Category: Epcot

BREAKING: Circle of Life Attraction To Close Permanently at Epcot

The Circle of Life, at the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World, is closing it doors permanently. This circle is complete for this long running attraction which has been educating guests about the environment for more than two decades.

On Thursday, it was announced that the attraction, which opened on January 21, 1995 will make its last run on February 3, 2018.

Shortly after the closure, the space will be used to host the student workshops and other events which are currently housed in the trailer between Germany and Italy. The trailer’s closure could possibly make way for the new rumored Brazil Pavillion in World Showcase.

The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable is a 20-minute widescreen film about conservation, with color commentary from the stars of Walt Disney’s The Lion King. Guests laugh and learn as Simba teaches Timon and Pumbaa an important lesson about the environment.

The Circle of Life features a magical mix of animation and live action. Presented in stunning 70mm footage shot in over 30 countries, this panoramic film provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce youngsters to the concept of eco kindness.

If you haven’t had a chance to see it in person check out the video below.

January 5, 2018
Epcot’s Garden Rocks Concert Series 2018 Lineup
The 2018 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival really rocks! And this year it is rocking with 17 favorite artists whose hits span more than five decades.

This is the 25th event year for the event. The Garden Rocks series features singers and groups from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with hit-makers in a variety of genres including rock, pop, country, R&B and dance.

They have brand new acts such as country favorites Lonestar, British rock legends Foghat; and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles – along with returning treasures disco pioneers Village People and ‘80s supergroups like Night Ranger.

They also have a couple of artists that have played other Epcot festivals like Survivor, Smash Mouth and Rick Springfield, who are joining the Garden Rocks this year.

Here is this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):
- March 2-5: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
- March 9-12: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
- March 16-19: Simple Plan “Welcome to My Life”
- March 23-26: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
- March 30-April 2: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
- April 6-7: Foghat (NEW!) “Slow Ride”
- April 8-9: Survivor (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Eye of the Tiger”
- April 13-14: Smash Mouth (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “All Star”
- April 15-16: Rick Springfield (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Jessie’s Girl”
- April 20-21: Jo Dee Messina (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Stand by Me”
- April 22-23: Lonestar (NEW!) “Amazed”
- April 27-30: Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
- May 4-7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
- May 11-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
- May 13-14: Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles (NEW!) “Hotel California”
- May 18-21: The Guess Who “American Woman”
- May 25-28: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
Garden Rocks performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.
December 20, 2017
New Epcot Resort Planned Inside Park Could Land In Front of Spaceship Earth

Walt Disney World is getting a new resort that could be located inside Epcot and would give guests a direct entrance into the park according to multiple online reports. Depending on where it ends up being located it might even be connected to Epcot’s monorail loop.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to roll out of bed and just stroll into the park, or call it a night early and watch Illumination from your balcony. If rumours prove to be true it just might happen.

Disney has recently announced a massive overhaul of Future World including the upcoming addition of the new Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster which will replace the Universe of Energy and this might be the perfect time for such an addition to the park. If Disney was looking for sure way to increase attendance to Epcot then adding a Resort inside the park isn’t a bad idea.

There are two possible locations Disney is considering. The first location would be right at the main gate and would be the easiest to connect to existing monorail lines. Having a resort right in front of Spaceship Earth would be amazing, but how it might affect the park aesthetically immediately comes to mind. Disney is the best when it comes to design so there is no doubt they will find a way to incorporate it without detracting from the park’s famous icon.

The second proposed location would be on the west side of future world in the area between The Seas and The land. This also would make for a convenient entrance and still not be an eyesore in any way. It might not be as easy to connect to the monorail there, but there would probably be much better views of World Showcase Lagoon and Illuminations.

While a hotel in an actual park would be new to Walt Disney World, the company already has two such hotels at Disney’s California Adventure and Disneyland Paris.

The plans are still in the early stages of development so things could easily change. But the possibility of a hotel in a Walt Disney World theme has fans really excited.

December 16, 2017
Disney on Broadway Line-Up Announced for 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will returns for the second year in a row. Celebrating all things art – performing, visual and culinary – from January 12 – February 19 – with festivities running seven days a week and Disney On Broadway performances happening each weekend (Fridays through Mondays) in 2018.

Last year, the Disney On Broadway series was a highlight of the festival for many guests. We’re happy to share a first look at the lineup of Broadway artists set to take the America Gardens Theatre stage this year.
- January 12-15 and 19-22: Kara Lindsay (NEW!) and Kevin Massey, who will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “Aladdin,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.”
- January 26-29 and February 2-5: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White, who will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Aladdin,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
- February 9-12 and 16-19: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland, who will perform songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tarzan,” “Mary Poppins,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.”
All Disney on Broadway shows are included in theme park admission and will take place Fridays through Mondays at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.

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.

After a successful year one in 2017, the festival is coming back better than ever.

In addition to the broadway line up the festival will have so much more. This year guests will experience world-class cuisine, remarkable visual art and an extraordinary lineup of live entertainment. Introduce your inner aficionado to an exciting extravaganza brimming with phenomenal artists, gourmet fare, musical performances, stage productions and other amazing acts. We’ve rolled everything you love about the arts into one spectacular festival.

The festival features:
- Seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists including classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries – just to name a few
- More than a half a dozen specially-created food studios offering a wealth of “artistic” culinary delights
- A host of performing artists that build on Epcot’s already stellar lineup of authentic performers
- And, my favorite, the Disney on Broadway series featuring performers from some of the best Disney Theatrical productions
Dinner and a Show
Another returning favorite is our Disney on Broadway Dining Packages, where you can maximize your experience at the Festival with a meal at one of the participating Epcot restaurants and priority seating for our Disney on Broadway concert series.

Guests can book a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, and later be followed by a phenomenal Disney on Broadway inspired concert – select dates from January 12 – February 19, 2018. The concert series will feature pairings of Disney on Broadway stars, singing favorite songs from award-winning Broadway shows. When you reserve a Disney on Broadway Dining Package, you’ll be able to relax at your meal with friends and family and rest assured that your priority seats are waiting for you for the 5:30, 6:45 or 8 p.m. concert.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!
December 10, 2017
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates 25th Years
It’s time for a Party! A flower party… Celebrating 25 years, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off this spring at Walt Disney World Resort! Who doesn’t love those beautify Disney topiaries and here is where you a ton of them gathered all in one place.

The event starts February 28 and continues through May 28, 2018, with seasonal fun for all. What began in 1994 as a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries has grown over the years to a 90-day spring extravaganza with something for every generation.

The 2018 festival, which takes place during the 35th anniversary of Epcot, will showcase millions of brilliant blossoms, flavor-rich cuisine from 15 Outdoor Kitchens, Disney topiary stars, interactive play gardens and live chart-topping musical acts during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

The 90-day festival will open with an irresistible array of sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and tactile discoveries:
- New and creative dishes will debut at 15 Outdoor Kitchens encircling the World Showcase Promenade. Guests can sip and savor their way around Epcot, enjoying chef-inspired noshes and refreshing libations.
- A bonanza of Disney character topiaries, including classic-character favorites Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many others, will play a starring festival role. Returning this year, Belle will be featured in France along with Beast, Snow White in Germany with the Seven Dwarfs, and Anna and Elsa in Norway.
- A brand-new Future World interactive play garden and a revved-up Road to Florida 500 garden featuring new games and play challenges will set the pace for family festival fun. The new interactive area in Future World will feature a play maze, a sensory garden, an activity zone and a covered seating area. The redesigned “Cars”-themed garden based on the Disney•Pixar sequel, “Cars 3,” will add more fun activities like highway bingo for families.
- A brand-new Epcot front-entrance topiary garden will set the milestone anniversary scene with a kaleidoscope of blooming color where topiary icons Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will greet festival guests.
- The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will feature hit makers of the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Three evening concerts each Friday through Monday present musicians that span multiple genres.
- Garden Rocks Dining Packages will be available on select days at a number of Epcot restaurants.
Each Outdoor Kitchen will feature its own raised-bed or in-ground garden of herbs and produce that can inspire the growing numbers of guests who want to learn to grow what they eat.

“The culture of growing your own food continues to trend, and our guests each year have quite a few questions related to edible gardens,” says Eric Darden, festival horticulture manager. “They get a big kick comparing items in our gardens with the herbs and produce our chefs incorporate into the festival’s Outdoor Kitchen recipes.”

And there’s more:
- The back-by-demand Figment topiary garden between Future World and World Showcase will offer the perfect selfie backdrop and family photo opportunity.
- The Royal Tea Garden Tour will return for a second year each festival morning at the United Kingdom pavilion. For a small fee, guests can follow a knowledgeable guide through the tranquil tea garden setting to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea. A post-tour treat of tea and scones is included. The shorter, complimentary English Tea Garden Tour also will be offered on select days.
- Among the nearly 100 festival topiaries will be returning favorites like the pandas and Bromeliad dragon at the China pavilion, The Three Caballeros at the Mexico pavilion, Disney-Pixar’s Woody at the American Adventure pavilion and Buzz Lightyear in Future World.
Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” and beds of multi-colored blooms will transform the park’s landscape. At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat.

For more information about the 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival or on how to book your magical vacation contact Travel Time with Vikki today. My services are completely free and I’ll all find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the hard work so you don’t have to.
December 4, 2017
Choza de Margarita Now Open at Mexico Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort

We are so excited to announce the long-awaited new margarita stand has opened at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Choza de Margarita is operating in the Mexico pavilion, naturally, of the World Showcase side of the theme park. And while it’s a nicer, larger building than its predecessor, it’s really just a margarita place with a few food items thrown in for good measure.

The area includes limited built-in seating, although visitors use the walls near the exit as makeshift tables for stand-up dining.

“Choza” is the Spanish word for “hut,” and the outdoor bar sits in the shadow of the iconic Mexico pyramid. The menu offers three hand-crafted margaritas, three frozen margaritas, three Mexican beers and a non-alcoholic Mexican fruit punch with orange, pineapple and grapefruit juices and a splash of grenadine.

On the menu are three “signature” margaritas served on the rocks ($14-$14.50), four frozen margarita options ($10.25-$10.50) and three beers ($8.75-$9.75). There’s also a nonalcoholic conga, describes as a Mexican fruit punch made of orange, pineapple and lemon juice, for $6.

On the solid side, the menu features tacos al pastor ($9.25) and empanadas de barbacoa ($9.75) plus a guacamole item for $7.95.

Small bites include Tacos al Pastor with grilled pork on fresh homemade corn tortillas with green tomatillo sauce, onion, pineapple and cilantro; Empanadas de Barbacoa with beef, topped with chipotle sauce, Mexican cream and queso fresco; and fresh guacamole with mango chutney, pumpkin and pomegranate seeds, served with fried flour chicharrones and salsa Valentina, an authentic Mexican hot sauce.

On a hot Florida day, take your pick from one of the three frozen margaritas: Lime (tequila blanco, lime sweet & sour, orange liquor and agave nectar), Wild Strawberry (tequila blanco, strawberry and prickly pear puree, violet flower liquor and lime juice), or Passion Mango (tequila blanco, orange liqueur, wild passion fruit and mango puree).

The hand-crafted, on-the-rocks varieties include Acan Grapefruit (Casa Noble Blanco Tequila, grapefruit liqueur, elderflower cordial, lemon juice, cardamom bitters and ginger beer), Lime Cucumber (Avión Blanco Tequila, fresh cucumber, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave nectar), and Guava Pink Peppercorn (Zignum Mexcal Reposado, guava nectar, grapefruit liqueur, lime juice, Peychaud’s Bitters and pink peppercorns).

If you’re looking for this Disney Dork, you know where to find me! I love experiencing new drinks and snacks.

¡Sígueme!

November 30, 2017
EPCOT CELEBRATES THE DISNEY PIXAR FILM ‘COCO’

At Epcot This holiday season, you will get a taste of the magic and music of Disney Pixar’s blockbuster film “Coco,” which is now playing in theaters.

From now until Jan. 6, 2018, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia, a new musical group inspired by the film, will entertain you at the Mexico Pavilion. Named for the town of Santa Cecilia seen in the film, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia perform songs from the movie including the beautiful “Remember Me” and the heartwarming “The World Es Mi Familia.”

The film “Coco” revolves around Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician – despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events during the celebration of the Dia de Muertos. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Later this season, Mexico Folk Art Gallery, which currently houses a spectacular collection of “Dia De Muertos” artwork, also will feature an interactive exhibit and festive dioramas showcasing scenes from the film.

In addition to this new musical experience, you can enjoy “Las Posadas,” featuring colorful dancers and performers from Mariachi Cobre celebrating the holiday customs of Mexico during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

November 29, 2017
15 Freebies from Disney Parks

Who doesn’t want FREE stuff!? Disney World vacations aren’t cheap experience that’s for sure. When you factor in travel, hotels, tickets, etc., the cost of a family visiting Disney World it can add up quick. However, while there are many costs associated with a trip to visit Mickey, there are many things at Disney World that can be done for free. That’s right…FREEBIES from Disney Parks!

There are numerous free items and experiences offered at Disney World – you just have to know where to look and who to ask. Out of various freebies available at Disney World, here are what we feel are the 15 most amazing ones!

15 – MagicBands

We’ve been to Disney World time and time again, and have never once had the need to purchase a MagicBand. Save on the MagicBand expense by receiving complementary MagicBands as Disney Resort guests or as Annual Passholders. Plus, use the same MagicBand visit after visit!

14 – FastPasses

The FastPass+ system at Disney World is one of our favorite freebies! Saving us SO much time, we try to take full advantage of the three initial FastPasses available to each guest, followed by additional FastPasses after that.

13 – Free App and Wi-Fi

Disney’s MyDisneyExperience App is completely free and incredibly helpful when visiting the parks. Maps, dining reservations, FastPasses – all managed right from your phone. Plus, the free Disney World Wi-Fi makes saving data a breeze.

12 – Free Vacation Planning

You can either request a Vacation Planning video directly from Disney, or better yet, have someone plan the vacation for you (with your specific requests of course)! This opportunity seems too good to be true, just like having a Fairy Godmother, but it’s not. Contact travel time with Vikki for your free quote today.

11 – Transportation

For Disney World Resort guests and for park guests, Disney’s transportation is a freebie essential! Park hoping is made easy with the bus system. Or maybe you want to catch the monorail from Magic Kingdom to dine at a resort restaurant. Wherever your plans take you on Disney property, chances are there is an easy way to get there for free.

10 – Celebration Buttons

You’ll see them throughout Disney World parks as people wear the bright buttons to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, first visits, and more! We still have people ask us how much they cost. They are FREE – just ask a Cast Member where you can snag one (usually Guest Services or a merchandise shop).

9 – Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

This is a fun activity for young and old alike! Disney provides each guests 5 free Sorcerer cards per admittance. Trek your way around Disney’s Magic Kingdom, defeating the evil Villains that are trying to take over! Each visit equals 5 new cards.

8 – Soda Tasting

Check out Club Cool while visiting Disney’s Epcot. It’s the perfect place for a middle of the day refreshment – for free. Little sample cups are available to park guests. Taste all the different Coke products from around the world!

7 – Jedi Training Academy

We absolutely love that Disney World has included Jedi Training in park admission to Hollywood Studios. Your young Jedi (4 to 12-years-old) can fight against Darth Vader or Seventh Sister after some Jedi training practice.

6 – Scavenger Hunts

Disney World knows how to keep us (and kids) entertained. Check out Kidcot at Epcot where children can color a Duffy souvenir and have it stamped at each of the 11 countries. Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers is another fun scavenger hunt throughout the park as you collect “badges” (stickers) in your Wilderness Explorer booklet.

5 – Pin Trading

Purchase a few Disney trading pins online before arriving at Disney World to save some money, then begin trading at Disney for free! Anytime you see a Cast Member with a pin, they are happy to trade. It doesn’t matter what pins you trade for what. Before you know it, you’ll have so super awesome pins.

4 – Pirate Contract

Located just outside of Disney’s Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean, you may time it right to watch Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial. This fun stage show is great for all ages. Watch out as Cpt. Jack recruits your young ones to join his scurvy crew as he provides them with a rolled scroll stating they are now one of his!

3 – Pixie Dust

Visit one of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at either Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs. Ask one of the Fairy Godmothers in Training if they will sprinkle you with pixie dust and they will for no cost! You can also get some sparkly dust from the Barber Shop on Main Street USA.

2 – Driver’s License

Dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and have your young one sit in the driver’s seat location in your vehicle. A Cast Member may just provide him or her with a Sci-Fi Driver’s License! Transportation Cards are also available from bus driving Cast Members. We’ve caught on that these Transportation Cards aren’t available as often as they used to be.

1 – Sundry Items

When staying at a Disney World Resort you’ll spot Disney’s shampoo, condition, soap, and shower gel available for purchase in the gift shop. Folks love it so much they purchase the full bottles. But, keep in mind that you can get free sundry items like this from Mousekeeping. Save your money and ask for a couple of extra bottles in your room for free!

November 27, 2017
RUMOR: Could BeaverTails Be Returning to Walt Disney World

Do you remember Beaver Tails? Yeah. The ones from Trapper Bob’s Beaver Tails kiosk once located in Epcot’s Canada pavilion. Last seen more than a decade ago. Well one of the biggest rumors of the week was the possible return of BeaverTails to Walt Disney World. With BeaverTails showing up at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Last week to introduce its new food cart speculation has been flying.

The Canadian kiosk touted “A flat cooked whole wheat pastry, shaped like the tail of Canada’s favorite animal!” You could have your Beaver Tail (basically fried dough) made with: cinnamon and sugar; chocolate hazelnut and sugar; maple and chocolate; strawberries and whipped cream; apples and cinnamon; and Killaloe sunrise (cinnamon sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice).

According Ohio-based theme park news site WildGravity Travels, BeaverTails may be headed to Disney Springs. It’s possible the famous BeaverTails in the new Disney Springs location may also sell hot dogs wrapped in the pastries, poutine, and specialty drinks the post says.

Last time we saw them on property was at the Canada Pavilion at Epcot, this time will reportedly be much different and bigger! While were not sure if it will be a cart, trailer or actual building the process and talks have reportedly started.

At one time the small kiosk in the Canadian pavilion consistently drew long lines and the Canadian delicacy was one of the must-have snacks at Epcot. When it closed abruptly in 2004 and with it, the only place in Central Florida to purchase the famed Canadian pastry people we disappointed. Countless petitions, protests, and letters did no good bringing the treat back to Walt Disney World.

Not to spoil the dream here but there multiple reports online about how BeaverTail often attends the IAAPA so this could just be more wishful thinking. One can still dream though.

So could it be true? Could the Beloved Beaver Tail becoming back? Maybe, but seriously how cool would that be?

November 25, 2017