Category: Walt Disney World

Complete 2019 Band Lineup for Garden Rocks Concert Series at Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Garden Rocks Concert Series is back – every single day of the 26th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and we have the complete line up of bands for you.

For the first time since the popular spring extravaganza expanded to 90 days, Garden Rocks concerts will play seven days a week, three times daily, for a total of 270 concerts spanning multiple genres across four decades of chart-topping hits.

Twelve brand-new Garden Rocks acts include: A Flock of Seagulls, Ambrosia, Peabo Bryson, War, Eddie Palmieri, Colin Hay of Men at Work, TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman, John Michael Montgomery, Magic Giant, Jon Anderson of YES and Journey former lead vocalist Steve Auger. Other new-to-this-festival acts that have performed at other Walt Disney World events include Glass Tiger, Wang Chung, Air Supply and more.

Guests can dance in their seats each evening to classic tunes at the park’s outdoor America Gardens Theatre overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon. An eclectic mix of Flower & Garden Festival fan favorites includes 1960s icons Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, ’70s-’80s chart-toppers Rick Springfield, Dennis Deyoung and Don Felder, and ’90s hit-makers Sister Hazel.

Performance times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. and are included with Epcot admission. Guests can enjoy guaranteed concert seating by reserving a Garden Rocks Dining Package and enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants. Here is this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):
- March 6-8: Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI (NEW) “Don’t Stop Believin’”
- March 9-10: Glass Tiger (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”
- March 11-12: Jon Anderson of YES (NEW) “Owner of A Lonely Heart”
- March 13-14: Tony Orlando “Knock Three Times”
- March 15-16: Wang Chung (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
- March 17-20: Simple Plan “Perfect”
- March 21-22: Ambrosia (NEW) “Biggest Part of Me”
- March 23-24: Magic Giant (NEW) “Set on Fire”
- March 25-27: Air Supply (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All Out of Love”
- March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away”
- March 30-31: The Smithereens (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Top of the Pops”
- April 1-2: Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl”
- April 3-4: Christopher Cross (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Sailing”
- April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
- April 8-9: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away”
- April 10-11: John Michael Montgomery (NEW) “I Love the Way You Love Me”
- April 12-13: Sister Sledge (NEW to Garden Rocks) “We Are Family”
- April 14-16: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
- April 17-19: Sister Hazel (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All For You”
- April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman (NEW) “Cinderella”
- April 22-23: TobyMac (NEW) “The Elements”
- April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed”
- April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
- May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
- May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
- May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls (NEW) “I Ran (So Far Away)”
- May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Heard It in a Love Song”
- May 12-13: Peabo Bryson (NEW) “If You’re Ever In My Arms Again”
- May 14-15: Richard Marx (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Right Here Waiting”
- May 16-19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
- May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”
- May 22-23: War (NEW) “Why Can’t We Be Friends”
- May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman”
- May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
- May 30-June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel”
- June 2-3: Eddie Palmieri (NEW) “Vamonos Pa’l Monte”
March 1, 2019
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Opening New Location at Disney World

A new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location is set to open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this summer in order to provide more royal transformations than ever before.

The new boutique – the third of its kind at Walt Disney World – will be located inside what’s currently the Ivy Trellis Salon, which will relocate into Senses – A Disney Spa.

Also based on the popularity of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, work will begin this spring to expand the location, adding more chairs, a very special magic mirror, and a transformation experience that will help guests choose the perfect outfits and accessories. The Magic Kingdom Park location will remain open during these enhancements and existing reservations will not be affected.

In case you aren’t familiar, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations currently exist at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs, and pair up young guests age 3-12 with Fairy Godmothers-in-Training, who give them magical makeovers beyond their wildest Disney dreams, turning them into princesses or gallant knights.

A variety of royal transformations are available and may include hairstyling, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more, depending on the package guests choose.

Stay tuned to the Disney Dorks for future updates on the new location’s opening.

February 26, 2019
Celebrate Mardi Gras and Carnevale at Disney Springs

As the end of February approaches and March begins, you know it’s Mardi Gras time! While famously celebrated on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Disney Springs is offering up its own spin on this favorite holiday complete with food and entertainment that will have you “jazzed” to celebrate!

First things first, you have to dress the part, right? No celebration is complete without a pair of ears and these Mardi Gras-inspired Minnie Mouse ears make for the perfect party accessory! These beauties feature all the fun colors and patterns of Mardi Gras (and remind me of a certain Disney princess from New Orleans!) Look for these in the newly renovated World of Disney store at Disney Springs Marketplace.

For all you foodies out there, there’s no shortage of specialty and limited-time eats on the menu at some of our favorite restaurants. Look no further than House of Blues Restaurant & Bar for classic New Orleans favorites such as Steak Po’Boy (made special for this event!), Jambalaya, Gumbo and Bourbon Bread Pudding. (If you can only pick just one, I always suggest the Bourbon Bread Pudding. It’s in my top 5 list of best desserts you can find at Disney Springs!) The best part? You can grab all of these dishes at the Smokehouse grab and go window now through March 5. In addition to delicious bites, there will be live music, drink specials and prizes March 1-5 in the House of Blues Courtyard. With no cover or reservations required, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

Over in The Landing, Carnevale is back at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! Not familiar with Carnevale? The annual festival began in Venice, Italy and commemorates the joyous gathering of family and friends to eat, drink, dance and celebrate life together. Make a reservation by March 5 and you’ll get a front-row seat to live entertainment including singers, stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, face painters, folk dancers and more all while indulging in signature Italian cuisine. During this limited-time engagement, you can enjoy the prix fixe “Feast of Carnevale” selections or order a la carte from the regular menu.

So grab your masks and get on out there and celebrate! If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations 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!

February 26, 2019
New “Adventure is Out There’ Cone Comes to Magic Kingdom

If you’re a fan of taking cute pics with character-themed treats, then you’ll be excited to learn that Disney has released a new ‘Adventure is Out There’ cone that will feally lift you Up!

The “Adventure is Out There” Cone is a blue sugar cone topped with mango soft-serve and a candy balloon piece. The balloons are made of yummy milk chocolate set on a white chocolate cloud.

This new cone can be found at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies for $5.29 and it will have you flying through Tomorrowland to try it.

So, what are you waiting for? Now More Than Ever is the time to get snackin’ at Magic Kingdom Park!

February 25, 2019
New Play Pavilion to Replace Wonders of Life at Epcot
The ongoing evolution of Epcot includes plans “BIG plans” and today, Disney announced several new enhancements for the park, including a new “play pavilion” set to replace area previously known as Wonders of Life.

The new pavilion in development will include first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities. Friends and family will interact with favorite Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot. The as-yet-unnamed space will come to life under the vast dome of the pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life (more recently the Festival Center) and will debut to guests in time for the Walt Disney World Resort 50^th anniversary.

“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”

Two more exciting new projects were also revealed today:
- Changes are coming to the Epcot main entrance, where the plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain. This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. As part of this new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will move into a beautiful setting just outside the park’s gateway. Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Promenade; more details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.
- Guests will be able to visualize the exciting plans for Epcot when doors open later this year on a new Experience Center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. They will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of the park all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
“Epcot is beloved for its focus on imagination, innovation, fun, food and family,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s a timeless place where the real is made fantastic through the magic of Disney. It has a very bright future ahead and the best part is that we’ve only just begun to dream.”

These new announcements join other projects already underway as part of the Epcot evolution. Larger-than-life Super Heroes will descend upon the park with the opening of a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction. This new experience will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world and feature a brand-new ride system when it opens in 2021.

Other exciting new developments underway at Epcot include:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris
- “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, Impressions de France
- Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show
- Signature Dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan
- Space-themed table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE, inviting guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience
- Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcot tunes, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020.
February 21, 2019
New Redesigned Entrance Coming to Epcot at Walt Disney World

As we previously reported, a multi-year transformation of Epcot is underway that will reimagine the park while keeping true to the original vision. Today, Disney announced that the entrance to the park will be redesigned as part of this transformation.

There will be exciting changes to the way you come and go at Epcot. As you can see in the concept art, changes are coming to the Epcot main entrance, where the plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain. This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements.

“Epcot has always been, and always will be, an optimistic celebration of the real world that is brought to life through the magic of Disney,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. “The exciting plans we have on the horizon will honor Epcot’s rich legacy of creativity and innovation while continuing to exceed the expectations of our guests for decades to come.”

As part of the new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will be moving into a beautiful setting just outside the park’s gateway. The Leave a Legacy program, launched during Epcot’s Millennium Celebration in 1999, giving guests the opportunity to commemorate their visit to Epcot at the turn of the last century.

Photo-capture stations took their pictures, which were then etched onto steel tiles and mounted on one of 30 monoliths in the Leave a Legacy Plaza. Each stone ranges in height from 3 to 19 feet, and the heaviest one weighs more than 50,000 pounds!

Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth attraction and the World Showcase Promenade. More details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.

February 21, 2019
New Floral Minnie Ears Coming Soon to Disney Parks

Spring is definitely on the way and Disney Parks is releasing a new pair of Floral Minnie Ears that will make any outfit bloom!

These ears have a headband with marigolds and roses in different shades of pink like hot pink, millennial pink and peachy pink. There are also some off-white flowers for the perfect contrast with a velvet pink trim headband.

Disney Parks has had a steady stream of trendy new Minnie Ears coming out recently and these look perfect for Spring! Take a look below at the most recent post from Disney Style to see the beautiful floral detail.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney Style (@disneystyle) on Feb 18, 2019 at 10:08am PST

These beautiful Minnie Ears will probably be in the $24.99 price range and they will be making their way to the parks soon!

February 19, 2019
Comedy Legend Carol Burnett Visits Walt Disney World

Carol Burnett visted Walt Disney World this weekend while the comedy legend was in town for a stop on her latest comedy tour.

She took time to share a laugh with Goofy at Epcot. There they are pictured in the photo above recreating Carol’s famous “ear tug,” a movement she did at the end of every episode of The Carol Burnett Show.

Carol Creighton Burnett is an actress, comedian, singer, and writer who is best known for starring in her CBS variety/sketch comedy show The Carol Burnett Show which ran from 1967 to 1978.

Her Disney roles include her guest appearances on The Muppet Show in episode 515, the host of the Disney Sunday Movie episode “Great Moments in Disney Animation”, Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectacular, Walt Disney World’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, and Queen Aggravain in Once Upon A Mattress. She also voiced Haru in The Secret World of Arrietty.

February 18, 2019
Walt Disney Archives Founder Dave Smith Passes Away at the Age of 78

In the same week that Walt Disney’s Son-in-Law and Former Disney CEO passes away, the Disney family is now mourning the loss of yet another Disney legend. Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith passed away in Burbank, California, on February 15, 2019 at the age of 78.

Dave dedicated his four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company to preserving Disney’s precious treasures from film, television, theme parks, and beyond.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Dave Smith’s passing,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He was the unsung hero of Disney’s history who, as our first archivist, spent 40 years rescuing countless documents and artifacts from obscurity, investing endless hours restoring and preserving these priceless pieces of our legacy, and putting them in context to tell our story. Dave was a true Disney Legend, and we are indebted to him for building such an enduring, tangible connection to our past that continues to inspire our future.”

Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Dave was beloved by fans around the world for his wide knowledge of the Company’s rich history, which he shared in books and through his popular magazine column “Ask Dave.”

February 16, 2019
Man Points Gun at Guests Over Parking Spot Dispute at Animal Kingdom Report Says

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, a Lake Mary couple allegedly had a handgun pointed a handgun at them by an elderly man during a dispute over a parking space for the disabled at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The man’s name wasn’t released and he wasn’t arrested, because there were conflicting stories about what happened, according to the report. The Sheriff’s Office has forwarded the case to the state attorney’s office to decide whether to file charges.

According to the OCSO, The altercation happened on Sunday while the 60-year-old man and his 62-year-old wife were visiting the theme park.

The woman, who was driving, told deputies that she was waiting for a car to back out of a parking spot so she could pull into the space. That’s when a man driving a gray SUV came from the opposite direction at a high rate of speed and cut in front of them to take the spot.

The driver was described as in his 70s with a full, gray beard. She claims he almost crashed into them and when her husband raised his right fist at the SUV driver, he responded by lifting a handgun and pointing it at them over the steering wheel. The passenger of SUV driver disputes their claim.

The SUV driver was found at the theme park security checkpoint. He was with his passenger, a 65-year-old North Carolina woman who admitted to authorities that the man did make an angry gesture back, but she said it was with his wallet in his hand and not a gun.

She told deputies that they were concealed weapon permit holders and there was no gun in the vehicle. A search warrant from a judge was obtained by the sheriff’s office to search the man’s vehicle, but the incident report was redacted and it’s not clear if anything was found.

February 16, 2019