EPCOT is in such a weird incomplete state right now. To add to the weirdness there is the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival happening right now. Much in the way Disney fans call a festival-free EPCOT “Diet EPCOT” one might consider this festival to be a “Diet Food and Wine Festival” – except the calories are totally there. The Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival offers a variety booths with food and beverage delights. But, the number of booths and the extensiveness of some of the menus is reduced.
A few members of our team have experienced this mini festival. Check out our review of some of the interesting tastes waiting for you at EPCOT.
World ShowPlace Pavilion
Enjoy air conditioning and tables with chairs at World ShowPlace Pavilion. This venue usually hosts special and private events. It is a nice treat when it is open to regular park guests.
Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops – Three Flavors: Chocolate, M&M’s, and Twix (a hit) – Just watching the cake pop preparation was a show on its own. Seeing the Cast Member dip the cake pops into the liquid nitrogen and the vapor coming off them when they were done was seriously good fun! The shells remain crunchy as long as you stay inside and eat them quickly. Otherwise, they are cool but lack the same magic shell crunch they originally had. The plain chocolate was nice, but I will always get candy if there is no extra charge! This is a great treat for anyone new to the festival or new to Disney; they certainly make quite the impression. A good value at $4
Nitrogen Cake Pops – World ShowPlace at Taste of EPCOT Food and WineNitrogen Cake Pops – World ShowPlace at Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Gourmet Mac and Cheese – with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko (a hit) – There is enough here to share, but it’s so very good that you’ll try not to. A bowl of this and a cake pop would be heaven for a picky eater. A good value at $4.50.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce topped with Carrots, Celery, and Blue Cheese Crumbles (a hit) – The carrots and celery, and just a little bit of blue cheese, take this dish over the top. Our reviewer, Christina, said “I am stealing this idea for my next gathering (probably 2022) for sure.” It was spicy and creamy and crunchy. A very satisfying plate, and a good value at $5.50.
Lobster Mac & Cheese with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce and Lobster Cream topped with Herbed Panko (just okay) – To be fair, we tried this about 10 minutes before the park closed, and while the other two plates from the same booth were fantastic, I think this one suffered. The lobster was too fishy for me and it wasn’t something I would get again or recommend to anyone else (from Christina). A poor value at $6.50.
Mac and Cheese – World ShowPlace at Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Mexico
Ribeye Steak with Ranchera Salsa in a Corn Tortilla topped with Onions, Chives, and a Lime Wedge (a hit) – Any taco purist’s dream, a corn tortilla; a simple, well-cooked protein; and a huge piece of lime. The steak was so tender and the slight dollop of salsa was just outstanding. Our team has been back for this taco repeatedly. The serving is not enough to share. Thank goodness. A decent value at $6.95.
Ribeye Taco – Mexico Booth Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
China
Chicken Dumpling with Chinese Slaw (just okay) – This isn’t a new item for China, but it’s definitely one of the more solid standards. You know what you’re getting – a tasty dumpling and a sweet and pungent slaw with a sticky sauce. The serving is not enough to share, but more than enough to make one person happy. A decent value at $4.95
Mongolian Beef Bao Bun (just okay) – After enjoying the tender flavorful ribeye beef found at the Mexico booth, this beef was disappointing. The delightful bun almost makes up for it. A poor value at $6.75.
Chicken Dumpling – China Booth Taste of EPCOT Food and WineBeef Bao – China Booth Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Earth Eats Hosted by Impossible
Impossible Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (a hit) – We raved over this at Flower and Garden earlier in the year and it’s still a favorite. Because we came later in the day, the lentil bread, while still delicious, was a little tough. A good value at $5.75.
The Impossible Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Asian Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun (a hit) – How was the bun on this burger so fresh and wonderful and without any hint of staleness and yet is from the same booth?!? A mystery for sure. The burger is fantastic and a solid favorite of even devout meat eaters. The Wasabi Cream is so good – they should sell bottles at the booth. A good value at $5.25.
Impossible Slider and Meatball – Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine
Have you been to the Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival yet? Do you have any favorite tastes?
From our friends at touringplans.com Filed Under: Epcot, Festivals, Trip Planning, disney dining, disney reopening, epcot food and wine 2020, taste of epcot international food and wine
Novelty socks are a great way to express yourself and your fandom. Disney fans will be pleased to see that there are a variety of novelty socks available at Walt Disney World and at shopDisney online too. The latest sets feature scenes and characters from the Haunted Mansion, including the portraits in the stretching room and two of the hitchhiking ghosts. We found these socks at Main Street Emporium at Magic Kingdom.
This week’s SATURDAY SIXtakes a look at theme park news via MEMES! This week has been the longest year on record, and with a storm barreling down on Florida as this fine blog series goes to print, it doesn’t seem to be getting better any time soon. However, one of the biggest strengths of humanity is our resilience, and our ability to make chicken salad when life gives us, well, you know. So we’re going to look at some of the news from the past week, and despite how much it was “not great, Bob” we can still have some fun. Let’s start it off with…
# 6 -RIP HHN
Let’s just rip the band-aid off fast and start off with some depressing news. For the first time in 30 years, Universal cancelled their annual Halloween Horror Nights event. Remember that moment in A Christmas Story, when the neighbor’s dogs come into the house and tore up the family’s turkey? As Ralphie and his family looked down at the destroyed Christmas turkey, he thought…
The heavenly aroma still hung in the house, but it was gone, all gone! No turkey, no turkey sandwiches, no turkey salad, no turkey gravy, turkey hash, turkey a-la-king, or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, all gone!”
That’s how this week was for HHN fans. No more speculating about what houses we would get. No online discussion about the upcoming scarezones. No one debating on Twitter whether Bill & Ted might be able to come back for a surprise appearance to tie-in with the upcoming movie. No arguing about how much we’d rather have original houses compared to IP-based houses. It was all gone like Thanos had just snapped his fingers again.
With HHN now gone, that left those of us in Central Florida do have an alternative…
When Universal made the official announcement that there would be no HHN, it did so before it opened the HHN Tribute Store in USF. For those who don’t know, the past couple years Universal has built an elaborately themed gift shop that is filled with incredible details and photo-ops for fans. After the news of HHN’s cancellation, our friends at Parkscope made an all-too-poignant commentary on what may happen to the tribute store this year….
One of the small bits of good news we got this week was that Universal did open the tribute store and gave fans at least a small taste of what this year’s HHN would have been like.
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, or the world’s scariest mime. You decide.
# 5 – What Will Replace Ample Hills
While Ample Hills Creamery started to reopen some of their stores across the country this past week, theme park fans were dealt a blow when the company announced the location at Disney’s Boardwalk would not be reopening, and they would also not be going forward with the location announced for Disney Springs. Ample Hills had THE BEST ice cream on Disney property, so this one hurt. It did not take long for Disney to cover up the Ample Hills signage…
After @bioreconstruct posted the above photo showing a “blank” Ample Hills, DisTwitter went to work on creating what was going to replace it.
Who among us would say no to this? (art by @hocohowie)Touching tribute to all the cheap gift shops our parents dragged us to off 192. (art by @servoisnaked)Again. Who says no? (art by @hannah_p17)From our friend Drunky’s Dream Journal. (art by @DrunkAtDisney)DisTwitter Meme Icon SuperWeenieHtJr used an ad many will see when driving to and from Orlando. (art by @supeweeniehtjr)
Our favorite though? Well that one is a no-brainer.
One of the things that went wild over Twitter this past week was the “I have a joke” meme. The trend had gone viral pretty fast – and probably should have stopped when former Presidential intern Monica Lewinsky made her brilliant tweet – but theme park Twitter joined the frivolity as well. Here are some of our favorites….
# 3 – José Carioca DOWN
We’ve been dealt a lot this past year, but no one was ready for the video showing the Jose Carioca audio-animatronic down during the Gran Fiesta boat ride at EPCOT. However, that was only the beginning of this strange story…
It all started when people saw a video showing Jose lying face first on the ground. (from Magical News Live)
It didn’t take long for people to have fun with this one.
Instead of just closing the ride, Disney placed a bunch of stuff on the stage which appeared to be straight from the nearby Mexico Pavilion gift shops.
The subject of “fake news” is a controversial one, to be sure. It got even more controversial in July when Twitter started flagging some commentary as violating their policy on distributing incorrect information. Nowhere on Earth is there more incorrect information than on Disney related Facebook pages, so thankfully we now have something for that…
# 1 – Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Kitchen AND SUGAR FACTORY
Speaking of “this can’t possibly be real” stories, earlier this week our friends at Attractions Magazine tweeted that Sugar Factory would be opening a new fast-casual restaurant concept in Orlando.
If you look at that concept art and think, “well that looks familiar,” you’re not alone…
This is so next-level bonkers that it got us thinking of the restaurant McDowell’s that was used to hilarious comedic effect in Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America movie.
So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX Looks at Recent Theme Park News! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles covering the latest from the Disney Outlet Stores. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).
If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following:
As Universal Orlando navigates through COVID-19 and the new normal, the resort is updating several of the safety policies at the resort and changing their operations.
Changes to the face-covering policy are effective August 3:
Gaiers are considered an appropriate face covering as long as they cover the nose and mouth.
Recommended face coverings are two-ply (consisting of two layers).
Face coverings that are unable to be secured under the chin, such as bandannas, are not permitted.
The theme park hours and attractions offered are also changing in August. Starting August 2, the theme parks will adjust their hours of operation:
Universal Studios Florida: 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m.
Islands of Adventure: 10:00 am t0 6:00 p.m.
Volcano Bay’s hours are shifting to an early fall schedule of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 10, with weekend hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Universal Orlando is also temporarily closing the following attractions, effective August 9:
A Day in the Park with Barney
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
Fear Factor Live
Poseidon’s Fury
Storm Force Accelatron
At this time we are not aware if these operational changes will last after August or not. We will update everyone on changes as we become aware.
Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch!, the longest running monthly look at the still closed Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. That’s right, they are STILL CLOSED. Disney Springs? Open. Disney theme parks? Open. Disney hotels. Open (some of them, at least). The Disney Outlets? Doors locked shut.
However, for the first time we’ve seen some movement in the direction of a reopening. First, let’s check out the Disney Character Warehouse off Vineland Ave. There is now signage on the doors with “exit only” and “enter only.” Going by how many people observe the directional arrows in the aisles at Publix down here, these signs will probably have a similar effect to when Demi Moore “strenuously objects” in AFew Good Men.
Vineland Ave. (photo by @Nitro230)Vineland Ave. (photo by @Nitro230)
A peek through the windows reveals that nothing has been done inside the store in terms of social distancing, nor has any other new safety procedure been implemented that we can see (such as a hand sanitizer station).
Vineland Ave. (photo by @Nitro230)Vineland Ave. (photo by @Nitro230)
The pallet jack here is generally reserved to help the eBay pirates get the merchandise to their cars.
Vineland Ave. (photo by @Nitro230)
Meanwhile, over at the Disney Character Warehouse off International Drive, this is the signage outside.
International Drive. (photo by @Nitro230)
So, it may be a little while still until we get our fix of bad Disney merchandise. However, over on Twitter, one member brought back a memory of Outlet items of the past…
Another posted a sneak peek of what surely will be coming to the Outlet shelves once the stores reopen…
Meanwhile ShopDisney.com is still a great place to find next level bonkers Disney items.
Without fail, one constant question that has come up in this fine blog series is “Does Universal have a similar Outlet store?”
Short answer: No.
Long answer: They used to, but not anymore. Back in the day there was a Universal Orlando outlet store in what was known as the Festival Bay mall. This is the mall that is located right next to Orlando Premium Outlets at the end of International Drive. Since the mall opened in 2002, it has gone through more “updates” than the Flights of Wonder bird show at Animal Kingdom, all with near disastrous results. Many reading this may remember the mall’s change several years ago to “Artegon Marketplace,” when it became home to a bunch of small shops featuring local artists. Billed as the “anti-mall,” Artegon was neat idea in theory, but didn’t draw in the crowds like they had hoped for.
Anyway, the Universal Orlando outlet store closed at the Festival Bay mall in April, 2012. The merchandise that went to the Universal outlet store instead went to a new store that was available to Universal Team Members only. Guests are not allowed at this store located backstage.
HOWEVER, what Universal does have is an annual “garage sale.” Inside a soundstage they will sell merchandise at a huge discount, much like we normally see at the Disney Outlet Stores. For the most recent garage sale – which took place at the beginning of July – the first day was reserved for Universal Orlando annual passholders. On the second day, both annual passholders and Team Members could go.
The waiting area outside should look similar to anyone who has gone to the Celebration of Harry Potter events, with the queue located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida.
Queue for the garage sale. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)
Once you get inside the soundstage, you’re at the garage sale. It is a no-frills experience.
Universal Orlando garage sale. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)
Big discounts are available.
(photo by Michael Carelli)
Pretty much every brand at the resort has items available, including many from the Wizarding World.
Wizarding World pins. (photo by Michael Carelli)Wizarding World pins. (photo by Michael Carelli)Wizarding World charms. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Wizarding World cups. (photo by Michael Carelli)Wizarding World plush. (photo by Michael Carelli)Wizarding World magnets. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Wizarding World treats. (photo by Michael Carelli)Wizarding World treats. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Wizarding World hats. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Wizarding World hats. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Just like the Disney Outlet Stores over the past few months before they closed down, tons of hats in general were available.
Hats. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Hats. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)
Plenty of shirts too.
Shirts. (photo by Michael Carelli)Shirts. (photo by Michael Carelli)Shirts. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Shirts. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Shirts. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Bags. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Hello Kitty bag. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Dreamworks plush. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Thing 1 and Thing 2 plush. (photo by Michael Carelli)Seuss Landing cups. (photo by Michael Carelli)Seuss Landing treats. (photo by Michael Carelli)Seuss Landing treats. (photo by Michael Carelli)Toothsome treats. (photo by Michael Carelli)Toothsome treats. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Like the Disney Outlets, there were some diamonds in the rough among all the merchandise, like this sweet throw featuring the Universal globe.
Universal throw. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)
But for the most part, the items are stuff you would expect to find discounted.
Grad Bash. (photo by Michael Carelli)Running is Universal. (photo by Michael Carelli)Duff beer can plush. (photo by Michael Carelli)Jurassic World merchandise. (photo by Michael Carelli)Jurassic Park shot glasses. (photo by Michael Carelli)Jurassic World merch. (photo by @HedgehogsCorner)Jurassic World cell phone case. (photo by Michael Carelli)I wonder how many people went on vacation and brought home a high end statue featuring Russell Crowe in The Gladiator. (photo by Michael Carelli)
Now then, another reason Universal doesn’t really need official Outlet Stores like the two Character Warehouse locations is because they don’t have to supply anywhere near the amount of gift shops that Disney does. Forget about the theme parks and Disney Springs, the gift shops for Pop Century, Art of Animation, and the All-Star Resorts are gigantic. I’d make a case that because Universal is also beholden to brands it licenses Intellectual Property from, there is also a higher level of overall quality of merchandise compared to Disney (who for all intents and purposes is their own boss). For example, the items made for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield USA are gone over with a fine-tooth comb before they get approved. Meanwhile at Disney, they can make a Forky hat that looks like it should be included with the welcome bag when you check into an insane asylum.
THAT SAID, Universal has put out its share of “outlet worthy” items over the years. I posted this picture of a Spider-Man pin I bought at Universal back in the day. The pin has ol’ web head celebrating President’s Day, as one does.
So I asked on Twitter if anyone else had goofy merchandise from Universal over the years, and got back some great responses. First up is this Spidey backscratcher, which I would buy TODAY if they sold it in the parks.
Spidey ready to SCRATCH THAT ITCH! (photo by @the_theme_geek)
Here’s a great close-up of the hand.
We all love the absolutely BONKERS ending of the E.T. Adventure ride, and here’s a toy which allows you to play that insanity over and over again at home. By spinning that green knob at the bottom of the toy, the plants will move.
All we need is a voice chip that can recreate E.T.’s “Hello Steven.” from the pre-show video. (photo by @the_theme_geek)
Who among us hasn’t seriously considered dropping a couple hundred bucks on a fake dinosaur egg?
For the price you better make sure you’re not buying a Dilophsaurus egg knock-off. (photo by @FADisneyBlog)
Have any goofy Disney or Universal items you have bought at the parks? Send an email to Derek@TouringPlans.com and maybe we can do a whole spotlight on them!
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH! (hopefully AT the Outlets…)
NOT THAT IT MATTERS, BUT…There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821). They do not ship. There are items at the Outlets that you can buy both in Disney stores along with the Shop Disney Parks app, but you will be paying full retail for the items. For our CALIFORNIA OUTLET trips, @ChristelaMcC goes to the Las Americas outlet in San Diego. It is located right off the last U.S. exit.
I often get asked “which store is better?” That depends. Vineland is close to Walt Disney World, while the I-Drive location is a hop, skip, and jump away from the Universal Orlando Resort. The Vineland Disney Outlet Store is much, MUCH bigger than the I-Drive location. However, the Vineland outlets in general are much, MUCH busier than I-Drive. Each have their pros and cons, and ultimately they carry much of the same items. For a Disney Outlet Store FAQ, check out this SATURDAY SIX Presents: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Disney Outlet Stores (But Were Afraid To Ask)
If you liked what you read here, you may enjoy THE SATURDAY SIX articles every week on the TouringPlans.com blog and you can follow your humble author on Twitter (@derekbugan).
