Mar 3 2023

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2023 in Walt Disney World

If you will be visiting Walt Disney World around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for a fun place to celebrate, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs. This year’s Mighty Festival runs from Thursday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19, 2023. Raglan Road is one of my favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World for delicious food and lively entertainment for the whole family. If you’re in the area this month and looking for a fantastic celebration, here’s everything you need to know:

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is returning to Disney Springs this month! Don your best green duds and head on over to Disney Springs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style March 16 through March 19, 2023.

Along with a full menu of authentic Irish cuisine like Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie plus a massive selection of beer and cocktails, Raglan Road will be featuring sensational live entertainment straight from Ireland. Here’s the full line up as well as details on the featured acts you’ll be able to enjoy throughout the festival.

Elevation

Back by popular demand, Elevation is without question the most successful U2 tribute band in the world. With their huge repertoire and unparalleled experience, Elevation is the only band to call when you want to bring the most authentic sights and sounds of U2 to your audience without actually having to bring in U2 themselves. If you think this all sounds too good to be true, seeing is believing.

Clare Sands

Channeling the music of her ancestors, sixth generation fearless fiddler, bilingual singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Clare Sands is a unique force in Irish music. Creating boundary breaking Fearless Folk music inspired by her travels around Ireland and the world, Sands sings for the young and the old, brave and the bold wowing audiences with her ground-breaking traditional style and infinite energy. Enjoy an exhilarating journey of story and song full of heart, humor and hope.

Strings & Things

Hailing from Tipperary and Galway, Strings & Things are a contemporary Irish Trad/ Folk/ Roots crossover band with a large repertoire of Irish songs, airs and traditional pieces presented in a very contemporary arrangement and style. Their unique sound and high stage energy always promises a raucous evening of music and song. They recently released their third instalment off their highly anticipated Re: Works EP, “Take the Time.”

One For The Foxes

Award-winning instrumentalists Tadhg Ó Meachair (Goitse) from Dublin & Joanna Hyde (The Hydes) from Colarado form an exciting and dynamic transatlantic duo. Through a shared deep-rooted passion for Irish traditional music, they present a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music and song in an energetic and engaging manner creating an eclectic vibe.

Men Of Aran

These two legends of the Irish traditional music world, Colin Farrell (fiddle) and Dave Curley (banjo & vocals) have toured, performed and recorded with numerous traditional Irish music luminaries. They are gifted entertainers and masters of their craft charming Raglan Road audiences with a potent mix of sublime musicianship, electric energy and a tremendous live performance.

Celtic Croí

A fresh and exciting three-piece traditional Irish music ensemble from Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast featuring Hannah McNeill (fiddle, vocals, banjo & mandolin), Blain Curtis (Guitar & Vocals) and Niall McIlroy (Guitar, whistles, flute & Vocals). All highly accomplished musicians with a wealth of musical talent and experience making for a vibrant and exciting live show of music and song.

Gobhán

Dynamic duo from Co. Down, featuring Oliver Havlin (Guitar & Vocals) and Aoife Byrne (Fiddle and Vocals). Winning numerous titles including Ulster Champions and were All Ireland Fleadh finalists. Performing all over Europe and have supported leading Irish artists Sharon Shannon and Paul Brady. They had the honour of being invited to perform for the Prince of Wales and The President of Ireland. They will keep you entertained with a mix of traditional Irish ballads and modern Irish songs.

The Raglan Road Irish Dancers

Plucked from the casts and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, will perform throughout the festival.

Reservations are encouraged for guests who plan to celebrate at Raglan Road, where they can lift a pint, sip a cocktail, and dine on authentic contemporary Irish cuisine beginning on March 16. On St. Patrick’s Day only, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 11:00am with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older; (first-come, first-served—no reservations on this day only); younger patrons may enter free of charge. Please click here to make your reservations today!

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for St. Patrick’s Day? Have you ever been to Raglan Road in Disney Springs? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 2 2023

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries and Gardens

One of the best and brightest parts of the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World is the over 30 million blossoms scattered throughout EPCOT. So, for all of you flower lovers out there with a visit to EPCOT between now and July 5, 2023, here are all of the must-see topiaries and gardens, courtesy of Disney:

Topiaries

Discover spectacular topiaries of beloved animals and Disney characters, cultivated with care by Disney horticulturists. Here are this year’s displays and where you can find them:

Encanto, Including Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa – NEW!
Main Entrance
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Pluto
Bridge to World Showcase and World Celebration
Woody, Bo Peep and Her Sheep
World Nature Near The Land Pavilion
Goofy
World Showcase
Tiana – NEW!
The American Adventure Pavilion
Buzz Lightyear
World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE
Donald and Daisy
Community Garden Near Connections Café in World Celebration
Figment
Near Imagination!
The Three Caballeros (Jose, Donald and Panchito)
Mexico Pavilion
Anna and Elsa
Norway Pavilion
Troll
Norway Pavilion
Dragon
Japan Pavilion Near Torii Gate
Pandas
China Pavilion
Simba and Friends (Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi)
Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
Pumbaa and Timon
Between Imagination! and The Land Pavilion
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Germany Pavilion
Lady and the Tramp
Italy Pavilion
Beauty and the Beast
France Pavilion
Lumiere and Cogsworth
France Pavilion
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
Between France and Morocco Pavilions
Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc
Between United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions
Winnie the Pooh and Friends (Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger)
United Kingdom Pavilion
Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden
United Kingdom Pavilion
Bambi and Friends
Near Imagination! and Refreshment Port
Geese
Canada Pavilion
Butterflies
Main Entrance, Scentsy Garden, Butterfly House and World Showcase

Gardens

Weave through dazzling flowerbeds, stumble upon exotic gardens, learn more about sustainable foods and celebrate the ways we can live in harmony with the natural world.

Bamboo Garden – China Pavilion
Visit this garden to see bamboo in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes.
Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy – World Showcase Bridge
Follow your nose and form lasting memories with the help of fresh, unforgettable fragrances
Bold Bromeliads – The Land Pavilion
Observe a variety of unique and colorful plants that can adapt to a wide range of climates and conditions.
Bonsai Collection – Japan Pavilion
Learn about the art of bonsai, some of the finest living sculptures. Bonsai masters carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art, creating peace and balance with the earth.
Bouquet Garden – France Pavilion
See bountiful blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers.
Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth – World Nature Near Imagination!
View a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. Learn about butterfly lifecycles and maybe even see one emerge from its chrysalis. Closes at dusk.
China Zodiac Garden – China Pavilion
Realize your finer attributes in this garden inspired by the 12 creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
The Community Garden – World Celebration – NEW!
Connect with the earth and each other at this celebration of a diverse and thriving communal garden plot.
Connections Conservatory Garden – Connections Eatery
Settle into this thoughtful garden full of floral inspirations for your indoor spaces.
Desert Garden – Mexico Pavilion
Discover the special adaptations that allow plants in arid climates to adjust to the harshest of growing conditions.
English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – United Kingdom Pavilion
Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant English tea garden––featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest blends.
Family-Friendly Garden Presented by OFF!
Explore a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play and climb.
Festival Blooms – World Celebration
Admire thousands of flowers that form colorful, living panoramas.
Floating Gardens – World Nature
Peer upon more than 150 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the bridge to World Showcase.
Garden Italiano – Italy Pavilion
From fresh spaghetti sauce to pizza toppings, this Tuscan kitchen garden features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board® – Rosewalk Near Imagination!
Learn about honeybees’ critical role in the environment, and delight in sweet and savory treats made possible by their hard work.
Kokedema Garden – Japan Pavilion
Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art at this tranquil garden.
Miniature Garden – Germany Pavilion
Appreciate the little things in this showcase of diminutive dwellings nestled in a forest of fine shrubs.
Prehistoric Garden – World Discovery Near Mission: SPACE
Imagine life on Earth 65 million years ago with astounding plant life that’s thrived since the age of the dinosaurs.
Shakespeare Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
Explore the works of Shakespeare in this idyllic garden featuring excerpts from some of the bard’s most famous sonnets—and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.
Shishi-odoshi – Japan Pavilion – NEW!
Contemplate the methodical movement and soothing rhythm of this traditional Japanese bamboo water fountain.
Spice Garden – Morocco Pavilion
Discover how Eastern cultures flourished, trading signature spices and herb blends once considered more valuable than gold.
Songbird Meadow Presented by Wild Birds Unlimited® – World Discovery Songbirds are an important part of many ecosystems—including the one in your own backyard! Discover simple steps you can take at home to help these feathered friends thrive.
Topiary Heritage Garden – United Kingdom Pavilion
Marvel at the varied techniques employed by the Walt Disney World Horticulture team to create the festival’s topiaries.
Tropical Rainforest Garden – Mexico Pavilion
Uncover the rich biodiversity of the Mexican rainforest and learn about its highly adaptive species.

Do you spend time checking out the topiaries and gardens during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? Which one is your favorite? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 1 2023

2023 Garden Rocks Concert Series Bands Announced

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this spring during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently announced the lineup of artists appearing in the Garden Rocks Concert Series which runs during the festival from March 1 through July 5, 2023. Here’s the latest information courtesy of Disney:

Move your feet to some of the hottest throwback beats during the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. Performance times are 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm and are included with EPCOT admission.

March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
March 5-6 – Daughtry
March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult
March 24-25 – Berlin
March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
March 31 – Luis Figueroa
April 1-2 – Piso 2
April 3 – TBD
April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
April 16-17 – Switchfoot
April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce
May 21-22 – Casting Crowns
May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago
May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
June 9-10 – The Spinners
June 11-12 – The Commodores
June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
June 23-26 – Simple Plan
June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
July 2-3 – Wang Chung

Which concert are you most excited to attend?

Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jul 19 2021

Disney Very Merriest After Hours Coming To Magic Kingdom This Holiday Season

If you have been eagerly awaiting the news on what the Christmas season will look like at Walt Disney World this year, Disney recently answered this all important question. Instead of the festive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, this holiday season Walt Disney World will be offering Disney Very Merriest After Hours as a fun and safer alternative. Here’s what we know about this jolly event so far, courtesy of Disney:

Merry music fills the night air. Cinderella Castle is all aglow. Snow falls on Main Street, U.S.A. as Magic Kingdom park brims with excitement.

This Christmas season, join your loved ones and friends at a truly magical holiday festival—Disney Very Merriest After Hours—held during the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. Offerings for this new event include Character sightings, fireworks, themed music and decorations, attractions and more.

Spot some favorite Disney friends as they spread their holiday cheer throughout the park. Thrill to Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, a dazzling fireworks display hosted by Minnie Mouse. Indulge in delicious holiday treats, ice cream, popcorn and bottled beverages—all included with the cost of admission. Delight in some holiday-themed attraction overlays and Cinderella Castle projections. Plus, enjoy Magic Kingdom park for 4 hours after the park closes, and less time waiting in line for attractions!

Disney Very Merriest After Hours will take place from 9:00pm to 1:00am on select nights, from November 8 through December 21, 2021. Tickets will go on sale next month, so continue to check for updates. Event tickets will grant admission to Magic Kingdom park as early as 7:00pm, giving you time to enjoy even more of your park favorites before the event begins. These dated event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.

Event Highlights

Don’t miss this merriest of evenings, made merrier still when shared with those who brighten your holidays. Highlights include:

Character sightings
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show
After-hours access to Magic Kingdom park and less time waiting in line for popular attractions
Holiday-themed attraction overlays and Cinderella Castle projections
Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Holiday treats, ice cream, popcorn and bottled beverages—all included with the cost of admission
Themed food and beverages available for purchase
Holiday-themed Disney PhotoPass photo opportunities (photos available for purchase)
Special lighting, music and more!

With very few details announced officially from Disney yet, we’ll have to wait until next month for exact dates, pricing information, and more specifics on what will be included. Be sure to check back often as I will share the details as soon as they are released!

Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

Will you be attending Disney Very Merriest After Hours?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jul 16 2021

First Look At A Magical 2021 Holiday Season At Walt Disney World

If you are looking for some place to get away and spend the holidays this year, look no further than Walt Disney World. Recently Disney shared a first look at what is in store for guests to Walt Disney World this holiday season. According to Disney:

Beginning November 12, festive entertainment, whimsical décor, seasonal food and drinks, special merchandise and more will all be a part of the 2021 holiday season across Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a first look at the merrymaking to come this year as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the resort’s 50^th anniversary.

Magic Kingdom Park

Main Street, U.S.A., will be decked for the holidays with seasonal décor.
In the evening, special holiday projections will appear most nights on Cinderella Castle, alternating periodically throughout the night with the castle’s transformation into a Beacon of Magic as part of the park’s 50^thanniversary celebration.*
“Disney Very Merriest After Hours,” a new specially ticketed event, begins November 8 and continues on select nights through the holiday season. The four-hour experience with feature “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” Disney characters throughout the park, holiday music and décor, treats included and much more. The event will be open to a limited number of guests after regular park operating hours, with lower wait times on more than 20 available attractions. Tickets will go on sale in August, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Disney Resort hotels.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Hollywood Holiday Tower will twinkle anew at the end of Sunset Boulevard during Sunset Seasons Greetings. Projection effects will magically transform the park icon into snowy Arendelle, a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” This holiday show will also alternate with the tower’s nightly transformation into a Beacon of Magic.
“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will feature a festive finale starring Olaf.
Santa Claus will bring some North Pole cheer to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard.
Minnie Mouse will host a meal at Hollywood & Vine, joined by her pals in their holiday finest – and Santa, too!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The park’s centerpiece – The Tree of Life – becomes another Beacon of Magic most nights during the 50^thanniversary celebration. During the holiday season, there will be even more magic inspired by nature as the holiday edition of Tree of Life Awakenings also takes place most nights.
Disney characters will set sail down Discovery River, accompanied by joyful songs of the season.

Disney Springs

The Walt Disney World shopping, dining and entertainment district will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises.
The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will feature elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees, including some inspired by “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
A magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will become Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Springs is the perfect place for guests to make their holiday shopping lists and check them twice, with a wide array of Disney holiday merchandise, including ornaments, matching family pajamas, Spirit Jerseys and more.

Disney Resort Hotels

Iconic trees and other seasonal touches will turn Disney Resort hotels into holiday hideaways.
Select resorts will feature intricate gingerbread displays perfect for holiday photographs … and inspiration for holiday treats.
Select resorts will offer holiday menus at restaurants, as well as other specialty food and drinks.

EPCOT

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will return November 26 – December 30 and will feature Holiday Kitchens around World Showcase, performances by Voices of Liberty, a Cookie Stroll and more.

Disney World Enthusiast

Helpful information, tips and tricks for planning a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

Category Events