Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

May 25 2018

Wine Bar George In Disney Springs

Looking for a nice place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious glass of wine during your Walt Disney World vacation? Head on over to Disney Springs to visit the elegant Wine Bar George. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Master Sommelier George Miliotes brings his renowned wine expertise to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort with his new venture, Wine Bar George, that opened May 19, 2018. Wine Bar George is the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.

Miliotes is no stranger to Walt Disney World Resort – he was part of the opening team of the California Grill restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and managed the venue from 1995 to 2002. While there, he created an award-winning wine list and one of the first “100 wines by the glass” lists in the country.

“Disney Springs is the perfect place to open a wine bar and share my passion with the world,” Miliotes said. “Having the opportunity to train and hire my own team while sharing my 40-plus years of knowledge is truly incredible.”

As one of only 249 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Miliotes features wines from acclaimed and well-known wineries as well as growing regions and wineries that are up-and-coming. The location offers an unparalleled wine list including more than 130 selections by the ounce, glass and bottle.

“The wine list features more than 130 wines all served by the ounce, glass or bottle,” Miliotes said. “The list includes more than 40 varietals from regions around the world. We use the Coravin, the Vinfinity system and wine on tap to ensure each wine is enjoyed to its fullest extent. Servers adeptly pair a range of small plates, cheese and charcuterie, shareable entrees and dessert with each wine. If you are looking for an awesome $9 glass on tap or a few ounces of Château Margaux, we have wines for you to enjoy.”

Guests have the opportunity to explore endless food and wine pairings at Wine Bar George. Executive Chef Ron Rupert and Miliotes have worked closely to create a menu that pairs with the extensive wine list.

“Offerings feature seasonally relevant items, and everything is made in-house,” Rupert said. “I’ve worked jointly with George to develop a menu that represents both global and local cuisine. Guests can enjoy food that is familiar, yet new all at once.”

With a team hand-selected by Miliotes, guests can expect their experience to include wine education, which will be served up in an approachable and fun manner. Joining Miliotes as General Manager is George Vavalides who brings more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry including nearly 20 years with P.F. Chang’s. Jamie Irizarry is part of Miliotes’ team as Restaurant Manager. Irizarry has more than 15 years in the industry working with restaurants such as Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and The Capital Grille. Robyn Cohen joins as Bar Manager with 15 years of bartending experience including, most recently, at Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk. Cohen and Miliotes worked jointly to develop the featured cocktails at Wine Bar George, all of which will include a grape-based spirit. In addition to the extensive wine list, the wine bar offers a variety of cocktails, a selection of beer and cider and frosé.

For full menus and current hours, please click 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:

Have you tried Wine Bar George yet?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Eat to the Beat
May 24 2018

Epcot 2018 Eat To The Beat Concert Series Bands Announced

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World this fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, here is some exciting news! Disney has recently released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Eat To The Beat Concert Series that runs from August 30 – November 12, 2018. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:

Spice up your day of delicious dining with live music excitement from top-name acts. Each night during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the America Gardens Theatre serves up performances from major recording artists. This year, our musical menu features 32 irresistible acts—our biggest and best lineup ever.

Concerts take place nightly August 20 – November 12, 2018 at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00pm. The current lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission):

  • August 30 – 31: Blue October
  • September 1 – 3: Tiffany
  • September 4 – 5: NEW! MercyMe
  • September 6 – 7: NEW! Glass Tiger
  • September 8 – 9: NEW! Tauren Wells
  • September 10 – 11: Postmodern Jukebox
  • September 12 – 13: TBA
  • September 14 – 16: Baha Men
  • September 17 – 19: TBA
  • September 20 – 21: Living Colour
  • September 22 – 23: NEW! Sheila E
  • September 24 – 26: Sugar Ray
  • September 27 – 28: David Cook
  • September 29 – 30: Jeffrey Osborne
  • October 1 – 2: NEW! Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts
  • October 3 – 4: Everclear
  • October 5 – 7: Mark Wills
  • October 8 – 10: Air Supply
  • October 11 – 12: TBA
  • October 13 – 14: TBA
  • October 15 – 16: NEW! 98 Degrees
  • October 17 – 18: 38 Special
  • October 19 – 21: The Devon Allman Project
  • October 22 – 23: TBA
  • October 24 – 25: Billy Ocean
  • October 26 – 28: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
  • October 29 – 31: Hanson
  • November 1 – 2: TBA
  • November 3 – 4: Taylor Dayne
  • November 5 – 7: Boyz II Men
  • November 8 – 9: The Hooters
  • November 10 – 12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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?
Who are you most excited to see? Please leave a comment!

May 23 2018

2018 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Dates Announced

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 August 30 through November 12 – that is 75 days of fun!

No other details have been released yet, but last year’s festival featured 197 chefs and included 35 food and beverage marketplaces scattered around World Showcase, signature dining experiences, chef demonstrations, and music concerts. The 2017 marketplaces included old favorites plus a few new marketplaces such as Active Eats, Coastal Eats, Flavors from Fire and Light Lab, and The Almond Orchard. No word yet on what Disney has in store for us this year, but remember to check back often as 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!

May 22 2018

2018 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Now On Sale

This year Magic Kingdom is celebrating the Halloween season with the annual family friendly Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights August 17 through October 31.

August 17, 24 and 31: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
August 28: $75 plus tax (ages 10+), $70 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 3, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25: $75 plus tax (ages 10+), $70 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 7, 14 and 21: $79 plus tax (ages 10+), $74 plus tax (ages 3-9)
September 28 and 30: $89 plus tax (ages 10+), $84 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 2 and 4: $89 plus tax (ages 10+), $84 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 28 and 30: $109 plus tax (ages 10+), $104 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23 and 25: $99 plus tax (ages 10+), $94 plus tax (ages 3-9)
October 31: $125 plus tax (ages 10+), $120 plus tax (ages 3-9)

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

Halloween PartyMickey’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! Adults and children alike 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. Please click here to purchase now!

Please keep in mind Disney’s costume policy (from the official website):

While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. If you’re planning to attend these special holiday events, take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations:

General

  • Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.
  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
  • Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  • Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

  • Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible. 

For Guests ages 14 and older:

  • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g.,full-length Princess dresses) 
  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist. 
  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable. 
  • Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face. 
  • Masks of any kind may not be worn. 

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

Have you been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Independence Day
May 21 2018

Helpful Information For Your July 2018 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in July 2018?
July is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Weather

The weather in Disney World during July is hot and rainy. The average high is about 92 degrees, the average low is about 73 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 7.05 inches. You can expect some rain most afternoons or evenings, so be sure to bring your poncho!

Crowds

The crowds in July are moderate to high throughout the month as families enjoy vacationing during summer break. Be sure to watch out for massive crowds on July 4 especially at Epcot and Magic Kingdom as people flock to the Parks to celebrate Independence Day. Also anticipate increased crowd levels throughout the summer in Hollywood Studios as guests check out the long-awaited Toy Story Land.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowJuly 1 – July 7
Average Crowd Level 7.0 out of 10
July 8 – July 14
Average Crowd Level 6.6 out of 10
July 15 – July 21
Average Crowd Level 7.6 out of 10
July 22 – July 28
Average Crowd Level 7.9 out of 10
July 29 – July 31
Average Crowd Level 6.7 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 10pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 8am – 10:30pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during July, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

 

Events

If you are visiting for the 4th of July, Disney always has additional offerings to celebrate the holiday. You can count on themed merchandise and foods, extended park hours, and enhanced fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios to celebrate the occasion. Please click here for the current line-up!

On Thursday and Saturday evenings during the summer, Disney will be throwing a glowing pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

This summer, head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to check out the highly anticipated Toy Story Land. For more information about this new area of the park, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during July (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
Liberty Square Riverboat: January 8, 2018 – July 19, 2018
Tron Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021

Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Attraction: Opening in 2021
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe: February 4, 2018 – Summer 2018
Ratatouille Attraction: Opening in 2021
Space Themed Table Service Restaurant: TBD

Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Opening in 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Opening in 2019

Animal Kingdom
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Water Parks
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in July 2018, 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 (7:00am 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 book UPDATED FOR 2018 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 July 2018 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!