Saturday, August 29, 2009

Walt Disney Time Travel !!!!


World of Motion


I'm going to take you back. No, not "back to the future". Actually, we are going back to 1982. Yes, it was the year when EPCOT was opening, and you can already guess what we are going to talk about. Let me guess, you are thinking "Horizons". Well, sorry, but that wasn't open back at 1982, maybe another time. What was that? You said "Journey into Imagination"? My friend, the pavillion was there, but the actual ride didn't open until 1983. Did somebody said "CommuniCore"? Good guess, but thats not our subject today. Lets hop into the DeLorean, and go back to the past, as we take a look at one of my favorite old-time attractions, WORLD OF MOTION.

World of Motion was the first attraction that took place at the Transportation pavillion. The same pavillion that today holds the Test Track ride (which is awesome, I must confess). But before we talk about the actual ride, let me inform you about some interesting stuff. It was an opening day attraction sponsored by General Motors, that wanted to give a funny look on the transportation history. That was interesting, because most people said that EPCOT Center was not a park for the kids. Its story began when General Motors wanted to sponsor a pavillion at Epcot, because Ford had one at the 1964's New York World's Fair. GM then signed a 10 year sponsorship deal, and construction began on the ride, together with EPCOT Center's own construction.

The ride then took you to a trip on OmniMover's that told you all about the transportation history - in a way that it would be educational and interesting. It was narrated by Gary Owens, and featured 188 Audio-Animatronics, that featured from a sailor looking at his telescope, with a sea serpent looking back; a man who just fell from his bike; another man who was running from a dog and much more. Of course, you can tell by reading this that World of Motion exceeded at its task: educate and entertain kids and adults.

And the ride didn't end there. After a look at the city of the future, and another incredible use of the Pepper's Ghost effect, where people saw that their OmniMover's had just transformed into vehicles from the future, you were dropped at the Transcenter, a huge place where you had much more to see! Look at GM cars from the past, the present and the future! Take a look at the Water Engine, and sneak into The Dreamer's Workshop, to see concepts for future GM cars! Also, my personal favorite, the show Bird an the Robot, where an New York bird presented his fellow robot companion - named Tiger - do lots of tricks such as play dead, conduct an orchestra, and more - in fact, he was the first Audio Animatronic to PICK UP stuff, such as an Applause/Boo sign and an conductor baton.


But it all had to end. In 1992, GM had just signed another contract, but had a new idea: "How about the Disney Imagineers make another ride, but this time, make it focus more on CARS than the concept of general transportation?". And so, World of Motion was closed and Test Track was born. My opnion on this? Test Track is a great attraction, and World of Motion was a great attraction too. Both had the same level of "awesomeness". So, I say that every attraction has its time, and World of Motion time had come. But we will never forget that when it comes to transportation, it's always fun to be free.

It's fun to be free,
to be on the move.
To go anywhere,
with never a care.
To do all you wanted to do,
it's fun to be free!

It's fun to be free,
to be on the move.
To go where you please,
with comfort and ease.
To see all there is to be seen,
it's fun to be free!

Written By: http://twitter.com/Stratofariusbr


Tomorrowland Transit Authority reopen date is Sept. 12th.

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority or as I like to call it the People Mover will be reopening on September 12 2009. One of the noticeable changes is the LED lighting with interesting color-changing effects. This video is on youtube and I posted it for your enjoyment. If I find out any other new changes I will post them A.S.A.P..


Friday, August 28, 2009

New La Cava del Tequila Serves Up Tastes of Mexican Tequila Heritage

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas are on tap at La Cava del Tequila, a new offering for Epcot guests to explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico.

Tucked away in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila beckons guests with more than 70 types of authentic tequila, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the agave plant. Tequilas range in price from $8 to $50 for a specialty tequila.

Amid warm décor, art work and original artifacts all celebrating the Mexican heritage, a “Tequila Ambassador” is on hand to educate Walt Disney World guests on the history of tequila-making.

Also on the drink menu: Exotic and uniquely blended margaritas, introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists. A variety of quick tastes, tapas style, will be available, including freshly made guacamole and ceviche as well as mahi mahi tostadas with diced mango and avocado and blue crab tostados with chipotle mayo and Valentina sauce.

The 30-seat La Cava del Tequila is open from noon until Epcot park closing time. It is connected to the famous San Angel Inn as part of the Mexico pavilion, a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests.

The Most Delicious Time of the Year – Epcot’s 14th Annual International Food & Wine

Festival runs from September 25-November 8, 2009 at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Whether you have been to Epcot enough times to rattle off the location of each hidden Mickey in the park, or you are planning your very first visit - the World Showcase’s reputation for great food is well known. Roaming from the Margaritas in Mexico’s San Angel Inn to the steaks cooked to perfection in Canada’s Le Cellier, to the pastries in France’s Boulangerie, you will not go hungry in Epcot. However, if you want even more scrumptious treats, wines, and beers from countries that are not normally represented at Epcot, then you won’t want to miss the Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival .

As soon as you enter the World Showcase section of Epcot with your theme park admission, the delicious smells of delicacies from across the globe waft around you, making your stomach growl in anticipation. Oh, did I mention to come hungry? That’s a must. No filling up on a character breakfast buffet before visiting the Food & Wine Festival - you will thank me later! Most likely, you’ll have a hard time deciding which of the tapas-style food creations (priced between $2-$7 a plate) to try. The unique wine and beer pairings simply add to the experience.

This year the festival, which always features a different annual theme (although many favorite dishes return each year), is focusing on “foodie” cities from around the world. There are more than 25 kiosks serving food and wine around the World Showcase promenade – highlights of which include Bologna, Italy; Bangkok, Thailand; Wellington, New Zealand; Santiago, Chile; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; with New Orleans going to bat for the United States.

Be sure you pick up a guide map at the park entrance, so you can follow along with all the great selections and decide which food and drink stations you can’t miss. While I could say to just try them all, even the most competitive eaters might not be able to pull off trying ever offering in one day. One way to go would be make one trip around to try all the new foods as you walk around and enjoy the sites and sounds of World Showcase, then take a break in Future World as you digest, and make another trip around for some of the wonderful desserts featured at the pavilions.

On a personal note, this festival has always been a ‘must-see’ for our family. We were here when it began in 1995, because we were cast members at the time. The 2nd year, my husband and I were getting married during the festival’s run, and showing our relatives and friends the amazing offerings in the days before we had our reception at the Walt Disney World Dolphin. Years later our children look forward to it each year as well. Would you believe my son’s favorite part is eating the escargot from France each year?? Yes, you read that right – snails! It’s a great way to get kids excited about trying new foods and learning about new countries and traditions in the process.

While you may come for the food, there is much more than just eating and drinking happening around the promenade. There are culinary demonstrations, beer and wine tastings from around the world, and Signature Dining Series for the true gourmands, featuring guest speakers and chefs serving up delectable lunches and dinners, for a separate fee. In addition to all the edible enjoyment, you can Eat to the Beat with some wonderful musicians that keep things rocking while you enjoy the tastes of the world.

Here are the 17 scheduled performers for this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series:
Concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, begin at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change) includes:


Eat to the Beat concert series schedule:*

Sept. 25-27 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)”)
Sept. 28-29 Richard Marx ("Hold On to the Nights")
Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Starship starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
Oct. 4-6 En Vogue (“Free Your Mind”)
Oct. 7-8 Better Than Ezra ("Good")
Oct. 9-11 Sister Hazel (“All for You”)
Oct. 12-13 Kool & The Gang (“Celebration”)
Oct. 14-16 Spyro Gyra (“Morning Dance”)
Oct. 17-18 Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”)
Oct. 19-20 Sister Sledge ("We Are Family")
Oct. 21-22 Vanessa Carlton ("A Thousand Miles")
Oct. 23-25 Taylor Dayne ("Tell It to My Heart")
Oct. 26-28 Boyz II Men (“Motownphilly”)
Oct. 29-31 John Waite ("Missing You")
Nov. 1-2 Night Ranger (“Sister Christian”)
Nov. 3-5 Billy Ocean ("Caribbean Queen")
Nov. 6-8 Los Lobos (“La Bamba”)


Don’t forget to grab an extra dessert, drink and a spot for viewing Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Epcot’s mesmerizing nighttime fireworks show, featuring awe-inspiring fireworks, fountains, lasers and music – the perfect nightcap to a delicious Disney day.

For more information: see WaltDisneyWorld.com’s Food & Wine Festival page.

*Entertainment subject to change




Zanna DiMarzio, ZannaLand.com

Monday, August 10, 2009

Top 10 Restaurants in WDW

I had so many fans reply to this poll. It was supposed to be a Top 5 but with over 500 responses I had to make it a Top 10. I know myself I have ate at most of Walt Disney World's Restaurants and enjoy the wonderful tasty meals that they have served me. But there are always a few that always stand out. And here are some of your Walt Disney World Favorites that made the Top 10.

10. Shula's ( Dolphin Resort)
9. Yak and Yeti (Animal Kingdom ) (Tie)
9. Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian) (Tie)
8. Teppan Edo (Epcot Japan)
7. Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Villa's)
6. Flying Fish (Boardwalk)
5. Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studio's)
4. Victoria and Albert's (Grand Floridian)
3. 'Ohana (Polynesian)
2. California Grill (Contemporary)
1. Le Cellier (Epcot Canada)

I hope everyone enjoy's looking at the Top 10 Rated Restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. And soon you I will be posting the Top 10 Rated Counter Service Restaurants. If you have a favorite Counter Service Restaurant let us know. Send us a Tweet on Twitter or Email us at wdwfacts@gmail.com. Thanks for all your responses and have a Magical Day.