A Blog About Disney Stuff

I write a travel guide for a living (our very own Unofficial Guide to Disneyland ), so when I found out a guide book was being produced for Batuu, the fictional planet where the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land in Disneyland and Walt Disney World is located, it had triggered my curiosity as to what type of book this would be. Would it be a typical Disney guide book written in a matter-of-fact way? Would it be written as a behind the scenes look at the land, similar to those Imagineering Field Guides from a few years back? Turns out the book is written in character, as if someone living in the Star Wars universe was planning a trip to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu. I love that idea. Is the Traveler’s Guide to Batuu a compelling book, or does the novelty wear off quick? I’ll get in to that later, but first let’s take a look at the book.

The cover of Traveler’s Guide to Batuu features a nice design that isn’t too busy with graphics. The aurebesh font (the writing system used in the Star Wars universe) helps the book have an appropriate feel.

Here you can find a map showing where Batuu is located in the Galaxy. You’ll notice it’s located in the Outer Rim, not too far from familiar Star Wars locations like Endor and Mustafar.

Like many guidebooks to exotic locations the book contains a section about how to get there. On the right you can see page about getting to Batuu via starcruiser, specifically the Halcyon. This ship is the same one guests can stay in when the immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel opens next year in Walt Disney World.

A map of Black Spire Outpost. Now is a good time to mention all of the original artwork made for this book. They could have gone the lazy route and used regular images or the land, or reused promotional graphics seen in advertisements, but they really went all out and it makes the book feel like a lot of care was put in to it.

Everything in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has a story to it, but it’s not obvious if simply visiting the land in real life. The Traveler’s Guide to Batuu fills in all the bits a pieces you may not know about, including the names of all the various shops and stations found throughout the land, as well as information about each location’s proprietor.

The section about Oga’s Cantina features a glorious picture of a worrt. You have to love those things. Why is there a worrt in Oga’s? The eggs that the creature produces are used to create the bar’s signature Oga’s Obsession dessert.

The book also explains why the various retail locations in the land stock the items they sell. For example, First Order Cargo sells artwork because it’s First Order propaganda used to spread their message.

The book makes vague mentions to the Datapad game that is a part of the Play Disney Parks app.
To keep with the theme of the rest of the book, attractions such as Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, are not outright referred to as rides. I enjoyed reading these descriptions from the point of view of a random galactic citizen.

When traveling it’s always good to know the location’s local holidays. Batuu is no different. Hopefully these holidays are a hint of what weIf ‘ll see in the land at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios soon.

If you’ve visited Galaxy’s Edge you no doubt heard “Bright Suns” as a greeting or “Til The Spire” as a goodbye. There’s many more phrases the inhabitants of Batuu will say and this helpful page lists them all.

Packing lists are a staple of many travel guides and the Traveler’s Guide to Batuu is no different. This is one of my favorite details in the entire book. Don’t forget to bring your grappling hook.
Another detail I love, even the About the Author page is appropriately themed.

Now to answer the question, is Traveler’s Guide to Batuu worth it? If you’re a Star Wars fan that enjoys Galaxy’s Edge then this book is a must buy. It’s succeeds in expanding the lore of the land, as well as tying it in to the rest of the Star Wars universe. Also, at only $20 (not to mention Amazon and Target currently discounting it below cover price) they could have done this quick and cheap, but every page shows effort. It’s clear a lot of love went in to producing Traveler’s Guide to Batuu.

Link: As of press time you can purchase Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Traveler’s Guide to Batuu for only $17.99!

Will you be picking up the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Traveler’s Guide to Batuu book? If you already have it let me know what you think in the comments below.

 

The post REVIEW: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Traveler’s Guide to Batuu Book appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Galaxy’s Edge, Walt Disney World (FL), galaxy’s edge, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

The 2020 Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine Festival has now been open for over two months. It still has another month and a half to go, and now that Florida’s version of fall has arrived (for now), it’s a good time to revisit this year’s offerings. Many of us wait for the weather to change, even just a little, so we can enjoy the options that bring out the fall flavors. Here are some of our favorite fall flavors available at this year’s EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.

Tarte aux Oignons Caramelises et Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (France booth) – Goat cheese is tangy, creamy, thick, and a little tart, and when it is baked it takes on a slight sweetness. This tart is full of earthy flavors thanks to the goat cheese, caramelized onions, and dash of fresh provincial herbs. A good value at $5.50, and a fantastic way to get into the autumn spirit.

Canard Confit à l’Orange: Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Mashed Sweet Potatoes (France booth) – Admittedly I am a fan of duck practically any way it is prepared. This dish was tender and savory, and with the mashed sweet potatoes. The mashed sweet potatoes are the quintessential autumn season side dish. A decent value at $6.25.

Spicy Kenyan Vegan Corn and White Beans with Pigeon Peas, Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley and Kachumbari Slaw (Africa booth) – Heat things up with some spice from the Africa booth. If you enjoy earthy, rich flavors, you’ll enjoy this hearty plate. A decent value at $4.50.

Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons and Baguette (The Alps booth) – Warm, freshly sliced Swiss cheese is a comforting food on a chilly day, but add in the baby potatoes and baguette and you’re in for a cozy snack. A good value at $4.50.

Butternut Squash Ravioli (Wine and Dine booth) – Does it get any more autumn than butternut squash? This small serving is disappointing in portion size, but will happily satisfy anyone who is craving fall flavors. The fresh shaved Parmesan cheese is a classy touch. At $4.50 it is a just okay value since most servings are just one or two ravioli.

Canadian Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll (Canada booth) –  The cheddar cheese soup is perhaps the longest running return dish, coming back to the festival year after year. You simply cannot pass up this creamy, peppery, hearty soup on a rare chilly day. At $5.25 it’s a decent value.

Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (Canada booth) – This dish is an absolute indulgence. It is one of the priciest options at the festival, but if you want to treat yourself to an expertly executed filet mignon in small plate format, you cannot pass this up. At $8.25 it is a steep price, but the quality is there.

Roast Bratwurst in a Prop and Peller Pretzel Roll (Germany booth) – If you have any German heritage in your background, like me, or just plain enjoy German food, you probably consider the cuisine to be a must-have in autumn or winter. I love German food when the weather is chilly and this roast bratwurst is a great representation of one of Germany’s most loved dishes. At $5.75 the value isn’t all that great considering the serving size.

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce (Germany booth) – It just isn’t fall without the warm, sweet flavors of an apple filled pastry. This apple strudel is perfect for this time of year and the vanilla sauce elevates it. At $4.00 it is a good value.

Gourmet Mac and Cheese – with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko (World Showplace) –  When there’s a nip in the air, few things are as comforting as ooey-gooey mac and cheese. This plate is a elevated twist on this favorite comfort food. A good value at $4.50.

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Cake Pops – Three Flavors: Chocolate, M&M’s, and Twix (World Showplace) –  It’s hard not to think of sweets when Halloween nears. If you are looking for a cool way, literally, to enjoy some favorite Halloween candy these cake pops are a hit! A good value at $4.00

We’re in the parks everyday to bring you up-to-date information and resources. Be sure to treat yourself to a TouringPlans Subscription so you can have all our tricks at your fingertips.

Do you have a favorite EPCOT Food and Wine Festival dish?

The post Our Favorite Fall Flavors at the 2020 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Dos and Don’ts, Drinking, Epcot, Festivals, In the Parks, Trip Planning, 2020 epcot food and wine festival, epcot dining, epcot food and wine, epcot tips

If you take a look at the TouringPlans reader ratings for Walt Disney World restaurants, there’s a lot that makes sense: Pineapple Lanai has fun variations on Dole Whip, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie offers treats from France, and Sleepy Hollow has waffle sandwiches. And then, at spot number eight, there’s Creature Comforts. Creature Comforts is … Starbucks … yes, that Starbucks.

In fact, there are six Starbucks locations at Walt Disney World: Creature Comforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Trolley Car Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom, Traveler’s Cafe at EPCOT, and two locations at Disney Springs. They all rate well with our readers, begging the question, “Why?” Why go all the way to Disney World just to have the same Starbucks you get anywhere in America?

Here are some reasons why you might opt for Starbucks while you’re at Walt Disney World:

• You’re not an American: While there are Starbucks locations in many countries, if you’re not a U.S. native, you might be curious to see what this American chain offers, or how this version differs from the one you have at home.
• Convenient location: Just like the Starbucks locations out in the real world, the Starbucks outposts in the parks are conveniently located, generally near a park entrance or along a well-traveled path.
• Timing: During breakfast hours, Starbucks may be your only available option.
• Familiarity: When you’re on vacation, there’s a lot that is different, maybe even overwhelming. Sometimes you need to counteract that with a familiar favorite. This goes double if you have a child with you. If you know your kid will eat the egg sandwich from Starbucks, feeding it to him at Disney World may be the battle you choose not to fight.
• Nutritional information: Disney is getting better with providing healthier food options in the parks. However, they’re not often transparent about the nutritional content of their food offerings. Either you have to dig or the data is simply not available to guests. Contrast that with Starbucks, which has complete ingredient lists, calorie counts, protein information, and more, right on the website. If you or a family member has a food-related medical issue, easy access to that information can be a real life saver.
• Price: It’s fair to complain about Starbucks pricing, but when you compare it to the pricing of other options in the parks, it’s not that bad. For example, a cafe latte at Joffrey’s Coffee at EPCOT costs $5.09. A grande Caffe Latte at a Disney Starbucks costs $4.29.
• Preference: You may simply prefer the taste of Starbucks coffee to that of the Joffrey’s coffee sold elsewhere in the parks.
• Merchandise: The are fun Disney-themed glassware that may only be found at the Starbucks locations in the parks. If you’re a “You Are Here” mug fan, the Disney Starbucks locations are likely a must-visit location.

Whether you’re looking for coffee or something else, the Lines 2.0 app’s menu search can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Download today, and access all of the app’s features by becoming a TouringPlans subscriber.

Let us know your thoughts on where you get your coffee while on a Disney World vacation.

The post Why Choose Starbucks at Disney? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Walt Disney World (FL), disney starbucks, Starbucks

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

What is a Pre-show?

Many Disney attractions have pre-shows. Parsing out the phrase, it’s not hard to understand that a pre-show is the thing before a show. At Disney World, however, “show” here really means “attraction” which could be almost any sort of theme park diversion. The pre-show is the entertainment before the main attraction. It is a way to keep guests engaged while waiting for a ride.

Some pre-shows are simply amusing versions of a safety warning. The Soarin’ pre-show is just Patrick Warburton telling us to buckle our seatbelts, but it’s so charming that it’s one of my family’s favorite parts of Epcot.

I must confess that there are several parts of Disney World attractions that I didn’t initially understand to be “pre-show.” The classic example is the Stretching Room portion of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The Stretching room “show” sets the scene and establishes the atmosphere for the main event – the ride on the doom buggy. This particular pre-show has a cult following of its own, even spawning merchandise lines. Other favorite “set the scene” pre-shows are the quick interview with Aerosmith prior to boarding Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or the welcome spiel where they scan your body temperature on Flight of Passage.

The concept of pre-show has taken on galactic proportions in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios. This attraction has so many introductory pieces that the pre-show might be nearly as long as the attraction itself.

Whether informative of funny, the aim of the pre-show is to hold you in place without giving you time to become bored or restless.

Let us know what Disney topics you think need just a bit more explanation.

The post Disney in a Minute: What is a Pre-show? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), disney in a minute

Disney recently announced that it was laying off 28,000 workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today the Orange County Register is reporting that thousands of those employees are restaurant & hotel workers as well as Imagineers.

The massive layoffs cost nearly 3500 Disneyland restaurant and hotel union workers their jobs and put over 400 Imagineers out of work.

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division, sent a letter to cast members explaining the difficult decision regarding these layoffs. Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney Imagineering Disney Cruise Line, and Disney’s travel planning, retail, gaming and publishing divisions were all affected.

“We initially hoped that this situation would be short-lived, and that we would recover quickly and return to normal,” D’Amaro said in the letter to employees. “Seven months later, we find that has not been the case.”

So far it is estimated that over 5,000 cast members have been laid off from Disneyland with that number expected to rise. 2765 of those are non-union layoffs.

Workers United Local 50, which represents 7850 Disneyland cast members, expects 2500 of its food and beverage workers to be laid off.

“There is a lot of information we don’t know now and we are scheduled to meet with Disney in the coming days to get more information and bargain over the effects,” Workers United Local 50 president Chris Duarte wrote on the union’s Facebook page. “Here is what we know now: Who will actually be subject to layoff is still to be determined. The contract and bargaining will determine this.”

Another local union, Unite Here Local 11, expects 950 of its 3000 Disneyland employees to be laid off. Most of them are hotel workers.

“The union will engage in bargaining with the company over issues including job security and healthcare coverage,” Unite Here said in a statement.

One can assume that many of the layoffs are from Disneyland due to the parks and hotels not being allowed to reopen. Here’s hoping they will reopen soon so more layoffs won’t happen!

Source

The post Disneyland layoffs include Imagineers and Restaurant & Hotel Workers appeared first on Chip and Company.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disneyland, News, Parks & Resorts, Disney layoffs, Imagineers, restaurant and hotel workers, Unions