Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared the first look at the marquee signage for the upcoming Connections Café and Eatery at EPCOT. It matches the signage for the Creations Shop, with which it shares a building. Connections is just across the breezeway in the former home of Electric Umbrella. This is the first of five new marquees which are being installed at Connections Café and Eatery, which is the successor to the ever popular quick serve Electric Uberella. Opening to guests this spring, this new fast-casual restaurant and adjoining café was inspired by the core EPCOT idea of "connecting"- by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures. EPCOT is a park about people, and this new location within World Celebration will commemorate that with the talent and skill found within the kitchen, and those who gather together to enjoy each other's company over a meal. Zach Riddley said “I’m excited to share a first-look at more progress from EPCOT. This morning, the first of five new marquees was installed at Connections Café and Eatery! These marquees continue the design language established with our recent Creations Shop marquees, leveraging large-scale typography in our signature EPCOT World Bold font. “Opening to guests this spring, this new fast-casual restaurant and adjoining café was inspired by the core EPCOT idea of “connecting”– by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures. EPCOT is a park about people, and this new location within World Celebration will commemorate that with the talent and skill found within the kitchen, and those who gather together to enjoy each other’s company over a meal. “I’ve had a chance to walk these spaces with our Imagineers bringing the design to life and it’s truly a stunning addition. Connections Café and Eatery continues to take shape, and we’ll have much more to share as progress unfolds. There are unique design features that echo EPCOT of the past that are truly stunning. Stay “connected” with us here for more exciting reveals.”

AristoCrêpes in Disney Springs has permanently closed. The webpage and online menus for the quick-service kiosk have been removed from the Disney website. The kiosk which is on the bridge near Rainforest Cafe in the Marketplace is expected to have a new name and menu in the coming weeks. When the kiosk reopens, it will carry items from the nearby Marketplace Snacks. Unlike AristoCrêpes, Marketplace Snacks struggles to keep up with demand, particularly for the in-demand Dole Whip items. AristoCrêpes has never been truly popular since opening, with both its menu and location hampering its chances of success. Changing the locations menu, serving as a secondary location for Dole Whip appears to solve both problems for Disney Springs.

The Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram account has shared a close up look at the construction of the new TRON Lightcycle Run attraction at Magic Kingdom. More specifically, they shared a look at the current installation of the canopy ETFE roof on the outside of the attraction. Assistant Construction Manager, Angela Wu, provides us with a close-up look at construction progress on TRON / Lightcycle Run at the Magic Kingdom. In the video, Assistant Construction Manager, Angela Wu, provides a close-up look at construction of the upcoming attraction. She talks about how they are currently working on the canopy. It will have a “unique, graphic pattern” when you experience the attraction at night. Wu was able to first experience TRON Lightcycle / Run over at Shanghai Disneyland. Then, she started working as an intern for Walt Disney Imagineering on TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom. There is no current opening date for TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World Resort recently introduced a new, interactive television system with a more personalized and easy-to-use experience for Guests, The new interactive TV's are being slowly rolled out throughout the resort, with hotel rooms throughout Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge the latest to receive the upgrade. The interactive TV's offer access to complimentary Disney content, provides connectivity to streaming subscription content, and more. This interactive television system personalizes the in-room TV experience by welcoming Guests upon arrival. Guests can also enjoy streaming in their room with complimentary Disney content and connectivity for their personal device to stream their subscribed content (Disney+, Hulu, etc.). Standard channels, park hours, resort amenities and information are also available. Smart phones, tablets and laptops are supported to stream to the TV. Only content from Chromecast-enabled apps (mirroring is not supported) can be sent to the TV. Guest credentials and Connect My Device pairings will be cleared upon each check-out. Guests will use their personal devices to log into any subscription services, so information is not stored in the system.

Great news for the kids, and the big kids too, face painting has returned to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Starting from this week, face painters will be available in the Harambe Market area at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. At this location, Guests will be able to choose from a selection of different animal-inspired designs and more. Face painting is currently offered daily, and hours of operation match those of the nearby Mombasa Marketplace. Harambe Marketplace is a beautifuly themed area of Animal Kingdom that offers some pretty amazing quick serve food! The marketplace is constructed to resemble an authentic African marketplace, built around an old colonial-era train depot and lorded over by an iconic water tower, here the citizens of Harambe welcome travelers from around the world! The food here is worth the trip, with a delicious ribs and chicken bowl, a Harambe salad with chicken, a hot bowl with plant based sausages, and don't forget a scrumptious Simba cupcake with an adorable edible image of the Lion king cub. So go grab some really good food, and get your face painted like Simba too!

The Gaylord Palms Resort has revealed that two buffets are now available to book at the popular buffet restaurant, Villa de Flora Restaurant within he resort. Celebrating Easter, and Mother's Day, the Easter Buffet takes place Sunday, April 17th, while the Mother’s Day Buffet is Sunday, May 8th. Easter Buffet at Villa de Flora Celebrate Easter Sunday in the renovated Villa de Flora with a delicious Mediterranean-inspired buffet featuring seasonal favorites including prime rib, roasted leg of lamb and roasted ham. Price: $75 per Adult (Ages 13+) (plus tax & gratuity) $35 per Child (Ages 4-12) (plus tax & gratuity) Includes: • Admission to Easter Buffet at Villa de Flora. • Includes self-parking validation. For parties of 9 or more, please contact the Restaurant Manager at (407) 509-3218. Know Before You Go: • Tickets must be purchased in advance online. No on-site box office. • Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult. • Tickets are non-refundable. • Additional fees for 18% gratuity and taxes are not included in admission and charges will apply. Mother's Day Buffet This Mother's Day, treat mom to a delicious Mediteranean-style buffet at the newly renovated Villa de Flora. Enjoy the resort's one-of-a-kind atrium as you indulge in fresh, seasonal dishes, including hand-carved prime rib and slow-roasted porchetta, chef-made omelets, and endless brunch favorites. Price: $58 per Adult (Ages 13+) (plus tax & gratuity) $29 per Child (Ages 4-12) (plus tax & gratuity) Includes: • Admission to Mother's Day Buffet at Villa de Flora. • Includes self-parking validation. For parties of 9 or more, please contact our Restaurant Manager at (407) 509-3218. Know Before You Go: • Tickets must be purchased in advance online. No on-site box office. • Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult. • Tickets are non-refundable. • Additional fees for 18% gratuity and taxes are not included in admission and charges will apply. Tickets must be purchased in advance (and includes self-parking validation)

The Slingshot, the world’s most popular adrenaline ride, is now open at the Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee! the SlingShot attraction stands at 240 feet tall and launches two riders up to 400 feet in the air, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph in under two seconds. Located at the Promenade at Sunset Walk Orlando, guests will experience a tropical vibe as they wander through tiki huts in the queue, all the while getting peeks of the towering marvel. Once inside their gondola, they will lower deep into a volcano and begin to feel the rumble of an eruption about to occur. As smoke begins to billow, the gondola shoots the guests straight up into the sky, reaching incredible heights and speeds in seconds. “We know guests will love our exciting new addition to the Promenade at Sunset Walk,” said Ritchie Armstrong, owner. “Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Sunset Walk SlingShot is sure to create fun memories for everyone.” Tickets for the Sunset Walk SlingShot are $30. Package one includes admission for one rider, one T-shirt and a video of the experience for $55. Package two includes admission for two riders, two t-shirts and a video of the experience for $85. Guests must be at least 44 inches tall to ride.

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and the now legendary Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is back this year from March 11-17 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs. This is the biggest St Paddy's party in Orlando with the very best of Irish talent, a large variety of beers and cocktails, classic Irish fare and more. If you’ve been before, you know the festival is a can’t-miss experience. And if you haven’t been, make plans to be there! Irish Fare & Brews New on the menu this year is a locally crafted seltzer, called “So Berry Les.” The name is a special tribute to John Cooke’s (co-owner of Raglan Road Pub and Cooke’s of Dublin) father Les, who found himself in the Guinness Book of World Records for setting a strawberry-buying record in 1977. So Berry Les was crafted in collaboration with Crooked Can Brewing Co. in Winter Garden, Florida, and is a light and refreshing hard seltzer infused with local Florida strawberry and Key Lime juice. I don’t know about you, but I’m berry excited to try this new brew! If seltzer isn’t your thing, never fear, there are several Irish beer flights and, of course, the classic Guinness, available to whet your whistle. Oh, and you cant visit Raglan Road without enjoying their famous fresh-caught fish with chips! This is a weekly trip for us, and we always order our fish & chips to go at the Cooke’s of Dublin counter, and then enjoy watching the Springs go by from the outside seating area. Or you could choose from a tasty selection of authentic Irish dishes like the Shepherd’s to Die for Pie and Executive Chef Mark O’Neill’s popular plant-based pie, This Shepherd Went Vegan. All of which pair beautifully with their wide range of Irish whiskeys, local craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. Live Entertainment If you’ve ever walked by Raglan Road and heard the music floating through the open doors, you know they know how to provide an amazing entertainment lineup. And for the festival this year, they are flying in some of the top bands from Ireland including Jig Jam, known for their captivating brand of CeltGrass; the Lisa Canny Band, blending pop and hip-hop with traditional Irish rhythm; Emerald Shore, vibrant trad music – just to name a few. Of course, the fan-favorite Raglan Road Irish Dancers will also be performing throughout the festival and are ready to teach you a few dance steps! Raglan Road co-owner John Cooke said: “Our imported Irish talent lineup is exceptional—these entertainers are not seen nor heard in any other location in the U.S. on St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone can enjoy this expanded festival, which includes gift competitions and loads of giveaways. The Mighty Festival remains the best Irish hospitality experience in America.” “Whether this is your first, or one of many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, we encourage you to join us this year for The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival. You’ll be glad you did." And the fun doesn’t stop there! There will also be a face painter, giveaways, merchandise at the Shop for Ireland boutique and more. On St Patrick's Day, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 10 a.m., seating guests on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older. For those planning to celebrate during the other festival dates from March 11-16, reservations are encouraged and can be made through the My Disney Experience app or by calling 407-938-0300.

Great news for Orlando area visitors wanting to experience Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! The Busch Gardens Shuttle Express service to Busch Gardens in Tampa is back, and it's a great way to save money as the return service from Orlando to the park in Tampa is FREE to use for all valid ticket holders, this service is especially useful if you A, do not have a hire car, or B, the price of gas is putting you off heading down the 1-4 to Tampa. Drop-off and pick-up locations have been set as follows. SeaWorld (near the bus & taxi drop-off) ICON Park, 8350 Universal Blvd (8445 International Drive, (in the heart of the Entertainment district of I-Drive) Publix, 8145 Vineland Avenue, Lake Buena Vista (near Premium Outlets – Lake Buena Vista area) Old Town Entertainment District, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (serving 192 East in Kissimmee) Doubletree Orlando by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, 5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL (serving North International Drive area and Universal Orlando guests) Margaritaville Resort – 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimme The service schedule will vary through the year and be subject to change. For guidance purposes only, the Orlando area pick-up will be between 8:30 and 9:30 – depending on location. The return journey from Busch Gardens will depend on park closing time and vary throughout the year. We recommend that guests make a reservation for the Shuttle Express to secure their seats. This can be completed by calling 800-221-1339 or visiting the official website. Schedules can be confirmed at this stage. This service is complimentary to all guests with a multi-park, Busch Gardens inclusive ticket.

Not one but two fan favorite coasters have re-opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay after winter maintenance. First up is SheiKra, the parks dive coaster, which has re-opened after extensive track work and replacement. On SheiKra you climb 200 feet to the edge of a 90-degree drop that inches you over the edge, and stops. Then you dive straight down into a 70 mph roller coaster whirlwind with an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and a splashdown finale. Also back at Busch Gardens is Montu, an inverted coaster which has re-opened after receiving a new coat of paint, and we must say Montu is looking fabulous with blue track, and yellow supports. This classic favorites known for its speeds and inversions. You climb high into the air and hold on for a twisting drop, a 60-foot vertical loop, an Immelmann loop and a weightless roll and that's only the beginning on this inverted roller coaster. Montu has seven inversions, an unique Batwing inversion and was the first coaster in the world to incorporate an Immelmann loop (a simultaneous loop and roll), named for a German fighter pilot.

It’s the moment we've been waiting for, SeaWorld Orlando’s long awaited roller-coaster Ice Breaker has finally broke the ice, and is open to guests visiting the park. Ice Breaker was first announced on Sept. 12, 2019, and was supposed to open in the spring of 2020. But thanks to the pandemic, it was forced into hibernation, until now that is! Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker features four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida, a 93 feet tall spike with 100-degree angle. The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical top hat maneuver into a series of twists, turns, and airtime hills. Ice Breaker is SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster. “It’s a thrilling ride and it packs a punch that will exceed your expectations,” Vice President of Operations at SeaWorld Orlando, Rob McNicholas said during Friday’s event. “This could be a first coaster for a young child. It’s a family coaster. It’s smooth, repeatable and it’s a whole lot of fun!” The brand-new coaster is the centerpiece of the theme park’s revamped Wild Arctic area and complimented by the Glacier Bar, and Altitude Burger. The coaster opening was commemorated with a special ceremony featuring the breaking of an ice ribbon, in keeping with the ride’s Arctic theme. The brand-new coaster will also highlight its conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center, with its dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and education facility. “When I first heard about the concept about this - I was a little skeptical. Ice? Florida? Alaska partnership? How much could SeaWorld Orlando and the Alaska SeaLife Center have in common,” explained Alaska SeaLife Center President, Tara Riemer. “But, what we have in common is the commitment to what really matters. The commitment to the oceans, the commitment to the animals who live in those oceans. And so, that’s a common mission of both SeaWorld and the Alaska SeaLife Center, and one that we consider very, very important.” Facts about the ride: Maximum height Rear spike: 93 feet Top hat: 80 feet Length of track Track length: 1,900 feet Track traveled: 2,750 feet Maximum speed: 52 mph Ride duration: 80-90 seconds Number of trains: Two Number of coaches: Three per train, with three rows per coach

Good news for space enthusiasts! You can now get up close and personal with the space program thanks to the addition of two new tours at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The new tours offer visitors the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA's Mercury and Gemini launches as well as access to restricted areas of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station previously closed to the public. "We are excited to expand our specialty tour offerings and bring guests even closer to history," Therrin Protze, the chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, told T+L. "These tours are perfect for space history enthusiasts looking to learn more about America's early space program." The first tour, the Cape Canaveral Early Space tour, takes travelers from the Air Force Space & Missile Museum to the site of the Mercury and Gemini launches as well as to the memorial site for the Apollo 1 crew. The tour costs $25 for adults and $19 for children 3 to 11. The second tour, the Cape Canaveral Rise to Space tour, is led by a space expert and brings visitors to historic launch sites as well as Hangar C, the first permanent and oldest surviving structure at the complex. On the tour, visitors will be able to see artifacts like America's first intercontinental ballistic missile and Gemini and Apollo "boiler plates," used during simulations for training. The tour is open to people at least 14 years old and costs $75. It does not include admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Both tours will transport visitors by bus. Guests of these tours must pre-register and provide their passport or government-issued ID and then bring the identification with them.