Epcot’s Via Napoli Ristorante to open during August 2010
Via Napoli (Artist's renderering: Walt Disney World)
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is scheduled to open during August 2010. Located in the Italy Pavillion at Epcot, this 300 seat restaurant expands the dining options at this multicultural part of Walt Disney World.
The Patina Restaurant Group’s CEO Nick Valenti created the authentic menu based on his travels in Southern Italy. A feature at Via Napoli is its three wood-burning ovens which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli.
The Walt Disney World blog gave a sneak peek at the new menu which includes
Appetizers
- Sicilian eggplant with olives and raisins
- Salad of lettuce, fagiolini (string beans), fennel and tomatoes; arancini (fried saffron risotto balls) with meat ragù, mozzarella and pomodoro sauce
- Corn-crusted fried calamari
- Minestrone with basil pesto
- A plate of arancini, mozzarella, calamari, portobella mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini and carciofi (artichokes).
Main course salads
- Manzo (filet of beef) with greens, red onion, gorgonzola, apple and cucumber with a red wine-mustard vinaigrette;
- Chopped salad with lemon chicken, greens, cantaloupe, cucumber, red pepper, green beans, onions, almonds and pasta crisps with honey-citrus vinaigrette;
- Calamari with arugula, carrots and fennel with orange vinaigrette.
- Pastas: candele (long, tube-shaped pasta) with sausage ragù; linguine with seafood; malfadine (ribbon pasta) with guanciale (unsmoked Italian bacon) and pomodoro sauce; lasagna verde.
- Piatti alla Parmigiana: (dishes topped with Parmesan and mozzarella gratinée): veal, chicken and eggplant
Wood-fired pizzas
The pizzas will be made with caputo flour imported from Southern Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, handmade mozzarella and water from a local spring just like in Italy’s Campania region – 10-inch, 20-inch or 1/2 meter to share: a dozen choices include
- Margherita with tomato, mozzarella and basil
- Arciofi with artichoke, potato, pecorino cheese, prosciutto and cantaloupe.
Deserts
- Tiramisù
- Zeppole di ricotta (ricotta cheese-fried dough, whipped cream and chocolate sauce)
- Apple cake with almond sorbetti
- Gelatie
- Vanilla gelato with almond cookies and amarena cherries
Yum!
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
Luxury Pet Resort to Open Aug. 27 at Walt Disney World Resort
Photo: WDW News
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Gourmet dog and kitty treats, plush pet bedding and all the creature comforts of home are on tap for Pluto wannabes and other pet pals at Best Friends Pet Resort, opening Aug. 27 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Best Friends Pet Care Inc. will operate the one-of-a-kind, 27,000-square-foot luxury facility complete with cat “condos,” doggy suites, and special accommodations for smaller “pocket pets.” Park and resort guests, as well as visitors staying off property, can reserve the pet hospitality services to include overnight boarding for pampered pups, cats and pot-bellied pigs.
The new resort, built to accommodate 270 dogs, 30 cats and a small menagerie of pocket pets including hamsters and guinea pigs, will replace the five existing pet care facilities now operated by Best Friends Pet Care Inc. throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Services and amenities offered at the resort are designed to create a fun and comfortable environment for all pets. Dogs staying overnight and accustomed to curling up with a child for bedtime stories will be all ears when they settle down for staff-read “tuck-in” tales. Discriminating cats with a taste for tuna can get their own custom treats. TVs will be tuned to favorite pet films like “Milo and Otis” or “Homeward Bound.”
Guests also can board pets by day and take advantage of services like the resort’s doggy day camp and grooming services.
Best Friends Pet Care’s luxury pet resort includes:
- 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space
- 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas
- A full-service grooming salon with lobby view
- Two 1,100-square-foot doggy-day-camp rooms opening onto a play-yard
- Nearly a quarter-acre private, nature-scaped play park with water-play area and protected trail
- Accommodations for 270 dogs in standard and luxury indoor-outdoor suites. Oversized luxury suites include raised bedding (hop up Fido!) and TVs
- A separate “Kitty City” pavilion accommodating up to 30 cats in “purr-fect” two- and four-story cat condos
- A special room for boarding of pocket pets that include birds and hamsters
As guests and their pets approach the resort, located at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 32830, across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, they’ll drive beneath a stylized porte cochere canopy. From the airy lobby, they can watch grooming experts at work on pets of all shapes and sizes.
The resort’s exclusive dog park features a fenced walking trail that borders the natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, a 3,300-square-foot play area is covered in artificial turf, and another 4,500-square-foot area is dotted with shade trees for owners who want to sit and watch their pets play. Dogs even can enjoy a 1,300-square-foot water park in their own splash-and-shake zone. Several park spaces are equipped with benches where guests can sit and watch their pets play. The park is secured for guests and their pets only and is illuminated for use after dark.
Directly off the resort’s lobby, a grooming salon offers “go-home-fresh” baths and haircuts for pets. A la carte activities for dogs range from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroups to “cuddle time” and bedtime stories with resort staff. Dog owners also can choose from pet amenities that include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding. Cat owners can treat their feline favorites to private playtimes or gourmet snacks like “Tuna on a Ritz” or Cookies and Milk.”
Guests who wish to book accommodations for their pets can visit www.wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or call 877/4-WDW-PETS.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates for 2010
Photo: Kay Robinson
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is special event held on select dates in the Magic Kingdom theme park. This Halloween themed event requires a separate ticket to attend (regular park tickets do not allow entry to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The event will be held on certain dates from 7pm-12am September- November, 2010.
During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This is the only time adults are allowed to dress up in costume at the Magic Kingdom! Guests trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom collecting candy and other treats as you go.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has special themed entertainment including:
* Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
* Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
* Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
* Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.
The tone of the event is, well, “Not-So-Scary”, and is appropriate for children of all ages.
Dates:
* Tuesday, September 14, 2010
* Saturday, September 18, 2010
* Tuesday, September 21, 2010
* Thursday, September 23, 2010
* Saturday, September 25, 2010
* Tuesday, September 28, 2010
* Thursday, September 30, 2010
* Friday, October 1, 2010
* Sunday, October 3, 2010
* Thursday, October 7, 2010
* Friday, October 8, 2010
* Monday, October 11, 2010
* Tuesday, October 12, 2010
* Thursday, October 14, 2010
* Sunday, October 17, 2010
* Tuesday, October 19, 2010
* Thursday, October 21, 2010
* Friday, October 22, 2010
* Sunday, October 24, 2010
* Tuesday, October 26, 2010
* Thursday, October 28, 2010
* Friday, October 29, 2010
* Sunday, October 31, 2010
* Monday, November 1, 2010
*Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
Tinkerbell has been flying for 25 years
Although Tinkerbell has been flying over Disneyland in California since the summer of 1961 as part of the park’s Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show, Tinkerbell only started flying at the Magic Kingdom in 1985. Her inaugural flight was on July 3rd, 1985 when more than 60,000 guest showed up to watch. The spectacle, originally planned as a seasonal show, was such a success that the flight was turned into a nightly event which continues to this day.
Tinkerbell’s current nightly appearance is at the end of the seasonal “Summer Nightastic” fireworks show. She flies from the top of Cinderella’s Castle 850ft into Tomorrowland. The whole flight takes under 30 seconds.
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
SeaWorld Orlando Twilight Ticket After 3pm
One of the best strategies for visiting the theme parks is to work in some lighter days. Running around theme parks all day for several days in a row gets very tiring. Now you have another lighter day option.
You can get Twilight ticket for Seaworld. This reduced price ticket allows admission after 3pm until park closing. Price is $39.95 for both adults and children and you can order and print e-tickets online at the Seaworld Website.
This special offer is valid until September 6th, 2010
You could spend the morning sleeping in, relaxing at your vacation rental or in the private pool at Avalon on the Windsor Palms Resort or enjoying the Windsor Palms Resort pool and clubhouse. Then after lunch head over to Seaworld for an evening of fun. Added benefit, the weather should be cooler in the evening!
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
EZ Rental Car Discount Offer June 29 - July 14 2010
EZ Car Rental have just announced a deal. Up to 11% discount on your car rental if you pick up between now and July 14th.
Florida Small Car Rentals Discounted 6% off used Code “F55CE”
Florida Large Car Rentals Discounted 11% off use Code “B59CC”
* These specials are valid for pickup only through June 29 - July 14 2010 (varies per location / offer - check on each offer for applicable dates) and is subject to availability.
* These specials are valid only at these participating locations:Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa.
This promotion is not valid with other discounts, coupons or other special promotions. All special promotions are subject to change at the discretion of the rental company. All renters must meet specified age policies. All renters must review the policies posted on this website. Renters must provide proof of full coverage from his/her personal insurance in order to decline E-Z’s coverage.
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
Orlando Ale House being built close to Avalon at Windsor Palms
A new Orlando Ale House restaurant is being built in the area. This is great news for guests at our vacation rental home, Avalon located on the Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee/Orlando as it provides another local dining option. The Orlando Ale House will be located next to the Publix at Orange Lake (across the street from Rolling Oaks Commons where the SuperTarget and Olive Garden is located). I don’t know the date it is due to open yet, but as soon as I find out, I will share.
Click here to visit the Ale House Website.
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Special Event Reservations Open July 20
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine before reservations open July 20.
Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Welcomes Seven New Acts During 15th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Sugar Ray (Oct. 6-8) “Fly”
- Air Supply (Oct. 11-12) “Lost in Love”
- Howard Jones (Oct. 16-17) “No One Is to Blame”
- 38 Special (Oct. 20-21) “Hold on Loosely”
- Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Nov. 4-5) “Give a Little Bit”
- Hanson (Nov. 8-9) “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’”
- Rick Springfield (Nov. 10-11) “Jessie’s Girl”
Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concert series will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
Kids get into Seaworld for $5
Seaworld Conservation
100% of the proceeds of that $5 ticket will be donated by Seaworld to a wildlife conservation project. You can even select which project you would like to benefit.
More information can be found at http://www.seaworldcares.com/
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
