2018 Epcot International Food And Wine Signature Dining Events Now On Sale

For all of you “foodies” out there, reservations for the Epcot Signature Dining Events offered as a part of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are now available. Book now remember space is limited!

Mexican Tequila Lunch – La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico Pavilion

Savor south-of-the-border cuisine paired with the fiery taste of tequila!

As you indulge in the authentic aromas and gourmet ingredients of a 4-course Mexican meal, you’re invited to celebrate your senses as you sample from a diverse range of tequila and mezcal selections—each carefully chosen to complement the spices found in these unique, regionally themed dishes. It’s an unforgettable epicurean adventure—one that explains the history of agave spirits and the subtle nuances found this series. Get ready to eat, drink… and merrily sing “Olé!”

Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Mexico at Epcot®

Dates: August: 30, 31
September: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
October: 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31
November: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Price: $85.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Italian Food, Wine Vs. Beer Pairing at Via Napoli – Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion

Discover authentic Italian dishes with an original twist, each expertly prepared and served with regional beverages.

Guests will eat, stay and love an amazing menu filled with robust flavors adored the world over. Sit down to a 5-course gourmet meal paired with the chef’s own impeccable selection of Italian wines and craft beer—all chosen to complement his/her original recipes. One taste is all it takes to see why Italian cuisine warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Mangiare!

Where: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Italy at Epcot®

Dates: September: 25, 27
October: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
November: 1, 6, 8

Time: 1:30PM – 4:15PM

Price: $88.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Italian Regional Food & Wine Pairing Luncheon – Tutto Gusto, Italy Pavilion

Gather in a rustic wine cellar as Italy’s finest food and drink are paired in perfect harmony.

Amidst the Tuscan-style stone walls, luncheon Guests are in for the ultimate dining experience. Savor a spectacular 5-course meal of epicurean delights—all served with select wines chosen for their distinct yet complementary flavors. Capturing the true essence of the country’s rich culture, your chef promises to prepare an authentic Italian meal that’s pure perfezione.

Where: Tutto Gusto at Tutto Italia Ristorante, Italyat Epcot®

Dates: September: 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
October: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
November: 5, 7

Time: 12:00PM – 2:30PM

Price: $99.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Parisian Breakfast – Chefs de France, France Pavilion

Start the day with fabulous fresh-baked goodness, from baguettes and croissants to patisserie-perfect pain au chocolat.

Wake up and smell the petit déjeuner! Guests are invited to sip cappuccino, hot chocolate or amazing French sparkling mimosas all while indulging in an authentic Parisian breakfast buffet that’s deliciously decadent. Be sure to slather a bit of confiture on your baguette for a traditional tartine. With buttery croissants, pastries and more, your first meal of the day will never be the same!

Where: Chefs de France

Dates: September: 22, 29
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10

Time: 9:15AM – 10:30AM

Price: $40.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

French Family Meal Traditions – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion

From hors d’oeuvres to entrées, experience authentic French fare just like Maman used to make.

There’s no place like home—whether it’s Avignon, Lyon or Vendôme! As the chefs at Monsieur Paul share their treasured family recipes, Guests will experience a culinary adventure that’s deliciously nostalgic. Each dish is created with traditional Le Creuset cast iron pots for a rustic, family-style meal. Masterfully paired with the perfect wines, these magnifique meals promise to take you on a tasty trip through some of the country’s most famous places.

Where: Monsieur Paul

Dates: October: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
November: 2, 4, 9, 11

Time: 12:00PM – 3:30PM

Price: $95.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

The Parisian Afternoon, Sandwiches, Macarons and Bubbles! – Monsieur Paul, France Pavilion

C’est merveilleux… indulge in heavenly morsels from Monsieur Paul, the culinary jewel of the France pavilion.

Love is in the fare! From finger sandwiches and savory mignardises to melt-in-your-mouth macarons and an assortment of delicate petit fours, both foodies and Francophiles alike will feel as if they’ve been whisked away to a dreamy bistro along la Rive Gauche. Take a respite from your Epcot adventures to relax, sip unlimited mimosas and nibble our magnifique medley of treats—it’s a Parisian-style afternoon that’s ooo-la-la-luscious!

Where: Monsieur Paul

Dates: September: 29
October: 6, 13, 20, 27
November: 3, 10

Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM

Price: $55.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

The “Hibachi” Experience: Iron Chef – Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion

Eat, drink and be amazed while these culinary masters show off some seriously delicious skills.

Watch the spirit of Japanese cuisine come to life! Guests are in for an unforgettable dining experience as the restaurant’s “performing” chefs add a modern twist to traditional cooking techniques. This amazing 5-course culinary adventure features Wagyu beef, seafood and poultry. Prepared communal-style at your table, each dish is served with sake that complement the meal’s exotic flavors. Surrounded by authentic Japanese décor, you’ll feel as if you’re in the Land of the Rising Sun—tanoshimimasu!

Where: Teppan Edo, Nihonbashi Dining Room, at the Japan Pavilion

Dates: October: 1, 15, 29
November: 5

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Price: $180.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Tokyo Pairing – Tokyo Dining, Japan Pavilion

Sample exquisitely prepared meals that showcase the Land of the Rising Sun’s creative presentation.

Itadakimasu! Amidst a modern setting, Guests will dine on 3 traditional courses perfectly paired with sake and other thirst-quenching libations. The authentic menu exemplifies a seamless fusion of harmony, culture and culinary art—including Wagyu beef, lobster tail, and Blue Fin sushi. From the first bite to the last sip, don’t miss this amazing medley of flavors—each delicious dish is sure to please the most sophisticated palate!

Where: Tokyo Dining, Japan at Epcot®

Dates: October: 4, 11, 18, 25
November: 1, 8

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Price: $160.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing – Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion

Discover the magic of Mediterranean dining as our gourmet chefs bring an array of zesty recipes to life.

Guests are treated to expertly prepared gourmet cuisine that showcases the unique flavors of Morocco, the Mediterranean and beyond. Paired with the perfect wine, each delicious meat and seafood dish embodies the cultural diversity and spirit of this region—you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to the shores of an amazing epicurean adventure! This experience will also include a sparkling wine reception prior to the event. This is a four tasting size course.

Where: Spice Road Table, Morocco at Epcot®

Dates: September: 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
October: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
November: 5, 7, 12

Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM

Price: $65.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

For more information or to make reservations, please click here or call 407-939-3378.

Heading to Disney World soon?

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

Have you attended a signature dining event? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

An Incredible Summer At Walt Disney World Awaits

There’s no better time than now to make a visit to Walt Disney World! Here’s everything you need to know to experience a fun-filled vacation with your friends and family at Walt Disney World this summer, courtesy of Disney:


The fun is heating up at Walt Disney World Resort with all-new entertainment and more rounding out a simply incredible summer.

Donald’s Dino-Bash! is a lively celebration with festive decor and character greetings galore. During this prehistoric party Donald and pals take over DinoLand U.S.A. to celebrate Donald’s new-found discovery that ducks are actually descendants of dinosaurs. Guests will enjoy photo ops and greetings in several locations with feathered friends like Donald, Daisy, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, and others during a rip-roaring party. The day culminates with a nightly Dino-Riffic dance party with Chip ‘n Dale, along with a DJ spinning wild tunes.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Super Heroes take center stage with the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo. This celebration of all things super welcomes Edna Mode – the legendary supersuit designer for the Supers – to Magic Kingdom Park for the first time ever. Mr. Incredible, Frozone, Mrs. Incredible and other characters from the Disney●Pixar film, “The Incredibles,” and the upcoming “Incredibles 2,” join together for an interactive celebration featuring incredible decor and high-energy music. Families can even get their groove on during “Super Party Time,” a continuous dance party and show on the Rockettower Plaza Stage with themed games and engaging performances by up-and-coming Supers.

Incredible summer fun continues at Epcot with more Super Hero action. Star-Lord and Gamora, from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! concert series. Featuring hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtapes – fun and favorite tunes from the two movie soundtracks – the show will take place five times daily through Aug. 19.

The big thing happening June 30 is also really small.  That’s the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy in a playful land inspired by the hit Disney●Pixar “Toy Story” films. Encompassing eleven fun-filled acres, Toy Story Land will be home to two all-new attractions, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, and one expanded favorite – Toy Story Mania!


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 visiting Walt Disney World this summer?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Guardians Of The Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! At Epcot

Calling all Guardians of the Galaxy fans – Disney has a new offering at Epcot for a limited time…Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! As a part of the “Incredible Summer,” guests can have a blast at this upbeat and lively concert five times daily, plus enjoy some out-of-this-world drinks and treats inspired by the show. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:


Now through August 19, 2018, Guests of all ages are invited to Epcot for an all-new, live concert featuring music from the films at Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! And while an alien band from Xandar plays timeless classics from the 70s and 80s, you and your family can sing, dance and get into the intergalactic groove!

The Story

After saving their world from certain destruction, Peter Quill—also known as Star-Lord—brokered a deal with Nova Prime and the Xandarian government to bring an outreach program to his home planet. The purpose? To share Xandar’s rich heritage and culture with Earth’s people.

As luck would have it, Peter informed Xandar’s leaders that there’s already a place on Earth with a similar mission… a theme park called Epcot, where all of Earth’s cultures are celebrated. So, as part of their first outreach, Xandar sent some of their most talented musicians to perform the human audiences’ best-loved hits.

The Experience

Taking place 5 times daily, this is your chance to catch Star-Lord and Gamora in person as a 7-piece alien band brings many of your favorite hits from Awesome Mix Volumes 1 & 2 to life. You may even catch a glimpse of Little Groot!

Special Offerings

While you’re here, stop into the American Adventure at Epcot where you’ll find special offerings inspired by the new “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Live!” At Liberty Inn, you’ll find an adorable Groot Sipper Cup that comes with your choice of fountain or frozen beverage and a Rocket Fuel Slushy with frozen Coca-Cola and bourbon. Over at Fife & Drum Tavern, you can sip on an “I am Float” Root Beer with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and mint leaves or the Awesome Mix Slushy with layers of frozen lemonade, blue raspberry, and strawberry. There’s also the chocolate Galaxy Cupcake with buttercream and a white chocolate piece featuring Groot!


For current showtimes, please click here.

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:

Are you a Guardians of the Galaxy Fan?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Halloween Party

Helpful Information For Your October 2018 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in October 2018?
October is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during October is mild and mostly dry. The average high is about 84 degrees, the average low is about 66 degrees and the average rainfall is about 2.52 inches. The evenings can get a little chilly, so be sure to pack a few of your favorite Disney hoodies!

Crowds

The crowds in October are still fairly low as kids are back in school. However, several school districts throughout the US have a fall break during the month of October that can sometimes cause the crowd levels to rise slightly especially over the weekends and Columbus Day week.

October 1 – October 6
Average Crowd Level 5.2 out of 10
October 7 – October 13
Average Crowd Level 7.6 out of 10
October 14 – October 20
Average Crowd Level 6.9 out of 10
October 21 – October 27
Average Crowd Level 5.1 out of 10
October 28 – October 31
Average Crowd Level 4.8 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 – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

On select nights in October, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held at Magic Kingdom. This party is a lively, light-hearted, family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating and dancing the night away with all of the characters. For more information, please click here.

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalOne of the best things about visiting Disney World in October is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Last year’s festival featured featured 197 chefs and included more than 35 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, food and beverage demonstrations and music concerts. For more information, please click here.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Happy HalloWishes Fireworks ShowEpcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in 2019

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach: October 28, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in October 2018, 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 (7am 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 book UPDATED FOR 2018 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 October 2018 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!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up June 10, 2018

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for June 10, 2018!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Tip Of The Week

If you have an important game that you would like watch while you are in Disney World, head over to the Boardwalk Inn and check out the ESPN Club. This family friendly restaurant offers over 100 video monitors with global satellite feeds showing every sporting event imaginable, plus a 108 square foot video wall. This place is a sport lover’s dream!

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Lost and FoundDisney Did You Know

Walt Disney World Lost and Found is one busy place. Every day an average of 210 pairs of sunglasses are turned in and, since 1971, an estimated 1.65 million pairs of glasses have found their way into the “lost” bin. On an annual basis, Lost and Found cast members collect more than 6,000 cell phones, 3,500 digital cameras, 18,000 hats and 7,500 autograph books.

Walt’s Words

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

Featured Advertiser

Create your own unique look with a personalized Disney MagicBand Skin. Magic YOUR Band has a range of designs to choose from that you can use as-is or customize with your own text. And if you want to take it to the next level, you can even upload your own photos or images to fully personalize, customize, and decorate your MagicBand. With great discounts for multi-buys, why not create one for the whole family? For more information or to start customizing your own Magic YOUR Band Skin now, please click here.

501 WaysFeatured Book

UPDATED FOR 2018! The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Walt Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. 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 and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

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

Have a wonderful week!