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Walt Disney World Epcot Discussion Thread

P. 119: Test Track closure announced, new concept art released!

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Yesterday we were invited to take part in a media preview of the 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2016. The event opens on March 2nd and runs for 90 days this year, the longest the event has ever been! Along with some new garden displays and playgrounds, they are also expanding the food offerings, which began four years ago, to 13 different "outdoor kitchens" around World Showcase.

 

Much like the Food & Wine event, you can find food booths set up around Epcot where you can sample different offerings featuring more "organic" menu items that showcase some of the Flower & Garden themes.

 

We got to sample quite a bit of it yesterday and there are some outstanding food & beverage options! Have a look at the photos & video below and we hope to see you at the event this spring!

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Here we are at the Flower & Garden Media Preview!

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Chip N Dale fans should be very happy with this exhibit!

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We started off the event with a fantastic tour of several of the garden displays by WDW Horticulture Manager, Eric Darden.

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Of course Mickey Mouse would have a very prominent display!

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Here's a closer look at him to check out some of the detail.

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The area surrounding the water front just looks fantastic. I sort of wish Epcot could look like this all year long, but at least this year we've got it for 90 days!

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Yes! We timed it perfectly to get a monorail in the shot!

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Scattered around the park are loads of the topiary displays.

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Here's Chip N' Dale right at the entrance to the event!

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Turns out, they've stolen Mickey's sandwich!

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Minnie & Pluto are also here hanging out...

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Here's a closer look at Pluto...

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Since the event was not quite open yet, we got a sneak peek inside some of the areas still under construction.

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Noted! ;)

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This is always a very popular playground and I'm sure it will be again this year!

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Only a few more days and it will be OPEN!

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More of the character topiaries that have been set up in preparation of the event.

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Hello, Tigger!

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And where there is Tigger, there is always some Pooh!

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We were invited into a "Tables in Wonderland" event where we got to sample some of the Flower & Garden "Outdoor Kitchen" offerings.

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But first, some of the event merchandise...

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Cute hat!

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I'm sure this Chip N Dale item will be in our house sometime very soon! =)

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Macaroons? Yes, please!

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Oooh...do I see Ricotta and Balsamic in the same sentence?

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Yes, I do!

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The ricotta was amazing! It just melted in your mouth!

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The beef brisket hash was one of my favorites!

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Adding Jalapeños? Now you're speaking my language!

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And of course there are beer & wine offerings this year as well.

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Anything from Cigar City is something I'm sure I'll be a fan of!

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The executive chefs are not afraid to "spice things up" at these Epcot events!

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The jerk chicken was fantastic!

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Beef teriyaki with udon noodles?!?!? This just keeps getting better and better!

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Delicious!

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Wait...what is that I see?!?!?

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MAPLE. BACON. STOUT! The only three words you need to come away from remembering (if you can) from this event!

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For the live music fans, here's the band line-up this year. Starship! YESSSSSSS!!!!

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Wait...Currywurst????

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Yup! And it was also fantastic!

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Next up was a plat potting activity.

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That's right...I'm getting down and dirty....

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"I'd like a purple plant in a pink pot..."

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"I totally birthed a plant here at Epcot!"

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Little guy even has my eyes!

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Going to go check out some more topiaries and gardens...

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Peter Pan high above London!

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Tick Tock Captain Hook!

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Belle & Beast are back this year...

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..as are the Lady and the Tramp.

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Snow White has her entourage.

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All seven of these little guys are here...

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The ultimate Snow White fanboys!

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There are even some miniature topiaries set up in the model train in Germany!

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Simba is back...

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Here is the Chinese Dragon!

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Anna & Elsa are in Norway this year where they belong.

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Here's a closer look at the girls!

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Elsa's icy powers are a little green during the spring! ;)

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But seriously, this is absolutely the prettiest that Epcot looks all year long!

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You've got 90 days starting March 2nd to check it out! What are you waiting for?

 

Photos by Robb Alvey & Hanno Roos

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Looks fantastic! I loved visiting during Flower & Garden Festival last year, the whole park is extra beautiful during this time of year. (I still have my 2015 Flower & Garden Magic Band)

 

Anna & Elsa are in Norway this year where they belong.

 

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Earlier today, I literally want to weep as our plane was cancelled to Aruba (stupid plane).

 

Good news is that we're on schedule for tomorrow morning departure...and there is an Epcot food report!

 

Life is starting to feel better again...thanks for this!

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  • 1 month later...

If you guys have followed along TPR for any length of time you'd know that we are particularly fond of the restaurants in the Italy pavilion at Epcot! (Via Napoli! YUM!) But we love them all almost equally! Today we got invited to come sample some new summer menu specials for Tutto Italia and have dessert at Tutto Gusto. The photos will tell you all you need to know!

 

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Today we will be hanging out at Epcot with lunch at the Italy Pavilion!

 

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Going to check out some of the newer characters that have come to Epcot recently before going to lunch...

 

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Baymax has been back for a couple of months now...

 

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Joy and Sadness just arrived a couple of weeks ago!

 

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Only a few more months now until Soarin' opens back up!

 

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We have arrived at our lunch in Italy!

 

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Love the interior of Tutto Italia - Classy and awesome!

 

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This is a new menu that will be available from May 2nd - August 29th. For $27 that is an AMAZING deal!

 

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We started out with a little bit of Antipasto.

 

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More appetizers! They were all delicious!

 

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Entrees have come out and they look GREAT!!!

 

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And yes of course there were wine pairings for all entrees!

 

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And the bread! Did we mention the bread? No! Now we are! Sooooo good!

 

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We were invited over to the "Wine Cellar" for dessert.

 

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Tutto Gusto is one of our favorite places in the park. Easy to get into, a bit hidden, always quiet, and a great "hang out" place!

 

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We really love the more "secluded" and private feel you get in here.

 

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Everything on this plate was just as amazing as it looks!

 

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Yes, you can actually get REAL cannolis here! Soooo good!

 

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Sampling other desserts available. I'm still a fan of the cannoli, but I love them all!

 

If your summer plans call for Epcot - the restaurants in Italy, especially with the new menu at an insane price should be on your list of places to eat!

Edited by robbalvey
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...If your summer plans call for Epcot - the restaurants in Italy, especially with the new menu at an insane price should be on your list of places to eat!

 

 

Seriously, what can I say? It all looks so delicious and.....well, delicious!

Thanks for sharing the new menu, Robb. Looks awesome.

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^ I agree, Chuck....that looks soooo good!

 

$27 for that menu and high quality food in a theme park resort is amazing.

 

I know that this probably wouldn't be the first choice for a five person family on a budget, but perfect for someone like a couple or small family/friends.

 

Love the ongoing awesome food options and festivals at Epcot!

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Random Question that I've been wondering:

 

You know the "Opening door" effect that gives way just before you crash into it on Test Track (the transition from indoor to outdoor)? How does that actually work every time? Is it triggered mechanically by the vehicle or what?

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