For the fans of Star Wars nothing is so exciting than what Disney Star Wars Weekends have to offer. Started in 1997, this one of a kind exclusive Disney World event is a must anticipated fantasy-fest which celebrates and brings to life the favorite actions and scenes from the Iconic film saga of all times. Every year from May through June Disney Hollywood Studios theme park becomes the most happening place to look for. During the period the Park is at its best with plenty of special and unique Star Wars activities and attractions that every fan and guest loves to celebrate and enjoy. Read more »
Epcot International Flower and Garden Fest Adds Food for the First Time
Step into Disney World’s twentieth Epcot International Flower & Garden Fest; you will be amazed with an array of whimsical topiaries and sweeping garden landscapes along with some of the much anticipated debut attractions. But hey! This is not all, as the annual spring event also brings in the incredible tastes of its fall cousin for the first time in the history of the event. You will have an entire list of food menu to try during the fest. But don’t get confused because of the food kiosks – it is still the most happening spring fest and not the great Epcot International Food & Wine Festival which takes place annually during the later part of the year. Disney is also very careful about not to repeat items from the autumn Festival.
According to the officials the idea of introducing food at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Fest is going around since many years, and which finally culminated in the form of the exotic and edible landscapes and garden marketplace at the 2013 annual spring fest. It is also believed that adding foods to the gardens can boost the visitors’ traffic in big numbers.
If you are visiting the famous annual fest at Disney Epcot this year (from March 6 – May 19, 2013), you will have the option of enjoying some quality time with exotic food and beverages amidst spectacular and magical gardens. Around the World Showcase promenade you will find garden marketplace with great culinary creations. Whether it’s a swing of blueberry wine or the taste of incredibly prepared pineapple snack with spice rum, or a bite of some delicious watermelon salad, the blooming landscapes make the best of feast both for your eye and dining appetites this year.
Again for Disney movie fans the fresh gardens have introduced new attractions in the form of the “Land of Oz Garden” – a magical play zone for kids that reflects the story of the new Disney film the “Oz the Great and Powerful”. Also there is the phenomenal display of characters and scenes from the upcoming Disney movie the “Monsters University”. A look at the amazing topiaries of one-eyed Sully and Mike, backed by monstrous flower towers will take visitors into the world of the fictional university which is famous for mastery in the art of scare techniques.
However, the highlight of this year’s International Flower & Garden Fest at Epcot is not complete without a reference to the incredible topiaries of the “Sensational Six” that form the core of Disney Magic. You will be amazed by the sights of these tall, larger than life size topiaries of the iconic Disney characters- Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto all in their best celebration mood.
For WDW park attraction tickets and passes, including Sea World tickets and discount Universal Studios tickets you can consult authorized ticket Re-Seller The Official Ticket Center
With an unprecedented two Dumbos aloft, guests get to their flights faster aboard one of the park’s most iconic attractions. Connecting the two Dumbos, a new “big top” area allows guests to immerse themselves in circus lore in a series of fun, interactive experiences before a spin with their favorite circus elephant.
Magic Kingdom guests blink back in amazement at the scene: not one, but two colorful Dumbos spinning through the sky above Storybook Circus.
To the delight of fans of the beloved Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction, a second Dumbo flies alongside. The playful pachyderm is joined in Storybook Circus by the Barnstormer Coaster re-themed to the Great Goofini, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ SoakStationwater play area and the Fantasyland Train Station — all part of the multiyear, largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.
There’s more to come as the expansion of the New Fantasyland – nearly doubling in size — continues at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, so many more attractions are coming on line later this year that Dec. 6, 2012 has been set as the Grand Opening of Fantasyland. Previews are currently taking place.
Slated to make their debuts:
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major attraction where guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. The new attraction combines the enduring appeal of a classic Disney “dark ride” with wonderful technological innovations to offer guests a personal journey into the scenes of the film. Adventurers will feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface. Once “under the sea,” guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid,” sharing Ariel’s adventure through a magical cast of characters and a captivating musical score that will entice everyone to sing along. The fun continues at “Ariel’s Grotto,” a meet-and-greet with the mermaid heroine herself.
The castle of the Beast stands majestically upon a hill across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full-service table dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
Just outside the village is Maurice’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where an enchanted mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: guests will be transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”
“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France.
“We are excited about sharing our treasured stories in new ways and giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters like never before.”
Beyond 2012, there’s more in store for Fantasyland guests:
Located in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall will be the new home for visiting royalty in the Magic Kingdom. The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows, opening up into a large gallery – an airy space with a high ceiling, where portraits of the Disney princesses adorn the walls. When it’s time for their audience with a princess, guests will proceed to elegantly finished rooms to meet Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel (2013).
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs (2014).
If you could decorate Cinderella Castle for the holidays, how would you decorate it?
This is the exact premise of Cinderella’s Holiday Wish and the Castle Dream Lights, a nightly holiday show and spectacle that lights up Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park with thousands of lights.
It’s also one of my all-time favorite holiday offerings here at Walt Disney World Resort. Earlier this month, we decided to go behind-the-scenes with Creative Director Reed Jones to learn just what it takes to bring this show to life. Take a look!
Showtimes may vary per night. The best way to know is to arrive early and pick up a Times Guide on your way in. That’s the best way to know where to be and when so you don’t miss a thing. Happy holidays!
The fun is on the griddle at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and there’s still time to enjoy the culinary adventures throughout the park before the event comes to a close November 12.
Half the fun of the festival is discovering new dishes in the 29 marketplaces. But what’s your favorite?
That’s the assignment I had on my recent trip around the Epcot culinary world. Whether it’s the subtle seasoning of the Kefta Pocket at the Morocco Marketplace; the volcano sauce on the Spicy Hand Roll at Japan; a smooth, fine Merlot from France; Griddled Greek Cheese at Greece or the wonderful selection of ales and beers at the Hops and Barley Marketplace, there’s a lot to please every palate. Rob, our Concerned Bystander, also makes a cameo in this video, but it seems his tune has changed just a tiny bit.
So, after experiencing all 29 marketplaces in one day, what was my favorite dish?
The Kalua Pork Slider (the chutney and spicy mayo are an unbeatable blend) from the Hawai’i Marketplace takes the top spot in my (very) unscientific sampling. Although the White Corn Arepa (AREPA!) from the Florida Local Marketplace was a close second. With the famous sweet corn from nearby Zellwood, Fla., it’s a tasty treat. (And if you order it, please shout “Arepa!” and you might get a reaction just like I did in the video.)
The best thing is that I received a special stamp at the Festival Center for visiting all 29 countries. (Although I might suggest visiting Epcot a few times before the event ends to collect all of the marketplace stamps!)
Let us know in the comments if you have visited all 29 marketplaces, or if you have discovered your favorite from this year’s festival. Arepa!
As part of this morning’s “Limited Time Magic” announcement, Mickey and pals helped unveil a three-story castle in the heart of Times Square in New York City. The fairytale castle is made of 45,000 pounds of ice and will be visible for a limited time thanks to the warm Autumn weather.
So, what can you expect with “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks when it begins in January? Here’s an idea:
True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles will be offered for the week.
Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.
Long Lost Friends Week: Lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo ops with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight guests. And Disney guests even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.
Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bi-coastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland and Walt Disney World become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.
Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: The Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.
Unleash the Villains: Friday the 13th in September 2013 is a special day, so Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are staying open until the 13th hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar and other Disney Villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and other nighttime mischief.
Golden Horseshoe Revue: The fabled Frontierland show returns to Disneyland park for one month only, bringing back the corny jokes and enduring songs that were often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.
To purchase your discount Disney tickets for these events, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or visit us on the web at www.officialticketcenter.com
The Official Ticket Center Orlando, FL. – The good ole days return to Epcot as select summer nights heat up from June to July with the some of the world’s greatest tribute bands. Classic hits from the likes of U2, The Bee Gees, Bon Jovi and many more will rock during Sounds Like Summer concert series. The high-energy performances take place at the open-air American Gardens Theater in World Showcase.
The schedule (entertainment subject to change without notice):
June 10-17: Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
June 18 to 23: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot ~ The Ultimate Billy Joel Show
June 24 to 30: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
July 1 to 7: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 8 to 14: The Police Experience ~ A Tribute to the Police
July 15 to 21: SouthBound and Company ~ A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd
July 22 to 28: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2
Show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Additional informatio on purchasing your discount Epcot tickets click here http://www.officialticketcenter.com/epcot-tickets.aspx . For the latest information and updated show times, guests may pick up an Entertainment Guide when entering the park.
Star Wars Weekends is off to a great start at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ as the Star Wars film saga and the hit animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars are celebrated by fans from around the world of all generations. The power of the Force and magic of Disney combine as more than 60 Star Wars characters – including Wookiees, droids, Rodians, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Jedi – roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ for meet-and-greet opportunities with Guests. Star Wars celebrities highlight the event, appearing in themed parades, talk shows, star conversations, behind-the-scenes presentations and autograph sessions.
SCHEDULED CELEBRITY APPEARANCES—May 25-27
Andy Secombe (Watto – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
The centerpiece of the celebration is the spectacular 3-D attraction, ―Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. The attraction opened last year and uses eye-popping 3-D, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology to immerse guests in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction. Limited-edition and event-exclusive merchandise is offered each year, and the ever-popular ―Hyperspace Hoopla ends each Star Wars Weekends day with a show filled with comedy, dancing and high-energy music. With all of the different activities and offerings that take place at Star Wars Weekends, it really is an event that can attract and entertain Guests of all ages. The Star Wars saga is a classic hit and means so much to so many Guests, they won’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of it all at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™.
Walt Disney World Orlando, Fl. ~ This year to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll have the opportunity to relive the famous carbon freezing scene from The Empire Strikes Back with the “Carbon-Freeze Me” experience. This new experience was created especially for Disney Parks, and is part of Lucas Arts “D-Tech Me” line that uses technology to take personalization to a whole new level.
Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, this experience casts your likeness as a three-dimensional, eight-inch figurine. At the “Carbon Freezing Chamber” (located adjacent to The American Idol Experience), several cameras will capture multiple angles of your face. The images are then reconstructed in a computer for processing, and, in approximately four weeks, the completed figurine is shipped directly to your house.
Each carbonite figurine is $99.95 (plus shipping). You can order additional figurines using the same image scan for $74.95 each. The replica figurine can be hung on a wall, just like the gangster Jabba the Hutt did in Return of the Jedi. Guests also receive a light-up wristband.
The experience will officially open today, Friday May 18 with the launch of Star Wars Weekends 2012. Reservations are required and can be made starting Monday, May 7 by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324).
*Please note – Separate Theme Park admission required for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and can be purchased thru The Official Ticket Center. No discounts apply unless otherwise noted. Guests must be at least three (3) years of age to participate. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. No-shows or in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience will result in such credit card being charged a $25 cancellation fee. The experience, due to its personalized nature is non-refundable and not eligible for an exchange. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. Certain restrictions may apply. All prices, components and information are subject to change without notice.
The Official Ticket Center ~ This July and “Holidays 2012″ are the next two milestones for openings in the multi-year expansion of the New Fantasyland, announced Friday.
A “What’s New, What’s Next” presentation to media detailed the next phases in the project designed to nearly double the size of Fantasyland, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.
“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France.
“We are excited about sharing our treasured stories in new ways and giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters like never before.”
Last month, the New Fantasyland unwrapped its first openings with one of two Dumbos planned for Storybook Circus, a new train station and The Barnstormer family coaster whimsically re-themed to The Great Goofini (see separate release for additional information).
Announced Friday were next phases:
July 2012
Opening of the second Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Indoor interactive area serving the new double attraction
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.
Openings “In time for Holidays 2012″ were also announced by Crofton for:
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Gaston’s Tavern
Ariel’s Grotto
And beyond…
In addition, Crofton announced plans for a 2014 opening for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
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