Category Disney World

2021 Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Merchandise
Apr 18 2021

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up April 18, 2021

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for April 18, 2021!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

The Twilight Zone Tower of TerrorDisney Did You Know

The storyline of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.

DwarfTip Of The Week

A great way to prepare young children who might not be familiar with some of the older Disney characters is by watching Disney movies and reading books featuring those characters in advance.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” 

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have some 2021 trip planning information, plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Apr 15 2021

A New Look Is Coming For Main Street Confectionery

Confectionery 2One of my family’s favorite spots on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom is Main Street Confectionery. From its delightful smells to its tasty treats, this location is always a must visit for us during each of our Walt Disney World vacations. Recently, Main Street Confectionery along with The Chapeau closed for an extensive refurbishment that will bring with it more retail space as well as interactive experiences allowing guests to customize their desserts. Until Main Street Confectionery reopens later this year, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to satisfy your Disney sweet tooth. You can track down many treats from Main Street Confectionery at Emporium and Main Street Cinema. For Disney hats, including the iconic Mickey Mouse ears, head across the street to Box Office Gifts at the Town Square Theatre. And if it’s collectibles and limited edition artwork you’re after, Bonjour! Village Gifts is the place to go.

Are you excited for Main Street Confectionery to reopen?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Apr 14 2021

10 Ways For Tweens To Have Fun At Walt Disney World This Summer

Do you have a tween in your family that you will soon be bringing to Walt Disney World? You might be wondering what there is for kids this age to do, and most importantly, will they have fun so you can. Well, you’re in luck, because there are many things for your tween and the entire family to enjoy together this summer. Here’s a list of 10 unforgettable ways for tweens and their families to experience the magic, courtesy of Disney:

Families planning their next visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth are in for a real treat. That’s especially true for families with tweens. With roller coasters and thrill attractions of all kinds and so much more, tweens can explore new and classic experiences, soak up the sun and indulge in some tasty tastes. From the must-have family photo in front of Cinderella Castle with its new royal colors to character dining experiences with picture-perfect views, here are 10 ways for tweens and families to spring into summer while vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort this year:

  1. Blizzard Beach 4Splash into Fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – This wintry-themed water park is celebrating the best summer ever in splashy style. It’s a great place to enjoy family fun together with big thrills for the kids and places for parents to relax.
  2. Discover Paradise at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The tropical oasis along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon is now accepting bookings for late July 2021. The reimagined guest rooms will surround guests with details, patterns and textures inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
  3. Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalThe Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Blooms Through July 5 – The event combines the freshest flowers and flavors from around the world, featuring fun for the whole family from garden-inspired cuisine to lifelike character topiaries and new Orange Bird merchandise to complement any selfie. Guests who miss this festival have no reason to worry. On July 15, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will kick off and run through November 20, offering plenty of family-friendly fun.
  4. Check Out the Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle – The treasured icon at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park now features bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting its royal status. It makes a great photo backdrop with family and friends.
  5. Earth Week Celebration at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme ParkCelebrate the Magic of Nature – Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. And from April 18 to 24, the park will connect guests with the magic of nature through Earth Week activities designed to educate, entertain and inspire the whole family.
  6. Find Disney Characters in New Places –From cavalcades to caravans to flotillas and even special “pop-up” appearances, guests of all ages can discover favorite friends at all four theme parks and occasional special surprise appearances at Disney Resort hotels.
  7. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway RailwayStep into an Adventure – At Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can step through a movie screen and into the cartoon world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway They can also embark on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive, award-winning land featuring two thrilling attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
  8. Here for the Food – Foodie options are limitless at Walt Disney World, whether sitting for a family meal or snacking between attractions. Guests can enjoy a family-style meal at Chef Mickey’s with Mickey Mouse and his pals at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or visit Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort for a fun character dining experience during Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends and a beautiful view of Walt Disney World. EPCOT is another great place to grab a quick bite … or two … or three! The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival offers more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens where guests can sample tastes and sips as diverse as Avocado Toast and a Maple Popcorn Shake. Top off the experience with classic Disney Parks snacks – buttery popcorn and the classic Mickey Ice Cream Bar are Walt Disney World theme park favorites.
  9. Everglazed 4Stroll, Dine and Shop for the Perfect Gift at Disney Springs – Guests visiting this shopping, dining and entertainment destination have plenty of new options to satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Disney Style is the latest fashion-forward merchandise spot with a twist. Here, fashionistas find a curated assortment of trendy apparel and accessories inspired by beloved Disney characters and attractions. Tweens looking for a sweet treat can grab a handcrafted, photo-worthy donut at the newly opened Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.
  10. Relax Outdoors – Central Florida weather is traditionally gorgeous this time of year, and Walt Disney World offers special ways to enjoy outdoor recreation, including miniature golf, fishing expeditions, horseback riding and more.

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World with a tween?
What did they enjoy the most? Please leave a comment!

Gideon's Bakehouse
Apr 13 2021

Gideon’s Bakehouse At Disney Springs

Gideon's Bakehouse 7In recent years, Disney Springs has quickly become one of the best spots in Walt Disney World to find delicious foods. With so many places recently debuting in this location, get ready to add another one to your list. Gideon’s Bakehouse has joined the ranks of dessert lovers must try options located in The Landing of Disney Springs. This place is famous for their one-of-a-kind specialty cookies like Peanut Butter Crunch, Triple Chocolate Chip, and Coffee Cake.

And if you’re more a cake person, no worries, Gideon’s Bakehouse has got you covered too with flavors like True Red Velvet, Double Frosted, Peanut Butter Cup, and Andes Mint Cookies & Cream.

Of course, you can wash it all down with one of Gideon Bakehouse’s delicious cold brews, classic milk, or a Blue Sky 100 percent Cane Sugar soda.

Gideon’s Bakehouse typically serves their cookies cooled, but if you love a warm cookie, you’ll want to stop by at 7pm each day to enjoy a Classic Chocolate Chip cookie straight out of the oven served with or without ice cream.

And if you’re looking to try a limited edition treat, be sure to follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram and Facebook where they post about exclusive super secret specials only for their followers. These specialty items are off menu, will not be advertised in the store, and you will need the secret password promoted on their social media to score one of these unique desserts.

While you’re planning your visit to Walt Disney World, be sure to put Gideon’s Bakehouse on your list of must-try places, and I hope to see ya’ there real soon!

Gideon’s Bakehouse
Located in the The Landing of Disney Springs
Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily
Prices: Cookies $6+, Cake Slices $9+, Limited Specialty Items $12+, Beverages $3+

Are you excited to try Gideon’s Bakehouse?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Apr 12 2021

Enchanting 2021 Taste Of Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise

For anyone that is going to be attending the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year, remember to bring money! Disney is offering lots of unique merchandise during this event that is being sold throughout EPCOT. Take a look of some of the fabulous selections…

Any fellow Orange Bird fans out there? I’ve loved this little guy since I was tiny, stopping at souvenir stands along the Florida highway with my parents on the long drive from Indiana to Magic Kingdom in the early 70s. He’s still as cute as ever!

For Minnie Mouse fans, there’s a lot of adorable Minnie Wildflowers items to bring home.

Need another Dooney & Bourke? Check out these Minnie spring floral designs.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival without a little Figment merchandise!

Look for these items and more throughout EPCOT with select items available also on shopDisney.com. The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival runs through July 5 and is available with valid admission and a park reservation for the same date. Merchandise is available while supplies last. Hope to see ya’ there real soon!

What about you? See any souvenirs you must have?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!