IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

All posts tagged IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Food Allergy & Celiac Disease IllumiNations Dessert Party

Published August 27, 2015 by ltdjosh

illuminations-dessert-party-00-full

Do you like dessert? What about fireworks? If you say yes, then the Food Allergy & Celiac Convention IllumiNations Dessert Party is definitely for you. Celebrate the cultures of the world with a buffet of dessert choices–all free of the top 8 allergens! During the event, you’ll enjoy a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon
watching the Epcot nighttime fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Includes:

  • An all-your-care-to-eat special diets dessert buffet, free of the top 8 common allergens and gluten
  • Access to our private IllumiNations viewing area, which begins at 9pm
  • Loaded gift bags, giveaways, and evening extras from our Title and Supporting Sponsors

Details:

  • Limited to 250 guests, so register early!
  • For more details about the traditional dessert party, visit the official Walt Disney World site here
  • To purchase tickets, click here.
  • For more information about the Food Allergy & Celiac Convention, click here.

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party: Is it Right For You? By Guest Author Sara Lundy

Published October 26, 2014 by Sara M. Lundy

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party: Is it Right For You? By Guest Author Sara Lundy

Recently, I have seen several people post questions on social media sites about whether or not they should go to the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot. My answer to this is… YES! My husband and I attended this separate ticket event this past May 2014 and we were NOT let down.

To begin with, the party offers an amazing view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  The location at World ShowPlace offers the guest a view of almost the entire World Showcase Lagoon. I know there are many great location spots for viewing IllumiNations throughout World Showcase, but, for me personally, it was a spectacular view. Being a “vertically challenged” woman of 4’10”, this particular view gave me an opportunity to see parts of the show that I had never been able to see before because physical barriers of one sort or another had always blocked part of my view.

illuminations-dessert-party-00-full

Another reason that I enjoyed the IllumiNations Dessert Party was getting to sample all of the delicious desserts and sparkling wines. Personally, I am not much of a dessert person and was mostly looking forward to the unlimited sparking wines. My husband, on the other hand, is not much of a drinker and was looking forward to the unlimited desserts. Neither of us were let disappointed. I also liked having the opportunity to try many of the desserts offered by the various World Showcase countries all at one setting. Though the offerings may change (check the official Walt Disney World website for the latest offerings), here is what was available when we were there in May 2014:

  • Baklava (Morocco)
  • Tiramisu (Italy)-My personal favorite!
  • Vanilla Pot de Créme (France)
  • Shortbread Cookies (UK)
  • Cronis (American Pavillion)
  • Ice Cream Novelties, including the Mickey Premium Bar, a favorite of my husband. These are similar to the offerings found at kiosks around Walt Disney World
  • Various fruits
Dessert Party Offerings: Shortbread cookie, Pot de Créme, and Tiramisu

Dessert Party Offerings: Shortbread cookie, Pot de Créme, and Tiramisu

Cronis- a donut cooked in Kahlua Liqueur and Bacardi Rum, dusted with sugar.

Cronis-a donut cooked in Kahlua Liqueur and Bacardi Rum, dusted with sugar.

Drink offerings included:

  • Sparkling wine from the United States
  • Prosecco from Italy
  • Non-alcoholic drinks such as tea, lemonade, coffee, water

I liked both of the wines offered, but my personal favorite was the Prosecco from Italy.

Enjoying my sparkling wine or as i call it, "a tasty beverage".

Enjoying my sparkling wine or as I call it, “a tasty beverage”.

A final reason to attend the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party is for the atmosphere. Check in to the party begins about an hour before the start of IllumiNations. This is a great opportunity to enjoy not only the desserts and drinks, but mingle with other park guests as well. I HIGHLY recommend getting there an hour early. This allows for time to get in and find a table to enjoy the party’s treats. Yes, there are no chairs, so we were standing for much of the party. This is probably the biggest complaint that I have heard about the dessert party. Please be aware of the fact that guests to the party will be standing the entire time. So find a table, enjoy the treats, and talk with other park guests. My husband and I ended up sharing another table with a couple from New Jersey and had an enjoyable time discussing our trip experiences. Overall, I would say there were around 100 park guests attending the event, though I didn’t feel it was too crowded. Time went by quickly, though, while enjoying the treats and talking to other guests, and it was soon time for IllumiNations. Though my husband and I did not linger too long after the show was over, we were not rushed out by cast members, and we could have stayed longer had we chosen to do so.

For those who have not seen IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth at Epcot, it is a Walt Disney World experience that is not to be missed. It is a truly jaw-dropping show of fireworks, flames, and light spectacular over the World Showcase Lagoon.  The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party can be booked at The Walt Disney World website or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. At the time of publishing, the cost of the party is $49 for adults and $29 for children.

New Information on the Construction in Morocco at Epcot

Published November 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

spice road table

We got some new information on Spice Road Table, the exciting new waterfront restaurant coming to the Moroccan World Showcase Pavilion in Epcot! I wrote a story for Chip & Company with all the details! You can check it out HERE.  I can’t wait to see the new restaurant, how do you feel about it?  

Review! Illuminations Special Diets Dessert Party 2013

Published October 31, 2013 by Disneyways.com

You heard us talk about it all year, and the day finally came for the annual Special Diets Dessert Party in 2013!

Click HERE to read the review that I did for WDW News Today. Keep watching DisneyWays and GFDF at Walt Disney World for news on when the next event will be coming!

dessert party

 

 

 

Disney Parks Podcast Show #48 – The Top ten Places to Watch Fireworks at Walt Disney World and A BIG Announcement!

Published June 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Please click here to read more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast and all the different ways you can tune in!

This week we shared some of our ideas for favorite places you can watch Fireworks at Walt Disney World!

We think it’s a great show with some ideas for viewing spots that you many not have yet thought of.

This show is about 17 minutes long. You can click on the photo to be taken to the DPP site,

and from there you just click on the gray circle with the white triangle inside of it to play the show.

You will also find detailed show notes there.

Show 48

We would love to hear from you and gather some listener suggestions for YOUR favorite places to see the fireworks!

Please write to us at TheCrew@DisneyParksPodcast.com or call the podcast hotline to leave a message 24 hours a day for the DPP Crew!

The number to call is 407-476-8898

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! 

THE DISNEY PARKS PODCAST HAS A NEW AND IMPROVED SCHEDULE !

Tuesdays we will have the latest news and rumors for you each week!

Thursdays we will posts special shows with guest interviews, and so much more!

Our goal is for these Thursday shows to be more timeless and always relevant  so you can go back in the archives and listen over and over if you choose to do so.

We hope you will enjoy this new schedule. Mark your calendars and be sure to subscribe to us in iTunes so you never miss a new show!

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Top 5 Ways to Get in the Christmas Spirit at Epcot 2012

Published December 17, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Holidays Around the World at Epcot – going on NOW through  December 30, 2012!

candle

Here is your Disneyways list of top 5 events to enjoy for Holidays Around the World at Epcot this year. These wonderful events are known to get even Scrooge MdDuck in the holiday mood.

(See…look how happy he is!)

scrooge

  • Candlelight Processional

World Showcase, America Gardens Theatre – 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.
One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot® is the Candlelight Processional – a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Read more important information about Candlelight here.

  • JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season

Future World Fountain Stage – Daily: 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15 p.m
Joyful! uniquely blends the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and Inspirational music with the sounds of Jazz, R&B and urban music. The music will touch, uplift and inspire you! Click here to see some video and enjoy this music right now!

  • IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

World Showcase Lagoon– Nightly: 9:30 p.m.
The World Showcase Promenade comes alive nightly with the brilliance and splendor of music, lights, lasers, water fountains, and custom pyrotechnics in the signature nighttime spectacular, llumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Disney presents a unique finale to celebrate the season ONLY during Holidays Around the World! With the song “Let There Be Peace On Earth” at its center, this special musical finale features the voice of Walter Cronkite who offers a special message of peace and good will.

  • Holiday Storytellers

World Showcase – Daily: 11/23 – 12/29
Throughout the holidays, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season. Come listen to the stories of France’s Père Noël, Italy’s LaBefana, and the United Kingdom’s Father Christmas. You will want to pick up the Times Guide, once you are in the park, for show times.

  • Epcot® Holiday Merchandise

Tis the season for Gift Giving. Don’t forget friends and family as you stroll through World Showcase. Each pavilion is filled with unique gifts; there is something for everyone on your list whether you are looking for fragrances, chocolates or specialty dolls. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Village in The American Adventure where you can get your favorite gifts from toys to stocking stuffers and all your Christmas tree trimmings. No matter where you go in Epcot® you just might find the perfect holiday gift. Click here to see some recommended gifts from all over the resort.

For more on happenings at other parks throughout Walt Disney World Resort click here.

Do you have some favorite holiday memories that you enjoyed at Epcot? Please post them in the comments below!

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Holiday Highlights at Walt Disney World!

Published November 7, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday revelers at Walt Disney World Resort as early as November 9.  There’s an extra night of merry at the Magic Kingdom with 20 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party; and at Epcot, Candlelight Processional.

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Highlights:

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 magical nights from November 9-December 21. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit.

Dates for 2012:

Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30

Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. For more information, visit http://www.Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty.  NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees.  The fun includes the Holiday Wishes nighttime spectacular: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.

Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.

Epcot

Candlelight Processional is a timeless holiday offering at Epcot that combines seasonal music with the poignant reading of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a mass choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra nightly November 23 – December 30, at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Crowd favorites Neil Patrick Harris and Gary Sinise return to America Gardens Theater stage on select nights.  Guests can purchase a Candlelight Dining Package, which combines lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional and VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  For more information and reservations: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/candlelight-dinners/

Holidays Around the World: Storytellers from around the world share traditions and lore from their homeland throughout World Showcase.  The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: This massive seasonal display features millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-D effects perfectly synchronized to electrifying holiday tunes amidst snowfall.  The rich tradition takes place on the Streets of America, dazzling guests from Nov. 9, 2012 to Jan. 6, 2013.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Celebrate safari style as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.”

Downtown Disney

Get all your Christmas shopping done at Downtown Disney during Festival of the Seasons. The shopping mecca is draped with yuletide cheer, plus live entertainment, holiday carolers, a lively street party, plus photo ops with Santa and Santa Goofy.

Walt Disney World Resorts

The resorts are dressed up for the holidays with festive décor, gingerbread houses and more.

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New Year’s Eve Events Around Walt Disney World Announced

Published October 19, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Awww Donny – what’s a New Year’s Eve without this song?

What ARE you doing for New Year’s Eve? How about heading to Disney? Hot off the press – Disney World has announced what will be in store for those who are enough lucky enough to be there.
At Epcot, guests can expect music at select pavilions around the World Showcase throughout the evening, plus “IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth” is scheduled for both 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.  Hungry? How about a buffet in the World ShowPlace facility? This dinner will  take inspiration from Disney’s “Fantasia” and “Fantasia 2000” films. We can make reservations to eat dinner during the hours of 4:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. with a cost of $68.87 per adult ($44.37 for kids).

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the landscaper/musicians Mulch, Sweat and Shears will make an appearance in front of the iconic Sorcerer’s Hat on a stage crafted especially for their act. The concert will feature pyrotechnics and will also play during midnight fireworks.

Outside of the main theme parks, DisneyQuest is offering up a cyber celebration from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. featuring a DJ dance party, character meet and greets, a confetti drop at midnight and unlimited access to DisneyQuest games. Tickets are said to go on sale soon. Spring for the tickets – and you will also get a coupon for a quick service entree, side and drink. Even my husband might be into this idea!!

Some of the resorts, too, are gearing up to help guests celebrate New Year’s with music and entertainment. One example: Narcoosee’s Restaurant within the Grand Floridian has a special four-course dining experience complete with a DJ, a balloon artist and special fireworks viewing; cost is $161.85 for adults ($77.19 for kids).  This one includes guaranteed weight loss afterwards for me. There wouldn’t be any grocery money left for a whole week!

Finally, for those of us wanting to get our groove on and cut a rug in 2013, the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is planning a special New Year’s Eve party to take place from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m complete with a video DJ and partial viewing of Epcot’s fireworks. I don’t know what “partial viewing” means…do you? Are we behind a big telephone pole or something?

OK so if you could pick one or more of these events – how would YOU celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney?

Sorcerers Hat at Disneys Hollywood Studios

Sorcerers Hat at Disneys Hollywood Studios (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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