Category Epcot

Jun 16 2021

Fireworks Spectaculars Return To Walt Disney World This Summer

Happily Ever After ReturnsIf you are traveling to Walt Disney World soon, there’s more great news to share. Disney announced this week the nighttime fireworks spectaculars will be returning to the resort on July 1, just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend. If you’ve been missing “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom and “EPCOT Forever” at EPCOT like I have, run don’t walk to get your park pass reservations. With the recent relaxation of mask restrictions at the parks, plus the announcement of the return of fireworks, expect crowd levels to rise throughout the summer months.

According to Disney:

A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect “kiss goodnight” at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more. Beginning in July, just in time for the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, our incredibly popular nighttime fireworks spectaculars are returning to Disney parks!

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, July 1 marks the start of nightly fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true. And as part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, “EPCOT Forever” will produce a spectacle of fireworks, music and lighting effects over World Showcase Lagoon, highlighting the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration at the core of the park’s past, present and future.

To purchase theme park tickets and make park pass reservations to enjoy “Happily Ever After” or “EPCOT Forever, please click here to visit the official Walt Disney World Resort site. Hope to see you there!

Have you missed the fireworks? Which spectacular will you see first?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jun 9 2021

2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Global Marketplaces Announced

Food & Wine 1Did you hear the exciting news? Disney recently announced the Global Marketplaces for this years EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. From July 15 through November 20, 2021, guests can enjoy taking a tasty tour around the world at delicious marketplaces featuring global cuisine and beverages sure to delight everyone in the family. This years EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will offer over 30 marketplaces to try, so you might want to skip any dining reservations on the day you plan to visit EPCOT and fill up on these delectable dishes instead. Here’s what we can look forward to during this years EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival according to Disney:

The Alps – Opening October 1
Indulge in comforting Alpine cuisine, like warm Raclette Swiss cheese served with a baguette.

Australia
Embark on a culinary journey Down Under as you sample popular Australian dishes.

Appleseed Orchard
Celebrate autumn with delicious apple creations paired with ciders and beers.

Belgium – Opening October 1
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a fluffy Belgian waffle—or enjoy a savory beer-braised beef dish.

Brazil – Opening October 1
Dig into South American cuisine and culture with the Land of the Palms’ finest fare.

Brew-Wing at the Epcot Experience – NEW!
Explore an array of crowd-pleasing picks like chicken wings and flatbreads—along with assorted beers and ciders.

Canada
Discover delightful dishes, lagers and wines from the Great White North.

China
Please your palate with popular Chinese plates, mango bubble milk tea, draft beer and cocktails.

The Donut Box
Choose from an adventurous assortment of donuts, as well as refreshing beverages.

Earth Eats hosted by Impossible™
Delight in hearty plant-based fare featuring Impossible™ foods, as well as wine, chai tea or a chai tea cocktail.

Flavors from Fire hosted by The NFL on ESPN
Score a touchdown of flavor with hearty dishes that are sure to tackle the toughest appetite.

France
Fall in love with the classic cuisine of France—along with assorted wines or a slushy cocktail.

Germany
Venture to Germany for Bavarian bites sure to sate foodies of all ages—every dish is köstlich!

Greece
Opa! Savor traditional Greek dishes like spanakopita and lamb moussaka.

Hawaiʻi
Traverse the Pacific for tropical flavors and island favorites both savory and sweet.

Hops & Barley
Stay stateside for all-American craft beer, wines and the hottest tastes from coast-to-coast.

India – Opening October 1
Spice up your life with bold Indian cuisine, like Madras red curry and Korma chicken.

Ireland – Opening October 1
Enjoy favorites from the Emerald Isle, like Irish sausage and seafood pie—which pair wonderfully with Irish ale and mead honey wine.

Italy
Savor the simple elegance of cucina italiana, with some of the world’s best-loved food and wine.

Japan
Delight your appetite with sushi and other delish dishes, as well as libations from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Kenya – NEW! Opening October 1
Set off on a safari of flavor as you enjoy traditional Kenyan food and beer.

Lobster Landing – NEW! Opening October 1
Get a taste of New England as you indulge in luscious lobster creations.

Mac & Eats – NEW! Opening October 1
Discover macaroni-and-cheese combos your mom never imagined!

Mexico
Take your taste buds south of the border as you enjoy chilaquiles, tacos, Mexican craft beer and margaritas.

The Noodle Exchange – NEW!
Savor the flavors of the Far East served up in delicious noodle dishes.

Refreshment Outpost
Nibble like there’s no tomorrow—stop by for satisfying snacks and beverages to go.

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin® Cheese
Satisfy your craving for comfort foods—like chicken nuggets, poutine and soft-serve ice cream.

Rotunda Bistro – NEW!
Nosh on tasty cuisine featuring fresh seafood and produce in the American Adventure Pavilion.

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE®
Get the brunch party started! Sample sweet treats and mimosas mixed with the perfect twist.

Spain – Opening October 1
Feast on flavorful Spanish foods—like paella, seafood salad and charcuterie—along with beer and wine.

The Swanky Saucy Swine – NEW!
Try out tantalizing pork dishes along with wine, beer or a cocktail.

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – NEW!
Treat your senses to traditional Moroccan cuisine, like grilled kebabs and a falafel pita.

Remember to check back often as I will share more details as soon as they are announced!

Will you be visiting during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jun 7 2021

Celebrate Pride Month 2021 At Walt Disney World Resort With Tasty Treats

If you will be celebrating Pride Month in Walt Disney World this June, you have lots of tasty treats to try as part of your fun filled visit. Here are just some of the many delicious dessert options available throughout the resort this month:

EPCOT

Sunshine Seasons

  • Mickey Rainbow Dome Cake – tres leches mousse and toasted coconut dome with a mirror glaze

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

  • Rainbow Cake – colorful almond frangipane cake layered with chocolate ganache

Pride Month 5Magic Kingdom

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

  • Rainbow Donut – a vanilla iced yeast donut topped with rainbow buttercream icing

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

  • Paradise Pride – a salted caramel spiced mousse with coconut mousse, a passion fruit center, and whipped passion fruit ganache

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

  • Rainbow Donut – a vanilla iced yeast donut topped with a kaleidoscope of celebratory candy decorations & topped with buttercream icing that is dusted with edible purple glitter & crowned with a rainbow gummy

The Ganachery

  • Rainbow Chocolates – a variety of rainbow adorned chocolates including the Berry Fruity Ganache Pop

Gideon’s Bakehouse

  • Rainbow Crunch Cake – a fluffy 3-layer vanilla confetti cake covered with multi-colored marshmallow buttercream and laced with mega crunchy rainbow crumbs

Which Pride Month treat looks best to you?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

May 7 2021

Gelateria Toscana Now Open In EPCOT

Gelateria Toscana 6Who’s ready for some delicious desserts? Gelateria Toscana is now open in EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort offering many decadent treats for anyone with a sweet tooth. This new quick service kiosk is located between the Italy and American Adventure pavilions in the World Showcase area of the park. Here’s what you’ll find on the menu:

  • Gelati in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, cookies ‘cream, stracciatella, strawberry, or tiramisù
  • Sorbetti in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Lemon, raspberry, mixed berry, or mango
  • Gelati Floats – Fior di Latte gelato with your choice of root beer or Coca-Cola
  • Coppa del Nonno – Fior di Latte, chocolate, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and amaretti cookies
  • Coppa Amicizia – Fior di Latte, cookies ‘n cream, and strawberry gelati with whipped cream
  • Coppa Delizia – Fior di Latte, strawberry, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with strawberry sauce and whipped cream
  • “Affogato” Espresso Gelato – Fresh Italian espresso poured over Fior di Latte gelato with an amaretto cookie
  • Cannoli al Cioccolato – Crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied orange
  • Zeppole –  Soft fried Ricotta cheese fritters dusted with powdered sugar
  • Mocha Tiramisù – Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, savoiardi biscuits, and chocolate
  • Specialty non-alcoholic beverages along with cocktails, beer, and wine are also available

Will you be trying Gelateria Toscana? What’s your favorite Disney dessert?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

May 5 2021

Creations Shop Opening In EPCOT This Summer

For most of us a Walt Disney World vacation isn’t complete without the purchase of at least one souvenir, and for my family our go to spot was always Mouse Gear at EPCOT. If the temporary location hasn’t quite been doing it for you during all of the EPCOT construction, good news, Disney recently announced that EPCOT’s new flagship merchandise location, Creations Shop, will be opening this summer. Although an official opening date has not been announced yet, here’s what we know so far about the store according to Disney:

Creations Shop in EPCOT 2Creations Shop features a bold, sleek design that creates a perfect showcase for the rich variety of items you’ll find as part of your EPCOT experience. It will be an open, bright, welcoming environment with huge glass walls that allow sunlight to pour in and make you feel like you’re in touch with nature even while indoors. We are using color, materials and light in new ways with some unique EPCOT touches that connect back to this park’s storied past while looking to the future.

We were inspired by Mickey as our subject for creativity – but this is Mickey like you’ve never seen him before. You’ll discover original homages to him throughout the space, including large, dynamic murals and new artist expressions that showcase the global, contemporary icon that Mickey has become for generations around the world. We are excited to feature this art program – completely original works that will live on in this space – as a testament to the park’s ability to inspire the dreamer in all of us.

Our goal is for Creations Shop to be more than a place to pick up a memento of your time at EPCOT – we want your every moment with us to be an experience worthy of the park’s vision and tradition. The products you’ll find here will extend Disney storytelling and allow you to bring that experience home with you, all while encouraging you to explore your own expressiveness and creativity.

I’m looking forward to seeing how Creations Shop measures up to my long time favorite, Mouse Gear. With only one artist concept released so far, it seems very minimalist to me, but I’m hoping once I see it in person, it is much more energetic and warm. And of course, as a huge Mickey Mouse fan, I’m looking forward to checking out the new murals, hopefully they will distract me from buying too many souvenirs!

Good-Bye, Mouse Gear, EPCOT 2019

Will you be shopping at Creations Shop in EPCOT?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!