Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Sep 1 2015

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Celebrates 20 Years

Can you believe that the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins this month? Even harder to believe than that, is that this incredible event is kicking off its 20th year. Here’s everything you need to know about this milestone celebration courtesy of Disney:

The ChewThe 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival promises a tasting celebration of epic proportion September 25 – November 16, 2015, with more global marketplaces than ever and a first-time culinary collaboration with ABC’s Emmy-Award winning lifestyle series “The Chew.”

For the first time in the festival’s 20-year history, guests can sip and sample at marketplace experiences — now numbering more than 30 – in the park’s new Future World tasting areas. Festival guests also can see “The Chew” tape five shows before an Epcot audience October 7 – 9 to air October 12 – 16.

Disney chefs and festival programmers are whipping up a feast of surprises to celebrate the 20th annual festival in style. New wine tastings, lively parties and other culinary experiences built around the 20-year milestone will unite loyal festival fans and first-timers.

During the 53-day festival, presented by Chase and recognized by the Travel Channel as one of America’s top food festivals, Epcot will brim with epicurean discoveries:

  • The new Artistry of Wine & Cheese area will feature the Cheese Studio and Wine Studio marketplaces where premium wines will be available on tap and cheeses will be served on an “artist’s palette” as part of a wine-and-cheese pairing.
  • At the new Next Eats area near the Epcot Character Spot, Sustainable Chew Marketplace will offer guests a taste of delicious dishes inspired by “The Chew” co-hosts. At Chew Lab, food science meets the hottest culinary tech trends with dishes like the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.
  • F & W ShrimpNew marketplace dishes like the Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp (Australia), Pepper Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese (Farm Fresh) and Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce (New Zealand) will tempt taste buds. The Dominican Republic Marketplace will return with fresh flair and an all-new menu with dishes that include Pescado con Coco – seared grouper, pigeon peas with rice and coconut sauce.
  • With a 20th-year nod to guests’ favorite dining traditions, Disney chefs will bring back popular marketplace dishes like the New England Lobster Roll (Hops & Barley) and classic favorites like the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.
  • Two 20th-year celebratory wines were created just for this fall’s festival: a Napa Valley Festival Chardonnay and a Paso Robles Festival Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests can taste both wines at the Chew Lab marketplace or buy a bottle at the Festival Center Wine Shop.
  • A Tasting Sampler package gives guests the chance to try a variety of marketplace sips and nibbles, enjoy priority seating at an Eat to the Beat concert and receive a limited-release 20th-year festival pin. The Premium Package, available Monday-through-Thursday, includes a festival-themed Magic Band, access to exclusive marketplace areas, a culinary demo or beverage seminar, an IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party and other perks.
  • New premium events, including the “Rockin’ Burger Block Party” will offer a variety of tasting opportunities. The iconic Party for the Senses grand tasting will sizzle with on-stage cooking and beverage stations plus live entertainment each Saturday in October culminating in the first-ever October 31 “Yelloween Masquerade” party.
  • Remy, the diminutive but determined star of Disney’s “Ratatouille,” will cook up family fun with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt.
  • Boyz II MenNightly Eat to the Beat concerts kick off September 25 – 27 with singer-songwriter David Cook. Four new acts in the concert series lineup – Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest and Chaka Khan – will belt out chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, will return to rock the America Gardens Theatre stage.
  • More than 250 chefs, including Disney chefs, and culinary stars from across the country will help celebrate the festival’s 20th Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Buddy Valastro and other top chefs will share their culinary know-how. Renowned chef and cookbook author John Ash, who participated in the inaugural festival in 1996, will return to celebrate the 20th year.
  • At the Chase Lounge at American Adventure, anyone with a Chase debit or credit card will find complimentary refreshments and interactive fun.
  • In Future World, the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns for a fourth year to celebrate the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, and other special beverage and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for more information.

Need more information?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyIf you will be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year, be sure to check out these articles for more information:

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 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Aug 31 2015

Movin’ With Mickey Update 3

Movin With Mickey

Last month was the official start of the Movin’ with Mickey Movement. In case you missed it, let me refresh your memory. My friend Katie over at The Most Delightful Place recently kicked off her new feature Movin’ with Mickey! She’s going to be sharing lots of great health tips and success stories twice a month as she works towards her personal goal of walking the amount of steps equal to the distance from her home in Iowa to Walt Disney World. Of course, she’ll be updating us on her progress along the way. I loved her idea and decided I would join in to improve my health before my fall Disney World vacation.

The Plan

Most Delightful PlaceI have many things to work on to improve my health. As Katie walks her way to Disney World, I’m going to make healthy changes too, and I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing.

Every two weeks, Katie will be doing a post over on The Most Delightful Place giving us an update and sharing helpful information. I’ll post a link here at Disney World Enthusiast each time she publishes a Movin’ with Mickey article so we can keep up with her progress.

In between posts, you can catch up with Katie and I over on Facebook at Disney World Enthusiast or The Most Delightful Place, where you can let us know how you’re doing on journey as well.

Update 3

So now that we are a few weeks in, am I making any progress? Well….let’s take a look at each of my changes individually.

Get at least 6 hours of sleep each night.

This is one change where I can say I have made major improvements. Yay, me! I have gone from four hours of sleep a night to about 7. Now that my kids are back in school, I’m on a good schedule of being in bed by 10pm and up at 5am. Here’s what is strange though…I find myself waking up around 3:30am feeling wide awake and ready to get up for the day, but it is way too early. I sleep restlessly for the next hour and a half until the alarm goes off at 5am and then I get up exhausted. Is this a case of too much sleep? Anyone know?

Eat three meals each day.

So this change is definitely still a work in progress. I am doing better; eating at least twice a day and sometimes three times. What I have discovered is that I just don’t like breakfast foods. Eggs? Yuck! Bagels? Gross! Oatmeal? No way! But then I thought, I’m a grown-up; no one says I have to eat breakfast food for breakfast. This has been really helpful. Once I get my kids dropped off at both of their schools, I’ve been coming home and having a half of a sandwich. Hopefully, I can keep this up!

Eat at least one fruit/vegetable at every meal.

I’ve made a little bit of progress here. Although, I’m not a huge veggie fan, I have been adding them to my sandwiches so at least I’m getting a few. More work to do!

Take all of my medications each day.

Another success! I’m finally taking all of the medications and supplements each day. I’m not noticing any improvements by doing this, but it will probably take some time.

Drink eight glasses of water each day.

I haven’t even tried this one yet. It’s going to be tough. At least I have plenty to work on!

Reduce soda intake to once a week or less.

So you might remember from Update 2 that trying to cut out soda cold turkey left me with a nasty migraine for several days. Well, guess what? So did dropping to just one can a day. Once I really started to look at it and add up the ounces, I’m embarrassed to admit, I was drinking 3 to 4 sodas per DAY! Outrageous, I know! Well, in the last two weeks, I’ve been able to cut the amount in half to 2 sodas per day without any headaches. Hopefully, by the time I write Update 4, I’m down to just 1 per day!

Exercise at least 30 minutes per day at least 5 days per week.

No progress in this department yet, but I have read several articles recently that diet makes a more noticeable difference in the way you feel than exercise. I’m not sure that I agree with that, but I’m interested to see if I notice any changes in my fatigue by adjusting my diet first before adding in the exercise. Could be interesting!

As you can see, I still have a lot of work to do. But this about the journey not the destination, right?

Katie’s Updates

Click here to read Katie’s first update that includes a great interview and some fantastic training tips!

Click here to read Katie’s second update that includes her progress report. It is so exciting to see how far she has come already!

Click here to read Katie’s third update that includes some great tips for staying on track while cruising. That lucky girl is getting ready to set sail on a Disney Cruise to Hawaii!

Do you hope to improve your health before your next Disney World vacation? Are you ready to join the Movin’ with Mickey Movement? Please leave a comment and let us know what you’ll be working on.
We would love to share this journey with you!

Aug 29 2015

Behind The Magic Podcast August 24 – August 28, 2015

Behind The Magic Logo

Behind The Magic Podcast

Have you had a chance to listen to Behind The Magic Podcast yet? This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Tim, and me. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney discussions, guests, games, and more. Tim will keep you up-to-date on Disney news with his daily “Mouse News Minute” segment and I dish on all of the latest Disney gossip with my weekly “Mouse Whispers” segment. And of course, Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous Disney insider knowledge!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Magical Mashups
  • Keith Takes Overs
  • Behind The Cats of Disneyland
  • Behind Animal Kingdom Shows
  • Behind Your Arrival

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

Mouse WhisperThis Week’s Mouse Whispers

In my Friday, August 28 “Mouse Whispers”, I share the latest Disney gossip and rumors about even more expansion and changes coming to Hollywood Studios! Check out Friday’s full episode here!

Are you a fan of Disney podcasts? Do you love Disney gossip?
Please leave a comment!

Aug 28 2015

Chip And Dale Tsum Tsum Giveaway

The Latest Disney Craze

All About Tsum Tsum

Have you heard about the latest Disney craze – Tsum Tsum? Tsum Tsum, which literally means “stack stack” in Japanese, are offered in both an app and adorable plush. The free app is available for download in the App Store or Google Play. Collect, connect, and pop the cute Disney Tsum Tsum to earn coins.

The adorable Disney plush Tsum Tsum are the hottest new collector’s item and are available in a variety of characters and sizes.

Tsum Tsum Collage

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself some Tsum Tsum gear:

  • Disney character Tsum Tsum are available for purchase on DisneyStore.com (affiliate link), at your local Disney Store, at Target, and at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney.
  • They come in three sizes – mini, medium, and large.
  • They also have Tsum Tsum clothing and gear available on DisneyStore.com.
  • Mini Tsum Tsum are $4.95, medium Tsum Tsum are $12.95, and large Tsum Tsum are $24.95.
  • There are many characters to choose from in a variety of sizes including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Dumbo, Stitch, Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and more.
  • On the first Tuesday of every month, a brand new collection of mini Tsum Tsum plush are revealed on DisneyStore.com. On Tuesday, September 1, the Nightmare Before Christmas Collection will be released.

The Giveaway

Interested in getting an adorable Tsum Tsum of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, September 11, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a pair of mini Chip and Dale Tsum Tsum. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need a Disney Tsum Tsum right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!

Aug 27 2015

Fastpass+ Reservations Now Available For Epcot Eat To The Beat Concerts

Good news for Eat To The Beat Concert fans!

If you plan to visit Disney World this fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has just announced that Fastpass+ reservations are now available for the Epcot Eat To The Beat Concert Series that runs from September 25 – November 16, 2015. Here’s the current lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • David Cook – September 25 – 27, 2015
  • Wilson Phillips – September 28 – 29, 2015
  • Christopher Cross – September 30 – October 1, 2015
  • Starship – October 2 – 4, 2015
  • Smash Mouth – October 5 – 7, 2015
  • The Pointer Sisters – October 8 – 9, 2015
  • 38 Special – October 10 – 11, 2015
  • Rick Springfield – October 12 – 13, 2015
  • Sugar Ray – October 14 – 16, 2015
  • The S.O.S. Band – October 17 – 18, 2015
  • Air Supply – October 19 – 21, 2015
  • Fuel – October 22 – 23, 2015
  • Tiffany – October 24 – 25, 2015
  • Dennis DeYoung – October 26 – 28, 2015
  • Jo Dee Messina – October 29 – 30, 2015
  • Everclear – October 31 – November 1, 2015
  • Boyz II Men – November 2 – 4, 2015
  • Sister Hazel – November 5 – 6, 2015
  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7 – 9, 2015
  • Hanson – November 10 – 12, 2015
  • Maxi Priest – November 13 – 14, 2015
  • Chaka Khan – November 15 – 16, 2015

Performances will be at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm daily and are included with Epcot admission. Fastpass+ reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance for resort guests and up to 30 days in advance for all other guests by logging onto your My Disney Experience account. Book now – the Fastpass+ supply is limited. Should you not be able to obtain a Fastpass+, there will be a stand-by line available as well.

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:

Have you attended an Eat To The Beat Concert? Are you going this year?
Will you be booking Fastpass+? Please leave a comment!