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!

Disney World 24-Hour Kickoff To The Coolest Summer Ever

24 Hour Disney Event

Have you heard the exciting news? Disney World is bringing back the 24-Hour event to kick off summer! Here are the details from Disney:

24-Hour Kickoff to Summer Travel

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6am to 6am, Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

Coolest Summer Ever“Coolest Summer Ever” Brings Excitement Throughout Walt Disney World Resort

During the “Coolest Summer Ever,” with Olaf as the official host, Walt Disney World guests can get their cool on all summer long at four theme parks and two water parks.

Among the highlights:

Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, June 17 – September 7. Guests will find cool thrills this summer including a royal processional, a sing-along show, Frozen-themed treats and merchandise, plus a Frozen fireworks display above Hollywood Blvd.

Cool Thrill Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom; Test Track presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Weekends – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15 – June 14.

New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.

Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on a fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.

A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.

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 24-Hour Summer Kickoff?
Are you excited for the “Coolest Summer Ever”? Please leave a comment!

2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Announced

Recently Disney announced the dates for one of my all-time favorite Disney World events…Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

The dates this year are:

November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 29

December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18

The party is held at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

Tickets are now on sale! For more information and to purchase tickets, please check out this link.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive and heart warming experience for the entire family. There is a special holiday parade, entertaining shows, spectacular fireworks, hot chocolate and cookies, character dance parties and even snow on Main Street! My family and I had such a wonderful time when we attended the party and it definitely put us in the holiday spirit! You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out.

Need help planning your time in Magic Kingdom?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your visit to Magic Kingdom:

Heading 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 money:

What about you? Have you been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
What did you think? Please leave a comment!

2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced

Recently Disney announced the dates for one of my all-time favorite Disney World events…Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

The dates this year are:

September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, and 27
October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31
November 1

The party is held at the Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am.

HalloweenTickets are now on sale! For more information and to purchase tickets, please check out this link.

I have been to this party several times and I would highly recommend it. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a lively and light-hearted experience and it is truly a family friendly event. There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! My kids and I have such a great time every time we go. Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating and dancing the night away with all of the characters. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out.

 Here’s a little video from last year’s party to get you in the spirit!

What about you? Have you been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?
What did you think? Please leave a comment!

Full Menus For Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThis year the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 75 days from March 4 through May 17. 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:

  • Disney 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 eleven outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include Botanas Botanico,  Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, The Smokehouse, Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, and Florida Fresh. 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 week until the kick off of the festival, Disney has released the full menus. Better grab a snack, you’re about to get very hungry!

Botanas Botanico
  • Cachapa con Queso
  • Seafood Ceviche with Shrimp, Scallops and Grouper
  • White Corn Arepa
  • Coconut Tres Leches
  • Polar Beer
  • La Tizana
  • Monte Paschoal Reserve Tannat
  • Monte Paschoal Natural Brut White Sparkling Wine
Urban Farm Eats
  • Quinoa Vegetable Naanwich with Arugula Pesto & Oven-Dried Tomatoes
  • Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds and Goat Cheese
  • Ghost Pepper-Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Slaw
  • Urban Mary
  • Cucumber Lemon Spa Water
  • Hess Shirtail Creek Vineyard, Chardonnay
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir
  • Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider
Pineapple Promenade
  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Sriracha Mayo
  • Pineapple Soft Serve
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Sammy’s Beach Bar Red Head Macadamia Nut Flavored Rum
  • Pineapple Soft Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
  • Ace Pineapple Hard Cider
  • Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • Berry Tea Cocktail with Twinings Cold-Brewed Mixed Berry Tea
Fleur de Lys
  • Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise (Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron)
  • Confit de Canard (Pulled Duck Confit) with Garlic and Parsley Potatoes
  • Gnocchi Parisien à la Provençal (Parisian Style Dumpling with Vegetables and Mushrooms)
  • Ice Pop Peach Grand Marnier Cocktail
  • La Vie en Rose St-Germain Vodka Slush
  • Kir Imperial with Sparkling Wine and Chambord Liquor
  • Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
Taste of Marrakesh
  • Vegetarian Falafel Pocket with Cucumber Tomato Salad & Tahini Sauce
  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Couscous Salad
  • Pistachio Baklava
  • Mint Iced Tea
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red
  • Desert Rose — Sparkling Wine with Pomegranate Liqueur
Hanami
  • Frushi (fresh pineapple, strawberry and melon rolled with raspberry coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream)
  • Teriyaki Curry Bun
  • Salmon Sushi
  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Yuzu Plum Wine Slush
  • Strawberry Nigori
  • Karatamba Sake
The Smokehouse
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue & Pickled Jalapeños
  • Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw
  • Smoked Debreziner Sausage
  • Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake
  • Billy’s Chilies
  • Floridian Hefeweizen
  • Category 3 IPA
  • Maple Bacon Stout
  • Beer Flight
  • The Original Rib Shack Red Wine
  • Frozen Lemonade (with or without Palm Ridge Reserve Whiskey)
  • R.C. Sweet Tea made with Twinings Cold-Brewed English Classic Tea
Primavera Kitchen
  • Pinwheel of Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Ciabatta Bread
  • Three Cheese Manicotti
  • Lemon Panna Cotta
  • Placido Pinot Grigio
  • Placido Chianti
  • Bosco del Merlo Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • White Peach Bellini
  • Strawberry Rossini
  • Frozen Italian primavera
  • Moretti Lager
  • Moretti La Rossa
Lotus House
  • Beijing Candied Strawberries
  • Kung Pao Chicken Bun
  • Vegetable Spring Roll
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch
  • South Sea Storm
  • Plum Wine
  • Tsing-Tao Beer
  • Honey Mango Wine Cooler
Jardin de Fiestas
  • Tacos with Achiote-Marinated Pork
  • Vegetarian Quesadilla
  • Flan de Chocolate Abuelita
  • Tecate with Patrón Citrónge
  • White Mexican Sangria
  • Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita
  • Tequila Liqueur Flight
Florida Fresh
  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Baby Arugula and Feta Cheese
  • Shrimp and Stone-Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage
  • Florida Blueberry and Lemon Curd Tart
  • Watermelon Passion Fruit Slush
  • Key Lime Sparkling Wine
  • Blonde Ale
  • Channel Marker Red Ale
  • Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale (Festival Exclusive)
  • Jai Alai
  • Beer Flight

For more information about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival including calendar of events, concert schedule, and more, please click here!

Need help planning your time in Epcot?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your visit to Epcot:

Heading 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 money:

Will you be attending the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival?
What dish are you excited to try? Please leave a comment!

Happy Early Spring!