MK’s News Roundup August 19, 2008
August 19th, 2008 . by MKWalt Disney World
**Tropical Storm Fay & WDW**
After a quiet 2007 for Floridians, the hurricane season once again comes into focus with the arrival of Tropical Storm Fay on its southern shores. At time of typing, the storm is tracking across the Florida Keys and is expected to continue north and east, with Orlando and the WDW area being quite close to its predicted path. Guests are being advised about any precautions they need to take and of changes to park and transportation schedules. With the worst of the Storm likely to hit later today and into tomorrow, all parks will open earlier than usual at 8am, with a closing time of around 5pm (subject to conditions) Disneyquest will also open early (9am), as will AMC theatres (10am). Both Spirit of Aloha dinner shows at the Polynesian have been cancelled today, with further cancellations possible tomorrow. The good news is that TS Fay is not expected to strengthen much as it moves inland, and damage is hoped to be minimal.
Check out www.weather.com for the latest ’Fay’ updates.
This years annual water park refurbishment dates have been announced. Blizzard Beach will close Sept 28th thru Oct 26th 2008, 
Typhoon Lagoon then picks up the baton and will close for an extended rehab from Oct 26th thru March 22nd 2009, although the end date could be a bit of a moving target. Its assumed the reason for such a lengthy rehab at TL is because of the recent problems to the wave pool, as we reported HERE.
A new quick service venue is set to open within the Contemporary resort, named “The Contempo Cafe”. It replaces the Concourse Steakhouse as part of the ongoing dining changes at the resort. An opening date has yet to be announced, although fare is likely to fall into line with similar deluxe quick service menus.
“Cook off” to open 2008 Food & Wine Festival
Eight culinary experts will compete in an elaborate ‘cook-off’ style contest to win the honour of representing tha USA at the prestigious Bocuse D’or World Cuisine Contest during the opening weekend of Epcot’s 13th annual ‘Food & Wine Festival’
Taking place on the 26th & 27th of September, the eight two-man teams will lock spatulas in a battle of their culinary skills, before a prominent panel of tof chefs who will judge each of the dishes and ultimately decide who will progress and represent the US at the gold standard event, held in Lyon, France. There, 24 Teams from countries around the globe will contest for the honour of being crowned Bocuse D’or world champions. Walt Disney World guests can attend the event and observe the chefs in action, as well as sample some of their delicious creations.
Further details and ticket information can be found HERE.
Disneyland Paris
Eat Express at DLP
Want to sample the ambiance and menus of the table service restaurants but dont want to waste precious time that could be better spent doing the attractions? Well now you can, with select dining locations now offering a 40-minute express option during lunchtimes. The express menu’s are set at €19.90 and include your choice of entree, followed by a ‘gourmet’ coffee. Currently, the offer is available at the Silver Spur Steakhouseand Blue Lagoon Restaurant within the Disneyland Park, but may be extended to other venues if it proves popular.
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