Epcot promises to be a spectacle for visitors to this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

February 26, 2011 · Posted in EPCOT, Seasonal, Special Events, Walt Disney World · Comment 

(photo - Disney)

(photo - Disney)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

More blooming fun for 2011!

Epcot promises to be a spectacle for visitors to this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Thirty million blooms, half a million plants, dozens of Disney character topiaries and 1,000 butterflies add up to a wonderful world of theme park color at the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 2-May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Among this year’s fun festival facts:

  • 30 million blooms blanket the park throughout the festival, which runs 75 colorful days.
  • Dozens of Disney character topiaries represent the largest collection of Disney character topiary in the world and include classic film stars like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Cinderella and Tinker Bell.
  • 1,000 native butterflies represent up to 10 species at the larger-than-ever Bambi Butterfly House. Among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants are Cape Royal plumbago, passion flower, coral honeysuckle, blazing star, butterfly bush, scarlet milkweed and canna lily.
  • More than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are planted for the festival; 250,000 of those are annual blossoms installed for the festival.
  • Festival plants include 60 different species of trees, 47 types of palms, and 48 varieties of bedding plants.
  • At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colors, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen, are used to create and define features of the festival topiaries. More color has been added to the topiaries than in any previous topiary presentation.
  • More than 15 floral, herbal and spice ingredients of 8 popular perfumes are revealed in the Fragrance Garden presented by Guerlain at the France pavilion. Guests can sniff the enduring fragrance Shalimar to discover botanical notes that include lemon, Arabian jasmine and vanilla. Some components of the other Guerlain fragrances include mimosa, magnolia, rose, nutmeg and vetivergrass.
  • 198 hands-on gardening demonstrations and seminars will be presented.
  • Thirty “flower towers” of impatiens line Innoventions Plaza.
  • 240 floating mini-gardens, each three feet in diameter, of multi-hued impatiens provide splashes of color on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase.
  • 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns enhance the landscape throughout Epcot.
  • 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists are needed to install the festival landscape, topiaries and many exhibits; 100 Epcot horticulturists maintain topiaries and other festival displays.
  • It takes more than one full year and about 24,000 cast member hours to prepare for the annual festival.
  • The festival’s weekend Flower Power concert series includes 11 artists and groups with 133 Top 40 hits, including 16 No. 1 songs. This year’s musical hit-makers from the 1960s and ’70s include Jose Feliciano, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Melissa Manchester, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, Ricky Nelson Remembered Featuring the Nelsons, Davy Jones, Juice Newton, The Guess Who, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats.

Guest information for the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at disneyworld.com/flower or at 407/W-DISNEY.

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Epcot’s Via Napoli Ristorante to open during August 2010

July 10, 2010 · Posted in Dining, EPCOT · Comment 

Via Napoli (Artist's renderering: Walt Disney World)

Via Napoli (Artist's renderering: Walt Disney World)

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is scheduled to open during August 2010. Located in the Italy Pavillion at Epcot, this 300 seat restaurant expands the dining options at this multicultural part of Walt Disney World.

The Patina Restaurant Group’s CEO Nick Valenti created the authentic menu based on his travels in Southern Italy. A feature at Via Napoli is its three wood-burning ovens which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli.

The Walt Disney World blog gave a sneak peek at the new menu which includes

Appetizers

  • Sicilian eggplant with olives and raisins
  • Salad of lettuce, fagiolini (string beans), fennel and tomatoes; arancini (fried saffron risotto balls) with meat ragù, mozzarella and pomodoro sauce
  • Corn-crusted fried calamari
  • Minestrone with basil pesto
  • A plate of arancini, mozzarella, calamari, portobella mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini and carciofi (artichokes).

Main course salads

  • Manzo (filet of beef) with greens, red onion, gorgonzola, apple and cucumber with a red wine-mustard vinaigrette;
  • Chopped salad with lemon chicken, greens, cantaloupe, cucumber, red pepper, green beans, onions, almonds and pasta crisps with honey-citrus vinaigrette;
  • Calamari with arugula, carrots and fennel with orange vinaigrette.
  • Pastas: candele (long, tube-shaped pasta) with sausage ragù; linguine with seafood; malfadine (ribbon pasta) with guanciale (unsmoked Italian bacon) and pomodoro sauce; lasagna verde.
  • Piatti alla Parmigiana: (dishes topped with Parmesan and mozzarella gratinée): veal, chicken and eggplant

Wood-fired pizzas

The pizzas will be made with caputo flour imported from Southern Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, handmade mozzarella and water from a local spring just like in Italy’s Campania region – 10-inch, 20-inch or 1/2 meter to share: a dozen choices include

  • Margherita with tomato, mozzarella and basil
  • Arciofi with artichoke, potato, pecorino cheese, prosciutto and cantaloupe.

Deserts

  • Tiramisù
  • Zeppole di ricotta (ricotta cheese-fried dough, whipped cream and chocolate sauce)
  • Apple cake with almond sorbetti
  • Gelatie
  • Vanilla gelato with almond cookies and amarena cherries

Yum!

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

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Epcot Food & Wine Festival Special Event Reservations Open July 20

June 25, 2010 · Posted in Dining, EPCOT, Special Events · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Don’t want to miss the celebrated Party for the Senses grand-food-and-wine-tasting event? Can’t wait to attend the debut of the First Bites Opening Reception? Ladies and gentlemen, set your alarms for 7 a.m. July 20! That’s when the phone lines open to call Disney reservation specialists and book these and other events scheduled for the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which presents Delicious Discoveries Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fans of the festival’s special programs and events can choose from among one dozen categories of special wine and culinary events scheduled during the festival’s six weeks. New programming this year includes the Sept. 30 First Bites Opening Reception festival preview, 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery and the Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier tasting experience. Returning events include favorites like Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen, Epcot Wine Schools, Mexico Tequila Tastings and Food and Wine Pairings.
Throughout the festival, the park will present more than 25 international marketplaces where food, wine, beer and spirits lovers can sample cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents. The new Belgium marketplace will serve Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream, and the new South Korea marketplace packs plenty of taste into its BBQ Short Ribs with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi.
At least 250 Disney and celebrity chefs will conduct culinary demonstrations and host tasting events. In addition, the Festival Welcome Center will feature Authentic Taste Seminars and Authors without Borders weekend conversations that are included with Epcot admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine before reservations open July 20.

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Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Welcomes Seven New Acts During 15th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

June 25, 2010 · Posted in Dining, EPCOT, Special Events · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – They span four decades of popularity. Collectively, they’ve thrilled music lovers with everything from Pop, Techno and Adult Contemporary to Southern Rock, Progressive Rock and Pop Rock. But they have one thing in common: They are seven acts playing the Eat to the Beat! concert series for the first time during the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are:
  • Sugar Ray (Oct. 6-8) “Fly”
  • Air Supply (Oct. 11-12) “Lost in Love”
  • Howard Jones (Oct. 16-17) “No One Is to Blame”
  • 38 Special (Oct. 20-21) “Hold on Loosely”
  • Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Nov. 4-5) “Give a Little Bit”
  • Hanson (Nov. 8-9) “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’”
  • Rick Springfield (Nov. 10-11) “Jessie’s Girl”
They are part of an 18-performer concert series that will bring music to Epcot each evening of the Food & Wine Festival. Concerts are included with Epcot admission.

Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concert series will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

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Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Makes July Evenings Nightastic!

June 23, 2010 · Posted in Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Walt Disney World · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The musical sounds of decades of summers gone by will fill July evenings at Epcot during Sounds Like Summer concert series performances featuring tribute bands that celebrate the music of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, U2 and Chicago.
“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Senior Show Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play.”
Performances at America Gardens Theatre are scheduled for 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on July 4, when shows are scheduled for 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. They are included with Epcot admission. Here’s the schedule (entertainment is subject to change without notice):
June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 4-10: Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones
July 11-17: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 18-24: 2U - A Tribute to U2
July 25-31: Beginnings - A Tribute to Chicago
Sounds Like Summer is part of Walt Disney World “Summer Nightastic!,” which also features extra fun after the sun goes down at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
  • Through Aug. 14 at Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular”paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror adds new effects – and a summer-only drop sequence – to the mix for guests daring to step into the attraction’s infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the 122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.

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Walt Disney World Fireworks on July 4

June 22, 2010 · Posted in Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Seasonal, Special Events, Walt Disney World · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s what’s in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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Captain EO’ 3-D Spectacular Returns to Epcot July 2

June 22, 2010 · Posted in EPCOT, Walt Disney World · Comment 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Just in time to add more joyous, uproarious fun to the Fourth of July weekend, “Captain EO” begins a reprise at Walt Disney World Resort July 2. The classic musical spectacular that thrilled Epcot guests from 1986-1994 will provide new Epcot audiences the opportunity to experience the original 3-D production for the very first time – and give longtime fans a nostalgic look back to see Michael Jackson in a rare performance created for the big screen.

Twenty-four years ago, Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3-D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing two original songs, and featuring Academy Award®-winning actress Anjelica Huston, and a cast of merry, mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.
For all its technology, “Captain EO” is first and foremost a musical spectacular and a thrilling space-fantasy adventure. The realism of the 3-D process will once again make it seem that Jackson dances right out of the screen into the theater. While it’s not possible to replicate some of the special effects elements originally in the theater, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film and sound better than ever thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there. The total effect is one of motion, color and high energy filled with Jackson’s musical brilliance and various illusions to create an exciting and realistic journey in space for the audience.
“Captain EO” will be presented multiple times daily at the Imagination pavilion at Epcot. It replaces “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” which is planned to return at an undetermined date.
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Fans of Jackson family entertainment are in for a double treat heading into July 4 weekend. Not only will “Captain EO” be returning, but America Gardens Theatre will be alive with Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson, an act that celebrates the music of Michael Jackson’s sister Janet, June 27-July 3. Show times each day are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Performances are included with Epcot admission.

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Disney Institute Leisure Tours Offer Unique Opportunities to See Walt Disney World Resort

June 22, 2010 · Posted in Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World · Comment 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 21 /PRNewswire/ — Disney guests interested in going behind the scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort now have new leisure tour options from Disney Institute. The professional development and training arm of The Walt Disney Company is offering guests the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and get an insider’s look at the operations.

“Disney Institute leisure tours are unique because we take our guests to multiple parks and visit different locations throughout the resort,” said Jeff James, vice president, Disney Institute.  ”These tours are wonderful opportunities for anyone interested in learning how our company operates.”

Disney Institute offers four tours: Backstage Magic, Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes, Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy. Backstage Magic and Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes are offered year-round, while Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy are seasonal tours.

With the Backstage Magic tour, participants see how Disney brings innovative special effects, world-class entertainment and elaborate attractions to life.  Beginning at Epcot and concluding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with an up-close look at Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, the tour explores the art, horticulture, landscaping and costume design that work together to create an immersive and magical experience for guests.

Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes follows the story of The Walt Disney Company from Walt’s perspective. The tour details how Walt was inspired to pursue his dreams and how his desire to succeed influenced those around him.  From Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom, participants learn about the pivotal moments in Walt’s life that helped him create everything from innovative animation techniques to new ideas in family entertainment.

The Holiday D-Lights tour visits Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with stops for guests to marvel at each location’s interpretation of holiday lighting, while the Yuletide Fantasy tour helps guests uncover the secrets behind Disney’s stunning holiday decorations.  Guests on this tour will travel through the culturally diverse celebrations of World Showcase at Epcot and get an up-close look at the bows and bells lining Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom.

All Disney Institute tours are facilitated by Disney cast members with years of Disney experience. The tours are open to anyone ages 16 years or older. All participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID. For more information or to book a Disney Institute leisure tour please call, (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (407) 939-8687 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/.

About Disney Institute

Disney Institute was created to showcase Disney best practices that easily adapt to other organizations. One of the most recognized names in professional development, Disney Institute travels the world offering engaging seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as fully customized programming. Immersive learning experiences are also offered at Disney destinations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, enabling participants to go behind the scenes and see firsthand how business theory drives operational excellence. The Disney Institute client roster includes Fortune 500 companies as well as a wide range of small businesses, non-profits and government agencies.  To learn more about Disney Institute, please visit www.disneyinstitute.com, follow at www.twitter.com/disneyinstitute, or call 321-939-4600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 321-939-4600 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

SOURCE Disney Institute

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Captain EO returns to EPCOT at Walt Disney World

May 2, 2010 · Posted in Attractions, EPCOT, Walt Disney World · Comment 

Disney Parks and Resorts

Disney Parks and Resorts

Following on from the successful return of Captain EO to Disneyland, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have announced that Captain EO will return to Walt Disney World this summer. It will also open in Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland.

Captain EO will debut on July 2nd at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. It will replace “Honey I shrunk the audience”

Originally showing from 1986 - 1994, Captain EO is a 17 minute musical sci-fi adventure in 4D.

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

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Flower Power Concert Series at EPCOT

February 17, 2010 · Posted in EPCOT, Music, Special Events · Comment 

As part of the 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World, the Flower Power Concerts are popular with visitors. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m artists play at the America Gardens Theatre. These shows are free with admission to the park.

This is the current lineup (Entertainment is subject to change without notice):
March 5-7 – Jose Feliciano
March 12-14 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
March 19-21 – David Cassidy
March 26-28 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
April 2-4 – Tony Orlando
April 9-11 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
April 16-18 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring the Nelsons
April 23-25 – Atlanta Rhythm Section
April 30-May 2 –Fran Cosmo (Former lead singer of Boston)
May 7-9 –Davy Jones
May 14 – 16 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

Something for everyone!

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

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