Tag Archives: Epcot

Jan 23 2019

Four Signature Epcot Festivals Return To Walt Disney World In 2019

Visiting Walt Disney World in 2019? You’ll be excited to know that all four signature Epcot festivals return to Walt Disney World Resort this year. 2019 kicks off with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts currently underway, followed by the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival during the spring, fan favorite Epcot International Food and Wine festival during the fall, and the year wraps up with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Stay tuned for more details as I visit each of the festivals this year. In the meantime, here is a first look at each event courtesy of Disney!

Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the arts, flowers, food, music, holidays and non-stop family fun throughout the year during four signature theme-park festivals.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Now – February 25, 2019

This annual celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts presents 39 fun-packed days showcasing art in many forms for everyone in the family. Food and drinks are created with artistic flair at more than 15 park destinations. The festival’s creative menus feature everything from red wine-braised short ribs with parsnip puree at Cuisine Classique to vanilla, rose water and pistachio panna cotta at Masterpiece Kitchen. Kids of all ages will want to try the Pop’t Art modern-design sugar cookie and other delectable treats.

In 2019, the festival’s popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will offer performances every day of the festival. The series presents musical performances from Disney on Broadway shows like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and special dining packages guarantee concert seats.

Interactive fun is around every corner. Guests can help paint a mural, pose for a memorable photo in the frame of an iconic piece of art, participate in a workshop, or take a break to watch performance artists in action.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalEpcot International Flower & Garden Festival: March 6 – June 3, 2019

Millions of spring blossoms will transform Epcot into a wonderful world of brilliant color during this 90-day celebration of flowers, topiaries, themed food, libations and music. Now in its 26th year, the festival continues to offer fresh experiences. A new Bo Peep and her Sheep topiary from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming “Toy Story 4” will greet guests at the festival’s new Family Play Zone. Featured gardens will focus on butterflies, bamboo and Shakespeare’s metaphoric plants, while more than 70 Disney-themed topiaries – from Snow White to Daisy Duck – dot the landscape.

New Outdoor Kitchens with their own herb and veggie gardens will debut this year with creative bites and beverages. The Garden Rocks Concert Series expands this year to every day of the festival, offering new and returning acts spanning multiple genres. With three performances daily, that’s 270 concerts over the course of the festival – more than ever before! Returning favorites like The Spinners and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will be joined by artists new to the festival like TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman and Colin Hay of Men at Work.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyEpcot International Food & Wine Festival: Late August – November 2019

Disney guests can get their gourmet groove on during this iconic culinary dine-around that will run late summer to November in 2019. More than 30 Festival Marketplaces will offer tempting tastes and sips throughout Epcot. During the festival, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presents a diverse collection of hit makers from pop to country to R&B and more. Concert seating is guaranteed for guests who book Eat to the Beat Dining Packages. Guests can also discover new savory and sweet treats by making reservations for the festival’s beverage seminars and specialty dining and pairing events.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: November – December 2019

The annual yuletide extravaganza at Epcot celebrates holiday traditions of World Showcase cultures with live musical productions, spirited storytellers, seasonal lights and décor, delicious holiday treats and more. The beloved, long-running Candlelight Processional invites guests to experience the story of Christmas narrated by a celebrity host to the cherished Christmas music performed by a professional orchestra and full choir. Dining packages offer guaranteed Candlelight seating.

Disney chefs create treasured seasonal dishes to keep palates merry at Holiday Kitchen kiosks surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon. From savories to sweets, from children’s drinks to adult libations, there’s something on the holiday menu for everyone.

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:

Which Epcot Festival is your favorite?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jan 15 2019

2019 Epcot International Festival Of The Arts Returns In January To Walt Disney World

This Friday, January 18 kicks off my all time favorite event…The 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts! If you are an artist or just wish you were, this is the ultimate celebration for you. The uplifting music, exquisite works, and deliciously crafted culinary delights, will truly inspire you. Here are the latest details about this captivating event courtesy of Disney!

Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort will launch its annual celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts beginning January 18. The popular event will continue for 39 days through February 25, 2019, with more live music than ever before, along with fresh tastes to savor and new artwork to admire and bring home.

New this year, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to seven days a week during the festival, providing more opportunities than ever before to bask in live Disney magic. Each week, different pairs of Disney on Broadway stars will take the America Gardens Theatre stage to sing favorite songs from award-winning Disney on Broadway productions. The lineup will rotate regularly, featuring music from shows such as “The Lion King,” “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Performers this year include:

  • Kerry Butler (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
  • Meredith Inglesby (“The Little Mermaid”) and Steve Blanchard (“Beauty and the Beast”)
  • Arielle Jacobs and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
  • Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
  • Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
  • Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)

The concert series is included with park admission; showtimes are 5:30, 6:45 and 8pm nightly. The Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package is available at participating Epcot restaurants and guarantees show seating. Reservations can also be made by clicking here or calling 407-WDW-DINE.

In addition to the concert series, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts will feature 13 Food Studios, plus additional creative food and beverage offerings around Epcot with an expanded selection of delicious new tastes to savor:

  • The Artist’s Table will feature beef wellington with mushroom bordelaise, fennel cream and roasted baby vegetables
  • Smoked salmon and cream gâteau with egg yolk cream, paddlefish caviar and micro-herbs is sure to be a new favorite at The Painter’s Palate
  • Pop Eats! will serve up almond frangipane cake with raspberry and chocolate
  • Red wine-braised short rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes and aged balsamic will be available at Cuisine Classique

Guests may fan their inspirational flames by bringing a piece of the festival home with them. Art collectors and Disney enthusiasts alike will find artwork for sale throughout the entire park, from the Art of Disney store to Festival Markets. In addition, special merchandise will be available at Mouse Gear and other Epcot locations featuring the festival’s logo adorning shirts, mugs, totes and other charming items.

The 2019 event provides fun every day for the whole family, including mesmerizing performance art, complimentary seminars, hands-on activities and much more:

  • Everyone’s invited to grab a paintbrush and help create a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza.
  • Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to literally step inside works of art and take fun photos, such as the “Washington Crossing the Delaware” Artful Photo Opportunity.
  • The Paint with a Disney Artist program invites guests to learn under the tutelage of a professional (offered select Fridays and Sundays, including continental breakfast, for an additional fee).
  • A variety of workshops led by professionals will teach different artistic techniques, such as floral design, ink and paint, mixed-media art and more (offered Friday-Monday for an additional fee). As a memento of what they learned, guests will take their creations home with them.
  • Complimentary 30-minute seminars will give guests helpful instruction for producing their own artwork at home.
  • More than 50 visiting artists participating in the festival will be available to meet with guests and share insights on their work.
  • Disney artists’ work will be exhibited across Epcot.
  • Gravity-defying feats of strength, acrobatics and many performing artists are scheduled throughout the festival.
  • International musical and variety acts will share their talents with guests, including the return of Bodh’aktan to the Canada stage and Delta Q, a new group performing in Germany.
  • Guests can join in the fun of Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt by purchasing a map at select merchandise locations.

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 Festival of the Arts?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Jan 14 2019

New Parties, Shows, Characters and More Debuting in January 2019 at Walt Disney World

If you have a trip to Walt Disney World coming up soon, get ready to check out several brand new experiences debuting this week. With heart warming character greetings, updated parades, lively dance parties and more, there is sure to be something for all to enjoy! Here’s the latest scoop courtesy of Disney!

Now, more than ever is a great time to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, with new parties, shows, character experiences and more debuting this Friday, January 18, 2019, at all four theme parks. Excitement is building as the countdown clock is ticking down to the launch of all of these new experiences!

Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will honor those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages at Magic Kingdom.
  • JUST ANNOUNCED! Mickey and Minnie will greet guests together inside Town Square Theater, wearing all-new, colorful outfits for their special celebration.
  • JUST ANNOUNCED! Guests will enjoy Celebration Station inside Town Square Theater, where they may sign a guestbook to let Mickey and Minnie know, personally, how much fun they had during the party.
  • JUST ANNOUNCED! An all-new song, “It’s a Good Time,” will play several times daily as part of the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party.” During this high-energy bash, singing hosts will invite guests to join in the fun with Disney pals including Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and many others.
  • JUST ANNOUNCED! Mickey’s beloved dog, Pluto, will meet guests under the big top at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus.

Party with Pixar Pals and More as Disney’s Hollywood Studios Marks 30 Years

  • JUST ANNOUNCED! May 1, 2019, marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park will celebrate this milestone all year long, starting January 18 with the reveal of a new 30th anniversary logo.
  • Pixar Avenue will be the place for guests to show off their inner Supers with The Incredibles. Guests will celebrate the heroic deeds of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, who will make appearances throughout the day during a party featuring lively music, dancing, interactive games and more Super fun. Guests will meet super-suit designer Edna Mode and see some of her greatest creations. They may also spot signs for the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible – the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack.
  • A door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, inviting guests to visit with Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”
  • Guests will feel like honorary toys in the new Toy Story Land. Based on the beloved Pixar Toy Story films, the playful land features two new attractions – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers – as well as fan-favorite Toy Story Mania!
  • In addition, the new high-energy live show “Disney Junior Dance Party!” will feature characters from Disney Junior television series, including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and many more.

More Broadway Music Than Ever at Epcot International Festival of the Arts

  • The Epcot International Festival of the Arts comes to life January 18 – February 25, 2019, where guests will indulge in world-class culinary, visual and performance arts.
  • The Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to seven days a week during the festival, providing more opportunities than ever before to hear pairs of Disney on Broadway stars sing favorite tunes from award-winning productions. The lineup will rotate regularly, featuring music from “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast” and other hit shows.
  • The festival will include 13 Food Studios, plus additional creative food and beverages around Epcot, featuring an expanded selection of delicious new tastes to savor.
  • Art collectors and Disney enthusiasts alike will find artwork for sale throughout the park, from the Art of Disney store to Festival Markets. In addition, special festival merchandise will be available at Mouse Gear and other Epcot locations.
  • The 2019 festival provides fun every day for the whole family, including performance artists, complimentary seminars, hands-on activities and Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt.
  • While experiencing all the Epcot International Festival of the Arts has to offer, guests will want to spend another evening around World Showcase Lagoon taking in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which will be ending in the second half of 2019 to make way for an all-new nighttime spectacular.

Feel the Love During ‘Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Guests will take a walk on the wild side at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party,” featuring Timon and Rafiki from Disney’s “The Lion King.”
  • Each day on Discovery Island, the dance party will encourage young adventurers to let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor as a street band plays a fiery soundtrack in a World Beat style.

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 in early 2019?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

 

Nov 12 2018

Helpful Information For Your March 2019 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in March 2019?
March is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during March can be beautiful. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 54 degrees and the average rainfall is about 4.01 inches. March is the fifth rainiest month of the year with generally mild temperatures. Hurricane season has not yet begun, however there are the occasional severe storms with tornadoes during this time of year. Remember that although it can reach the upper 70’s by afternoon, low 50’s waiting for the bus in the morning can be very chilly, especially given the high humidity levels in Florida.

Crowds

In years past, March typically began with moderate crowds and by mid-month when a lot of schools begin their Spring Breaks, the crowd levels grew higher. In 2019, crowd levels are expected to follow the same pattern due to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Spring Break, so pack your patience!

March 1 – March 2
Average Crowd Level 5.5 out of 10
March  3 – March 9
Average Crowd Level 5.3 out of 10
March 10 – March 16
Average Crowd Level 5.7 out of 10
March  17 – March 23
Average Crowd Level 7.4 out of 10
March 24 – March 30
Average Crowd Level 7.4 out of 10
March 31
Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

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

Events

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalA wonderful part about visiting Disney World in March is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In 2019, the event will run from March 6 – June 3 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages.

Raglan RoadFor an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs for music, food, and fun.

Refurbishments

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

Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland Speedway: January 2, 2019 – May 17, 2019
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Walt Disney World Railroad: December 2018 – Summer 2019

Epcot
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
Wildlife Express Train: October 22, 2018 – Spring 2019

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: January 6, 2019 – March 16, 2019

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in March 2019, 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 UPDATED 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 March 2019 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!

Nov 5 2018

Helpful Information For Your February 2019 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in February 2019?
February is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

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. On President’s Day the crowds are high and during the rest of the month the crowds are low to moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowFebruary 1 – February 2
Average Crowd Level  4.5 out of 10
February 3 – February 9
Average Crowd Level  3.4 out of 10
February 10 – February 16
Average Crowd Level  6.5 out of 10
February 17 – February 23
Average Crowd Level 5.0 out of 10
February 24 – February 28
Average Crowd Level 6.0 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (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 February, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

The annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns in 2019. This event will run daily until February 20, 2017 and will feature breathtaking works from Disney artists past and present, Broadway talent showcasing favorite Disney music, and Food Studios serving delicious culinary delights.

If 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 marriage proposal on the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort during Happily Ever After, and then top your evening off with a thoughtful gift from Disney Floral delivered right to your room like this beautiful “My Fairy Tale Bouquet”. 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
Tomorrowland Speedway: Early 2019 – Summer 2019
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Walt Disney World Railroad: December 2018 – Summer 2019

Epcot
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
Wildlife Express Train: October 22, 2018 – Spring 2019

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in February 2019, 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 UPDATED 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 2019 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!