EPCOT

All posts tagged EPCOT

Meetups Coming Soon!!

Published September 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Join us at the next Disney Parks Podcast meetup located at Epcot during

The International Food and Wine Festival!

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Goody bags and giveaways sponsored in part by:

Little Keiki Bou-Tiki

and

Mary Morales – Travel Agent with Glass Slipper Concierge 

Estimated times we will be at each location are listed below.

Join in for all the stops or just a few if you’d like!

The meetup will begin at the Belgium booth at 2pm

New Zealand 3pm

Florida Local 4pm

Hops & Barley 5 – 6pm

We will end up at the 6:45 show at the American Gardens Theater  to Night Ranger perform!

No RSVP required. Park admission, food and wine is on you.

We always have a lot of fun – and it’s a great way to meet other Disney fans and make new Disney friends!

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Get up to the minute information on this event and more by following us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Saturday November 23rd come and join us as we set sail around Bay Lake and visit all the lounges along the way.

Blue Launch watercraft transportation ends at 11:30pm but route may vary depending on demand.
Times and places are subject to change due to weather and other factors:

We will begin at the TerriTONY Lounge (also known as the Territory Lounge in Wilderness Lodge!) 4PM – 5PM

We will then sail to Ft. Wilderness! Time permitting, we will head to Crockett’s Tavern in Ft Wilderness and from there – we will catch the bus to the Chip ‘n Dale meet and greet at the campfire sing-a-long.
(Fire lighting is at 6:30 with the sing-a-long starting at 7pm-7:30pm)
We will then sail to the Contemporary Resort to enjoy The Wave Lounge, and then board the boat back to the Wilderness Lodge some time before 11:30pm (The Wave Lounge closes at midnight.)

No park admission necessary, but drinks and food are on you.

Fun and games and other wild things we can think of can be enjoyed by all.

We are looking for individuals and small businesses to sponsor giveaways, s’mores supplies, and goody bags for this event!

Please contact me for information!

We hope you will join us at one or both of these events so we can meet you!!

Get up to the minute information on this event and more by following us on Facebook and Twitter!

 

Revealed! A 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Map You Can Actually Read

Published September 25, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Your 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival map is here! Find all your kiosks, exact locations, menu items and more…all in one place! Just in time!

Maybe I was looking at the wrong websites, or just doing it wrong, but I was having a hard time finding a festival map that was large enough to read. The map I created below is from the official Disney website. You can click here to see it in it’s original format – all I did was make it bigger. I was able to get my printer to PRINT this map as well. It even came out all on one page, STILL large enough to read. I hope it does the same for you!

Thanks for allowing me to share this with you today. Friends don’t let friends go to food and wine without a plan!

Click on the mini-map below to enlarge it…and start planning you way around the world! Cheers!

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Date Announced: The Disney Collection by Vera Bradley coming to Walt Disney World!

Published August 14, 2013 by Disneyways.com

HOORAY!! Disney has  announced a date for the big release of the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley. More great news: they are calling this the “initial” collection – which makes me think there will be more of these bags to come. Cathy Dawson, merchandiser for accessories at Disney Parks says, “We are thrilled to introduce Vera Bradley to our accessories assortment. In recent years, we’ve seen several guests in our parks and resorts sporting fun, colorful bags by Vera Bradley. Even our Disney Cruise Line team recently added some items by Vera Bradley to the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. We thought it would be wonderful to add a splash of Disney to these popular and colorful accessory items.”

Vera Bradley names all of her patterns and these are no exception. The black pattern is called “Midnight with Mickey,” while the pink pattern is named “Just Mousing Around.” These patterns will be seen on duffel bags, totes, cosmetic bags and more.

Earlier this year, I visited the  Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival  to get these photos for you of the bags on display. Needless to say, I am in love with these new bags, and I hope you are too!

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Guests in Florida, mark your calendars! Disney will be holding a special release party on Saturday, September 21, at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m., and will feature the first opportunity to purchase items from this new collection.

In California, guests can find these new items starting Monday, September 23, in select locations at the Disneyland Resort.

If you are unable to visit Disney Parks, no worries!  Disney will be releasing the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley on the Disney Parks online store starting in October 2013.

Disney Parks Podcast Giveaway! $25 Disney Gift Card and More!

Published July 31, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Disneyways and The Disney Parks Podcast are hosting a giveaway!

Enter to win a $25 Disney Gift Card from Travel Agent Mary Morales, a Four Hour VIP

Concierge Service from Theme Park Concierges AND a PassPorter’s Walt Disney World

Travel Guide!

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Click Here to get entered – it is a Rafflecopter giveaway

Imagination Pavilion Closing?

Published July 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Could this be true or is it just a lot of wishful thinking on the part of those who loved the Imagination Pavilion in it’s glory days? Social media is swirling with rumors this morning that The Imagination Pavilion at Epcot will close beginning January 2nd, 2014. The Journey Into Imagination Ride with Figment and the ImageWorks retail location are rumored to remain closed for one year due to renovations.

We are also hearing that Captain EO will not reopen.

What are your thoughts? Could this be Figment’s big comeback?

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Photo Credit DolphinDisneyOnly.com

 

 

17 Free and Cheap Souvenirs at Disney!

Published July 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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It took some searching…but we found 17 free and cheap souvenirs that you can get on property at Disney! Prices and availability are subject to change.

Here they are in no particular order:

FREE: Character drawings from Animation Studios 

FREE: Downtown Disney LEGO store offers mini models for free once a month! Check HERE for monthly dates.

FREE: Resort soap and shampoo included in the price of your room, so it’s like a gift with purchase! The scents will reminded of the resorts long after you get home.

FREE and CHEAP: Pens, pencils and small notepads are sometimes left in the resort room for you as a guest. You can also buy certain pencils in the parks for just $1.00 each!

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FREE: Celebration Pins – just ask for them at Guest Services. Some people get crafty and even make them into magnets after the return home.

FREE: Park maps

CHEAP: Antenna Toppers are 2 for $8. Bonus: they help you find your car in the parking lot. Even if you don’t have an antenna or a car these can be fun!

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CHEAP: Disney collector packs are 3 for $15.

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CHEAP: Magnets for your fridge or your metal desk at work – some are available for just $4.95.

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CHEAP: Shot glasses. You can get one from each country in Epcot and start a collection.

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CHEAP: Recyclable tote bags.

FREE: Kidcot stations are free! Kids can color and make some arts and crafts that they can take with them for FREE

CHEAP: Inside the Land Pavilion at Epcot, they sell little plants that are actually generated in the Living with the Land laboratories.

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CHEAP: Disney character dangles – another great way to bring something inexpensive home for the entire family!

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CHEAP: Keychains

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CHEAP: Pressed quarters pressed pennies!! We have so much great info on those – they get their own post – coming soon! What are some cheap and free souvenirs that you have found at Disney? Leave me a note in the comments below!

Update! Everything You Want to Know About Epcot’s Candlelight Processional 2013

Published July 17, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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When it comes to Candlelight, you have to plan ahead! There is a good, better, and best way to enjoy Candlelight. That’s why we’ve got everything you want to know about it for you here – and you can decide what works for you.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is  a Disney tradition now in its 43rd year! It is absolutely a must-do included in our top 5 ways to get in the Christmas spirit at Epcot! Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by a celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra. This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. It is an outdoor (uncovered, not climate controlled) setting and is not cancelled due to inclement weather. It is recommended that you dress accordingly – some years we actually need to wear our warm coats!

The Processionals begin on November 29, 2013, and runs every evening until December 30.

Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows — the times are 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

2013 Tentative Narrator Schedule

Neil Patrick Harris

The tentative schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot’s 2013 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra (subject to change):

Gary Sinise November 29 to December 1, 2013

Neil Patrick Harris December 2 to December 3, 2013

Ashley Judd – NEW! December 4 to December 5

Whoopi Goldberg December 6 to December 7, 2013

Sigourney Weaver – NEW! December 8 to December 10, 2013

Dennis Haysbert – NEW! December 11 to December 13, 2013

James Denton December 14 to December 16, 2013

Edward James Olmos December 17 to December 19, 2013

Trace Adkins December 20 to December 22, 2013

Steven Curtis Chapman December 23 to December 25, 2013

Blair Underwood December 26 to December 28, 2013

Amy Grant December 29 to December 30, 2013

There is no charge to see the Candlelight Processional (show) – it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase. The Candlelight package includes a ticket to a guaranteed reserved seating SECTION for the Candlelight Processional (show) at American Gardens Theater  –  lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing.

Previously a mystery to most of us – YOU CAN NOW JUST CLICK HERE TO GET AN IDEA OF YOUR DINING TIME FOR EACH SHOW!

To book call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or visit HERE. Be prepared to hold your package in advance with a valid credit card number. You don’t have to pay for your dinner package until you arrive at the location.

Again, you do not get a reserved seat at the show with the package – you get to sit in the reserved section. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should still arrive 30-45 minutes early.  

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. This means lining up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those who are standing in line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.

Don’t want to stand in line? You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas with out any sort of planning ahead.

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The Candlelight Dinner Package includes a great meal (there is a link to the menus below) – and here’s what every meal includes – no matter where you eat: 

• Appetizer • Entree • Dessert • Non-alcoholic beverage (OR one full buffet where applicable!)

If you don’t have a dining plan – here are your prices per person for the meal included in the package (pricing etc. is credit wdwinfo.com):

*Price includes tax, but not gratuity and are subject to change.*

Biergarten – Germany

  • Lunch: $35.14 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)
  • Dinner: $55.37 (Adult)  $28.75 (Child)

Chefs de France – France  

  • Lunch: $59.63 (Adult)  $15.97 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $21.29 (Child)

Coral Reef– The Living Seas

  • Lunch: $57.50 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $69.22 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

Garden Grill – The Land

  • Dinner: $57.50 (Adult)  $29.81 (Child)  

La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico

  • Dinner: $69.74 (Adult)  $17.58 (Child)

Nine Dragons Restaurant – China

  • Lunch: $41.53 (Adult)  $13.84 (Child)
  • Dinner: $53.74 (Adult)  $18.10 (Child)

Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco

  • Lunch: $42.59 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $53.24 (Adult)  $18.10 (Child)

Rose and Crown – UK

  • Lunch: $46.85 (Adult)  $13.84 (Child)
  • Dinner: $59.63 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

San Angel Inn – Mexico

  • Lunch: $51.98 (Adult)  $15.18 (Child)
  • Dinner: $65.82 (Adult)  $17.58 (Child)

Teppan Edo – Japan  

  • Lunch: $63.89 (Adult)  $17.03 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $20.23 (Child)

Tokyo Dining – Japan  

  • Lunch: $63.89 (Adult)  $17.03 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $20.23 (Child)

Tutto Italia – Italy

  • Lunch: $58.57 (Adult)  $15.97 (Child)
  • Dinner: $71.35 (Adult)  $10.23 (Child)

Via Napoli – Italy

  • Lunch: $43.66 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $56.44 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

Here’s a tip: If you are already planning to dine at one of the restaurants in the package, take a look at the menus from around the World – and see if the price of a ticket works out better for you.

If you have a Disney Dining Plan – it will be accepted as follows: 

Magic Your Way Plus Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Quick Service Dine – Not eligible
Magic Your Way Premium Package
Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Christmas at Epcot

Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early to their dining reservation to check–in. Guests will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant for guaranteed seating at the America Gardens Theatre for the booked show time and for viewing of IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth (Epcot fireworks).

Click here to check out a FREE Disney holiday activity – seeing all the resort decorations!

AJ from the Disney Food Blog Answers Your Questions!

Published July 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you just love the subject of Disney FOOD? Most Disney fans who love Disney food are familiar with the fabulous AJ Wolfe and her fantastic website, DisneyFoodBlog.com.

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A few moths ago, AJ graciously agreed to do an interview with us. Right away I sent out a call to action for you guys – all my friends and  readers here at Disneyways – and asked you to send in YOUR questions for AJ. Thank you so much to everyone who responded!

AJ recently sent me an email with all the answers to your awesome questions and she really made my day. I am so grateful to her for taking time out of her busy schedule to respond to us. I can not thank her enough! Please be sure to write to her on twitter, facebook, and visit her site often – I know she would love to hear from you! Also, don’t forget to check out the latest versions of all of AJ’s guides to Disney food! Without further adieu – here is our Q&A with AJ Wolfe.

1. John from Atlanta: What classic MK snack do you think needs a makeover?

It’s not so much a makeover, but I would love it if Walt Disney World would bring the same great garnishes to their Dole Whip floats that Disneyland currently uses. There’s something magical about a little umbrella and a cherry!

2. Heidi S. from McAlisterville, PA: I’m set in my ways and get a Dole Whip Float on every visit to the Magic Kingdom. However, I need to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. What do you recommend?

Have you tried the Citrus Swirl? It’s a great nod to Disney tradition as well, and has recently returned to the parks in its original form. A twisted combination of frozen orange juice and vanilla soft serve, you can even get this delicious treat as a float as well!

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3.DisneyPirate Dave from Treasure Island FL:
Is there any information in the book for people with special dietary needs like diabetes, allergies, vegan, or other?

Absolutely! We at Disney Food Blog know it’s extremely important that guests with special dietary needs are able to access the information they need to have an enjoyable visit, so we have included an extensive section in The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining on special dietary needs. It’s chock full of tips, links, and resources that you can use to plan ahead, or while you’re on the go, to ensure a safe eating experience.

4. Samantha J. from Niagara Falls, Canada:
I always thought Disney could make a ton (like they need it!) and save their guests a lot by having a PARK refillable mug, what are your thoughts on this?

I’m up for anything that makes the Disney dining experience more enjoyable! That have been rumors that Disney was testing Park Mugs, but as of this date, we haven’t seen them come to fruition.

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5. Sarah N. from Sarasota FL:What is your best cost-effective snack tip (or best suggested item to use use DDPP snack credits on)? What do you consider the most decadent snack to be? What’s the most expensive snack you’ve seen?

My best cost effective tip would be this: don’t ever leave with unused snack credits! If you find yourself with leftover snack credits on the day you’re to leave, visit one of the confectioneries or gift shops that sell items you can take with you, and use your snack purchase to buy these edible souvenirs. Not using every last credit would be a shame!

I think, hands down, the myriad of ginormous Disney cupcakes available for a snack credit would have to win my vote for most decadent snack. They’re huge, and easily shareable between a couple of people. But the new salted caramel ganache at the Boardwalk Bakery is a close second!

The most expensive snacks are usually associated with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. They regularly feature several of the higher-priced items for a snack credit. Last year, for instance, you could get lobster for a steal! That’s also another tip that I like to give readers: if you’ll be in Walt Disney World for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which takes place September 27 — November 12, be sure to save your snack credits for a trip to the World Showcase Marketplace Booths!

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6. You must know so much about Disney food already, but was there anything new that you learned while writing this book?

There is always something new to learn about Disney food! They are constantly trying new things, and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. I think the biggest news this year will be how My Magic + will continue to impact the way that we go about making advance dining reservations. I see the potential for that to be a real game changer for how guests weave dining into their Disney experience.

7. Are you currently working on any new projects or books?

Always! We have just released our very first DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks, and it’s already a big hit! We are currently putting the final touches on our DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which is available for pre-order (and includes the 2012 guide for free). Other books in the works are an updated guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays (which also includes the 2012 guide for free). Finally, we are continuing work on additions that focus on Disneyland Parks, and Dining with Kids in Disney World as well.

8. What is the next snack you plan on enjoying when you go to Magic Kingdom?

It might depend on cravings at the time, but I’d say there’s a better than good chance I’ll enjoy an ice cream cookie sandwich from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments! No trip would be complete without one!

9. How long will the new guide to snacks be available?

For the forseeable future! We take great pride in making sure that the information in the books is current and relevant, so we release new versions annually.

10. I know we all have, or will have our own reasons for loving the book. But what do you think makes your book the very best out there and who do you think will benefit most from it?

In a nutshell, there is no other Disney guide out there that provides a complete look at all things related to Disney food, but that doesn’t stop us from creating the BEST books we can. We have the knowledge and we have done the research to bring you the most comprehensive and truly useful guides to Disney dining possible, and our books are a fantastic resource for planning a vacation at Walt Disney World. We’re constantly dreaming up new ways to make our next versions even better than the previous ones.

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Click here to browse all the latest e-guides that the Disney Food Blog has available to help you plan YOUR dining experiences on your next trip to Disney!

Limited Time Magic July 8 to July 14, 2013 Experience Mickey’s America Streetbeat

Published July 5, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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July 8 to July 14, 2013

Soak up the sounds of a little Limited Time Magic as America Gardens Theatre comes alive at Epcot, thanks to the musical performances of “Mickey’s America Streetbeat.” For a limited time, join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they come together with an energetic troupe of young performers—watch the fun unfold as they take part in an over-the-top display of hip hop, percussion and acrobatics. From the rhythm and tunes to the tap-dancing of their shoes, it’s set to be one incredible jam you won’t want to miss!

For tips on how to get great photos with characters – click here!

Food and Wine 2013: Dessert Party, Full Concert Series List, Photos and More

Published May 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

It is not too early to start planning your visit to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival! In fact, why wait?

You can start now by getting  great tips for saving time at Food and Wine here

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(While you are planning – you’ll want to make a space in your calendar for a fabulous dessert party. You can get details on that here.)

Today we wanted to bring you a list of the artists that have been officially scheduled to perform – and their respective dates. Aren’t you glad you get your Disneyways updates by email so you don’t miss a “beat”? (See what I did there?)

That’s right – it’s called the Eat to the Beat Concert Series – and it’s just one more reason to love the Food and Wine Festival.

As a reminder, the festival dates this year are September 27 – November 11, 2013.

Eat to the Beat concerts happen three times per evening, so you have three chances each night to see your favorites — 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm!

In the past, each set was about 20 minutes long.

2013 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

Note that this schedule is subject to change.

Check out the full schedule below:

Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

You can see photos of the performers by clicking here.

Are you as excited about Food and Wine this year as I am?

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Which acts are you planning to see?