EPCOT AT NIGHT IN DISNEY WORLD

Epcot is one of the best parks to enjoy at night. The atmosphere is unlike any other theme park, with its music, mood lighting, and nightlife. And while there are many more things to do in Epcot at during the day, here are a few fun night time events to enjoy.

1. Take a Trip Back to Future World

If you’re an adrenaline junkie who doesn’t want to wait on those long ride lines during the day, be sure to try them at night! The standby wait times for Soarin’ Around The World, Test Track, and Spaceship Earth are significantly shorter at night when park guests are at dinner in World Showcase or watching Illuminations.

2. British Revolution

If you’re a fan of rock and roll, beer, or just having a good time, this one is for you! British Revolution is a quartet that performs classic rock hits by Queen, The Who, The Beatles, and more. These performances are open-air, and open to everyone, so be sure to catch a show in the United Kingdom pavilion. Visit the pub afterwards!

3. Drinking Around the World

Not many people can say they have drank around the world all in one night, but you can when you’re in Epcot. Disney really does have something for everyone to enjoy. Go ahead, have a Citron Slush or glass of champagne in France, a glass of wine in Italy, a margarita in Mexico, some German beer in Germany and sake in Japan – you’ll be glad you did.

4. Dinner & a Show

A few restaurants around World Showcase offer prime locations for watching Illuminations. Some favorites are Monsieur Paul’s in the France pavilion and the Spice Road Table in Morocco. Both have tables that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon, which make them great spots for catching Illuminations! If you’re looking to watch the show while dining, I recommend making your reservation around 9:30 p.m. for the 10 p.m. showing.

5. Watch Illuminations

This one is a given. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the fireworks show of Epcot. It combines fireworks, lasers, music, and lights into a performance that is sure to make your jaw drop. Viewing locations can be found all over World Showcase, but a fantastic spot is by Future World (with a FastPass if you can get one.) Note: This show will be ending at the end of Summer 2019 so go to it while you can. It is a great show!!

(Information obtained from DisDining.com)

March 8, 2019

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – The Gardens – Part 2

Picture yourself touring the many beautiful sights and sounds of nature while you weave your way through breathtaking flower beds, plots of plant life and wildlife habitats.

From Bonsai trees to butterflies, there’s a bounty of garden displays ready to capture your family’s attention and imagination. Highlights of the gardens include:

Garden Italiano – From fresh spaghetti sauce to your favorite pizza topping, this Tuscan kitchen garden at the Italy Pavilion features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
Imagination Play Garden – NEW! Explore a play garden for children of all ages near Imagination Walkway (closes at dusk). Test reflexes on a net play climber, discover different sounds through a musical maze and use your senses.
Purple Martin Garden – Spot purple martins as they soar to and from their nests in our purple martin bird houses. These amazing migratory birds flew over 3,000 miles from the Brazilian Amazon to raise their families right here at Epcot! Keep an eye out for Disney conservationists that study these birds and test your identification skills by finding the brown and white females as well as the iridescent, all-purple males.

Road to the Florida 500 – Inspired by the Disney•Pixar film Cars, topiary buddies Mater, Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez invite you to relax and recharge while your kids race around in a desert-themed mini-park at Test Track Walkway (closes at dusk).

Shakespeare Garden – This vibrant garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion features exotic flowers. William Shakespeare often used flowers and exotic gardens to help set the scenes for his plays and employed them as symbols and metaphors.

(Information from DisneyWorld.com)

March 7, 2019

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – The Gardens – Part 1

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – The Gardens – Part 1

If you plan to visit the 26th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, you can stroll through a creative collection of interactive gardens and view an array of living sculptures shaped like beloved Disney characters. This annual event begins on March 6 and lasts until June 3, 2019. The Flower & Garden Festival is similar in nature to Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival which takes place in late summer and fall.

Picture yourself touring the many beautiful sights and sounds of nature while you weave your way through breathtaking flower beds, plots of plant life and wildlife habitats.

From Bonsai trees to butterflies, there’s a bounty of garden displays ready to capture your family’s attention and imagination. Highlights of the gardens include:

Alpine Container Garden – Visit the Germany Pavilion to learn about hearty alpine plants that have adapted to survive in extreme temperatures and are the perfect match for windy balconies, cold-weather climates and sloped or parched landscapes.
Bamboo Garden – As a member of the grass family, bamboo can be found at the China Pavilionin many colors, patterns and sizes.
Bonsai Collection – Take a trip to the Japan Pavilion and discover the ancient art of bonsai with some of the finest living sculptures created by bonsai masters, who carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art—creating peace and balance with the earth.

English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London® – Discover the history and art of tea blending at this elegant English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion, featuring plants important to some of Twinings finest tea blends.
Festival Blooms – Presented by FTD® – Located at Future World, this display boasts thousands of flowers form colorful, living panoramas overlooking Future World’s East and West lakes.
Floating Mini-Gardens – Peer upon over 100 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase.
Florida Fresh Garden – Calling all the little ones! Come between Morocco and the France Pavilion and climb, explore, play and more at this fun-filled garden planned—and planted—with young children in mind.

From tea and spices to bonsai and budding play gardens, there’s something for every garden lover when you visit Epcot’s 2019 Flower and Garden Festival!!!

Stay tuned for more information about the many beautiful gardens!

(Information from Disney.com)

February 14, 2019

CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY IN DISNEY WORLD

There are many absolutely romantic options to celebrate Valentines Day in one of the most magical and fun spots in the United States. On a budget you say — never fear, there are many low or no cost options available.

Surprise your loved one with a spa treatment, or better yet, schedule a couples massage.

Dine at the California Grill and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the observation deck.

Take a cruise aboard The Venezia, a beautiful, 40-foot Italian water taxi that launches from Disney Springs to sail the waters of Lake Buena Vista, complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast!

Order flowers, champagne, or a unique Disney keepsake through the Disney Florist.

Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime meal at Victoria & Albert’s.

Enjoy a specialty cruise and watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.

Head to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a sumptuous dinner at Jiko and then watch the animals from the viewing areas. Better yet, stay at the resort in a room overlooking the Savannah.

Order in a romantic room service meal.

Low or no cost options that are still romantic:

Stroll along the beach of the Polynesian and watch Happily Ever After fireworks.

Get a souvenir photo of the two of you.

Find a garden swing on the beach of the Grand Floridian or the Beach Club and sit and swing in the moonlight.

Walk over to the Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian and reminisce about your own wedding (or planned wedding as the case may be).

Most of the resort gift shops sell more than postcards. You can often find a selection of wine that you can enjoy in your room. You can also purchase wine at the World Showcase in Epcot. (Just make sure you can open it.) Pick up some chocolates while you’re at it and you’re all set.

Instead of using the buses or water ferry from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, walk along the water’s edge to the BoardWalk.

If you’re planning to celebrate a honeymoon or romantic getaway at the Walt Disney World Resort, make it even more special with one of these limited-time Enchanted Evening Honeymoon or Romance package options now featuring the Happily Ever After Fireworks. These additional options for the Walt Disney World package include:

Two exclusive honeymoon or romance-themed MagicBands
Two exclusive romance-themed keepsake luggage tags
Two admissions to the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing at Magic Kingdom Park, plus a small celebratory treat

These Enchanted Evening options are available to book through February 28, 2019. Contact your travel agent to book either of these packages!

Disney Springs offers some of the best collection of sweet treats you’ll find on Walt Disney World property such as the classic Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cupcake topped with raspberry frosting from Sprinkles through March 3, 2019. On February 13 only, Sprinkles is offering a special “off the menu” Galentine’s cupcake. You can pick up a classic box of chocolates from Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Shop in new heart-shaped box designs while Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery are serving up special offerings for the occasion, too.

As you can see, there are many options available for celebrating Valentines Day. There are so many wonderful choices! Which one or two or more will you pick?

Happy Valentines Day!!

(Some information from wdwinfo.com)

January 11, 2019

NEW AT DISNEY WORLD IN 2019 – PART 3

Animal Kingdom

The Lion King Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party

January 2019

In honor of The Lion King’s 25^th Anniversary, the Animal Kingdom is hosting this all-new dance party in 2019. Head to Discovery Island, January 18-September 30, to show off your best dance moves with Simba, Timon, and Rafiki.

Epcot

Transformation of Epcot

Epcot is undergoing a multi-year transformation, which means there’s a lot to look forward at this park in 2019 and in the year’s to come. The transformation aims to keep the park’s original vision intact but also make the area more family-friendly. For example, park goers can look forward to attractions like a “Beauty and the Beast” sing-a-long at the France Pavilion. As of right now, further details have not yet been released. However, rumors are circulating that two more countries will be added to World Showcase as part on the over $1 billion investment into Epcot.

All-New Epcot Nighttime Spectacular: Epcot Forever

Fall 2019

Disney Parks is retiring IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at the end of summer 2019. Then, for a limited time only, Epcot will feature Epcot Forever. This nighttime show is a celebration of the park set to classic Epcot tunes. Highlights will include fireworks, lasers, and choreographed special effects kites. Then, in 2020, Epcot will debut a permanent new nighttime spectacular promising to inspire people from around the globe. So much to look forward to!!

Ratatouille Attraction

Scheduled Summer 2020

At Epcot’s France Pavilion, a “Ratatouille” inspired attraction will open. This ride will be similar to the attraction already open at Disney Park in Paris. As such, guests will “shrink” to Remy’s size, then scurry around Gusteau’s legendary Parisian Restaurants.

Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction

Schedule for 2021

Future World will be home to a new “Guardians of the Galaxy” inspired attraction. Few details have been released but we do know it will replace Ellen’s Energy Adventure and center on Peter Quill, or Star-Lord’s, visit to Epcot as a child.

Does all of this sound exciting? You bet it does! And all of these new activities is from just one of the Parks — Magic Kingdom. There is more to come at the other Parks. Stay tuned to Part 4.

January 10, 2019

NEW AT DISNEY WORLD IN 2019 – PART 2

Disney World is committed to keeping their parks fresh, fun and entertaining! The year 2019 is no exception, with the all of the parks bursting at the seams with activity.

Disney World will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2021. Many of the new attractions for 2019 and corresponds to Disney’s 50th anniversary. That year will be a huge year for Disney and the Parks will unveil new things every year leading up to the anniversary as well. Here’s what is scheduled for Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom

Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party

January 2019

The Magic Kingdom has several newer entertainment options. Among them is the daytime Festival of Fantasy Parade and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire Stage Show. In 2019, Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party will get guests groovin’! Starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as other Disney characters, this street party’s soundtrack include popular Micke Mouse Club remixes.

Tron Roller Coaster

Scheduled for 2021

What’s new at Disney World for the Magic Kingdom? Opening near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, there will be a “Tron” inspired attraction designed after the highly rated TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disney Land. As such, the attraction will be coaster-themed, offering a high-tech thrill ride aboard a train of cycle-like cars that blast riders into the video-game-like “Grid” of the films.

Disney World Transportation

Believe it or not, when it comes to what’s new at Disney World, there’s some exciting news regarding transportation.

Disney Skyliner Gondolas

Summer 2019

Move over ground transportation, the newest way to get around Disney World Theme Parks is via the sky. The Disney Skyliner Gondolas will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Does all of this sound exciting? You bet it does! And all of these new activities is from just one of the Parks — Magic Kingdom. There is more to come at the other Parks. Stay tuned to Part 3.

(Information from www.reserveorlando.com/travelguide)

January 8, 2019

NEW AT DISNEY WORLD IN 2019 – PART 1

Disney World is committed to keeping their parks fresh, fun and entertaining! The year 2019 is no exception, with the all of the parks bursting at the seams with activity.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen’s Race Academy

Spring 2019

This brand-new show is sure to race into the heart of Cars fans who visit Disney World in 2019. Featuring characters from the animated movie Cars, visitors will get a chance to meet Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez. Look for the Race Academy near the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster attraction.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Fall 2019

Can you believe Mickey and Minnie Mouse have never been featured in a ride at Walt Disney World? Well, all that will change in 2019 when Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway debuts.

Set to replace fan favorite, The Greatest Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater, visitors will join Mickey & Minnie for a ride-through attraction based on the retro-style cartoon shorts. Guests can also look forward to a new original story as well as a catchy theme song. In addition, the attraction will feature 2 ½ D, a new breakthrough dimensional media concept that doesn’t require 3D glasses. This is a must see that fans have been waiting for!!

Star War’s Galaxy Edge

Fall 2019

When detailing what’s new at Disney World, you can’t overlook all that’s happening with the Star Wars Universe. It’s no secret Disney World has been planning a Star Wars-themed land. Guests have been waiting for this new land and in 2019 it will finally open! Star War’s Galaxy Edge will include new rides, restaurants, and shopping. Highlights include two new attractions—Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The all-new land, which will be on 14-acres (Disney’s largest), is set to be totally interactive. Yessssss!

Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary

Throughout the Year

May 1st marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Special things will be happening throughout the park all year long. Highlights include Pixar Place being taken over by The Incredibles! Guests can look forward to new meet and greets, a dance party, and much more as Pixar Pier is transformed into a Municiberg city block.

Wonderful World of Animation

May 2019

A spectacular new show will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to celebrate the special 30th Anniversary of the park. The show will use state-of-the-art projection technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation—all starting with Mickey Mouse!

Does all of this sound exciting? You bet it does! And all of these new activities is from just one of the Parks — Hollywood Studios. There is more to come at the other Parks. Stay tuned to Part 2.

(Information from www.reserveorlando.com/travelguide)

December 27, 2018

DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day parade once again brought the celebrations from Florida’s Walt Disney World resort directly to American television screens.

The parade traveled down Main Street, U.S.A., the first “themed land” at the park, and passed a Christmas tree that stands around 60-feet tall. Later in the evening, the iconic Disney castle was lite up prior to a huge firework display. There was also a slew of musical performances.

The parade aired from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST) on the ABC Television Network. It is also available to watch on the ABC app on both iOS and Android devices, and will stream on ABC.com and connected devices Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

According to a press release on the Disney Parks blog, airtimes did vary. This year, the segment was hosted by Jordan Fisher and Sarah Hyland. Jesse Palmer also performed co-host duties at the Christmas Day celebration.

The festivities brought together the “Christmas Day parade, musical performances, celebrity guests and heartwarming family stories”. Parade correspondents were listed as actor Trevor Jackson and Cierra Ramirez, star of upcoming series Good Trouble.

Here are the musical performances for the day:

Gwen Stefani performs “Winter Wonderland” from her Christmas album.
Brett Eldredge sings the holiday classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Andrea Bocelli sings the incredibly moving “Ave Maria”; then Andrea is joined by his son, Matteo Bocelli, to perform “White Christmas.”
Host Jordan Fisher performs “This Christmas.”
Aloe Blacc performs “Tell Your Mama” from his new holiday album.
Hollywood Records artist Olivia Holt sings a holiday tune.
American Idol winner Maddie Poppe performs “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Disney’s DCappella performs the popular hit “Last Christmas.”
Why Don’t We performs “Kiss You This Christmas” from their holiday album.

This is THE holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom and one of the best of all the parks. Up until about a week before Christmas, this parade is shown exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — and shown at night. Then, about a week before Christmas, the parade is shown once or twice in the daytime during regular park hours. The Kringle Crew provides a “pre-parade” experience with singing and crowd interaction. The parade, itself, consists of tons of Disney characters decked out in holiday-garb, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and plenty of holiday music.

Hope all readers had a wonderful Christmas! Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

(Information from DisneyWorld.com)

December 24, 2018

Soft Gingerbread Recipe

Soft Gingerbread Recipe

This Soft Gingerbread recipe dates back to the year 1934 and is also know as “spice bread” in France and “pepper cake” in Germany. It was a favorite holiday treat in the home of Walt Disney! This recipe is included in the book, “Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food”.

Serves 9

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

3/4 Cup hot water

1/4 Cup butter, room temperature

1/4 Cup vegetable shortening

1/4 Cup sugar

1 Egg, well beaten

1 Cup Molasses

2 Cups flour, sifted

1 Teaspoon ground ginger

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, shortening and sugar for about 3 minutes.

Scrape the mixing bowl before adding egg, molasses, flour, ginger and cinnamon. Blend until combined.

Add baking soda water to mixture and beat until smooth (about 1 minute).

Grease and flour an 8-inch by 8-inch pan. Pour in batter.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool before cutting into nine even pieces and serving.

TIP: lightly coating your measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring out your molasses will help the molasses pour easily and completely.

Two decades before the California food revolution, Walt Disney was planning a revolution of his own. Walt knew that food could be more than nourishment – it could be entertaining, too. The concept of families eating and playing at the same time was an innovation in mid-century America. Food in Disneyland wasn’t gray or humdrum. It was full of fantasy and color!

Eat Like Walt is a culinary tour of the park’s six lands. Every attraction has a story, and so do many of the menu items. Disneyland’s food transports us as much as it satiates us, or as Walt declared, “The food is as fabulous as the fun, too.”

(Information obtained from Disney Files Magazine)

December 21, 2018

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Part 2

Here Comes Mickey… and Santa Too!

This Christmas season, get ready for a magical holiday gathering with your loved ones—and some familiar Disney faces.When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom Park lights up with excitement for Guests of all ages. Cinderella Castle shimmers and joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire. Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme. And enchanting surprises lie around almost every turn!

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you’re invited to share hugs, receive autographs and capture photos with over a dozen beloved Disney Characters as they spread holiday cheer around Magic Kingdom Park.

Anna & Elsa smile at one another during the Frozen Holiday Wish transformation at Magic Kingdom park

Discover dozens of iconic Magic Kingdom attractions you’re welcome to enjoy as you explore each land!

This year, many of your favorite experiences will be available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party—including one re-imagined with holiday spirit:

Frontierland

Fantasyland

Tomorrowland

Space Mountain

Savor delicious yuletide sweets as you sip on seasonal beverages, all complimentary and available all throughout the park.

An assortment of holiday cookies and other sweet treats during Mickeyâs Very Merry Christmas Party

Several holiday treat locations will be open until midnight during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, serving up a variety of complimentary delights!

Please note that alternative healthy and gluten-free options are available upon request. All menus and offerings are subject to change and availability.

Schedule and Pricing
Save $10 on your tickets compared to the day-of purchase price when you buy at least a day in advance! The party takes place on the following dates:

November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29 and 30
December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21

Prices vary based on event night. $10 advance purchase discount available for all event dates except December 21, 2018, when full day-of purchase price will apply. Be sure to purchase your tickets online today!

Please note: separate theme park admission is required for this special event.

One visit to Goldwiser and you will make it your favorite place to buy and sell your precious metals!!!

(Information from DisneyWorld.com)