming soon here!

Disney Springs Entertainment Update

The Stormtroopers were ordering around Rebel SCUM again (and empathizing with First Order supporters, of course).

Stormtroopers

We’ve also spotted them in a newer spot closer the the AMC Theater!

Check out the First Order invasion that happened in Disney Springs recently!

Well, that’s all for this What’s New in Disney Springs! We’re going to keep doing our part eating the latest food options, checking out stores as they reopen, and keeping you posted every step of the way!

Find out everything you need to know about Disney World’s reopening here!

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. What’s New at Disney Springs: Dogs Wearing Face Masks, Four Pounds of Loaded Fries, and MORE!
  2. What’s New at Disney Springs! NEW Menu Items; Missing Menu Items; The CUTEST Valentine’s Day Cards; and FREE Cupcakes!
  3. What’s NEW at Disney Springs: The Her Universe Star Wars Collection, NEW Park Life Dooneys, and Rock the Dots Merch!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney Entertainment, disney merchandise, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, BB Wolf’s, Disney, disney construction, disney dining, Disney merch, Disney merchandise, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Kate Spade, outdoor pop up bars, Paddlefish, Paradiso 37, Popcorn Buckets, popcorn refills, sephora, Shine Bar, spice and tea exchange, sprinkles, stormtroopers, Terralina Crafted Italian, the lego store, Vera Bradley, World of Disney

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Review: Chocolate Paradise and Some Pasta Too! We’re in Disney Springs at the Reopened Terralina Crafted Italian!

Disney Springs has been reopening its restaurants for guests to get their eatin’ and drinkin’ on while they’re visiting!

Terralina Crafted Italian

Although we’ve been taking you with us to try some great food (Buri Bop is the BOMB), we’re back for a little slice of Italy at Terralina Crafted Italian! Terralina Crafted Italian is owned by James Beard Award Winning Chef, Tony Mantuano, and themed after his love of Lake Como, Italy.

Checking In

Before you enter the restaurant, there are social distancing markers on the ground to wait behind…

Terralina Crafted Italian

…and a few on the inside to remind guests to keep 6 feet apart from one another.

Distancing Sticker

The hostess is inside currently, so guests can either check-in for their reservation or wait for a table on stand-by.

Hostess

While you’re waiting, Terralina has hand sanitizer placed around the restaurant for guests and Cast Members to use.

Waiting Area

You can also pop over to the indoor bar…

Indoor Bar

…or outdoor bar for a drink, since they are both open for drinks to-go! You don’t have to tell us twice!

Outdoor Bar

Note, the seating at both bars is done by the hostess, so if you’d like to sit — just ask!

Menu

Since Disney is following strict health and safety guidelines, the restaurant has three ways to view the menu. You can look at the limited options outside…

Outdoor Menu

…through a QR code…

QR Menu

…or on disposable paper menus!

Terralina Menu (Click to Enlarge)

The menu at Terralina has been condensed for the time being and there is one all-day menu now, as opposed to different lunch and dinner menus.

Terralina Menu (Click to enlarge)

Terralina Crafted Italian will also give you a mask bag to place your mask inside while you’re dining.

Paper Menu

We appreciated having a sanitary place to store our masks and it was a great way to protect them while we ate.

Drink

We decided to start off with the Limoncello Mojito, which happened to be one of Terralina’s most popular drinks! The cocktail was mixed up with imported Arvero Limoncello, simple syrup, and muddled mint.

Limoncello Mojito

While the flavors might have been simple, the Limoncello Mojito was super light and fresh!

Limoncello Mojito

It reminded us of a minty lemonade, which would be VERY refreshing as a poolside cocktail in the Florida heat.

Eats

And, now, on to the eats! Terralina was not doing bread service during our visit due to an abundance of caution, but we still got our fix with an appetizer.

We started our meal off with the Burrata, which came with prosciutto, arugula, lemon, and crostini. Normally, the Burrata is made with in-house pickled beets instead of prosciutto. However, Terralina tends to make them in bulk, so the beets aren’t a possibility at this time with the limited amount of guests. Instead, they’ve decided to mix things up by using an ingredient they have readily available in their kitchen (we’re not complaining!!).

Burrata

The cracked pepper over the prosciutto added a lovely hint of spice paired with the lemon zest on the burrata. The arugula had a light lemon vinaigrette so we got a lovely citrus flavor to pair with all the savory eats.

We made our own mini DIY sandwich with the crostini, which was WAY better than the sad turkey sandwiches we’ve had over the past several weeks at home… .

Cheese and Meat! Oh My!

This was a really delicious and fresh way to kick off our meal! It was a large serving as well, which would make it a great shareable, or even a lovely lunch or dinner for one.

We thought that nothing could beat that appetizer, but the Rigatoni Calabrese was waiting to make us fall in love with pasta all over again. The dish was mixed with house-made pork sausage, tomato, olive, mushroom, and escarole.

Rigatoni Calabrese

Although we’d normally go for a creamier pasta or something with truffles (who doesn’t love truffles with Italian food??), we were surprised at how much we liked the Rigatoni Calabrese! The flavors blended well together and the bitter escarole balanced the olive oil and butter.

Rigatoni Calabrese

The pork was actually ground instead of sausage links, which made for easier chewing with the pasta. The flavors of the meat really stood out in the dish, which we LOVED.

Although we couldn’t taste the olives too much, we thought that adding extra cheese made the Rigatoni Calabrese even better. Our server even told us that they have one person whose whole job at a point is to make all the little cheese cups (obviously cheese is just that important).

You Can’t Go Wrong with Some Parmesan!

Our server also let us know this is a Chef Tony Mantuano specialty, and has been a staple on the menu since Terralina’s first ideation, Portobello Yacht Club, opened 35 years ago. When in Italy, eat like the Italians!

We aren’t ones to say no to dessert, and we certainly couldn’t pass up the Chocolate Paradiso Cake! The chocolate layer cake was topped with chocolate ganache and toffee crunch (so it was the perfect combination of rich, sweet, and salty!).

Paradise Cake

Although the cake was previously called Chocolate Paradise (back when Terralina was “Portobello“) we were VERY happy to get another round during our visit.

Paradise Cake

Read our original review of the Chocolate Paradise here!

In addition to a tasty meal, the service was one of the best we’ve had in Disney Springs (so give your Cast Members some well-needed love)! At checkout, our server let us know about a special deal for Florida Residents — 20% off food and alcoholic beverages! Good food at a lower price? Yes, please!

Nosh or Not

Consider dining at Terralina if:

  • You’re looking for a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere for a sit-down meal.
  • You love Italian food and have a hankering for pasta or wood-fired pizza.
  • You’re a local who wants to take advantage of their current discount!

Skip Terralina if:

  • You don’t have time for a sit-down meal, and want something on-the-go.
  • Italian food isn’t your favorite, or you’d like to try something a bit more adventurous.

Overall, we really enjoyed our visit to Terralina Crafted Italian. The flavors were fresh, the cocktail was refreshing, the service was excellent, and we’re still dreaming about that cake. With so many delicious places to eat at Disney Springs, it was nice to re-visit Terralina, and we look forward to our next visit!

Check out all the details on Disney World’s canceled dining reservations here!

Have you been to Terralina Crafted Italian? What’s your favorite thing to eat? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. What’s New at Disney Springs: Dogs Wearing Face Masks, Four Pounds of Loaded Fries, and MORE!
  2. Umm, Can We Talk For a Sec About These BIZARRE Snacks From Disney World?!
  3. Review! We’re Loving This NEW Menu Addition to Homecomin’ in Disney Springs!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, alcoholic beverages, Burrata, chocolate paradise, chocolate paradiso, Disney, disney dining, disney drinks, disney food, disney news, disney restaurant, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Italian food, limoncello mojito, rigatoni calabrese, Terralina Crafted Italian

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Disney Parks

News! Disney Springs’ Under Armour Store Is at Capacity Today — And We Think We Know Why!

Disney Springs is a little more crowded today, and you just have to look at the Under Armour store to see that.

Under Armour at Disney Springs

While strolling around Walt Disney World‘s shopping complex today (and munching some popcorn in our refillable bucket we picked up!), we noticed that the athletic apparel store was at capacity…and we think we know why!

As it turns out, Under Armour is offering a one-day $10 off coupon for purchases of $10 or more! If you find something not too pricey and close to ten bucks, like a great pair of socks, you could get them for almost free!

Under Armour $10 off coupon at Disney Springs

That sounds like a great deal for folks who love the brand’s HeatGear casual wear line, which can help keep you cool in that classic Florida heat.

But this coupon means guests are having to wait outside in a socially-distanced line before shopping for all of that athletic gear since Under Armour (and other stores) around Disney Springs are limiting capacity during this initial reopening phrase.

Standing in line for Under Armour at Disney Springs

Luckily, once you get inside, you can safely shop and get a serious deal on some new workout clothes! Remember, this deal is TODAY ONLY, so if you’re itching to get some new workout gear to help shed some of those pounds we all may or may not have gained being stuck inside for so long, they’ve got what you need!

Another store has reopened in Disney Springs! Check it out here!

Are you excited to shop at Under Armour when you get back to Disney Springs? Let us know!

Related posts:

  1. A New Store Has Opened in Disney Springs And It’s Selling Major EYE CANDY!
  2. Review! We’re Dining at T-Rex in Disney World, But Will Our Meal Be Dino-MITE??
  3. Apple Cinnamon Wings and Maple Bourbon Eggnog? YES PLEASE! We’re Heading to Disney Springs for These Eats!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, at capacity, athletic gear, Capacity limitations, coronavirus impact, coupons, disney coupons, disney springs, Disney World, News, shopping, social distancing, Under Armour, under armour sale