“I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan pizza,” Valenti says.  “It’s a perfect food, something beloved by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft and charred crust. I look forward to bringing it to Walt Disney World, where it should be a welcome addition to guests visiting Epcot.”

The Grand Opening ceremonies were very festive and included speeches by Dan Cockerell, V.P. of Epcot and Nick Valenti, CEO of the Patina Restaurant Group. Mickey and Minnie even helped cut the ribbon, er… grape vine.

Both the interior and exterior of the restaurant are exquisitely detailed in traditional Italian style.

A unique feature at Via Napoli is the wood-burning ovens, which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Each oven is sculpted with the “face of the volcano” — reflecting the gods whose mythology surrounds each volcano’s history.

Our meal started with a glass of Mineral Water, sparkling or still and our choice of flavors of Acqua Fresca…I had strawberry and it was a thicker beverage than I expected but it was deliciously refreshing. For appetizers we had Fritto Misto which is an assortment of Italian delicacies including Arancini, Calamari Fritti, Melanzane and more. Next it was on to the pizzas! I love pizza and with out a doubt the best pizza crust I have ever eaten is a Via Napoli. We tried three of the pizzas and they were all amazing but my favorite hands down was the Quattro Formaggi (four cheese) Pizza. We also tried the Margherita Pizza (tomato, mozzarella and basil) which was Aaron’s favorite and the more classic Pepperoni Pizza. The pizzas come in 3 sizes Individual is $16, Large is $27 and 1/2 Meter to Share is $36-yes they are pricier than your local pizzeria but I promise you they are worth it!

For dessert we had Tiramisu, Zeppole di Caterina (ricotta cheese fritters served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce) and Gelato Frizzante (ice cream soda “Italian Style” made with San Pellegrino’s “Aranciata” and vanilla gelato). I am not a big coffee fan but those that are loved the Tiramisu. I enjoyed the Zeppole but my favorite dessert was the Gelato Frizzante.
I have been raving to everyone about Via Napoli and I can’t wait to go back and bring my entire family. Call now to make your ADRs for your next trip. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan Via Napoli uses Table service credits.

The post Via Napoli Grand Opening appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Tomorrow is also the day Disney ticket prices increase

• Walt Disney World base tickets will increase $3-$21 on adult tickets, $5-$31 on kids tickets, depending on length of stay.
• Park Hopper Option is going up to $2 plus tax.
• Water Park Fun & More Option is going up to $2 plus tax.
• No Expiration Option has a huge increase on some tickets jumping anywhere from $4-$30 depending on the ticket purchased.

For exact ticket pricing you can check out the Disney Parks Blog post on the subject.

It was announced last week that High School Musical 3 show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will end its run on October 2 to make way for a new  show, incorporating a variety of Disney Channel hits, including The High School Musical franchise, Camp Rock and Star Struck. If you are looking for the latest news, start by checking this post about Jimmy John Shark.

The show, described as a “live, rock-concert style show,”  hasn’t yet been  named but will follow a format that is similar to the current  High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!

The new show is scheduled to debut Oct. 22 at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s California Adventure.

That’s your Walt Disney World news for this week. For up-to-date Disney World news listen to DW:60 on Sorcerer Radio every Thursday morning at 8am ET.

The post Walt Disney World News 8-4-10 appeared first on The Mom Maven.