Disney News

Category: Epcot

  • Interactive Activities Coming to the 2020 International Festival of the Arts

    Interactive Activities Coming to the 2020 International Festival of the Arts

    This year’s International Festival of the Arts at Epcot is filled with an abundance of interactive activities.

    Let’s talk about 5 activities that let you create your own ‘Work of Art.’ These personalized souvenirs are sure to capture all the memories and fun you’ll experience on your Disney trip!

    Let’s start with the mural along World Showcase Plaza. Each morning starts with a blank, paint by number mural. Join in the fun by getting a pot of color and foam paintbrush from a cast member. Then you’ll be instructed to paint a few squares in your color. You’ll receive a postcard with a picture of the finished mural and you can see it for yourself near the end of every day. The mural does change, so make sure you stop by on each visit. This activity and the souvenir postcard are free.

    Remember making Spin Art as a little kid? Well, Disney that brought that back, and you can get the whole family involved! First you pick any 4 colors you like. Then you choose how to create your Spin Art. There’s the traditional tabletop process, or you can ride the awesome bike while a family member applies the paint for a more interactive experience. The price for this is $19 for the canvas, or $25 with a frame.

    Arribas Brothers, the famous Spanish glass company, has added a new customized experience to their shop in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. Starting January 17th you’ll be able to create your own piece of glass artwork. Choices range from picture frames, small plates perfect for holding jewelry, or pendants to wear everyday. After your masterpiece is finished they send it off to be melted together. The process takes about 3 days, and if you’re staying at a Disney hotel they will even deliver it to you! Cost for this is $25 – $55, which includes shipping in the US.

    2D Cel Animation is part of many Disney animated features. Learn about the history of 2D Cel Animation and paint your very own Ink & Paint Cel with one of Disney’s Ink & Paint artists.
    This was definetly my favorite activity! You’ll have your own personal Disney Artist to walk you through every step of the painting your character, so it’s sure to turn out spectacular. At the end you have your own animation cell to take home, plus a special gift.
    Each week there’s a different Disney character to paint.
    Call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378 to reserve your spot
    Location: World Showplace Events Pavilion
    Days: Saturdays
    Time: 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM
    Price: $45 per Guest, plus tax 

    Last on our list is Figment’s Brush with the Masters. A scavenger hunt where the friendly dragon has painted himself into famous pieces of art in each World Showcase pavilion. This is a great way to get the whole family involved in exploring the World Showcase. After you find all the works of art, just return your map and pick your prize. This year there are 4 puzzles to choose from. The cost for this is $7.99 plus tax.

    Whether a piece of art to display on a wall, or a glass pendant worn to work, these souvenirs are sure to bring back magical memories once you return home. Check out ArtfulEpcot.com for all the details on these and more experiences.

    Make sure you contact Kimberly with Enchanted Kingdom Vacations for all your Disney Vacation Planning needs. Her services are FREE when you book through her!

  • New Figment ‘Reversible Sequin’ Minnie Ears Coming to Disney World

    New Figment ‘Reversible Sequin’ Minnie Ears Coming to Disney World

    Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Disney World will be returning Jan. 17 and today we are getting a first look at some of the amazing merch coming out of the festival including these new Minnie Ears inspired by Figment.

    A spark of imagination was used in designing these ears for sure as they are the first set of ears to be made with reversible sequins. The sequins are purple when swiped down and rainbow when swiped up.

    Where there would normally be a bow there is some signage on the headband showing figment and his very own paint and color company as you can see in the pictures below:

    Typically, ears like these retail for $29.99 and they will be available at Epcot in Disney World when the Festival of the Arts begins on Jan. 17.

  • New Annual Passholder Magnet Coming to Epcot International Festival of the Arts

    New Annual Passholder Magnet Coming to Epcot International Festival of the Arts

    The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return on January 17-February 24, and this year, you can pick up a complimentary “Artful Mickey” Passholder magnet!

    The “Artful Mickey” Passholder magnet is painted by Will Gay, who will be featured at this year’s festival.

    Passholders can also purchase exclusive merchandise and enjoy discounts on Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner before attending an evening showcase of iconic Disney on Broadway songs at the America Gardens Theatre. Passholders can save 10% on dining packages!

    Also use your annual pass to take the time to enjoy all that the festival has to offer this season, including art seminars and workshops, art performances – from acrobatics to living statues, Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt, Food Studios that offer twists on delectable bites, including the new Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine and much more!

  • New Sam Eagle Inspired Restaurant Coming to Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion

    New Sam Eagle Inspired Restaurant Coming to Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion

    Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue — Inspired by the Honorable Sam Eagle — is a new fast-casual restaurant coming soon to The American Adventure pavilion in Epcot.

    The restaurant takes its name from the venerable Sam Eagle, the Muppet known for his patriotism and strict sense of duty and honor. He takes all things seriously … and barbecue is certainly one of those things. 

    Regal Eagle Smokehouse will be the site for “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off: A Salute to All Cook-Offs but Mostly Barbecue.” Guests will be the beneficiaries of this contest – described as “a competition fit for all patriots and pit masters” – as it brings in a variety of classic backyard barbecue selections from across the country to vie for Sam’s top honor.

    Sam’s unmistakable visage will be part of the décor at this new restaurant. For instance, you’ll see him on the sign as you walk in …

    … and inside, on a poster highlighting the barbecue competition.

    He will also be incorporated into new Regal Eagle Smokehouse merchandise available exclusively at this tasty locale. 

    Keep checking the Disney Dorks for more information on this fun new restaurant and when it officially open its doors later this winter.

  • Epcot’s Garden Rocks Concert Series 2020 Lineup Announced with New Performers

    Epcot’s Garden Rocks Concert Series 2020 Lineup Announced with New Performers

    Epcot’s longest-running annual festival – the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – is revving up to be a show stopper, with a Garden Rocks Concert Series talent lineup like never before.

    New to the Garden Rocks Concert Series on the America Gardens Theatre stage this year are Daughtry, Don McLean and other luminaries of various musical genres – so mark your calendars now!

    Take a look at the entire concert line-up below:

    • March 4-5 – Peabo Bryson NEW
    • March 13-16 – Simple Plan
    • March 17-19 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
    • March 20-23 – Mark Wills NEW to Garden Rocks
    • March 24-26 – The Spinners
    • March 27-28 – Sister Hazel
    • March 29-30 – The Pointer Sisters
    • March 31-April 2 – Former Journey Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
    • April 3-4 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
    • April 5-6 – Exposé
    • April 7-9 – Berlin
    • April 19-20 – Rick Springfield
    • April 24-27 – Plain White T’s
    • April 28-30 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
    • May 1-2 – Don McLean NEW
    • May 5-7 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett NEW
    • May 8-9 – Thelma Houston NEW
    • May 10-11 – The Allman Betts Band NEW to Garden Rocks
    • May 12-14 – Air Supply
    • May 15-18 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
    • May 19-21 – Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot NEW to Garden Rocks
    • May 24-25 – Daughtry NEW
    • May 26-28 – Marshall Tucker Band
    • May 31-June 1 – Survivor

    See a favorite band or a new one you don’t want to miss? One of the best ways to join the concert fun is to book a Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Package for one of the shows at 5:30, 6:45 or 8 p.m. Each package includes breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants and guaranteed concert seating. Reservations will open to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members Dec. 18 and to the general public Dec. 19.

  • Celebrate 15 Years of Disney PhotoPass Service with Special Photo Ops

    Celebrate 15 Years of Disney PhotoPass Service with Special Photo Ops

    December marks the 15th anniversary of Disney’s PhotoPass service at Walt Disney World, and you can celebrate all year long with special photos ops!

    Disney PhotoPass Service debuted in December 2004, and has continued to introduce creative new ways to capture your memories. The most recent additions include the Tiny World and Super Zoom Magic Shots.

    Tiny World Magic Shot

    To celebrate this milstone anniversary there will be new Magic Shots introduced all year long! The PhotopPass service was first launched in Epcot, so the celebration will start there.

    Now through January 6, 2020, you can enjoy a few bright and colorful photo ops after dark at Epcot. Check out the locations below where you can find photographers to capture these special moments for you. Both locations feature the iconic Spaceship Earth.

    Future World near Spaceship Earth
    Main Entrance of Epcot

    Cast Members have captured billions of photos in the past 15 years that let you relive all your magical Disney memories. In addition to new photo opportunities you can also enjoy 15% off plus free domestic shipping on select orders when you customize and order photo gift products through EZ Prints. That deal is available now through January 6, 2020.

    Planning a Disney trip in the future? Above all, a Disney Travel agent makes your trip fun and stress free! Contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly to start planning your next trip. My services are always FREE when you book with me.

  • BREAKING: New Ratatouille Ride Vehicle Revealed at Epcot

    BREAKING: New Ratatouille Ride Vehicle Revealed at Epcot

    During a special media preview of 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, we got a first look at the new Ride Vehicle for the upcoming Ratatouille Ride coming to Epcot’s France Pavillion.

    The attraction will expand the pavilion and shrink guests to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant.

    The loading area is made to look like to rooftops of Paris, with oversized chimneys and rain gutters. This is the area where riders will board trackless ride vehicles, which are made to look like rats.

    Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens in summer 2020. In addition to the Ratatouille ride, the expansion of the France Pavilion will include new shopping, dining, and more.

  • Cookie Stroll Details for this year’s Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

    Cookie Stroll Details for this year’s Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

    The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays presented by Advent Health runs from November 29th – December 30th, 2019. Returning to this celebration of yuletide decorations and holiday traditions around the world is the official Cookie Stroll!

    This will be the second year of the Cookie Stroll, and they have added a variety of new treats that will result in a cookie collection that could make Santa jealous!

    All the Cookies:

    Black & White: Returning this year to L’Chaim
    Gingerbread Man: Available at American Holiday Table
    Peppermint Pinwheel: Available at Ukon
    Chocolate Crinkle: Available at 3 Kings
    Lindsor Cookie with Raspberry Jam: Available at Bavaria
    Mickey “Completer” Cookie: Available at Holiday Sweets & Treat after you’ve purchased 5 official cookie stroll cookies.

    How it Works:

    Make sure you pick up a Festival of the Holidays Passport as you enter the park. They’re are also available at every store and Holiday Kitchen if you forget. Purchase any five cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations noted in your Passport, making sure to collect a matching stamp for each cookie purchased. Once they’ve collected 5 stamps, bring the stamped Passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats for a complimentary Santa Mickey completer cookie!  This activity is great for the kids, and can be completed at your leisure. You can even bring back your stamped Passport to Epcot at any time during the festival to complete your stroll.

    The holidays at Disney are always magical. So, take time during your trip to make some extra special memories, like sharing cookies with loved ones. Let us know in the comments which new cookie you’re excited to try!

  • Preview of Epcot’s Festival of the Holiday’s

    Preview of Epcot’s Festival of the Holiday’s

    We got a special Sneak Peek of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and I can tell you it’s going to be PACKED with Holiday Cheer!

    Celebrating joyous holiday traditions from around the globe, this year’s festival is presented by AdventHealth and runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 2019. It features a variety of yuletide decorations, flavors from around the World, and family-friendly activities.

    There will be several characters ready to celebrate with you in their holiday best. Belle is my favorite Princess, and this year’s Festival you’ll find her strolling through France in her gorgeous red velvet and yellow brocade winter gown. Mickey and Festive are looking festive this year, and Chip and Dale will be arriving in adorable red and gold vests and jaunty hats to create some mischief.

    Holiday Kitchens are returning this year, where you can sample holiday dishes from around the World.

    • Pork Schnitzel

    The Yukon Holiday Kitchen will feature a Canadian Wild Rice and Ham Soup, served with a Pretzel Roll. The Bavarian Holiday Kitchen will have a Prok Schnitzel with mushroom sauce and Spatzle. I tasted this one and I found the sauce to be very delicious and earthy, with every bite full of mushrooms. The pasta was also cooked to the perfect al dente consistency.

    If it’s an adult beverage you’re looking for, there’s a Hot Spiced Wine called Gluhwein from the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen that’s sure to warm you up. Holiday Sweets & Treat will feature a Chocolate Peppermint Shake made with Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and whipped cream vodka. The Refreshment Port will be serving up Eggnog with spiced rum. They were all so delicious and put me in the Christmas mood, but my favorite was the Peppermint Shake. It had crushed peppermint of top of the whipped cream that added just the right amount of minty-ness. (The Peppermint Shake and Eggnog also come in non-alcoholic versions)

    Living with the Land is getting “spruced” up this year with a brand new Holiday overlay. Each night of the Festival, starting at sundown, the ride will be transformed into Living with the Land: Merry & Bright Nights. The greenhouses are filled with twinkling lights and cute holiday displays showing how you can use nature to decorate inside, or bring a little holiday magic outside. Make sure you check the Times Guide for operating hours.

    In Mexico the Mariachi band will be wearing a holiday version of their tradional outfits and sprinkling some holiday tunes into their performance. Check the Times Guide for show times.

    The Cookie Stroll is back and even better this year! If you want to “snack your way around the world,” this is the challenge for you. Buy one of each of 5 different cookies in World Showcase and you’ll be rewarded with a Mickey shaped sugar cookie!

    And finally, all the fun merchandise to commemorate your trip to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays! This year Chip & Dale, those rambunctious brother, are the mascots for the festival. You will find them on Spirit Jerseys, coffee cups, ornaments, and an exclusive Passholder t-shirt. There are also several open and limited edition pins featuring Mickey and friends to add your lanyard.

    Holidays at Daisey are always magical, and this year’s Festival of the Holidays is no exception. Expect to see more ways to celebrate than ever before. So, make sure you put a trip to Epcot on your Wish List this year!

  • 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Coming to Disney World January 17

    2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Coming to Disney World January 17

    Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort will unveil its annual global celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts Jan. 17 and continue for 39 days through Feb. 24, 2020.

    The event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights and opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.

    The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes Kissy Simmons, who starred as Nala in “The Lion King,” and Kevin Massey of “Tarzan.” The show-stopping schedule currently features:

    • 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
    • 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
    • 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
    • 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
    • 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
    • Additional January and February performances still to be announced.

    All shows are included with theme park admission. The best way to experience a performance is by reserving aDisney on BroadwayDining Package, which guarantees seating for one show on the day of the dining experience. Packages are available to book starting Nov. 14, 2019, at participating Epcot restaurants; guests can visit ArtfulEpcot.com or call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation.

    Food Studios Serve Up the Culinary Arts

    Twelve festival Food Studios plus additional food and beverage locations will take culinary arts to the next level with scrumptious, imaginative dishes – artistically sculpted and ready for camera closeups.

    Festival guests will discover seven-days-a-week fun including a colorful new interactive mural, that everyone in the family can help paint, workshops, artful photo ops, art galleries and mesmerizing performance art like the daily Epcot Living Statues and Art Defying Gravity shows.

    More to See, Do and Eat During the Festival

    • Indulge in new culinary fun at the Le Cellier Brunch in the Canada pavilion, a leisurely prix fixe bounty each Saturday and Sunday in the relaxing Canadian chateau. Reservations required.
    • Explore the Green Landing Family Play Zone where Wall-E and Eve invite the entire family to enjoy a lush, green environment built for exploring.
    • Jump into photo-ops located throughout Epcot, such as the Peter Pan Storybook installation by the United Kingdom pavilion where guests can flap their fins in Mermaid Lagoon or get their pirate on at Skull Rock.
    • Grab a paintbrush and add color to a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza.
    • Join Figment’s Brush with the Masters, a scavenger hunt where the friendly dragon has painted himself into famous pieces of art in each World Showcase pavilion.
    • Marvel at and purchase works by Disney’s iconic artists in displays throughout World Showcase.
    • Watch visiting artists as they create new pieces, from Disney-inspired works to creative art across diverse mediums.
    • Create festival-inspired t-shirts and candles.

    Premium festival experiences that include Paint with a Disney Artist and the World Showcase: Destinations Discovered guided tour are available to guests for a fee.