Arrivederci, L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante

If you like your alfredo sauce and a view of Spaceship Earth, you better make your reservation now.

According to mouseplanet.com

L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante will be the first of the original table service restaurants in Epcot's World Showcase to disappear from the park. The restaurant will close at the end of its current contract on August 31, to be replaced by "a new Italian restaurant concept."

Disney has not released any details of what the new restaurant concept might be, only that they are "currently finalizing negotiations with a strategic partner." They have confirmed, however, that the new "dining experience" will continue to have International Program cast members staffing the location. That would seem to rule out the fears expressed by some that a domestic Italian-American chain would move into the location.

Alfredo's has not announced any plans to open another location in the Central Florida area, so if a trip to Rome is not on your itinerary, you'll need to head to New York City for the only other location in the United States. (Another location is planned for Las Vegas, though.)

It's not known why Disney and Alfredo's are parting company, but it's a pretty sure bet that Disney either made the break or created a situation that led to the break, as the location was certainly not a money-loser for Alfredo's. In fact, for the year 2004, Alfredo's was number 13 on Restaurant and Institutions Magazine's Top 100 Independent Restaurants listing in terms of food and beverage sales. It's not likely that the restaurant would look to leave with that kind of income rolling in.

Alfredos has locations in Rome, NYC and soon Las Vegas.

Will this be a new theme at Epcot, the changing of the guard of restaurants? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Links:
alfredos.com
Epcot
L' Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante

Siemens at Spaceship Earth

It appears that Siemens is about to put its stamp on Spaceship Earth.

According to wdwmagic.com
Siemens, the new sponsors of Spaceship Earth recently revealed a few bits of information about the changes to the attraction. The new post-show, which is currently under construction, will include 9000-square feet of interactive exhibits based on Siemens technology. The new corporate lounge at Spacehip Earth will be called Nexus 21. It will be exclusively for the use of Siemens employees and customers. The center serves as a hospitality and briefing center showcasing the company’s story of innovation and technology.

The new hands on items sound like a rework of the AT&T New Global Neighborhood that was at exit of the ride. The corporate lounge sounds similar to the AT&T VIP Lounge.

Links:
Siemens /Disney Press Release
Spaceship Earth

Alfredo's to close at the end of July?

Many sites including Intercot are reporting the impending closure of L' Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in the Italy pavilion of EPCOT. The scuttlebutt is that it will close at the end of July and be replaced by as a yet unnamed Italian themed restaurant. Reports are coming into various forums that cast members will be calling those with priority seating reservations to reschedule at a different restaurant.

Hopefully we will be able to confirm or deny this rumor soon.

Quality reports have varied for this restaurant for some time. I know on our honeymoon in 2001 we very much enjoyed our meal. Having not eaten there since I can't comment on the current quality of it's menu.

The loss of El Rio Del Tiempo

Disney is reporting that El Rio Del Tiempo is closed for refurbishment until April. It seems according to WDWMagic.com that it is being changed from its original format to "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros".

Some of my favorite memories include eating dinner at the San Angel Inn and then riding El Rio a few times to relax afterwards. The whole Mexican pavilion is great from the Volcano to the night time atmosphere. I will sorely miss the original song and ride no matter how out dated it was.

Let's hope the new version of the ride is as entertaining as the previous. At least they didn't try to incorporate a Pixar character into it and are using classic characters.