Tag Archives: Epcot

Apr 13 2015

Disney World Reality Versus Rumor – April 2015 Edition

Welcome to the April 2015 edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor where we’ll take a look at the stories that are currently circulating to see which ones are confirmed and which ones are purely speculation.

Disney World Reality

  • It has been confirmed that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment from May 11 to September 25, 2015 to deal with the last row in the new boats taking on water, safety concerns after a guest seated in the back row lost a finger, and general maintenance.
  • Disney has announced that an additional theatre is being added to Soarin’ and a third track is being added to Toy Story Mania to help accommodate the crowds.
  • Disney has confirmed that Innoventions West will be closing at the end of April. No word yet on what may be replacing this attraction or if it is just being refurbished with new sponsors. Innoventions in Disneyland closed permanently in March of this year.
  • It was leaked by Disney CEO Bob Iger at a shareholder’s meeting that Disney’s Hollywood Studios name will be changing.
  • Disney recently announced that a new store featuring Super Hero merchandise will be opening in May in Disney Springs taking the place of the former United World Soccer store.

Disney World Rumor

  • Permits were recently filed spurring speculation that a new restaurant will be built in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Rumors are that its theme will tie into the Jungle Cruise and it is currently being built under the tentative name of “Skipper’s Cantina”.
  • There are some fresh rumors floating around that Epcot will be adding something new and exciting in 2016 not connected with Frozen. Check out this article for all that we know so far.
  • There are also rumors that a new Soarin’ movie is being filmed that will replace the current film and will highlight well-known landmarks from around the world.
  • There are continued rumors that Echo Lake, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be removed this year to make way for a Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios.
  • There are still rumors that a Pixar Place/Toy Story Land may be built in Hollywood Studios using part of the space made available with the closing of the Backlot Tour.
  • There is speculation that Disney may have plans to build a fifth park on the west side of the property where new hotels are currently being built. Rumors are that this park could be villain themed and open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Keeping my fingers crossed for this one!

Look for another edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor in June 2015!

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 excited about any of these changes – real or rumored?
Please leave a comment!

Mar 13 2015

Enchanting Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

For anyone that is going to be attending the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival this year, be sure to bring money! Disney is offering lots of unique merchandise during this event that is being sold exclusively in Epcot. Take a look of some of the fabulous selections!

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:

What about you? See any souvenirs you must have?
Please leave a comment!

Mar 11 2015

Epcot Egg-stravaganza Returns For Easter 2015

Disney Easter Egg Hunt

Returning this year just in time for Easter is Disney’s popular Egg-stravaganza at Epcot. Beginning March 27 through April 5, you can search for special Disney character hidden eggs throughout Epcot. As you find each egg, you can record your discovery by placing the corresponding sticker on your Egg-stravaganza map. The special map and stickers are available for purchase for $4.95 plus tax at Heritage Manor Gifts (American Adventure Pavilion), Pin Central, Port of Entry, and World Traveler (International Gateway). Whether you are able to locate all of the eggs or not, you can return your map to Port of Entry by April 30 for a prize. Please remember – supplies are limited.

Epcot Egg Hunt Map

Epcot Egg-stravaganza Map

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:

Happy Easter!

Mar 10 2015

Updated Entertainment At Epcot’s World Showcase

If you are going to be heading to Epcot soon for the Flower and Garden Festival, be sure to check out some of the new entertainment that Disney has added over the last few months. Here’s the scoop from Disney Parks Blog:

Italy Flag ThrowingItaly

Join in the music, energy and flair of the spectacularly choreographed flag-throwing team of Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro. Featuring hand-painted flags, magnificent period costumes and live music, the Sbandieratori bring to dynamic life a rich, 500-year Italian tradition that’s not to be missed.

 

Acoustic Band UK EpcotUnited Kingdom

Strolling the quaint streets of the United Kingdom pavilion, you can enjoy a delightful, acoustic performance by Paul McKenna Band, a traditional four-piece group from Glasgow, Scotland, whose contemporary approach to songs never strays too far from their Scottish, folk music roots.

 

Canadian LumberjacksCanada

On the Mill Stage, the Canadian Lumberjacks demonstrate their professional skills in a safe and friendly competition, a time-honored tradition from Canada’s great timber and logging areas, featuring axe throwing, chopping, log rolling and more.

 

Morocco Berber MusicMorocco

B’net Al Houwariyate, a multi-generational Berber music and dance troupe from Marrakesh, takes to the Medina stage of the Morocco pavilion for a lively and interactive performance, illuminating the stories and experiences of women in Morocco.

Voices of LibertyAmerica

Voices of Liberty has a fresh new look and sound for their appearances on the outdoor stage at America Gardens Theatre. Two days each week, this remarkable 8-part a cappella group is bringing their talents to even more guests, performing fresh arrangements of popular American songs, both classic and contemporary. Voices of Liberty will continue their traditional performances in the rotunda of The American Adventure pavilion Wednesday through Sunday each week.

If you aren’t familiar with the Voices of Liberty, they are an incredibly talented a cappella group. Here’s a video to give you a sneak peek of one of their recently added songs.

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:

What about you? Have you seen any of these new acts?
What did you think? Please leave a comment!

Mar 4 2015

My New Book – 501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation

501 Ways

My new book, 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, is now available from Amazon!

GETTING MAXIMUM MICKEY

The difference between an average and a fantastic Walt Disney World vacation is in the details. And no matter how much you know, there’s still a lot you don’t know. Kristi Fredericks helps close the knowledge gap with her 501 ways to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on Earth.

Just a minute, you say. You’ve heard all the tips, you’ve read all the sites and all the books that promise to help you “make the most of” your Walt Disney World vacation. Are there really any new tips in here?

TouringPlans.com blogger Kristi Fredericks has come up with the Disney World travel tips book for people who are sick of Disney World travel tips books. Her 501 ways to make the most of your Disney vacation include:

  • How to ensure your trip will be a success before you leave home, by packing cheap, never-thought-of essentials from your local dollar store, setting up your iPhone as a personal Disney assistant; and much more
  • How to make the most of the four theme parks, by finding the best parade and photo op spots, keeping little kids enchanted by Epcot, beating the crowds out of the parks, and much more
  • How to never run out of pixie dust, by keeping the kids entertained in lines, creating your own park “challenges”, treating the resort hotels as a fifth theme park, and many other “Mousecellaneous” tips
  • How Kristi herself used many of the tips and techniques in this book during her countless visits to Walt Disney World, as recounted in her humorous stories and anecdotes

You’re just 501 ways from the best Disney World vacation of your life!

Please click here, to purchase your copy today!

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