Tag Archives: Epcot

Aug 17 2017

Epcot’s 2017 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Now On Sale

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 24 through December 30, 2017.

Narrators

November 24 – November 26: TBD
November 27 – November 28: Matt Bomer
November 29 – November 30: TBD
December 1 – December 3: Whoopi Goldberg
December 4 – December 5: Pat Sajak
December 6 – December 11: TBD
December 12 – December 14: Warwick Davis
December 15 – December 17: Trace Adkins
December 18 – December 21: Neil Patrick Harris
December 22 – December 24: CCH Pounder
December 25 – December 27: Jaci Velasquez
December 28 – December 30: Chandra Wilson

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 starts at $43 for adults and $27 for children, lunch and dinner starts at $44 for adults and $15.50 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 Akershus Royal Banquet, Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, Coral Reef Restaurant, Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant , 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, Trattoria al Forno, 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; I would love to hear from you!

Aug 1 2017

Fun Facts About The 2017 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

Can you believe that later this month the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off once again? Feeling a little hungry and extremely excited about my upcoming trip to this year’s event, I thought it might be entertaining to take a look at some “Fun Facts” about the mouth-watering festivities coming up this fall. Here’s some tantalizing trivia about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to get you in the spirit courtesy of Disney:

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyWalt Disney World Resort guests are invited to join the fun when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival turns 22 from August 31 – November 13, 2017.  On October 1, Epcot will celebrate its 35th anniversary, and this year’s festival will feature, for the first time, 35 global dine-around marketplaces. Guests will discover delicious ethnic and specialty cuisine, refreshing new beverages and more concerts and musical acts than ever.

The record 75-day festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park will include five 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 third year and will again showcase dishes inspired by “The Chew” show hosts. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world.

Here are some fun facts about the 22nd festival celebration.

  • Now 75 days long, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
  • At the 2017 festival, 35 global marketplaces will include five new marketplaces to help celebrate 35 years of Epcot –they include Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, all expanding into the park’s Future World area. The Almond Orchard, hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, is the fifth new marketplace located along the World Showcase promenade
  • Producers of ABC’s “The Chew” will tape 5 episodes of the show before 5 festival guest audiences numbering in the hundreds for each show October 4 – 6 against a backdrop of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth
  • The 22nd festival will feature 39 new marketplace dishes and 65 new cocktails, beers, wines and ciders
  • This year, more than 50 domestic and international wines will be offered at global marketplaces
  • More than 50 wineries and more than 35 breweries from around the world, including local craft beer operations, will be represented at festival marketplaces
  • The new “Disney Food and Wine Festivals Coast to Coast Cookbook” by Pam Brandon and the Disney Chefs features 50 irresistible recipes, 26 recipes from the Epcot festival global marketplaces and 24 from Disney’s California Adventure
  • 5 Party for the Senses grand tastings will take place at World Showplace during the festival run. In all, the festival will feature 177 premium events ranging from Signature Dinners and Food & Wine Pairings to “What’s Cookin’ With” and additional festival events in World Showcase pavilions and Walt Disney World resorts
  • Guest chefs and Disney chefs numbering 197 will present culinary demonstrations and will cook for festival events
  • Celebrity chefs and visiting culinarians from 11 countries and 23 U.S. states will participate in the festival at culinary demos, book signings, and special tasting events and dinners
  • 379 culinary demos, beverage and interactive seminars will take place during the 75-day festival. That’s equal to more than 6,360 hours of scheduled seminars at the Festival Center. These include the fun-filled Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! interactive events, plus more
  • During 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 15 Remy statuettes hidden throughout World Showcase and the global marketplaces.  Guests can purchase their map and stickers at select merchandise locations, then take their completed maps to Disney Traders at the entrance to World Showcase or World Traveler at International Gateway to choose a new surprise, compliments of Chef Remy
  • 225 Eat to the Beat concerts will be performed; 11 musical acts will appear for the first time at this year’s festival featuring entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues
  • The Festival Passport (previously called the Marketplace Discovery Passport) was introduced in 2010 for the 15th annual festival; today, the complimentary passport will feature pages with all 35 festival marketplaces and other outdoor food and beverage locations with special festival offerings such as Refreshment Cool Post, Fife & Drum Tavern and Refreshment Port
  • More than 1,200 fireworks will explode each night over World Showcase Lagoon in IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth nightime spectacular
  • 100,000-plus desserts, including Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (new at Hawaii) and Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd (new at Spain), are expected to be served
  • 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 dozens of food and beverage stations and, in 2017, confirmed seating for all guests plus new and different themed entertainment and surprises for each event

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 going to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year?
What are you most looking forward to? Please leave a comment!

Jul 25 2017

Enchanting Extras At Walt Disney World

As a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, I often get the “you’re going there AGAIN?!” question accompanied with the perplexed eye roll and head shake. If you are a Disney fan like me, you already get it, you know why we go back time and again, but if you’re new to Disney, here’s one of the multitude of reasons so many of us “Disney Freaks” (as we are sometimes affectionately referred to) continue to return again and again…there is always something new and exciting to experience. Better than any other theme park destination, the Disney company knows how to create entertaining guest experiences to draw us in and keep us coming back for more. Here’s everything you need to know about a few of these “Enchanting Extras” courtesy of Disney:

Cinderella CastleWhether it’s celebrating a special occasion, trying a new exhilarating activity, or treating the family to a well-deserved splurge, the Enchanting Extras Collection lets Walt Disney World Resort guests discover even more magic to add to their vacation.

The Enchanting Extras Collection helps guests enhance their vacation experience with options that vary from relaxing spa treatments to delightful dessert parties and beyond, immersing guests in more magic and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Guests can select from more than 70 distinctly Disney experiences within these eight areas of interest:

Adventures in Dining

With a plethora of culinary adventures in store for guests, these experiences will make guests feel like a gourmet chef, or learn what it’s like to be an Imagineer at Disney, or even enjoy a private dinner–the choice is theirs! During the Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience, guests enjoy a private safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and explore the tastes of Africa with premium eats and beverages.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalLimited-Time Events

There are stellar seasonal events and experiences offered at Walt Disney World Resort, bringing unique fun to guests year round. Guests can choose from a host of limited-time events throughout the year, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the fall, or the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the Spring.

Make-Believe & More

Just for kids, these enchanted experiences are fairy tales come true. From magical makeover experiences such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and The Pirates League, to Children’s Activity Centers at the resort hotels, there are plenty of ways for kids to have an extra special time.

Nature Experiences

Animal and nature lovers can choose from multiple encounters that bring them closer to exotic wildlife, including experiences such as Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In this guest adventure, expert guides lead small groups of adventurers on excursions where they can spend extended time observing and learning about the animals while on foot and while over-landing in customized safari vehicles.

Disney World Saratoga Springs GrandstandRest & Recreation

Whether guests are seeking a rejuvenating treatment at one of the Senses Spa locations at the resort hotels, or want to hit the green with a rousing round of miniature golf at one of the multiple courses at Walt Disney World, there are a myriad of ways to relax and unwind.

Wishes PartySpectacular Sweet Spots

Guests can sweeten any vacation experience with exclusive dessert party options. One party, Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, offers not only a specially created Frozen dessert menu and beverages, but fantastic views of IllumiNations at Epcot as well.

Special Occasions

There’s no better place to celebrate special milestones and make new memories than at Walt Disney World Resort, and these experiences take these moments to the next level. If guests are staying at one of the many resort hotels, Disney magic-makers can even create special surprises called ‘In-room Celebrations’ with floral arrangements, birthday, anniversary, holiday gifts, and much more.

Unique Access Tours

Guests can take a peek behind the scenes and see how Disney magic comes to life at the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts with special tours like the World Showcase DestiNations Discovered tour, providing an insider’s look at the countries that helped shape the creation of Epcot, or the Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP tour, which gives guests an action-packed experience through multiple parks.

Beyond traditional theme park-going, these options are among a whole world of choices guests can choose from. Guests can book any of these experiences by clicking here or by calling 407-939-7529.

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 tried an Enchanting Extra at Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jul 18 2017

Epcot International Festival of Arts Returns In 2018

With the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the past and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival rapidly approaching, here’s some exciting news for guests with vacations planned for early 2018…the Epcot International Festival of Arts will be returning again beginning in January!

This festival, that made its debut this year, is anticipated to run several weekends in January and February 2018 to help bridge the gap between the busy holiday and spring break seasons. The Epcot International Festival of Arts is a fun-filled, colorful event that showcases visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world. Last year’s celebration included musical performances by Broadway talent, one-of-a-kind Disney art exhibits, hands-on experiences for the entire family, and artistic dishes almost too beautiful to eat.

Check back often for more information about the 2018 Epcot International Festival of Arts!

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 Festival Of The Arts?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Jul 17 2017

D23 Expo 2017: A First Look At What’s On The Horizon At Walt Disney World

What an incredible weekend filled with exciting announcements out of the D23 Expo 2017! If you’ve been following along with Zeek, Rachel, and I on Behind The Magic Podcast, you know we’ve been speculating for months about what we would hear at the convention this time around. We talked at length about several of the rumors including a Mickey Mouse attraction coming to Hollywood Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille coming to Epcot, Tron at Magic Kingdom, a new Star Wars Themed Resort, and even the new Disney Skyliner. Zeek and Rachel were lucky enough to be at D23 this weekend to get all of the latest information live! Here’s everything that is confirmed so far courtesy of Disney…

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT OVERALL:

Several projects and updates were announced for Walt Disney World Resort including a new line-up of attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, new resort hotel experiences and concepts, and two new transportation options.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:

  • Star Wars-themed land update – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the name of the new Star Wars-themed land opening in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, after the opening of the land at Disneyland Resort. Guests will encounter several characters, including:
    • BB-8
    • Chewbacca
    • Rex
    • Kylo Ren
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway –  In this game-changing attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature an original story that will take guests on a journey inside the world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that turn the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional display. Located inside the Chinese Theatre, this new attraction will replace The Great Movie Ride, which will close Aug. 13, 2017. Opening for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be announced at a later date.
  • Toy Story Land – Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open summer 2018.

EPCOT:

In preparation for the park’s 35th anniversary, Epcot will continue to evolve to make it more timeless, more relevant, more family and more Disney, while staying true to its original vision beginning with several newly revealed offerings.

  • “Guardians of the Galaxy” – Epcot will have a brand new E-ticket attraction within Future World based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy. This is the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. To make way for this new adventure, Ellen’s Energy Adventure inside Universe of Energy will close Aug. 13, 2017. The new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
  • “Ratatouille” – Within World Showcase, in an all-new space in the France pavilion, a new “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction will take guests on a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, the new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
  • China pavilion – To showcase the splendor and majesty of China, an updated film will be added using a next-generation digital camera system to film a brand new, seamless Circle-Vision show for the
    China pavilion.
  • Mission: SPACE – In addition to an updated Orange Mission, a brand new Green Mission will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, with younger cadets joining the adventure for the very first time. Mission: SPACE will reopen this August.
  • New restaurant – Adjacent to Mission: SPACE, a new table-service restaurant will invite guests to travel high above the Earth for an unforgettable dining experience. The new restaurant will be managed by Patina Restaurant Group and an opening will be announced at a later date.

MAGIC KINGDOM PARK:

  • “Tron”-themed attraction – The highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Tomorrowland in a new area near Space Mountain. Opening will be announced at a later date.
  • Live entertainment theater – Based on the iconic Willis Theater in the 1920s Kansas City where Walt lived after he left Marceline, this new addition to Magic Kingdom Park will be located off of Main Street U.S.A. and will be an entirely new venue for world class entertainment. Opening will be announced at a later date.

RESORTS:

  • Disney Riviera Resort – The proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property will be located near Epcot with a rooftop restaurant that has unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Opening will be announced at a later date.
  • Immersive Star Wars-themed hotel – An immersive Star Wars-themed hotel will be the most experiential concept ever. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, guests will have a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Opening will be announced at a later date.

TRANSPORTATION:

  • Disney Skyliner – This new transportation system will give guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Skyliner will connect Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort. Opening date for Disney Skyliner will be announced at a later time.
  • Minnie Van service – Starting later this month, the Minnie Van service is a whimsical, point-to-point transportation service that will help guests get around Walt Disney World Resort in a jiffy. Guests can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from their smartphone, and a Disney Cast Member will drive them wherever they want to go around Walt Disney World.

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 announcement are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!