Mouse Extra

In a follow up to our January 6 posting regarding the possible changes coming to the Cantina at Epcot’s Mexico pavilion, we can now report that early last week the entire area encompassing the outdoor counter service restaurant, and all of the seating surrounding it, has been closed and walled-off. 

It has created quite the bottleneck in that part of the World Showcase promenade, but this work has only just begun so it may be something guests will need to expect to encounter for some time to come.  In the mean time, you can find a few quick-service options just a few feet away on the other side of the promenade.  The same building used for the Food and Wine Festival is now open on a regular basis, I would imagine until the new restaurant opens.

Now this morning we have a report in the Orlando Business Journal that this project is definitely going to be more than just a fresh coat of paint, and perhaps something really exciting…

Cantina de San Angel, a quick-service eatery outside the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, began demolition work this week to prepare for a new 400-seat, waterside restaurant that includes both table service and quick-service options.

Lake Buena Vista-based San Angel Inn LLC, Walt Disney World’s partner on the Epcot pavilion, is razing the existing 3,500-square-foot, 288-seat restaurant and will build a new 12,000-square-foot one set to open by this fall. The project value was not released.

Besides creating a much larger restaurant, it is hard not to be intrigued by the idea of a “waterside restaurant that includes both table service and quick-service options”.  It does appear as though the Mexico pavilion is currently the one most aggressively raising its profile.  The new tequila bar, La Cava del Tequila, is a terrific addition to the pavilion.  But adding an outdoor, waterfront eatery may quickly turn Mexico into a World Showcase gem.

My hope is that the Imagineers responsible for the project recognize that this could be a perfect place to eat and watch Illuminations from.  If they make sure the sightlines are good, this would immediately become one of Epcot’s most popular spots.  Hats off to the Mexican Pavilion for all they have done to make this a better experience for guests.  Let’s hope other pavilions follow suit.

One of my favorite counter service meals in Epcot is at the Cantina in Mexico. I like the churros and combination plate. Those little deep fried quesadillas are great. I sometimes just ask for a handful of the things. I also like the setting as you eat by the lagoon (which is surprisingly rare at World Showcase).

Well, according to some reports, the Cantina is going down for a major refurbishment. This is coming hot off the heels of the successful opening of the tequila bar inside the pyramid. Apparently, the building is being demolished to open up a whole new counter service spot. There is no word on the menu changes (if any) so stay tuned. One thing that apparently is to be accomplished is an improvement on the congestion in that spot which can be a problem with the shops and especially when the mariachi band is playing.

Today’s article is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

John Frost of the Disney Blog reported late last week that the long anticipated Tequila Bar will be opening at the end of this month inside the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.  It will be called La Cava del Tequila and it will open its doors on August 28.

Guests visiting La Cava del Tequila will have the opportunity to enjoy over 70 types of authentic tequila from several major brands, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the Agave Plant. A Tequila Ambassador will be on-hand to educate Guests on the history of Tequila making and its rich Mexican heritage.

Exotic and unique-blended margaritas will be served introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists.

The plan also calls for a small Tapas-style menu as well, which would really add a nice reason to sit and hang around for awhile, rather than just grabbing a margarita in a plastic cup and moving on to Norway.

Now, I am not much of a tequila fan.  I guess there is just too much Irish in me for that.  But this sounds like a really terrific addition to the Mexico pavilion and the experience for adults at Epcot.  There are no character or movie tie-ins with this addition.  It is just a great way for adults to get out of the way of runaway strollers for a little while and enjoy a very popular piece of Mexican history and heritage.

Have you seen any video footage of the new audio animatronic character of Remy from Ratatouille that has been entertaining guests at Epcot’s Les Chefs de France?  Here is a link to a Youtube video shot at the World Showcase restaurant by Jeff Lange.

Remy Living Character Initiative, Epcot Chefs De France

So what do you think?  It’s a bit underwhelming, right?  I realize that humans couldn’t understand Remy, so the whole “no talking” is awkward but makes sense.  But off all the living character initiatives, doesn’t this one seem to be the least advanced?  Now, it is only a few seconds, but there doesn’t seem to be much “alive” about this AA at all.

But as many of you already know, Ratatouille is my absolute favorite Pixar film of all time, and up near the top of my Disney list as well.  So I will be heading to Les Chefs de France in a couple of weeks to see if I can spot the Little Chef myself.  Hopefully I will get some more video for you.

Jim Hill Media is reporting this morning that a certain culinary rodent has started making appearances at Les Chefs de France at Epcot.  The overly cute Remy from Ratatouille is now an audio-animatronic making the rounds entertaining the crowds at this popular World Showcase eatery.

… Les Chefs de France is still one of the most expensive restaurants found in that theme park. And given that Guests are really watching their money these days, Disney World officials felt that they had to come up with a strong new draw for this France pavilion restaurant.

Which is why – this past Monday — Remy from “Ratatouille” began making appearances at Les Chefs de France. And – no – I’m not talking about some sweaty teenager in a walk-around Remy costume. I’m talking about the latest application of Disney’s Living Character Initiative program. Which first started entertaining diners at Walt Disney Studios’ Rendez-Vous des Stars restaurant last summer.

Be warned, though. This itty-bitty animatronic Remy is scheduled to make his last appearance at Epcot on September 10th. So if you want to be entertained by Little Chef while you’re dining at Les Chef de France, you’d best make some reservations ASAP.

With all due respect to Mr. Hill, his conclusion about why they added Remy to Les Chefs de France seems like a bunch of bunk to me.  While it is certainly possible the economy may have some additional effect on Les Chefs de France from the rest of the park’s expensive restaurants, and that seems pretty debatable by itself, I just can’t see that as the main reason for Remy’s appearance.  Considering how long it takes to develop these characters, and the entertainment value they have on their own, I would imagine Remy was coming to the France pavilion regardless. 

And if a downturn in bookings is truly the reason, why would they have a hard date of September 10 for Remy’s finale?  Are they certain the Little Chef will cure all the restaurant’s economic hardships in a matter of a few months?  No, it doesn’t add up.  I would imagine this was going to happen for no other reason than it was a really good idea.

Long time readers of Mouse Extra know how much I love this little rat and his incredible film.  Ratatouille is my favorite Pixar film, and very close to my favorite animated film period.  I am calling for reservations at Les Chefs de France for my April trip as soon as I finishing posting this article.  (Wait a minute…maybe that whole “bookings theory” isn’t a bad idea after all…)

We have written about Le Cellier before.  Canada’s steakhouse is perhaps Epcot’s most popular restaurant.  Reservation can be a difficult thing to obtain due to its impressively positive reputation among Disney World enthusiasts.

My latest visit to this World Showcase favorite was certainly an up and down experience.  To begin with, we waited an abnormally long time to be seated.  It took forty-five minutes for us to finally get a seat.  Now we had a big party, but there was no excuse for this.  It was a lunch reservation, the place was not overwhelmed and we had an ADR.  In fact, some in the party were ready to walk.  But eventually we got our table.

What came next was perhaps the best meal I have had in a long time, if not ever.  I started with the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup, something anyone who has been to this restaurant seems to rave about and for good reason.  Breadsticks accompany the soup course, and thankfully the waiter suggested dipping the pretzel breadstick into the soup.  This was like the chocolate meeting the peanut butter…if not even better!

For dinner I had Pork Osso Buco and a side order of Baked Macaroni and Cheese.  I would only be slightly exaggerating if I told you I was very close to storming into the kitchen and genuflecting in the presence of the chef.  The flavor that came from these two dishes absolutely floored me to the point where I thought I would tear up when it was finished.  Hyperbole you say?  Not a chance.

The moral of the story is that when you go to a place as popular as Walt Disney World and eat at one of its finest and most loved restaurants remember that patience may be required.  It will certainly reward you in the end.