Toy Not Included

Disney announced today that Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and the Paradise Garden Grill, as well as the delayed Goofy’s Sky School will open on July 1.  These new additions to Disney California Adventure are part of the continuing transformation of the park that has been underway for the past few years.  When they announced the “Extreme Makeover,” restaurants played a big part of the plan by trying to bring guests in by having destination dinning.

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta will have an on-stage kitchen that will offer designer pizzas and pastas that they hope differentiate it.  They will have some unique flavors but will also offer the classic cheese and pepperoni.  There will also be a hand-tossed salad to complement the meal.

Next door, Paradise Garden Grill will offer skewers and kabobs that can be customized to your liking.  They will feature a Greek Salad with a side of pita bread, if that is more your style.  Neither resteraunt will feature Happy Meal toys, a former staple of Burger Invasion. 

The most exciting food news that came out today was the reopening of Corn Dog Castle.  No matter how good Disney makes the food, or how much they try and experiment; there is nothing like an enjoying an old-fashioned corn dog while walking through a theme park.  Though I do wonder how they make them meet their healthy food standards. 

Quick Takes:

Studio Entertainment: Here is a new Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides feature on how the created London for the film.  Do you think Jack Sparrow would fit in at the Royal Wedding?  He already has a funny looking hat.

Media Networks: The rumors are that ABC could be signing a deal with Katie Couric to host a daytime talk show.  This could result in the cancelation of ABC’s last soaps, General Hospital.  I look forward to many people tweeting me telling me to boycott Disney because they have the mistaken idea that I care about ABC soaps. 

Consumer Products: If you are like me, you travel to Disney destinations frequently.  What better way to travel to Disney than with Disney luggage.  I discovered that Heys has a line of Disney luggage.  I expect to see many of these rolling through Epcot the next time they host a pin event.

Interactive Media: Kids that visit www.Disney.com/create can enter the Marvel Comic Creator Contest.  Kids that create an Avengers comic can see their creation in an upcoming Marvel Adventures comic.  You can also win Thor and Avengers prize packs.  Avengers Assemble!