Tag Archives: News

Feb 18 2016

2016 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Dates Announced

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©Disney

Did you hear the exciting news? Disney has announced the dates for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This delicious event will run from September 14 through November 14 – that is 62 days of fun!

No other details have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 270 chefs and included more than 25 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, chef demonstrations, and music concerts. The 2015 marketplaces included: Africa, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brewer’s Collection, Canada, China, Craft Beers, Desserts & Champagnes, Dominican Republic, Farm Fresh, France, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Hops & Barley, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Patagonia, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, and many more. Click here to see last year’s menus!

Remember to check back often; I will share more details as soon as they are announced!

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 visiting during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 17 2016

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Coming This Summer To Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire 1

Sad news for fans of Walt Disney World’s “Dream Along with Mickey” show – After an incredible run of nearly ten years, the final performance is scheduled for April 2, 2016. But fear not…Disney has something new and exciting in store for guests this summer. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Joining the lineup of unparalleled Walt Disney World Resort entertainment, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will immerse guests in a royal musical celebration set to debut this summer on the Cinderella Castle stage at Magic Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire 2Kingdom Park.

Mickey Mouse and his pals unite in a tale of friendship featuring songs and characters from Disney’s contemporary classics “Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled” and “Frozen.”

From the land of the bewitching bayous, Goofy has invited Princess Tiana, Naveen and Louis to add a little spice of New Orleans jazz to the party. Donald Duck brings some new friends he met in the land of the enchanted woods, where Daisy Duck introduces us to her special guests, Rapunzel and Flynn. Finally, Mickey Mouse shares a surprise with Minnie Mouse, as he has traveled to the land of the mystic mountains to invite Olaf, Princess Anna, and Queen Elsa, who swirls a blast of her icy magic.

The celebration culminates in a grand dance, marked by a magical fireworks finale. “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will be presented multiple times daily.

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 miss “Dream Along with Mickey”?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 16 2016

More Dates Added For Club Villain At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Club Villain 3

Good news for Disney villain fans out there! Due to popular demand, reservations have been extended into March 2016 for Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This dining experience is hosted by the spooky Dr. Facilier from Club Villain 1Disney’s animated hit “The Princess and the Frog” and takes place in Sunset Showcase located at the end of Sunset Boulevard near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Dine and dance the night away with favorite villains such as Maleficent, Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Queen of Hearts. Feast on New Orleans specialties like herb crusted tender beef strip loin, sticky wings with citrus gremolata, and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta. Of course, the desserts are not to be missed! Specialty cocktails, beer, wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages are served. While you dance, dine, drink, and mingle with the villains, be entertained with hilarious musical numbers and an energetic dance mix from the house DJ.

Club Villain takes place on select nights and tickets can be purchased for $129 per person including tax and gratuity. Separate admission to Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the price of the ticket. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 407-939-3463 or by clicking here.

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 booking Club Villain? Please leave a comment!

Feb 15 2016

Nine Dragons In Epcot Celebrates Year Of The Monkey

Year of the Monkey

Great news for fans of the Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavilion at Epcot! In celebration of the Chinese “Year of the Monkey”, this dining location is offering some delicious special menu items as well as a brand new prix fixe lunch menu.

The specialty items added just for the “Year of the Monkey” are three types of steamed buns for only $8.98 per order.

Braised Pork Belly Steamed Buns
Steamed Chinese Buns with Braised Pork Belly served with Chili Aioli

General Tso’s Chicken Buns
Steamed Chinese Buns with Battered Fried Chicken Breast topped with Pork Floss and General Tso’s Sauce

Battered Fried Fish Buns
Seasoned Chinese Buns with Battered Fried White Fish topped with Pork Floss and Sweet-and-Sour Sauce

The prix fixe lunch menu includes three courses for only $17.98 per person.

First Course
Choice of Spring Rolls or Pot Stickers

Second Course
Select from Three Entrees:
Happily Family – Sliced Chicken Breast, Beef, and Shrimp Stir Fry
Moo Goo Gai Pan – Stir-Fried Chicken Breast, Mushrooms, and Snow Peas
General Tso’s Chicken Buns Lunch Box – Three Steamed Buns and Hot-and-Sour Soup

Third Course
Choice of Strawberry-Red Bean or Ginger-Caramel Ice Cream

Nine Dragons Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12:00pm to park closing. These menu specials are available now through January 27, 2017, and several discounts are being offered including Passholder, Disney Vacation Club, Tables in Wonderland, and Golden Oak. To celebrate the Chinese New Year, all of these discounts have been increased to 20% for the entire month of February. In addition, the Disney Dining Plan is accepted. To make reservations or for more information, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

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 dining at Nine Dragons during the “Year of the Monkey”?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 14 2016

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up February 14, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for February 14, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

ContemporaryTip Of The Week

When visiting Magic Kingdom and it’s time for a meal, hop on the resort monorail to The Contemporary, Polynesian Village, or Grand Floridian to enjoy a quiet, leisurely lunch or dinner. Not only will this help recharge you for more touring, it also offers a nice break from the crowds and heat of the parks.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Epcot World Showcase Japan Pavilion PagodaDisney Did You Know

Each story of the pagoda in the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot represents one of the five elements in the Buddhist Universe. In order from the bottom to top they are earth, water, fire, wind, and heaven.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”

Plaid Skins CollageDisney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, February 19, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four Plaid MagicBand Skins. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please tell your friends and family to enter as well!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more. For more information about this week’s podcasts or to listen, please click here.

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

501 WaysFeatured Book

The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. 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 and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have some dining and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!