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Happy “Gnu” Year – Here’s the Year of the Ox Merchandise Available at EPCOT

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date January 2, 2021

Although we all have rung in 2021, there’s another “gnu” year still to celebrate. The Year of the Ox begins on Saturday, February 12, 2021. If you want to celebrate you can do so in style with lots of Year of the Ox merchandise at the China Pavilion at EPCOT.

Happy “Gnu” Year – Here’s the Year of the Ox Merchandise Available at EPCOT — Year of the Ox Merchandise

Chinese Zodiac years are not based in the traditional Gregorian calendar. Each year starts on a different date based on the lunar calendar. Besides each lunar year being associated with a different animal, there is also an association with a different element. In Chinese theory there are five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. This year’s Year of the Ox is associated with metal, so anyone born under this year will be a metal ox. The lunar Year of the Ox is from February 12, 2021 until January 30, 2022.

It has been an annual tradition for Disney to release lunar new year merchandise at the China pavilion. In recent years a spirit jersey and mouse ears have become staples of the collection.

The spirit jersey uses the Chinese symbol for gnu, as is the ox-like animal, to say “Happy Gnu Year” on the front. We also found an ornament for the year, which displays all the recent years of the Ox and its characteristics.

Have you ever purchased Chinese New Year merchandise at EPCOT? What do you think of this year’s collection?

The post Happy “Gnu” Year – Here’s the Year of the Ox Merchandise Available at EPCOT appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Epcot, Merchandise, Shopping, chinese lunar new year, chinese new year, Epcot merchandise, epcot shopping, year of the ox

Tags chinese lunar new year, chinese new year, epcot, Epcot merchandise, epcot shopping, merchandise, Shopping, year of the ox

Disney Lists Disney Parks Other

3 Things We Are Looking Forward to at the 2021 Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Arts

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date December 30, 2020

Practically any day of the year that you visit EPCOT you’re bound to do so during one of its many festivals. The 2021 Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Arts starts on January 8, 2021, and we’re getting excited. Disney has been using the term “Taste of” for all of EPCOT’s festivals ever since the park’s reopening in July 2020. This term is used to help illustrate that each festival is a little lighter on its normal offerings. Still, there’s lots to look forward to.

The 15 Food Studios
Browsing beautiful art on display around World Showcase
Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt

3 Things We Are Looking Forward to at the 2021 Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Arts EPCOT Festival of the Arts — Epcot Festival of the Arts – February 2020

It wouldn’t be an EPCOT festival without food and beverage booths all along World Showcase promenade. The food and beverage at the Festival of the Arts is often the most creative of any festival. This is when the beauty of culinary art is on display as a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

3 Things We Are Looking Forward to at the 2021 Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Arts — Champagne with popping bubbles at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts 2020

EPCOT is already a beautiful park. (Well at least World Showcase is; Future World is a bit of a wreck right now.) Throughout World Showcase during the Festival of the Arts, there will be tents featuring different artists and their works. Most of the artists are there to greet guests and answer any questions. It will be interesting to see how this plays out with social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions.

Although it costs $7.99, Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt is a fun activity for families, and kids at heart. Each festival there is a different scavenger hunt around World Showcase and it results in a fun, themed prize. We look forward to seeing what this year’s prize will be. Any guesses?

Have you been to the EPCOT Festival of the Arts before? What’s your favorite part?

The post 3 Things We Are Looking Forward to at the 2021 Taste of EPCOT Festival of the Arts appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Epcot, Festivals, Just For Fun, Trip Planning, 2021 festival of the arts, Epcot Festival of the Arts

Tags 2021 festival of the arts, epcot, Epcot Festival of the Arts, Festivals, Just For Fun, Trip Planning

Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Reviews Other

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date December 29, 2020

Dining at World Showcase in EPCOT is usually a fantastic experience no matter which restaurant you choose. But, there are some that are EPCOT classics. One such classic is the Rose an Crown Dining Room. Our team revisited this popular pub-style restaurant to make sure its quality continues to be brilliant.

The Rose and Crown stands proudly on World Showcase promenade in the United Kingdom Pavilion. There is a proper pub in the front, and a dining room in the back with outside dining as well. The outdoor dining offers some relaxing views of World Showcase and the lagoon.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value — ©Rikki Niblett

The menu at Rose and Crown consists of classic fare from the United Kingdom including favorites like Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. It mustn’t be easy to be a British themed restaurant and pub in the United States that’s a popular destination for guests actually from the United Kingdom who are very familiar with the real deal. But, Rose and Crown Dining Room generally satisfies most guests.

We have listings and ratings for all Walt Disney World restaurants on our site and our readers give Rose and Crown an 89% thumbs up rating. It is ranked 33 out of 106 table service restaurants at Disney World. So while it is not in the top tier, it is still a solid choice.

Chrissy on our team, and our junior researcher Gigi stopped in for an early dinner and ordered some of the classics on the menu:

Fish and Chips – “Rose & Crown’s Signature Dish” Beer-battered and served with Tartar Sauce – $25.00
Shepherd’s Pie – Ground Beef, Seasonal Vegetables, English Peas, and Mashed Potatoes with McCall’s Irish Cheddar – $22.00
English Trifle – Layers of Strawberries, Vanilla Custard, Graham Crackers, and Whipped Cream – $8.00

The Fish and Chips are indeed the signature dish. Although you can get a serving of fish and chips from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop outside for half the price, the quality of the fish is lesser and the serving is smaller. At the dining room the Fish and Chip are thick Cod and fried to perfection. The chips are tender and fluffy, with a crispy exterior. It is near perfection for being in a theme park.

On a rare chilly Central Florida Day a piping hot dish of Shepherd’s Pie is just the thing. Our team’s serving was rich and decadent. The Irish Cheddar on top added a delightful tang, and it’s hard not to be jealous of the perfect preparation and presentation of the mashed potatoes.

It was hard for our team to decide between the Sticky Toffee Pudding or the English Trifle, but with the heavy entrees, the English Trifle won out. This generous serving of strawberry and vanilla custard was still light enough to not feel like a brick on top of a heavy meal. Refreshing and sweet, it can make you feel like a child again as it resembles an ice cream sundae so many Americans are fond of.

Like so many other restaurants since the July 2020 reopening, the menu at Rose and Crown has been reduced a little. The Corned Beef and Cabbage, Grilled Scottish Salmon, and Savory Vegetable Crumble are currently not on the menu. The Vegetable Crumble is replaced by an Impossible Savory Hot Pot, which is very similar to the Shepherd’s Pie.

Have you dined at Rose and Crown before? What’s your favorite item on the menu?

The post REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Drinking, Epcot, disney dining, Epcot Restaurants

Tags dining, disney dining, Drinking, epcot, Epcot Restaurants

Disney Food Disney Guides Disney Parks Disney Reviews

REVIEW – Sunshine Seasons Is a Quick Service Dining Option that Shines Bright at EPCOT

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date October 31, 2020

EPCOT may be considered the foodies park, and for good reason, but sometimes you may just want something inspired by American cuisine rather than something international. Sunshine Seasons is currently the only quick service dining option inside Future World. The good news is the food is pretty great. The other good news is it offers convenient mobile ordering and an interesting setting.

Our team visited EPCOT this week and I was curious about the state of things at Sunshine Seasons. So with a suggestion from me and a Twitter poll to our followers, our team visited this quick service location. The menu at Sunshine Seasons is one of the largest of any quick service location on Disney property, though it is slightly reduced right now. The focus is primarily on American modern classic fare, but there are a few Latin and Greek influences too.

The Land Crusher Sandwich and Oak-grilled Salmon at Sunshine Seasons

Our Twitter followers selected two entrees for our team to (hopefully) enjoy:

Oak-grilled Salmon – Served with Cheese Grits and Andouille Corn Succotash, $12.99
The Land Crusher – Pulled Pork and Cheddar piled high on Texas Toast served with Chips, $10.99

Good job Twitter followers! Both entrees were enjoyed by our team. The Land Crusher won out. It is a robust sandwich that could feed two people, but is perfectly acceptable if consumed by one person. It is delicious. You might get a few curious looks when eating this large, messy sandwich, but it is worth it.

The Oak-grilled Salmon is a great option for those that prefer something healthful, but satisfying. Salmon at Walt Disney World does have a sad tendency to be overcooked, and such was the case with this dish. Still, the cheese grits and Andouille succotash (corn and lima beans, peppers, and Andouille sausage) were two really great sides that helped elevate the plate.

One of the helpful resources on our site and our Lines app is the listings for every Walt Disney World dining option. Thanks to our readers we are able to include ratings and rankings for every restaurant. Our readers giving Sunshine Seasons a 90% thumbs up rating, and rank it at number 27 out of 108 quick service options at Walt Disney World. This makes it one of the highest rated options and a great choice.

Sunshine Seasons Dining Area (photo is pre COVID-19)

Mobile ordering is available at this location, which is one of only two quick service locations at EPCOT with it available. Mobile ordering is really convenient especially when you place your order while in line for a ride, and then check-in to pick up you’re order when you’re done with the ride. Sunshine Seasons resembles a modern mall food court, but the dining area is in beneath the atrium of The Land pavilion with views of Living with the Land boat ride and Soarin’ creating an exciting atmosphere. There are four sections of seating, each with tables that resemble one of the four seasons (not the band, the actual seasons).

Have you ever dined at Sunshine Seasons? Where’s your favorite place to dine at EPCOT?

The post REVIEW – Sunshine Seasons Is a Quick Service Dining Option that Shines Bright at EPCOT appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Epcot, epcot dining, epcot quick service, Epcot Restaurants

Tags dining, epcot, epcot dining, epcot quick service, Epcot Restaurants

Disney Parks

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 28, 2020

The Disney World parks have remained closed since initially shutting their gates on March 16th.

Magic Kingdom

But with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom set to reopen on July 11th, followed by Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th, the longest closure in Disney World history will soon be coming to an end.

There will be a number of new health and safety procedures implemented upon reopening, including reduced park capacity with required reservations, limited attractions and entertainment offerings, required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, to name a few.

Despite the planned safety measures, there have still been concerns raised that the parks are reopening too soon. These concerns are heightened by the increasing case numbers in Florida, as highlighted by the closure of recently reopened bars. And since Disneyland has delayed its planned park reopening date of July 17th, some have suggested that Disney World should do the same.

Tree of Life

So, with all of the buzz around the ever-evolving situation, we asked our Instagram followers, “Do you think it’s too soon to reopen the parks?”

Of the respondents, 57% said yes, they think it’s too soon to reopen the parks, while the remaining 43% said no, they don’t think it’s too soon.

Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked If They Think It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen

Let’s take a look at some of the responses we received from our readers!

“Yes, It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen.”

Many of those who said they do think it’s too soon for the Disney World parks to reopen pointed to the recent increase of case numbers in Florida. “I think when they made the plan it was fine, but now with the rising [number of] cases it’s too soon.” This was a common concern expressed by those who responded.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance

Others also pointed out that despite the precautions Disney has taken, there is still no guarantee that other guests will follow the rules the parks have put in place. “Yes. Not because I don’t trust Disney, but because I don’t trust people.” Some respondents expressed concern that social distancing and face mask guidelines would not be adhered to.

“No, I don’t think the parks are reopening too soon.”

There were also some common trends among those who don’t think the parks are reopening too soon. Several people pointed out that Disney World waited longer to reopen than many other theme parks. “No. They waited longer to be safe. They will make the parks safe for guests and Cast Members.”

Magic Kingdom

A number of people also said that they’re impressed by the health and safety precautions Disney has implemented, and due to these measures, they would feel comfortable in the parks. “I honestly feel safer at Disney World than any other place we could possibly visit.”

Currently, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen on July 11th, which would mark the end of a 117-day closure of all Disney World parks. However, despite the new health and safety measures planned for the reopening, some guests still have concerns about the timing of the reopening. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, details are subject to change, so we’re keeping a close eye on any updates.

Do you think the Disney World parks are reopening too soon? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, DFB Reader Questions, dfb readers response, disney parks reopen, disney parks reopening, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, we asked our readers

Tags animal kingdom, DFB Reader Questions, dfb readers response, disney parks, disney parks reopen, disney parks reopening, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, disney's hollywood studios, epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, we asked our readers