MouseSteps Weekly 557: TRON: Ares Overlay, Beak & Barrel Bar, Rivers of America, Epcot Food & Wine, Disney Springs

TRON: Ares Overlay Experience

• 🚀 Jeff experienced the new TRON: Ares overlay on TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, noting the significant red theming and the 9-inch Nails soundtrack.
• 💡 The overlay was more impactful than expected, especially with the music, and Jeff preferred the ride experience from the back row, particularly in the seat allowing a more upright posture.
• ⚠️ It's mentioned that the ride was programmed for the middle, offering the best views for most riders, and the overlay is considered a limited-time magic with no announced end date.

The Beak & Barrel Pirate Bar

• 🏴‍☠️ A visit to The Beak & Barrel, a new pirate-themed bar in Magic Kingdom near Pirates of the Caribbean, is detailed.
• 🍹 Drinks like the Plunderer's Punch (served in a pirate mug) and the Port of Call (gin, ruby port, lemon, cranberry) were enjoyed, with the Port of Call being a standout.
• 🍽️ The Island Provisions, a dish with crispy cilantro, was surprisingly good, and the cursed treasure non-alcoholic drink was also highlighted.
• 🦜 The bar features interactive elements like Rummy the parrot and a pirate ship battle scene above the captain's quarters, offering a detailed and immersive atmosphere.
• ⏳ A 45-minute drink limit is in effect, and an early seating is recommended to maximize the experience.

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade & Rivers of America

• ✨ The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade featured a special "Together: We Are Magia" version for National Hispanic Heritage Month, with characters like Jose and Panchito.
• 🎭 While no new characters debuted, existing ones like Merida were repositioned, and characters like Timon and Pumbaa, Nick and Judy were present on a single float.
• 💧 The Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom were observed to be drained, indicating upcoming refurbishment or demolition.

Epcot Food & Wine and Disney Springs Dining

• 🥟 At the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the India booth was revisited, with the samosas tasting the same but the chicken tikka masala noted as slightly different and less preferred than in previous years.
• 🦞 The Boathouse at Disney Springs was a return visit, with highlights including the excellent rolls, a classic Caesar salad (though smaller than before), and the delicious New York steak and lobster roll.
• 🍻 The Dockside Haze beer was also sampled and found to be delicious.

Upcoming Content and Sponsorship

• ✈️ The show thanks sponsor MEI Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, specialists in various Disney and other cruise line vacations.
• 🎃 Future content will include a show on Halloween Time at Disneyland, featuring a character meal at Storytellers, and a planned trip to Disneyland for Christmas.