Epcot’s 2015 Candlelight Processional Narrators Announced

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World, with the joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir. Candlelight performances take place at 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot from November 27 through December 30, 2015. (showtimes on December 6 are 6:45 and 8:15pm only)

Narrators

November 27 – November 29: Gary Sinise

November 30 – December 3: Neil Patrick Harris

December 4 – December 5: Whoopi Goldberg

December 6 – December 8: Joe Morton

December 9 – December 11: Ana Gasteyer

December 12 – December 14: Meredith Vieira

December 15 – December 17: America Ferrera

December 18 – December 20: Chandra Wilson

December 21 – December 23: Daniel Dae Kim

December 24 – December 26: Edward James Olmos

December 27 – December 28: Blair Underwood

December 29 – December 30: Amy Grant

Please note that narrators are subject to change without notice.

Candlelight Dining Packages

Candlelight ProcessionalGuests may purchase Candlelight Dining Packages to reserve a seat at the Candlelight Processional. These packages include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages available. Breakfast costs $38.99 for adults and $22.99 for children, lunch ranges in cost from $37.99 to $60.99 for adults and $12.99 to $24.99 for children, and dinner pricing is $51.99 to $75.99 for adults and $16.99 to $33.99 for children. Each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage (or buffet depending on the location selected). Prices do not include tax, gratuity, or the required park admission. Participating restaurants include Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, Coral Reef Restaurant, Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner), Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Spice Road Table, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Les Chefs de France, Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations or book online by clicking here. Hurry – Availability is limited!

Heading to Disney World for the holidays?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you attended the Candlelight Processional before? What did you think?
Please leave a comment!

Celebrating New Year’s In Disney World

New Years 3

Where has 2015 gone? If you’ll be visiting Disney World for the ringing in of 2016 there are plenty of fun-filled options available to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a look at some of the choices courtesy of Disney:


Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. With spectacular fireworks shows, world-class entertainment, and endless dining options, guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a touch of Disney magic.

Here’s a look at some of Disney’s entertainment and dining celebrations planned for New Year’s Eve 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entertainment

Disney New YearEpcotGuests can celebrate all night long at Epcot. DJs and live music around World Showcase bring guests to their feet with beats from around the globe. Two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks spectacular at 6pm and 11:40pm, followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the New Year will top off the celebration.

Magic KingdomGuests can get a head start on welcoming 2016 at Magic Kingdom as New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the sky on two nights instead of one. Magic Kingdom will present a jaw-dropping presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks on both Wednesday, December 30, and Thursday, December 31 at 11:50pm.

Disney’s Hollywood StudiosRock ’n’ roll into the New Year with a brilliant fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show will be presented on December 31 near the Hyperion Theater at midnight.

Dining

Disney New YearMagic Kingdom – For guests with a sweet tooth, Tomorrowland Terrace will feature a New Year’s Eve fireworks dessert party twice nightly during the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular December 30-31. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Epcot – Epcot World Showcase offers a variety of New Year’s Eve lunch and dinner options. (Admission to Epcot is required and not included in dining prices.)

  • Enjoy live music, premium tequilas, festive décor, and incredible views of the IllumiNations fireworks spectacular at La Hacienda de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion. This colorful celebration begins with seating at 9:30pm, and includes a five-course feast featuring a special Surf and Turf entrée. This event is $280.13 for adults and $73.46 for children ages 3-9 (includes tax and gratuity).
  • Delight in the culture, flavors and elegance of France courtesy of the revered French chef Paul Bocuse at Monsieur Paul at the France pavilion. This restaurant will offer lunch and dinner seatings featuring a three-course meal for $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity), as well as a four-course premiere dining event from 8:45-9:50 p.m. for $235 per person, or $295 with wine (plus tax and gratuity).
  • The Canadian-inspired eatery Le Cellier Steakhouse will offer a decadent, multi-course menu for guests to enjoy while exploring World Showcase. Reservations are available at 4:30, 6:45 and 9 pm, with prices varying per seating.
  • Listen to classic Disney tunes and enjoy a never-ending custom New Year’s Eve dinner buffet at the Epcot World ShowPlace This holiday dining location offers a family-friendly atmosphere with delicious menu items for guests of all ages. The experience also features photo opportunities with unique vignettes of classic Disney characters. Dinner is served from 4:30-10:30pm. Tickets cost $71.84 for adults and $44.37 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax).

Disney World New YearsResorts – Guests can treat themselves to delectable dining on New Year’s Eve at several Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants.

  • With an elegant feast and delightful entertainment, guests can celebrate with class at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. An exquisite gala includes appearances by favorite Disney characters, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and a magnificent view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. This dine-around style event features elaborate food stations for guests to enjoy throughout the restaurant. Dinner seating is at 8 p.m. and cost is $625 per person (includes tax and gratuity).
  • New Year’s Eve dinner at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is an extravagant affair complete with ten courses and elite wine pairings throughout the evening. This once-in-a-lifetime experience features a harpist, lavish décor, a personalized menu, and a long-stem rose for ladies.
  • Narcoosee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa provides guests with a global dining experience with tantalizing seafood selections from around the world. With two dinner seatings, this evening is a delicious and memorable way to begin 2016. Prices vary per seating.
  • To begin the New Year with style, guests ages 21 and over can dance their way into 2016 at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk. This special-ticket event includes a live band, champagne toast at midnight, and plenty of dance space on the main floor for an evening of swinging fun. Tickets can be purchased for $37 per person. For an extra VIP New Year’s Eve experience, guests can purchase tickets for private access to the second floor balcony and a dessert party to the backdrop of Epcot’s fireworks spectacular. This special celebration is $80 for each adult.
  • For a celebratory New Year’s Day feast, guests can book brunch at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Price is $44.72 for adults and $26.62 for children ages 3-9.
  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel offers limited-time New Year’s Eve menus in two tasty locations. For a scrumptious buffet accompanied by Disney Character greetings, guests can visit the enchanting Garden Grove Price is $48.98 for adults and $21.29 for children ages 3-9 (includes tax but not gratuity). To ring in the New Year with Italian fare, guests can enjoy a festive feast at Il Mulino, with reservations available from 7:15-11pm. This authentic Italian meal experience costs $105 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax and gratuity).

Please remember that holiday seating is limited and will book up quickly. For information and reservations,  please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be celebrating New Year’s in Disney World? Please leave a comment!

Disney World Valentine's Day

Helpful Information For Your February 2016 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in February 2016?
February is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during February can get chilly. The average high is about 73 degrees, the average low is about 50 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.71 inches. This is one the coldest months of the year, and it can sometimes drop into the 40’s. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in February vary from low to high. President’s Day Weekend the crowds are high and during the rest of the month the crowds are low to moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowFebruary 1 – February 6
Average Crowd Level 4.2 out of 10
February 7 – February 13
Average Crowd Level 6.1 out of 10
February 14 – February 20
Average Crowd Level 8.7 out of 10
February 21 – February 27
Average Crowd Level 4.9 out of 10
February 28 – February 29
Average Crowd Level 6.5 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 5pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during February, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

Valentines DayIf you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Disney World, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday. Try a couples treatment at one of the spas, a romantic fireworks cruise or dessert party, a delicious meal at one of the many signature restaurants, a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans, an exciting married proposal on the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort during Wishes, and then top your evening off with a thoughtful gift from Disney Floral delivered to right to your room like this adorable “Minnie’s Garden”. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Disney Floral, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during February (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: January 18 – February 11, 2016
Mad Tea Party: February 22 – February 26, 2016
Magic Carpets of Aladdin: January 25 – February 3, 2016

Valentines Day 2Epcot
Frozen Ever After: October 5 – May 1, 2016
Soarin’: January 4 – June 1, 2016
The Circle of Life: February 7 – April 2, 2016

Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: January 11 – TBD
Star Wars Land: Opening TBD
Toy Story Land: Opening TBD

Animal Kingdom
Boneyard: February 22 – March 17, 2016
Flights of Wonder: January 25 – March 17, 2016
Kali River Rapids: January 4 – February 11, 2016
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening TBD
Rivers of Light: Opening in 2016

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed January 4 – March 12, 2016

Disney Springs
Planet Hollywood: January 1 – June 1, 2016

Resort Hotels
All Star Movies: Duck Pond Pool February 22 – 24, 2016
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kilimanjaro Lounge January 11 – February 5, 2016
Art of Animation: Schoolyard Sprayground January 1 – March 11, 2016
Bay Lake Tower: Bay Cove Pool February 1 – March 18, 2016
Boardwalk Inn: Flying Fish Café February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016, Luna Park Pool January 11 – February 2, 2016
Caribbean Beach Resort: Barbados Quiet Pool February 17 – 19, 2016, Aruba Pool February 22 – April 15, 2016
Contemporary Resort: Bay Cove Pool February 1 – March 18, 2016
Polynesian Village Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
Pop Century: Bowling Pin Pool February 16 – March 1, 2016
Port Orleans Riverside: Ol’ Man Island Pool January 11 – February 29, 2016, Alligator Bayou Pool B February 10 – 11, 2016, Alligator Bayou Pool C February 15 – 16, 2016
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in February 2016, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name. And if you really want to make your MagicBand special, personalize it with your own custom designed MagicBand Skin from Magic YOUR Band. Click here to get started!
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy.
  • Whether you are staying on site or off-property, be sure to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (midnight EST time) if you are staying on site or 30 days in advance for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation at least 60 days in advance by clicking here.
  • It’s never too early to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, for hundreds of insider tips and secrets for having the most magical Disney World vacation possible!

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your February 2016 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Star Wars Marathon 2

Feel the Dark Side of The Force in Disney World!

After you a Star Wars fan, runner, or both? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that runDisney is adding another thrilling event to the schedule: Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. After the exciting kick off Star Wars Half Marathon in Disneyland this year, Disney World is now getting in on the action. These races will be held April 14 – 17, 2016 and registration begins promptly at noon Eastern on Tuesday, September 22. Here’s everything you need to know about the Star Wars Half Marathon courtesy of runDisney:


It is a weekend of galactic fun and fantastic runs during the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – at the Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll be running on Darth Vader’s turf with the Emperor’s white uniformed storm troopers cheering you on your way. Darth Vader, the Galactic Empire Sith Lord, has a weekend of powerful surprises in store including spectacular runs, special events, entertainment, and much, much more!

Feel the power of the force with runs for Star Wars fans of every age including the Star Wars Half Marathon, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, and the runDisney Kids Races. Challenge yourself to the ultimate test with the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon. It’s all part of the first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, April 14 – 17, 2016.

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Sunday, April 17, 2016 5:00am
Start: Epcot
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Fee: $199

The Power of Darth Vader Meets the Magic of Disney!

Star Wars’ most legendary villain, Darth Vader, the Galactic Empire’s Sith Lord, reigns over the first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon – Dark Side at the Walt Disney World Resort. Feel the force on this 13.1 mile thrilling adventure.

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Highlights

  • Timed Half Marathon race
  • 13.1-mile course through the Walt Disney WorldResort
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with live entertainment
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Race Participants Receive

  • Champion Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
  • Half Marathon Finisher Medal
  • Official Digital Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized results website

Star Wars Marathon 4Star Wars Dark Side Challenge

Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, 2016 5:30am
Start/Finish: Walt Disney World Resort
Fee: $330

The Ultimate Darth Vader Challenge!

Darth Vader throws down a challenge of galactic proportions in the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge. Put the force to work for you in this ultimate test of your strength and endurance that combines the Star Wars 10K on Saturday with the Star Wars Half Marathon on Sunday. Choose your alliance – run for the light or run for the dark – then get set for an amazing 2-day, 19.3 mile-run. Runners who finish both races are awarded the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Finisher Medal in addition to the Half Marathon and 10K Finisher Medals.

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Highlights

  • Two courses through the Walt Disney World Resort totaling 19.3 miles
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Participants Receive

  • Champion Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut for the Half Marathon, 10K and Star Wars Dark Side Challenge
  • Special Star Wars Dark Side Challenge Finisher Medal, along with Star Wars Half Marathon and Star Wars 10K Finisher Medals for completing the Half Marathon and 10K
  • Official Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed races, with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized Half Marathon results website

Star Wars 10K

Saturday, April 16, 2016 5:30am
Start: Epcot
Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports
Fee: $110

May the Force be With You!

The Star Wars 10K is packed with 6.2 miles of running excitement. The thrills begin at Epcot where you’ll wind your way through Future World and World Showcase, then on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios running passed Star Tours and down Hollywood Blvd and on to the ESPN Wide World of Sports for an exciting Star Wars 10K finisher celebration.

Star Wars 10K Race Highlights

  • Timed 10K race
  • 10K course through the Walt Disney World Resort
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars 10K Race Participants Receive:

  • Champion Short-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
  • 10K Finisher medal
  • Official Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family

Star Wars MarathonStar Wars 5K

Friday, April 15, 2016 6:00am
Start/Finish: Epcot
Fee: $75

Galactic runs and family fun!

Now the entire family can thrill to the excitement of a Star Wars 5K run under the watchful eyes of Darth Vader and his storm troopers! Star War fans (age 5 or older) are invited to take part in all the racing fun on a thrilling course winding through World Showcase and then Future World and on to the finish.

Star Wars 5K Highlights

  • 5K course through Epcot
  • Entertainment on-course
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Star Wars 5K Participants Receive

  • 5K Unisex T-shirt
  • 5K Finisher medallion
  • Official Event Guide
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib
  • On-course and post-race refreshments

runDisney Kids Races

Saturday, April 16, 2016
Start/Finish: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Fees: $15 dashes, $30 one mile run

A galaxy of fun for the youngest runners!

There’s fun for runners of every age during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. Children 13 and under are invited to participate in the runDisney Kids Races taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Encourage your youngsters to join the fun and sign up for any of the Kids’ Dashes or the One Mile Run. There’s even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Every child who participates goes home with their own Finisher Medal. Parents are welcome to run with their child; parents participating with their child must sign a separate event waiver. Space is limited.

runDisney Kids Races Age Groups

  • 12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
  • 1-3 years old – 100m dash
  • 4-6 years old – 200m dash
  • 7-8 years old – 400m dash

runDisney Kids Races Participants Receive

  • runDisney Kids Races T-shirt
  • Kids Race Finisher medallion
  • Personalized race bib
  • Post-race refreshments

Registration is available now for Disney World and Disneyland Annual Passholders as well as DVC members. Registration opens to the general public at noon Eastern on Tuesday, September 22. Remember the runDisney events generally sell out within hours sometimes minutes of opening. Be sure to sign up as soon as the window opens if you are interested. Please click here to register or for more information; may the force be with you!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you done a runDisney race before?
Will you joining the Dark Side? Please leave a comment!

20 Fascinating Facts About Epcot’s 20th International Food And Wine Festival

In just a few days, Epcot will kick off its 20th International Food & Wine Festival. In honor of the exciting occasion, here are 20 fascinating facts about this fabulous annual event courtesy of Disney:


Epcot Food and Wine FestivalWalt Disney World Resort guests will join the 20-year celebration of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase from September 25-November 16, 2015, as they taste global and specialty cuisine, sip new beverages and eat to the beat of live entertainment.

The 53-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will expand with new Future World marketplaces featuring fresh culinary concepts to pair with select wines, beers, cocktails and other beverages. ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will broadcast from the festival for the first time and will participate in two of the new Future World festival marketplaces: Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are 20 fun facts about the 20th festival celebration.

  1. Now 53 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days.
  2. At the 2015 festival, a record 30 global marketplaces will include the new Sustainable Chew, Chew Lab and Artistry of Wine & Cheese marketplaces.
  3. The ChewProducers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show.
  4. The 20th festival will feature 32 new marketplace dishes and 75 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders.
  5. In 1998, 200 domestic and international wines were poured at the festival. This year, at marketplaces and premium events, more than 300 domestic and international wines will be offered.
  6. More than 60 wineries and more than 40 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces.
  7. The 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Cookbook by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 75 recipes from the global marketplaces that span the entire 20 years of the festival.
  8. 3 Rockin’ Burger Block Parties and 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 193 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to Beverage Boot Camps and Festival Events in World Showcase pavilions.
  9. Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 250 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events.
  10. Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 6 countries and 26 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners.
  11. Nearly 400 culinary demos, beverage and mixology seminars will take place during the 53-day festival.
  12. RemyDuring the new Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak festival scavenger hunt, guests can help Remy scour the park for the ingredients to make his signature dish, ratatouille. Along the way, they’ll find 12 Remy statuettes hidden in each of 11 countries of the World Showcase and at the African Outpost location. Guests can redeem the 12 stickers they’ve collected for one of 6 special pins at Port of Entry.
  13. 159 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 4 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues.
  14. The Marketplace Discovery Passport was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today, the free passport will feature pages with all 30 festival marketplaces that guests can have stamped during their dine-around-the-world culinary adventure .
  15. IllumiNationsMore than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular.
  16. Chase is the festival’s presenting sponsor for the 4th year; its Chase Lounge at American Adventure Parlor features guest amenities that include complimentary beverages and comfy furniture where guests can chill out and recharge.
  17. The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, back for a fourth year, is filled with 900 pounds of the tart red fruit and is accessible to cast members who wear waterproof waders.
  18. 100,000-plus desserts, including the Chocolate Cherry Explosion and Strawberry Basil Champagne “Toast” at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace, are expected to be served.
  19. In 1997, during the festival’s second year, festival planners introduced the first Grand Tasting culinary extravaganza; in 2002, the event was renamed and moved to World Showplace as Party for the Senses, now featuring up to 50 food and beverage stations and breathtaking entertainment by Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” performers.
  20. At the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese, each keg of premium wine on tap will hold the equivalent of 26 wine bottles, eliminating bottle, cork, cardboard and paper waste from labels. Recycling and repurposing of glass bottles and corks from other marketplace locations will be part of the 20th-year festival story.

Need more information?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyIf you will be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year, be sure to check out these articles for more information:

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!