Tag Archives: Events

Feb 28 2017

Epcot’s 2017 International Flower And Garden Festival Dining Packages Now On Sale

Book Garden Rocks Concert Dining Packages Now!

Guests may purchase Dining Packages to reserve a seat at select Garden Rocks Concerts during the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. These packages include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the concert performances held on the same day. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages available. Breakfast starts at $39 for adults and $23 for children, lunch starts at $39 for adults and $15.50 for children, and dinner starts at $53 for adults and $17.50 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, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations or book online by clicking here. Hurry – Availability is limited!

Dining Packages are available:

  • March 3-6, 10-13, 24-27, 31
  • April 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24
  • May 5-8, 19-22

Garden Rocks concert performances are held each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Festival. Show times are at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Performers on Dining Package nights (click here for the complete schedule):

  • March 3-4: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
  • March 5-6: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Grand Illusion”
  • March 10-13: The Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”
  • March 24-27: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
  • March 31-April 3: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
  • April 7-10: Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
  • April 14-17: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
  • April 21-24: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
  • May 5-8: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • May 19-22: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”

Heading to Disney World soon?

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 a Garden Rocks concert? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 27 2017

Full Menus For The 2017 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

This year the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 90 days from March 1 through May 29. The theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalDisney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival will feature fifteen outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include The Berry Basket, Northern Bloom, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Primavera Kitchen, Florida Fresh, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, Urban Farm Eats, Cider House, and La Isla Fresca. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. With just a few days until the kick off of the festival, Disney has released the menus. Better grab a snack, you’re about to get very hungry!

The Berry Basket

  • Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique
  • Field Greens with Fresh Strawberries, Blue Cheese, Strawberry Vinaigrette and Spiced Pecans (vegetarian)
  • Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepper Berry Sorbet (vegetarian)
  • Founders Raubeaus Pure Raspberry Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Island Grove Blueberry Moscato, Hawthorne, FL
  • Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (non-alcoholic version also available)

Northern Bloom

  • Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (gluten-friendly)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
  • Nanaimo Bar Trifle
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whiskey – NEW!
  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic) – NEW!
  • Unibroue Maudite Amber Ale, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Unibroue À Tout Le Monde Saison, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Unibroue Éphémère White Ale, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Beer Flight

Pineapple Promenade

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve (vegetarian)
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Maui Brewing Company Pineapple Mana, Hawaii
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

Fleur De Lys

  • Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky
  • Puff Pastry Crust (vegetarian)
  • Poulet aux Écrevisses, Riz Pilaf: Baked Chicken with Crawfish served with Rice Pilaf
  • Macaron Chocolat Framboise: Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam (gluten-friendly)
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice
  • Kir Pomegranate, Sparkling Wine, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
  • Brut de Pêche: Natural Peach Sparkling Wine
  • C’est La Vie: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blend
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

  • Potato Pancakes with House Made Apple Sauce (vegetarian)
  • Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions and Herb Sour Cream
  • Currywurst with Paprika Chips (gluten-friendly)
  • Roasted Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup and Paprika-spiced Chips
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries
  • Hugo-Charles De Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager
  • Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen
  • Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager
  • Beer Flight

Taste of Marrakesh

  • Merguez “Hot Dog” Sausage: Spicy Beef and Lamb with Sautéed Onions and Green Peppers
  • Home-Made Falafel with Pickled Beet and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
  • Baklava (vegetarian)
  • Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red Wine
  • Casa Beer

Hanami

  • Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice,
    sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side (vegetarian)
  • Ahi Tuna Poke Sesame Ginger
  • Beef Teriyaki Udon: Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
  • Sapporo Premium Black Lager
  • Kirin Ichiban Pale Ale
  • Matcha (Green Tea) Sake Cocktail
  • Amabuki Kurenai Junmai Sake
  • Ozeki Shin Junmai Sake

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw
  • Smoked Pork Ribs with Black Bean and Corn Salad (gluten-friendly)
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (vegetarian)
  • Zen of Zin Old Vine, California
  • Orange Blossom Pilsner, Orlando, FL
  • 3 Daughters Phantasmas Spicy DIPA, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Beer Flight
  • Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine
  • Frozen Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

Primavera Kitchen

  • Antipasto Misto: Cerignola Olives, Sweet Soppressata and Salami, Ovolini, Mozzarella, Sweet Roasted Peppers, Ciabatta Bread
  • Meatball Parmigiana: Hand-made Beef and Veal Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmigiana, Fresh Basil
  • Strawberry Tiramisu: Ladyfingers, Mascarpone Cream and Marinated Strawberries topped with Strawberry Sauce
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • Moscato
  • Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée
  • Rossini: Sparkling Wine and Marinated Strawberries
  • Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
  • Moretti Lager L’Autentica
  • Moretti La Rossa

Florida Fresh

  • Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
  • Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro (gluten-friendly)
  • Florida Larder Board: Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pâté and House-made Pickles
  • Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Key Lime Sparkling Wine, St Petersburg, FL
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company Quat Seasonal Fruit Ale
  • Barley Mow Brewing Company Mirth and Merriment Golden Ale, Largo FL
  • Florida Beer Company Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Beer Flight
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Tamiami Florida Gin
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  • Fresh-Squeezed Watermelon Juice (Non-alcoholic)

Lotus House

  • Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wrap
  • Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries (vegetarian)
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls (vegetarian)
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice
  • Dragon Pearl: Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls
  • M.S.G: A cooler of Mango Wine, Strawberry and Ginger Ale
  • Plum Wine Cooler
  • Tsingtao Lager

Jardin De Fiestas

  • Chile Relleno de Picadillo: Battered Poblano Pepper filled with Ground Beef covered with Tomato Sauce and garnished with Queso Fresco and Toasted Almonds
  • Brocheta de Pollo con Salsa Morita: Grilled Chicken with Red and Green Bell Pepper served with Salsa Chile Morita and garnished with Micro-cilantro and Edible Flowers
  • Tres Leches: Vanilla Sponge Cake, Cajeta, Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk and garnished with Orange Zest
  • Hibiscus Margarita
  • Elderflower Pineapple Margarita
  • Watermelon White Sangria
  • Pacifico Draft Beer with Kahlua Floater

Urban Farm Eats

  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction (gluten-friendly and vegetarian)
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragoût, Spring Vegetables and Fingerling Potatoes
  • Crabless Cake with Crispy Vegetable Slaw, Lemon Vinaigrette and Old Bay Remoulade (vegetarian)
  • Avivé Natural Peach Sparkling Wine, France
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon
  • Wildflower Pale Ale, Forbidden Root Brewery, Chicago, IL
  • Urban Mary with House-made Pickled Green Bean
  • Urban Fairy Cocktail

Cider House

  • Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Pears and Branston Dressing
  • House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
  • Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries (vegetarian and gluten-friendly)
  • McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY
  • Florida Beer Company Caribe Blood Orange Tropical Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Ciderboys Magic Hard Strawberry Cider, Stevens Point, WI
  • Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, California (Non-alcoholic)

La Isla Fresca

  • Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce
  • Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions
  • FlanCocho: Vanilla Caramel Custard with Chocolate Coffee Cake (vegetarian)
  • Red Stripe Lager
  • Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum
  • Frozen Simply Tropical Juice Drink (Non-alcoholic)

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 Outdoor Kitchen are you most excited to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Feb 20 2017

Helpful Information For Your March 2017 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in March 2017?
March is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Springtime MinnieWeather

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 became high. In 2017, crowd levels are expected to follow the same pattern due to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, St. Patrick’s Day, and Spring Break, so pack your patience!

March 1 – March 4
Average Crowd Level 5.8 out of 10
March  5 – March 11
Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
March 12 – March 18
Average Crowd Level 7.3 out of 10
March  19 – March 25
Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
March 26 – March 31
Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 11pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (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 2017, the event will run from March 1 – May 29 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please click here.

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
The Hall of Presidents: January 17 – June 29, 2017
Walt Disney World Railroad: January 9 – March 2, 2017

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2019
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening May 27, 2017

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: December 25 – March 11, 2017

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Resort Hotels
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in March 2017, 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 (midnight 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 new 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 2017 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!

Feb 14 2017

More Details About The 2017 Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

With the groundhog predicting six more weeks of winter, I am so excited to be counting the days until spring will arrive and along with it the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Recently Disney revealed a few more details about what we can expect this year. Here’s the scoop:

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2Celebrating 24 years when it kicks off March 1, 2017, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will jump-start spring with blooms aplenty and gardens of edibles including toothsome morsels from the new Northern Bloom and The Berry Basket Outdoor Kitchens. A new, next-generation Belle topiary from “Beauty and the Beast” will debut in France, and a redesigned “Cars” play garden will introduce a colorful new character topiary sure to capture children’s imaginations.

The 90-day festival, open March 1-May 29, will feature an irresistible array of new gardens and character topiaries, popular entertainers and tasty food and drink offerings:

  • Fresh, farm-market food and beverage flavors will debut at the new Northern Bloom and The Berry Basket Outdoor Kitchens that will join 13 returning Outdoor Kitchens. Delectable chef-inspired bites from Northern Bloom include Seared Scallops with French Green Beans and Butter Potatoes with brown-butter vinaigrette and Applewood smoked bacon. A Maple Popcorn Shake for sipping can become an adult libation with the addition of some Crown Royal Maple Whiskey. At The Berry Basket, the Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique can pair with the new Founders Raubeaus Pure Raspberry Ale.
  • 2017-flower-garden-1The new generation of princess topiaries (Snow White, Anna and Elsa – the first to be designed and created with topiary facial features) will welcome a brand-new Belle topiary as fans remember her from the Oscar-winning Disney film, “Beauty and the Beast.” Located outside the France Pavilion with the Beast topiary, Belle will come to life with sculpted facial features and her yellow ball gown created with golden blooming Joseph’s Coat and Creeping Jenny plants.
  • Another festival first will be a 6-foot-tall topiary of Figment, the feisty dragon mascot of the park’s Imagination! Pavilion, perched atop a 5-foot-diameter ball fashioned from yellow Joseph’s Coat.
  • This year’s Epcot front-entrance topiary garden, “Welcome Spring Fun, Food and Flowers,” inspired by a vintage Walt Disney short film will spring to life with a floral-festooned maypole featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Daisy and Pluto.
  • Garden Rocks 1The popular Garden Rocks concert series will expand to four days each week, with three concerts each Friday through Monday presenting pop musicians that span multiple genres over five decades. New acts this year: Simple Plan, Exposé and Berlin featuring Terri Nunn. Festival favorite Jon Secada kicks off the series March 3-4, and Dennis DeYoung featuring the music of STYX wraps the long weekend March 5-6.
  • Redesigned interactive play gardens will include the new “Cars”-themed Road to Florida 500 garden introducing the new “Cruz” character topiary from the June 2017 release of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3.” Music Garden Melodies play area will return with a new garden design, musical note topiary elements and climbing nets.
  • During the first festival week, the Festival Center will open Wednesday, March 1 and each day through Sunday, March 5 with an entertaining mix of gardening seminars and DIY workshops. Throughout the rest of the festival, the center will be open each Friday through Sunday.

One of the popular Outdoor Kitchen gardens, Urban Farm Eats, will return with savory bites, sweet treats and ideas for planting produce that can inspire growing numbers of guests who want to learn to grow their own edibles.

“A lot of people, including young children, are serious foodies now, and they have lots of questions about gardening,” says Eric Darden, festival horticulture manager. “We’re getting more and more people in their 20s and 30s asking, ‘How can I grow this?’ I think we’ll be creating more gardeners because people can see what’s possible.”

The 2017 festival forecast will be sunny with colorful floral bursts by day and a nighttime landscape aglow with twinkling lights:

  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalTopiaries of Donald Duck and nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie will share Future World space in front of Spaceship Earth with Chip and Dale for a “Fresh Epcot” selfie and family photo opportunity.
  • Anna and Elsa topiaries will return to the Norway Pavilion festival landscape in celebration of the park’s new Frozen Ever After Nearly 100 festival topiaries in all will include up to 70 character creations such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp, Simba, Timon and Tinker Bell.
  • Guests can plan on special appearances related to Earth Day and other spring activities including: March 31-April 2 and April 28-30: Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Conservation Specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom; April 22-24: Celebrate Earth Day with featured personalities and activities; May 5-7: Discover the Bounty of Florida Agriculture by learning from Sunshine State specialists; May 12-14: Florida Federation of Garden Clubs presents floral designs that defy description.
  • Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalThe Butterflies on the Go garden will return with the story of the Monarch’s epic journey across the continent and featuring butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.
  • On the way to the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction in The Land Pavilion, guests can discover gardens featuring edible flowers, plants that benefit health and healing, and a pollinator paradise.

Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” and beds of multi-colored blooms will transform the park’s landscape.  At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

The festival, including all gardening programs, exhibits, concerts, complimentary English Tea Garden tours and special appearances, is included in regular Epcot admission.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World this Spring?

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 Flower & Garden Festival?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Dec 26 2016

Celebrating New Year’s Eve In Walt Disney World

Disney New Year

Ring in 2017 in Style

Walt Disney World is a perfect place to ring in the New Year! If you’ve just decided to visit for the holiday or were so caught up in Christmas that you forgot to making dining and Fastpass+ reservations, don’t panic, there are many magical ways to celebrate throughout the resort. Here are some fun options that require no advance planning:

Magic Kingdom

Hours

8:00am-1:00am, Extra Magic Hours 7:00am-8:00am for Disney Resort Hotel Guests

On The Schedule
  • 6:50am Welcome Show
  • 9:30am Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play it! Street Party
  • 10:00am Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Stage Show
  • 10:00am-2:30pm Incredibles Super Dance Party
  • 11:00am Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Stage Show
  • 12:00pm Mickey’s Once Upon A Time Christmas Parade
  • 1:15pm Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Stage Show
  • 1:45pm Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play it! Street Party
  • 2:15pm Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Stage Show
  • 3:30pm Mickey’s Once Upon A Time Christmas Parade
  • 3:40pm A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Stage Show
  • 4:30pm  Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Stage Show
  • 4:40pm A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Stage Show
  • 5:40pm A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Stage Show
  • 6:15pm A Frozen Holiday Wish Stage Show and Castle Lighting
  • 6:50pm Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show
  • 7:00pm-1:00am Frontierland New Year’s Celebration Dance Party
  • 7:10pm A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Stage Show
  • 7:30pm Holiday Wishes – New Year’s Celebration Fireworks
  • 8:10pm A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Stage Show
  • 8:15pm Once Upon A Time Castle Projection Show
  • 9:00pm Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show
  • 9:10pm A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Stage Show
  • 10:00pm Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show
  • 11:50pm Fantasy In The Sky New Year’s Fireworks
New Years 3General Information

On New Year’s Eve at Magic Kingdom, guests are treated to all of the holiday entertainment that is normally exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party plus a special edition of the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks show. Party favors such as hats and horns are handed out to visitors in the evening to enjoy as they celebrate. Remember that alcohol is limited in Magic Kingdom; guests are not permitted to bring in alcohol and it is only served at five table service restaurants throughout the park.

Quick Tips
  • The Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve celebration is generally the most family oriented of all the parks.
  • It is also the most crowded by far, and it is not uncommon to experience phased closures throughout the day when guests are not permitted entry into the park.
  • If you plan to spend the holiday in Magic Kingdom, get a good night’s sleep on December 30, arrive early on December 31, and plan to stay for the duration.
  • If at all possible, leave the driving to Disney and hop on a resort bus. With one of the largest parking lots in the world, the mass exodus that happens when the park closes is complete chaos.
  • If you’re interested in experiencing attractions during your visit, focus on less popular large capacity ones like Enchanted Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, The Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress and Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
  • When dining at counter service restaurants, try to eat at off hours. For lunch avoid 11:00am-2:00pm and for dinner avoid 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Epcot

Hours

Future World 8:00am-1:00am, World Showcase 9:00am-1:00am

On The Schedule
  • 6:00pm Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Holiday Edition Fireworks
  • 11:40pm New Year’s Countdown Fireworks
Disney New YearGeneral Information

Of all of the Walt Disney World parks, Epcot is my favorite to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The festivities are geared a bit more to the over 21 crowd with World Showcase filled with temporary bars and dance parties at several of the country pavilions. Just like at Magic Kingdom, guests will be treated to party favors at no additional charge, but as always there will be no shortage of light up merchandise available for purchase.

Quick Tips
  • Epcot’s New Year’s Eve celebration while still family friendly is definitely geared to an older crowd.
  • Due to the size of the park, the crowds are still massive, but feel not as claustrophobic as Magic Kingdom.
  • Anticipate heavy crowds getting into the park, so it is always a good idea to arrive early and be prepared to wait. However, the odds of Epcot experiencing phased closures is much lower than at Magic Kingdom.
  • If you’re staying at a resort hotel, take advantage of the free transportation and avoid driving to the park.
  • If you’re hoping to enjoy some attractions during your visit without waiting in line for hours, World Showcase films such as Reflections of China, Impressions de France, and O Canada are great options.
  • When dining at counter service restaurants and food booths, try to eat at off hours. For lunch avoid 11:00am-2:00pm and for dinner avoid 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hours

8:00am-12:00am

On The Schedule
  • 8:00pm Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular
  • 9:00pm Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks Show
  • 9:30pm Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular
  • 12:00am Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show
star-wars-2016-bGeneral Information

Of all of the parks with New Year’s celebrations, Hollywood Studios historically has the lowest crowd levels. Like Epcot, this party is geared a little more for the over 21 crowd with temporary bars and a huge dance party leading up to the massive fireworks display. Similar to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, party favors are distributed to all guests free of charge.

Quick Tips
  • Due to the extensive construction and closures now taking place at Hollywood Studios, the crowds will likely feel larger than they actually are.
  • Like Epcot, phased closures are rare at Hollywood Studios, but lines will be long through security and the park entrance so be sure to plan accordingly.
  • If you’re staying at a resort hotel, take advantage of the free bus transportation and avoid driving to the park.
  • When dining at counter service restaurants, try to eat at off hours. For lunch avoid 11:00am-2:00pm and for dinner avoid 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Hours

8:00am-8:30pm, Extra Magic Hours 7:00am-8:00am for Disney Resort Hotel Guests

DAK at Night 1General Information

Animal Kingdom does not have an official New Year’s Eve celebration or fireworks display, however guests can enjoy additional live entertainment performances throughout the day and the lightest crowds of any of the parks.

Disney Springs

Hours

10:00am-12:00am

Disney Springs aGeneral Information

Similar to Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs doesn’t have an official celebration or fireworks display, however there will be no shortage of live entertainment, food and drinks available for guests looking for a fun night out!

Disney Resort Hotels

Boardwalk 1General Information

If the thought of dealing with the crowds is too much for you and you happen to be staying on-property at Walt Disney World, be sure to check with guest services at your hotel. Most resorts will be offering some type of party on site. The deluxe resorts often offer fairly elaborate celebrations for their guests. In the past, the Grand Floridian has featured a big band orchestra, party favors, and balloon drop in the main lobby while the Boardwalk has had a full carnival of festivities going on along the water to ring in the new year!

Happy New Year!

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Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for New Year’s Eve?
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