Category: Epcot

RUMOR: IllumiNations Fireworks Display at Epcot Could Be Getting Replaced Soon

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot which has been the parks signature nighttime show, since it started in 1999, may be coming to the end of its run and could be replaced by a whole new nighttime spectacular.

The show utilizes fireworks, pyrotechnics, water fountains, fire effects, lasers, and searchlights to create a visual production on the park’s World Showcase Lagoon and has been a favorite guests.

It’s been expected for some time now that the show would be updated somehow or possibly even replaced with the park currently undergoing a reimagining, but it may be happening sooner than anticipated according to a report from WDW News.

Apparently it has been fast-tracked and may even debut sooner than first thought in expansion plans for the park. “The score and vocals for the new show are being recorded this week, according to sources”, the report reads.

The major shift in the timeline could be due to recent shakeups in the creative team responsible for the parks overhaul.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is the longest continually running fireworks show at the Walt Disney World Resort.

February 27, 2018
New Dooney & Bourke Designs Revealed at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Blossoming again in 2018, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28. The festival marks its 25th Anniversary this year and Disney Parks Blog has given us a look at some of the newest 2018 Dooney & Bourke designs.

Disney Parks Blog Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including a handbag by Dooney & Bourke.

Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Disney says the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival.

February 26, 2018
New Documents Raise Questions About A Possible Name Change For Epcot

With the massive changes and reimagining of Disney’s Epcot, could the park also be getting a new name? Recently some official documents have come to light that show a new name for the park.

In the documents, the park is referred to as “Epcot World Center.” This is just pure speculation at this point, but it’s based in some pretty sound reasoning. These are official documents and for legal reasons names are usually extremely accurate.

Paperwork to alter Epcot’s parking lot was filed by Disney earlier this month. The plans shift parking to the east making room on the west side for new buildings and an 84-acre lake. It is suspected that these new buildings are the rumored Epcot entrance resort and it looks like the company has settled on area behind Living Seas pavilion for the resort.

Source: Blog Mickey

There is no official word on the possible resort, but an equally interesting fact is the possible new name found on these documents first reported by Blog Mickey. They saw the name after they zoomed in on the images and it certainly begs the question… Does Disney have some sort of name change in mind?

On the documents, the name is located in Future World right over spaceship earth, so it would seem it refers to the entire park and not just the World Showcase. It’s really a small change and Epcot is still in the name, but it certainly wouldn’t be the first name change for the park.

When the park first opened in 1982 it was known as “EPCOT Center”. Then in 1994 and 1995 the parks name was changed to “Epcot ’94” and “Epcot ’95” respectively. The annual name change didn’t last long and since that time the park has been known simply as “Epcot”.

It’s not immediately clear how “Epcot World Center” as a name, would tie into Future World, but perhaps with the addition of The Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster and the rest of the changes coming to the park, it will make more sense once the entire park has gone though its full reimagination.

It’s kind of nice to see “Center” back in the name and it’s a far better name than some of the recent names that had been thrown around for a possible Hollywood Studios name change. Disney has since put the rumor to bed stating that “Disney’s Hollywood Studios name will remain the same for the foreseeable future“.

Though the name on the documents hardly seems an accident we will still have to wait and see if there is any official word from Disney about a name change.

February 16, 2018
New Details For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Coaster at Epcot Revealed At D23 Expo

At the D23 Expo in Japan on Sunday, Disney revealed plenty of new details about the upcoming additions to its parks. Disney execs shared a first look at Epcot’s highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster attraction which they describe as one of the biggest indoor coasters ever built.

“With the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-inspired coaster, we’re going big. This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot.” said Disney reps. It’ll feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster is part of Disney’s ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney.

“As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said.

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

February 12, 2018
Epcot’s American Adventure Attraction Will Add New American Icons

There is so much to see and do around the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot, and The American Adventure attraction is a guest favorite. The attraction is currently getting some major upgrades.

This marvel of engineering has been there since day one and brings together a moving stage, 35 Audio-Animatronics figures and a giant screen that together shares the story of the United States of America.

Right now, the team at Epcot is busy converting the attraction to an all-digital projection system, and installing a new screen and new speakers so the show will look and sound better than ever before when it reopens later this month.

In addition to the update from film to digital, the show’s finale will return with some notable faces from America’s recent history. Newly-added American icons include individuals such as music composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.

And that’s not all: the iconic anthem “Golden Dream” has been re-recorded with all-new orchestration that brings the beloved music and lyrics to life in a way that will resonate more than ever. If you’re like me, you’re already humming along – ‘America, spread your golden wings!’

Which scene in The American Adventure are you most excited to see when it returns?

February 10, 2018
Man Accused Of Groping Boy On Disney Ride

A man was arrested at Disney’s Epcot after he allegedly groped a child on a ride Saturday.

He was in line for Test Track when a group of people let him get in front of them, the victim told deputies.

The suspect is 20 year-old Arturo Benitez-Pita and according to deputies he told the child, “I’m riding with you” and the child assumed he was just being friendly. Benitez-Pita was continually asking the victim questions about the ride, deputies said.

The victim said Benitez-Pita touched him inappropriately on the ride and the child told deputies he pushed Benitez-Pita’s hand away.

Benitez-Pit admitted to going on the ride with the child, but denied that there was any touching. He initially said he got scared on the ride and his hand moved toward the boy out of reflex, according to an arrest affidavit.

He was arrested and charged with lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim under 12 years old.

January 30, 2018
VIDEO: Ellen Comes Face To Face With Her Disney World Animatronic

Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot closed last August and when Ellen DeGeneres found out, she made a plea on “The Ellen Show” for the return of her Audio-Animatronic double.

Well for her 60th Birthday Ellen received some Disney magic as she was reunited with remains of the former attractions Ellen Audio-Animatronic.

Wrapped in a large box, a figure dressed like her animatronic, was rolled out as part of the shows birthday festivities. It came with a note that called this a “heart-warming reunion with all that remains.”

When the box was opened it revealed a figure with a red T-shirt and blue shirt and brown pants. The head she found a bit disturbing and at one point she said the figure “could star in a horror movie.”

Still a bit awestruck Ellen continued.

“Is this real? This is … me? This is not real. This is the robot they used for Ellen’s Energy Adventure? … That is so offensive.”

The audience erupted with laughter and as she questioned the likeness, a voice from off-screen said the pants and T-shirt were real. They were donated by a private collector who picked them up after the attraction closed.

What Ellen may not have known was that the audio-animatronic figure was destroyed by Walt Disney Imagineering and used for parts. She has actually been missing from the attraction for several years. There are reports that it was removed due to some technical difficulties, but it may not have ever made it back to the attraction as Disney has had a plan in the works to create a new attraction for some time.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure is being replaced at Epcot by the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy” rollercoaster.

January 28, 2018
Egg-stravaganza Returns to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival With New Scavenger Hunt
Some really Egg-citing news coming from Disney today! The popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is coming back to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and we have first details on this springtime egg-sperience as well as an ALL-NEW Spike the Honey Bee scavenger hunt.

From March 16 through April 1, guests visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival can participate in our Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt – hunting high and low in World Showcase for “eggs” that portray favorite Disney characters.

As you find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, you record your discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations:
- Disney Trader
- Pin Central
- World Traveler
When you find all of the “eggs” and complete your scavenger hunt map, you then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

Also, along with the egg-cellent adventure, Epcot is featuring a new springtime scavenger hunt called Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. In this hunt, Disney’s favorite honey bee, Spike, has been pollinating his way around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase at Epcot.

It’s easy to start this new scavenger hunt. Just pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

As you explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, you’ll have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once you find him, add the corresponding sticker to your map.

After your journey is complete, return your map for a springtime surprise.

Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry.
January 26, 2018
Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Cupcake at Disney World

Now, the Mouse House has taken the rose gold trend one step further — and this time, you can eat it. Even the snacks at Disney have rose gold fever! Visitors are now able to purchase rose gold cupcakes complete with Minnie Mouse ears on top.

This absolutely adorable vanilla cupcake is now available at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot.

The tasty treat is topped with chocolate-hazelnut swirls, rose gold buttercream, fondant ears, edible glitter and chocolate pearls and, of course, Minnie’s signature bow.

It also makes for a perfect “Insta”-opportunity. But you’ll have to visit Orlando in order to Instagram these photogenic desserts. Just make sure you’re also sporting your Minnie ears and matching jersey for all the double-taps in the world.

January 23, 2018
Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts Kicks Off With Can’t-Miss Experiences

The second annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts. is underway! The festival celebrates all things art – performing, visual and culinary with festivities running every day.

Back by popular demand, the Festival started Friday and runs all the way to Feb. 19. This year’s fest is seven days a week with the Disney on Broadway series running Fridays through Mondays.

Here are some of the highlights you don’t want to miss!

5. Workshops/Seminars – A plethora of different offerings spotlight this year’s Odyssey Festival Center. Guests can learn to draw Disney animated characters; get tips on taking the perfect photos; and study a host of artistic genres including acrylics, watercolors, musical composition, storytelling and even floral arranging. The seminars are included with Epcot admission and are generally 30 minutes; and the workshops have a nominal fee but last 75 minutes and include hands-on training and a cool take-away. Seminars can be reserved day-of at the Odyssey Festival Center. Workshops can be booked in advance by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.

4. Kids’ Activities – Younger guests will discover lots of activities including “Figment’s Brush with the Masters,” a scavenger hunt through the countries of World Showcase. They can also grab a paintbrush and join in on the fun as they help create a wall mural at Expression Section in World Showcase Plaza; and there is even an interactive kids “chalk art” area this year.

3. Artful Photo Ops – Put yourself into classic masterworks of art and take the perfect selfie. This year’s newest photo ops allow guests to step into Boticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and “picture” themselves in an homage to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

2. Food Studios – With more culinary options this year, guests can find edible works of art including a basil- scented salmon roulade with purple rice and Romesco sauce; wild mushroom risotto with aged parmesan, truffle shavings and Zinfandel reduction; and a deconstructed Reuben sandwich, with shredded corned beef, Thousand Island dressing, pickled red cabbage and a rye curl. And the sweets are just as tempting with my favorite being the Pop’t Art cookie with strawberry filling.

1. Disney on Broadway Series – So sue me – I’m a HUGE musical theater fan. The fact that we have seven superstar performers is so exciting for me. One of the best ways to experience Disney on Broadway is through a dining package. Guests can book a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, and later enjoy priority seating at the show.

The festival runs through February 19 and if you you want to plan your magical vacation so that you are there in time to see it let me know. Contact Travel Time with Vikki today help. My services for are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

January 13, 2018