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2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival- an overview

Published March 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

One of the most welcome signs of spring is Epcot’s annual International Flower & Garden Festival. While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival takes them to the next level. If you’ve never been to the festival – here is more about what we can expect. Below are are some Disneyways photos from last year.

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Throughout Epcot over 100 topiaries will be on display. The Flower Power Concert Series will return as well as special kids’ activities and gardening workshops.  An exciting addition to this year’s Festival is several presentations by HGTV stars at the Designers Stage.

Perennial Flower and Garden favorites such as the Flower Power Concert series, the English Tea Garden, and Ask An Expert will be returning. For the kids, there’s Bambi’s Butterfly House, GoGo on the Go Challenge, the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, and the Bee Scavenger Hunt.

Over at the France Pavilion, there will again be a “lift and sniff” Fragrance Garden focusing on some of the flowers used in making the Guerlain line of perfumes.

Throughout the event, Disney horticulturists and garden experts will conduct seminars, sharing tips and secrets for you to try at home.

Discover dazzling gardens, high-energy entertainment, family fun and more at this spectacular springtime event. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV is brimming with special experiences for every age and interest.

Festival highlights include:

With so much to see and do, you can return to the festival again and again… and discover something new each time!

Get Into the Groove

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with brilliant botanicals during the nightly Flower Power Concert Series. Enjoy a diverse lineup of performers — popular musicians of the 1960s and 1970s — throughout the festival.

Learn Tips, Techniques and More!

Fascinating designer presentations offer helpful information that you can use in your home or garden. Whether you wish to learn new gardening techniques or simply see a favorite television personality, you can look forward to an array of engaging seminars and demonstrations.

Beauty Abounds All Around

Special displays — like blossoming gardens and vibrant topiaries — add to the beauty of Epcot.

Know Before You Go

Epcot theme park admission is required. Most Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

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Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2013 – A sneak peek at the Land of Oz Garden in photos

Published February 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins on March 6th 2013! Official Disneyways Man on the Scene reporter Ramon Rodriguez captured some wonderful early photos of the Land of Oz Garden. This themed area is to help Disney promote their new movie Oz the Great and Powerful, coming to theaters on March 8th. The Land of Oz Garden will include a playground as well. I think my favorite feature however  is the fantastical art-glass poppies “planted” among beds of real flowers, which will be updated through the festival’s end date of May 19. What do you think?

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If you love the Flower and Garden Fest like I do, please check out our other posts on this wonderful event.

Can’t get enough Oz? Why not join us for or first ever Disneyways meetup on March 8th? You can read details on the meet here.

Exclusive Video from Day one! Limited Time Magic: Dapper Dans – the “Original Boy Band”

Published February 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Dapper Dans – The “Original Boy Band”

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February 25 to March 3, 2013

From Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando Florida:

“The Dapper Dans tip their hats to a new kind of music that they discovered while “strolling through the park one day.” Watch for this winsome quartet and their all-new medley that will have “Everybody” seeing “What Makes You Beautiful.” But they won’t be saying “Bye Bye Bye” to barbershop completely—after all, the Dapper Dans are the “Original Boy Band.” Part of Limited Time Magic, this musical time warp is a can’t-miss experience at Magic Kingdom park in Florida.” – source LimitedTimeMagic.com
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Click here to see video from Day One (February 25th!) of the Dapper Dans.
Video provided by Ramon Rodriguez, VIP Theme Park Concierge and our official Disneyways on-scene reporter!

A few Dapper Day Photos from February 24, 2013: An Elegant Affair

Published February 26, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Ever since the spring of 2011, DAPPER DAY organizers have created fashionable gatherings at the Disney Resorts in LA, Orlando, and Paris: a spring, all-day event, and a fall “evening affair.” Inspired by the original Disney park designer’s illustrations, which often featured extremely well dressed guests enjoying the park, DAPPER DAY celebrates the tradition of stepping out in style. It gives us a chance to visit the parks while looking our best. The night attracts park enthusiasts of all genders and age groups.

All elegant fashions from vintage-inspired to contemporary chic could be found on this warm Orlando evening in February.

I must say that as a bystander – mostly just photographing the fun and handing out Dapper Day pins – I could not help but feel every smile and look of joy deep down in my core. I could hardly control my own smile and giggles at watching so many of the dapperly dressed really show off for the camera, and ham it up! They were all so wonderful and accommodating. What an amazing, truly magical night.

We got hundreds of pictures. What we have posted here is just a sampling. We will be posting more on the blog as well as on facebook, and eventually our YouTube Channel.

Be sure to subscribe to all of these avenues so you won’t miss a post. If you see yourself in any of these pictures and you did NOT get a Dapper Day button to commemorate the evening, I have a very limited supply left over. Please contact me right away, the fastest being through facebook. I always accept friend requests. Have a magical day!

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MyMagic+ being tested for Be Our Guest!

Published February 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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MyMagic+ continues to be tested in a variety of ways at Walt Disney World, there are indications that  FastPass+ will even help improve your Walt Disney World dining experiences! Sources are reporting that randomly selected guests at the Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian will receive a FastPass+ card with a specified arrival time for lunch (counter service) at the Be Our Guest restaurant in the new Fantasyland. The window for this trial is very short, lasting only from February 25-28th. Reservations can not be made in advance for lunch, and the lines can get very long for this popular dining facility.

Upon arriving at Be Our Guest during the specified arrival window, the lucky guests who get picked for the trial will receive expedited service for lunch. As with all things Disney, dates and offerings are subject to change without notice. Theme park admission is required to dine at Be Our Guest.

The grey stuff, although delicious, is not available during lunch hours.

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Limited Time Magic: Photos from Day Two of True Love Week

Published February 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

February 11 to February 17, 2013 is True Love Week as part of Disney’s Limited Time Magic Promotion.

True love was in the air on day one at Walt Disney World Resort – as fairytale princesses united with their princes, Cinderella Castle got a romantic nighttime makeover and “happily ever after” became reality.

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Dapper Day 2013 (Part 6 in our series) Discounted Park Tickets, free pins, more video and details

Published February 15, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Join the Fashionable Crowd for DAPPER DAY SPRING 2013 

The third annual all-day outing at Disney Parks is coming Sunday, February 24 to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Disneyways has a pinterest board for more Dapper Day fun.

DISCOUNTED PARK TICKETS

Arrangements have been made for discounted convention-rate park tickets for the Walt Disney World event. GET DISCOUNTED PARK PASSES (INCLUDING AFTER 2PM, & AFTER 4PM TICKETS FOR $69/$55) FOR SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24 2013 HERE. These are regular park tickets sold via WDW’s Group Ticket Sales set up just for Dapper Day and can only be purchased online.
IMPORTANT: All discounted tickets can only be purchased online, and only in advance. 

Online ticket sales ends Sat Feb 23. Only full price park tickets will be available the day of the event.

This is not a private ticketed event, the group-rate tickets are arranged by Dapper Day organizers as a courtesy. Dapper Day organizers do not get a percentage of any sales. On Sun Feb 24 you can also use your WDW annual pass for park entry if you have one.

Reminders for WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT GATHERINGS:

3p THE LIBERTY BELLE BON VOYAGE – Meet at the boat landing in Liberty Square and we’ll all board the first departure at 3p or after for an elegant trip (or two) around The Rivers of America on this original attraction from 1971.

4-5p ISLAND ESCAPADES – Explore jewel filled caverns, frontier forts, and other prime photo-op locations on Tom Sawyer Island. (Board the rafts near the Big Thunder Mountain. Island closes at dusk.)

7p THE DAPPER DERBY – Meet at Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel for a most elegant group ride!

8p-Midnight AFTER DAPPER DRINKS at two locations, the tiki-themed Tambu Lounge in Disney’s Polynesian Resort (main building, Monorail level); and at Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Enjoy live jazz standards by the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra (performing until 9:40p) at this upstairs bar behind the bandstand. Top-shelf liquors, port, cognac, scotch and snacks are available.

(*Event hours and schedules are merely suggestions and they encourage you and your party to enjoy the park at your leisure.) The Magic Kingdom will close at 8pm, or  (10p Extra Magic Hours for resort guests). Fireworks at 8pm (Disney park hours and schedules may change.)

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BUTTONS, PINS & MERCHANDISE

Artwork for Dapper Day’s first merchandise collection is created by artist Jerrod Maruyama (see above). All items will also be available shortly after Feb 24 on DapperDay.com.

Dapper Day organizers have arranged some people on the ground at Walt Disney World to give out free buttons. Be sure to follow Dapper Day on twitter for the latest information on this. Remember you can purchase the Disney created pins too – click here for details.

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Limited Time Magic: Photos from Day one of True Love Week

Published February 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com

February 11 to February 17, 2013 is True Love Week as part of Disney’s Limited Time Magic Promotion.

True love was in the air on day one at Walt Disney World Resort – as fairytale princesses united with their princes, Cinderella Castle got a romantic nighttime makeover and “happily ever after” became reality.

Ramon Rodriguez of Theme Park Concierges was our on-scene reporter today, and he captured some fantastic, exclusive, Prince and Princess photos. Ramon is great at taking pictures, but his true passion is providing guests with personalized, private and exclusive VIP concierge vacation services for all of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Sea World Theme Parks. Thank you for the great photos Ramon!

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What a great way to kick off the week!

Here is more of what we can expect:

Romantic Setting: Feel the romance at every turn, with banners proclaiming True Love, heart-shaped signage and sweetheart-themed décor.

Blushing Castle: At dusk, Cinderella Castle will blush hues of pink, red, lavender and blue with themed lighting that’s paired with musical melodies.

Valentine’s-themed Takeaways: Limited-edition pins, plushes, newly designed apparel and Vinylmations will be available for purchase at select merchandise locations.

Carriage Awaits: New Fantasyland invites lovers to create memories alongside Cinderella’s Glass Coach.

Wishes Come True: Hearts and flowers enhance Cinderella’s Wishing Well, offering a picturesque backdrop for your photos.

Rose Walk: The Rose Garden in Central Plaza will be enhanced with enchanting décor.

Disneyways is headed to the parks again this week for more photos.  Please let us know what are you most interested in seeing. It would be “lovely” to hear from you!

Solving the Mystery around Rapunzel’s Tower Rising Up out of New Fantasyland: February 2013 Rumors Edition

Published February 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

UPDATED!
Click here to see the March 9th Grand opening video of the Rapunzel Tower’s big reveal!

We have 2 new rumors to share with you today regarding Rapunzel’s tower!

If you haven’t heard about the tower, you may want to start by checking out these two links first, to see photos and get more information:

The latest rumors indicate the tower WILL  be home to a new meet and greet area for Rapunzel, despite earlier indications that we would be seeing Rapunzel in the new Princess Fairytale Hall, which is yet to be completed.

The second, and perhaps most exciting new rumor is that the Rapunzel area will open in just a few days – on February 25th – at the Magic Kingdom, and that it will connect Small World and the Haunted Mansion. It won’t be long before we will know if this rumor is true!

What are your thoughts? Do you have any new information to share?

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – Book a Tour!

Published February 2, 2013 by Disneyways.com

March 6 – May 19, 2013 is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival where you can celebrate the great outdoors!


Every weekend during this special time you can catch a Festival tradition, the Flower Power Concert Series. Head over to the Festival Center, where you can experience a demonstration led by HGTV personalities or get tips from Epcot gardening experts. Be sure to visit Festival Center located in Innoventions East for all the details!

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Don’t want to look at a map? Let someone else be your guide!

The Gardens of the World Tour is only offered on select days during Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

Everywhere you look at the Walt Disney World Resort, the trees, shrubs and flowers play a vital role in setting the stage for recreation, entertainment and beauty.  Disney landscaping has become a recognized show in itself, providing color and enjoyment throughout the year.  Did you know that only during the Flower and Garden Festival – you can book a tour of all this beauty?

The Gardens of the World Tour gives participants the chance to study the various gardens of Epcot with one of the experts responsible for helping maintaining it all.

Your “horticultural instructor” will turn Epcot into a living classroom. Discover how seeds are planted and design ideas take root to produce extraordinary botanical backdrops, imaginative themed areas and topiaries of some of your favorite Disney characters. Your guide will describe the basic process of plant design and how it is incorporated in the landscape for the World Showcase pavilions.  Find will even find out how you can design and theme your own home gardens.

Here’s more about what will happen on the tour.

You will:

  • Study the five principles of the Disney horticulture program.
  • Examine the role of landscaping at the Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Discuss ways to adapt the Disney landscaping techniques at home.
  • Discover how landscaping helps develop a theme.
  • Explore plant materials and gardening techniques in World Showcase.

The beauty of each country’s traditional landscaping makes this tour an extraordinary introduction to the World Showcase nations!

Prices are subject to change, but this year you can take the tour for $63.90 including tax. That price also includes a pin and a poster for you to take home.

Book online or call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687 for exact schedule.

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Know Before You Go (Here’s the fine print.)

  • Guests are not allowed to carry backpacks, camera bags, duffle bags or large bags during the tour. Fanny packs and purses are allowed. Lockers are available for bags for a nominal fee (not included in price of tour).
  • For safety reasons, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, such as sneakers, are required for this experience. No sandals, open-toe or open-heel shoes will be permitted. Guests should wear comfortable shoes as there will be periods of walking and standing.
  • Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
  • Guests must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid photo ID.
  • Please check in outside the Epcot Main Entrance 15 minutes prior to the start of your experience. You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel within 2 days of your reservation.

Please let us know if you will be taking this very special tour!

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