Ears the News: August 2, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Disney has announced new Summer 2019 V.I.PASSHOLDER perks at Epcot for Annual Passholders.

From July 29 to August 18 at America Gardens Theatre, Passholders can get guaranteed seating for Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! Enter on the left side of the theatre and show your valid annual pass and photo ID for access to the Annual Passholder section.

At the Fife & Drum and Block & Hans, Passholders will receive a 10% discount on non-discounted food and beverage items, including alcohol, at these locations from July 29 to August 18. Passholders must present their valid annual pass and photo ID to receive discount. Must use non-cash payment methods including credit and debit cards and gift cards.

Coral Reef will continue to offer a 10% discount and Annual Passholders who dine at Coral Reef and purchase an adult entree from July 29-August 28 will receive an exclusive, complimentary dessert: prosecco ice-cream with berries, whipped cream, raspberry powder, and fresh mint. (Limit: one complimentary dessert per adult entrée per passholder. A 10% discount applies to the non-discounted price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity).

Finally, from July 29 to August 28, Passholders will be able to purchase a secret mystery dessert at Sunshine Seasons in The Land pavilion.

Several more acts have been added to the 2019 Eat to the Beat concert series line-up at this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Spanish Harlem Orchestra, DCappella and 98° are among the new additions.

Here is the provisional Eat to the Beat performer schedule for 2019:

• Plain White T’s - August 29 through 31 
• Sawyer Brown – NEW! - September 1 through 2 
• MercyMe - September 3 through 4 
• Grace Kelly – NEW! - September 5 through 6 
• Zach Williams – NEW! - September 7 through 8 
• Lauren Daigle – NEW! - September 9 through 10 
• Jimmie Allen – NEW! - September 11 through 12 
• Tiffany - September 13 through 15 
• The Allman Betts Band - September 16 through 17 
• Everclear - September 18 through 19 
• STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas - September 20 through 22 
• Postmodern Jukebox - September 23 through 24 
• Blue October - September 25 through 26 
• Mark Wills - September 27 through 29 
• Sugar Ray - September 30 through October 2 
• Taylor Dayne - October 3 through 4 
• INDIA – NEW! - October 5 through 6 
• 98° - October 7 through 9 
• Boyce Avenue – NEW! - October 10 through 11 
• Southern Avenue – NEW! - October 12 through 13 
• Kenny G - October 14 through 15 
• 38 Special - October 16 through 17 
• Baha Men - October 18 through 20 
• Billy Ocean - October 21 through 22 
• Sheila E. - October 23 through 25 
• High Valley - October 26 through 27 
• Hanson - October 28 through 30 
• Sheena Easton - October 31 through November 1 
• Kris Allen – NEW! - November 2 through 3 
• Boyz II Men - November 4 through 6 
• The Hooters - November 7 through 8 
• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - November 9 through 11 
• TBD - November 12 through 14 
• BBMak – NEW! - November 15 through 16 
• Spanish Harlem Orchestra – NEW! - November 17 through 18 
• DCappella – NEW! - November 19 

Two new quick service food and drink venues are coming to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in the next few months.

A new grab-and-go dining location serving coffee, ready-made sandwiches and snacks will debut in late summer, followed by a new frozen drink counter in the fall. Both will be located in the Swan lobby.

The new grab-and-go, Java, will feature sweet and savory breakfast options as well as sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts throughout the day. The venue will also serve a variety of teas, espressos, frappés and coffees, including a special Nitro Brew, cold brewed with liquid nitrogen, as well as wines, beer, juices and more.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

“The demand for quick food and drink options has continued to grow among our guests,” said the resort’s Director of Food and Beverage Luciano Sperduto. “Whether they’re headed to the theme parks for the day or are in and out of meetings, these two new options will give guests, delicious ways to stay energized while they’re on the go.”

The additions are among the latest food and beverage changes at the resort, following the recent redesign and new menu launch at Shula’s Steak House earlier this year, and the additions of the grab-and-go, fuel, and Phins lounge at the Dolphin in 2017.

House of Blues Orlando at Disney Springs is launching Bayou Brunch, a new weekend brunch buffet event every Saturday and Sunday.

The new Bayou Brunch will feature Southern-inspired menu items, like Biscuits and Gravy, freshly made Omelets, Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffee and more, as well as bottomless brunch beverages and a Build Your Old Fashioned bar. Additionally, there will be live music from Brown Bag Brass Band, who will entertain guests with Dixieland, Jazz and Brass band selections.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Bayou Brunch is priced at $33 for adults (10+) and $15 for children (3-9) - beginning August 3rd, taking place every Saturday and Sunday 10am to 1pm. Disney Dining Plan is 1 entitlement and discounts accepted for Annual Passholders, DVC Members & Cast Members

Bayou Brunch Featured Menu Items:

• Salads: Southern Salad, Caesar Salad, Fresh Fruit, Peel and Eat Shrimp
• Breakfast: Omelet Station, Scrambled Eggs, Candied Bacon, Andouille Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Chicken & Waffles
• Lunch: Chicken Tacos, Pork Tacos, Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffee, Jalapeno and Cheese Cornbread, Carving Station with Ham and Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Seasonal Vegetables
• Desserts: Bourbon Bread Pudding, Assorted Desserts

Drink Specials:

• Build Your Old Fashioned with bourbon, bitters, and garnish bars ($12 each)
• Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s ($15)
• Happy Hour pricing on select beer, house wine, and well cocktails

Taking a trip up the road a little; Universal Orlando announced that they will be opening a fourth theme park called Epic Universe.

Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

The park will be located on a 750 acre plot roughly 7 miles south of the existing parks between West Sand Lake Rd, South Kirkman Rd and Universal Blvd.

There is no word as of yet as to what will be in the park, but the likely contenders are Nintendo, Fantastic Beasts, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Classic Monsters.

There is also no word on any form of dedicated transportation between the existing parks and this new expansion.







Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.