No More "Cafe" For Flying Fish: Updated 8/2 with Sneak Peek

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8/2/16

On the eve of the re-opening of the Flying Fish, Disney Parks & Resorts has released a Sneak Peek inside the re-imagined restaurant and a description of the new interior decor:

Be sure to check out the restaurant’s sparkling architectural accents, which include golden-winged room panels and a glittering chandelier that mimics a school of flying fish swimming overhead.

The restaurant also features boardwalk-inspired mementos like carnival art, vintage games, and a nod to the legendary “Flying Turns” rollercoaster.

7/28/16

Disney's Boardwalk has announced that the new Flying Fish will open for reservations on July 29 for August 3 and beyond up to 180 days in advance.

The following is the published opening day menu:



7/26/16

AbracadaBar has quietly opened on Disney's Boardwalk.

The initial Guest reports are that the new lounge is heavily detailed with elements that build the backstory of the vanishing illusionists and pay homage to the golden age of magic. Although there are no effects tied to drink orders, Guests should keep a close eye on the various posters around the lounge and make sure to check themselves in the mirror when on their way to the restroom.

The following is the initial cocktail and draft beer menu:

Curious Cocktails

The Conjurita
A colorful Margartia that never reveals its secrets
$12

Coney Negroni
A Boulevardier inspired by the piers of Coney Island
$12

Elixir 13
The mysterious cocktail that may have made a room of magician vanish into thin air ...
(Absinthe & Water traditionally dripped over a sugar cube )
$12

Parlor Trick
An Old Fashion cocktail that celebrates old fashioned magic
$12

Seashore Sweet
A cotton candy creation dedicated to two BoardWalk beauty queens
(Non-Alcoholic "cotton candy" lemondae)
$5

Magic Mirror
The fairest drink of them all ...
(Non-Alcoholic Sparking mix of Honey Mango and Lime)
$5

Magic Hattan
A classic Whiskey Manhattan--rabbits not included!
$12

Collins Double
Shh ...this clever Gin cocktail is the secret look-alike of a Tom Collins
$12

Pepper's Ghost
Don't be surprised if you detect spirits and flavors that aren't meant to be seen
(An "invisible" pineapple vodka and Habanero lime cocktail)
$12

The Sour Assistant
This daring cocktail does all of the work, but gets none of the credit
(Whiskey Sour)
$12

Baffling Beers

Bud Light Pale Lager
$6.25

Blue Moon Belgian White What Ale
$7

Blue Point Hoptical Illusion IPA
$9

Samuel Adams Seasonal
$8.25

Although there are no souvenir glassware (yet), several of the cocktails do offer a unique experience. Guests can order the The Conjurita to witness a color change trick or order the Seashore Sweet for a cotton candy "disappearing" act. Another unique presentation is the traditional preperation of the "Elixir 13" absinthe cocktail.

Cast have reported that a more formal Grand Opening is planned for August as part of the Flying Fish re-opening. Until then, Guests will find this new wattering hole opening daily at 4:00 pm.

7/20/16

Disney Parks & Resorts has released more details and several new publicity pictures for the forthcoming AbracadaBar lounge on Disney's Boardwalk:

When it comes to describing this new location, “magic” is key. As the story goes, this little lounge was a former stomping ground for the famous magicians, boardwalk illusionists, and lovely magician’s assistants of the Golden Age. After a show, prestidigitators would gather to “conjure” up new cocktails, swap magic tips and tricks, and stay up all night attempting to “out-charm” each other with their extraordinary illusions. According to BoardWalk lore, it was on just such an evening that every single magician in the lounge vanished into thin air, and was never seen again …

Now, after sitting vacant for nearly seventy years, the secret magician’s lounge is now back in the spotlight and making its world debut as “AbracadaBar.”

Once inside, guests will get a special peek at the sophisticated social club of some of the most famous illusionists of the 20th century. While it’s rumored that the magicians who frequented the lounge vanished without a trace decades ago, their magic still remains strongly intact, and can be seen, heard, and savored in the bar’s signature cocktails. From its enchanted magic show posters and mystifying mirrors, to vintage props and tricks left behind years ago, AbracadaBar promises to be just as surprising and magical as its name suggests.

The new location is still slated for a "Fall 2016" opening.



5/16/16

Disney Parks & Resorts have announced more details for their in-process re-imagining of the dining options along the Disney's Boardwalk entertainment area.

In addition to the new Ample Hills Creamery, a new name and dining concept have been announced for the on-going Flying Fish Cafe renovations. Additionally, a new lounge has been announced that celebrates the Golden Age of Magic.

Flying Fish: New Name, New Chef, New Cocktail Lounge Next Door

by Pam Brandon, Food Writer, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks & Resorts
5/16/16

Opening is set for late summer for Flying Fish restaurant at Disney’s Boardwalk – yes, “Cafe” goes away as part of the name, and diners will be welcomed to a sophisticated, interior that still pays homage to the golden era of seaside boardwalks.

Chef Tim Majoras, who was has been on the Flying Fish team since 2011, takes the helm in the kitchen, and we met with him and some of his team at Disney’s Flavor Lab to see what’s cooking for the new menu. It’s still in the works, but we got a taste of his take on a starter of seared yellow fin tuna served with compressed watermelon (with a hint of Tahitian lime oil and fresh limes), paper-thin avocado slices, crisp radishes, pickled daikon and a small edible viola flower on top. A drizzle of blood orange oil is all it needs.

Sustainable fish will be the star of the new menu, and Majoras’ new Fruits of the Sea appetizer features rock shrimp and clams from Florida, grouper cheek, mussels, a splash of Brandy and a rich lobster stock. The seafood is served over a generous dollop of velvety celery root puree with adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Simple flavors, a deft touch in the kitchen.

Stig Jacobsen, general manager and sommelier at Flying Fish, says he is happy with expanded space for wine storage and is “finding gems” for a more in-depth wine list.

The interior features an all-new kitchen and dining room (with expanded space for private dining events), sparkling architectural accents, like golden-winged room panels and an impressive chandelier that mimics a school of flying fish swimming overhead. Next door, the new AbracadaBar lounge opens, taking the spot formerly occupied by the candy and ice-cream shop.

The new “curious cocktail lounge” combines the Golden Age of Magic with the magic of Disney storytelling, so look for whimsy in the design from the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) team, who create stories in true Disney fashion. According to WDI, the lounge was once a secret stomping ground for famous touring magicians, local boardwalk illusionists and the loveliest magician’s assistants of the day. After every magic show, these prestidigitators would gather at the bar, where they’d conjure up new cocktails, swap magic tips and tricks, and often stay up all night attempting to “out-charm” each other with their extraordinary illusions.

According to BoardWalk lore, it was on just such an evening that every single magician in the lounge vanished into thin air, never seen again… And after sitting vacant for nearly 70 years, the secret magician’s lounge is now back in the spotlight.

AbracadaBar guests will get a special peek into the sophisticated social club, and while it’s rumored that the magicians who frequented the lounge vanished without a trace decades ago, their magic still remains strongly intact, and can be seen, heard, and even savored in the bar’s signature cocktails. From its enchanted magic show posters and mystifying mirrors to vintage props and tricks left behind years ago, AbracadaBar promises to be just as surprising and magical as its name suggests.

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**Update**

[brad192]

If Disney were smart, they would hire a few magicians to wander amongst the patrons and perform a few simple magic tricks.

Of course, this would cost money, and would be a bit too forward thinking for the current WDW management to handle. Too bad. A chance to "Plus" a new attraction, give their customers a little thrill, and regain a little of the lost Disney magic.

I guess the bean counters & profit margins are still the dominant force in Florida.

[DonaldDuck1117]

There actually is a Magician that wonders the boardwalk...

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If Disney were smart, they would hire a few magicians to wander amongst the patrons and perform a few simple magic tricks.

That or hire bartenders/servers who can perform card tricks, slight-of-hand tricks etc.

Additionally, there are quite a few neat effects one could do with the actual cocktails like multi-colored layered cocktails and/or the internet famous Rainbow Shots.

On the most likely side, the releases so far appear to indicate that there may be various effects around the location à la Trader Sam's.

[brad192]

That or hire bartenders/servers who can perform card tricks, slight-of-hand tricks etc.

Oooh! I like that idea! Not only would you get the magic, but it would be an unexpected thrill for customers!

[Simba's Mom]

I've never understood what "Sustainable" fish is. However, I'm looking forward to trying the restaurant after it reopens.

[TracyL]

Abracadabar looks like yet another piece of the Adventurer's Club diaspora that are turning up everywhere from Edison to Skipper's to Trader Sam's. I'm optimistic.

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**Update**

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**Update**