Tag Archives: World Showcase

May 25 2016

2016 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival First Details Released

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©Disney

Back in February, Disney announced the dates for this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, but since that time there hasn’t really been any news to report. Until now! Disney has just released the first details of its plans for the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and it looks like it is going to be another fabulous event. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

The annual Disney culinary tour of flavors from six continents will expand in 2016 with nine extra days of sipping and savoring at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival September 14 – November 14, 2016. The 2016 festival, presented by Chase at Walt Disney World Resort, will grow from 53 to 62 delicious days, add a new interactive culinary experience and debut new marketplace tastes from around the world.

Food & WineGrowing in scope each year since 1996 as one of America’s top food festivals, the Epcot event features inspired flavors at more than 30 global marketplaces.

This year, “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops at the Festival Center offer guests a chance to learn a variety of culinary skills from chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts kick up the energy with new musical acts covering a broad range of musical styles and eras including rock, pop and rhythm and blues. Even more Disney resort festival experiences are planned, with a new brunch, cooking school and other fresh culinary adventures.

For a second year, global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer a wider range of taste sensations. Culinary icons like Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Masaharu Morimoto, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro and Jamie Deen will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at new and returning premium events that include reimagined Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes.

Festival guests can pair wines, beers and ciders with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade using their complimentary festival passports as a guide.

New marketplace menus debut and festival favorites return – Hard soda float, anyone? Guests can choose a favorite hard soda to mix with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat at Desserts & Champagne marketplace. A savory vegan dish will debut at the Greece marketplace, and the popular Farm Fresh marketplace will showcase Florida’s bounty with new savory dishes.

Boyz II MenMultiple new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut; fan favorites return to play 186 festival concerts, in all –Wang Chung (Everybody Have Fun Tonight!) will open the Eat to the Beat concert series September 14 – 15. More new acts in the concert series lineup, including Delta Rae and Toad The Wet Sprocket – will rock their chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men and Jeffrey Osbourne, will return to the America Gardens Theatre stage this fall.

Celebrity chefs, wine experts and mixologists join the fun – Celebrities ranging from Rock Harper to master sommelier Andrea Robinson will share their food and beverage know-how during demos and premium events. At the new “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” workshops, guests will put expert advice to use whether mixing cocktails, decorating cakes or using herbs to kick up a dish’s flavor.

The popular Festival Private Label California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are back and available by the bottle or by the glass.

RemyRatatouille returns — Chef Remy of “Ratatouille” returns with his fun-for-the-family culinary scavenger hunt.

Festival Center cooks on all burners –Festival Center highlights will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros, book and bottle signings and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli and offering guest samples.

Rest and recharge at the Chase Lounge – Chase debit and credit card members – including Disney Visa card members — will find complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a charging station and comfortable seating for a relaxing break at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.

Plan for a premium adventure:

  • Rockin’ Burger Block Party and Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment.
  • New resort premium events to book will include a Grand Floridian brunch with a twist and a new cooking school experience.

Included with Epcot Admission:

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

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at EpcotFoodFestival.com.

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Will you be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
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Apr 21 2016

Frozen Ever After In Epcot

Frozen Ever After

“Frozen Ever After”

So have you heard the latest about the new Frozen attraction opening in the Norway Pavilion this summer? Whether you love it or hate it, Frozen is here to stay and at least it is bringing a much needed new attraction to Epcot. Hopefully, in addition to showcasing our favorites from the film, it will also feature Norway and its beautiful scenery and rich history. Here’s what we know so far courtesy of Disney:

For the first time in forever, guests can explore the kingdom of Arendelle when “Frozen Ever After” opens in the Norway Pavilion in summer 2016. This family-friendly adventure picks up after the events in the blockbuster hit “Frozen” and celebrates a “Summer Snow Day.”

A stone archway entrance greets guests to the kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, trolls and Marshmallow join them on their boat journey through the frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to the North Mountain to Elsa’s ice palace.

After disembarking, guests can meet the regal sisters in the cozy Royal Sommerhus. Inspired by a cabin in the countryside of Norway, the sisters have opened their summer home for visitors.

Fun Facts:

  • Frozen Ever After is the first Frozen-themed attraction and the Royal Sommerhus is Elsa’s and Anna’s permanent meet and greet at Disney Parks.
  • Guests will witness Elsa’s ice magic on Frozen Ever After.
  • Composers Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez created new lyrics to the cherished Frozen film songs.
  • All of the original voice talent from the film returned and recorded dialogue and songs for the attraction.
  • WDI traveled to Norway to research architecture, décor and artifacts; guests will find their inspiration in the Royal Sommerhus.
  • The design of Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin in Trondheim.

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Apr 4 2016

Epcot 2016 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Bands Announced

Sounds Like Summer 2

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns To Epcot!

If you plan to visit Disney World this summer, here is some exciting news! Disney has just released the information about which bands will be appearing in the Epcot Sounds Like Summer Concert Series that runs from June 5 – July 23, 2016. Three new acts will make their Sounds Like Summer concert series debut this summer. Bands paying tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac, Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen are part of the seven-week event in World Showcase for the first time. Here’s the current lineup (subject to change without notice):

  • June 5 – 11: Don’t Look Back – A Tribute to Boston
  • June 12 – 18: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
  • June 19 – 24: New! Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
  • June 25 – July 1: New! Simply Tina – A Tribute to Tina Turner
  • July 2 – 9: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • July 10 – 16: New! Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
  • July 17 – 23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Performances will be at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm daily and are included with Epcot admission.

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 a Sounds Like Summer Concert? Are you going this year?
Who are you most excited to see? 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.

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Will you be dining at Nine Dragons during the “Year of the Monkey”?
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Feb 1 2016

More Details About The 2016 Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

2016 EFGF 1

With over a foot of snow predicted today where I live, I am so excited to be counting the days until spring will arrive and along with it the 2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Recently Disney revealed a few more details about what we can expect this year. Here’s the scoop:

Two new spring-inspired Outdoor Kitchens, three mischievous Disney topiary characters and an innovative musical play garden will debut during the 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2 – May 30, 2016. The popular spring festival at Walt Disney World Resort, known for its tasty edibles, sweeping floral displays and dazzling topiary creations, expands from 75 days to 90 days in 2016.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalThe new La Isla Fresca and Cider House Outdoor Kitchens will introduce fresh variety and flavor to the culinary offerings at a record 13 festival kiosks surrounding the World Showcase Promenade. Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, make their topiary debut with Donald and Daisy in the park’s signature front-entrance garden. Xylophones, drums and chimes will take child’s play to tuneful levels at the new Harmony Gardens play area featuring “leader-of-the-band” Mickey Mouse topiary.

Live Garden Rocks concerts will set the beat with familiar pop tunes each festival weekend. And special “Fun Fresh Weekends” add new adventures to the seasonal event.

Guests of the 2016 festival can celebrate spring with gardens-full of Epcot options:

  • New culinary creations at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens will take guests on a Caribbean tour at La Isla Fresca with flavors like Jamaican Braised Beef with Pigeon-Pea Rice and Jerk-Spiced Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa. At the new Cider House, a Field Greens salad with greens harvested from The Land pavilion, heirloom apples, Stilton cheese and dried blueberries will pair well with a blueberry hard cider from Plant City, Fla. Dozens of new food and beverage flavors will debut, as well, at the festival’s 11 other Outdoor Kitchens: Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Florida Fresh, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Bauernmarkt and Jardin de Fiestas.
  • The first-ever Huey, Dewey and Louie topiaries will feature floral interpretations of Donald’s nephews inspired by a 1943 Donald Duck comic book called “The Victory Garden” at the Epcot front-entrance garden display with Donald and Daisy.
  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalA new hands-on Harmony Gardens musical playground will debut featuring Disney’s Fab Five topiaries of “band leader” Mickey Mouse plus Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck topiaries. With the playground’s interactive drums, chimes and xylophones, children can create their own musical sounds when they’re not scampering across innovative outdoor climbing systems with safe, but challenging, net-based structures. Watch for music-themed plants that add harmony to this inspired play area. The popular Cactus Road Rally play garden returns with Disney-Pixar topiary pals Mater and Lightning McQueen from the hit film, “Cars.”
  • Fun Fresh Weekends add novel dimension to daily festival fun: April 1-3 — Art in the Garden Weekend spotlights nature through the works of plein air artists; April 8-10 – The new Family Fun Weekend presents outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy and a Festival Center focus on bugs with Disney’s Animal Kingdom specialists; April 22-24 – Earth Day Weekend celebrates our planet with special appearances and activities; and April 29-May 1 – Florida Fresh Weekend features the state’s edible bounty from Apalachicola to Zellwood.
  • On the south side of Spaceship Earth, Disney gardeners will paint the landscape with a Floral Sun garden and yellow “sunbursts” will sprout in a new Future World topiary garden featuring Minnie Mouse and Pluto.
  • The Ranger Mickey topiary garden in Future World will offer a guest selfie and family photo opportunity featuring a Spaceship Earth backdrop to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service launched in 1916 to conserve the country’s natural scenic treasures.
  • Anna and Elsa topiaries will travel to the Norway pavilion festival landscape following their 2015 debut along World Showcase Plaza in a scene from the blockbuster Oscar-winning animated film, “Frozen.” Nearly 100 topiary characters, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp, Simba and Peter Pan, will animate the Epcot landscape surrounded by themed gardens featuring herbs, peppers, orchids and more.
  • By night, twinkling lights will shine across festival gardens and topiaries.
  • Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalThe Garden Rocks concert series will present pop bands with music spanning four decades. This year’s lineup kicks off March 4-6 with The Orchestra starring former members of ELO and will also include new-to-the-festival acts like Bad Company.
  • A new edible flower garden by The Land pavilion will showcase petals with flavor.
  • The Butterflies on the Go garden will return with the story of the Monarch’s epic journey across the continent and featuring butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.
  • Each weekend at the Festival Center, guests can dig in for a complimentary hands-on Gardening Seminar experience and create a take-home souvenir or grab a seat to hear tips from experts on a broad range of topics. The center also offers signature festival merchandise, food and beverages.

Forty 8-to-9-foot-tall Disney-crafted “flower towers” and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape.  At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, more than 200 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World this Spring?

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 Flower & Garden Festival?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!