Tag Archives: Epcot

Jul 11 2017

ABC’s “The Chew” To Broadcast From The 2017 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival

Disney is releasing more and more information about what we can expect during this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. A fan favorite back this year is ABC’s “The Chew” returning once again to film a week’s worth of episodes during the foodie event. Here’s the latest details courtesy of Disney:

ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” returns to Walt Disney World Resort this fall to broadcast five shows from the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  “The Chew” shows, to record October 4 – 6 against the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth backdrop, will air on the ABC Television Network, October 9 – 13, 2017, at 1pm EDT, 12pm PDT (check local listings).

The dynamic, Emmy Award-winning co-hosts, who delighted audiences last year with stories of their Disney adventures as they whipped up delectable dishes and drinks, will share tasty new recipes and a bounty of festival surprises with their Epcot audiences.  Throughout the festival’s unprecedented 75-day culinary celebration, which runs August 31 – November 13, 2017, “The Chew” also will feature segments highlighting food and beverages from “around the world” of Walt Disney World Resort and its four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Today also kicks off “The Chew’s” Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes presented by Hidden Valley Ranch.  The winner gets a vacation for four to see a “Chew” taping at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

“It’s our favorite week of the year,” raved Gordon Elliott, executive producer of “The Chew.”

“The hosts enjoy the excitement of the park along with their fans, and for a few days everyone is on holiday–with amazing food!”

Delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” also will be featured throughout the festival in the themed global marketplace, “Earth Eats, Hosted by The Chew.” Park guests will be able to savor these menu stars: Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce and a sweet finish: Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with Caramel Drizzle.

Epcot vice president Melissa Valiquette said she and the entire festival team are delighted to welcome back “The Chew” hosts, producers and crew for their third year of on-site production.

“’The Chew’s’ production adds another level of excitement and fun to our iconic fall food and wine festival,” Valiquette said. “It’s magical to see our Epcot stage light up as the show’s celebrated hosts cook, dish and entertain each live audience of festival guests.”

At the Festival Center, guests can watch screenings of “The Chew” show highlights, cooking and entertaining tips. Instructions on how to obtain show taping tickets will be announced at a later date.

“The Chew” celebrates life through food – from cooking and home entertaining to exploring food trends and bringing original ideas to holiday events. The show’s award-winning dream team of culinary and lifestyle experts dish up useful, creative solutions for busy viewers who want to make cooking and home entertaining easy, affordable, and always fun. “The Chew” has spawned five cookbooks, and the sixth, “The Chew Quick & Easy: Stress-Free Recipes for Every Occasion,” will be published September 26, 2017. “The Chew” airs on ABC Monday through Friday at 1pm EDT, noon CDT. 

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Jul 10 2017

Epcot 2017 Eat To The Beat Concert Series Bands Announced

Eat To The Beat Concert Series Returns To Epcot!

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Eat To The Beat Concert Series that runs from August 31 – November 13, 2017. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:

A record 32 musical acts will rev up the Eat to the Beat concert series during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival August 31 – November 13, 2017.

Eleven new-to-the-festival bands, including Kenny G., Squeeze and 10,000 Maniacs, join 21 fan-favorite musical acts for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers to rock America Gardens Theatre stage throughout the festival’s 75-day run.

Other new acts to appear are: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, American Authors, Devon Allman, Postmodern Jukebox and Blue October.

Guests also can tune into their favorite returning bands that will include festival opening act Delta Rae.  Concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00pm daily.  The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

  • August 31 – September 1: Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
  • September 2 – 3: The Hooters New! “And We Danced”
  • September 4 – 5 : Baha Men New! “Who Let the Dogs Out”
  • September 6 – 7: Fuel “Shimmer”
  • September 8 – 10: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • September 11 – 12: Lauren Alaina New! “Road Less Traveled”
  • September 13 – 15: Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
  • September 16 – 17: Sister Hazel “All For You”
  • September 18 – 20: Air Supply “All Out of Love”
  • September 21 – 22: David Cook “Light On”
  • September 23 – 24: Everclear “Santa Monica”
  • September 25 – 27: Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
  • September 28 – 29: 38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
  • September 30 – October 1: Mark Wills New! “19 Somethin’”
  • October 2 – 3: American Authors New! “Best Day of My Life”
  • October 4 – 5: Christopher Cross “Sailing”
  • October 6 – 8: Devon Allman New! “Ragged and Dirty”
  • October 9 – 11: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
  • October 12 – 13: Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”
  • October 14 – 15: Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
  • October 16 – 17: Postmodern Jukebox New! Various Hits
  • October 18 – 20: 10,000 Maniacs New! “Because the Night”
  • October 21 – 22: Toad The Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
  • October 23 – 24: Kenny G New! “Songbird”
  • October 25 – 26: Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
  • October 27 – 29: Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
  • October 30 – November 1: Hanson “MMMBop”
  • November 2 – 3: Blue October New! “Into the Ocean”
  • November 4 – 5: Living Colour “Cult of Personality”
  • November 6 – 8: Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
  • November 9 – 11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
  • November 12 – 13: Squeeze New! “Black Coffee in Bed”

(Songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list)

Festival-goers can book Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at 15 popular Epcot restaurants, guaranteeing a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation and confirmed seating at a same-day Eat to the Beat concert. Reservations can be booked at EpcotFoodFestival.com beginning in July 2017.

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Have you attended an Eat To The Beat Concert? Are you going this year?
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Jul 7 2017

2017 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival First Details Released

Great news fellow foodies! Recently the first details of the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival were released and it looks like it is going to be another fabulous event. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalA record number of global food and wine marketplaces – 35 in all –will sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival August 31 – November 13, 2017. The annual Disney culinary tour of flavors will expand in 2017 for a longer-than-ever 75-day run.

Growing in scope as one of America’s top food festivals each year since 1996, the Epcot event will run for 13 additional days of inspired sips and bites throughout the park’s World Showcase and Future World. Guests will have a chance to mix and mingle with celebrity chefs, experience hands-on culinary workshops and demonstrations at the Festival Center, and get their gourmet groove on at nightly Eat to the Beat concerts.

Here’s the latest festival buzz:

  • New marketplaces will be announced this summer. In addition, India (2009) and Spain (2010) marketplaces will return for an encore. For a third year, global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer brand-new taste sensations. Disney chefs are in the kitchen whipping up delicious new bites like the Madras Red Curry vegetarian dish and Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake to be on the menu at the India marketplace. At the Spain marketplace, delectable Charcuterie in a cone promises to be a guest favorite.
  • Three times nightly Eat to the Beat concerts – 225 concerts in all on the America Gardens Theatre stage — will rev up the World Showcase vibe with new musical acts and returning festival favorites spanning a broad range of eras and genres such as rock, pop and rhythm and blues.
  • “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops, which debuted in 2016 at the Festival Center, return with fresh opportunities for guests to interact with visiting chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. Event hosts and topics will be announced this summer.
  • Popular TV chefs and other culinary icons will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at Festival Center demonstrations. Those same stars of the kitchen also will create new dishes for premium events such as Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes.
  • Festival focus on family will spotlight inspired dishes geared toward children’s palates and culinary demos designed to inspire family fun.

Throughout the festival’s 75-day run, park guests can pair wines, beers and ciders with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade using their complimentary festival passports as a guide.

As guests explore, they’ll find something for everyone in the family:

  • A Ratatouille-inspired adventure will return as Chef Remy gives families a chance to play together during this culinary scavenger hunt.
  • The complimentary Back to Basics Festival Center weekend series will share epicurean tips and tricks from the pros. Book and bottle signings by some of the world’s top vintners will be scheduled, and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli, will offer guest samples.
  • Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars will offer daily learning and tasting opportunities at the Festival Center. On select Saturdays, Cheese Seminars will be a fromage aficionado’s delight.

Bookings for premium festival events will open this summer:

  • Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment.
  • Resort premium events will include a Grand Floridian Brunch with a Twist and Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef.
  • Specialty Dining and Pairing events will be on tap at a number of World Showcase participating restaurants.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at EpcotFoodFestival.com. 

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

Jul 3 2017

Celebrating Independence Day 2017 In Walt Disney World

Are you one of lucky ones who will be visiting Walt Disney World for Independence Day this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

There’s no better place to celebrate the red, white and blue this Fourth of July than Walt Disney World Resort!

Nighttime spectacles will light up each park:

Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
 Magic Kingdom Park commemorates the Fourth with brilliant fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9pm.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
This nightly Epcot favorite adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. Fireworks will blast off at 9pm on July 4.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Celebrate Star Wars, a great icon of American culture, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one-of-a-kind show takes to the sky at 9:30pm nightly.

Rivers of Light
Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire. Rivers of Light has two showings nightly, 9:15pm and 10:30pm.

Other Independence Day fun and entertainment includes:

  • Independence DayThe talented Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana tunes during a 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8pm. The vibrant American Music Machine will perform pop hits, at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:50pm.
  • Meet favorite Disney Characters — all dressed up to celebrate America’s birthday – throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
  • The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts an All-American July 4 cookout from 7-8:30pm. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park’s July 4 fireworks. Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.

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Mar 17 2017

Beauty And The Beast Inspired Fun At Walt Disney World

Great news “Beauty and the Beast” fans! If you love the classic animated hit or the new live-action film, there are tons of “Beauty and the Beast” inspired experiences for you and your family to enjoy in Walt Disney World during your next vacation. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

On March 17, the much anticipated live-action film “Beauty and the Beast” premiered in theaters nationwide. Fans looking to celebrate the classic fairy tale need look no further than Walt Disney World Resort, where there are a multitude of unique “Beauty and the Beast” experiences just waiting to say “bonjour.”

Here are a few options:

Tale as Old as Time: Guests are invited to be a part of the story at Enchanted Tales with Belle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests are transported through an enchanted mirror to Beast’s castle. They’re just in time to help Lumiere and Madame Wardrobe host a very special surprise for Belle. The audience gets to play various characters from the film to re-tell the story of how Belle and Beast met just before she has dinner with Beast.

Song as old as Rhyme: Guests can also interact with the story and the music from “Beauty and the Beast” with several entertainment options at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage! immerses guests in a Broadway-style show where Belle, Gaston, Beast, Mrs. Potts and other characters perform songs and scenes from the classic film. The 25-minute performance takes place daily at the Theater of the Stars.
  • A sneak peek of the upcoming live-action film is screening at the theater inside of the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream attraction now through March 26. Guests also can see Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown and the Enchanted Rose from the live-action film in a gallery exhibit inside the attraction.

Magic Kingdom Park:

  • Belle and Beast lead off the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade as it loops from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A. This sight-and-sound spectacular celebrates the magic of Fantasyland with several Disney friends and colorful floats. Parade kick off is 3 p.m. daily.

Put Our Service to the Test: Soup du jour, hot hors d’oeuvres, Walt Disney World restaurants only live to serve. Guests can find several “Beauty and the Beast” dining opportunities throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs.

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant: This one-of-a-kind dining experience can be found inside Beast’s castle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Be Our Guest brings the story of “Beauty and the Beast” to life with atmospheric and culinary delights. It features an elegant ballroom, a Rose Gallery and the infamous West Wing for diners, with snowy views of the French countryside. Guests can even try the Grey Stuff, which is sure to be delicious. Beast, the master of the castle, meets with diners in his study after their meal. The French-style restaurant serves quick-service breakfast and lunch, and full-service dining for dinner.
  • Gaston’s Tavern: This French-style lodge is decorated with hunting trophies and other keepsakes dedicated to Gaston. Guests can sit in his fireside chair, complete with signature antler décor, and sip on LeFou’s brew, a frozen apple juice beverage infused with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with mango foam. The Tavern, located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park, also serves a variety of pastries, including the signature giant cinnamon roll. The strapping Gaston himself can be found meeting adoring fans outside the Tavern as well.
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Guests can dine with several Disney Princesses, including Belle, in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. Guests of all ages can visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner in this medieval castle setting, mingling with the princesses who pose for photos and sign autographs.
  • Guests also can find unique pastries inspired by the Beauty and the Beast story at several locations, including the Enchanted Rose cake at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs and a Belle-inspired vanilla cupcake at Main Street Confectionary at Magic Kingdom Park.

A Beauty but a Funny Girl: Belle meets her fans in the France Pavilion at Epcot. Topiaries in France shaped like Belle, Beast and other “Beauty and the Beast” characters are showcased during the International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs now until May 29.

Royal Treatment: Little princesses also can get the royal Belle treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, located at both Disney Springs and inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Fairy Godmothers-in-Training transform young guests with princess costumes, hairstyles, nails and more.

Happily Ever After: For brides-to-be, there are endless ways to include “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired touches to their big day thanks to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. Brides can customize everything from their wedding décor to the menu to wearing a Belle-inspired gown.

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Have you seen Beauty and the Beast?
Will you be enjoying some of these experiences? Please leave a comment!