Family Fun At The 2021 Taste Of EPCOT International Flower And Garden Festival

With spring in full swing, the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival recently kicked off in Walt Disney World. From now through July 5, 2021, guests can enjoy bright blooms, delicious flavors, and tons of family fun throughout EPCOT. Here’s a glimpse of what you and your family can enjoy this spring during the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, courtesy of Disney:

  • Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden FestivalTopiaries Full of Disney Character: Throughout the park you’ll see gorgeous topiaries of Disney characters blooming to life in floral sculptures. Highlights will include Remy in the France pavilion, Tinker Bell and the Fairy Houses in the United Kingdom, Lady and the Tramp in Italy and Sorcerer Mickey at the park’s reimagined main entrance.
  • Gardens to Explore: Soak in the sights of spring in 20 different garden areas all across EPCOT, including floating gardens on the waters of Future World, a bamboo garden in China, a tropical rainforest garden in Mexico and the English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London in the United Kingdom (where you can also take a Self-Guided Tea Tour!). Another picturesque spot is The Goodness Garden Butterfly House Presented by GoGo squeeZ, where you can view a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color. And at Outdoor Escapes Presented by OFF! Repellents in Future World East, you can unwind in refreshing spaces that show you just how easy it is to create an outdoor escape for family and friends.
  • Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden FestivalOutdoor Kitchens Galore: Embark on a mouth-watering journey around the park and discover a smorgasbord of options, with more than 20 delectable stops to choose from. Each Outdoor Kitchen offers a specialty menu of creative cuisine and libations to savor and sip. We’ll have more details to share in an upcoming post about all the foodie fun you can expect this year.
  • Entertainment All Around: The festival features plenty of live music every day. Voices of Liberty perform an all-American a cappella showcase, celebrating the landscape, heart and human spirit of America, and Mariachi Cobre takes the stage for a performance of world-famous Mexican folk music. You can also tap your toes to the sound of the Jammin’ Gardeners, performing rhythmic beats with inspired backyard percussion, and head into World Showplace, where the EPCOT Pianist will be playing a selection of songs of the season.
  • Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalHealth Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth: Looking for inspiration, creativity and some youthful energy? At the Flavor Full Outdoor Kitchen and garden along the Imagination Walkway, the whole family can learn ways to stay healthy.
  • Family Fun with Scavenger Hunt: Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a springtime quest to find the buzzzz-iest honey bee at Walt Disney World Resort all around World Showcase.
  • Festival Memories: Commemorate your visit with official event merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and much more, featuring Orange Bird, Figment, Minnie Mouse and Spike the Bee.

The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is included with park admission. With all that there is to see, do, and eat, you definitely won’t want to miss the fan favorite event!

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

Celebrate Earth Week 2021 At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

With Earth Day right around the corner get ready to celebrate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort. Running from April 18 through April 24, 2021, guests can enjoy exploring nature with many exciting experiences for the entire family during the annual Earth Week Celebration. Here’s what we know so far about this fun filled event, courtesy of Disney:


Disney's Animal KingdomWhile Disney theme parks celebrate all living things every day, during the upcoming Earth Week Celebration there’s an added opportunity for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park guests to connect with the magic of nature through engaging activities designed to educate and inspire the whole family.

From April 18 to 24, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host limited-time experiences including unique Disney character appearances, fun learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverage, a new Wilderness Explorer activity and more.

  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station shows how Disney Artists bring favorite characters to life by using animals for inspiration. For the Earth Week Celebration, guests can learn to draw characters – including Dumbo, Terk, Squirt, Shere Khan, Simba and Scar – whose real-life counterparts represent amazing stories of conservation work around the globe.
  • Guests can catch a glimpse of some special characters who will join other favorite Disney pals on Discovery River Character Cruises.
  • A sampling of Earth Week eats include a selection of limited-time specialty cupcakes: the Creature Comfort’s Honey Bee Cupcake, the strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Flame Tree Barbecue or the Sea Turtle Graham Cracker Cupcake. Specialty beverages include The Red Crowned Crane, a frozen Coke topped with frozen Cherry Coke and strawberry cotton candy; adults can spice it up with Captain Morgan Rum.
  • A series of self-guided, nature-themed challenges invite guests to earn a special Wilderness Explorer limited-time Earth Day Nature badge.
  • Guests can hunt for an Earth Day 2021 limited-edition Te Fiti Moana trading pin, and also support the Disney Conservation Fund by purchasing a cuddly plush inspired by species that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home; or check out Island Mercantile’s eco-friendly water bottles, tumblers and reusable bags that promote sustainability.
  • Any time guests visit the park, they can marvel at unique animals and meet the newest arrivals. Most recently, the park welcomed the birth of Ranger, and guests can get a glimpse of the rambunctious 5-month-old calf and his rhino family on a journey aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris. While on safari, guests can also keep an eye out for two young Masai giraffe who were born a few months ago, and playful Nigerian dwarf goats that hang out at the warden’s outpost.
  • Beginning April 2, guests can watch artisans transform 40 tons of sand into a detailed sculpture celebrating National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Whales,” an original series streaming on Disney+ on Earth Day. The intricate sculpted masterpiece will be located on the Discovery Island Stage until April 30.

Will you be celebrating Earth Week at Animal Kingdom?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Character Inspiration Makeovers - Sharon Judy

Want to become a Disney princess or villain? Character Inspiration Makeovers will make your dream come true!

The global pandemic has brought with it many changes to Walt Disney World including the temporary closure of the salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques throughout the resort. If you or someone in your family had their heart set on a princess transformation as a part of their Walt Disney World vacation, I’ve got great news for you!

Sharon Judy HairstylistMy friend and former Disney Cast Member, Sharon Judy, is currently doing Character Inspiration Makeovers. Sharon had a long history of working at Walt Disney World in the salons of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offering hair, nail, and make up services including Character Couture and Perfectly Princess Packages.

Sharon is now working her magic by visiting Walt Disney World guests of all ages both on and off property creating her signature Character Inspiration Makeovers right in their hotel rooms! How’s that for a little extra pixie dust?

Sharon is an expert in hair of all textures and types; her Character Inspiration Makeovers offer a wide variety of options including buns, curls, updos with sparkles, flowers, or a tiara plus character inspired make up and nails. 

Prices for children age 10 and under start at $50 for a hairstyle, $35 for age appropriate make up, and $15 for nails. Prices for everyone age 11 and over start at $75 for a hairstyle, $50 for age appropriate make up, and $15 for nails. Sharon’s services can be booked separately and there is no traveling fee.

If you are interested in booking a Character Inspiration Makeover with Sharon or would like additional information, please reach out to her via text at 407-301-2707. Be sure to check her out on Instagram @sharonjudyhairstylist to see even more images of her magical princess and villain transformations!

Jasmine InspirationWhat People Are Saying About Sharon

“Sharon is amazing. I highly recommend.” ~Liz

“Highly highly recommend Sharon!” ~Lory

“Sharon is great! Highly recommend!” ~Susan

“Highly recommended! She’s wonderful.” ~Angela

“Sharon did my hair a couple months ago and she was amazing!” ~Fiona

Fairytale Wedding 1Additional Services Offered

Sharon is a full service stylist with Lavender The Spa in Celebration that can help you with any of your hair, make up, and nail needs. In addition to her popular Character Inspiration Makeovers, Sharon often does hair and make up for wedding parties of all sizes. For more information about her wedding services, please contact Sharon via text at 407-301-2707 with your questions.

Lavender The Spa
605 Front Street
Celebration, Florida 34747
877-291-7114 ext 1

Will you be booking a Character Inspiration Makeover?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up March 21, 2021

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for March 21, 2021!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalDisney Did You Know

More than 200 floating mini-gardens, each three feet in diameter, of multi-hued New Guinea impatiens provide splashes of color on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase.

Photo Pass LogoTip Of The Week

With millions of visitors annually, it’s no wonder the Disney parks are among the most photographed places in the United States.  On any given day, Disney’s PhotoPass photographers take between 100,000 and 200,000 photos of guests at Walt Disney World Resort. The PhotoPass service allows guests to view, share and order their Disney photos online and create Disney products such as PhotoBooks and mugs.

Walt’s Words

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have some 2021 trip planning information, plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The World's Most Magical Celebration

First Look At The World’s Most Magical Celebration

October 1, 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. To honor this monumental occasion, Disney is kicking off “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” filled with new experiences and enchanting enhancements for guests to enjoy. Here are the first details of what we can expect during this 18-month resort wide event, courtesy of Disney:


The World's Most Magical CelebrationOn October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World Resort officially opened to guests for the first time, the culmination of years spent imagining, planning and developing Walt Disney’s magical dream. In the five decades since, the vacation destination continued to expand with new stories and characters and adventures to cherish for a lifetime. And now with a major milestone approaching, guests can share in “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning October 1, 2021, in honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary.

This 18-month celebratory event will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent décor will appear as if by magic. Shining at the center of it all will be Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which will add to its royal makeover from 2020 with new gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments and other new enhancements, including a 50th anniversary crest warmly welcoming guests to the join the festivities.

Beacons of Magic at All Four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow.

  • Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust.
  • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.
  • The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.
  • And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

Mickey and Minnie: Dressed for the Occasion

The World's Most Magical CelebrationAs hosts of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom-made for this special occasion. Highlights of these celebratory designs include beautifully embroidered impressions of Cinderella Castle backed by fireworks, as well as a brocade in multi-toned, EARidescent fabric – all punctuated with pops of gold.

Joining Mickey and Minnie, Walt Disney World cast members will be at the heart of this event. They will demonstrate yet again why they are renowned for their commitment to service, consistently exceeding guests’ expectations by going above and beyond to make visits to The Most Magical Place on Earth special.


Heading to Disney World?

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:

Will you be visiting during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration?”
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!