Disney Shows · Epcot · New for Epcot · Walt Disney World

Update: Epcot Nighttime Spectaculars

After two decades, we are sadly saying goodbye to the Epcot Nighttime Spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. September 30th will be its last show. If this was a favorite of yours, be sure to catch it one more time this Summer!

Coming October 1st, “Epcot Forever” will make its debut. While I am sad to see Illuminations go, I am super excited for this new show. I hold a special place in my heart for a lot of the past attractions of Epcot (Horizons & Kitchen Cabaret!!!) and that is exactly what this new show will celebrate. It will focus on the past, present, and future of Epcot. Our favorite Epcot tunes will be played through the show as well.

Epcot Forever will run into 2020 and then the new, more permanent Nighttime Spectacular will begin. Not much has been announced about it but stay tuned for details.

Wanting to go see Illuminations one last time? Contact me for a no obligation quote and lets turn your dreams into memories!

Ask Me About the Minnie Box!
Epcot · Extra Magical Events · Walt Disney World

2019 Food & Wine Festival and International Festival of Holidays

© Disney

Disney has announced the dates and details for the 2019 International Food & Wine Festival as well as the International Festival of the Holidays.

This year, the Food & Wine Festival will run the longest it ever has; starting August 29th and running through November 23rd. The Eat to the Beat Concert will offer artists from August 29th to November 19th.

The festival will continue to offer culinary delights from countries all around the world. You can also expect to see the return of top celebrity chefs as well special events and dining packages.

The International Festival of the holidays will return again this year. It will run November 29th to December 30th. We experienced this event last year and we really loved it. It was similar to the Food and Wine festival with an emphasis on the holidays each country celebrates. We loved it! It was a great way to get in the holiday spirit. We traveled the first and second week of December so we experienced low crowds which made it easier to tour!

Several countries will return with their holiday specialties. There will be special entertainment, storytellers, kid’s events, and of course, the return of The Candlelight Processional.

I will update as more details are released, including the Eat to the Beat schedule as well as the schedule for Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators.

These are great events that guests rave about and return each year to take advantage of. If you are interested in visiting during one of the wonderful Epcot Festivals, contact me and we can get a vacation package set up for you and turn you Dreams into Memories! Ask about the Minnie Box!


Disney Shows · Disney Travel Tip · Epcot · Walt Disney World

‘Illuminations:Reflections of Earth’ to Stream Live

© Disney

Later this year, Illuminations will be retired and Epcot will be getting a whole new Nighttime Spectacular. It is very exciting but I know that many will miss Illuminations, myself included! As a treat and to celebrate this long time running show, Disney is going to stream Illuminations live.

Tune into Disney Parks Blog on April 9th to see this stream. Stay tuned for more details, including the time. I will update here once it is posted. If you are a big fan of this show, be sure to head over to Epcot before the show is gone forever!

California Adventure · Disney Characters · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · Downtown Disney District · Epcot · Walt Disney World

It’s an Eggstravaganza!!

© Disney

Disney World & Disneyland will celebrate Spring’s arrival with the return of the Eggstravaganza!

From April 5-21, these fun eggs will be hidden through Epcot in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney District. Get your map and stickers and join in the hunt! These can be purchased at select merchandise locations for $6.99.

Search for eggs designed as some of your Disney Favorites and then place the corresponding sticker on the map to show where you found it. Show your completed map to Cast Members at select locations and receive a prize!

We found this so entertaining for our littles and it allowed us some extra adult time when walking “around the world”. It may buy the adults a little extra time to enjoy the Flower & Garden Festival.

Animal Kingdom · Blizzard Beach · California Adventure · Disney Springs · Disney Travel Tip · Disney World Resort · Disneyland · Downtown Disney District · Epcot · Hollywood Studios · Magic Kingdom · New for Animal Kingdom · New for California Adventure · New for Disneyland · New for Epcot · New for Hollywood Studios · New for Magic Kingdom · Typhoon Lagoon · Walt Disney World

Disney Puts New Rules Into Place

© Disney

With all of the big changes coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland over the next few years, Disney felt the need to restrict a few things. These changes are for the safety and concern of their guests. These new policies & changes will go into effect May 1st.

Strollers

They are restricting the size of stroller permitted into the parks. If you are traveling with a stroller, the new maximum dimensions are 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long or smaller. This is a GOOD thing. The smaller stroller you have, the easier it is for you to navigate through crowds. If everyone complies, foot traffic will move much smoother.

Wagons

Disney will no longer permit wagons. The wagon style strollers such as the ones made by “Keenz” will not be permitted either, even though you can “push” them like a stroller.

Smoking

Every time I read that, I hear it in Mrs. Doubtfire’s voice. No? Just me? Ok, anyway, there will no longer be smoking sections inside Disney Parks. There will be a designated smoking area outside of the parks near the entrance instead. This will be in effect for all of Walt Disney World, Disney Water parks, Disney Springs, ESPN, Disneyland and Downtown Disney. For guests that are staying in a Resort Hotel or may venture to one for dining/entertainment, they will also each have a designated smoking area. This does include vaping as well.

Loose/Dry Ice

Disney happily let’s us all bring in coolers with our own drinks and food. What they will no longer allow are coolers full of “loose ice” or dry ice. They encourage the use of ice packs and if you require loose ice for any reason, it is available at no charge at their quick service restaurants.

Let me know if you would like clarification on any of these or if you have any questions!

Disney Travel Tip · Epcot · Extra Magical Events · Walt Disney World

The Foodie Guide to the 2019 Flower & Garden Festival

© Disney

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is just around the corner. This year, it will run March 6th through June 3rd. This Limited Time Magic is not something you want to miss. The flowers are stunning and we love walking through all of the gardens, but now let’s talk about the food offerings!

This year, 17 Outdoor Kitchens will be serving as well as other areas for tastings throughout Epcot. The food will all be inspired by fresh ingredients that you can find in gardens. They do have vegetarian and gluten free options if that is something someone in your party prefers or requires. Don’t miss out on all the delicious offerings and fun beverages!

2019 Menu’s:

ARBOR (Located at The Gardeners Terrace in The Odyssey Center)
Food:

  • Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil
  • Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar, and Focaccia Crostino
  • Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake with Apple Cider Sorbet (GF, V)

Beverages:

  • Original Sin Brewery Black Widow Hard Cider, New York, NY
  • Florida Beer Company CaribĂ© Strawberry Rose Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Karbach Brewing Lemon and Ginger Radler Houston, TX
  • Seadog Brewing Company Sunfish Ale, Clearwater, FL
  • Shipyard Brewing Company Grind the Rind Watermelon IPA, Portland, ME
  • Cider Flight
  • Beer Flight

LA ISLA FRESCA (Located in Showcase Plaza East)
Food:

  • Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauc
  • Tropical Mousse Cake: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple

Beverages:

  • Tropical Freeze (non-alcoholic)
  • Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
  • Tropical Freeze with Mango Rum

THE CITRUS BLOSSOM (Located near Refreshment Port)
Food:

  • Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
  • Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp
  • Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange AĂŻoli and Baby Greens (GF)
  • Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble (V)

Beverages:

  • Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper (sipper only available while supplies last) (non-alcoholic)
  • Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL
  • First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL
  • Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD
  • Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  • Beer Flight

PINEAPPLE PROMENADE (Located near Refreshment Port)
Food:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
  • Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream (V)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream with Fanta (non-alcoholic)
  • Coastal Empire Beer Co. Coco Piña Gose, Savannah, GA
  • Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI
  • SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple, Atlanta, GA
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream with Coconut Rum
  • Pineapple Beer Flight

THE HONEY BEE-STRO Hosted by National Honey Board (Located near Refreshment Port)
Food:

  • Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot PurĂ©e, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers (GF, V)
  • Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens
  • Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and Petite Lavender Shoots (V)

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (non-alcoholic)
  • Goodwood Brewing Company Brandy Barrel Honey Ale, Louisville, KY
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
© Disney

FLAVOR FULL KITCHEN Hosted by AdventHealth (Located near the Honey Bee-stro Garden)
Food:

  • Citrus-poached Salmon with Ancient Grain Salad, Roasted Vegetables, and Citrus Greens (GF)
  • From the Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese, and Micro Herbs with Lemon-Oil Dressing (GF, V)
  • Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls (V)

Beverages:

  • Blood Orange Aqua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
  • Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)

REFRESHMENT PORT (Located near the Canada Pavilion)

  • Coffee-rubbed Pork Poutine with Barbecue Demi-Glace, Fire-roasted Corn Relish, and Cheese Curds
  • Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Vodka garnished with Pimento-stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp, and Smokehouse Jerky

NORTHERN BLOOM (Located in the Canada Pavilion)
Food:

  • Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette, and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
  • Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato featuring Burton’s Maple Syrup

Beverages:

  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
  • Unibroue ÉphĂ©mère Apple Wheat Ale, Chambly, QuĂ©bec
  • Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Belgian White Ale, Chambly, QuĂ©bec
  • Unibroue Lune de Miel Amber Ale, Chambly, QuĂ©bec
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whisky
  • Beer Flight

FLEUR DE LYS (Located in the France Pavilion)
Food:

  • Vichyssoise aux Concombres: Chilled Cucumber Vichyssoise Soup (GF, V)
  • Tarte au ChĂ©vre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (V)
  • Canard Confit Ă  la Provençal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta
  • Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop (GF)

Beverages:

  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Orange Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, and White and Red Cranberry Juice
  • Kir Framboise: Sparkling Wine and Monin Raspberry Syrup
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Maison de France
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

FLORIDA FRESH (Located between the France and Morocco Pavilions)
Food:

  • Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
  • Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
  • Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue

Beverages:

  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (non-alcoholic)
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL
  • Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL
  • First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St Petersburg, FL
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
  • Beer Flight

TASTE OF MARRAKESH (Located in the Morocco Pavilion)
Food:

  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad
  • Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley, and Chili-Ranch Sauce
  • Walnut Honey Baklava

Beverages:

  • Casa Beer
  • Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes
  • White Sangria
  • Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur

HANAMI (Located in the Japan Pavilion)
Food:

  • Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry, and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut, Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce on the side (V)
  • Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Pan-seared Tuna and Wasabi Dressing
  • Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing

Beverages:

  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Sayuri “Little Lilly” Nigori Sake
  • “Ichigo Sun” Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry PurĂ©e, and Lemonade

FUNNEL CAKES (Located in The American Adventure)

  • Key Lime Funnel Cake topped with Crumbled Graham Cracker and Whipped Cream
  • Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY
  • Short’s Brewing Company Local’s Light Lager, Bellaire, MI
  • Dogfish Head Brewery American Beauty Pale Ale, Milton, DE
  • Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA, Brooklyn, NY
  • Golden Road Brewing Pineapple Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Hard RosĂ© Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Beer Flight

THE SMOKEHOUSE: BARBECUE AND BREWS (Located in The American Adventure)
Food:

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue, and House-made Pickle
  • Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue, and Green Tomato Relish
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (V)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Simply Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale, DeBary, FL
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Phantasmas Spicy Double IPA, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Boneshaker Zinfandel, Lodi, CA
  • Frozen Simply Lemonade with Blackberry Moonshine
  • Beer Flight

FIFE & DRUM (Located in The American Adventure)

  • Short’s Brewing Company Soft Parade Shandy, Bellaire, MI

PRIMAVERA KITCHEN (Located in the Italy Pavilion)
Food:

  • Pizza Toscana: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan Cheeses
  • Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction
  • Tri-colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter, and Chicken Veloute
  • Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle

Beverages:

  • Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
  • Placido Pinot Grigio
  • Placido Chianti
  • Villa Sandi Prosecco
  • Montegrande Corbinello
  • Fior d’Arancio Montegrande Moscato
  • Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach PurĂ©e
  • Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila

BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Located in the Germany Pavilion)
Food:

  • Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (V)
  • Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries

Beverages:

  • Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager, Munich, Germany
  • Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager, Bad Köstritz, Germany
  • Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower, and Mint
  • Beer Flight

LOTUS HOUSE (Located in the China Pavilion)
Food:

  • Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
  • House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls (V)

Beverages:

  • “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (non-alcoholic)
  • Jasmine Draft Beer
  • Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup and Piña Colada Mix
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
  • Plum Wine Cooler

JARDIN DE FIESTAS (Located in the Mexico Pavilion)
Food:

  • Tlacoyo: Blue Corn Masa topped with Black Bean Spread, Ground Chorizo, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Cream
  • Beef Torta: Braised Beef served on a Crispy Sourdough Roll with Queso Oaxaca, Avocado, Pickled Onions, and Jalapeños in a Spicy Habanero Sauce
  • Tres Leches: Milk-soaked Sponge Cake topped with Cajeta Whipped Cream and Almond Powder

Beverages:

  • Cerveza: Allende Golden Ale Craft Beer served with a Liqueur Floater
  • Damiana Flower Margarita: Damiana Flower Liqueur, Blanco Tequila, Agave Nectar, and Citrus Juices served on the rocks with a Black Ant Salt Rim
  • Oaxacan Gin & Tonic: Smokey Gin, Black Currant Liqueur, Vermouth, Lime Juice, and Tonic Water
  • RosĂ© Sangria: Withers RosĂ© Wine, Tequila Blanco, Elderflower and Ginger Liqueur, Pineapple, Cactus Pear, and Ginger Juices

TROWEL & TRELLIS Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods (Located near the Mexico Pavilion)
Food:

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, V)
  • Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (V)
  • Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumb, Pomegranate, and Baby Herbs (GF, V)

Beverages:

  • suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Noon Greens (non-alcoholic)
  • suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Vibrant Probiotic (non-alcoholic)
  • Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (non-alcoholic)
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL
  • Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London with Vodka served in a Mason Jar

TASTE TRACK (Located in Future World East)

  • Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Doughnut
  • Berry Tea Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
  • Berry Tea Mint Julep with Bourbon

Sunshine Seasons (Located in The Land Pavilion)

  • Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen

JOFFREY’S COFFEE & TEA (Located throughout the park)

  • Future World East – Pedal to the Meadow: Frozen Cappuccino topped with Vodka and KahlĂşa Liqueur
  • Near Canada – Cold Clover: Cold Brew Coffee with Irish Cream Syrup and topped with Irish Cream Liqueur
  • Near Disney Traders – Goose on the Loose: Frozen Passion Fruit and Vodka topped with Iced Tea
  • The American Adventure – Bee’s Buzz: Frozen Lemon and Coconut Syrup topped with Pineapple Rum

© Disney

If you would like to escape to Epcot in the next few months to experience all the Food & Garden Festival has to offer, contact me and we will get you on your way!